Real talent recognizes real talent. So when artists like Tank, Trey Songz, Donnell Jones, and legends Gerald Levert and Patti Labelle trusts his musical expertise, we know his talent is authentic. When I say “his” I’m talking about the incomparable talent of New York native Emanny. The RnB crooner recently released his awaited EP Mrs.4:00AM and blew us away vocally. His talent reads a new aged Joe meets Jon B.
Music has been in the singer’s life since his early teens and now years later, he is imprinting his rightful spot in the world of RnB. RnB magazine had the opportunity to chat with the singer about his journey, his ideal girl and perfect date night, working with legends, and a lot more.
At what moment at 14 years old did you realize that music was something you wanted to pursue?
I believe it was more around 13 years old when I entered a high school named Choir Academy of Harlem which was known for their world renowned ‘Boys Choir of Harlem’ Organization. Before then, I was very into the arts and could sing but going to this school and being a part of B.C.H. really helped me grow into being a true artist.
Would you say your hometown New York aided in your pursuit of music?
I‘d like to think that my pursuit of music would have happened no matter where I came from just because it’s truly my passion but I will say New York has influenced the type of artist I am for sure. From the way I speak, words I use and even down to my topics. I rep New York very strong though. I’m proud to say it’s where I’m from and got my start.
As a child, who were some artists that inspired you to sing?
Michael Jackson is number one on that list. I studied him so much coming up and still do til this day. I’ll catch myself up at 5 in the morning (because I’m an Insomniac) watching old clips of his performances and interviews just studying and still amazed at how great he was. Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Babyface also played a huge part on my first impressions of music. I owe all those guys so much.
Take me back to your first on stage performance. Where was it? Who did you perform with? Etc…
My very first performance was so long ago as a child that details are so foggy but my first performance as a professional was around the age of 15. I was a part of a group called DyNaste and we debut during one of the Boys Choir of Harlem’s summer shows in Saratoga Springs, NY. It was in front of a sold out crowd and I was nervous as hell. We started our set actually positioned in the audience and I was the first voice to be heard. I just remember shaking and saying to myself “Don’t f*ck up”. Great memory!
You’ve worked/performed with artists such as Tank, Jadakiss, Trey Songz, Joe Budden. The list goes on and on. Tell me, who out of all the amazing artists you’ve worked with, did you enjoy or have the most fun with?
I’ve learned so much from every artist I’ve encountered in this business but I have a continuous working relationship with Joe Budden and can say that’s been the most enjoyed. It’s very hard to meet people in this business you can feel creatively are a match and work well with each other. We’ve built a great bond musically.
Let’s talk about your EP “Ms. 4:00AM.” What’s the inspiration behind the title and what’s your favorite track on the EP?
Well, my last three projects all fed off of each other and people seemed to like that so I decided to kind of keeping it going and I feel “Ms. 4:00AM” musically is the next chapter to it all. The title actually plays off an interlude on my first project (Songs About HER.) called “4AM”. I just wanted to showcase a mans lack on control of who he falls for when he opens his heart up to anything which is what the whole series is truly about. I can’t say I have a definite favorite. Some days, I just enjoy certain songs more than others.
Musically speaking, what can we look forward to from Emanny?
Much more Music for sure! I’ve had this thing about releasing projects, building up great steam and then disappearing. That’s something I plan on changing in 2016. I’d love to venture off into film as well. I love to entertain and don’t want to limit myself.
What are your touring plans for 2016 and what is your New Year’s Resolution (if any)?
I just came off tour with Joe Budden in Dec. 2015 which was very successful and we plan to head back out in Feb. 2016 but I do plan to do my own separate run possible with another R&B act. My one resolution would be to become a better father. I have two sons who I love dearly. My time and attention gets stripped away from them often mainly because of my pursuit in entertainment. It’s something I’m trying to figure out a better balance to.
What advice would you give an upcoming artist trying to pave his way in this competitive industry?
The best advice I could give is to find out exactly what type of artist you are or trying to become and master that. Also, find and bring in a great supporting cast as you grow in this business. You’re only as good as your team is and no one person can do this alone.
How would you describe your ideal girl?
I won’t say I have an ideal type when it comes to looks. My taste physically varies. My eyes kind of just like what they see once they see it. Mentally, she would have to provide a great sense of humor, be strong minded, goal driven, have her own sense of style and a great cook. I’m a very open minded person so I would need HER to be that as well.
What is the perfect date for Emanny?
I’m such a homebody that I might want to just say “Netflix and chill” lol but I won’t. I love bowling and usually that’s a first date for me. I just like to do something a little more fun, loosen up the mood and allow for great honest conversation to take place.
If you could put together an all-male group, what other artists (besides yourself) would you include?
Well if MJ was still alive, it’d be him, Prince & Stevie Wonder but since that’s not possible, my other choice would have to be Usher, Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown. I think those three in a group would be amazing studio and show wise.
If you could work with one artist and one producer who would it be?
I’d love to work with Prince as an artist. He’s the ultimate artist to me. Producer wise, I’d love to work with Quincy Jones. There’s so much knowledge there that I’d love to have the opportunity to explore and see where he would take me as an artist.
What are your thoughts on RnB music today?
I will forever love RnB music but I feel like in today’s climate, a great deal of why I fell in love with it is missing. I feel like RnB has evolved into some many other sub genres (that while I do enjoy) just doesn’t do much for the preservation of RnB’s original feel/sound. It’s hard to find new RnB artist who can even be considered commercial/mainstream acts without either rapping or being pushed to do Pop/EDM sounds just to be heard or relevant. I just hope we can balance at some point. Everything else is good but we need more true RnB artist/vocalist in the forefront.
What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
I’d want them to know I don’t take their support for granted. I’ve reached moments in my pursuit where their support as been the only reason I’ve continued and without it, I don’t know if I’d still be pursuing this professionally.
Anything else you’d like to say to your fans or add?
Well, first I’d like to Thank you and everyone at RnB Magazine for giving me and my team this outlet to be seen and heard. I truly appreciate that. I’d also like to thank all my supporters known to me and unknown. Making music is my passion but it being heard and enjoyed is a blessing so I’m very grateful for that. I can’t wait for the next chapters on this journey to be revealed and hope you all are there to witness it all.
By: Simone Grant
| www. atomicusfilms.com |
