Had it not been for an early engagement with music, Jonathan Middlebrooks would not be so closely invested in what he calls “his gift”. While in kindergarten, Middlebrooks was immediately placed in piano classes and as time progressed, he would pick up the saxophone, ultimately using this avenue to begin expressing his love and gratitude for the gift that is music and even artistry as a whole. As Middlebrooks grew, he became heavily dedicated to perfecting his craft. Throughout high school he was a dedicated member of the Wind Ensemble, even going on to join the House of Funk Band as a student at Morehouse. Today, Middlebrooks holds a degree in Business Marketing from Morehouse College, graduating in 2015, however, his love and commitment to artistry has proven to be his preferred method of changing the world.
I sat down recently with Middlebrooks to discuss his latest project, “The Jordan Year EP.’’ Within this project, Middlebrooks showcases an array of versatility. From songwriting, to beat creation, and of course his saxophone skills, Middlebrooks does not disappoint listeners, offering an electrifying, yet smooth groove setlist. Middlebrooks and I discuss life, growth, faith, and music, in my very first C.D. Smith Spotlight. Check it out:
C.D. Smith: So, who are you?
J. Middlebrooks: First and foremost a child of God, put on this earth with a purpose. Easy going, Kind Hearted, and Optimistic are words I would use to describe myself. Lastly, creating and inspiring others are what call out to me. I am a fan of every form of art.
C.D. Smith: Interesting… What would you say motivates you?
J. Middlebrooks: Oh man, so many things, namely my faith in God and my family. I truly believe that anything is possible with faith and hard work. My family is a huge part of why I do what I do. The end goal is to be able to provide for them and repay my parents for investing in me. I have a solid support system that love and encourage me daily. Lastly, a lot of artist today have proven to inspire me. Like I said, I am a fan first, so listening to others inspires me to create my own avenues and areas of music.
C.D. Smith: How did you get to where you are today?
J. Middlebrooks: My first time ever performing solo was at a Mr. Freshman Pageant during my freshman year at Morehouse. I played Woman’s Work by Maxwell on the saxophone. After playing, I had never experienced a rush like that before. So many people told me how much they were digging my performance and it pushed me to start doing gigs throughout the rest of my time at Morehouse. When sophomore year came, music became my main focus. I never really intended on singing but as a writer, people had to hear how a song was supposed to sound if they were going to use it. From that birthed my first EP The Polymath. Now here I am, two years later releasing my second EP Jordan Year!
C.D. Smith: Yeah, once you get that support there is seemingly nothing that can stop you. Why music? Why not just writing or acting?
J. Middlebrooks: I feel that music is my gift. When I was 19, I decided to get “God’s Given Gift” tattooed on my arm with a music symbol, not realizing that that would actually become my reality. I definitely had to overcome some fears to truly embrace it, but it was well worth it.
C.D. Smith: Can you name some of those fears?
J. Middlebrooks: Vulnerability, Acceptance, and Ultimately believing in my gift. Naturally, after graduating from Morehouse, many go on to accept salary paying jobs at top firms. I knew I was capable of having that kind of a career as well, but my love for music took precedent. It would have been quicker and easier to begin paying back loans, creating stability, and giving back to my family through route one, however I know that just is not me.
C.D. Smith: What is the story behind your Jordan Year EP?
J. Middlebrooks: Well the project is two years in the making. A number of the songs I wrote between my junior and senior year of college. I titled it Jordan Year because I decided to release it two days before my 23rd birthday. Being in Atlanta post-graduation put me in a very creative and hungry mindset with the time to dedicate to it. Originally I planned to put 15 songs on the EP but my team told me to keep people hungry My good friend and mentor (in a sense) DosDias produced and mixed the record, and thus Jordan Year was released! I definitely could not have done it without my team so huge shout out to: Brooklen McCarty and Jesse Kearse [LoudnKlear.com], Rosalyn Billingsley [BellaRozzay.com], and DJ DosDias for helping with the selections and allowing me to showcase my versatility as a songwriter.
C.D. Smith: What is some advice you would give to up and coming artist?
J. Middlebrooks: Study your craft. Study other artist and especially artists that you are not familiar with. Pay attention to the formula in the music. See the picture within the words. Something that I try to live by is, “always having faith in yourself, and your ability to produce and create an exceptional product.” I always try to push myself through the rough patches because they only make you better. Lastly, Confidence is key!
C.D. Smith: Sounds like you have it figured out then! Okay, so how can the people, the fans, the industry, and whomever else reach or keep in contact with you and your journey?
J. Middlebrooks: For sure,
Email me at: jmiddbookings@gmail.com
Follow my Instagram and Soundcloud at: J.Middlebrooks
Twitter: Jonny__Rockets
Snapchat: Jonny_Rockets
C.D. Smith: I truly appreciate your time, and wish you an abundance of success! The EP was amazing by the way. Keep going strong!
J. Middlebrooks: I appreciate it man! Thank you!
