“Anyone that wants music with pure truth. My audience is broad… I target the ladies and identify with the fellas. My music is about love, sex, and life’s choices. I say the things people think but are too afraid to say. From 14-45, you will love my music. I am one of the leaders of the birth of progressive soul/R&B.” -Skye
Skye, a rising singer/songwriter, was born in Brooklyn and raised throughout the tri-state area. He is emerging into the industry with his own style and dynamic of the R&B genre. His career began to flourish at the tender age of 12. To date, Skye has a catalog of over 50 songs written and tracks produced from Jimi Kendrix (Jay-Z, Ashanti), The Heavyweights (Ne-Yo, Rihanna), Grand Staff (Fabolous, Chris Brown, Ryan Leslie), Onree Gill (Alicia Keys, John Mayer), The Beat Banggahz (Trey Songz, Sisqo), Neek Rusher (Cam’ron) and the Souldiggaz (Beyonce, Missy). In addition to these accolades, Skye was featured on Hip Hop Legend Heavy D’s last album “Love Opus” alongside Anthony Hamilton, Carl Thomas, Juan Winans (of the Famous Winans family) and even sung background for the Legendary James Brown at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
Skye is ready to step out on his own as he debuts his EP titled “Brochures”, a soulful and classic R &B album featuring heartfelt lyrics, smooth melodies, and soothing tunes. We had the pleasure of speaking with Skye about his music, career goals, working with the late and great Heavy D, and much more…
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Being in my family I’m surrounded by endless talent. Being at home with an expert Jazz artist is bound to get to you. My mother (Lynette Washington) is a wonderful singer and she’s a big influence on who I am today.
Thinking back to your childhood, what was your first experience with music? What song do you remember most as a child?
My earliest memories are singing with my family in my Uncle’s choir. I wasn’t even double digits before I was a featured singer on a video on MTV! lol ( “Give Peace a Chance” video with various artists like Lenny Kravitz, Cyndi Lauper, & LL Cool J)
What was the first song you ever sang?
Now that is one question I have no idea what the answer is!
How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never seen or heard you before?
My music is Progressive Soul. That means it’s reminiscent of the past where an artist really sang, and a preview of the future where real lyrics will shine into the depths of people’s souls. Creativity is shining once again. It’s time for a new era.
Does your family carry on the same musical interest?
Yes. My mother is a Jazz artist who is about to start working on her 5th album. A younger cousin of mine is a great singer and actress in theater, and my other younger cousin plays the guitar.
What can people expect to see at your live shows?
People can expect a good experience, real singing, a little humor, and leaving having at least 2 songs replaying in your head the day after!
***Exclusive video of Skye opening for Dawn Richards at SOBs in NYC***
How do you feel about reality competition shows like The Voice, X Factor, and American Idol? Do you think it’s necessary or it has changed the industry?
I watch all of the shows simply because I love music and hearing new singers. I think it’s necessary to find new talent that would not have been found if they had not been on the show. Everyone deserves an opportunity to soar in what they are passionate about…if they have the skills lol
What do you think your biggest break or greatest opportunity has been so far in your musical career?
One break for me as a songwriter is writing on my mother, Jazz artist Lynette Washington’s “Kaleidoscope” album, which was Grammy-nominated in 2010. As an artist, a big high light was being featured on Hip hop Legend Heavy D’s “Love Opus” album, which was his last. I got to work with him every day for 6 days and it helped me become a better writer and take more chances in the studio.
Speaking of Heavy D, tell us about that experience. What was the best advice he has ever given you?
The experience with Heavy D was surreal. The craziest thing was the week I was working with him, when he left the studio he went to film the movie “Tower Heist” with Eddie Murphy & Ben Stiller. He pushed everyone to do their very BEST on each song. It was definitely like boot camp! I met people I looked up to and worked with them on hooks to make the project. We worked out of Daddy’s House and anyone who heard his album was told by Heavy himself that I was NEXT. The track we did was his favorite on the project. He taught me about hard work and not slowing down. I promised not to let him down.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
The biggest challenge is really having the right team who understands my vision as far as where i want to take my brand and how to execute that. Like a sports team, the right chemistry wins championships.
What are your immediate music career goals?
In music I want my name to be in the same realms as artist such as Ne-Yo, Miguel, Frank Ocean, R. Kelly. These are great artists as well as artists who have transformed the industry’s way of making records.
You have heard of the starving artist before, how do you cope with major obstacles?
My faith in God is the most helpful when meeting obstacles. If it wasn’t for that, i don’t know if I would’ve gotten this far.
There is a lot of bootlegging in the music business, do you have some tips to help support your music or music in general?
I don’t think consumers really know how much bootlegging music hurts an artist. Its truly like going to your 9-5 for months, (or even years) and not getting paid what you’re owed. I would say for anyone who wants to support me, i would be grateful if you like my fan page, spread the word, and come out to my shows. That support system means the WORLD.
Do you have other interest or talent?
I can cook (lol). This is something I do that actually gives me peace, and its always going to be fun.
Who are you musically influenced by?
Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Prince, R. Kelly, Curtis Mayfield, Phil Collins, Sam Cooke, Cee-Lo Green, Maxwell, Teddy Pendegrass, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, etc.
If given the opportunity, who would you like to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Cee-Lo Green, R. Kelly, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean, Solange Knowles, Beyonce, Kanye West, Drake, Pink & Adam Levine.
If you were not in the music business, what would you be doing?
Good question. Truth be told, I always wanted to take my acting more seriously. Even though that’s still in the entertainment realm, I would concentrate on that.
What advice do you have for someone trying to break into the music business?
STUDY YOUR BUSINESS! LEARN YOUR CRAFT! A big problem nowadays is that aspiring artists see the reward but are afraid to do the work. It is a lot of work, but you don’t want to get the big break you’ve dreamed about and have it go to waste because you weren’t prepared. Also, PRAY!
Want more? Check out his latest music video and catch up with Skye on the web:
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/inskyesworld
TWITTER www.twitter.com/skyesworld
OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.inskyesworld.com
Brochures Music Video
Runaway Bride Music Video