THISISRNB INTERVIEWS

Exclusive: Sterling Simms Talks “I Know Love,” Conceptual New Album ’11 Missed Calls’ & More

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It’s always said that the only thing constant in life is change. Artists, especially those in the R&B genre, know this to be true. When the sounds of artists such as Jodeci, Boyz II Men and New Edition are remembered as treasured moments in R&B history, it becomes difficult for current day acts to hold up to the standard of some of the greats.

One man in particular that’s doing his part of holding up to those standards is none other than singer and Grammy-nominated songwriter, Sterling Simms. Now signed to RCA Records, and 5 years after the release of his debut album, Yours, Mine & The Truth, Simms is back with the new single “I Know Love” featuring Pusha T.

With his sophomore album 11 Missed Calls due out later this year, Sterling has been making it his point to give us the R&B sound that we’ve been missing. We recently got the chance to catch up with the heartthrob during his busy schedule to discuss his upcoming album, thought process behind it, how he feels about Marsha Ambrosius and the evolution of Sterling Simms thus far.

Peep our interview below:

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Mixshow: DJ Carisma’s “Cookie Jar” (Week of 6/10) with Ciara

DJ Carisma and Abby De La Rosa had a big special guest on “The Cookie Jar” on Monday night. The ladies were joined in the studio by Ciara.

The R&B vixen spoke about changing the title of her forthcoming album from ‘One Woman Army’ to self-titled, working with Nicki Minaj and their new collabo “I’m Out.” In regards to her past single “Sorry,” Cici revealed she did get a ‘sorry’ but it was a ‘sorry, sorry.’ She spoke about remaining so positive throughout her career and why that has paid off now. The ladies regular question of ‘what kind of dessert’ would you be caught Ciara by surprise and she was too embarrassed to answer what kind of Future would describe her as, but she did claim he would just be the sweetest candy ever.

In addition to the chat, Carisma spun the hottest and sexiest R&B joints during the one-hour mixshow.

See the second clip from the interview, and stream and download the full show below:

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Exclusive: Starshell Talks Upcoming Album & New Clothing Line “Birthday Girl”

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Throughout the years of music one thing that we have noticed that’s difficult to accept is change. When artists who have longevity with their music decide to try their hand at something different, we often have a hard time taking it in. In some cases we welcome it with open arms, but in others, we hate it.

This situation is no different for new artists coming in. With an industry that is always changing, it’s even more difficult for new artists to erupt onto the scene and break barriers, as did those before them. We all know how tricky and judgmental the rap industry is, but the same – if not more – can definitely be said for the R&B genre.

One artist who is doing a good job at defying the laws of acceptance with her diversity is up-and-coming songstress, Starshell. Signed to Mary J. Blige’s Matriarch record label, the gorgeous singer and songwriter has penned and co-penned tracks for an impressive roster of artists which includes Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown” and Mary J. Blige’s “Closer”.

Now, with her debut album Liberation slated to be released in the latter portion of this year, Starshell has been making even more noise than before. This Is RnB recently caught up with the Superluva singer to discuss her upcoming album, what’s next for her and the recent release of her new Birthday Girl clothing line.  Check out the interview below:

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Exclusive: Eric Bellinger Talks Creation of “Fine China,” Working with Chris Brown

In the second clip from our girl Nicky G’s #MusicTalk with Eric Bellinger, the singer/songwriter shares more details about the creation of Chris Brown’s new hit single “Fine China.”

“He walked in [the studio] and heard maybe 30 seconds of it… he said, ‘Stop it, I don’t wanna hear no more.’ I was like, ‘What are you doing, Why? Wait until you hear the second verse.’ So he went [into the booth] and recorded it and he finished the end of it.” It was one of those [crazy] moments in studio!”

Eric then elaborated on Chris’ upcoming album and compared him to Michael Jackson.

“R.Kelly came back with the music that made everyone shut up. Michael Jackson came back with the music that made everyone shut up. Chris Brown is about to do that — he is the new Michael Jackson. He’s that incredible.”

Do you agree? Watch above!


Exclusive: Daley Talks Debut Album ‘Days & Nights,’ Working with Pharrell & The Roots

Daley is working hard prepping for the release of his upcoming debut album ‘Days & Nights.’ In the second clip from our candid chat, the UK bred rising star talks to ThisisRnB TV about the album, from the creation of the writing and production, finding a unique fusion of sound which he calls Future Soul, to being so vulnerable on records for the world to hear.

“Now that I’ve got the final tracklist, and I’ve looked at it as a piece, I’ve realized how honest it is, how much of myself I’m actually putting out there,” Daley explains. “When you’re writing songs individually, everything comes from a personal place, an experience, but then to see all those next to each other I’m like wow, I’m really opening myself out to the world.”

Aside from elements of Hip-Hop, and various strings, the project has a ‘slightly awkward, naive, electronic rhythm to some of the tracks,’ which he claims is something people won’t expect to hear, and what he is most excited to share with people.

It was creating the LP’s title track, when he knew he had found the sound of the album. “The title track ‘Days & Nights’ was my moment where I felt like, ‘Ok now I’m writing my album,’ because before that I was writing with a goal to be putting an album together, but at that point I felt like, ‘now I know, there’s a certain sound and uniqueness to this album.’”

Aside from working with Marsha Ambrosius (Alone Together) and Jessie J (Remember Me) in the past, Daley was honored to be able to work with Pharrell and The Roots on his upcoming debut LP. Peep the interview clip above and stay tuned!


Exclusive: Eric Bellinger Talks Songwriting, Advice From Usher

Nicky G and ThisIsRnB recently caught up with singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger at the video shoot for his single “ASAP,” off his brand new mixtape ‘Born II Sing Vol. III.’ Not only does he humbly boast about some of the records he’s written for many of your favorite artists — but he also speaks on advice he’s received from Usher, and what it was like working with Brandy.

Peep the interview clip above and stay tuned for more.


ThisisRnB TV: Daley Reminisces About ‘Those Who Wait’ Mixtape, Talks “Alone Together” Success, British Invasion & Touring with Miguel

British singer, Daley, has been buzzing in the R&B and Soul circles since he first released his debut mixtape “Those Who Wait” back in 2011. The soulful vocalist impressed many with his sultry tone and incredible falsetto. His free-project which he released independently, landed him a record deal in the UK, followed by the US; and his heartwarming duet “Alone Together” with Marsha Ambrosius, has reached the top 5 of the US ‘Urban AC’ charts.

The rising star recently spoke with ThisisRnB TV for a very candid chat about his journey thus far breaking out as one of today’s most buzzed about new singers. In this video clip, Daley reminisces about releasing ‘Those Who Wait,’ from the initial creation to the unanticipated reception. He talks about the incredible success of “Alone Together,” and working with Marsha. He shares his thoughts are on if there is a British invasion happening in the States, and he reflects on his memorable UK tour opening for Grammy-winning R&B star, Miguel.

Check out the clip above, and stay tuned for more.


Tank Visits DJ Carisma’s “Cookie Jar”, Talks R&B

Earlier this year, Tank was a special guest on DJ Carisma’s “Cookie Jar,” and we finally have the official footage for you. During their chat the R&B veteran spoke at length about his career and music; in this clip watch Tank discuss the current state of R&B, and who he feels is doing their thing to keep the genre hot and progressing. This was also the moment that Tank first premiered TGT’s hot new single “Sex Never Felt Better.”

Peep the clip above, and you can hear the full show here.