Jill Scott – HuffPost 7.25.11

Mike Ragogna: Do you have any advice for new artists?

Jill Scott: I do! I would tell new artists to perform everywhere you can for free. Establish your home base and I say for free because this is where your education comes. You’re actually paying them to learn how to command an audience, how to be comfortable with yourself in front of an audience, learn the kind of music your audience wants to hear from you. All of that stuff. It gives you a great life and career experience. Also to own your publishing, don’t give up your rights to your work if you’re a writer and a singer. For those who are not writers, write. That is where the majority of your finances will come from. I would also say to mimic the people you love for a while. Maybe it will take years. Enjoy the technique of what they do and then find your own voice.

MR: Pick your favorite song and emulate it.

JS: That’s what all musicians do. They find the artist they appreciate the most, whether it’s Miles Davis or Herbie Hancock or Quincy Jones. Find that artist and study them. Actually do some work, just because you’re talented doesn’t mean that you’re going to succeed in this business. You have to do many things well. Do your homework, find the artist you appreciate and respect, and then find your own voice, style, and interpretation of these things.