“Jonathan has a way of making you feel really comfortable. He has an amazing way of making you believe in the moment of what he’s trying to create. He sees it already, he just has to get you to see it and he’s really good at articulating exactly what he wants,” reflects a philosophical Anthony Hamilton when discussing his latest partnership with Jonathan Mannion on his third album-packaging project.  “I’m such a great fan of his work and I am truly honored to be working with him again.”

The story began almost five years ago, when a then relatively unknown soul singer started work on the platinum selling album ‘Comin’ From Where I’m From.’ “I’ve been a silent admirer of Jonathan’s work for a long time without even realizing who was behind it, then to get the chance to work with him was a blessing. Jonathan is one of those people you just keep coming back to,” Anthony continues. “I have a lot of fun working with him and feel really comfortable communicating ideas.”

When the original title of the album ‘The Life of a Southern Gentlemen’ had changed to ‘The Point Of It All’ after the shoot had wrapped, there was much deliberation on how the already shot images would be manipulated to suit the new title. Anthony goes on to explain, “See that’s the greatness of Jonathan’s style. When the shoot had wrapped and we got the photo’s back, the original title seemed too contrived, too done up. ‘The Point of It All’ works better, it makes much more sense to the overall feel and style of what I’m trying to say on the album and I think the pictures are better reflected this way.”

Jonathan’s style continually strives to push the boundaries of the traditional aspects of photography. Anthony is quick to add, “I love the fact that he’s trying to make his work more of an art form, I think it’s necessary especially in the urban business. It can get mundane sometimes, a little typecast and oversaturated with the same look and he’s trying to stay so far away from that. He really believes in my music and I’m thankful.”

While ‘The Point Of It All’ follows through in the same melodic and soulful style of his previous albums, Anthony has proven that you can still churn out good, honest songs without depreciating the value of his listeners. “I’m not the kind of artist who’s gonna sing about degrading women, that’s not what I am about, you’re not gonna hear me singing about pimping out or anything like that to increase album sales. The types of songs I sing just feel right to me.”

Anthony is the first to admit that his albums may not stir the kind of media hype likened to that of his counterparts, but isn’t worried about it. “I think my music speaks for itself. It’s because there’s so much substance in it. I think if I was singing about hoes, getting naked, stripping, disrespecting women and stuff my sales may jump. That’s what a lot of people are into right now, but what I will say is that I am aware of it, and in an attempt to broaden my fan base the first single off the album will be a little bit more upbeat.”

“Looking at what’s worked and trying to branch out, I want a younger demographic as well. It’s good that I have a solid fan base, but I want to give them something they can jam to as well, I want to bring in some other people because I have some stuff to say. I want everybody to have a chance of hearing and loving the music.”

The Point Of It All is released through Zomba Records June 10^th. 

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