Hey there World,

Sorry it’s been awhile since my last blog. I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that I have been equal parts busy and lazy. That being said, so many amazing things have happened since last we spoke. The band made a new video for our single “Dollars,” began recording a new album and were fortunate enough to witness our EP become a part of national history. Our CD was part of the inaugural swag bag! Not a bad start to 2013. I also went on a world tour with Macy Gray.  I had a great time with her and her band, The Sex Fiends, while partying in amazing cities like Dubai, Hong Kong and Paris.

I am truly grateful that I have all of these wonderful new memories. Such moments give me profound comfort during the times I forget about the blessings I continue to receive. As I grow older, I am hoping that I can find new and better ways to look for the metaphorical glass to be half full. I would love to believe that the more positive I become, the more effective my life will be. A hokey idea, perhaps… That being said, if its really that simple, it seems incongruous to complicate the matter with whatever hang-ups I’ve been holding onto. I am making a choice to find new ways to be happy.

Thank you to all of our fans, both new and old. Thank you for continuing to go on the journey. Happy Valentine’s Day and may love find new ways to enter into your life.

Recently I had the privilege of performing at the BET Awards in a choir honoring Whitney Houston. Our choir supported the beautiful Monica who performed a reverently gorgeous version of “I Love The Lord.” The entire tribute was a moving testament to a legend, including breakout performances by Brandy and Chaka Khan and a heart-breaking performance by the one and only Cissy Houston. Even thugs got emotional.

While the performances were moving, I was still overcome by one thought. There was and will only be one Whitney Houston. The make-up of who she was exhibited true, extraordinary talent. There are many women that sing well and there will be many more to come. But Whitney was a one-time flash of lightning in a bottle.  Like all legends, the events that led to Whitney Houston’s fame banked on a huge amount of extraordinary talent and a smattering of good timing.

When it came to singing, Whitney Houston was a genius, a savant of almost inhuman proportions. And, like all geniuses, she faced a harrowing uphill battle of self-doubt and madness throughout her career largely induced by the demands of fame. When pondering on fame, I always reflect on the words of the legendary Michael Landon. He once said of fame that it could turn anyone into a monster: when everyone in the world caters to your every whim, you can’t help but turn into something you don’t recognize. And though our society celebrates the extraordinary talented, we are also quick to hold the famous to unrealistic standards while being unceremoniously invasive. I wonder if anyone can adequately handle the pressure behind the illusion of perfection. It seems exhausting.

Though I would never associate my talents with someone as extraordinary as Whitney, sometimes I find myself contemplating the line between genius and madness in my own career. I wonder what will pass for genius and extraordinary talent in the years to come. If I am ever fortunate to be counted in that pantheon of greatness, I can only hope that my self-doubt won’t screw it up and that I have the good sense to enjoy the ride.

As for Ms. Houston, all I can say is thank you for setting the bar so high. You were the definition of perfection in so many ways and you can never be replaced. I am glad I got to be a witness to God’s perfection, encapsulated in a magnificent voice. But more than anything, I wish Ms. Houston a peaceful and deserved rest among angels.

Hey there world,

Sorry it’s been a minute since my last blog. In my defense, the band has been super busy preparing for our EP and music video release. Thanks to everyone that made it a true success.  Also a heartfelt thanks to everyone visiting our website, it means a lot to the band.

In the last weeks, the band has had some wonderful interviews with great radio stations across the country. Although we generally have been asked the same type of questions, a few interviews have asked us what is was like to work with Steven Miller, the wonderful producer of our record. So I felt that it was time to discuss my own experience with Steven.

Listening back to the EP, I have been imbued with a calming satisfaction for one very particular reason. Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of working with several producers. And while many of them have illustrious backgrounds, every single one of them made it their job to correct my voice. I have a naturally fast vibrato in my voice. All of my life producers have told me to use less vibrato, to sing this way, not that way. Many producers have had me sing in a way I could never re-create in a live setting. I always thought that it was unfair to release a product that sounded like a well-crafted lie. I would listen to some of these recordings knowing full well that I didn’t naturally sound like what I was hearing. I would become very disappointed because I knew I could never sound like that on a live stage. On some recordings that I’ve done, there were so many effects and auto-tuning on my voice that it began to sound like something I didn’t recognize.

Working with Steven was a refreshing change because he celebrated my actual voice. He is one of the best engineers in the business so I have no doubt that he used some effects on my voice. That’s what technology is for and he utilizes it well. But, what makes Steven such a great producer is that he didn’t just create the sound of my voice based on his singular vision. His vision was my vision.  As my producer, he made it his mission to present the best possible version of myself. He never corrected the quality of my voice but went out of his way to celebrate it.  He listened to what I wanted. When I hear the EP, it’s so refreshing to hear my actual voice. It doesn’t sound like someone else. It sounds like my true authentic self, which was liberating. It reaffirmed my faith in my ability as a singer. It’s been a long time since I have heard any recording of my voice and recognized it as myself. I thank Steven Miller for presenting the best possible version of the real me to the world. That particular quality is what separates good producers from great ones.