In the late ’90s he owned the mike at the pubs and clubs of downtown Philly, PA. On any given night you could find him freestyling or beatboxing for local emcees, scatting at the jazz clubs or even singing a cappella on street corners. It was this unquenchable thirst to sing and perform that he says earned him his nickname – Musiq. “I later added Soulchild to pay homage to the musical greats I grew up listening to,” Musiq confided when he called in for a chat ahead of Soulfest this coming October.
Billed as Australia’s first annual neo-soul, jazz and hip hop festival, the Soulfest line-up includes some of the biggest local and international artists of those genres. For one fine day in spring at Victoria Park, Musiq Soulchild will be joined by Mos Def, Aloe Blacc, Angie Stone and Maxwell just to name a few. “The way they’ve set the timetable up, people will have a chance to see as many acts as they like. To be able to see a handful of artists I love and respect all at once – that’s the kind of opportunity I wouldn’t wanna pass up.”
Add to that Musiq’s admission that he fell in love with Australia on his first and last visit back in 2012, coming back to travel with the Soulfest entourage seemed like a no-brainer. “The last time I was over in that part of the world I felt really good. There’s a great energy there and I remember as I was leaving feeling like I can’t wait to come back. So here’s my opportunity!”
The eleven-time Grammy award nominee has made the most of opportunities during his career. If you’ve been paying attention you more than likely recognise him from print and TV ads for Coca-Cola, The Gap, Nike and McDonald’s. He also cameo’d in a couple of US sitcoms, and all while finding time to write a book, 143 – Love According to Musiq.
“Becoming an author was something that was unexpected.” Musiq paused before explaining: “It was an idea presented to me and I just went with it. I look at it like I’m already a creative writer. Being a songwriter, I’m automatically going to want to put words together in a way that’s going to entertain and maybe even inspire people – so look out for another book soon!” he promised with a smile.
Maybe Musiq’s next endeavour will be a guide on the how to stay out of the tabloids and scandal pages. “I think people put too many expectations on the concept of being a celebrity. They tend to forget that these people are human beings, and that’s not going to change because there are more people paying attention to them. They still have their lives to lead. They still need their humanity.
“That’s why I don’t pass judgement on people or what they do. I don’t like to say,‘Oh he shouldn’t be doing that, or she look crazy for saying dat!’” he chuckled. “I don’t understand why people put so much emphasis on that. That’s one of the main reasons why I pretty much keep to myself – I want it to be about the music. Plus the fact that I’ve been working so hard I don’t have time to do anything. I’m just trying to keep up with myself and my daughter!”
In the meantime, catch the smooth sounds of Musiq Soulchild up close and personal at Soulfest – and just between you and me, Musiq plans to bring the party! “Don’t get the wrong idea – we soul singers know how to party. If you see us on stage asking you to ‘make some noise’, we really mean make some noise! We’re not saying just snap your fingers,” he joked. “We’re all going to get on that stage and do our thing. Hopefully you’ll love it! We just want you to rock with us and have a good time.”
When&Where: Soulfest, Melbourne – October 19
Written by Natalie Rogers