My Article

R'n'B music has recently come under some intense pressure in recent years, the reliance on synthesisers and autotune have changed the face of the music industry in the 21st century. Real vocal talent is hard to come by nowadays. In the 90's stars like Luther Vandross and Barry White set the bar to a standard where male artist will never be able to reach or so we thought. Male artist like usher and R.kelly have faded into the background as pop music has regained its dominance. Singing ability is now a thing as a pass, as the ability to dance and shake leg has become the focal point of musical entertainment. Yet, there is one singer who is changing the way in which men are percieved as singers, Tyler Rain. He had been dubbed the male Whitney Houston ( at her very best), a 21 year old man who has reminded us that singing still matters. He has the ability to blow you away with his immense power or make you cry with the transition between head and chest voice. His album ' I Am Here' shot to number one in ten countries and remained at the top of the billboard charts for a record 42 weeks. After selling, 15million albums first time out set himself at the top of the game in his debut season, adding 6 grammys to his name did not do him to bad either.
Not to say the boy cannot entertain, because that would be very faraway from the truth, as i write this report after returning from his concert, his stage presence is nearly as impressive as his voice, the trance he had on the audience was magical. He soared epically through his numbers, bringing the audience to their feet and knocking right back down at will, to say he has the midas touch is an understatement. Forget dancing and being obsessed with his six pack this guy iis strictly about the music and the beautification of song once again.

I had the opportunity to sit down with him before his show in londons already legendary O2 arena, it was like being in the presence of an icon, there was an air about him like i was truly sitting in the presence of greatness, ironically, though his acheivements as amazing as they, do only represent the beginning of his career, which is scary for the rest of the music world, he needs to stay consistent and surround himself with people that care for his development. besides that this young man is on his way to the heights only michael jackson soared and he is doing it with a voice that is better, yes thats right better than the king of pop.

Interview

Me: Mr.Rain, good afternoon.

TR: Dont give me that Mr.Rain business [smiles widely] making me sound fifty, you know i feel great, im here at the o2 about to give the biggest and best show of my life could it get any better.

Me: you know i could definetly think of a few things that could be better, Madison square garden? vegas? possibly, how is the preparation going for the show tonight?

TR: One step at a time. ermmm not to bad, the voice is great shape i am trying to speak as little as possibe. The show it self is ready bar some changes to minor details. I can promise you i will blow the roof of this building into the thames.

Me: Oh Wow, if you want me my review to be good you better deliver. How do you keep your head screwed on when all the pressure is piled continuosly on your shoulders

TR: i sing. It is as simple as that i don't have to do anything else, when i am singing it takes me to another place, i don't even hear anything else when i am singing, its not about what notes im hitting or what melody i am following, its simply about losing myself in the music and expressing that. so if i ever am reported singing bad its not true, i just was not singing the way people think i should, there honestly comes a time when public opinion does not matter.

Me: So no one can judge you, you feel that you're almost invincible.

TR: To be honest yeah! nobody can touch me on that stage, its not even about being entertaining, even though i have a duty to serve these people, because they spent their money, but what you have to understand is that i am not singing as a job, i am singing because i love to sing, so what i do with my voice is my business, i explain this to everyone i speak to, i do not want to sound pompous or arrogant but that is just the way it is.

Me: It is clear to me that you understand what you are in for, though you may be young you seem to have your head screwed on which is good because it is easy to be lost in this world they call the music business. We shall talk soon, go have fun!

TR: Oh trust me i will. I'll see you out there, trust you won't wanna miss this.

He was right. This young man is slowly but surely changing the music industry back to the days of wonderful singing and outstanding showman ship. His confidence soars threw the room he enters, he does not allow for negative thinking people to surround him and this shows in his camps faces, they all reflect his attitude. He is simply a breath of fresh air to the music industry and gives true lovers of music what they would like to see, a man ripping the soul from his bowels and spewing it all over his music. This is something that cannot be garunteed when dealing with a half naked half talented woman on stage or a new teenage sensation who will be in a world of trouble when their voice breaks. R'n'B is finding its way back to the top and is relying on the success of the soon to be king, if it continues this way music will be back to the days where you can sit back and just enjoy the wonderful sound. lets hope that this is the case.