Musiq Interview (speaks on being homeless)
<p><em>Taalib Johnson better known to the world as Musiq Soulchild is arguably the most soulful R&B artist of our time. Although he is a world renown recording artist with close to 5 million records sold, Musiq had a relatively difficult start with his career. From being homeless, to experiencing his current success; Musiq Soulchild takes time to share his journey in the music business with Usoulmag.com Interview by Johnny Johnson publisher of Usoul </em></p><p>Usoul: Your song "On My Radio" has a different sound compared to some of your previous work. What prompted the creation of this type of song?</p><p><strong>Musiq: The intention for that record is that I know there is an audience that listens to that type of music and I wanted to make a song that appealed to that audience.</strong></p><p>Usoul: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from the business end of music? </p><p><strong>Musiq: The difference between creativity and commerce. Understand that this is a business and although we are making music, we are also making money off of music. So understanding the dynamics of the situation; I definitely had to learn how to balance my desire to appeal to the more creative aspect of the art of doing music, with the need to remain commercially progressive. It doesn’t matter how creative you are if people are unwilling to invest in your product. Also, I learned a lot of lessons with regards to keeping an eye on your business, making sure your money is right and watching the people that you do business with. There are a lot of little things, but ultimately I’ve learned the difference between being in this business to make music and to make money.</strong></p><p>Usoul: You were homeless at one point in your life, while pursing your career. How has this contributed to the person you are today?</p><p><strong>Musiq: It gives you a more realistic perspective. I left home at a young age pursuing what I thought I needed to do in my life. That left me with having to fend for myself. So I depended on friends and sometimes strangers to make do the best way I knew how. It challenged me mentally, it challenged my spirit; it challenged me to make the best out of a not so good situation. So when you come into some type of fortune in life you don’t forget those situations and I guess that’s what I can attribute to my sense of "groundness." Keeping myself level-headed in this industry because I know what it’s like on the other side and I’m not in a hurry to go back. So I appreciate everything that comes to me and all of these things have shaped the personality and character that I have today.</strong></p><p>full interview with musiq available at <a href="http://issue1.usoulmag.com">http://issue1.usoulmag.com</a> we are always looking to feature soulful indie artists in our publication. contact us @ usoulmag.com to be considered.</p><p><strong></strong></p>
