Kevin Ross: High Vibrational R&B
- Muzikscribe
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Having built a robust autonomous movement thanks to his boutique imprint, Art Society Music Group, former Motown Records' signee Kevin Ross has returned with his latest tour de force, Love Uptempo Vol. 1. The veteran R&B singer-songwriter-producer is also responsible for penning a string of Billboard hits for the likes of Trey Songz, Toni Braxton, Tank, Nicki Minaj, Jamie Foxx, SWV and Johnny Gill, to name some.
Let’s hop right into this lead single, “Love In The Middle” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, and myself were in Nashville just having a blast in the studio. "Love In The Middle" was a byproduct of that.
Of course, “Love In The Middle” comes courtesy of your most recent body of work, Love Uptempo Vol. 1 -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
Love Uptempo represents high vibrational R&B. In order for you to vibrate higher, you move with a faster and intentional intensity.
How does Love Uptempo Vol. 1 differ and / or compare to previous Kevin Ross efforts?
There are no ballads on this project.
Love Uptempo Vol. 1 is an Art Society Music Group [ASMG] project -- What are your future plans and/or goals for the imprint? And, who all else, besides yourself of course, currently makes up its artist roster?
The plan has always been to collaborate, partner, or foster talent and help them to carve out their own path and brand.
As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from when you sit down to pen your lyrics?
Melody is first, then the lyrics. I take inspiration from experience and through observation.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for Kevin Ross?
My father is the reason why I love music the way that I do.
Now you’re from Washington, D.C., correct? So, growing up in "Chocolate City," who did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Most influential to me that’s from the city would be Marvin Gaye and Chuck Brown.
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and/or perform?
My music is made for the Blue-Collar Lover.
What particular string of events actually led to your initial signing to / with Motown Records?
The string of events are a blur, but Troy Taylor and Zeke [Ezekial] Lewis got me that deal.
Talk briefly about transitioning from being a major-label artist to being fully independent...
It’s always uncomfortable at first embracing the unknown, but you learn to adapt. It’s by far the best decision that I have made in my professional career.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to take what they need from the Music; whether it’s to inspire, motivate, fall in Love or stay in love.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stevie Wonder, because he’s the greatest.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Either the O2 Arena or Madison Square Garden. I’m curious to see the impact that my music can create in those spaces.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
I’m not happy or sad. I’m grateful that our generation has the opportunity to change the trajectory of the genre.
What do you feel has been and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Consistency.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
When it’s all said and done, I’ll probably be a Dean of the Arts at someone’s university, lol.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
My biggest career flex is having a career, lol. Music has been paying my bills for over 10 years now. If you aren’t in the music business, then you wouldn’t understand how much of a blessing that is.
What’s an average day like for you?
Work, lol.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
Social media has helped me to build community. It’s all about being consistent with them and how you communicate.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And why?
My favorite parts are creating the music and performing it. My least favorite part is budgeting and crunching numbers, lol.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Know who you are and what you want. Both will change over time, but never lose sight of why you fell in love with Music in the first place.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
As a Superhero.
As for the immediate, what's next for you, Kevin?
The LOVE UPTEMPO era is just getting started.
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