Last week we posted his new single ‘On My Way‘, and now we bring you an exclusive interview with the man himself. Ahead of his new project: ‘This Will Hurt’, R&B singer-songwriter Siergio talks us through his journey, his inspirations and his latest single.
1. When did you first start making music? Talk us through your journey…
I started making music when I was about 10 years old. It was then that I learned how to write songs. I had a friend who I really cared about and she could sing as well, so I wrote a song about her called ‘The Way’. In 2009 I put out Pretender which was my first release. The song received a lot of support around Atlanta and it was so odd hearing myself back on a song that I actually wrote and sang from my own experiences. Since then it’s been quite interesting… you know, presenting my art for the world to hear and see.
2. What inspires your music?
Real life experiences. I create music from my everyday life or conversations I have with those around me. Hearing other’s outlook on relationships, love and life.. it definitely helps me mould my music. I think it’s very important for music to speak to audiences. I can honestly say that my music has helped me heal from things that have happened in my life and also allowed me to connect with others who may share similar experiences.
3. How would you describe your music?
Fresh R&B. I think it’s important to make music that is relevant today but still respecting the original artform of R&B. That artform is storytelling and being vivid with your emotions… being able to properly pour your truth into a song. I think my music feels good and really connects with people. I’m not interested keeping up with radio trends or making music to for the clubs. I just make music that comes from my heart.
4. Talk us through your songwriting process…
I have a very interesting songwriting process. I actually don’t write or type my words out. I literally have my producer (he records me as well) to press record and I freestyle all of my lyrics. My best work comes from freestyling. I get a true feel for the beat and I allow it to speak to me. After I’ve fully committed myself to the track I just go with what comes out of my mouth. It is a unique experience. I started this years ago and my best songs come from using this process.
5. You went from small Chicago shows to opening for the likes of Fantasia… What’s the highlight of your career thus far?
Opening for Monica. As a child I was a huge fan and I remember telling all my classmates that I would do a show with her one day and when it happened it was one of the greatest days of my life. We had a really special conversation and she spoke some amazing things into my life. Moments like that make all of this worthwhile. Sharing the stage with someone that you have supported since the beginning of their career is one of the most fulfilling experiences. She is such an R&B legend and for me she has always been so authentic through her music and her story. I have respected her and looked up to her for so many years and meeting her solidified that she really is who she portrays on social media and in the limelight. I could redo that day over and over again if I could. She tried to take me to a Meek Mill concert with her but I left my ID in my hotel room! I was so upset but the fact that she even wanted me to hang with her really just sealed the deal for me.
6. Who would you have open your own headline show?
This is a really hard question. I’d probably co-headline with H.E.R., I am such a fan of her work and her vocal styling. She’s effortless and I like that she isn’t a showy or competitive vocalist. Those are the vocalists that I enjoy most. Her tone literally lifts me in the air. She just does her own thing and really sings. I can imagine a concert with us being a really dope show, I think everyone would walk out of that show in their feelings haha.
7. Who would you most to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
H.E.R., Brandy, Future, Jazmine Sullivan, Ro James, Adele, Sabrina Claudio, Missy Elliot and Rihanna. If they were living I would love to work with Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Marvin Gaye and Aaliyah.
8. Who are your favourite UK artists?
I love Daley, Adele, Angel, Lianne La Havas, Nao and Sinead Harnett.
9. Who are your musical idols?
Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Sam Cooke, Monica and Brandy.
10. What is the first record you bought?
The first record I bought was either Keith Sweat ‘Keith Sweat‘ album or Monica ‘Miss Thang‘.
11. Who inspires you?
My mother. She is the epitome of hard working and determination. I’ve watched her weather so many storms and build herself from absolutely nothing. Her strength is honestly unmatched and when I think about her I just feel the pressure to be the best version of myself and to not give up. She has such a story and when I get to a place in my career I am going to make it possible for the world to hear or see it. No one inspires me more than she does.
12. What is your opinion on the evolution of R&B?
I think the evolution of R&B is very interesting. If you listen to music now you hear so many different genres crossing and being merged. I find that dope. But I think it’s my responsibility and other rising R&B artists to maintain the core of R&B. I don’t think it’s important for R&B artists to make the best party records or club bangers – thats a pop and hip hop thing. R&B is about making you feel something. R&B is about speaking from the heart and making people fall in love over and over again. I just hope that we can at least maintain that ingredient in our genre. We have to keep love alive.
13. What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I’m putting the final touches on my new project ‘This Will Hurt’. With this project I really opened up about a space I was in after my last relationship ended. I think there are so many great songs that people can relate to, especially if you’ve lost someone or walked away from someone. It was such a crazy time for me. I was battling whether or not I should go or stay and you hear those moments on this project. I’m really excited about every song on there. The visuals for the project are crazy as well so it’s gonna be interesting to hear what everyone feels about it and how they identify with certain records.
14. What do you think of fellow Atlanta musician 6lack?
I really vibe with him. His song Free stays on repeat. I think he’s a visionary and from one visionary to another I respect that.
15. What is the song On My Way about?
On My Way is about a situation I had where I felt deprived. She was always wrapped up in work and school and I’m not a big fan of coming last. In the song you hear me profess my desire for her to make time for me even if it means that I have to come to her and force her to make the time. I think a lot of relationships suffer from lack of consistency and someone not holding up their end of the bargain. We make time for what we want to. While the song sounds like a fun and happy song, it really is the prelude to a crazy break up.
16. How important is it for an artist to have control over the music they produce?
I’m conflicted. I am 100% involved in all of the music that I put out but I also understand that this takes a special talent. I don’t think that everyone has the gift of being able to write music or choose proper production for themselves. So more than anything I think it’s important build a solid team that you don’t have a problem with being yourself around and are able to express what is going on in your head or in your life. As an artist you have to be able to pull this work off, so it is important that they believe in you and that you believe in them as well.
17. Who do you relate to?
I relate to anyone that has a story, anyone that has been through some sorta storm and has stood tall when the sunshine returns. Having been through my fair share of life experiences it’s refreshing when I meet others that have a story I can connect with.
18. If you’re not making music, what are you doing?
If i’m not making music then I am somewhere watching Scandal or watching movies. I try to make it a habit of watching a few new movies every week and on the weekend I try to treat myself to a movie theatre. It’s literally my only pastime.
Don’t forget to check out ‘On My Way‘, available on all streaming platforms:
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