Bryan Sledge has worked with some of the hottest artist in the game including Kanye West, Jamie Fox and Musiq Soulchild. The singer and songwriter talks with Mari about his music and how he plans to continue to make his mark in the industry.
How did you get into music?
Bryan Sledge: Honestly, it was a forced marriage; my mom and dad both were singers and it didn’t take me long to figure out singing was my niche as well.
BJ the Chicago Kid how did you come up with that name?
Bryan Sledge: I came up with that name when I was younger. It was an easy way to remember my name, where I’m from and where I was going. But, I go by Bryan Sledge now.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
Bryan Sledge: Ahh…Aaron Sledge my brother is a musical artist and he help shape me as a writer and singer. He has been very influential in my career. He has been the kind of brother that if I was playing basketball in college; he was the big brother that pushed me and kept me in order. Also, Grammy Award winning songwriter & producer Harold Lilly has been an inspiration to me. Um… some other people who have inspired me, Al Green, Cee-Lo Green and Marvin Gaye. And I always had a gospel foundation because I grew up in church so I can’t not mention Commission, The Winans, The Clark Sisters; really I have been exposed to both worlds.
Have you heard people compare your sound to any other artist in the industry?
Bryan Sledge: Not really in today’s day and age. I’m more soulful and represent real singing today versus the more commercial sound.
What inspired you to record “If I Had You Now”?
Bryan Sledge: Well, CJ Hilton and I were in LA working in the recording studio for like 3 or 4 days straight. CJ came up with the track and I developed the lyrics. At that time in my life I had a good friend that passed away by the name of Debra Glover and she lived in St. Louis. The concept of the song was about her, wishing someone was there that couldn’t be there.
For someone who hasn’t heard any of your music yet; how would you describe your music to encourage them to listen?
Bryan Sledge: My music is like a new age of R&B soul. It’s the balance of a lifestyle of someone who goes through life’s ups and downs. My lyrics represent the guy out there that knows what he wants to say and never can say it. I’m that voice for that type of person. My music has no boundaries or time frame. I aim for timeless music. I try to make my music a smooth and simple thought process that your kids kids can listen to.
Who would you love to write a track for?
Bryan Sledge: Sting, Paul McCartney, I sang background for Stevie Wonder and I would love to work with him again. Umm…Little Dragon, John Mayer, Marvin Gaye if he was still alive.
Who are some of your favorite songwriters?
Bryan Sledge: Some of these names I mentioned before but Harold Lilly, James Fauntleroy and John Mayer are all incredible writers. I love writing that paints a picture. I love going to the core of music.
Are there any writing projects in the pipeline that we should watch for?
Bryan Sledge: Yeah, on twitter I have quite a few songs that I release sporadically. Also, my main album I’m working on and I’m 70% done. It’s like blaxploitation music and I call it that because it makes you proud to be who you are. If I had a time machine I’d go back to the 70’s for a short time. [Laughs] The world was different, all the way from sex to drugs. Life was more innocent and it had more advantages.
As you continue to explore being an artist, are you planning to continue to write for others?
Bryan Sledge: Yes, I’ve done some writing for Jawan Harris who is signed to Jive Records and I’ve also wrote some tracks for Chris Brown. You really have to find time to write songs for other people to give the correct point of view. I never try to write the same concept twice. I don’t want my fans to feel cheated. The music on my album “A Taste of Chicago Mixtape” was straight from my soul. It was all original music and I was giving you my identity at that time. Stay in tune because I’ll be releasing new music on twitter and facebook very soon. I have a tasteful way of giving my music to the people and for my fans that have been with me from the beginning you are in for a musical treat. I’ve never done a music video before so I’m super excited with what’s to come.
If you could go on tour with any artist or group who would it be?
Bryan Sledge: My music has so many avenues and sounds. I could open up for a R. Kelly tour, then Mary J. Blige, then Rock The Bells tour. I’ve worked with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre and so many other artists, but there are many other artist I want to work with as well. In a nut shell I could tour with all genres and still sell my music in a tasteful form.
What music do you currently have in your MP3 player?
Bryan Sledge: If I’m not playing all the latest stuff of what I’m working on, I’m listening to underground hip hop Kendrick Lamar, Fly Union and Dom Kennedy. I’ll also play classics by the Isley Brothers and Aretha Franklin. R&B, I’m listening to Dave Hollister, Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. I listen to a variety of music really. I gotta mention Cee Lo Green, D’Angelo, John Mayer, N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco. [Laughs] This list could go on and on…
Who are some of the artists that you want to work with?
Bryan Sledge: Cee Lo Green and Black Milk. On the producing side, Q-Tip and other underground legends because we need that type of music to keep us grounded.
So what’s next for Bryan Sledge? Is there a tour?
Bryan Sledge: Well I’m always doing shows in L.A, Atlanta and Central State. I would love to do a tour in the future with Dom Kennedy and Kendrick Lamar. Be on the lookout for my new music “Pineapple Now Laters” coming out sometime in February.
To learn more about Bryan Sledge go to http://www.ListentoBJ.com
Yo I heard of this cat, music pretty tight. Pineapple now laters, lol you know that’s a Chi-town thing!
Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to know so much about this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you simply can do with a few percent to pressure the message house a bit, but instead of that, that is wonderful blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
This really is the right web site for anybody who desires to find out about this theme. You understand a lot its more or less tricky to argue with you (not that I honestly would want…HaHa). You certainly set a brand new spin on the subject matter thats been created about for a long time. Terrific things, just amazing!
Terrific, this information is exactly what I was searching for.
This is awesome stuff, its nice to be in the know.
Hello I just now finished going through your blog post and I am rather impressed. I do have a couple of questions for you though. Do you think you’re intending on doing a follow-up article on this? Are you going to keep bringing up-to-date as well? Additionally if you have a chance would you rate my own Rappelz guild web page in the event that you have an opportunity?
This is a great web site. Good fresh interface and very informative blogs. I will be coming back soon, thanks for the great article.
Great website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Bless you!
This is a very interesting article. Thank you for this site. Well made! You will find more informations on Lingerie de charme. There’s everything all you can need!