Award Winning R&B Singer Sean Jones talks about his career and much more

YVM: What first inspired you to pursue a career in media and entertainment?

Sean: I got inspired to pursue a career in music late. I had been in a group called In Essence during high school and I was having lots of fun doing talent competitions and getting the attention from the ladies. But my mind was always on going to university and becoming a lawyer. However, somewhere along the way I fell in love with music. Writing songs, performing on stage, and affecting people with my voice became everything to me. I ended up finishing my degree in Kinesiology but once I left York U, I never looked back.

YVM: Can you tell us about a moment in your career that shaped who you are today?

Sean: I remember working at Cineplex Odeon as an usher while one of the In Essence videos was playing on a screen behind me. Back then we had a caught a little bit of fame but not enough to make any sort of ends meet. People would come up with their tickets and look at me. They would say ‘You look familiar…”. I would just smile, tear their ticket, and direct them to their theatre. Those moments there taught me a valuable lesson about humility, and I have never forgotten that.

YVM: How did your background influence your creative vision?

Sean: Being raised in Canada as a Black man with Caribbean roots exposed me to a rich cultural mix — reggae, gospel, Motown, hip-hop, soul. That blend gave me the freedom to move between genres and taught me that storytelling through music doesn’t have to live in one box. My songs often reflect a conversation between eras, pulling from the past while speaking to the now.

YVM: What project are you most proud of and why?

Sean: Holiday Soul stands out for me. We did a show in Hamilton that raised over $10,000 for the local food bank and filled the venue with soul, blues, and love. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a food drive, a fundraiser, and a gathering for the community. Seeing artists like Jackie Richardson, Divine Brown, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra on one stage, supporting a greater cause, was a beautiful reminder of what music can do.

YVM: How do you stay creative and motivated in the industry?

Sean: I surround myself with other passionate artists and keep the purpose front and center. Whether it’s writing a new song, or planning a concert, I remind myself that what we do has the power to heal and inspire. Also — let’s be honest — when the band is tight and the crowd is vibing, that energy is addictive.

YVM: What’s one piece of advice you would give to young composers trying to break into the industry?

Sean: Find your voice and trust it. The industry will try to mold you, but longevity comes from authenticity. Work on your craft like it’s your job, build real relationships, and don’t wait for permission to create. Book your own show, drop your own song, start your own movement.

YVM: How do you handle criticism in your career?

Sean: I take what’s constructive and leave the rest. I’ve learned that not every opinion deserves space in your spirit. That said, the people I trust — my band, my mentors, my audience — when they give feedback, I listen. Growth comes from being open, not from being perfect.

YVM: What qualities do you think make someone stand out in this industry?

Sean: Consistency, humility, and truth in your art. You HAVE to deliver every time — in the rehearsal room, on stage, and in how you treat people. If you can be talented and easy to work with, you'll keep getting called. And if you can connect with people through something real, they’ll never forget you.

YVM: What does “Your Voice” mean to you, and how do you use your platform to make it vocal?

Sean: To me, “Your Voice” means using your platform to speak to something bigger than yourself. I use mine to highlight issues that matter — like food insecurity, youth empowerment, or mental health — while also celebrating love, joy, and resilience through my music. Whether it’s through the mic or a community event, I try to make sure my voice carries purpose.

YVM: How important is authenticity in your work, and how do you maintain it?

Sean: It’s everything. I’m not trying to chase trends or fit into a mold — I’m trying to make music that sounds like me. I write conversationally, I perform like I’m talking to you directly, and I choose collaborators who bring out the real in me. Audiences can smell fake…and theres a LOT of THAT out there. But at the end of the day I’d rather be broke and real than paid and plastic.