EXCLUSIVE: “Chicago’s Own Jamel Lewis talks about his Music Career and his Time on Sunday’s Best”

Jamel Michael Lewis is not only a Gospel Recording Artist, but a Songwriter and Vocal Producer as well. Jamel was recently one of BET “Sunday Best” Season 6 Top 10 Finalist. Singing is definitely in his DNA.; his mother was also a finalist on season 2 of Sunday’s Best where she landed in the top 20. Gumbumper.com had the pleasure of catching up with Jamel Lewis for an exclusive interview. Listen to what Jamel had to say.

GB- Have you had any specific training along the way that helped you hone into your craft?

Jamel Lewis- Absolutely, I’ve received classical vocal training during my pre-teen and teenage years and I am currently studying piano and voice to continue to further sharpen my craft as a musician.

GB- We happen to know that some of your musical influences were Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; what is it about these 3 legends that influenced you?

Jamel Lewis- Wow, I’d have to point to the passion and texture of Donnie Hathaway’s voice. If I could trade voices with anyone in the world it’d be him. Donnie Hathaway was beyond amazing musically. I absolutely love Stevie Wonder’s vibe, vocal tone and the overall feel he brings with his music. Stevie Wonder was and is STILL “the man” (laughter). Lastly, Marvin Gaye was oh so smooth. Anything he touched musically appeared effortless and perfectly placed. I most definitely look to be smooth like him.

GB- What unique ability or skill do you have that makes you different from other vocalists?

Jamel Lewis- What I feel is most unique about me as a vocalist is my ability to control and fully use my falsetto. I work towards my falsetto being as strong and impactful as my natural voice. I like to sneak my “false” (as it’s sometimes called) in places where you the listener least expect it. It’s a huge part of what I do and it keeps the listener intrigued to hear what I’ll do next.

GB- If you could sing another genre of music, what would it be and why?

Jamel Lewis- Oh, this one’s easy (laughter). Aside from Gospel music, I would most definitely sing rhythm and blues. While I’ll say nothing can compare or replace the message of Christian/Gospel music, R&B/Soul heavily influences my music stylistically.

GB- When did you know that you had the gift of being able to sing?

Jamel Lewis- I have been singing as far back as I can remember. Music is in my blood, it’s in my family’s blood (laughter). Music is life.

GB- While on tour with Ebony Magazine’s eight-city National “Black Family Reunion Tour was there anything crazy/ funny that happened that you want to share with us?

Jamel Lewis- Wow, the response from the fans throughout the entire Ebony Magazine tour is one thing I will never forget. I felt so much appreciation in each city and my performances were well received. Houston, Alabama, Detroit and my hometown Chicago specifically still stand out in my mind. I’ll never forget being nearly “mobbed” in each city for autographs, pictures and autographed cd’s. Also, sharing such a huge stage and platform with Steve Harvey, Tank, MC Lyte, and Doug E. Fresh was an absolute honor, dream come true and milestone in my professional music career. I thank Ebony Magazine for such a great opportunity.

GB- Which artist famous or not would you compare your vocal abilities too?

Jamel Lewis- I would have to compare my vocal tone to Joe’s. I get compared and told “omg, you sound just like Joe” quite often ( laughter). Being a fan of his, I most definitely accept. I’d compare my vocal style and flavor to Musiq Soulchild. I’d also compare the strength and use of my falsetto to Musiq Soulchild’s as well.

GB- Has your family always been supportive of you as a gospel artist?

Jamel Lewis- My family is extremely supportive of my gospel music career. My mother (Audrey Lewis, Sunday Best Season 2 Top 20 Finalist) specifically is beyond excited to see where God takes me on my journey as a gospel artist. I am set to release my first single as a gospel artist entitled “True Story” early 2014 and I know for sure my family is with me every step of the way. None of what I do would be possible without the support of my family and close friends.

GB- If you were told that you would lose your voice tomorrow and you had to sing one song for the world to remember you by, what would it be and why?

Jamel Lewis- I would sing a song I recently wrote entitled “Just Like You”. The song parallels my relationship with God (my heavenly father) and my relationship with my dad (my earthly father). Although my dad James M. Lewis II passed away during my childhood, I still hold on to who he was as a man of God and professional musician. I used this song to express my desire to not only be like him, but to ultimately be like Christ, my heavenly father.

GB- Besides singing, do you have any other desires that you would like to pursue?

Jamel Lewis- I would love too and I’m looking forward to dedicating myself more toward acting in the near future. I’ve had lead and solo roles in commercials with Honda, Von Maur and the Obama Care campaign. I was most recently called in to audition (and received a call back) with Tyler Perry Studios and I am excited to see what doors open up in the near future.

GB- What would be your greatest experience that you learned on Sunday’s best and what advice would you give to other gospel artists that may follow your footsteps?

Jamel Lewis- My greatest Sunday Best experience would have to be my audition with judges Cee Cee Winans, Pastor Donnie Mc Clurkin, and Kim Burrell. To stand before such influential and extraordinary artists and hear their appreciation and enjoyment of my craft is a moment that will live in my mind (and my dvr ( laughter)forever. I’d say to anyone that desires to take a path such as Sunday Best most importantly to, “be prepared” and “be yourself”. The best things you can do is stay within your vocal ability and connect personally with the lyrical content of your song of choice.

GB- If you were given the power to change one thing in the world as it is today, what would that be?

Jamel Lewis- If I were given the power to change one thing in the world today I would make it where people would no longer be able to criticize or be judgmental toward each other. I personally feel we sometimes as people are able to easily find fault with others choices and actions and we sometimes ignore things we ourselves could improve.