Hello Brian,
It’s an honour to interview an artist of your caliber so thank you very much for taking the time out today, also many congratulations on the new album ‘Better’ – I have a copy in my car and have been playing it non-stop since receiving it!
A few questions if I may, to help us gather an insight into the life of Brian McKnight & to extract some of your experience and knowledge for our community…
1. ‘Better’ is rumoured to be about the love of your life (Leilani) – what’s the truth in this &, if true, did that make it easier or harder to produce this album?
BM: It’s so true and actually it was much easier because of that.
2. ‘Uh Oh Feeling’ is one of the best songs off of the album in my opinion – what I want to know though is how do you keep in such great shape?!
BM: It starts with eating right. Not just what I eat but the time that I eat and then living the active lifestyle that I have always had.
3. We hear you started out in a gospel quartet with your brothers and that you have your own record label with your sons ‘Trif3cta Records’ – can you tell us a little about that and what it’s like working with family?
BM: Working with family is great because we all know our strengths and limitations without having to say a word. It’s seamless.
4. You’re a shining example of an artist that has stood the test of time with a long, successful career. What words of wisdom can you give our aspiring artists to try and ensure longevity in the music industry?
BM: In order to have a career in this business, you have to do it for the love and no other reason. The love will get you where you want to go or it will sustain you until you get there.
5. What is your favourite song (from your own catalogue) to perform & why?
BM: I don’t really have a favorite. I just write them and let the fans decide.
6. Do you have a favourite song to perform that is not your own?
BM: It’s hard to do other songs, at least at my shows, because we have so many that we play from my catalogue. However, I do love a lot of other people’s songs, I just never get to play them.
7. It might not be known to our readers but you play 9 instruments – how did you fit time in your life to master all of them?
BM: I learned most of them when I was in high school so I had a lot more time back then.
8. Grammy Nominations … you’ve been nominated 16 times but have never won (tied with Snoop Dogg!). Does that bother you, make you laugh or are you indifferent about it?
BM: Although it would be nice to have an award that is given to you by the industry, I don’t make records for awards.
9. Gospel music played a big part in your upbringing – do you have a favourite gospel song?
BM: There are too many to name just one.
10. Of today’s breakthrough artists who do you admire? (If possible can you pick one UK artist and one US).
BM: Taylor Swift and Adele.
11. Is there anyone from your illustrious music career that most people won’t have heard of that you cannot fathom why they never made a huge career out of music (missed their vocation so to speak)? I’d love to look them up!
BM: Chuckii Booker made it but he decided to walk away from the politics after two albums. He’s one of the greatest artists I have ever heard.
12. Would you ever consider a collaboration with an unsigned or indy artist to kickstart a career?
BM: I’m not sure if I could kickstart someone’s career but yes I would.
Again, a huge thank you for your time and an insight into your life & thoughts on the music business. Good luck with the the release of ‘Better’ in late February 2016, we’re sure it will do fantastically well!
Sam, Founder of Music Crowns
