Please talk us through the meaning of your powerful new single 'You're Kind'.
My new single "You're Kind" is about connection with a friend, lover, or loved one. The word kindness is thrown around a lot, but its the essence of who I am, and what I look for in someone I connect with. This song is a celebration of love and connection between people who find chemistry, similar stories, and a common heart.
What is it about 'You're Kind' that made you want to release it?
I wanted to release this song as my newest single, because our world has been turned upside down and many of us have been isolated from one another. Also, we need connection, and personally, I wanted to offer this song as a catalyst for more kindness and connection in the world.
Is there something that you learned about yourself while writing 'You're Kind'? During the writing and production of the song, I allowed myself to become open to more relationships, and I began to desire to have people in my life who care about the real me, and not just the surface person.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
I don't have to be in a certain mood to write. However, I do need to feel something or have a conviction about what I'm writing. Thats very important to me.
Where do you live? What’s the music scene like?
I live in Los Angeles, California. It's the most densely populated area of musicians, singers, producers, and music executives. Before COVID, the music scene was thriving. However, I'm from South Louisiana, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in particular. So, I'm a southern guy at heart. I've learned to do it all on my own as a singer, performer, and producer.
If there were three artists you'd like to collaborate with, who would they be and why?
The three artists I would love to collaborate with are Steve Perry from the legendary Rock Band (Journey). I've loved Steve Perry's voice for many years, because his passion, pain, and power vocally was an expression of how I felt emotionally since I was a kid. So, I really connect with him as an artists and vocalist. His voice reminds me of Sam Cooke, and my true voice is very similar. Secondly, John Legend would be a great artist to collab with, because outside of John's awesome songwriting, his voice would be a great contrast to mine, and together we could create some interesting sounds. Lastly, I would have to do something with Stevie Wonder, because his musical versatility is masterful, diverse, and unpredictable. I'm an unpredictable vocalist and musical arranger. So, that would be a magical experience.
What’s the toughest part of the industry for you?
Honestly, I believe the toughest part of the industry is the absence of regulation of talent laws to protect artists from those who prey on their talent, steal their life's work, betray their trust, and due to lack of laws, many artists are without protection in some instances.
What’s the most enjoyable part of the industry?
The most enjoyable part of the industry is creating something or performing material that connects with the heart and souls of people, and it becomes life changing for them.
You win that person's heart for a lifetime. That's beautiful.
After someone is done listening to your music, what do you hope they feel?
After someone is done listening to my music, I hope they feel like taking one more step in life. Also, I hope they feel something that's real inside of them that will cause them to inquire about who I am, and learn more about me.
You're Kind is out now.