It would be all too easy to focus on today’s teenybopper singers, and in the process casually cast aside seasoned artists who paved the way for the current crop of performers. That’s the name of the game right? Out with the old, in with the new.
But to do that, one would forfeit an opportunity to grow up with an artist, and to follow his or her progression through the highs and lows. One would also have to pass up an opportunity to experience how the artist’s music provides a poignant sound track to life. This narrative aptly applies to the life and times of Faith Evans, former first lady of Bad Boy, and currently — the soul survivor.
Evans survives and thrives on today’s musical landscape thanks to an angelic voice that evokes memories of past greats, and a quiet resolve to speak life, peace and positivity through her lyrics.
As she presents her sixth studio album to the masses, Evans shares a personal side with ro — a side that allows our readers to learn about the true voice behind the melody.
First things first … tell us about the new album.
My new album is titled Something About Faith, and it was recently released. This album is very special to me because it’s my first album as an independent artist. It’s exciting because this is the new adventure of the same old Faith … the only thing that’s different is I’m in control.
What’s different between this version of Faith, and the Faith who enthralled the music industry at age 20?
Well obviously, experience has been a great teacher for me, but I think that I have a great business mind now … That combined with the fact I’m blessed to still be here and to have people that want to hear a Faith Evans album after all of these years — it’s a major part of what’s different about me.
How much does this opportunity mean to you, since it has been so long since you released an album?
I can only say that it is by the grace of God that I am here and still able to record music. I like to say that I am a mother first, and that I moonlight as an artist. But it’s no secret that I truly love making music, and I think that the fact that my love for what I do pours into my music, it obviously transfers over and resonates with those fans of mine that understand the trials and tribulations of me making music while still being a mother. I think it all adds to the fact that people still care.
Describe your bond with your fans.
You don’t get to meet every single fan, but those that do get an opportunity to meet me, get a lot more than just a good song or a good performance. If they get a chance to meet me, they get to feel my spirit, and how much my music and how much my relationship with them, means to me.
As opposed to me saying ‘I keep it real’ I just try to be the same me all the time. Those things that make up my personality and character, I work hard not to let any negative energy or negative spirits change that. I know that my bigger purpose in life is to be constant with that … that’s a huge part of who I am. My goal is to always be tactfully honest without offending people, or without throwing people under the bus. You can’t please everybody, but if you’re always coming from the right place then you can’t go wrong … that’s something that I always try to do.
Did you have any fears when you made the decision to pursue a career in music?
I was always prepared for this, and my personality would never let me take myself too seriously. In this business, you can never think that you’re better than the next person just because you can sing.
So the sensationalism of the music industry never bothered you?
I think I’ve always realized the sensationalism that comes along with this business, which is why it’s kind of ironic that I ended up being a recording artist. I always knew that I could sing, but I never quite knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue because of that. The types of things that are sensationalized are probably the things that scared me about this industry. But going back to the foundation of who I am as a person, I feel like I was prepared for it.
