The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN singer Xavier Brice is bringing a groovy sound channelling classic Motown energy with his new single ‘I Can’t Keep Loving You.’

This would be the first radio single from the 25-year-old aspiring musician.

In an interview with In Ya Ear, Xavier said he’s an advocate for education and he believes in the power of music to heal and liberate people.

He said: “I am no stranger to music as I have always been a part of some group or choir since I was in primary school. My family at large is somewhat popular for their local musical contributions as well. My uncle, Anthony ‘Lovely’ Knowles was a smash in the 80s for his hit ‘Love Me,’ and my cousins ‘Nu Generation’ are no strangers to the Brethren Church and the Christian community here in the Bahamas. So music has always been in my ear,” said Xavier.

Xavier started recording in early 2011 some time after he graduated from Florida Memorial University in Miami. At the time, he worked for One Family Entertainment as a marketing representative.

“I joined a few friends who had an advantageous idea to start an event management company in the Miami Gardens area and together we promoted parties, organised events and marketed aspiring artists in the area. My desire to pursue music came as a result of being in that competitive environment,” said Xavier.

He said his music is mostly motivated by situations that he has personally experienced or stories told by others.

“I think all the great songs are the ones that tell a story and I want people to walk away thinking about what they would have heard me sing or say. There are a few greats in music I admire and all for different reasons of course like Michael Jackson for his creative genius, Whitney Houston for her vocal power and strength, and Sam Cooke for his story telling ability and fashion style. Other favourites include Brandy, Roberta Flack, Lionel Richie and Luther Vandross,” said Xavier.

Apart from his new single, Xavier said he has also been caught up working with a music group called “BYMG” in the Elizabeth Estates area. They cover popular songs, write songs and collaborate with other BYMG artists on both solo and label projects.

Listeners can look forward to BYMG’s ‘To The Moon’ single coming soon.

Recalling the inspiration for writing and recording his first single ‘I Can’t Keep Loving You,’ Xavier said he remembers walking away from a party that he attended a while back in Miami, and on his way out he got a music beat in his head that would not go away.

“I hummed it as I walked home from the event and sang it to myself for about six months before I penned a line. The words of the song came way after the melody and sadly it was one of those things that only come about in life as a result of heartache and disappointment. I lost a friend, but I found myself. It’s real simple,” said Xavier.

Xavier wants to be involved in music for a long time. He said music is his life, so there is no cut off period when it is something he is passionate about.

“I take my art seriously, and could only pray to continue to grow as an artist and make positive contributions through my writing and singing,” said Xavier.

Like most local artists, Xavier said he still has to work a day job to pay the bills.

While he dreams of leaving the 9 to 5 for something a bit more glamorous, Xavier said he will work to pay his debts to society until that times comes.

He encouraged his listeners to look out for collaborations this year.

“I have been working with some dynamic young artists here in the capital on solo music projects and there are some amazing talents to be showcased all in due time,” said Xavier.

The music video for ‘I Can’t Keep Loving You’ will be released this summer.