With a mission statement that proudly claims, “Producing the Future of Entertainment,” JBR Creative Group – established in November 2023 by veteran executive Alison Ball and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Benét, is also home to New York City born, Cleveland, Ohio, raised on-the-rise R&B starlet, Autumn Paige. Her voice has already caught the attention of some major players, and it continues to resonate with fans who catch on to her music. Our Autumn Paige interview helps introduce you to the rising songstress.
Autumn Paige On…
Single, “Baggage (Acoustic)”:
“Baggage” was a therapy session turned song. I walked into the studio just venting to my producer Emile Ghantous — who’s been married for years — asking for advice. I had just met someone, and deep down I knew… the woman I was wasn’t ready for love. Not the kind that lasts. If I wanted something real, I had to face myself, unpack some habits, and grow. That’s where “Baggage” was born. It’s messy, honest, and full of truth.
Album, Down The Rabbit Hole (Acoustic):
Down The Rabbit Hole is one of the most personal pieces I’ve ever made. I’m an over-thinker. I spiral. I crave attention, but detach just as quickly. Being on both ends of that can take you on a wild ride — one that messes with your self-trust and blurs the line between real and imagined. This project reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. How she forgot who she was… forgot the magic inside her. That’s me, sometimes. Lost in the chaos, but eventually waking up to my own power. By the end, Alice saves the whole world — and that’s the kind of healing this music helped me find, too.
Recording and releasing a full acoustic version of your debut EP:
I think about this all the time. Great production can make a song feel massive — but sometimes it can overshadow the voice, the truth. With this project, I wanted to give you two experiences: One — a fully realized masterpiece. The other — raw, stripped, emotional…where you hear every breath, every crack, the beauty in imperfection. To me, songs are like mirrors. Sometimes they need to be polished. Sometimes they’re more honest when they’re dirty. And just like my moods, my music craves both.
Lyrical inspiration:
I draw inspiration from real life — always. Sometimes it’s something small, like spilling mustard on my white shorts before a big meeting. Other times, it’s heartbreak. Losing friendships. Losing family. But no matter how big or small, these stories are pieces of me. I share them because I know I’m not the only one going through it. And if just one person feels seen — feels less alone in being human — then I’ve done my job.
Musical inception:
I fell in love with music really young. Musicals had my whole heart — Annie was my favorite. I’d sit on the floor with a rag and a bucket of water, singing “It’s A Hard Knock Life” like my life depended on it. But where I really learned music was in church and theater. Singing in the choir taught me something deep — the power of unity, of every voice blending into something bigger than itself. That feeling…it stuck with me. And it’s why I make music the way I do now — from the heart, with soul, and meant to be felt.
Influences:
I grew up in a Christian home, so I wasn’t really exposed to a lot of secular music. For the most part, it was Gospel — church choir on Sundays, worship on repeat. But there was one CD we had in the car: Alicia Keys’ Songs in A Minor. And that album changed everything for me. Her voice, her soul, the piano… it was the first time I felt music in my chest. Then came the musicals. High School Musical, The Cheetah Girls, Camp Rock — I was obsessed. I’d watch them on repeat, dreaming of stages and songs that told stories. But it wasn’t until middle school that I really got to explore music for myself. I discovered Justin Bieber and Mindless Behavior, and I was hooked. From there, I started digging — Aaliyah, TLC, Brandy, Destiny’s Child. By high school, I was fully stuck in the ’90’s, even though I wasn’t born then. It just felt like home. Then artists like SZA, Kehlani and Daniel Caesar, came onto the scene, and something clicked. Their music felt like pages out of my journal — soft, raw, vulnerable. That’s when I realized: music wasn’t just something I loved. It was my escape. My language. My healing.
Style / sound:
Someone once described my sound as “Stadium R&B” — and honestly, I think that’s the perfect description.
JBR Creative Group:
When I first moved to L.A., I hit the ground running. I reached out to every producer I could find — literally anyone who would listen. One of them was Emile Ghantous. At first, he was too busy. And I get it — that’s the game. But I didn’t stop. I stayed consistent. I was in every studio I could get into, dropping content non-stop, all while working my 9-to-5 to keep the lights on and fund the dream. Then one day, Emile reached out to me. He wanted to work. And when we finally got in the studio, it was magic. The chemistry was unreal — songs were flying out like pancakes. It felt effortless, but intentional. One day during a session, Alison Ball — the CEO of JBR — just happened to be in the room. My music video had just dropped, and she saw it right there on the spot. She connected with me instantly — saw something in me — and from that moment, she wanted me on the JBR family. That moment changed my life. It wasn’t luck. It was consistency, preparation, and heart. And, I’m just getting started.
Your music:
I want people to feel seen. To know they’re not alone. Whether you’re dancing through the highs or crying through the lows — I want my music to be a place you can land. I make music so people can feel something. So they can let go, escape for a while, and just be. Because life gets heavy — and if I can give someone even a moment of joy, release, or connection…then I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
Dream collab:
If I could work with anyone, it would be Michael Jackson. Even just five minutes to pick his brain would be a dream. He was endlessly inspiring — creative beyond words, bold, and always unapologetically himself. The way he pushed boundaries and told stories through sound, movement, and visuals…that’s the kind of legacy I strive for. He didn’t just make music — he created worlds.
Venue wish-list:
One of my biggest dreams is to play Madison Square Garden. Not just for the stage — but for the impact. To stand in that space, knowing my music reached enough hearts to fill it…that’s powerful. I live for my fans. For the connection. For the chance to lead people toward love, peace, and the feeling of being seen. If I ever make it to that stage, I hope I’m not just a light —I hope I’m a spark. The kind that inspires someone else to go change the world, too.
State of R&B:
I think we have some pretty strong artists in R&B, but I feel like there hasn’t been anyone new… nobody on the levels of Brandy or Aaliyah that are up and coming or just new period. We need to bring back real influence; there’s so much music coming out I think I could get lost, and I just hope people really pay attention to the new artists because there’s some great ones coming out right now.
Longevity:
I think growth is everything. As artists, we sometimes get caught up in wanting to be the best — or thinking we already are. But the truth is, so many of the artists we admire had years of development, guidance, and support from labels. A lot of us now are building from scratch, learning as we go. I’m learning something new every single day. And I believe staying open — to growth, to feedback, to evolution —that’s what’s going to give me longevity. I don’t just want to be great right now — I want to be great forever.
Outside of music / additional (future) aspirations:
I do a little acting, too — I had a role on ‘On Call’, a TV show by Dick Wolf — and it really sparked something in me. I’d love to keep growing in that world. Acting gives me another way to tell stories, to step into different parts of myself. And then, there’s fashion. I love fashion — I could shop ‘til I drop, not just for me but for other people, too. Styling comes so naturally to me. It’s another form of expression, another way to create. Whether it’s music, acting, or clothes — I just love making people feel something.
Biggest career moment(s):
I’m still in the early stages of my journey — I had my first performance just a few months ago — and it lit a fire in me. I’ve always been a little shy, but I’m ready to step fully into the spotlight and give the world the diva I truly am. Performing feels like home now. I’m learning, growing, and getting stronger with every show. Arenas? Oh, I’ll be selling them out in no time. This is just the beginning.
Typical day:
An average day for me is anything but average. I’m up early hitting the gym, then diving into whatever creative project’s on deck — whether it’s planning a cover shoot, prepping a music video, or creating in the studio. In between all that, I’m on meetings, taking audition calls, and reminding myself to post on Instagram to stay connected. Honestly, my brain is everywhere, all day. But the beautiful part? I get to create, express, and be me — every single day. And, that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Fan(s) interaction:
I love my fans sooo much — my AutumnBots. I came up with the name because I’ve always loved Transformers — they were a close-knit family who always had each other’s backs. That’s exactly what my AutumnBots are to me: loyal, supportive, and full of love. I try to respond to as many messages as I can, show love every chance I get, and let them know they matter. They have my attention — always. And one day, when I’m rich and the world’s watching, I can’t wait to give back and meet every single one of them.
Most / least fave part of the biz:
My favorite part about being an artist is the creating. Being able to express myself fully, unapologetically, and whole-heartedly — that’s the magic. It’s where I feel the most me. But if I’m being real, the hardest part is all the opinions. When you’re sharing something vulnerable and raw, the outside noise can hit hard. Everyone has something to say — and sometimes, it stings. But even in that, I’ve learned something valuable: How to tune it out. How to stay grounded in my truth, and create from a place of love, not fear.
Career advice:
Believe in yourself. Even when it’s hard. Even when no one else sees the vision yet. Never give up. Keep showing up, keep growing, keep pushing. And most importantly —Always be you. That’s your superpower.
5 to 10 year game plan:
I see myself as a voice for anyone just trying to make it through life. The ones who need that one song —to cry to, to dance to, to breathe through. If my music can be the reason someone gets through their day, then I’ve done something real.
What’s next:
I’ve got some new songs coming soon — and trust me, they’re fire. Get ready, because these tracks are about to make waves and probably land in the Billboard Top 10. This is just the beginning — you don’t want to miss it.
Parting words:
I love music — deeply. And if you do, too, I hope my songs give you exactly what you need. Something that keeps a smile on your face… Something you can blast in the car and get so lost in, you almost forget you’re even driving. That’s the kind of feeling I want to give you —joy, escape, and a little bit of magic.
