Bring Back Soul Music Podcast

Join my conversation with Darrin Banks. Like many contemporary R&B artist, he started singing in his church choir at the age of 7. It was there he realized the overwhelming power of music and its capacity to emotionally affect the audience and performer alike. Banks continued singing throughout grade school and began taking private singing and piano lessons to hone his craft. During those formative years, he was fortunate to work professionally (acting, singing and dancing) in musicals and concerts at the Raleigh Memorial Theater (regional) and in various cabarets in the southeast as a soloist. He was selected for the State (4 times), Regional (4 times) and National (1 time) Honors Choruses of North Carolina.

Singing choral music helped Banks fall in love with vocal harmonizing—a technique he prominently features in his current music, which allows him to simulate a multi-part choir across a wide octave-range with his own voice. Banks holds degrees from North Carolina School of the Arts, Marymount Manhattan College (BA) and recently completed the Independent Artists program at The Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. With a strong appreciation for jazz, funk and classic R&B, his music sits most comfortably in the contemporary R&B and electro-soul genres. Drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical genres that include rock and folk, Banks’ music colors outside the lines of genre-boxes and pushing the boundaries of conventionality. Poetry that came out of the Harlem Renaissance written by Langston Hughes and the literary works of James Baldwin have greatly influenced Banks’ exploration of sexuality and cultural identity politics found in his music. A lover of contemporary dance, he credits studying it as being an invaluable teacher for understanding phraseology and movement in music. He names Erykah Badu and Joni Mitchell as his two biggest musical influences and ultimately approaches making music as a storyteller. Banks is due to release an EP in late 2021. Thematically, this new work will explore the universal challenges of the human condition, which include grappling with perfectionism, self-doubt, and persevering in the face of adversity. As an openly gay artist, Banks’ new music not only makes no apologies for this fact, but celebrates it. He hopes this will encourage others to live out loudly and proudly and further eradicate the shaming stigma that surrounds accepting different sexual orientations in our society. Whether he’s writing a ballad or an upbeat-dance track, you can count on Banks’ music being lyrically message-driven with catchy melodies that inspire movement.

Connect with Darrin Banks on online:

http://www.darrinjonathanbanks.com

Instagram.com/djbmakesmusic/

Buy 'What's Your Name' now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3dwQW3g

Check out our merch at our Soul Shop at Shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

For more information and news, check out our website and on social media:

www.BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Facebook: /BringBackSoulMusic2019

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Join my conversation with J. Brown. We discuss his upbringing, moving from Detroit to California, his mother signing with Motown back in the day, his latest single 'Vibe' and much more. Figuratively set to the rhythmic pace of its infamous, steady-grinding automobile factories, while its streets are legendary and well-known the world over for the hyper-creative and musically fertile atmosphere that gave birth to Motown, Detroit continues to be a music capital of feel-good, contemporary music that ultimately proves timeless. The list of iconic names that have catapulted and captivated from the Motor City seems infinite...more than a few simply known by one name. Typifying the old saying "something in the water," singer/songwriter J. BROWN – though generationally removed from the Gordy company's then revolutionary melding of contemporary R&B and pop – has paid his dues and persevered in bringing those time proven musical values into the new music era with his recently released and, long-in-the-making solo debut EP. With music firmly in his blood and armed with tunnel-vision focus on following his passion of making music from the heart, J. BROWN delivers a dose of straight-up R&B – some with subtle pop and 90s throwback influences – to a music generation largely devoid of truly soulful and impassioned music.

Connect with J.Brown Online:

Instagram: @JBrownMusicOnly

Twitter: @JBrownMusicOnly

YouTube: Music By J.Brown

Website: https://www.JBrownMusicOnly.com

Listen to J.Brown latest single 'Vibe' on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6M2aVK2M2cj7ywBis4tkMH?si=ccd0c1f082ae4ef7

Check out our merch at our Soul Shop at Shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

For more information and news, check out our website and on social media:

www.BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Facebook: /BringBackSoulMusic2019

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bringbackso... ​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BringBackSoulM1

Hailing from Detroit, Kalysta is a twenty-one-year-old songstress that found her inspiration somewhere between the deep grooves of 'Motown' era Funk and Soul, the elegant class of the 'Big Band' era, and the passionate energy of Latin Pop; all those flavors delivered through her take on contemporary R&B, and a voice that can't be contained. Her skills at the microphone recently won her awards for Best Jazz Vocalist at the Alma Jazz Festival and 2020 Great Lakes Bay Region Review Music Awards, giving her the momentum to set tour dates across the Midwest. Using her talents to honor iconic women in music from Aretha Franklin to Alicia Keys, Kalysta seeks to unite the music world and bring people from all backgrounds together to find the joy they deserve. That philanthropist spirit is at the heart of Kalysta's work, aiming to provide resources and assistance for underprivileged children, veterans and the disabled; connecting those with access with those in need. With a message to send and a voice to deliver, Kalysta is revitalizing a soulful reflection of American music history, and her EP coming next year will tell that story. Detroit powerhouse vocalist, Kalysta, is bringing out her soul roots on this modern R&B single, "Can't Get Enough." This is Kalysta's first single of 2021, and follows her previous, Rock influenced single "Not Me" ,'Can't Get Enough' was made out to be a fun, upbeat song about being absolutely head-over-heels for somebody. Fling really adds the spice to the song as he is a talented lyricist, and came into the studio on a complete whim that day. As a result, magic happened and we created this song! I am so excited to share this feel-good song with everybody and I hope you can feel the magic too. "

Connect with Kalysta on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/kalystaofficial

https://www.instagram.com/kalystaofficial

https://twtter.com/kalystaofficia1

http://kalystaofficial.com/

Listen to Kalysta's 'Can't Get Enough' and 'Chain of Fools' now on Spotify:

Can't Get Enough:

https://open.spotify.com/track/51HJ80zM6WtRMjSKkL5wlE

Chain of Fools':

https://open.spotify.com/track/20DWRRHP2qd7t2JSuSCnYz

Check out our merch at our Soul Shop at Shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

For more information and news, check out our website and on social media:

www.BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Facebook: /BringBackSoulMusic2019

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bringbacksoulmusic2019

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BringBackSoulM1

Join my conversation with Laura Rain. Laura is a member of Laura Rain and the Caesars. A tough, hard-working American city is reinventing itself as a vibrant incubator of ideas and creation. Back from decades of neglect, Detroit has returned to the forefront on the world stage. Adventurers, investors, artists, and young entrepreneurs are flocking to the Motor City, bringing with them energy, creativity and innovation. The city and its people are inspired again.

Laura Rain is a product of that environment, a hard driving soul singer who uses the power and finesse of her own voice to inspire and electrify your spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, where her father engineered conveyer systems for the auto plants, she delivers her original music with fearless emotion and excitement. Along with her creative partner George Friend, the pair have released four albums with a unique blend of contemporary funky soul, blues and r&b worthy of Detroit’s rich history of musical innovators.

It is the Motor City where Aretha Franklin, Parliament-Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye all lived and created. A town where singers are continually influencing and defining the world around themselves. Laura Rain creates her own environment of expression through her music. Having released four albums of all original music since 2013, the band blends their favorite elements of funky ‘60s organ jazz, lowdown blues, dance music, old-school R&B, and soul. Laura and producer-songwriter George Friend have created a unique style, winning a prestigious Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding Blues Songwriters” and touring the U.S. Canada and Europe. Laura Rain’s voice soars as she weaves her own path through a classic, but thoroughly modern, funky sound, reimagining the r&b, gospel, blues, and soul that the city made famous.

In 2020, Laura Rain is poised to release a large collection of new music (written over the last two years) and rebuild, renew and reinvent herself once again.

Detroit has returned: strong, creative, inspiring, and always funky.

Check out Laura Rain and the Caesars now on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EvJ27WuaeHJan4emE0e8d?si=IRBqzvW8R0ShXx1AlP7EDw

Connect with Laura Rain and the Caesars online:

www.laurarain.net

https://twitter.com/MsLauraRain

https://www.instagram.com/mslaurarain/

https://www.facebook.com/LauraRainAndTheCaesars

https://www.youtube.com/user/MsLaurarain

For more information and news, check out our website and on social media:

Website: www.BringBackSoulMusic.com.   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BringBackSoulMusic2019

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bringbackso...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BringBackSoulM1

Join my conversation with 3-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Ryan Shaw. We discuss his upbringing in Georgia, acting and touring in Tyler Perry's stage play 'I Know I've Been Changed', and his new album 'Imagining Marvin' a tribute to Marvin Gaye.

He has shared the world stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King and Jill Scott. His music has been featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Dancing with The Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, and Lincoln Heights, and the films My Blueberry Nights and Bride Wars and the Sex and the City soundtrack. Ryan has been a featured guest on national TV talk shows.

He starred as Judas in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Olivier Award-winning London production of Jesus Christ Superstar, as the original Stevie Wonder in Motown: The Musical on Broadway, and on London’s West End as the Soul of Michael Jackson in Thriller Live.

Ryan debuted at Radio City Music Hall in the Dream Concert benefit for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. His Carnegie Hall appearances include Elton John and Bernie Taupin Tribute, A Celebration of The African American Cultural Legacy, and a Nat King Cole 100th concert with the NY Pops. His concert schedule includes Nat King Cole at 100 with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, and A Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin with numerous orchestras throughout North America. Ryan’s new album, Imagining Marvin, showcases Marvin Gaye hits alongside Ryan’s original songs and features multi GRAMMY Award-winning co-writers and special guests.

Listen to 'Imaging Marvin' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2yR0uRdGRy70B9ScUrKR23?si=AD0YHVvASr2TqCIqmvNoTA

Connect with Ryan Shaw Online:

Instagram: thisisryanshaw/

Facebook: ThisIsRyanShaw

Twitter: @thisisryanshaw/

TikTok: thisisryanshaw

Website: www.ryanshaw.com

For more information and news, check out our website and on social media:

www.BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Facebook: BringBackSoulMusic2019

Instagram: bringbacksoulmusic2019/

Twitter: @BringBackSoulM1

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COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.

Join my conversation with Somalia. She's an R&B singer and songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey but raised in Lithonia, Georgia, she grew up listening to a wide range of artists. She ultimately fell in love with the harmonious melodies of R&B music.

Singing since the age of 10, Somalia truly comes alive on stage. Voted “Most likely to be famous” in her senior class, she actively trained at being a better performer by acting in plays, musicals, joining dance teams, and doing talent shows every year at her school. Determined to focus on her passion for music, she went on to study music and Comparative Women Studies at Spelman College. Upon graduating from college, she packed out her self-produced debut concert titled “The Sweet Freedom Concert.”

Since then, she’s graced the stages of festivals, theaters, and auditoriums performing for more than 3,000 people. Her music blends R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz, and Hip-hop. Inspired by artists like Brandy, Tweet, Missy Elliott, and Jill Scott, Somalia makes music to show that R&B isn’t dead. With a true respect and love for live music. Somalia is making a name for herself as she has performed at over 180 shows across the world and for stars such as Kelly Price and KeKe Wyatt.

Somalia uses her melodic vocal range and inspiring lyrics to captivate audiences of all ages. Some of her most recent performances include the Atlanta Beltline Art on the Beltline Exhibition, National Black Arts Wine Down Wednesday, and Taste of Soul Atlanta. Most notably, Somalia has used her talent for philanthropic endeavors with shows to raise funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Day of Hope and Peaceful performances for the Pandemic to honor frontline workers.

CONNECT WITH SOMALIA ONLINE:

Website: thesomaliashow.com

Instagram: thesomaliashow

Facebook: Somalia R

YouTube Channel: Somalia R

Listen to Somalia’s latest singles "Risk It All" and "Light Blue" on Spotify:

Risk It All: https://open.spotify.com/track/46Ljx2qgDHo380y8DxWQlQ

Light Blue: https://open.spotify.com/track/36URE6gHF0FKHz3etZMJLT

For more information and news, check out our website at BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Support our channel by purchasing merch @ shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.

Join my conversation with JOSH X. The singer/songwriter has worked with Cardi B, Rick Ross among others. He attended the prestigious summer program at The Juilliard School. We discuss his upbringing, his latest singles "I Miss You" and "Creole Love Part 2", meeting his idols Brian McKnight and Stevie Wonder, and his upcoming podcast and cooking show in 2021. Raised in Queens, the singer/songwriter/producer (born Josh Xantus) initially honed his musical chops as a classical pianist at the age of 6. “My mom being originally from Haiti, the thing she loved the most was classical music. My first influences were Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Beethoven,” he says. Although he’s trained in the Western canon, when he got around to listening to r&b, he fell in love with Brian McKnight. “He was a piano player and a singer. I wanted to learn his songs so I could do it too.”

Josh studied at the prestigious summer program at The Juilliard School and graduated from Five Towns College. Realizing that classical music just wasn’t in his heart, nor getting him attention from the ladies, he decided to pivot. “By college, I knew I wanted to be a R&B singer,” he laughs.

In college, the wunderkind began to sneak away to late-night studio sessions, eventually meeting rapper Jadakiss. It just felt right. “I knew this is what I was supposed to do. I started doing a lot of open mics and putting my face out there. The dots started connecting.” By 2008, he was making the rounds as an independent artist (under the moniker Josh Xantus) and released “All For Love” (featuring Jadakiss). His network grew, working with notables like Swizz Beatz (co-writing “Ready to Go” for FOX’s hit show Empire), Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis and Bryan “Birdman” Williams from Cash Money Records. 2009’s “First Time” even caught the ear of Stevie Wonder and led to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the legend. “I’ll never forget that song. He took interest in me. That song opened up a lot of doors,” says Josh.

One of those doors was linking with Shaft of The KSR Group, a NYC-based record label that was working with then-fledgling artist Cardi B. Josh was tasked with writing and producing for Cardi beginning in 2015. “I saw the vision. I was the first person to produce Cardi. The two collaborated on her single “Selfish” as well as his “Heaven On My Mind” in 2016. After working tirelessly behind-the-scenes for three years to help shape Cardi’s astronomical rise, Josh X is ready to emerge as a star in his own right.

Dropping “Xantus” from this stage name, Josh X is ready for this new chapter in his life. He signed with Epic Records in early 2018 and released his first single, “All On Me (featuring Rick Ross).” The song is an ode to triumph and perseverance; something Josh knows all about. “Man, so I’m in Miami. I’m cutting the record—not on pen—all in the booth. I heard the beat and the track has over 60 brass instruments alone!” he says. Immediately he was hooked. “It just came out of me.” The song serves as a fitting introduction for a career a long time in the making. “At that moment, I wanted to show everyone who has been patient waiting for me the man that I’m going to be. This moment is how we’re going to celebrate life. It’s about elevation. It’s about achieving the goals you set for yourself.”

In 2019, Josh released his “Piano Confessions” EP to rave reviews followed by the success of his latest single, “I Miss You”. The single topped the Billboard R&B UAC Charts at #20. All in preparation to the upcoming release of “The X Project“. “A blend of that new age R&B with bits of trap-vibes sprinkled throughout, while giving my fans the traditional Josh X sound with records as “One Last Time”. Musically and symbolically, it’s a full-circle for Josh. “I’ve been patient. It’s my time to shine.”

CONNECT WITH JOSH X:

Website: www.JoshXantus.com

Instagram: @JoshXantus

Twitter: @JoshXantus

Facebook: /JoshXOfficial

For more information and news, check out our website at BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Support our channel by purchasing merch @ shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.

Join My conversation with Alex Harris. Alex Harris is a modern soul singer with Gospel roots and is revered as one of the leading creative architects and performers of ‘ New Age Soul’ music. New Age Soul’ music offers a spiritual revival to uplift humanity ensconced in healing, hope, renewal, freedom, and love. “I believe that music is one of the three most powerful elements of the universe because it has the power to raise the frequency of humans through rhythm, melody, and sound.”

Alex runs A.C.T. (Arts Conservatory for Teens) and lectures worldwide. He has shared the stage as a performer with Al Green, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, H.E.R., Brandy, and Lionel Richie. Label Cross The Line Music, Ltd is a joint venture between 2 producers, Richard Gottehrer (Blondie, The Go Go’s, Raveonettes) and GRAMMY Award winning producer and songwriter Swagg R’Celious (H.E.R.). His “Frequency” EP is available now on all streaming platforms, and is a unique sonic blend of southern soul, alternative grooves, and Gospel grit.

Alex’s new EP FREQUENCY, was born out of my personal experience. Each day, I practice challenging myself to discover new ways to raise Positive vibrations that reverberates love and positivity. So, when creating the record, I wanted to write, produce and perform music that I felt would not only mirror or reflect my personal experiences and practices, but inspire others when listening to the music as well”, mentions Alex. “I believe that music is one of the most powerful frequencies of the universe. Therefore, its frequencies can evoke various emotions that can lead to inspiring the human spirit to love, hope or heal”, he adds.

Listen to Alex's singles "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday" and "Falling for You" now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3w2TUlOzyncioM8L4s2S3K

https://open.spotify.com/track/1FoH7aZjJaVkmIbTdEOz0r

CONNECT WITH ALEX HARRIS:

Website: AlexHarrisOfficial.com

Instagram: @AlexHarrisOfficial

Twitter: @AlexHarrisTweet

Facebook: /OfficialAlexHarrisMusic

For more information and news, check out our website at BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Support our channel by purchasing merch @ shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.

Join my conversation with Ricky Jones. He is an incredible artist. A graduate of Southern University in Louisiana. He’s a veteran in the game and has worked with some of the best talent in the industry: Lionel Ritchie, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross to name but a few. Ricky’s influences are deeply rooted in the styling of Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and David Ruffin. Mountain Top Entertainment Group LLC are pleased to announce the follow up to Ricky Jones’s single “Crazy”. His current single “Lover” is the follow up to the smooth soul song “Crazy”. Lover was written/produced by Multi-platinum producer Keith Andes who has worked with many soul and R&B greats, including: James Ingram, After 7, Jon B, Johnny Gill, After 7, to name a few. “Lover” is a steppers delight for the grown and sexy, it finds Ricky effortlessly singing over a two-step groove. It will not only leave you singing the chorus long after hearing it, but you feel like getting up and dancing the night away with your soul mate. We are extremely excited about Ricky’s diverse range and ability to capture the heart, mind & soul of people when they most need it.

Listen to Ricky’s latest singles “Lover” and “Crazy” now on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/2SRt3zUCxRqpcfczhv5hGI

https://open.spotify.com/track/3hNRSlOZOzWp8VFbHLTeRP

Connect with Ricky Jones on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/rickytherealjones/

For more information and news, check out our website at BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Support our channel by purchasing merch @ shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.

Join my conversation with TONYB. Heavily influenced by 90's and early 2000's R&B, he credits his range of musical and vocal dynamics to the likes of Aaliyah, D'Angelo and Usher.   His latest single "You Knew What This Was", is a chill, up-tempo ode to the modern 'situationship'. Written from the songwriter's own personal experiences, the track narrates when things get complicated somewhere between a friendship and relationship, but you both willingly dive into it. He explains, "This comes from the particular perspective of: I made my intentions clear, but you ignored them, so you knew what this was." "You Knew What This Was" features bold, vibrant soundscapes, ethereal background vocals and a move-inducing rhythm. Showcasing his impressive falsetto range, TONYB. has crafted an almost hypnotic release, reminiscent of Seal and Michael Jackson. His soulful, velvet tones and conversational lyrics emit a familiar and captivating essence, that'll make you want to stay for more. TONYB. has seen success landing multiple editorial Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds and R&B Fresh Finds, with his music racking up over 350,000 streams to date. Continuing the momentum he's built for himself, TONYB. releases "You Knew What This Was" - out now!

Listen to TONYB's latest singles "You Knew What This Was" and " Worst Way" now on Spotify:

You Knew What This Was.  https://open.spotify.com/track/7CxVxv...

Worst Way. https://open.spotify.com/track/2d3ZI2...

Connect with TonyB Online @:

http://www.instagram.com/tonybonline

https://www.facebook.com/tonybonline                           

https://twitter.com/tonybonline   

For more information and news, check out our website at BringBackSoulMusic.com.

Support our channel by purchasing merch @ shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

COPYRIGHT © 2020 Bring Back Soul Music.