The 46th presidential election was an incredibly tight race. So close in fact, there’s serious talk now that President Donald Trump will spend his remaining days at the White House doing all he can to sabotage President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Former White House insiders tell #60Mins what to expect from the ‘reality show’ that is President Trump’s remaining days in power.
BlaneHoward is a collaborative singer-songwriter known for his undeniable baritone vocals. He grew up with a love of multiple genres of music, and at shows, he often surprises his fans by covering masterworks from greats including Johnny Cash, Elton John, Marvin Gaye, and Van Morrison.
Award winning rapper-turned-singer, Jake Aldridge, unveiled more than just an engagement ring when he proposed to his now fiancée, two years after meeting her through an online dating app.
Aldridge began exchanging messages with former Slimming World consultant, Lisa Hartgrove, in January 2018 via the online dating app, Tinder. The pair, who even share the same birthday, now have their very own song as well!
After a successful proposal earlier this year, Jake played Lisa his new track, ‘King of The World’, a heartfelt country-pop song he had written for her.
The music for ‘King of The World’ was co-produced by Argentinian music producer, Dam Dominici, and Suffolk-based, multi-instrumentalist, David Booth. The song is set for public release on Friday 6th November.
Just 15 minutes from Ed Sheeran’s hometown, Aldridge was brought up in Reydon (Suffolk) with his two siblings. He was born to a Bangladeshi father and Canadian mother. Jake was just eleven years old when his father was killed after being struck by lightning during a family fishing trip.
Struggling to deal with his bereavement, Aldridge began writing poetry. Having grown up listening to cassette tapes of rappers from the late 90’s, he became inspired by hip-hop music and eventually turned his poems into raps.
Aldridge became intrigued by country-pop music when he heard Florida Georgia Line’s 2012 collaboration with Nelly (a remix of the former’s song ‘Cruise’). Subtly, Aldridge began incorporating elements of the country-pop genre into his own music. His song ‘Gullible’, for example, is a hybrid of the two genres featuring country vocals by British Country Music Association award winner, Kezia Gill.
Aldridge won the prestigious ‘Male Act of the Year’ at the 2018 International Achievers’ Awards. This built on the success of the previous year when he beat more than 100 fellow artists to win the ‘Audience Choice Award’ at the 2017 New Music Generator (NMG) Awards. The 32-year old’s music later aired on a U.S television documentary entitled ‘Beating the Odds’. Featuring Michelle Obama, the series follows American students on a cross-country road trip in a bid to help under-privileged young people to find careers and life fulfilment.
BigJohn an American Hip-Hop Artist who was born in Columbus, Ohio. I moved to Florida when I was approximately 14.
Where are you from?
I am from the west side of Columbus, Ohio. Born at Mount Carmel Hospital on April 17 th , 1984.
When did you start making music?
I started this long journey in the Music Industry back in 2010 when I released my very first song called “Livin Dat Life”, Inspired by Big Gates Records artist Plies.
How do you describe your music?
I would describe my music as “Real True To Life” music. I do not focus on one topic when I am writing songs, my goal has always to been reach people all around the world with lyrics that people can relate to in their past and current situations.
Favorite moment from your career?
My favorite moment in the music industry would have to be when I shot the music video for the song called “We Goin Live”. I had so much support from the people in Polk County and directly from the city I lived in Waverly, Florida.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
My biggest musical inspiration now and always is Big Gates Records artist Plies. When he first came out, I would listen to his music constantly every day. I really love his delivery, lyrical realness and his presentation. He is the reason I wanted to start writing music back in 2010.
What is your producing software?
Over the years I have mainly used Mixcraft but I have always had the pleasure of working with Pro Tools on the mac operating system. My go to is still Mixcraft as it has a user friendly UI and it can produce some really good sounding vocals.
What other things do you do besides making music?
When I am not making music, I am working, playing video games on the Xbox, spending time with family and living the best life.
What is your favorite track of all time?
I am assuming this question is referring to BigJohn music so I will have to say my favorite track that I have written would be “Can’t Fill Your Shoes”. The song has such deep meaning for me as I wrote it as a tribute to my father who passed away.
What is your best-producing tip?
If you are gonna record in a professional studio, then if at all possible, try to record your self at home before jumping in the booth. People wanna hear the emotion in your voice and tone changes through- out the song you are producing.
Why did you start making music?
I really loved how Big Gates Records artist Plies was able to reach me mentally and emotionally with songs such as “One Day”, “Rich Folk” and “On my D*ck”. I wanted to portray my thoughts and feelings to the world so I too could make a difference in somebody’s life. For a lot of people around the world, music can help if you are feeling depressed, going through hard times or just need to zone out from the rest of the world.
What are your goals for the future?
In the future, I would like to do more shows and release more music that people can relate to. Every day that passes I want to be better and more knowledgeable than the previous day. I never want to stand still but with every move that I make I want it to be progress.
What advice could you give to young artists/producers/dj’s?
Make the world feel the tunes deep down in their soul. One of the many great qualities that make us human is we have feelings and through music we can speak directly to the hearts and minds of people.
Please write a message to your fans.
I can not thank my fans enough for the continued support over the years. I would not be where I am at now in the music industry if it was not for my people standing by me and supporting me in the complex and competitive industry. I am very blessed to have all of my fans and I can not thank them enough.