We had the good fortune of connecting with Alfred Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alfred, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Virginia. Sudley to be exact. It’s like 40 minutes from DC and it’s probably easier to say DC but I’m proud of my roots. Everyone works hard out there. There’s so much culture out there too. African, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, you name it. I joked with my dad back in high school that Sudley should be called ‘Little America’. So much talent and creativity in the city as well, we’re like LA without the overpriced bagels. I don’t think I would be as introspective or open-minded as I am today without being introduced to so many different people there. I do miss the city sometimes though. I grew up out there. I found love out there . I fell in love with music out there. This city made me who I am today., so I’m forever grateful.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m 20 now but I was around 15 when I decided to start writing songs seriously. At that point, I sang a little bit but I didn’t take it seriously. Just enough to make a melody and then later finish it on my guitar. I started by helping people finish songs off Reddit. I later branched out offline to people I connected with through Social Media. I was only in High school and I didn’t understand how the music business worked but I got paid a small amount so I’m not complaining too much. I never told the producers I worked with my age because I was scared they wouldn’t take me seriously as a songwriter. I got Fruity Loops and made a couple beats but I wasn’t really good at it. I started developing my voice around this time as well because I wanted to expand my skills as an artist.
I started making music because I want people to feel. I think as a generation, we’ve become desensitized to many of our feelings. We’re too scared to cry or too scared to love. Too scared to be loved. Too scared to be vulnerable. But that makes us Human and being Human is cool. I think falling in love is rad I think first and second dates are cool too. Hanging out with your friends is cool. Seeing your favorite shirt that you haven’t seen in awhile is rad. Telling people you miss them is cool. Working hard the whole week and staying in for the weekend is cool. I don’t think no one is too cool to feel. Feeling is cool.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most of my friends are from Virginia and we don’t have an In-N-Out in the east so that’s probably the first place we would go. Maybe the Walk of Fame too but that seems so tourist like. Miracle Mile is beautiful at night so that is definitely a must. I never got the chance to check out the Infinity Room so I gotta definitely do that when I’m back.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my mom. I know I forget to call sometimes, but I promise I’m always thinking about you. I regret not telling you more, but I do love you mom. I learned how to work hard from you. I know you tire yourself out just for us, and I’m so grateful for you being in my life. You taught me how to think. You taught me how to love and how to be patient. I was wild when I was young but you showed me kindness, even when I didn’t deserve it. You showed me what it means to have passion for something. I wouldn’t be able to write my story without mentioning you, so I thank you for everything you’ve done for me and thank you for everything you do for me. You deserve your own standing ovation. Love You Mom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfredpdf/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCP_s_Y4ZyJ8Vys2dXlXsI5A
Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0E1gGfggLhlCYPCmOrECt4?si=3z8gtDjSTKmy2UwVQ8iQ8g SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/edTnhCj9tMrpR2t16