Great Productions

Great Productions got the chance to sit down with R&B extraordinaire Blake Malone, as he took a break from working on his latest full length album. As a dedicated, constantly grinding vocal artist and producer, Blake keeps a lot of work on his plate, and an opportunity to pick at his brain only comes on rare occasion. His album, to be produced and released under the independent record label of Great Productions, is expected to be released by Summer, 2009.

Blake Malone shares some insight into how he got his start, his claims to success, and what he is looking to achieve in the near future, as well as gives his fans a little hint of what to expect on his new full length, before getting back to the hustle of a hustler… 

Great Productions (GP): You’ve been in the music business for a long time. Tell us how you got started.

Blake Malone (BM): My dad used to play in the night clubs and I would go with him and watch him play at his jam sessions so I guess I’ve been singing for people since I was about 3

GP: Who are your musical influences and what parts of your music reflect their influence on you?

BM: I would have to say that my biggest influence is Michael Jackson, no doubt. I’m one of those people that doesn’t believe all the bullshit the press says. My aunt worked with him at St. Jude’s Research hospital and said he wasn’t that strange at all. I’m also heavily influenced by Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and James Brown. You know, the real kings.

GP: On your myspace page you talk a lot about the hardships you’ve dealt with and how they’ve made you stronger. How have they influenced your music?

BM: You know, bottom line is I’m just a kid from the streets. When you feel trapped from all the hatred around you or you don’t have money to go do something with the other kids, you cling to what you love most. For me, it was music and I think my hardships made me the musician I am.

GP: R&B is a genre dominated by African Americans. How has being white affected the way you approach your music?

BM: I would say carefully (Haha). You don’t want to come across as trying to be something your not and anyone can see that I’m white. It’s true that 99.9% of my influence comes from black artists and I do respect the culture and the people, but it’s just what I was drawn to. I don’t want to be the white guy trying to be black; I want to be the white guy that’s got soul.

GP: How do you relate to your fans and what draws them to you and your style?

BM: I think they can identify with me. I’m not out there trying to be this perfect, squeaky clean rich dude. Like I said, I’m just a kid from the streets. My fans can come to a show and then have a drink with me afterward.

GP: Music and the music industry are changing.
What changes do you foresee and how are they affecting your music? 

BM: I think we’re seeing a whole new group of songwriters coming out now and I think that people are gonna stop focusing on,”Damn, man. How can I get this beat to hit harder” and start focusing more on the music itself.

GP: What direction(s) do you see yourself and your music growing in?

BM: I think my sound will always have that hint of hip hop in it but I think it’s going to start drifting towards an acoustic soul sound. Just check out this cat named Marc Broussard and this kid Justin Nozuka. Basically, the worlds never heard what I’m bringing to the table.

GP: Great Productions in a new label and you are one of its first artists. Tell the fans a little about what you and your new label are working on and when they can expect to hear it.

BM: I would say the fans should be on the lookout probably by next year. I really want this project to be different so I plan on taking my time. They can also expect me on any Priority6 mixtape because I love doing mixtape hooks. They’re fun and they give me a chance to cut loose.

GP: How has your experience working with Great Productions been?

BM: Wonderful. Dane and Vera are great! I really see our artistic chemistry as well as our friendship growing.

GP: What made you choose a small label over a larger label?

BM: I would like to build my foundation first and get a following going. I’ve always wanted to start in small clubs, I’m not sure why.

GP: How do you expect that choice to affect your music?

BM: I think that my fans will not only listen to my music, but actually GET it. That’s what I’m looking for.

GP: Who have you worked with and how have those collaborations expanded your music?

BM: I’ve worked with A LOT of mixtape rappers and even some heavy metal artists as well as country artists. It’s taught me not to trap myself in a little bubble and say okay this is what I’m allowed to do. You will hear all influences in my music.

GP: You know we have to ask this question, because the ladies will want to know…are you single?

BM: Haha… actually I’m happily engaged. I’ve done the whole player thing. Been there and done that. Those days are over. I’m very much in love and now I try to focus on just being the best man I can be. I put away all childish things. Well, most of them anyway.

GP: Where can fans find you on the web?

BM: You can find me on the web at www. myspace. com/blakemaloneworld and atwww. greatproductions. net. Add me as a friend!

GP: Finally, What words of advice do you have for others who would like to follow in your footsteps?

BM: Basically just don’t confine yourself to one genre and when you step up to that mic, feel the music because that’s the only way the fans are gonna feel you. Just do you, plain and simple.

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