Conversation with Brian McKnight

Embracing an effortless eloquence and cocoa butter smooth persona, the music of Brian McKnight has defined the true meaning of American soul man since 1991. Like his spiritual Motown godfathers, this upstate New York native has a velvety voice and silky style that captures the vibe of vintage soul without being old fashion. On his latest disc Ten, that blend can be clearly heard.
Without a doubt, the landscape of soul music has gotten younger, but that fact did not hinder McKnight’s creative process. “It would be a mistake for me to try and compete with Chris Brown or Ne-Yo,” Brian laughs. “I’m not going to be dancing on BET, but at the same time I believe my material will appeal to everyone from teenagers to older folks.”
After 16 million albums sold since his self-titled debut, it would have been too easy for McKnight to simply follow the R&B template of rote romanticism. But on Ten, the artist in him felt the need to be more revealing. “As a songwriter my biggest challenge has always been finding new ways to say old things,” Brian says. “For me, it was all about being honest and exploring who I am right now. Like everyone else, I am a much different man than I was ten years ago.”
In this conversation Brian talks about his tenth album, the first on a new label, his approach to songwriting and talks about bringing real R&B music back.
This interview was mentioned on Vibe.com







That was a short one.
—MwabiGreat job as always. Looking forward to hearing the duet with Jill.
great interview miss V! looking forward to the duet with jill – another one of my faves =] been a fan since the jump – remember “never felt this way” – mmm mmmm mmmmmm! m-e-m-o-r-i-e-s
—SilviaGreat interview as always Honey! Can’t wait to hear the song he did with Jill!
—Soul Sistahgreat job on the interview Honey!
—ceeceenice to know these big name pple are knocking on your door wanting to do an interview with you hehe!
Thanks for that info on the talented “B”! It’s good to know that there still are real artist out there making real music. Thanks for bringing us that. Now when’s the interview with Ms. Anita Baker and New Edition! :-)
—Lost SohlWoooo! You’ve done it again!!Well ya got my MAN Brian on the mic! LOL Terrific. Wonderful interview.
—Ursula[...] var sc_project=1932828; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_partition=17; var sc_security=”fd5bbbb6″; « Conversation with Brian McKnight [...]
—Honey Soul » Happy Thanksgiving from Brian McKnightLooking forward to the new album. :) Especially the duet with Jill.
—kn0519[...] Brian McKnight interview [...]
—Honey Soul » Preview Brian McKnight’s new album “Ten”IT GOOD TO KNOW HOW BRIAN TRULY FEELS IN HEART THROUGH HIS MUSIC. I WISH THAT THERE WILL BE MORE ARTIST STOP POLLUTING THE AIR WAVES AND PUT TRUE LOVE BACK IN THE AIR WAVES THAT IS GONNA GET OUR YOUTH TO TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT LOVE IS REALLY ABOUT AND NOT JUST HAVING SEX!
—DEMETRIAThat “Used To Be My Girl” has definitely grown on me… I liked it at first, but now I’m really diggin’ it!!
—R7SoulkiddB, U are awesome brotha. Keep the faith, I love everyone of the last tracks that you dedicate to GOD. Again, One love son, ha ha (that’s the Jersey in me). Keep pushing, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14…………..Stay real.
—Shawn WardIt is very refreshing to continuely hear Brian voice his views without sounding so programmed and scripted. Although, I cannot imagine walking in his shoes….Brian has managed to stay balanced and original and thats why even if he hummed through and entire album MANY would still buy it because, as mentioned we are true B fans!! I have met him twice and both times they were very pleasant experiences. In closing, anyone that can give of themself the way Brian does so effortless and with so much humility..in my book is worth supporting. Thanks for sharing the interview with us. -Michelle Powell, Dallas, TX
—Michelle Powell[...] Brian McKnight interview on HoneySoul [...]
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