“I’d like to start a movement to activate the youth to vote and not be politically complacent ” With Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees

“I’d like to start a movement to activate the youth to vote and not be politically complacent ” With Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees

I don’t know what would work best, but I think activating the youth to vote and not be complacent politically could really make serious changes.

Jeff Timmons is an Ohio native who is the founding member of the pop group 98 Degrees. The band has sold over 10 million albums and has been nominated for a Grammy Award. Additionally Jeff is an accomplished producer and music industry entrepreneur. Jeff currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife Amanda and their children.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path of music?

The story is my love of music in general. I’m answering this question coming off of a performance at the iHeart Radio MMVA’s in Canada last night, which was nearly our 20 year anniversary of performing there last. The reception was amazing, and beyond our expectations. Here we were performing with contemporaries like Shawn Mendes, Marshmallow, and Bebe Rexha, and enjoying the same response from a much younger audience. This lead to our group questioning the business model, it’s flaws, and how we can penetrate the marketplace in its current state, and perhaps change the model, because certainly good music transcends generations and rules that are set in place by an old paradiagm.

Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?

I’ve been blessed to have been a part of many interesting experiences, but I think collaborating with Stevie Wonder for Disney on the soundtrack for Mulan was one of the best. Most talented guy on the planet, yet most humble.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I’m working on a number of things. 98 Degrees is touring, back with full force, I’m producing some TV shows, live events, writing and scoring for soundtracks, cultivating artists, you name it, I’m fortunate to be dabbling in it.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with in the music industry?

I’ve worked with a bunch of great talented folks from Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey, Tricky Stewart, Mario Winans, Steve Kipner, many great musicians, young artists, producers and visionaries, and learned something from all of them.

Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?

In History? Game changers like Muhammad Ali, Steve Jobs, authors like Charles Haanel, Napoleon Hill, political figures that’s have taken risks, and spiritual leaders.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I’m involved with many charitable organizations in front of and behind the scenes. Everything from Elizabeth Glaser Foundation, Race to Erase for MS, numerous organizations supporting Autism research, Wounded Warriors, USO, Pride, and the list goes on. I am compelled to give back.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I don’t know what would work best, but I think activating the youth to vote and not be complacent politically could really make serious changes.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in music industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

1. Never quit. Never.
2. Self-belief is essential, even when those that are closest to you are discouraging you.
3. Faith in something beyond yourself; a higher power or spiritual belief
4. Work harder than everyone.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started in music” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. Trust your team. You can do a lot on your own, but not everything. You need to surround yourself with good people. Those are very hard to find.
   I won’t specifically cite an example, because I’m not one for burning bridges.
2. Don’t listen to advice form someone who hasn’t achieved what your going for. Everyone has an opinion, and carefully look at the resume of those handing out words of “wisdom.”
3. Be yourself. Don’t conform to what’s trendy, or to fit into what you may think is the popular thing. Different and good is always better than average and cool.
4. Don’t get caught up by the ebb and flow of good and bad, neither last forever. Have faith, put out good stuff, and be a good person. You will succeed.
5. Enjoy the ride. Life is short, and like the book says, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” You’re pursing what your soul is telling you to do, and that’s make a living creating. Follow the path, and learn everything you can. Take a breath, and smile.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

I would love to meet the author Paulo Coehlo. There is heart in every line of his writing, and I just think he’s brilliant. His work has inspired me, and changed my life.