360°Sound caught up with rising R&B singer LeVelle. The Kansas City native recently dropped his second full-length album, Promise to Love, on the SoNo Recording Group label. LeVelle cut his teeth singing backup for R&B superstar Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band). He has also shared the stage with Tank, Robin Thicke, and Anthony Hamilton, among others. The new record features a duet with Hamilton as well as one with Raheem DeVaughn. In this exclusive interview, LeVelle talks about Promise to Love, his gospel roots, why R&B isn’t dead, and more.
360°Sound: When you were writing this album Promise to Love, did you have an idea for a theme?
LeVelle: Most definitely. Saying to myself and to my fans that no matter what we go through, I promise to love you. Just really getting back to that place of respecting yourself as a person and then respecting the people that’s around you as well.
You said of “Only If,” the first single, that you “wanted to remind listeners of how it feels to truly be in love, by delivering an old school medley that displays passion and emotion that anyone can relate to.” Is it important to you to write lyrics that connect with the listeners?
I definitely think it’s important to get back to that old school where love is a factor in each other’s life versus the disrespect toward each other.
What did you learn from recording the first album, My Journey Continues, that you were able to take into the new one?
Learning that it’s OK to be who I am as a person. So many times, you try to do what’s out there to please the people and keep them on your side. Staying who I am and being true to myself. They are really taking me on as what I stand for, and that’s showing love and giving love. I’ve learned it’s OK to continue to be who I am. I don’t have to try to be nobody else.
Some people are saying R&B is dead or dying. Do you feel like your music is meeting a demand for authentic and more classically styled R&B?
Most definitely. I think the way the world is now, it’s based on what’s trending right now. What the younger generation considers R&B is kind of turning into rap. I’m learning that there is still a group out there that still loves great music and supports it. We just have to get it out there to them so they know who we are. So far they’re supporting me, and it’s just letting me know that R&B is not dead. You just have to bring awareness to who you are and bring the music out so it’s heard.
Your videos have received millions of views on YouTube. What’s the reception been like?
It’s been great to know that you’re impacting lives and people’s relationships. To hear a man tell another man, “Thank you, you’ve helped me be a better person.” That’s truly a great feeling. Just to know that you’re impacting someone’s life, it means the world to me.
Some of your songs have a gospel sound. Did you grow up singing in the church?
Absolutely. Coming up as a young guy, it definitely taught me to be sincere and sing from the heart and give it your all at all times.
What’d you learn from singing backup for Charlie Wilson?
I would definitely say being with Uncle Charlie was like artist development. Watching him day in and day out give his all at every given time has helped me become a better person. It definitely gives me a drive to have that level of success. It’s been great to be around great people like him. That has really put me in a place of driving my goals and dreams. No matter what, leave it all on the stage for those fans.
How was it collaborating with Anthony Hamilton?
Anthony is a great guy. He stands for what I stand for, and that’s love. Music that people can relate to and getting back to that place of respect. Just partnering up with somebody that has positive vibes and wants people to live and breathe and be happy again, it’s a great feeling.
Do you have some gigs coming up?
Absolutely, we’re getting ready for tours. Me, After 7, and Kenny Lattimore have a big show coming up July 1 in Chicago. We’re putting dates together as we speak. The goal is to get out and touch the people and let them know who I am, get to know me more, and I get to know them as well.
What are your goals as an artist?
Just connecting with the fans more and letting people know it’s OK to love again – it’s cool to be loved again. I hope that people get to know more about LeVelle and connect with the new family. Follow me on my social media. Hit that follow button and send me a message. I’ll be sure to get back with you. Let’s continue to grow the family.
Follow LeVelle on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
