BLACKSHIRE INTERVIEW ON "ITS A LIFESTYLE"
BLACKSHIRE LIVE ON WRFG 89.3FM
Influences
Guy; Earth,Wind,and Fire; Michael Jackson, Jodeci, Blackstreet, Prince,BabyFace, R. Kelly, Gospel artists such as: The Christianaires, The Canton Spirituals, Doc Mckenzie and the Highlights, The Texas Boys, The Williams Brothers,John P. Kee, The Winans, and Commisioned
Once the cryptic counsel of a doting grandmother, this simple philosophy is now the creative mantra of a southern duo with a rich gospel heritage and a platinum-worthy future. DuJuan and Johnnie Blackshire, the biological brothers who make up the musical twosome which bears their last name, make sincere music…and they have a peculiar method of doing so: “We let the music make itself.” You see, these two Pine Bluff, Arkansas natives were raised by music itself. So much so that music is not just a hobby or a pursuit. It is a family member…a living, breathing part of who they are. So, within Blackshire’s creative process, the music determines what it wants to be, from concept to completion. And this fact is, perhaps, the best explanation for why Blackshire’s debut album, "Real World", might be best described as human.
No matter what you may have heard, Pine Bluff, Arkansas is not a metropolitan epicenter. To those who recognize the name, mention of the city may conjure images of timber, murals or bass fishing. But below the radar of the masses, Pine Bluff has quietly fostered a surprisingly powerful gospel music tradition, the trappings of which have gradually become a focal point for the private life of its citizens. Blackshire’s family has always maintained a significant presence in Pine Bluff’s gospel scene, becoming a highlight of the bi-weekly concerts for four generations. “That’s where it started for us. We were always there.” chuckles Johnnie. “From our grandparents on down, the whole family was there and we were all performing.” These performances not only honed the brothers’ vocal skills, but they also helped the multi-talented pair to find the answer to a silent question: Which of their gifts lined up with their calling? Johnnie recalls the revelation: “Juan and I both draw, in addition to singing. We enjoy it, but it never seemed to evoke the reaction that we wanted. It’s as if we couldn’t turn the drawings up loud enough. But it’s different when we sing. When you can make people laugh, or cry, or shout, or just feel something…There’s just nothing like it! That’s how we knew that this was the way to go!”
Well, if impact was what they were seeking, they found it…And he found them. By way of the channels that only good music can find, Blackshire’s sound reached the ears of international music legend, Prince. And quicker than you can say “The Artist Formerly Known as…”, they found themselves in Minneapolis auditioning for His Purple Highness. Juan’s memories of their first encounter are still vivid: “There were no tours or formal introductions. They just brought us into a room with him and put microphones in front of us. He heard us that day, and we began touring with him the next week.” Touring with a superstar of Prince’s enormity is musical boot camp at its best, and DuJuan and Johnnie took full advantage of the opportunity to further refine the gifts that they had been developing since childhood. And as their experiences honed their performance skills, they also cultivated within the brothers a sense of urgency concerning their own musical pursuits. Eventually, that urgency led to a move to Blackshire’s current home, Atlanta, Georgia, where they have been able to dedicate themselves exclusively to raising their newborn debut album, Roommates.
It isn’t hard to see how "Real World" has managed to take on a life and a humanity of its own. As the sole writers, producers and vocalists on the project, Johnnie and DuJuan have put all of themselves into the album that will introduce them to the world. Although their southern gospel roots shape much of the sound, the multi-dimensional lyrics round out the full story of who these two men are. For instance, the radical, confrontational posturing of “The Rain” stands in stark contrast against “Where It Is” which teases and entices with not-so-subtle flirtation. And the choice for "Real World"’s lead single will not be an easy one, considering the melodic frontrunners: The streetwise ”They Be Talking” which reveals a playa’s understanding of women’s unspoken language; The addictive groove “Something’s Got to Give” which fearlessly asks the hard questions in a relationship; and “Mmm” the conscious anthem expressing revolutionary sentiments too strong and varied for words. Blackshire’s talents have created for them a challenging selection, indeed. But in the business of music, having too many hits, as opposed to too few, is a problem every artist wants to have!
From a family tradition, to small-town stages…From arenas around the globe, to the entertainment mecca of the south, Blackshire’s journey has raised them into musical manhood. And now they have poured that confidence along with their history and their souls liberally into their own contribution. The words and sounds on "Real World" will strike a chord with music lovers from all walks of life. But the feelings, emotions, and memories evoked by "Real World" will resonate with humans everywhere.
You can also get more info on BLACKSHIRE @ YOUTUBE.COM/BLACKSHIREMUSIC and reverbnation.com/blackshiremusic
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THANKS GUYS I HADN'T RECEIVED ANY MESSAGES FROM YOU UNTIL NOW. HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK KEEP CLIMBING THE LADDER. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE LOOK BACK AT WHERE YOU WERE AND WHERE YOU ARE NOW. I AM INDEED A ROOT TO YOUR TREE REMINDING YOU THAT THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
Hello "BlackShire!" Just Stopping by 2 show some Luv' and say Thanks for accepting me into your group, checking out my music and adding me as a friend. Much Luv' and Continued Success !!!
Also, "Let's Make Love Tonight!" has become my 1st HIT Single. THANKS So MUCH 4 ur Support! Best wishes! Phreddie G!
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