ORLANDO, Fla. – During the pandemic, a lot of people did things like remodeling a room around the house or working from home, or perhaps the take in a new pet.
For Cameron Jimenez, aka Smoove J, it was a new start with a clear focus. The plan involved moving to Florida to advance his musical career both singing and knowing more of the business behind the music. So that’s what he did.
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Inspired by the musical talents of his mother and grandmother, Smoove J found himself in Central Florida. Smoove J said his mother, Faith’s vocals and talents on the piano, help him stay focused during trying times. “She’s one of the best moms that you can ever ask for anybody,” said Smoove J, smiling.
“You have a lot of ups and downs, a lot of downs especially and you just got to, you got to keep pushing, you got to just keep pushing,” recalls the singer but knowing he came from a line of talented family members, like his grandmother the music teacher and his mom, Smoove J said that’s all the affirmation he needs to work even harder. “My mom is my biggest fan, but I have to say I am hers as well.”
Prior to moving to Florida, Smoove J and his friends would perform at different functions. The young artist realized at the time there was a lot more to singing than just singing. Smoove J now is focused on getting noticed as well as the business of music. There’s no manager, so he does everything alone.
Social media has been a great platform but has also brought its own set of complications.
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“There’s someone over there putting in 10 hours a day on like TikTok or something going live on TikTok, and they’re trying to get noticed. And you just, it’s a bigger, bigger competition now,” said Smoove J, reflecting on trying to shine among the world wide web users. “It’s definitely a struggle, you can get down to your lows, but you just got to keep getting up, you got to keep pushing and pushing and pushing and pushing and pushing. Because if not, then you’re not going to do what your dream is.”
Smoove J said he performs live on TikTok two to three days a week and even more some weeks, most of the time singing for hours. It’s a lot of work, but he continues to push forward in hopes of living out his dream of recording music.
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♬ original sound - SmooveJ
When asked who he would love to record with, Smoove J didn’t hesitate.
“I would like to achieve making a hit with DJ Khaled. That’s what I would like,” the singer said, reflecting on the major record executives motivating personality and numerous award-winning hits and albums.
But, Smoove J says he’s not just focused on one genre.
“I love jazz. I love old school. Soul music, all of that stuff, Earth, Wind and Fire... I love that kind of music,” Smoove J said, inspired once again by his mothers love for great music.
It’s not just about singing for Smoove J, he does plenty more. Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Riff On This to hear more about what he does to stand out and what he has to say to others in the same boat.