Alvin Garrett: Soulful Alchemy
- Muzikscribe
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alvin Garrett is a Birmingham-based singer, songwriter, and collaborator who’s made waves working with artists like Ruben Studdard and others. With a soulful voice, genuine lyrics, and a knack for shaping hits behind the scenes, Alvin continues to redefine modern R&B and Gospel.
Let’s hop into this single, "Roll Slide Roll" — how did this particular track come to fruition?
When I was finishing my project, Talk to Her Like This, I felt like I needed an uptempo record that really made people move. “Roll Slide Roll” is a steppers’ song with a powerful message of love and togetherness—very on-brand for the essence of the full project. I wanted a record that men, women and even kids, could dance to; something feel-good that promotes unity and love.
How then does "Roll Slide Roll" compare to or differ from your previous songs?
This song is truly one of a kind for me. Fans were shocked to see me dancing; I’ve never claimed to be a dancer. I’m more of an R&B crooner. So, having an uptempo record and actually dancing is new and refreshing for my core audience, while also introducing me to new listeners. My music is usually more sensual and slower in tempo, so this is definitely a shift. Dance records are having a moment, and I wanted to lean into that wave while still staying true to my message-driven style.
Q: "Roll Slide Roll" comes courtesy of your latest EP, Talk to Her Like This — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
The title reflects how I believe men should speak to women; with respect, intention, and tenderness. Women aren’t always given the level of respect they deserve. Classic R&B used to center that; men expressing how they feel about women with honesty and admiration. My music is part of a new wave that aims to bring that feeling back; making women smile and giving men the language and space to express love better.
Q: As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from observing society—what people are going through emotionally, what’s missing, and what needs to be said. After Kamala lost the election, I saw how it affected my Black daughter and Black women around me. It inspired me to create music that lets them know I see them, hear them, and understand them. My music comes from real-world experiences; it’s not just about selling songs, it’s about reflecting the world through my eyes.
Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
My journey started in Tuscaloosa, AL, as a preacher’s kid heavily influenced by the church. My father was a pastor and a coal miner, who loved all kinds of music as long as it carried love. So I grew up on Gospel, Jazz, and R&B. I started playing bass guitar, which led to producing, then writing, and eventually becoming an artist. Church gave me my foundation in music from every angle.
Q: Growing up in 'The Magic City,' who were some of your biggest influences?
My biggest influences were the musicians in church; the unsung heroes. They weren’t mainstream, but they shaped my entire musical foundation. My uncle, Barney, especially taught me how to stay in the pocket, understand tone, and approach music with humility.
Q: How do you define your style?
I’d define my musical style as inspirational Soul and R&B. When you listen, you may not immediately think, “Southern Soul,” but you definitely feel something inspirational. My lyrics often feel like someone is speaking life into you. My sound is like a gumbo pot of R&B and Soul, with a core message of love; expressing it, celebrating it, and showcasing it.
Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to walk away feeling like they got spiritual soul food; encouraged, uplifted, and reminded of love, trust, and respect. I want people to feel good after listening.
Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
I’d love to work with John Legend. I’m also inspired by artists with unique, irreplicable voices; Maxwell, D’Angelo, Al Green. Collaborating with them would be a dream because their sound, mixed with my tone, would create something special.
Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?
I love intimate rooms, where I can look people directly in the eye. I’m still figuring out the exact venue, but smaller, more personal, spaces are where I feel the strongest connection.
Q: How do you feel about the current state of R&B?
R&B is a reflection of the soul of our culture, and people speak from where they are in life. If the genre feels disconnected at times, it’s because many of us are feeling disconnected in real life—family structures, relationships, and emotional connections are shifting. Music follows the human experience. So, no, R&B isn’t dead. It’s just mirroring where we are, and I want to help bring back the feeling that made us fall in love with it.
Q: What’s the key to your longevity?
Humility. Making sacrifices to learn the industry, valuing the craft, and not doing it strictly for money. Money comes and goes, but passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn from others—that’s what keeps you going.
Q: Beyond music, what else do you want to do?
One of my biggest goals is expanding my songwriting therapy program. It blends group therapy, with songwriting, to help people share their stories and reclaim their lives—especially those impacted by the criminal justice system. I’ve seen powerful results, and I’d love to bring it into schools to help the youth.
Q: Biggest career moments thus far?
At one point, I would’ve said being Grammy-nominated. But the moment that changed everything was in 2019, when a man told me my song saved his life. He was planning to end his life until he heard my lyrics. That moment showed me why I do this. Saving a life tops any accolade, and gave me the resilience to keep going, even when I doubted myself.
Q: What’s an average day like for you?
My day usually starts with exercise or reflection, then parenting responsibilities; taking my kids to school. My days aren’t always consumed by music; I spend a lot of time giving back. I always make sure I take care of myself first, so I can show up fully for my children and my community. I also try to carve out time for writing and recording.
Q: How do you interact with your fans?
I connect a lot through social media, but I’m also a very personable guy. I love going into the crowd during shows, and meeting people face-to-face. If someone supports me, that means they believe in my voice, so I make an effort to build real connection—online and in person.
Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
My favorite part is being on stage. For much of my career I was singing other people’s songs, so performing my own music now is incredibly fulfilling. My least favorite part is simply not being on the stage.
Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?
Understand that your journey is your own—don’t envy anyone else’s path or try to replicate it. Stories are written over time, not overnight. If you cut corners, you’re cutting out pages of your story that someone else might need one day.
Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself as an artist and writer that people speak of the way they speak about Maxwell or John Legend, especially John, because he does more than just make music. I want to be known for my art, but also for giving back and being mission-driven. And, yes, a Grammy win is in that vision, along with expanding my songwriting program into schools.
Q: What’s next for you, Alvin?
I’m excited to continue pushing “Roll Slide Roll,” releasing this new album, and getting out on the road to share new music. 2026 is going to be a big musical year.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
Please don’t forget about your mental health, and love yourself. Strive to be your best, but on your own terms. Don’t chase perfection, chase purpose. Keep Up with Alvin Garrett: @thealvingarrett.
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