The Return Of Basic Black

First things first, please introduce for me the members of Basic Black…

Basic Black members are: founder (original member) Lloyd “Spec” Turner, founder (original member) Kelvin “K.B.” Bradshaw, new member / lead singer Sean “Black” Jones, and new member / lead singer, Anthony Dupree

Now let’s hop right into this latest holiday single / video, “Christmas Time” — Tell me about this particular track? How did it actually come to fruition?

The new “Christmas Time” song was created because we noticed that every Christmas major artists and indie artists would remake the holiday classics. We wanted to create a new (one) and give our fans and the music world a new classic holiday song for the entire family. Actually, the song was created last year in 2019 but we did not get it mixed and mastered in time for the 2019 holidays. Just feel good R&B song. Spec and K.B. did the musical production and arrangements, and Sean and Anthony wrote and produced the vocal arrangements.

…The video idea was Sean’s idea. Sean has a friend named KD that produces and films videos and short movies. The group came up with the video treatment, locations, wardrobe etcetera. We are truly independent from start to finish.

For those not in the know, tell me your whole inception into music – When did you all first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Basic Black?

For Spec, it was in high school and hearing that Minneapolis sound. I loved guitar solos, and even though I’m a keyboard player I always practiced guitar solos. K.B. started at an early age, and (was) influenced by his family. His entire family were singers and musicians. Sean started off as a rapper that could sing the hooks as well, but when he saw how the females reacted to his singing he decided that was for him. Anthony stated at a young age as well, in the church. It didn’t stop there. He got into acting and writing screenplays at an early age, and turned that into sngwrtiting.

Now you all are Columbus, GA, natives, correct? So growing up in ‘The Fountain City,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Spec and Kelvin are from Columbus. Sean is from Dublin, GA, and Anthony is from Delaware. Spec’s influences range from Prince, BabyFace and Jam & Lewis. K.B.’s influences range from also Prince, Stevie Wonder and Shelia E. Sean’s influences range from Stevie Wonder. Anthony Dupree’s influences range from Kim Burrell to Carl Thomas.

With that being said, how do you all classify your overall sound and / or style?

Our sound changed as we evolved as musicians and artists. At the moment, our sound is edgy, sexy and we are bridging the gap between a slightly younger audience and older audience.

Where’s does your moniker originally derive from?

The name Basic Black was the luck of a hat! Lol. Kelvin, Mucho (then third original member) and Spec put names in a hat, and that was the name we pulled out and we stuck with it.

What particular string of events eventually led you all to linking up with the late Gene Griffin, and ultimately signing to Motown Records?

We met Gene in Columbus. We, at the time, were a cover band, and got wind that Guy and Today were performing in Columbus. Since we were the hottest band in Columbus, we were asked to open up for that Guy show. Once at the show, we noticed that the group Today were performing to a track. That was our in! Let’s be Today’s back up band. We met Guy, Gene and Today that night, and we exchanged numbers. Then we found out that Gene’s mother lived in Columbus, so we searched and found out where she lived. So, we would ride by Gene’s mother every day looking for some type of sports car in the driveway. One day we pulled up and we saw this BMW with nice rims and a New York license plate. We knew that was Gene, so we waited hours until he finally came out of the house and we walked up to him and said, “Hey do you remember us,” and he did! Eventually, he said if we ever get to New York he would give us a job. A few months later, we went to New York and Gene kept true to his word . We became the back up band for the group Today. Long story short, Gene and Teddy split ways and we stuck with Gene. He knew we always wanted our own record deal, so he said get some music together and we signed to Gene’s label, S.O.N.Y. Sounds Of New York. Then, that deal went to Motown.

What was it exactly that caused the group to disband?

The reason for the group to disband, we were on the road doing shows and hearing our music on multiple radio stations, seeing our videos, etcetera, but the financial aspect just wasn’t adding up. We were pretty much broke! So as a group decision, we decided that we would leave Gene and find a new deal. But that process was an uphill battle. Since we produced our own music, we decided to produce for other artists. Spec and K.B. formed a production company, and Mucho started producing and Dezo went on the road with Justin Timberlake. We all still kept in touch, but never decided to record back as Basic Black. It kind of phased out because we all got busy with other projects.

After the dissolution of Basic Black, what all had / have you all been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, following the break up?

As I mentioned, K.B. and Spec went on to sign to Dallas Austin as producers, as well as Jermaine Dupri. Producing artists such as Whitney Houston, Missy Elliott and Too $hort, to name a few. Mucho signed to Teddy Riley, and started producing for artists like MC Lyte, Michael Jackson and tons more. Dezo went on the road as a background singer with Justin Timberlake.

It is my understanding though that you all are currently working on some new material — What all can you all reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said effort?

The new project will be out around the middle of January 2021. The vibe is crazy, and a step up from the amazing Resurrection album. That is (still) available on all digital formats! We are now getting into more of our artistry as music producers, composers and writers…as well as all visual and concepts.

How then have you all either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?

As producers and writers, we have evolved tremendously. We realize that change will come and is good, but we can still add our longevity of music knowledge to the current sate of music. So in saying that, expect great R&B vocals…harmonies mixed with the new wave of music (that) is currently at the forefront of the music business. We want to reach all listeners, and that we are accomplishing (with) this new project. You will feel the turn and growth of Basic Black.

In having said that, when you all sit down to pen your lyrics where do you all draw your inspiration from?

We all write differently. Spec starts with the music, and then vocal Ideas will follow. Sean can freestyle and create a hit. K.B. is a master at taking a concept and painting a picture that you can see. Anthony can get inspired from a conversation, as well as hearing songs (in) his dreams and bringing them to light.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you all want people to get from your music?

We want people to feel good when they hear our music. We want them to take that journey with us for those few minutes. Take them from their daily stress, and give them a break from reality.

If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Prince is at the top of the list for K.B. and Spec. Prince was a musical genius! From producing, performing, concept and delivery. Sean’s top is Stevie Wonder. His vocal range is still out of this world, and the way he can make a person feel with his writing and delivery on material. Anthony has multiple, but his stand out is Jamie Foxx.

If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden in New York. If you can make it there, you can perform anywhere in this world.

In terms of longevity, what do you all feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?

Our love for the art of music wil sustain us for years to come. Because we are self contained, there is no need for us to wait for a label or company to release our music.

Do you all have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

We are so focused on the arts, that our outside projects are still somewhat music related. Creating programs for musicians, photographers, young inspired entertainment attorneys, etcetera.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Spec and K.B.’s highlight was producing and recording two songs for Whitney Houston at Whitney’s home. Sean’s was actually joining his favorite group, Basic Black. Anthony’s was his first published book, two fragrance lines, web series, documentary and film debut on a Netflix competition show.

In the nineties you all unleashed a succession of hit offerings; “Nothing But A Party,” “Whatever It Takes,” “She’s Mine” and “Special Kind of Fool” — How did these particular songs actually come about? Who came up with the concepts? And, please describe for me the overall studio vibes on those fateful days?

“She’s Mine” was produced in our hometown of Columbus, GA. We were still the back up band for the group Today, but always worked on original material. “Nothing But A Party” was created, If I can remember correctly, in Atlanta when Teddy and Gene split, and we moved back to Georgia and Gene purchased a house for the group to live and record. “Whatever It Takes” was also created at this production home. We would wake up and hit the drum machines and just vibe out. We would joke, play tricks on each other, and just throw ideas out to one another. “Special Kind of Fool” was actually produced by producer, Zan The Man. Not one of our favorite songs, but one of our fans’ favorite songs.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?

The way this world is going, we all hope to be healthy and to have made a change in the art we call music. Ten years from now, owning a full entertainment compound that will house sound stages , recording studios, school of the arts and multiple foundations to help out all people in need.

As for the immediate, what’s next for Basic Black?

The immediate future, we are focused on this new project and all the visuals for the next 5 months to come. Gearing up for virtual performances, and hopefully every kind of arena once this country is safe and opens up fully.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

Parting words: Stay safe and love one another. Please tell someone about Basic Black. We are independent, and our fans are our record label and marketing team. Follow us at: @therealbasicblack on Twitter, Facebook and IG…email us for anything @ [email protected].