[EXCLUSIVE] Kem on What R&B Taught Him, Pays Homage to Greats

Kem’s velvety voice and melodic tunes has been wooing audiences for years now. His music, which is deeply rooted in soul elements, still incorporates strong R&B influences. The self-taught singer-songwriter recently spoke on his connection with R&B and the lessons the genre has taught him.

“I don’t know what it’s taught me, but it has definitely served as a great vehicle to allow me to talk about love,” Kem tells Singersroom. “I’m grateful to be able to follow in the tradition of great balladeers, like Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye and all those cats. It’s definitely a great vehicle for me to express myself.”

Continuing to pay homage to the R&B greats like Vandross and Gaye, Kem admits that his sound is not uniquely his own. The performer expresses that his style is a gumbo of classic and contemporary musicians. He says, “I think every singer is a confluence of all of his influences, from Al Jarreau to Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, and Chaka Khan. All of those names are in the hat. If you listen closely to my music, my hope is that you hear a little bit of all of that in what I do.”

Still high of last year’s hit album Intimacy and his subsequent tour by the same name, Kem is positioning himself to be just as legendary as the icons he models his voice after.

Kem, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter with a devoted fan base, has been in the music industry for over two decades. With five studio albums under his belt, Kem has had an illustrious career that’s seen him collaborate with some of the biggest names in R&B and soul. In this exclusive interview, we talk to Kem about what he learned from singing R&B, and how it shaped his career. We also get an inside look into who Kem looks up to as inspirations in music.

The Detroit native is no stranger to success; after all, he won Soul Train Music Awards’ Best Male Album of The Year award twice! But what sets him apart is his commitment to learning from those before him and paying homage to greats like Marvin Gaye, Isley Brothers and Sam Cooke. His sound blends traditional soul with modern day contemporary R&B sensibilities – making it truly unique.

So without further ado, let’s dive into our conversation with Kem on what R&B taught him and which musical influences have made a lasting impact on his style of creating music. Get ready to learn more about why this acclaimed artist continues to captivate listeners across generations!

Kem’S Journey In R&B Music

Kem’s journey in R&B music began when he was a young boy growing up in Detroit. He had an appreciation for classic soul and funk, singing along to the records of legends such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. Over time, Kem developed his own unique style that blended elements from these iconic artists with contemporary sounds. Learning how to use different instruments and vocal techniques allowed him to create something entirely new.

As his career progressed, Kem continued to pay homage to the greats who influenced him while also pushing boundaries by experimenting with different genres and production styles. His approach has enabled him to stay relevant over the years without compromising on quality or integrity. From collaborations with other established acts like The Isley Brothers and Musiq Soulchild to more recent releases featuring jazz-influenced arrangements, it’s clear that Kem is constantly striving for musical excellence.

Throughout his career, one thing remains constant; Kem continues to show respect for those who have paved the way before him. With every track he produces and performance he gives, there’s always an undercurrent of reverence for traditional R&B alongside a desire to keep exploring new directions musically – something which should be celebrated by both fans old and new alike.

Influences And Inspiration

Kem’s signature sound is the product of decades of study, practice, and experimentation. From his early days listening to classic soul and funk records in Detroit to today’s collaborations with some of R&B’s top acts, Kem has always taken inspiration from those who’ve come before him. He describes this period as a learning process that enabled him to find his own musical identity.

At the heart of it all lies an appreciation for timeless music and a commitment to excellence. Whether he’s creating something entirely new or paying homage to legendary performers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway – there’s a sense of reverence in everything Kem does. His approach also allows him to incorporate elements from different genres while still maintaining the essence of traditional R&B sounds.

This fusion of old-school influences with modern production techniques gives Kem’s music an unmistakable quality that sets it apart from other contemporary artists. It’s clear that each song comes from a place of respect for those who have gone before him, yet at the same time showcases his unique style and skillful musicianship – something that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

I have been blessed to witness first-hand the incredible impact that R&B has had on Kem’s life. It has shaped his sound, made him a better artist and allowed him to express himself in ways he didn’t know were possible. From early influences like Prince and Anita Baker, to more recent icons such as John Legend and Erykah Badu, Kem has learned how to combine these greats into his own unique style of music.

Kem is an example of someone who was able to take something that truly inspires them – R&B – and use it as a foundation for their success. His dedication and hard work are evident in every song he produces, which is why so many people love listening to him. He pays homage to those before him by staying true to the roots of R&B while adding elements from different genres and styles.

R&B has given us some of our most beloved artists over the years, including Kem. As we continue to enjoy the fruits of this genre’s labor today, let us remember all the amazing musicians who paved the way for others like Kem – they deserve our utmost respect!