The warm scent of incense unfurling throughout the air, dim smoky lights and melodious croons of singer Kem, set the tone for an intimate evening at New York Cityís Tillman lounge where Universal Motown celebrated the release of Kemís, Intimacy: Album III.
Kem was lovingly greeted after a five year hiatus by some of the industryís most notable tastemakers and artists including lifestyle maven and media personality, Bevy Smith and Universal Motownís newest signee Jason Damato.
Kem revealed that during his absence from the spotlight he went through several life experiences including the birth of his third child, Layla which inspired some of his albumís emotional depth.
ìFatherhood is one of the highest levels of intimacy and having a daughter is life changing. It made me think about my legacy, my mortality, how my work affects my relationship with my children and how I treat women,î he says.
Kemís new songs explore his treatment of women as they reflect upon his relationship with Laylaís mother, following a few romantic challenges that he wishes to keep private.
ìBeing in a relationship is challenging of its own and my relationship with her [Laylaís] mom is something talked about throughout the record. Itís about showing up and being present and sharing commitment, loyalty and truth. I think this record is me at my most vulnerable.î
It is precisely such openness that Kem displayed that evening in his demeanor and through the snippets of his album that had everyone praising his return and signature quiet storm sound, including the eveningís hostess, Universal Records executive vice president, Sylvia Rhone.
ìHe is bringing back soul, authenticity and realness. He is one of those voices missing from the marketplace and we can tell by the outpouring of sales and support that people love him.î
Indeed with the head bopping, toe tapping and swaying shoulders love was heavily present for Kemís unique brand of musical intimacy.
The pungent scent of incense unfurling throughout the air, dim smoky lights and the melodious crooning of singer Kem, set the tone for an intimate evening at New York City’s Tillman lounge where Universal Motown celebrated the release of Kem’s, Intimacy: Album III.
Concluding his five-year hiatus, Kem was well received by some of the industry’s most notable tastemakers and artists including lifestyle maven and media personality, Bevy Smith and Universal Motownís newest signee Jason Damato.
Kem revealed that during his absence from the spotlight he went through several life experiences including the birth of his third child, Layla which inspired some of his album’s emotional depth.
“Fatherhood is one of the highest levels of intimacy and having a daughter is life changing. It made me think about my legacy, my mortality, how my work affects my relationship with my children and how I treat women,” he said.
Kem’s new songs explore his treatment of women as he reflects on his relationship with Layla’s mother, following a few romantic challenges that he wishes to keep private.
“Being in a relationship is challenging on its own and my relationship with her [Layla’s] mom is something talked about throughout the record. It’s about showing up and being present and sharing commitment, loyalty and truth. I think this record is me at my most vulnerable,” he explained.
It is precisely that type of openness that Kem displayed in his demeanor and through the snippets of his album, that had everyone at the album party that evening celebrating his return and with it, his signature quiet storm sound.
“He is bringing back soul, authenticity and realness. He is one of those voices missing from the marketplace and we can tell by the outpouring of sales and support that people love him,” said the evening’s hostess, Universal Records executive vice president, Sylvia Rhone of the love evidenced for Kem’s unique brand of musical intimacy. –souleo
The pungent scent of incense unfurling throughout the air, dim smoky lights and the melodious crooning of singer Kem, set the tone for an intimate evening at New York City’s Tillman lounge where Universal Motown celebrated the release of Kem’s, Intimacy: Album III. Concluding his five-year hiatus, Kem was well received by some of the industry’s most notable tastemakers and artists including lifestyle maven and media personality, Bevy Smith and Universal Motownís newest signee Jason Damato.
Kem revealed that during his absence from the spotlight he went through several life experiences including the birth of his third child, Layla which inspired some of his album’s emotional depth.
“Fatherhood is one of the highest levels of intimacy and having a daughter is life changing. It made me think about my legacy, my mortality, how my work affects my relationship with my children and how I treat women,” he said.
Kem’s new songs explore his treatment of women as he reflects on his relationship with Layla’s mother, following a few romantic challenges that he wishes to keep private.
“Being in a relationship is challenging on its own and my relationship with her [Layla’s] mom is something talked about throughout the record. It’s about showing up and being present and sharing commitment, loyalty and truth. I think this record is me at my most vulnerable,” he explained.
It is precisely that type of openness that Kem displayed in his demeanor and through the snippets of his album, that had everyone at the album party that evening celebrating his return and with it, his signature quiet storm sound.
“He is bringing back soul, authenticity and realness. He is one of those voices missing from the marketplace and we can tell by the outpouring of sales and support that people love him,” said the evening’s hostess, Universal Records executive vice president, Sylvia Rhone of the love evidenced for Kem’s unique brand of musical intimacy. –souleo
