Describe your sound in 3 words
Soulful, heartfelt, and loving
Tell us a few things about your new album “The Love Album”.
The album has taken on many different forms. First it started off as a 3 song EP. I was still singing at that time and I wanted to just do a quick little project to show my vocal ability and I had just started playing around with producing, so I wanted to show some of my ideas off. When I stopped singing, I shifted into taking these ideas and finding amazing singers to take them to another level. So next it was a 5 song EP. I finished those 5 songs but I had more ideas I wanted to keep incorporating. Finally, I decided I wanted to tell a story and I wasn’t going to limit the amount of songs it took to tell that story. And that’s how I ended up with the 12 songs on the album. I produced all the songs and wrote half of them and I really wanted to tell a relatable story that people can feel: Heartbreak and how you bounce back from it. I also have an animated short coming with the album that will bring a visual element to the songs. I really think that will help the story aspect of the album come to life.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
That’s a tough one and my answer probably changes on a daily basis. Right now I feel like “Don’t Break My Heart/The One” reflects me the most. I wrote and produced the track and when I made the music I wanted it to feel like those 70s songs where the music starts off as one thing and becomes something completely different. Really making it two songs in one. I would have loved to have made it a 7, 8 minute song.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
There’s so many to choose from. I come from a musical family going back to my great uncles who played during the Jazz era. Both my parents sang. My cousins are professional musicians. I grew up listening to a lot of gospel music growing up. A lot of soul music: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson…Pretty much all of that 60s and 70s soul music is in me. As I got older I really started getting influenced by jazz, hybrid jazz, and 70s soft rock.
You also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.
If I’m going old school, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. If I’m going more recent, “Roll Some Mo’” by Lucky Daye.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My cousin always tells me that growing your musical career is a marathon not a sprint. So that’s advice always sticks with me.
Should we expect an album in the near future?
August 19th
Thank you!
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