Our host Neema Skye sits down with Kevin Ross!
Kevin Ross is a multi-faceted singer, songwriter and producer who had quickly gone from performing once every three months to opening for R&B/Soul legend Maxwell five times a week.
Ross, who began his career as a songwriter, got his big break when he secured his first placement with Jamie Foxx after graduating from college. In 2012, the Washington, D.C. native signed a major recording deal with Motown Records and released his first major project, Dialogue in the Grey (EP), two years later.
2014 proved to be a breakout year for Kevin Ross. Known for his soul-drenched, buttery, smooth vocals, he was named AOL’s “Best New Artist of 2014” and landed a national holiday campaign with Glade that brought joy to American households across the country. His journey to the stardom, however, wasn’t an easy one. “I would take odd jobs to make ends meet and keep the lights on. Odd job during the day...studio at night.” he explained. “I had a few placements under my belt but none of them could sustain me. I had to do what I had to do.” Ross maintained his star power via social media by showcasing his undeniable talent through a series of mash-up music videos. “My mash-up videos are something that helps stretch my musicality and creativity.” he says.
After a few delays, Ross released his long-awaited debut full length album The Awakening in March of 2017. The album’s first single, “Long Song Away” peaked at #1 on Billboard's Adult R&B Song chart and at Urban Contemporary Radio with the follow up single “Don’t Go” cracking the Top 15. The chart-topping success of The Awakening led to Ross receiving several award nominations: Best New Artist (Soul Train Awards), Outstanding New Artist (NAACP Image Awards), and New R&B Artist (iHeart Radio Awards) and headlining his first national tour. In September of that same year, he released his third studio project, Drive (EP).
Following the release of Drive (EP), Ross found himself in a transition that led to a brief hiatus from music. He’s been hard at work in the studio preparing new music for fans that have been patiently awaiting his return to enjoy. Luckily, they won’t have to wait for long. Audacity, Ross’ fourth studio project, is slated to be independently released in 2019 on his new label (Art Society Music Group/ EMPIRE). “Creating Audacity has been an exciting process for me. I really followed my instincts and let the music guide me the whole way.” he says. “This album has a lot more grit to it. It introduces new sides of me while still reinforcing the essence of my art.”
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Information
- Show
- Published28 January 2020 at 06:14 UTC
- Length39 min
- RatingClean