PFOP Exclusive Interview: Miguel

PFOP brings to you Miguel Jontel straight out of LA. Get familiar if you haven’t already folks. Miguel is easily one of the hottest artists you probably never heard of, which means you’re missing out on a lot if you haven’t. Recently Miguel signed to Jive, becoming label mates with R. Kelly, Usher and Chris Brown. But, this is no sweat for the man Miguel. His music literally speaks for itself. Peep why Mark Pitts of Jive Records wouldn’t let Miguel leave NY till he signed on that dotted line here.

MoShadee: Alright first and foremost I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and granting me this much appreciated interview.

Miguel: Come on man. Appreciate you reaching out. But you’re very welcome mang!

MoShadee: Thank You! But for starters, Who is Miguel Jontel?

Miguel: I am Hip-Hop, I am classic rock, and I am soul. My father raised me on The Stones, Police, Queen, The Eagles…moms raised me on Soul and funk ranging from Smokey Robinson, Donnie Hathaway and Al green, to Prince, The Time, George Clinton etc. Hip-Hop is a given influence although moms didn’t let me listen to it *Laughs*. I’m a 80’s baby what can I say *Laughs*.

MoShadee: The first song I heard by you was “Sure Thing.” I didn’t know your name at the time. I couldn’t even remember the song title at first. I just remembered the melodies you used. You had this unique style that was memorable. How do you go about song crafting? Do you write your own music?

Miguel: Word word…it’s a hard process to describe. First off, the words are my own. I take my artistry really serious *Laughs*, its pretty much the ONLY thing I take serious. Second, I don’t actually write anything down, it’s more off the top like freestyle…just with melody it wasn’t always like that, I just found out things came out more naturally that way. About 2 years ago…

MoShadee: Yes. I actually know what you mean me being an artist myself. But I see Miguel is pretty much one take Hov in the R&B game *Laughs*. No pad. No Pen. Just go in.

Miguel: *Laughs* Not yet, but I’m on my way *Laughs*. Not quite J yet!

MoShadee: Man you’re pretty much there *Laughs*. That’s no gas at all man. I knew it was a matter of time until some major labels recognized your talent. You were signed to Jive recently. How did that deal go about?

Miguel: Long story short…Mark Pitts had been receiving my music through my manager Brite Ware for about a year before hearing “Sure Thing.” I was hoping to get on as a writer first then transition to an artist. But once he heard “Sure Thing” he went back and listened to the older material and I guess that’s when it all made sense. He flew me out to NY for a weekend to meet, flew me back out a week later and he and Barry Weise wouldn’t let me leave till I signed *Laughs*. Actually, Usher wanted “Sure Thing” bad and he wouldn’t let him do it. It’s kind of crazy, get “no’s” all your life ’till finally one day someone says “YES. I GET IT, AND IT’S DOPE!” It’s pretty gratifying.

MoShadee: How did that feel? That had to be an amazing feeling. Jive having history with R. Kelly. Usher feigning for your songs *Laughs*. What was that like? Did that lead to the co- write on “Revolver”?

Miguel: Weird thing is, aside from the obvious feeling of relief (that “FINALLY” feeling), it felt… normal. Like I always knew it was a matter of time. I also felt like “alright now it’s really time to work.” Relief, anxiety, appreciation, determination…sums it up.

MoShadee: Now with the label deal solidified, what’s next for Miguel? I got the sign that you’ve been around major artists before when listening to “Let’s Just Be.” Did you and Ne-Yo work on that record together?

Miguel: *Laughs* Na, just re recorded his demo’d version. It all happened at one time. *Laughs* Crazy.

MoShadee: Oh ok. Well I’m sure you’ve seen everywhere that people like your version wayyyy better *Laughs*. Especially on Imeem. The people on there pump your music heavy.

Miguel: *Laughs*.

MoShadee:Heavyyyyy *Laughs*

Miguel: It’s pretty crazy. Ne-Yo is way dope…I appreciate the love though.

MoShadee: Yea Ne-Yo is dope. Just couldn’t match what you did on the song *Laughs*. But moving on. Who does your production?

Miguel: Two VERY DOPE and EXTREMELY TALENTED producers called the FISTICUFFS produce the bulk of my first album I think they have Jazmin Sullivan’s 2nd single and have The Dey’s 2nd as well. Other joints are spread between Happy P. who produced “Sure Thing,” State of Emergency, Dre and Vidal, and Carvin and Ivan of Karma productions. ALL of which are FAM BAM and I’m extremely honored that they blessed me with inspiring music to rock to.

MoShadee: I see. Some names on that list. Do you have a favorite song of your own?

Miguel: Man, I love all the joints, if I had to pick one it’d be a song called “My Piece.” We’re still cutting but overall the album is pretty much done

MoShadee: I think one of my favorite hooks you did was on that “In My World” track. I’ve head so many tracks from you I can vouch your album is done or pretty much there *Laughs*.

Miguel: *Laughs* Crazy…you’ve def. been following the music *Laughs*. “In My World” is one of my favorite joints to perform yo! I’m pretty reckless once those guitar hits come in, or strokes…or whatever you call em *Laughs*.

MoShadee: So are you re-recording songs over for the album or are you getting them mastered? I can tell the difference in quality.

Miguel: Just professionally mixed and mastered. Yea, I’m surprised at how many people notice, what’d you think?

MoShadee: I think it’s good. I noticed when you took everything down and just had “Sure Thing” up there at one point. I was like what the hell is goin’ on? *Laughs* Then I saw the Jive by the label and I was like worddddd? *Laughs*

Miguel: Ha, yea I got hella threats to put joints back *Laughs*.

MoShadee: *Laughs* People were tight mannn haha. But how did your buzz started coming about?

Miguel: Man, just like a lot of upcoming artist now, MYSPACE made everyone and everything easily accessible. Once I realized that keeping in touch with my fans made a big difference (in views/ spins/ request/ performance requests, etc.) it got bigger and bigger. I’m actually behind as far as keeping up with different content to keep and what not, but my thing is really the music so…all good.

MoShadee : If you could work with anyone who would it be?

Miguel: D’angelo. Prince. B.I.G.

MoShadee: Word? Dude..I let mom dukes hear you and she’s like this guy is hot. He reminds me of D’angelo. I played “Strawberry Amazing” for her.

Miguel: Hahaha. D is way dope. I pull from similar colors on the pallet, just paint differently *Laughs*.

MoShadee: Yea word. You have your own style though man. I honestly can say no one in the game has your sound.

Miguel: *Laughs* I intend on keeping it that way…”10 steps ahead of ‘ya.”

MoShadee : Yea man no doubt. What’s up with performances? What’s next for Miguel? Album date?

Miguel: College tour! Keeping my fingers crossed, working out the details. Album looking like Feb/ March. GONNA ROCK FOR SURE. “A billi, a billi, a billi” *Laughs*. Somehow, my music ends up finding its way to the masses *Laughs*, no matter how much they (Jive) try and keep it down.

MoShadee: Dude *Laughs* you have tracks everywhere!

Miguel: EVERYWHERE *Laughs*. Mom always said…”if you really want something, you’ll find a way to get it,” and that is what the fans do EVERY DAY *Laughs*. I don’t mind…download now if you can find it. Cop when it’s out if you dig it. All I ask.

MoShadee: Yea of course. You have some loyal fans. I can almost guarantee they will hold you down *Laughs*.

Miguel: I know too. I appreciate the love they give me man.

MoShadee : One album you can’t do without?

Miguel: Album…I don’t really vibe with one or even two albums. Always reaching for more… insatiable. I think I have A.D.D.*Laughs*.

MoShadee : Nah I definitely feel you on that. My interest for a period time changes quick also.

Miguel: Right, love too many different albums to have one *Laughs*, I just want a quickie *Laughs*.

MoShadee: *Laughs* I don’t wanna be loved I don’t wanna be lovedddd.

Miguel: YEEEA!

MoShadee: That has to be a lot of people’s favorite joint.

Miguel: Females mostly *Laughs*.

MoShadee: And that’s crazy right? *Laughs* Mad females love that track man.

Miguel: Appreciate bro, “it’s just his ghetto point of view.” Majorly crazy. MAJORLY…not even a word *Laughs*.

MoShadee : *Laughs* It is now. You just made it one.

Miguel: Na na, that’s Blu…you’re familiar right?

MoShadee: Yea, of course…I didn’t understand. This girl the other day had the song up and I’m like what you know about that? And she’s like “yea I’m just expressing the way I’m feeling right now” *Laughs*.

Miguel: *Laughs* girls have game. That’s exactly what you want to hear!

MoShadee: Yezzir haha.

Miguel: Crazy to speak for both sexes at the same time. We all need a quickie sometimes I guess.

MoShadee: Yes we do man *Laughs*.

Miguel: No homo, had to re-do-over it and make sure *Laughs*.

MoShadee: *Laughs* Nah you good homie. “Real ni**as don’t gotta say no homo” – Jadakiss

Miguel: Right, *Laughs*.

MoShadee: That’s my line *Laughs*.

Miguel: That’s real, REAL real.

MoShadee: But wrapping this up a lil’, where do you see yourself in a year or two or three?

Miguel: Free Nas show tonight *Laughs*. Man, if I plan on anything, it’s to be a surprise. Music is my passion and through the successes and failures that come with all endeavors…it ALWAYS will be.

MoShadee: I feel that answer. That’s a passionate response. And with that being said, is their anything else you want to say to the people reading this?

Miguel: Ha, thanks for reading through. Hope to hear from you on my myspace page. Think right, and you can fly. Be well. Love. Rock *Laughs*.

MoShadee: *Laughs* Tell the readers where they can reach you and find your music.

Miguel: Word, myspace.com/Miguel. PEEP THE MUSIC. ADD ME. LEAVE A MESSAGE AND A COMMENT. I WILL HOLD YOU DOWN.