Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Blackwell.
Hi Blair, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began in Detroit where music became second nature, which eventually led to my interest in Theater. I decided to take my interest and really hone in on my craft by venturing to Howard University in Washington, DC. It was where I began to really understand how to tell a story and truly understand how to remove all limitations when doing so.
After graduation in 2018, I stayed in DC while going back and forth from LA and Detroit to record and work. I wanted to take my knowledge of the stage and create my own sound. To me, it has never been about just singing a pretty song, it’s about how deep I can really go, in and out of music. I recorded so many records, trying a plethora of styles, just to find my niche and lane.
By 2020, I created “Sweet Spot” and from there let my imagination run wild.
The reaction from “Sweet Spot” aided the sound that is my EP entitled “Three Sides To Everything” releasing April 29th. My sound is smokey, moody, sultry, extremely vulnerable, with a touch of theatrics and even some spooky elements. I want to bring the thoughts I feel I can’t always say to my music. I look up to all women in music, but mostly listen to Amy Winehouse, Willow Smith, Andra Day, and Billie Eilish. Furthermore, I particularly love Willow because she brings us back to remembering that we as Black people created rock, and her sitting in that raw and eclectic place inspired me to want to do the same.
Every day I’m setting out to find ways to take my most brutal, honest thoughts and turn them into magic. My goal is to be successful, but to truly bring relation to someone. If I can make one person feel better or “not crazy” then I’ve done my job as an artist, I’ve made the impact I needed to make.
I worked tirelessly recording, working and writing for a year and a half to get this final product. I am so ready for the world to hear me and join me on my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth having is smooth and I have to tell myself this everyday to keep going. Like I said in the last answer, I somehow keep going because I know I have a purpose outside of myself and I’m not going to let the idea that surviving should take away from me chasing my dreams. Sacrificing is a part of any journey and I try to take it all with pride. Even the days where I’m wondering how I will pay for studio, marketing, costume, wardrobe and so on, it’s worked out before so it has to work out again. I believe in God and his plan and as MANY days as I have where I can barely move, I know there’s something bigger. I try to appreciate the struggles or worry, confusion m, frustration and sacrifice because it’s shaping me into what I need to be. So if it is was smooth, and I didn’t have to worry about money and so on, would this journey even be worth it? The answer to me is no, even though I’m still in the middle of it, the bumps is what makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I want the world to know how much of a hand I have in everything I do. It is incredibly important that I am a part of every step from pre to post-production. I can’t sleep at night knowing I did not execute an idea all the way through. I am so grateful I get to work with incredible producers, musicians, and artists like myself that understand and help me bring the vision to life. It is not a sense of control, more just wanting to make sure I stay true to the original idea with only added decorations to enhance it.
I also want the world to understand that every piece of art that has my name attached to it is a true story. I want to be known for my authentic self and how I can bring many vantage points to life.
And lastly, my wit. I often have to make fun of something to get through it, and I use that tactic in my writing. I love writing between the lines and stating things that would make someone hope to listen again just to understand or find joy in what I’m saying.
What matters most to you? Why?
God and my gut. Though I don’t make gospel music, and I am far from perfect, I want people to understand that without God, nothing can happen and nothing can grow.
I also reference my gut because it’s where I truly find my answers. My gut has told me many things, and the times I chose not to listen, it always proves itself to be right. So in a nutshell, just staying true to my thoughts, visions, and boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.blaircb.com
- Instagram: @blaircb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blair-Music-651345508397149/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zsOBhomqtB8&fbclid=IwAR2aspkdkBKpJXjDcjwKZ58ykD3B9N8The9aZVBkoRpCkQ1l1sc_fR_ofso
- Other: https://bio.site/blair
Image Credits
For the Cover Art (Three Sides To Everything) – Go Take Media @gotakemedia The other shots- Squally Thuggin @SquallyThuggin
