|
JUSLISEN
TO MUSIQ
by Rob Sauthoff
Musiq (formerly
Musiq Soulchild) returns with his sophomore release, Juslisen (meaning just
listen), and this collection of songs is more than worth listening to. Coming
off a year filled with some great highs, Musiq has wasted no time in banging
out another hit album. Staying consistent in style yet at the same time expanding
creatively is a hard task that Musiq makes seem effortless and that's why
we like him.
Musiq's hails
from Philly, home of other music greats such as Jaguar and Bilal. His musical
tastes range from 70's soul, Jazz, Hip Hop and even Latin and Rock. And without
a doubt that variety in taste has influenced the music that he makes. Musiq
knew he wanted to do music since 1996. His love for music led him to make
some demos and not long after he linked up with manager Michael McArthur.
After years of making music independently he found some luck with Def Soul
Records. Working closely with label head Kevin Liles, they put their creativity
to the test in 2001 with the debut album, Aijuswannaseing (pronounced I just
wanna sing).
Aijuswannaseing
has earned MUSIQ hit songs "Just Friends" and "Love" as
well as love from many fans and his peers. His personal lyrics and original
style all come from his own experiences and feelings. And he has been able
to continue to do this on his new album "Juslisen". His new hit
single "Half Crazy" speaks about lost love and the pain he is going
through because of it. And the accompanied video has Musiq stretching with
his acting skills giving you a view of a relationship gone wrong.
Musiq has had
the creative freedom to write about 75% of his album and has had the opportunity
to collaborate with producers and writers such as Eric Roberson, 88 Keys and
James Poyser, among others. His album also has a guest appearance by a new
group called Aaries .Musiq describes his style as "home grown and original".
Many classify as him as a soul artist but to him he is just making good soul
music.
Some of Musiq's
favorite artists are D'angelo and Lauryn Hill because of their originality
and depth. Their music helped Musiq feel more confident in his own music and
it helped him keep pushing on to get to where he is today. Some of his other
favorite artists are Glen Lewis, Jill Scott, Bilal, Jaguar, Jay Z, Alicia
Keys and Usher. When Musiq is not working or listening to music by his favorite
artists he likes to hang out at home in Philly and sleep. He enjoys movies
(His favorites are "The Wiz" and 'The Wash"). He also enjoys
dining out at restaurants like the Olive Garden but really enjoys going to
diners.
Recently Musiq's
name has been popping a lot lately. For one, he's been talked about in the
same sentence as India.Arie more than once as of not too long ago. The two
have been rumored to be dating but Musiq confirms that they are just good
friends.They met during a session at Electric Lady recording studios in New
York and had bumped into each other and kept in touch ever since. And secondly,
his name itself has been the topic of many conversations and gossip. He went
from being called Musiq Soulchild to now, Musiq. The reason, as music puts
it, is because "Soulchild is a lot to live up to". Musiq feels he
has more work to do before he can be deemed a Soulchild.
Currently touring
and promoting his new CD, "Juslisen" Musiq has a lot to look forward
to. His growth as an artist has just begun. So we are sure to witness even
more great soul and great Musiq to come from him.
|
