Modern-retro-pop-R&B is how soul singer Taye Johnson defines his style. Hailing from Oxford, North Carolina, Johnson has big dreams that include finding his place on platforms with chart-topping artists Bruno Mars, John Legend, Aloe Blacc and Leon Bridges. His dream has been hinging on the edges of reality. He impressed Ankha Ra, of MTV’s “Making The Band” reality show vocal coach, with his a cappella version of Legend’s “So High.”
“I was a wreck,” Taye remembers as he watched the other singers go up with their prepared music to sing and be critiqued, when finally he was up, he had no music, just took a deep breath, stood up and sang.
The whole room fell silent. Then, Ankh Ra’s voice broke through: “Excellent!”
Since, he’s signed a recording contract with Yebo Music Group and completing his soon to be released, first fully-realized untitled project, produced by Alex Suarez, formerly of Cobra Starship.
“Play with My Heart” is the lead track on Taye’s debut. It’s an up-tempo, fun, Motown-era, timeless, classic pop song, with a modern groove featured in the Kelly Reichardt film, Certain Women, starring Laura Dern, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart. The project also includes gems like “Famous,” an upbeat reggae-flavored jam and “What You Do To Me,” a fast-paced, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, get you on your feet record.
Read on.
When did you know being a musician was your calling?
I knew at an early age, I want to say around 6. Once I realized the amount of attention I got from singing, I knew then I wanted to be a star.
Name three other occupations you’ve held.
I’ve worked in fast food. I was once a warehouse worker and an after-school teacher.
What inspires you to perform?
That’s easy, life. Life inspires me to sing and perform.
How would you describe your brand of music?
I like to describe my brand of music as soul pop. The soul is the feeling and the pop is the sound. You’re going to get the best of both worlds with my music. A feel of old school with a new school flare. It’s a little something for everyone.
Name three musicians who have influenced your approach to being a musician.
Definitely Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Prince.
Describe your creative process from concept to complete song.
I don’t have a particular creative process when completing a song. In fact, it’s always different because it usually depends on my mood or whatever space I’m in mentally at the time. Some days I’m happy and some days I’m not inspired at all. It just depends where my head is, but, I will say I only write in the studio.
If you were going to sing for any famous person as a celebration of what they’ve done for humanity, who would it be?
Probably Oprah. I mean, who wouldn’t want to sing for Oprah? She may want to adopt me after and make me her beneficiary. Bono of U2 has done some great things as well too.
Name three musicians you would like to record with who are hit makers.
Salaam Remi, Timbaland and Harmony Samuels.
If you could make a duet with someone who would it be and why?
J Cole! I’m a fan of his work and aside from that, he’s from North Carolina just like me. I think we could definitely do something dope for the home team.
Finish the sentences …
When I hit the stage I feel…Vulnerable, Fearless and Free.
I appreciate my fans because…Their support for me is endless.
When you find my music I want you to… Let it take you on a musical journey. I’m confident it’ll make you feel good, make you sing or hum a couple of words and sooner or later one or two of my songs will be stuck in your head.
[jwplatform FC76DH0x]
