Bring Back Soul Music Podcast

Join my conversation with Melissa Jones. Melissa Jones’s musical style and cadence is reminiscent of improvised jazz with an eclectic fusion of neo-soul, hip-hop and r&b. As a singer-songwriter and producer, Melissa channels her energy through free-form scatting and melodic rhythms. Melissa has collaborated with a multitude of musicians and artists and was the former lead singer of soul band No Lovely Thing, a genre-bending 7 piece band that combined a mixture of neo-soul, blues, funk, and alternative rock. Melissa has gone on to record and collaborate with other producers/musicians where she strengthened her songwriting and production skills. Born and raised in Oakland California, Melissa currently resides in Brooklyn, New York where she is recording and working on her debut solo album with Producer/musician Errick Lewis. Melissa Jones released her first single “Make it last” which was an upbeat neo-soul vibe bringing in the season of love. Melissa tops it off with her latest single “Without you” a refreshing melodic arrangement that flourishes with pulsating synths and classical strings. It’s the perfect blend of Beethoven infused with Badu, a unique twist on soul and symphonic elements. “Without You” shows a different side musically with the consistency of creating imaginative and captivating lyrics along with melodies. Her soon to be release latest single, “Without You” (released on 5/21/2021) is a song that captures the essence of a lover while simultaneously being compared to the beauty of nature and natural surroundings. What would we do without our natural habitat? What would you do without your true love? Producer, Errick Lewis is the kind of producer that thrives from experimentation and fresh concepts. As a team, both Melissa Jones and Errick Lewis have an understanding and that is simply to create music that continues to push in this new aged neo-soul genre. “The goal of my music is to continue to develop my sound by pushing the envelope. I want to create something that hasn’t been done before.” -Melissa Jones. She’s the author of 2 books, ‘Pineapple Grenades’ and ‘Black Girl Mango Seeds’ available on Amazon.   Connect with Melissa Jones online: Facebook: Facebook.com/mjdastar1 Instagram:  Instagram.com/melissajonesmusic/ Website: https://melissajones.bandzoogle.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mnjones     For more information and news, check out our website and on social media: Website: www.BringBackSoulMusic.com. Facebook: /BringBackSoulMusic2019 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bringbacksoulmusic2019 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BringBackSoulM1 YouTube Channel: Bring Back Soul Music TV Check out our gear at ‘The Soul Shop’ Shop.BringBackSouMusic.com

Join my conversation with Nuela Charles. The 3x JUNO-Award nominated Nuela Charles is an alternative/soul singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and captivating stage presence, solidifying herself as a Canadian music staple. Born in Kenya, raised in Switzerland, Canada and the Bahamas before settling in Canada, Charles' music is infused with her multicultural upbringing, giving a fresh and diverse flare to her sound. Accompanying her latest single "Space," is the addition of "Nerve" - a collaboration with Don Mills multi-platinum/diamond record producer Don Mills (Giveon, Snoh Allegra, Juice WRLD), Laura Welsh (Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack) and James Edgar, the track is another example of the sass and grit that spouts from Charles' impassioned stories and sound. The song has Bond-esque strings, courtesy of JUNO nominated producer/mixer Ryan Worsley who helped finish the production, that fill the chorus in tension and a throbbing bassline which provides a backdrop for the layered, harmonious vocals. Charles explains, "As a woman, there are many empowerment songs out there, but this one takes a more sassier approach saying – don't try me, don't test me". The track is highly empowering and rich in confidence. Charles has brought her distinct voice to various stages over the last several years - having performed notably at Reeperbahn Festival in Germany, making her UK debut in London, and making her US debut at the uber-coveted "It's A School Night" by personal invitation by tastemaker and KCRW radio host Chris Douridas. Over the last year, Charles shared the stage as direct support for some of Canada's musical icons – including Sam Roberts Band, Jann Arden and Stars. Connect with Nuela Charles online: www.nuelacharles.com Twitter.com/nuelacharles Instagram.com/nuelacharles Facebook.com/nuelacharles https://www.youtube.com/user/NuelaCharles   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 ​ Merch available at 'The Soul Shop' Shop.BringBackSouMusic.com

Join my conversation with Skyler Reed. A lady of sophistication and musicianship, Skyler Reed, was born a singer. She is a classically trained R&B/Soul artist based in ATL. Her heart desires to perform, and the stage has become her home. Since her time in ATL she has established her music lessons business, Skyler's Music Studio, LLC, and has performed frequently around the city.  She hopes to inspire and uplift through the words and melodies of her songs.  Skyler grew up surrounded by music. During early childhood, her mother, who had the gift of singing, made music an integral part of her life.  She introduced her to the greats; such as Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Lauren Hill.  Skyler loved the music of Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child, and Brandy. Although, Skyler’s mother is no longer here, she definitely was her inspiration to pursue music. Songwriting has always been a form of therapy and self-expression, since Skyler was twelve. She was a big dreamer and a curious girl with an immense aspiration of sharing art. She studied vocal performance at Virginia State University and received a Bachelor of Music Degree.  She took heart in the value of being classically trained, while still staying true to her own music. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career, and made great strides. There, she performed in several operas and established herself as an artist. Skyler Reed is now based in Atlanta, and is constantly working on music. In the past, she has released three studio projects: “I Keep Dreamin…,” “Movement of a Sunflower," and "Descended Crowns." Her next project, "Are We There Yet," will be released April 16th, 2021. Connect with Skyler Reed online: www.skylerreed.com Facebook: iamskylerreed Instagram: iamskylerreed Twitter: iamskylerreed Listen to Skyler's latest singles 'Are We There Yet' and 'Superpower' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6fezXbOlKLxVZHmoSwy8V7?si=8f76ee6ca83a45df https://open.spotify.com/track/5Ikb3czfWL2AAwAOIRixjn?si=fa6e2316c0ae44cd 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 ​ Merch available at 'The Soul Shop' Shop.BringBackSouMusic.com

Join my conversation with Sierra Blax. Born and raised on the island of Kaua'i, Sierra is an artist that brings a fresh taste of soul, chill-pop & R&B to her music. Being raised on the islands, you'll find from time to time, Sierra uses her landscape of palm trees and ocean breezes as inspiration for her lyrics and melodies that gives the ear this elated feeling. It is no surprise that she grew up honing her craft through weekly singing lessons with local voice teacher, Debbi Scarpell. It was then when she was introduced to Motown artists and soul music that helped shape her sound she has today. After high school, she attended the music program at the University of Hawaii and studied vocal performance. She described her experience in music school as difficult and uneasy. "I had to learn how to sing a completely different way than how I was taught - there were moments I really wanted to give up." Fortunately, for Blax she didn't. During these times, Sierra grew inspiration to write songs about the wild experiences she would encounter in her early 20's. "I wanted to write songs that were unapologetic, fun and audacious; we are so used to female singers sugar coating things, and I wanted to represent that female empowerment in my songwriting." Blax wants to show people that it's ok to make mistakes, embrace it and turn it into a comedy and art. Today she is still inspired by the classics that shaped her, but she is also embracing what the new age R&B sound is molding into today. "Although I am inspired by power-house singers like Jazmine Sullivan and Amy Winehouse, I am really loving how singers today are using the airy and subtle sides of their voices. This new style has definitely ignited a change for me and my sound. It forced me to use my soft/ falsetto voice more often and helped me discover new melodies that are digestible to the listener." You can find artists such as Snoh Alegra, Jungle, H.E.R., Nao, and Tame Impala on her Spotify playlist. Currently residing in Los Angeles, she is spending a lot of time in the studio writing and creating original music. Her newest single, "INYIM" (It's not you it's me) is a playful yet sassy tune that tells a story of all the dysfunctions that Blax portrays. If you're into astrology, it's basically based on the life of a scorpio and all its glory. The production is hands down a vibe with a funky bassline and grove. Connect with Sierra Blax online:  http://www.sierrablax.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sierrablax https://www.instagram.com/sierrablaxmusic/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9-ruMiedVAuPEFPML534zA https://twitter.com/ChantaLLReeder https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-reeder-45a46a133/ Listen to ‘INYIM’ (It’s Not You It’s Me) and ‘Good Type of Love’ now on Spotify: INYIM – https://open.spotify.com/track/0bTgvk2INN0XezJEjwy1v1?si=f8e87e63cf444ac6 Good Type of Love – https://open.spotify.com/track/3j6EJt6TlCIg1UPcjzIpHq?si=8c2ed7f261184514 For more information and news, check out our website and on social media: www.BringBackSoulMusic.com. Facebook: Bring Back Soul Music on Facebook Instagram: Bring Back Soul Music on Instagram ​​Twitter: Bring Back Soul Music on Twitter Merch available at 'The Soul Shop' Check out our merch @ Shop.BringBackSoulMusic.com

Check out my conversation with Itoya. She was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece by Nigerian parents. Her powerful stage presence and soulful voice aligned with her captivating dance moves made the audience to connect with her at every concert.  Love Itoya started writing and composing her songs at the age of 13 from there she began to explore her talent.  She has worked with local artists such as Dispero, Dwdekato Pithiko and was a frontwoman for 3 years in the band Souled Out. In 2015 she took part in The Voice Of Greece and in the same year she released her first single ''What you Got baby ft. L.I''.  In 2016 she was awarded Best Diaspora Artist in Nollywood Film Festival which was held in Frankfurt, Germany and also she released her song called "Turn it up ft. L.I" In the years 2017and 2020 Love released 2 unreleased songs on YouTube in acoustic version which are "Put Some Colours In Your Life "Reminiscing You" After 5 years she release her first debut lead single called "Pepper Dem" on the 5th of March 2021 from her upcoming project. ABOUT PEPPER DEM Pepper Dem is an Up-tempo Bouncy Pop song with some elements of R&B/ Afro/Gospel vibes.  The track is an Anthem to all Female Bosses especiallyto the Women of Colour who go through different challenges in order to be heard and become leaders but through God they overcome.  The artwork represents the two tribes of her parent's which is Benin from her mother side & Esan ( uromi precisely) from her father side. Love Itoya has performed at various clubs, venues and festivals:  Klaipeda Jazz Festival (Lithuania) 2020 Kavala food festival (Kavala) 2018 Helios festival (Corfu) 2019 Renovation Festival (Lagada) 2019 Porta Jazz (Bitola) 2019 Public Room (Skopje) 2020 Club terminal 1 (Sofia, Bulgaria) 2020 etc. Connect with Itoya:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveitoya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveitoya/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcil5Zfee98O952EigEJXg E-mail: loveitoyaofficial@hotmail.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 Merch available at 'The Soul Shop' Shop.BringBackSouMusic.com.

Check out my interview with chart-topping R&B duo RUFF ENDZ. They are back with a new album called 'Rebirth'. The song world premiered exclusively on RollingOut.com. The catchy mid-tempo song was written and produced by David Chance and co-written by Dante Jordan. "The inspiration behind "Be The One" is based on our own experiences and the experiences of most people I know," mentions David. "When a man has finally found the one lady that he feels is his soulmate or his ride or die, he is willing to put it all on the line for her and will put her worries to rest." "We hope to help change the narrative with this song in our community to show that men need love and want to be in love too," shares Dante. Ruff Endz, the hip-hop soul duo of David "Davinch" Chance and Dante "Chi" Jordan, formed in Baltimore in the mid-'90s. Named after the "Ruff" parts of the city, the group came up in West Baltimore originally as part of a quartet. Soon after they broke off on their own as a duo ,and in 1999 they signed to Epic Records. In that same year Ruff Endz was featured on Martin Lawrence's "Blue Streak" with a song entitled "Please dont forget about me" produced by Super Star producer Nokio from the platinum group "Dru Hill". They followed up in 2000 with their first album entitled "Love Crimes". Their first single, "No More", reached #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2002, the duo released their second album, Someone To Love You, which peaked in the top 10 on the R&B charts and top 50 on Billboard. The album's first single, "Someone To Love You", went on to spend 11 weeks at #1 on the AC charts and with their second single, "Cash, Money, Cars, Clothes" rounding out the top 50 on Billboard. They have shared the stage with music industry icons such as Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, and Christina Aguilera while also featured on CNN, MTV, BET, Top of the Pops (UK), and Much Music (Canada) just to name a few. Their music has been showcased on several feature films including Chris Rock's "Down to Earth" , Eddie Murphy's "I Spy", and Ice Cube's "Barber Shop" just to name a few. Their success has grown and crossed US borders to headline their own tours throughout Europe and Japan building a major international fan base. After splitting in 2004 ,the group decided to join forces once again after their hometown of Baltimore erupted into an Historical uprising that left their city in flames. With the city in unrest, they were compelled to record their first song entitled "Time 4 Change" a song that speaks out against injustice for their city and all cities alike. "Time 4 Change" is also the groups tribute to Martin Luther King. Ruff Endz will also be featured on the new Fox TV show called "Shots Fired" with a song called "Speak to My Heart"(episode 7) which premiered March 22, 2018. In 2020 , the group partners with SRG-ILS Group to bring you their new album called " REBIRTH". With songs like "Be The One " Congratulations", and "Hopeless", the long-awaited album is available Friday April, 2nd and is available for pre-order now. The Hip-Hop Soul Duo Ruff Endz is bringing what so many people want...100% ORGANIC R&B! You can purchase RUFF ENDZ new album 'Rebirth' at https://srgstore.com/ Connect with RUFF ENDZ online: Facebook: officialruffendz Instagram: officialruffendz Twitter: therealruffendz Listen to RUFF ENDZ latest singles ' Congratulations' and 'Be The One' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/07m1yPdHHGgfTj04Y2NzLM?si=2becb308af354d67 https://open.spotify.com/track/6dvqV2ANsRPPWIB6xmIDNu?si=dc35fb64a73f411a 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

Check out my conversation with singer/songwriter/dejay Erri.   On 3rd February I released my new single “Walking in My Mind” featuring Carolina, a famous songwriter in my hometown Brescia (Italy). Walking in My Mind is the title of my second single, self-produced , which includes the participation of Carolina as a featuring voice. The track describes a walk, which is taking place in the crossroads of our mind. Everyday we walk along the roads of our remembrances it is up to us to decide which way we shall follow and how much difficult the trip will be like. We can define it as a walk with ourselves and for ourselves. The musical carpet of the song is really reduced bone-like, alas great value will be granted to its voice and distortions. The choice not to insert the bass in the song is a strong desire from me, in order to give maximum value the voice’s peculiarity. In the outdo the track changes dramatically thank to the inclusion of hi-hats and synth bass, a clear sign that we chosen a certain path with the most of believe less. I like walking very much, most of all with music in the ears. I relax and this enable me to dream. This single anticipate the launch of the EP “Walking Project” whose release date is foreseen for 2021. Connect with Erri online: Instagram: erriontrip Twitter: erriontrip Facebook: erriontrip Spotify/Apple Music/ Deezer: Erri Listen to Erri’s latest singles ‘Walking in My Mind’ and ‘Walking in the Night’ on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/track/6SUgEpphKOuesDHSeTbhJL?si=98d9fdb720cd4920 https://open.spotify.com/track/1N928MHssSvFI6TEVxVRQF?si=Dqm5LhXHRm62gu9zAd8ZLg 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

Jamaican American Artist who NBC News describes “traverses cultures with a special kind of versatility that comes from being a citizen of the world.” Her debut album Lost Myself (Hot Casa Records, 2016) a collaboration with French Jazz pianist, Florian Pellissier is a musical voyage that blends New York’s hard-bop aesthetics and reggae- inspired elements with modern jazz for a fresh spin on classics and original compositions. Since then, Shola has performed to sold-out crowds at one of Paris’ most celebrated jazz clubs, Duc des Lombards, and her single,“Evolution” has been played on international airwaves, most notably by Gilles Peterson (BBC Music Radio, London), and was hand picked by American Director Spike Lee to be featured in his Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It, Season 1. Born in Oakland, California to a family of artists and intellectuals, Shola Adisa-Farrar began singing at the age of eight and garnered attention for her distinctly expressive voice. The daughter of a professor and writer, Shola’s poetic lyrics reflect a childhood that nurtured her creativity and social awareness. At age 17, Shola moved to New York City where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music while educating herself on the behind-the-scenes business of the music industry, through internships and eventually working at some of music’s biggest companies. In 2011, Shola left New York and moved to Paris where she embarked on a singing career, which eventually opened the doors for her to perform internationally. Shola has headlined concerts in fifteen countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. In 2021 Shola is slated to release new music every month which is available on all streaming platforms. Connect with SHOLA online: www.SholaMusic.com Facebook.com/SholaAdisaFarr instagram.com/sholaadisafarrar Purchase SHOLA's latest singles 'Lately' and 'Feel Immortalized on Amazon* Lately: https://amzn.to/3cxmHXQ Feel Immortalized: https://amzn.to/3cqsMF9 * We do receive a small percentage from each sale.   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 Check out our merch at our Soul Shop at Shop.bringbacksoulmusic.com

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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bringbacksoulmusic2019/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BringBackSoulM1