THE SOUL COLLECTIVE 'Find your voice, develop a historical perspective and study the greats'
This new album has dropped and what an album 'The Real Thing' by the Soul Collective is exactly what it says it is . It ticks all the boxes for us at Indie Soul Radio, a new album giving us the Soul of the seventies, the sounds that are missing from a lot of todays music . Distributed by Daptone Records you know this is 'The Real Thing' . Intrigued to know more DJ Prone tracks down 'Michael Dunham' the lead singer and gets the scoop.
Give me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in music?
I was born in the United States, Darien, Georgia and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut at the age of 3. I've been in the BPT area most of my life but also lived in Atlanta , Georgia where I first hit a stage. I also spent a lot of my time in New York City.
What was your most memorable moment in your music career?
Performing at Madison Square Garden in New York , the worlds most famous arena as most would say. It proved that no stage was too big for me.
What was your most challenging moment?
Singing in public for the first time and failing only because of fear.
Who are your musical influences?
Stevie Wonder , Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin Gaye, Confunkshun, Temptations, Al Jarreau , Blue Magic , Pleasure, Donny Hathaway etc.
If you could do a duet and or have someone write a song for you from your favorite artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder.
What is the last song you’ve listened to by another artist and who are your present favorites?
Theme from Spiderman, Michael Buble presently! Eric Roberson , George Duke , Pleasure and Marvin Gaye.
What was your most embarrassing moment while at a live performance or interview?
Performing in a packed ballroom and having the mic fail.
How many singles/albums do you have out presently and are there any projects in the works?
Soul Collective's 'The Real Thing' There will be a follow up to this album. The three other singers 'Tiffany T'Zelle' , 'Janice Dempsey' and 'Angela Clemmons' have multiple albums and singles to their credit, including a current single with So-Lar the God featuring Tiffany T'Zelle entitled '2 The Sky' and a current single with Janice and saxophonist 'Andre Ward' entitled 'Still' from his new album 'Africa Rising'.
What are your weird habits or traditions before performing live or recording?
None, I just drink water.
What other skills do you have under your belt apart from music?
I'm a visual artist , poet, journalist , voice actor and radio show host.
What advice would you like to give to upcoming artists?
Find your voice, develop a historical perspective and study the greats.
Ok time for Under The Radar's silly question.
What would have been worse? running down a long stairway in Willie Dynamites Platforms shoes or running down a narrow passage in Alexander O'Neils shoulder padded pullover?
Since I no longer wear stacks and haven't done so since the 70's I can't do Willie. I have to go with Alexander O'Neal, his suit game was tight in the 80's.