Having sold 25 million albums worldwide, music icon of R&B Brian McKnight will release his 16th album Better on January 29th 2016. McKnight, who has 16 Grammy Award nominations under his belt, is sticking to his R&B roots on his new record.
“I’m taking it back to basics” he explains. “We are creating music like we did 20 years ago, completely organic, with real instruments. The truth is, I’m in love and love makes us better, it makes us come alive, and I wanted to convey that through this album in a very relatable, authentic way.” This feeling can certainly be heard on new single ‘Uh Oh Feeling’ The singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been no stranger to collaboration in his 20 years in the music industry, having worked with everyone from Christina Aguilera to Quincy Jones to Justin Timberlake as well as a unique performance with Drake at last year’s ESPY Awards.
Better continues this trend, as McKnight worked with Hawaiian vocalist Kimié Miner and rapper Glasses Moses. The album also includes Brian’s long time guitarists Chris Loftlin and Tyrone Chase, who he has worked with for over 10 years. 26 years after he signed his first record deal, being honored with Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Songwriter of The Year along the way; McKnight releases his 16th album Better and is happy to be doing what he loves most – and still growing as an artist.
Beverly Hills Magazine: When did you discover your singing talent?
Brian McKnight: “I come from a Church singing family, so I was always around music and singing. I didn’t really discover it; I just had to choose if I wanted to pursue it as a professional career since it was already such a big part of my life.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: Where do you get your creative inspiration?
Brian McKnight: “From life…Enough crazy things happen in my own life and all around me for me to draw from. I try to be like a sponge and I read a lot.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: Why are love songs an important part of your work?
Brian McKnight: “Everybody wants to love somebody and to be loved, but it’s the hardest thing to do. If you think about it, every huge hit has always been a really great love song. Love is the one thing we all have in common.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: What advice would you give to aspiring music artists?
Brian McKnight: “If you’re getting into the music business for anything other than genuine love for it, it will let you down. It will be your love for it that sustains you during lean times. Don’t do it to be rich or famous.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: Have you discovered a personal purpose in what you do?
Brian McKnight: “I’ve always thought of my voice as the car, and my words and melody are the fuel. I’ve discovered that it’s not about me; it’s all about the song. Singers come and go, but you will always remember your favorite song. It’s not about being the best singer, but it’s about selling the most albums or getting the most downloads. It’s incredibly gratifying knowing you are making an impact on millions of people around the world.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: What inspired the album Better?
Brian McKnight: “I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have this kind of career, and I’m so grateful to have my fans behind me, still supporting me, and to still live this dream every day. And because of that, I am better.”
Tracklist:
1.Strut
2. Just Enough
3. Can’t Take It
4. Better
5. Uh Oh Feeling
6. Like I Do
7. Lovin You From A Distance
8. Goodbye
9. Get You In My Life
10. Enough
11. Key 2 My Heart
12. Just Waiting
McKnight will represent the United States in the United Kingdom on Sunday, October 4th with a performance of the US National Anthem at the NFL International Series, taking place at Wembley Stadium.
Better will be released in the US on January 29th 2016, and is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon on October 2, 2015. The pre-order will include the first single “Uh Oh Feeling”as an instant grat track.
Brian McKnight is a world-renowned, platinum recording artist and musician. He has released 15 albums to date and has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. In 1992 McKnight released his self-titled and first album, which landed on the Billboard 200 chart. His video for “Anytime” was nominated for Best Male Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. McKnight has been the recipient of Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. His most notable album, Back At One, sold over 3 Million copies. McKnight also found success outside of the world of music. He starred in the Broadway production of Chicago and was in the second season of Celebrity Apprentice. With 16 Grammy Award nominations and numerous chart-topping songs, McKnight has established a place in music history as a fan favorite among music celebrities. His ability to play eight instruments, as well as his timeless and smooth sound, always makes for an entertaining performance.