Music Times writer, Wanda Coppage caught up with the new soul sensation, Ro James at the 2016 Centric Presents Soul Train Awards red carpet event to find out all there is to know about the "Permission" singer.
Though the interview was brief, James still managed to reveal some interesting details on future collaborations, writing inspirations, and possibly changing the musical direction of his next album.
James' single "Permission" off his debut album Eldorado has spent 42 weeks on the Billboard Adult R&B chart and reached a peak #1 position. Currently, the single has dropped to #2 on the chart for its second week.
The follow-up single, "Burn Slow," presents a similar vibe - smooth and seductive, much like the sound of the late Prince.
Also like Prince, James writes his own music and pulls inspiration for each song from a "true place" called life.
"[My inspiration comes from] different things that I've been through on the journey, old girlfriends, old relationships - going through life and learning my own lessons," explained the 23-year-old.
His journey has not only inspired the lyrics of his music but also the various genres of music he plans to release in the future.
"I'm inspired by country music, rock music, hip hop - I'm Caribbean, I'm West Indian so for me it's like all types of music inspire," explained the ByStorm Entertainment artist. "My first album Eldorado was more so in the lane of R&B. As I can continue and as I build out from people I'ma' give them a little country, a little rock, a little hip hop - a lot of soul."
His future plans also include some future projects or collaborations with a few other Soul Train Awards attendees and nominees. Though he couldn't reveal too much information he did drop a couple of exclusive details to work with "his brothers."
"It's kind of a secret but I'm working with Anderson .Paak, BJ the Chicago Kid, couple of different people but those are my brothers so we're doing that."
James and .Paak were both nominated in the Best New Artist category and BJ the Chicago Kid performed.
Definitely gives fans something to look forward to with a possible collaboration from these guys.
Listen to the audio below.
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