Nick Jonas Likes to Keep Fans Guessing
Nick Jonas joins Tidal X: 1020 lineup, streaming Tuesday on Tidal. (Associated Press)
Nick Jonas is always working on his next move. It’s no coincidence that his sound has evolved from the pop-rock boy band stylings with the Jonas Brothers, to a rock set with the Administration, to the soulful offerings of his latest self-titled album. It’s all a part of his game plan.
Tonight, he’ll put his talents on display during his performance at Tidal X: 1020, a blockbuster concert at the Barclay’s Center celebrating Tidal streaming service reaching 1 million subscribers.
“Being a part of this show is really major,” he told Yahoo Music about his involvement in the event, which will also feature performances from Beyoncé, Jay Z, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and others. “I’m a huge fan of a lot of the artists performing. When I got the call that they wanted me to be a part, I was over the moon.”
Tidal X: 1020 isn’t his first time performing at a Tidal streamed event. In September, he played Jay Z’s Made in America festival. Aside from the good reviews of his concert, Nick made headlines for hanging out in the VIP section with the Roc Nation honcho.
Nick had a chance to talk a little business with the “Holy Grail” rapper. “It was amazing to talk to Jay and meet the whole team over there,” he said. “We did talk business a little, generally speaking, steps I want to take. He’s obviously a creative genesis, one of the best in the game. And to get to hang with him and watch some of the other artists was great. I left so inspired to go in and push that much harder.”
In his effort to constantly evolve his sound, Nick is already thinking about the direction he wants to take on his next album. This time, he may not explore a new genre territory, but rather hone in on his songwriting.
“For me it’s about my lyrics and going to places where I’m vulnerable and willing to say whatever and really tell my stories that feel authentic,” he explained. “That’s next. Making songs that people connect to, whether it’s an interesting lyric or a song about having a good time.”
With regard to his acting, he’s also making an effort to venture outside out the box. He’s received acclaim for his recent roles portraying gay characters on television, a boxer in Kingdom, and as a college student in Scream Queens. “Things that start a conversation spark my interest in taking roles that people would never seen me in,” he said of his rationale when reading scripts. “Surprising me, pushing the envelope, and doing something different. I think these are all things that spark that conversation that makes people think. I just hope to continue down that path.”
It’s definitely working for his music. He is happy that his venture into R&B on his latest album caught listeners by surprise. “In the beginning a lot of people were shocked it was me,” he said. “It was one of the best compliments I had been given. They were surprised so much they didn’t believe it was me. You are doing something right whenever people are surprised by something they are hearing from you.”
Nick is also excited for people to hear his brother Joe’s new music with his band, DNCE. “He played me some of the stuff before it came out,” he said. “He had some time to grow his own sound one step at a time. He really built up his sound and what he wanted to do. I’m thrilled for him. I think the band is going to be huge. I’m happy he’s in a spot where he’s doing what he loves and people are responding so positively.”
As for eldest Jonas brother, Kevin, he’s busy with several non-music projects. “He’s in Jersey working on a couple projects,” he said. “He’s building homes, obviously being a father, and doing his own thing.”
