Rapheal Boyd Interview on Mogulstatus.blogspot.com
Whats up good sir? Let the people know who you are and what you do.I am a gentleman who loves to create music. I do not discriminate because I am influenced by every form of music from classical to old soul and R&B to rock. I have also seen it all, from growing up in the low income crime infested neighborhood of Harvey, IL to walking the college campus of Augustana College and being one of the first to graduate college in my family. Last year my best friend Tony Herring, was shot and killed and our bond was music. In 2008, I had an epiphany that we only get one chance so why not go hard every day and that is what I do. You will feel this fire when you hear my music so brace yourself. One more thing, the industry will be turning over a new leaf when I break down the doors because I am raising the bar.
Finally a singer who can actually sing! When did you know that this music thing was it for you and how supportive were the people around you in this choice?I was inducted into my high school hall of fame for music in 2004 and that was one of the first moments I realized that the sky was the limit. From that day I understood that through God’s grace and relentless effort anything could happen. I sang in high school because I loved it and that is the same motto I use today. Doesn’t hurt that everywhere I go, someone notices me as the “the boy who can sang.” That is very true but now I am making a living doing it. As for my team, it grows every day from street team to producers to photographers. It would take 5 interviews to talk about all of them. My support and the way my project is coming together is enough evidence that my destiny has already been written.
Your music has the makings of a classic R&B masterpiece and you label this as ‘Renaissance Soul’ what’s the story behind that label and what should people feel when they experience your music?I do not want Renaissance Soul to be used as a genre or lane because it is far from that. When I refer to this, think Harlem Renaissance. Renaissance is rebirth and I feel music needs this. I do not have a formula when I create. There are tons of dance songs that all sound the same and have similar content. Popping bottles and doing the stanky leg isn’t my forte. I’m grown and I talk about things that are relatable. Love, heartache, infidelity and triumph are some of my subject matters and are all things I have experienced. This is how music was from the early years of soul music when it was rich and less of a formula but more experience based. We are in need of rebirth and that is what Renaissance Soul will be. DJ Drama put it in perfect perspective, “we are ready for Thanksgiving, music that feeds the soul, not Burger King or Chick Fillet.”
Last month you performed at the ‘I Create Music ‘ Expo for ASCAP, and captivated the audience, what is it about your stage show and delivery that makes people pay attention and get drawn in to your creative space?This was an impromptu performance and I wasn’t on the set list but had made such a stir after singing for Chaka Khan the audience insisted that I perform. The ASCAP Expo was a great venue to perform at because you were amongst elites within the music industry. To have everyone in the audience swaying from side to side is why I enjoy doing what I do. No matter what your background is whether a music veteran or the average joe, music connects people. The intimate setting at the Expo also allowed me to look everyone in the eye and draw them in to my story line that I had come up with 10 minutes before performing. Confidence allows me to throw down with little notice and at every show confidence makes me believable.
You have also opened up for some very established artists such as T Pain and Soldjia Boy, how did you prepare for these larger shows and what did you learn from the experiences?I have learned how important it is to build a personal connection with the audience from the moment you step on the stage. Whether that’s creating a set list that tells a story or simply pulling an audience member on stage, you are believable for the fans and all of these acts are great at this. When you watch T- Pain, it’s like he is performing in his backyard. That personal connection is extremely important and I feel my audience always connects with me. You want the audience to feel like your best friend or like they want to be by the end of the show.
What are some of the things you are doing as a new artist to stand out in today’s market so your talent doesn’t go unnoticed?Musically, you will hear live production on my project, uptempo hip hop R&B, traditional soul ballads, rock, soundtrack music and the list goes on. You may wonder where I am going but that’s what makes my music enjoyable; I will never stay in a box because that’s not true expression. On a personal note, despite whether someone may say “stay in your lane” I do the opposite. I am college educated and have been exposed to many things from classical music to rock to blues. All of these factors play a major role in what I create. You will not be able to call me a pop, R&B or soul singer and I believe this will always keep you interested in what I will do next. Besides I am a gentleman and there are not many of those left. Expect genuine artistry and know that I have spent my whole life preparing for the opportunity to show the world what eating, breathing and living music brings to the game. I can not live without music and everyone will feel this with every note I sing.
Ok, lets get personal now, finish these questions…
I like a woman that puts up a fight. I can not be with a pushover, a challenge turns me on.
My music is important to me because it will always challenge me to be the best and motivate those around me.
If I wasn’t singing I would probably be a politician. I can talk my way out of anything.
Now lets see what you prefer musically….Mary J Blige or Beyonce? Beyonce, she is a well rounded artist and has experimented with classical, hip hop and traditional soul.
John Legend or R Kelly? John Legend because I can relate to his music more. He is less concerned with staying in the club and more concerned with the simple things that make life worth living.
Brian Michael Cox or Tricky Stewart? Tricky Stewart because his melody’s are captivating no matter how simple, he has mastered the artistry of hooking listeners in.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?Internationally known for making great music that inspires those touched by it and putting on individuals with the same or more hunger that got me to where I am today. You can ask my partner OG, we also predicted a Grammy performance within the next 3 years.
Any Last shouts or plugs?I want to send out love to my nephew Ty, my mom Tina Boyd and my sisters, Nashyra and Monique. Get ready for that house I promised you. As far as plugs check out www.vimeo.com and key word my name. You will have plenty of time to get to my team and those around me but to name a few Oliver Gibson, Anthony Capers, Dame, BSimms and Eijay thanks for always being honest and always challenging me to be the best. Get ready for the rebirth. Courtesy of my ace Harvey, Bizness!!!
Posted by J Hatch aka Mogul Status
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