Moody funk-soul, jazz with the underpinning of Africa at its root is the sound of Carvalho

Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in music?

Born in Birmingham U.K., my parents are from a Parish in Jamaica called Trelawny. I grew up in a musical household not in the sense of musical instruments but the love of music. My Siblings introduced me to reggae, jazz and funk mingled with the pop music of the day. This love led to me getting a bass guitar and learning the rudiments of this instrument. I now play keyboards, guitar, flute and percussion as well. Prior to your success what did you see as a major drawback by being a new artist?

I wouldn’t say draw back more of a frustration. In that soul music feels like or has gone underground of which I think is absurd because the fan base is vast. Folks want to listen to artists express themselves through soul music. What is your vocal range? My vocal ranges from bass, baritone , tenor to soprano at a push.

What have people who had heard your music say about your vocal style that sets you apart from another vocalist?

It has been said my vocal style and tone quite unique. Who is your independent Artist today? Don E As an independent artist, what are some of the challenges you face? Having a budget which will cover visuals-videos to support the music. Having said that there is so much you can do on a smart phone-IMovie, big budgets even budgets are becoming a thing of the past. I think now it’s about your creativity or having someone/team onboard who can help you fulfil the vision. How would you describe your music to those who have never heard it before? Moody funk-soul, jazz with the underpinning of Africa at its root.

Who are your musical influences?

Hate this question..too many jazz wise Miles Davis for focusing on the importance of melody. John Coltrane for pushing musical boundaries. Fela Kuti for bringing the funk to Afro beat. Some of the legends like Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott Heron for their consciousness Even more up to date Bilal who is musically fearless. Females range from U.K. stalwarts like Caron Wheeler, Carlene Andersen. I could mention more the list is long. Oh not forgetting saxophonist Kamasi Washington and Bob Marley. How do you prepare yourself mentally for public opinion (either positive or negative) when you’re preparing for a new song release? I think the most important thing is ultimately is that I’m happy. Opinions do matter to a degree but if your in a state of Artist bliss you know it’s not the end because you will continue to compose and develop your musical prowess. What advice would you give to a new artist entering the changing industry? I’ve said this to one of my previous students, whether if you are performing with a band or not your still in a position to create. Meaning be independent, build your own studio and label. Register your work through the correct agencies PRS, ASCAP etc. Most of all keep writing and releasing but most of all stay positive. What other talent do you have that your fans may not know about you? I’m pretty good at Art mainly portraits and I was a fast bowler who had trials for Warwickshire cricket club…. How many singles/albums do you have out presently and what is your favorite album/song to date?

So I have 4 EPs Elevate, Hopes Journey, Ras Kitchen-reggae track for a YouTube channel of same name which has now 84,000 views and my current EP Peace No, Just Us. Albums- 2 All the things you know to be true and 2020 release Watermelon Smiles. Singles-Collaborations I would say 30 in total. On albums including Paris Cessvette’s No 1 house album Celestial. I’ve also had my track loving u (taken from All the things you know to be true album) remixed for South African Market called 2009 via a Dj Nutty Nys released on David Greasham records and it sold 19,000 units. Not all singles necessarily feature my vocals but my bass and flute playing for example Shining on Vice beats most recent album Beats N Bobs. I have also undertaken production remix duties mainly in reggae and house genres. Most favourite song to date is Such a Tragedy (a free download on my sound-cloud page) Album wise, it’s got to be Watermelon Smiles.

Tell me about you latest album/ song and what was your inspiration behind it?

Is it out now and where can people buy it. Latest EP is Peace No, Just Us The inspiration behind it was current events-the witnessing of a African man namely George Floyd being murdered at the hands of a police man. Peace No. No Just us, which is a play on words meaning what is left after grave injustices is just us-the people. It’s available on all digital/Streaming outlets Spotify, ITunes etc released on Versifymusic. I am currently recording for my new album Apocalyptic Son pencilled in for release February 2022 and then another album Apocalyptic Sun will follow after.

What advice would you like to give to upcoming artist?

Use the resources around you social media etc. Develop your craft, remember this is not a race but longevity to create art/good music. Believe in yourself-not always easy in this fragile industry but you got to keep keeping on. How do you make your funky P Funk when you want to get funked up? Well that would telling wouldn’t it..one thing I do know is that it has to be shook and not stirred. Shake your thing..! Check out Carvalho's links and support his music

Sound cloud.com/Carvalho https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carvalho/118508739960 www.youtube.com/robertcarvalhouk Twitter.com/bassheaddred