Being a young music artist is never an easy undertaking, especially in a large city like Atlanta. Most young artists in major cities longingly dream about the prospects of hearing their music on major radio stations and gaining some recognition, even if locally. This dream is now reality for Virgin Record’s latest group from Atlanta, The Constellations.
However, as a Generation-Y urban artist, there are consistently hundreds of bands, comprised of thousands of “artists,” though in their respective genres, all craving the same end goal – recognition.
Recognition not to obtain fame or wealth alone; however to gain the respect of your musical authenticity, separating your art from the superficial humdrum we are force to listen to daily.
Now, what I have always questioned as I watch young and talented artists perform their way to fame, are the insights and the driving factors which compel these young artists to continue. Where is their passion coming from? What makes them choose a band name, a sound…do they pick who they want to hear their music, or do they let the music pick for them?
The reason you are reading about The Constellations as an inspiration is because of how lead singer, Elijah Jones, characterizes the core make-up of the band. His ideals describes and defines, to the letter, what most in Generation-Y individuals are realizing about their life experiences right now.
Jones stated that the band was, “never meant to be one band….more a combination of the Atlanta music community.”
This is precisely what most urban Generation-Y individuals, not just music artists, are discovering; Generation Y has to combine an assortment of talents, knowledge and backgrounds to work together to formulate a cohesive progression to get through our quarterlife period.
In Jones’ answers to Quarterlife Magazine’s questions about his band and the quarterlife, overall Jones said that the inspiration of urban-Atlanta has definitely shaped his music; as well as the conglomerate of individuality that comprises the Constellations.
Paul Eulette & Elijah Jones of the Constellations
Eulette: Where did you get a great name like the Constellations; a “divine intervention” of some form, or just a drunken decision?
Jones: It was a lyric in a song that I wrote, that we never used. It made sense for this specific project because there were all these different Atlanta musicians, ‘…stars combining to form Constellations…’ and yes, I was drunk.
Eulette: So who are the Constellations? Where did you meet? How long have you all known each other?
Jones: The Constellations were never meant to be one band….more a combination of the Atlanta music community. There have been a lot of different players whom have come and gone, and hopefully more will in the future.
Eulette: That is a very interesting view point, and it shows in your music. You all have a unique sound I have not heard in awhile! In those transitions what kind of “generational influences” of past artists has shaped your music? What genre do you classify yourself as?
Jones: Genre: Psychedelic/Hip-Hop/Pop-Rock? There is not really one category we feel like we fit in. As, far as influences there range from Tom Waits to Goodie Mob, and to everything in between. (Those are definitely two of the main ones though.)
Eulette: I attended your ‘stellar’ (bad pun) 99x listening party…was that your first big promotion? Since then, how does it feel to have ‘fans?’
Jones: 99x has been great, having them play us was definitely a big push for us. We are grateful they are back and supporting local music.
Eulette: How about the fans?
Jones: The fans are great! It’s a little unreal sometimes, when people “recognize” you, or they want you to sign something for them.
Eulette: That must be cool/weird! Any specific run-ins with some of your fans?
Jones: I was on a cigarette break the other day at work, and someone yelled my name from a car. I just waved, at first thinking it was a friend…but they stopped and got out, because they were fans and wanted me to sign something! It was really unreal, especially since I was at work! But, we are really grateful for our fans.
Eulette: Since you clearly have fans – which of your songs are most requested by your fans and do you ever play any covers for them?
Jones: “Felicia” is obviously requested a lot, because that’s the song on the radio. However, people in Atlanta really like to hear “Step right Up.” We try to work a cover into some of our shows…however, covers are hard for us.
Eulette: Why is that?
Jones: Because we want to do something that represents our band, and we have so many different styles and different things going on that its hard to pick a song.
Eulette: I can dig – so who writes your songs?
Jones: I wrote most of the lyrics. Ben wrote a couple of the hooks. We both wrote the music together.
Eulette: What are the topics covered in your songs, do they reflect the Gen-Y urban quarterlife of Atlanta?
Jones: This was kind of a concept record about the dirty after hours of the shady side of Atlanta; from drug dealers and hookers, to asking God for forgiveness for all the debauchery. I do compose all forms of music, so hopefully the topics will change, because really, I don’t ever want to do the same thing twice.
Eulette: Never the same things twice…so, how has your musical taste evolved, since you first began playing in the Constellations?
Jones: Well we have a big band and everyone has different tastes, with different things on their iPods, so I have definitely been introduced to new music in that way.
Eulette: What has been your biggest challenge as a band member in your quarterlife/part of Generation Y?
Jones: Ha, the biggest challenge for us is finding time to practice! Being such a big band, we have a lot of conflicting schedules. We also try to practice at our homesto save some money…but we end up getting the cops called on us and stuff.
Eulette: So with all the practicing that you all do, how do you rate your live performance ability?
Jones: We work really hard on stage. By the time we get off we’re drenched in sweat & 3 seconds from passing out! We put everything into it & i think thats such an important part to having a good show.
Eulette: If you have one, what is your least favorite part about being in a beginning band?
Jones: I love every aspect of being in a band, literally every part of it. This is what I want to do. I have no complaints.
Eulette: That’s so awesome – now most of our readers are in their quarterlife (Generation Y) How do you describe your music to people outside of Gen Y?
Jones: When I look into our crowd of fans at shows, and I see everyone from 16-year-old to 50-year-old fans listening, I donʼt really try to explain it to anyone. I think the music speaks for itself.
Eulette: How do you feel about downloading music online, either legally or illegally?
Jones: Look, I’m old school – I like to buy the record and hold it in my hand; see the artwork, read the liner notes. I think there’s something to be said for anticipating a new record coming out & going to the store and buying it, cracking the seal, and then putting the CD in the player, smoking a joint and listening to the entire thing start to finish.
Eulette: And as far as illegal downloading?
Jones: As far as illegal downloading music – all we are doing as consumers is allowing corporate America to make huge stars out of people like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers –because that demographic actually still buys music. Legitimate artists are stuck hoping to make some money touring constantly.
Eulette: How can fans-to-be gain legal access to your legitimate music?
Jones: We are working on a website which should be up shortly…of course we have a MySpace – Facebook and Twitter. We have actually just signed with Virgin Records, so the plan is to release the CD early next year. So, until then – I would just tell them to come out and see a show!
Eulette: Will you be touring anytime soon?
Jones: Well be touring again starting in October.
Eulette: So, what advice do you have for people in our generation who want to form a band?
Jones: Simple – write good songs. If the songs are there – everything else will fall into place….and most important of all:
“Love IS a murder. You have to commit to survive.”
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It was great to hear Jones speak so highly of his passion for music and entertaining. It seems as though they let their passions override their fear of competition and negativity of defeat and took the highs and the lows through their quarterlife to reach their success.
Jones and The Constellations are on tour this month (schedule below), and Jones said he wanted to say a special thank you to his girlfriend who has stuck by him from the beginning. Jones said, “She is my inspiration and my best friend…and a pretty good drinking partner, too!”
More Information on The Constellations:
Going to Be at Bonoroo 2010? Be sure to see the Constellations!
“The Constellations could have called their debut album After Hours. Sure, Martin Scorsese already used that name for his 1985 black comedy, but the two works share much in common. Both are wide screen spectacles rife with seedy scenes and eccentric personalities, propelled by a manic energy that hustles the audience deeper into the unexpected. But Southern Gothic was a better choice. Because The Constellations stomping ground is Atlanta, GA, and in the wee small hours of the morning, A-Town can get awfully bizarre….”