SoMo Talks New Music, Upcoming Spring Tour & Much More (Exclusive Interview)

Every now and then, a singer comes along that has raw, natural talent, and ever since his “SoMo Sundays” cover sessions on YouTube , SoMo has taken over the game.

The Texas native has emerged as a trendsetter with his own unique style and sound, which has allowed him to connect with his fans nation wide.

I had the chance to speak with the R&B crooner about his success, influences, his new music, working with Trey Songz, and his upcoming Spring Tour, plus much more.

I started making music because I loved it, and I kept going because y’all believed in me.

— SoMo (@OfficialSoMo) March 5, 2016

So you started doing covers on YouTube, which then resulted in recording your own music. Tell me what got you into doing covers?

My dad was a musician, so I grew up around it. However, the covers started as a hobby, which blossomed into something amazing. From there on, I took the initiative of writing some original songs and people ended up liking that even more.

How would you define your sound?

Definitely R&B-Pop, I love singing R&B, but I think my voice is also capable of lending some powerful pop songs as well. I like to put myself in that range, and I also like to do the urban tracks. Who knows, maybe in the future I’ll be singing some Country …(Giggles)

What artists inspired you or have been your biggest influences to your career?

I really loved listening to Musiq Soulchild when I was younger, I think he helped me grow out my voice because I would always sing along to his music. Also a lot of the 90s artists really mold me into what I am today from Ginuwine to Boyz II Men.

Going based off that question, if you could stick with one genre, which would it be?

Oh, you’re definitely putting me in the lane (laughs) Definitely R&B, it’s taken a big comeback within the last few years, and I’m so hyped to be apart of it!

Since your break-through hit “Ride” what key lessons have you learned from then to where you are now in your career?

It would have to be maintaining who you are, and not letting others pursue you into being something you’re not. I’ve learned that from being myself, signing to a big record label and them allowing to me to be creative with my music. That’s definitely the biggest lesson.

Last year, you got to work with Trey Songz for “Hide & Freak,” how did that collaboration come about?

We did a show together in Phoenix, Arizona and he’s such a cool dude. So when I wrote “Hide & Freak,” I instantly thought of Trey and when I told him about the idea, he loved it. Within days, he send me his verse, and we made it happen.

You’re amazing at what you do, and when it comes to performing live as well. What would you say is the most memorable moment you’ve had with your fans?

Man, I have so many memorable moments! But if I could choose one, it would be during a show where a mom brought her daughter who was in a wheelchair and when I saw them, I jumped down from the stage and took a picture with them. The look on the mom’s face was just pure happiness, and for me, those moments are way bigger than music itself. It’s incredible that I get to do this for a living!

In all honest, my fans are amazing! They always come out and show so much support, and the most important thing about music I think is making fun, creative music that connects with them.

So you’re about to go on your Spring Tour for the next two months, tell me a little bit more about that?

Yea, in the Fall I tend to hit the bigger market cities, and in the Spring, I hit the smaller cities that might of not made out to the big cities. So it’s definitely a continuation of the Fall Tour, and I’m really excited for it. The venues are smaller, so it makes the best intimated performances for fans to enjoy.

Last but not least, what’s next for SoMo? Any new music in the making?

(Giggles) There’s definitely new music on the way! I’ve been working on my next album, and I’m going it’s going to be me putting forth my best effort with every single song. I’ve also been working in the studio with some great legends; Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, and some other co-writers. It’s been an incredible experience to be working with them, and I’m excited for it. So stay tuned!

To stay connect with SoMo on the latest with his music and upcoming tour, check out his website: www.officialsomo.com

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RnBass Reviews Gwen Stefani’s “This Is What The Truth Feels Like” Album

It’s been a long time coming from Gwen Stefani, the California native who started out as the lead singer of ska-rock band No Doubt in the late 90s. After being with the band for several years, the No Doubt alumni moved onto her solo career. With smash hits like “Hollaback Girl,” “Luxurious,” and “The Sweet Escape,” Gwen was set for success.

Yet, along with those hits, there has been one very big and public miss … a real blow to her personal life. After two decades on the charts, Stefani has finally opened up about her life in her most recent solo album titled This Is What The Truth Feels Like.

I’ve taken the opportunity to review this eye-opening and heartfelt project from beginning to end, all 12 tracks unveiled just for you. Take a look. – Lupe Looove

1. “Misery”
“Misery” throws the big F.U finger at Gavin Rossdale (the guy she was married to for 13 years) as she sings in the catchy track with lyrics like, “You’re in so much trouble.”

2. “You’re My Favorite”
With this track, Stefani details why we shouldn’t give up on finding true love.

3. “Where Would I Be?”
“Where Would I Be” has the idea of seducing a new love, with lines like “Fill up my Solo Cup when I’m feeling so lonely” particularly standing out.

4. “Make Me Like You”
Gwen Stefani drills down her love walls, as she serves up catchy hooks in “Make Me Like You” giving thanks to her new boo.

5. “Truth”
In this brutally honest and real talk song, Stefani admits that she’s grateful for the new relationship she’s in, and realizes that she’s worth true love, and a happily ever after.

6. “Used to Love You”
The eye-opening tune shows how much the 90s singer used to be in love with the ex and father of two, until her world came tumbling down.

7. “Send Me a Picture”
In “Send Me a Picture,” she figures out what this sexting situation is all about, as she sings, “Wanna see you right now with no filter. Take another snapshot in the mirror.”

8. “Red Flag”
With “Red Flag” Gwen raps and sings throughout the song. However, I’m not too sure how I feel about this track in particular. (mixed emotions)

9. “Asking 4 It” (Feat. Fetty Wap)
The standout track features hip-hop’s sensation Fetty Wap, as he backs her up with his “679” swag.

10. “Naughty”
“Naughty” gives us an early No Doubt sound mixed in with some good ol’ hip-hop/R&B tunes.

11. “Me Without You”
This hip-hop vibe track embraces Gwen’s new life without her ex/toxic partner.

12. “Rare”
“Rare” is another sweet confession as the singer really lets her guard down and lets love in one last time.

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Jonn Hart Opens Up In This Humbling Interview About Career, work ethic and struggles

RnBass had the pleasure of talking to artist Jonn Hart. Since the world was introduced to Hart with his hit single “Who Booty” in 2012, the Bay Area artist has emerged as a trendsetter with his own unique style and sound ready to continue taking over the game.

The singer and writer opened about his career, music struggles, growth as an artist and his anticipation to put out quality music for fans to enjoy. In addition to opening up in this interview, Jonn also gave us a new song to premiere today. See the Jonn Hart x Clayton William collaboration on “Next To Me” below!

 

When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?

 I grew up with my mom singing in the church choir. So I’ve been around music ever since I can remember. My step dad is a gospel musician and has his own studio. I started just experimenting. My step dad would play the piano and my brother and I would add drums to make a beat, that’s how I began to record my own music. The feeling of writing my own songs and displaying my artistry was a crazy feeling. The first time I went in the booth to record, I told myself this is it and I’ve been pursuing music ever since.

Now that you’re a singer and songwriter, where do you get your inspirations for your songs?

I’m a really “viby” person. My inspiration for songs come in many different ways. Sometimes I’ll be in the car and a melody comes to me and I’ll build a song off of that. Sometimes I’ll hear a beat and a concept will come to my head. In my records, I don’t really talk about anything I haven’t experienced or done. Even the stories that I tell, I’ve been around that or witness them. I love creating.

You used to be in a boy band “The Outfit,” what made you leave the group and start your solo career?

It’s something that just kind of happened. We had a good time performing, building and growing our network but there came a time where our four personalities and differences weren’t functioning as a group anymore. Everybody decided to go their separate ways, so that’s when I went solo and dropped my first solo song “Who Booty” and it worked.

How was the change from being in a group to doing your solo hustle?

 It was hard, very hard! I came from doing everything in a group environment. I wrote songs with the group. I performed with the group. My hustle and grind was with the group. So when I went solo, it was a big difference. I had to adjust as an artist, and get comfortable by myself. But I eventually loved the feeling and its freedom. 

Back in 2012, you had one of the most played songs in the nation with “Who Booty” from peaking at #1 on the Rhythm Radio Music Charts, to debuting on the Billboards Top 40 pop charts, how was that experience for you?

 It was life-changing and I am definitely blessed that it happened. It introduced me to the music industry and opened up many doors for me. I got to tour the U.S. and other parts of the world with the single and although, I haven’t had anything as big as “Who Booty,” I learned a lot. It opened my eyes to the industry and I’m still blessed to be doing shows and music today. 

What would you say were some of the things that went on behind the scenes that some of the consumers often don’t know about?

Reality. I think when people see that you have a big hit, they automatically look at you a certain way. But If you don’t continue to work and if you don’t have the right business decisions and music behind you to keep you going, then it’s going to be tough. 

You also worked closely with L.A. Reid, how was it working with him?

It was dope! I got to meet L.A. Reid a couple of times.  I got to perform several songs for him, A&R’s and executives at Epic. Those experiences of being able to interact with people like L.A Reid are humbling. 

Between the hype of having such a big hit to going independent, what would you say has been some of your struggles?

I think the main thing is that I’ve had to learn patience. Major labels could be great but being independent could be great as well. When I was on a major, we had the second single picked to follow up “Who Booty,” and I knew it was the wrong choice but it was nothing I could do to switch it. Shortly after that, the A&R’s that had signed me left the company and everything just got cold. So from that experience and picking up the pieces myself, I learned to not give up.

It’s clear to say that you’ve been doing this for a while, but is there still an artist in particular whom you want to work with, if so who would it be?

Yea, I would love to work with Drake and Chris Brown. Those are two artists I respect for their work, craft and artistry.

 

At the end of the day, there’s so many artists currently going through a similar story like yours. If you could give a piece of advice, what would it be?

I think whatever you’re going through, whether they’re ups and downs just keep going and never stop. I’ve always told people, ‘music is something that you really have to love’. It starts with you, but you also need a tight and small team that believes and has the same vision as you. There’s been days where I feel like I’m on the moon and then there’s other days where I feel like I’m the lowest, but at the end of the day, this is something I love and nothing compares to it. Also, don’t take ‘No’ for an answer, you’re going to get a hundred no’s but when that ‘Yes’ comes, it’ll change your life. I’ve experience that.

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