MakeaStar.com: Welcome to the finals. Did you ever think you would get this far?

Jeremiah Jethro: I came into the contest with high hopes, but I am pleasantly surprised.

MakeaStar.com: What do you think it is about your song that it has gotten into the finals?

J.J.: It’s simple, soulful, and melodic. It’s from the heart.

MakeaStar.com: Have you been getting any e-mail from Fans? The Industry?

J.J.: Yes, here and there. Nice, positive responses. So far, the mail we’ve received from the Industry seems to be mail that may be sent out to all participants, rather than just myself.

MakeaStar.com: If so, what is the response to your song and your sound in general?

J.J.: The best way for me to see the response to my song is in the votes. I seem to be getting a great response from the Industry, which is great, because, honestly, being an Artist from San Francisco, you don’t have as much direct exposure to the LA music scene. I figure that must be a part of your Industry vote, so it’s great to know my name and music is getting out there. The Fans have been great, too, but so far, the Industry is what has really come through for me in terms of votes.

MakeaStar.com: What do you think about MakeaStar.com's Industry review service? What about the equal voting power being given to Fans and the Industry in the contests?

J.J.: Very exciting. Well, my review was even better than I imagined it would be, so I’m pretty happy with the review process. Honestly, that was the main reason I submitted to the contest, to get some experienced feedback from an Industry professional. It would be interesting to know more about the person’s background that reviewed my song, but I understand why you aren’t able to give out names.  Factoring in the Industry votes helps both the Artist and the viewer (via the Internet) to know that the music is really legitimate, and that a song’s popularity is not just because of how many people you may know.

MakeaStar.com: How did you develop your sound?

J.J.: My sound just comes to me naturally, and I’m sure my influences such as Bob Marley, Motown/R&B and Tracy Chapman show through. In fact, my reviewer said my song reminded him of Tracy Chapman’s first album and this is not the first time I’ve heard this comparison - which I’m proud of, of course.

I also have a full band, and although I am the songwriter and singer, it is definitely a collaborative effort. I have some great musicians that I am privileged to be working with.

MakeaStar.com: Any influences you care to mention? What have other people compared you to?

J.J.: Well, like I said, there’s Tracy, and of course I love Bob Marley. My manager says I remind her of a Bill Withers style, which is really very flattering to be seen in that light. I also love Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ben Harper and Aretha. But this list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention The Police, Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello (although those influences can be heard more in my full band).

MakeaStar.com: What do you think sets you apart from other Artists in your genre?

J.J.: Well, as far as I can see, I’m listed as ‘folk’, and there weren’t many other folk Artists in the contests I’ve been a part of. Also, looking at the other Artists I saw on MakeaStar.com, I’d say what sets me apart is that there are no tricks or gimmicks, it’s just me and my guitar and I sincerely mean what I sing. That’s not to say that I think poorly of other entrants, but I do notice that my song is much more stripped-down in nature than the rest.

MakeaStar.com: It’s obvious that your recorded material is great, but how about the live show?

J.J.: In my opinion, the live show is even greater because we thrive off of each other’s live energy and the energy of a live audience. You can check out my website to see reviews (www.jethrojeremiah.com).

MakeaStar.com: Are you playing anywhere anytime soon?

J.J.: Yes, I play all over San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. My next show is at a pretty popular venue called Slim’s on February 20^th. Again, my website has all the details.

MakeaStar.com: Have you released your music already? If so how, where and when? If not, do you plan to in the near future?

J.J.: I have some past demos I’ve released and the full band demo I mentioned earlier, but yes, I plan to take this as far as I can.

MakeaStar.com: Where would you like to see your music take you?

J.J.: Wherever I feel like taking my music. The sky is the limit.

MakeaStar.com: How realistic is that goal in terms of the immediate future?

J.J.: Very realistic. I don’t plan on settling and the signs are all there for me to continue on this musical journey. You just have to believe in yourself and not let people define for you what “realistic” means. I know my own reality.

MakeaStar.com: What one band would you like to follow in the footsteps of down the road to success?

J.J.: I’d like to create my own path and follow my own footsteps to success, and all the Artists I mentioned as influences are my guides.