Kelvin Jones: Working on the new album was “a trip”

Kelvin Jones (29) will release his third studio album on November 22nd. “The Rude Awakening of Mr Big Juice.” with 14 songs traces the career of Tinashe Mupani, his real name. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist reveals who is behind “Big Juice”, how Zimbabwe, London and Berlin have influenced his life and why he enjoys being in nature. He also looks forward to his 30th birthday in February 2025 and a special premiere on the upcoming tour.

Kelvin Jones: Working on the new album was a trip. I have changed so much in the last year, personally and creatively. I think that’s what made the album come alive. When I listen to the songs I hear different versions of myself. I like that it shows that growth.

Jones: Big Juice is the blunter, bigger version of me. At the core, I’m still Tinashe, as an extension of myself rather than an alter ego. Big Juice allows me to express parts of myself that I might otherwise hide. In a way, this is how I am most myself.

Jones: Living in three very different places has shaped me in many ways. Zimbabwe is the source of my soul, London gave me my edges and Berlin gives me the space to experiment. At its best, my music draws from all of these experiences.

Jones: Berlin is an incredible city in transition. It’s free, chaotic and inspiring. In many ways it reflects how I see myself and that’s why I feel so at home there. On the other hand, I am also a village child who feels most at home in nature. I sometimes miss that in Berlin.

Jones: I think I handled it as well as a 19-year-old can in such a life-changing situation. But what I was really good at – and therefore very lucky – was the people around me. I often need someone to tell me to slow down. This was really necessary back then, when everything was too exciting not to rush.

Jones: Going back to move forward. What I’ve learned most over the last decade is that the wisdom I need is either already within me or I find it by looking into the past and seeing how others have navigated their lives. I’m not the first to go through what I’m experiencing, and that’s a comforting thought.

Jones: Not having a set setlist keeps everything fresh. This means that every show is different. I feel the energy in the room and adapt spontaneously. The band has gotten used to my unpredictability and is finding their own spontaneity. I don’t know if I’ll always do it this way or if I’ll need it every show, but when I notice myself or the audience getting too comfortable, I have to do something to shake things up.

Jones: There is still a lot to prepare for the tour. I’ll be taking the biggest band I’ve ever had on tour with me, so that will be super fun, but there’s also a lot to organize and prepare. But honestly I’m not worried, it’s just what I do best and I’m just looking forward to it. What I’m most looking forward to is playing in front of my audience again. Nothing feels like that.

Jones: I love being in nature. Whenever I have the opportunity, I like to go for long walks in the forest, without AirPods, without work, and always alone. I just like reconnecting with what has always been there. It’s amazing where your mind can go when you allow yourself to be still.

Jones: To be honest, the biggest highlights were just a few moments alone in the woods. I remember one day walking through a magical place that felt like something out of Lord of the Rings. I walked around barefoot and got lost for hours. Once I found my way out, it was time for the show. That was a cool day. The low points for me are usually when I miss my family. I don’t see them often, and sometimes they are exactly what I need.

Jones: My only career goal is to continue to find people who like the type of music I like. I don’t know where this path will take me, but I’m curious to see who else is interested in this “weird stuff”.

Jones: Yes, I do think turning 30 is special. I like to mark and celebrate occasions, no matter how small the celebration. It wasn’t a given that I’d turn 29 and it’s not guaranteed that I’d turn 30, so when the time comes I’ll definitely enjoy it.