If you’re looking for an artist to add to your playlist, consider Heston; he’s music’s best kept secret. Having recently released his new single, “Love Junkie” off his forthcoming album of the same name, the soul singer believes it’s his hottest to date.
The soulful and smooth sounding Love Junkie album aims to impress R&B, soul, jazz and reggae lovers and receive airplay from terrestrial, internet and satellite radio stations worldwide.
Several weeks ago, Heston also won an award for “Outstanding Album” at the EOTM Awards in Los Angeles for his Warm Human, Cold World CD. Setting a new trend, Heston launched a Listening Party Tour across America and abroad and is having great success.
Here, he talks more about his addiction to the chief virtue — love.
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
The majority of my inspiration finds me. Sometimes I seek it through travel, through others and their lives, but mostly through my life. I write my life.
What led you to art in general and to your art form in particular?
Art found me. Ever since I was a child, I have been drawn to it like nothing else.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
I think as an artist, apart from cultivating your talent, learning the industry, learning management, learning branding, learning marketing, even if you are not the one implementing it, is helpful in knowing where you are being led and to have a voice in the process, to honor your vision.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
My craft is my honesty in my music; as long as I continue to be honest, grow and build, I will be able to maintain my edge.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art and/or artists? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
Misconceptions about artist are vast, lack of intelligence, aloofness, promiscuity and the list goes on. Dispel it by being the opposite.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I make out my goals by making short and long-term goals, executing them and going back to the drawing board, evaluating them and making amends to shoot for better. I measure my success by knowing that those goals set are goals achieved.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see oruse as examples for you to emulate?
My peers in my field are friends/artist/musicians that have traveled the same road, made mistakes, made good choices and continue to press on and achieve, for example, I love the brand that Kem has established. I always thought that his launch was deliberate and strategic, always have and continue to enjoy his growth.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it.
As an artist, Beres Hammond is a role model of hard work, constant quality, delivery, performance, songwriting and musicality, an amazing artist. As a Mother, my mother, strong, sensitive, a communicator, ambitious, knows how to balance, loving, and an all- around awesome human!!!
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life, yourself or both.
The Five Love Languages, Sade’s live performances and her album, Off the Wall by Michael Jackson.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Continued learning is important because when you stop learning you stunt your growth. If you are arrogant to believe, you know all you need to know then you stop growing; learning is growing. I am all for growing.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
The heights by great men reached and kept. Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
What role does art play in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
Art plays a role in every community, but in my opinion not enough. It sometimes feels optional; I need it and would want it to play much more of a vital role in the community, understanding that it broadens ones horizons, elevates the mind, and sharpens ones senses. It should be much more valued and respected, but the opposite is more time true.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Technology plays a huge role in my day-to- day; that is where everything we do as artists and musicians go from our fingers and minds to the world, through social networking sites, music players, the computer, pro tools, etc.
Please define your personal brand.
My personal brand…a Love junkie-an island man-a world soul singer – a gentleman.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
Favorite vacation destination is home, Dominican. It is special, memories, home, relaxation, family, and rediscovery.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would change the evil in the world; I would eradicate!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would change my worrying. I worry more than I should. I need to learn to lay back sometimes.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Iconic … Different and unique is iconic. In my opinion, Michael Jackson is iconic.
