BranKnu has been in the industry for a little over 5 years. He resides in Atlanta, GA and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.

1.    Why did you choose this path?

Music has always been a passion of mine. Both of my parents were performing music while in the military so music was in my blood naturally. I also played the Viola for 8 years so I learned a great deal about music theory. I am able to play numerous instruments as well, including the Cello, Violin and the Keyboard. Being able to translate my thoughts through words is why I chose this path. It's a satisfying path.

2.    What music has inspired you?

Hearing all the music of today and earlier generations inspires me because it lets me know that it's an art that will never die. It's been around for years and shows no sign of dying so that inspires me to write something new each day. Some of my favorites from the past and present are Nas, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Common and many others. Back in Cleveland, I lived fairly close to Bone Thugs-in-Harmony. We heard their music everywhere, so they were like a part of the hood. They were regular people to us.

3.    How would you describe your personal sound?

I would describe my sound as something very unique because I try my best not to sound like any other artist. My sound is very unpredictable. I'm am able to get on any type of beat from Rock to Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop and Jazz. I make my flow more Jazzy for the Jazz beats and I can Turn Up for any other beat as well. People tell me I sound like I'm from the West Coast, then others tell me I sound like I'm from the East Coast. For me, that's good because they never know what to expect!

4.    Give us some insight into your creative process.

I have a strange creative process because everything around me inspires me to write music. I can see a bird in the sky and it would inspire me to write a song about freedom. I write songs about life experiences, for example "Roll With Me" was inspired by a couple I overheard talking at the mall one day. Also, I have to be outside when I'm writing. Most of my music I write on the balcony. I've also written music in the studio, but I prefer going to a place where I can just chill and write.

5.    What do you love most about performing?

When I perform it's an unbelievable feeling. What I love most is the fact that I can make people move to the music I perform. The feeling is indescribable. 

6.    What are some of the obstacles you have faced as a young artist?

Being told NO is the biggest obstacle that I faced during this journey. Its a task establishing yourself as an independent artist in a city where everyone is doing what you do. You also have to be willing to be your own biggest fan because you MUST invest in your craft. 

7.    What marketing strategies (social media...) do you use to promote your music?

I use every single social media outlet to promote my music. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reverbnation are the main platforms that I use. 

8.    Tell us about some of your upcoming projects.

I have a mix-tape coming soon (End of September or early October 2013) as well as a homecoming step-show tour with my brother Dukk. I'm also going to be doing a lot of performances in the Atlanta area. When you listen to me you are going to get something BranKnu, just like my name states.

9.    What artist would be a dream collaboration?

When it comes to collaborations I'm willing to work with just about anybody because you never who can help you make a hit. But Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J.Cole, Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem and Andre 3000 can get a verse from me any day.

10.    What advice do you have for younger artists trying to break out in the music industry?

My advice to an upcoming artist would be to invest in your craft. If you don't have the confidence to put money behind your craft them how can you expect others to invest in you. 

Stay connected with BranKnu and go listen to some of his music:

http://www.reverbnation.com/branknu4
Twitter : @Branknumusic and @TeamBranknu
Instagram: @Branknumusic

1.    When did you fall in love with music?
Music has followed me in my life for as long as I can remember. Honestly, I think I’m brainwashed (or have that Pavlov thing going on). My big sister used to babysit me, and to calm me down, she would put me in front of the radio. It actually worked! Then as a toddler, my dad started noticing I would fall asleep standing up next to the radio! All my life, I’ve been next to some kind of music medium, and it soothes my soul. I can’t bear to make any long trips without headphones. I went from those bulky ones you used to plug into giant radios, to walkmen, now to digital mobile. 

2.    What music has inspired you?

I learned at a young age to appreciate all types of sounds and find the common thread between them.  But I definitely have to say SOUL – gritty r&b, jazzy r&b, disco, pure jazz, hip hop and different types of dance (house, tribal, not so much techno but as long as it’s soulful). During the 80's, I got more into rock. I remember when rock was the music everybody wanted to cross-over to (before it was hip hop) because they thought it would help them sell more; then hip hop became the sound everybody wanted. Now, for I don’t know how long, it’s dance and urban dance.

3.    How would you describe your personal sound?

Great question! I have followers who gravitate to certain tracks I make because that’s the only sound they can relate to, and I don’t have an issue with that at all. I knew the market was going to be very choosy, because we have options we didn’t have before to listen to music. Playlists, for example; some of my friends don’t listen to the radio anymore, they just download and make playlists like I do. I KNEW it was going to be like that with this new age of technology, which is why I chose not to adhere to one particular sound. Everything I do falls under soul and trance music. Some people refer to it as modern acid jazz, and I agree, modern acid jazz IS soul and trance music. But I tend to employ sounds that I know will reach different demographics – hip hop, house, pop – and blend it with the acid jazz I started with. So, my core audience sees me as a jazz and soul lover who also plays around with trendy sounds.

4.    Of your own collection of songs, which are your favorite...more personal and why?

One song that sticks out immediately is “No Matter”. I wrote that for someone I care about who was having bad health issues.  I wanted the person to know that there were going to be people that will care regardless of their condition; whether physical, mental or otherwise. We live in a very, mostly-superficial world and I thought a song like that was needed. That song managed to touch a LOT of people since its release, with people sending me very descriptive messages about how it made them realize what’s more important in their lives. Plus, I got messages saying how people were very intrigued with the uniqueness of the arrangement. “How were you able to concentrate on such a complex lyrical arrangement and still get your message across like that?” was one of the questions. Training and heart was my (summarized) reply.    http://youtu.be/zE06jaGMtrE

Other songs I’ve written or co-written that I love are “Live Your Life”, about just getting through with your head held high and not thinking you’re alone in struggle; “Catch Me”, about being strong in the face of confused people who decide to be jealous of you for no apparent reason;  and “Strange Place For Rain”, written and produced by Lullabye Mood (a French production organization I’ve had the pleasure of working with); about the plight of the earth and the crazy things we’re doing to it. “Strawberry”, co-written by myself and longtime collaborator 1Bane, is not socially-conscious, but I love it due to its catchy arrangement, sexiness, and light-hearted attempt to appreciate beautiful women. It blends with hip hop and TOTALLY takes away misogyny, showing yet another side of B Michael L Music. The accompanying remix of that track got a LOT of downloads and digital play, in the multi-thousands, and I was floored! 

5.    Give us some insight into your creative process.

The journey I travel dictates the songs I write, but the songs are not always about me. I often wonder how artists put so much of their own personal selves in their lyrics. Sometimes I do, but most of the time, my lyrics are about life, the things I hear, and the conversations that are had around me. I go into the world like a sponge and come back wringing that sponge on my paper in the form of lyrics. I have friends who have figured it out and jokingly say “be REAL careful what you say around this dude, or he might immortalize your point in a way you don’t want”.  LOL! But I never slander anyone, nor do I name names.  But folks give me SO much “ammunition” and topics! I’ve been known to hang out with people others may find objectionable just so I can pick their brain. I’m crazy like that. 

6.    What do you love most about performing?

I love LIVE music – mistakes and all! I like to see how an artist can change or improve the sound they created, how well they can get through a mistake, and most importantly, how well they can engage the audience. To me, if you can perform live (and do it well), you have real talent. And I don’t mean dancing everywhere either; I mean get up there, engage the crowd, and SING. No slight to other performers, because I’ve done the choreography thing in the past as well, but to me, a superior entertainer can look into the crowd’s eyes and make them FEEL the song. You can’t do that if you’re dancing all over the stage. People must think I’m some kind of singing vulture because when I get on stage I’m on the attack and I like to look at everybody – dead in your face – to see how you’re doing. Sometimes people stare blankly back like “why is he looking at me?”, some people are like “wow! He’s actually taking the time to LOOK at us.” Those are the ones who really get into the performance and have so much fun! And have told me “I felt like I was PART of your show”. I love when the people are fully engaged and have FUN!  

7.    The music industry is such a tough industry...how have you managed to find success as an independent artist?

Such brilliant questions! That’s a story I’ll try to keep short. Since I’ve been performing on a local level forever (thanks to beautiful people who really believed in my voice and constantly put me in showcases), I've managed to accumulate a large community-based following in different locations in and around New York. For years before college, I performed cover tunes, jazz tunes, or whatever the event called for. I got a great deal of attention through some of the gigs I did around New York. I think by then I was already hungry to perform, and all the professors had to do was “season” me. Then at Howard University, I got more and more comfortable with the idea of promoting my own original songs. I had a professor there, the late Webster Lewis, who was a popular composer, conductor, etc. (Barry White, Love Unlimited Orchestra, “Beat Street” soundtrack, etc.). He took an interest in me and explained to me that the business was becoming digital, and the old ways were going out the window. He privately showed me the door to this new world of internet promoting, and encouraged me NOT to sign with anyone. He felt in his heart I could create my own following and surround myself with the right talent to put out quality product.

As time progressed and I grew more confident with my songs, I remembered what Webster Lewis told me and I remembered all the people I affected in the past with my performances. So, around the time when GOOGLE first came out nearly 12 years ago, I JUMPED on every aspect of it to promote my music directly to the people I knew. I collected emails, contact info, and created huge mailing lists before I even had a performance to promote. With help from Google and everything aforementioned, I was able to create B Michael L. At a certain point, I wasn’t even thinking about being signed anymore, and I was loving the control and being able to include who I wanted in my projects. It was tough and hard work because I had to deal with a lot of haters, non-motivated people, and others who would attempt to devalue what I was doing. Some people still don’t think I’ve “made it” because I’m not an apparent millionaire and am not signed to some major label. What they don’t know is a lot of these signed artists aren’t millionaires either. Their company bosses are rich; they’re just in debt. A record company is like a credit card. The way I promoted my music as an independent artist caught on with many people who supported the idea and realized that I DIDN’T want to be in that type of debt; and it grew from there. The rest is history!   

8.    How has the industry changed in the years that you have been an artist?

The industry went from audio (pressing records, cds; hard medium) to digital (downloads, websites, etc.; software). I was lucky enough to be smack in the middle of the change, and to be in a college that was determined to make us realize the change was HAPPENING. Payola was the thing back in the day (pay the radio DJs to play my song) That concept hasn’t reached the internet full blast yet, but it’s creeping in for sure. People who are lucky enough to start up before that fully occurs will definitely see larger benefits. Back in the day, we had no choice but to listen to the few artists whose companies could afford to pay the DJ's. Some of these artists were massively talented and shouldn’t have HAD to go that route. Can you imagine Clive Davis having to PAY somebody to play a Whitney Houston song??? But sometimes you GOT TO pay to play. Today, if you love music, you can get access to all the songs you want and all the styles you want much faster. What hasn’t changed is the need to perform well so you can get folks to buy the songs! 

9.    You are also the owner of B Michael L Promotions...can you tell us about your company?

B Michael L Promotions (the parent of B Michael L Music) began around the same time as Google. The first thing I realized I needed to do was prove that independents can launch good music that people want. So, I treated myself as my own personal client, and worked myself into surrounding me with the contacts I knew I needed. The formula I used on myself, if proven effective, was going to be the same or similar formula I would use on other artists. I employed a bartering system that removed money issues; basically, you do this for me and I’ll do this for you; and we BOTH get paid from our work. I did a lot of “free” work, but I loved it because my brand was steadily increasing and so was my network, and I got back the support I gave. Fast-forward, we are now connected to many music sites that see us as an example. We have many talented people within our syndicate that help with the movement (image design http://youtu.be/Lc4b7_pkXgA, production http://www.myspace.com/lullabyemood, backup vocalists, etc.). And I call it a “syndicate” on purpose, because no member of B Michael L Promotions is glued to it. You can participate in our projects, promote yourself as a business, as long as it glorifies our project, and still work on other side projects. You can focus on what we do just for fun and experience. You can leave and come back. You can leave and NOT come back. The choice is yours. We’re here to promote this independent movement at all costs, carving out other choices for upcoming artists.

B Michael L Music started when I began launching these great EPs! I was still in the “if-fy” stage about promoting online around the time I was already performing my original tunes (college days). But I had great folks telling me as the years progressed that more and more people wanted to BUY my music. At first, it was all about the live show, and that’s all I would have expected folks to pay for. But the demand went up for me to release these singles. I had no idea that while still performing locally; B Michael L Music was destined to spread internationally!   

10.    What excites you more, performing or promoting new talent?

I’m caught between the two!  Performing is always going to be my first love, just because of the joy, the rush, and affecting people in good ways. But this social responsibility I feel due to all that I have learned, (and tried to share in this interview) is what drives me to keep working with other like-minded artists. I want new artists to understand the joy of ownership, and the reward that comes with hard work and networking. Even if I NEVER become a millionaire from internet self-promotion, I want my legacy to prove that somebody can and will do it! And what’s great is, I’m influencing an army of young artists who KNOW they can do it, and are hungry enough to PROVE they can, sink or swim. That’s going to change the industry forever, and encourage so much self-empowerment. See, I’m excited now just thinking about THAT! Hopefully the world won’t end before that happens (joke).

11.    Tell us about some of your upcoming projects.

We’re working on a New York event, that I am eager to launch in 2013, which would bring together artists of different degrees (leaning towards indie), music lovers and entertainment tastemakers. We wanted it to be a simple networking event that would feature great music mixes and performances from my roster of supporting artists. We’ve done multiple events like this in the past where I had the venue on lock, but then had to scramble to get the participants. THIS year (in the year of backwardness – lol), I put together a mobile street team, approached and established a roster of artists, got new backup for my solo act and began rehearsing. (basically put all the pieces in place) Now it’s taking me forever to find a venue (LOL!!!). Rents have gone up and folks are a little scared, but I’m not giving up because I KNOW everyone involved is going to come through. The venue that steps up will not be disappointed because we’ve never disappointed before; even without sponsorship. That’s how hard we work. And we have a great track record of launching these kinds of events. I have only had a problem with one venue that claimed we didn’t stay in touch and caused me to pull out of a planned date. I had to move the event to another place. That was the first and ONLY time that has ever happened in my career as an event promoter. Fortunately it wasn’t a disaster at ALL, the first venue in question just didn’t benefit.

I have a slew of artists who have approached me to help them get their digital releases out. One is Rome, a hip hop/soul/Caribbean vocalist who has worked with many major-label artists but seems to appreciate how we do things. Percy Holmes, who is the featured falsetto on my Musicfiend EP, this brother worked with me through MAJOR changes, and I owe a lot to him; not to mention he has one of the most powerful voices I have ever worked with. Sean Henry, who I call my David Ruffin (he’s a hard-headed but EXTREMELY talented brother) has worked with me for years, and we are steadily putting together his Caribbean soul-pop release. All of these projects take time and juggling, but they are nearing completion!

12.    What advice do you have for young artists trying to break out in the music industry?

Please, please, please don’t do me – DO YOU. What I REALLY mean is, so many people attempt to follow the same paths to success, and that’s not realistic; especially now with more and more choices being afforded to us for this short time. I encourage young artists of today and this moment to take advantage of these choices. My journey was a long one with lots of trial and error, but the youth of today can skip over that process because they are children of this digital age. If you want to be independent, and feel you know enough people, you can go RIGHT to self-promotion before someone picks you up. A lot of young artists have serious tech skills I am JUST learning. USE those skills and design, design, design! Eventually, you can package yourself and sell yourself whether it’s to a label or directly to the public. But learn about these choices, because if you don’t, you’ll automatically think you have to follow behind someone else. I promise you – you REALLY DO NOT.

1.       Tell us about EdenEdge, the brand?

EdenEdge is “Everything Fashion”. My goal is to be a one-stop shop for everything related to fashion, styling, and consulting. I’m also in the process of developing an online consignment boutique.

2.       Can you remember when fashion became your passion?

I’ve always been fashionable. My mom says that I didn’t even want to wear diapers because they didn’t match my dresses. I always dressed up. It would take me at least two hours to prepare for school because I had to organize my entire “look” from my accessories, my makeup, my shoes, and my hair.  

3.       Describe your own personal/signature style.

Growing up, I honestly didn’t think that I had style. I always wore whatever clothes that I wanted to or felt like wearing. Other people always inquired about my “style.” I often wear long, flowing clothes...clothes that are comfortable, but cute. I love flats. Also, I tend to dress according to my mood, ranging from dark to brighter colors. Personally, my favorite color is neon green. I wear make-up everyday...never leave home without it. And I always match my hair with my outfit. Always.  

4.       Since starting your company, you’ve become a “pastor’s wife.” Has that new role impacted your fashion and style?

Somewhat. I recognize that now, more than ever, my life is under a microscope. People will be watching how I dress, how I act, how I speak.  So I’m mindful of that. Even with the challenges though, I still retain my own personal style. Usually my church attire is all black or all white...still, the way I choose to accessorize or wear my hair makes it a look that’s completely my own. 


5.       There’s a lot of controversy now with children and fashion...do you allow your boys to have creative freedom when it comes to styling?

Recently I was going through my boys’ closets and realized that they have several identical pieces. This is because they often like to dress alike, especially for church. I also realized that when shopping for them, I typically buy what I like rather than cater to their individual personalities and styles.  As they get older, I want to change that. I want them to discover their individual likes and dislikes. In some ways I can already see it developing. Ian, my 5 year old, loves fedoras!  He’s also more laid back so he prefers jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. His favorite articles of clothing are his yellow rain boots. If he could, he would wear them with EVERYTHING. Isaiah, my 8 year old is more serious, more preppy. He prefers collared shirts, bowties, and blazers. And he loves baseball caps.

It’s important for me and my husband Rory that our boys have the ability to express themselves but we ensure that what they’re wearing is age appropriate and appropriate for the occasion.  There has to be some monitoring process in place but I do believe that in the world of fashion, you can’t always let what has been done dictate what can be done.

6.       What are your thoughts on “fashion rules”?

I never follow rules. My motto: If you buy it, you can wear it whenever and however you want to. You can wear polka dots with plaid if it’s accessorized and worn with confidence.

7.       Do you have a favorite designer?

Actually I don’t have a favorite designer. I’m not one who is tied to any particular label. Except Levi’s! I cannot live without my Levi’s Curve ID jeans. I’m tall with a small waist and curves, so it’s difficult to find sizes that fit. The Curve ID jeans are tailored to fit specific shapes, not sizes.

I buy pieces that I like, whether it’s from a specific designer, label, or from a thrift shop. My favorite stores are H&M and JC Penney. People may be surprised about J.C. Penney, but they have really made an effort to modernize their brand. They are taking a risk, updating to more fresh and hip styles. Even walking into their stores is now a different experience with their upgrades to their displays.

8.       What trends are you noticing in fashion right now?

There are trends that I like and definitely trends that I’m not too fond of. I’m definitely not fond of the popular trend of “less is better.” I’m seeing too many women and young girls wearing clothes that are much too revealing. There’s a fine line between being stylish, and trendy without being trashy.

I LOVE that sneakers are making a fashion comeback and are really making a statement. Sneakers with wedges are cute, comfortable, and jazzy. I also love that the baggy look for men is giving way to a more tapered and groomed look. Men used to think that they had to dress a certain way in order to be “manly” but I’m glad that they are recognizing that the clean-cut look is more stylish and appealing.  

Another trend: neon and bright colors. I love this look, especially when the colors are paired with a muted color like khaki.  Or maybe with dark colors.

9.       What are some secret tips for styling women with curves?

The trick with styling any woman is to style according to shape and not size. Regardless of size, women’s bodies aren’t identical. You can have three women who are categorized as a size 10, but that size will still appear differently. One woman may be pear-shaped, or one may have more hips, or another may have more muscles...so it’s important to just find pieces that highlight the best assets and features. We have too many hang-ups about sizes. What’s more important is achieving the right “look.”

10.       If you could dress/style any celebrity who would you choose?

My choice may seem very generic, but I would choose Beyoncé; and that’s not because of her star power. She’s beautiful, and she has a great body, but her style can sometimes be monotonous. There’s not really a red carpet moment when you can say that she “wowed” us with what she was wearing. I can’t recall a completely breathtaking moment. She often wears gold or other colors that tend to “wash her out.” I would love to see her in a royal blue, midnight blue or emerald green...colors that I think would really compliment her skin tone.  I would dress her in outfits that are form fitting and ones that emphasize her legs. And I would style her hair in an up do, something we don’t traditionally see with her.

11.       With all of the many hats that you’re wearing, how do manage to balance it all?

I started EdenEdge Fashion in August 2011. Since that time it has been a true work in progress. I know that in order to reach my goal I have to be faithful, work hard, and be diligent. It’s hard work being a young entrepreneur...especially when you have a husband and children that demand your attention. I’m also a pastor’s wife, who’s not only active in the church, but also in my community. An important lesson I had to learn: there is no balance! When I let go of the pressure to be perfect, it really became easier. My children, (Ian and Isaiah) my husband (Rory), they know that I’m working hard to establish a brand, which benefits our family. They support me. The company I work for, Innovative Solutions...they support me. So it’s certainly not easy, but I make it work.

12.       What advice do you have for other young artists/designers?

Be yourself. Don’t be afraid of yourself. Many times we can be our own worst enemy. We don’t realize that uniqueness often leads to greatness. Recognize your potential...own it. Don’t let peer pressure or insecurities stifle your dreams. 

Stay connected with EdenEdge Fashion. Follow her on Twitter now @iamedenedge and “Like” her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eden-Edge-Fashion-Consulting/323276477791277