Connect with us

Interviews

Singer A-Natural is “Naturally Authentic”

Singer A-Natural hailing from New Jersey is determined to spread his message of love, strength, and creativity throughout the world.

Published

on

A-Natural
Singer A-Natural

Singer A-Natural, a singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from New Jersey, is determined to spread his message of love, strength, and creativity throughout the world.

Who is Singer A-Natural?

The word natural has various meanings. In the noun sense, it means a person with an innate gift or talent.

In the musical realm, it means denoting a natural note when a previous sign or the key signature would otherwise demand a sharp or a flat; essentially it is bringing a note back to its original key. If you dig deeper, natural is equivalent to authentic.

And in the world of art, nothing brings the audience greater pleasure than experiencing the power of  authenticity from the curator. Our featured artist, A-Natural, embodies that and more.

One of the first questions I ask artists is when did they fall in love with music?

For Singer A-Natural, music captivated his soul at an early age growing up in a household with a gospel/jazz artist mother and artist/producer father who often took him to studio sessions.

“I literally grew up in the studio or on the road with them for different shows. I think my earliest musical memory was sitting in a stroller on the side of a festival stage while my mom and her band played a show in New York City”, said A-Natural.

In the studio is where A-natural would become a recording pundit, learning the best ways to piece together a song from vocals and instruments to mixing and engineering. Later on, he strengthened his own voice by training in classical, jazz, and gospel fields throughout high school and college.

A-Natural Was First A Gospel Artist

A-Natural first dabbed into his gospel roots, writing his first song at five years old called “Jesus Loves the Clown in Me”. He recorded the song with his dad on an old tape recorder while his father played guitar and he sang the lyrics.

Realizing there was a future for him in music, A-natural would go on to release several gospel projects of his own, and even produced many more for other upcoming artists locally and abroad.

This work garnered the attention of various entities such as Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men, Teddy Riley of BlackStreet, record labels such as Epic, Atlantic, and Def Jam, and even major artists such as Mack Wilds, B. Slade (formerly known as Tonex), and many more including placements on TV and in film.

Searching for this foothold in his music, A-natural has covered many different areas of sound and life.

His transition to R&B

A-Natural transitioned into the R&B world releasing his first R&B project two years ago entitled The Chronicles of an Over-Ambitious Fat-Boy, and then last year released a follow-up EP entitled #COAOAFB2 which garnered two wins at this year’s Independent Music Awards for Best Urban EP and Best R&B Song for my single “Thirst”.

Hoping to bring even more into his creative fold, A-natural is currently at work on the third installment of the Chronicles series due later this year featuring some of the industry’s biggest producers; a life-long dream of A-natural’s finally come true.

Recently, A-natural’s heart has been consumed with reaching listeners and other creatives who may have felt that they were overlooked by an industry based in commercialism and copycats.

Considerably, A-Natural understands the importance of having work that truly defines the meaning of artistry.

“My mother always taught me that I am accountable for every word I write. Because I understand this concept and ultimately the call God has on my life, I know that my music is supposed to uplift, encourage, and provoke thought. I also know that I’m not your typical R&B artist, but that’s a good thing. I’m here to let those who are not typical become the norm. I’m here to let them know that they can still achieve their dreams even if they’re not what others are used to seeing.”, A-Natural said.

With inspirations from W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni, and even more modern names like Tyler Perry, Jay-Z, and Nick Cannon, it’s no wonder A-Natural’s music comments on the social climate of today.

“I make it a point to always address what’s going on in the world in a way that is not only impactful, but attractive. We all know there’s so much going on in the world these days, and just like the Marvin Gaye songs we all love from back in the day, I believe there’s always a time to speak up about issues that affect us whether it’s about police brutality (“Speak for Me”), individuality (“Blonde Hair”), marriage equality (“Strange Love”), or even celebrating activism (“Go-Getter”).”

A-natural’s biggest challenge

A-Natural says the biggest challenge he’s encountered during his musical journey is simply beating the odds despite the circumstances.

“I spent about 7 years living in a studio with no bed, no shower, and no kitchen. I slept on a couch, and pretty much had my entire life controlled while I worked tirelessly recording, producing, writing, and developing other artists. Some people think living in a recording studio would be a dream, but for me it wound up feeling like a prison. Once I left, it took me a while to love that part of my musical life again. But I did, and now I look back and I’m grateful for that experience. It made me a much better musician and also a stronger individual.”

In a world where there are plethora of people chasing the dream of music, the advice he gives for upcoming artists is to know who you are and embrace it.

“Whether in music, or in your regular life, it’s important to know who you are and embrace it. Only when you know who you are can you even entertain what anyone else thinks of you, and that point, it doesn’t really even matter. Love God, love yourself, and love your neighbor.”

When asked where does he see himself in the next five years, A-Natural said while doing music full-time is an aspiration, he wants to create platforms for upcoming artists to be able to achieve their goals, and share his knowledge and wealth with them. Most importantly, continue to send the message of love, strength, and creativity throughout the world.

Check out A-Natural’s music below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist:

Connect with A-Natural
Visit his website


----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube

Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.

Chenelle Covin is the Editor-in-Chief of the award winning online magazine, Unheard Voices.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Interviews

Meet Singer TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis is adamant to keep love in music.

Published

on

TruSoul Davis
TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming singer hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis discovered his affinity for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth.

TruSoul Davis discovers his voice

In his later years, he began to take music more seriously, honing in on his gifts and finding his voice. TruSoul Davis went on to release multiple singles leading up to his first major release “The Tru Experience” to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim.

After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as “The FreeThinkers Tour”, “Indie Acoustic Soul Live” & “Song Wars 5” to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by “Bringing real R&B back”, as he says.

Unheard Voices had a chance to ask TruSoul Davis some questions on his journey.

Get to know the soul singer below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist of the month.

Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
TruSoul Davis: At a very young age, probably about 5 years old. I can remember back when my mother used to bring home records from her job at the local record shop and let me just “dive” deep into her collection from artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, etc.

Unheard Voices: How would you describe your style of music?
TruSoul Davis: Simply a touch of 90’s RnB with today’s twist.

Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
TruSoul Davis: My name came from me and a friend of mine listening to music. I started to sing the song we were listening to with a lil bit more sauce then my friend was like ” man you sang that with some true soul ” so I just dropped the “e” and put it together.

Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Trusoul Davis: With my music, I sing songs to the hearts of women and the minds of men showing the up’s and downs of love and life, good and bad, and just trying to keep ” love” in music because we need it.

Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
TruSoul Davis: There are just too many to name. I can name a few to keep it brief; artists like Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, Michael Jackson just to name some ALL PLAY A GREAT PART IN MY MUSIC.

Unheard Voices: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered during your journey with music?
TruSoul Davis: The biggest challenge I have encountered is being my own worst critic, and just trusting the process.

Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself musically in five years?
TruSoul Davis: I can’t say but what I will say is “where ever hard work and consistency gets me”

Unheard Voices: What is next in the works for TruSoul Davis?
TruSoul Davis: Dropping a video to my latest single “Wildflower” ft my homie Big Trip. Shout out my shooter Logan Kyngston also some big shows coming this summer.

Unheard Voices: What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
TruSoul Davis: Outside of music I love spending time with loved ones, working out, and doing something proactive for those around me friends and strangers alike.

Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
TruSoul Davis: Some words of encouragement for those grinding just like me “keep ya head down stay focused stay sharp rock with the people that rock with you just like that and TRUST THE PROCESS stay consistent and results will come”.

Check out him on Reverbnation.


----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube

Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.

Continue Reading

Interviews

Missin Peace holds police accountable with national misconduct database

Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Published

on

Missin Peace national police misconduct database
Envato Elements

Missin Peace is on a mission to connect the dots when it comes to police misconduct.

For decades, many Americans have suffered various forms of brutality and injustice at the hands of “bad” law enforcement officers.

With the upsurge of cell phone cameras, citizens are finally able to document their interaction with police. The unfortunate murders of
Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others have galvanized the masses to demand justice.

Police officers are intended to be public servants, but what happens when the officer is accused of misconduct?

Sometimes, a civilian puts in a complaint in a step towards holding the officer accountable. But only a small percent of complaints result in the officer being disciplined —partly because the accusations are hidden.

Records of misconduct are filed away and rarely seen outside of their department.

Investigators can’t take action against corrupt officers if they are missing the pieces of the puzzle regarding stories of misconduct.

That’s where Missin Peace comes in.

How Missin Peace works

Missin Peace is a national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Missin Peace organization

 

Released in 2017, the registry offers two type of accounts.

One, it enables civilians to put the formal complaints they filed against the officer on record. Civilians are able to submit the official civilian complaint along with pictures, videos, and other accompanying documentation.

Two, the database also serves as a portal for investigative journalists, hiring managers, and civil rights attorneys to conduct research. For this type of account, users must contact Missin Peace to be granted access.

Currently, Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that allows citizens to follow and find any police officer’s history of complaints. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness on the database to be used as a tool for police accountability.

Check out Unheard Voices interview with Missin Peace founders:

For civilians who file their complaints on the database, personal information is stripped from the complaint, assuring complete anonymity.

The intent is to put on record police misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Traditionally, corrupt law enforcement officers have been allowed to transfer from one department to another and avoid the repercussions of their actions. To circumvent the recycling of corrupt cops, the American public and politicians finally understand the need for a centralized database of citizen complaints.

Missin Peace is here to fill in that void.

How to submit your complaint(s) in the database

If you have filed a complaint against a law enforcement officer, Missin Peace encourages you to put your complaint in the database to fill in the missing pieces. It doesn’t matter how old the complaint is, as long as it’s official.

To visit Missin Peace, check out their website and spread the word with your loved ones.


----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube

Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.

Continue Reading

Interviews

Rapper Chad Watson Is Poised To Become LA’s Next Rising Star

Chad Watson is a lyricist, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

Published

on

Rapper Chad Watson
Chad Watson

Chad Watson is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

Who is rapper Chad Watson?

His roots began in the church at a young age where his love for music manifested. But it was only a few years ago that he started taking music seriously and he’s never looked back since.

His deep appreciation of acts like Andre 3000, transcends into his own style. He is the quinessential artist that is poised to become one of the biggest acts in the country and he’s well on his way.

With his growing buzz, he has appeared on various media platforms and now Unheard Voices.

We had the chance to chat with Chad Watson, asking the music artist questions on his journey.

Check it out below and click here to listen to his music on YouTube.

Interview


----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube

Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.

Continue Reading

Facebook

Archives

Tags

Advertisement unheard voices shop
unheard voices on google play
unheard voices on itunes

Trending