THE SOULFUL VOICE
Although Brandon Wattz, a talented vocalist, lyricist, composer, arranger, and producer, is just on the brink of releasing his debut single, “I Honestly Love You,” he is certainly no stranger to the world of music. Born into a military family in Frankfurt, Germany in September 1986, and subsequently moving to Birmingham in 1988, Wattz grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, The Stylistics, Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, Anita Baker, and the incomparable Michael Jackson. He began singing solos in the church choir at St. James A.M.E. Zion at the tender age of 6, participated in school choirs from elementary through high school, and was selected for the All-State Choir from 2001-2004.
Wattz embarked upon a period of self-discovery after high school, and began writing songs during that time, expressing his thoughts and feelings through music. He taught himself to play keyboards, set up a home studio, and recorded tracks for the next four years. He was also the lead vocalist for several bands including Foxxy Fatts, Excalibur, Just A Few Cats, and others. But Wattz’s life was about to change.
In 2008, after performing during an Open Mic Night at The Legion, he met Jeff Bradley, also a multi-talented composer, arranger, and lyricist, and the two became friends and musical collaborators. Throughout the years, they wrote and recorded many tracks together, but it wasn’t until January 2012 when Bradley approached Wattz about singing on a new track that he’d written entitled, “I Honestly Love You.” Brandon recorded the song, and after arranging and producing it, Bradley approached longtime friend Allen Johnston of The Music Specialists in Atlanta, Georgia, who agreed that it was something special, and took it on as a project, along with 9 other tracks that will be released as a CD in spring of 2013.
Commenting on the track, Wattz said, “It’s a breath of fresh air.” When Jeff first played it for me, I knew that it would be a hit. It reminds me of the music that I heard coming up in the 1980’s with the likes of Freddie Jackson and Anita Baker, and it has many different nuances. It’s a feel good song, and one that everyone will find it easy to relate to at some period in their lives.”
Describing his approach to music, he continued, “Primarily, it’s sincerity. I believe every word that I sing and say. A vocalist has to convey with his or her voice whatever the message is that you’re trying to get across. I only sing songs that I feel deeply because I know that if it touches me, can deliver it to the point where it will touch someone else. My music is reminiscent of the nostalgic genres where there are true melodies, true storylines, and real music. It’s not beat driven, and we don’t use tricks and gimmicks that you find in a lot of today’s music.”
With both a smoky tenor at his disposal and a beautiful falsetto that can be compared to that of Eddie Kendricks or El DeBarge, Wattz’s vocal style is sure to please music lovers of all genres, especially those who are fans of adult contemporary R&B, soul, and pop. He continues to perform at special events and in local and regional venues including a recent gig at The Hard Rock Café in Nashville.
“I Honestly Love You” will be available in early July.
Wattz embarked upon a period of self-discovery after high school, and began writing songs during that time, expressing his thoughts and feelings through music. He taught himself to play keyboards, set up a home studio, and recorded tracks for the next four years. He was also the lead vocalist for several bands including Foxxy Fatts, Excalibur, Just A Few Cats, and others. But Wattz’s life was about to change.
In 2008, after performing during an Open Mic Night at The Legion, he met Jeff Bradley, also a multi-talented composer, arranger, and lyricist, and the two became friends and musical collaborators. Throughout the years, they wrote and recorded many tracks together, but it wasn’t until January 2012 when Bradley approached Wattz about singing on a new track that he’d written entitled, “I Honestly Love You.” Brandon recorded the song, and after arranging and producing it, Bradley approached longtime friend Allen Johnston of The Music Specialists in Atlanta, Georgia, who agreed that it was something special, and took it on as a project, along with 9 other tracks that will be released as a CD in spring of 2013.
Commenting on the track, Wattz said, “It’s a breath of fresh air.” When Jeff first played it for me, I knew that it would be a hit. It reminds me of the music that I heard coming up in the 1980’s with the likes of Freddie Jackson and Anita Baker, and it has many different nuances. It’s a feel good song, and one that everyone will find it easy to relate to at some period in their lives.”
Describing his approach to music, he continued, “Primarily, it’s sincerity. I believe every word that I sing and say. A vocalist has to convey with his or her voice whatever the message is that you’re trying to get across. I only sing songs that I feel deeply because I know that if it touches me, can deliver it to the point where it will touch someone else. My music is reminiscent of the nostalgic genres where there are true melodies, true storylines, and real music. It’s not beat driven, and we don’t use tricks and gimmicks that you find in a lot of today’s music.”
With both a smoky tenor at his disposal and a beautiful falsetto that can be compared to that of Eddie Kendricks or El DeBarge, Wattz’s vocal style is sure to please music lovers of all genres, especially those who are fans of adult contemporary R&B, soul, and pop. He continues to perform at special events and in local and regional venues including a recent gig at The Hard Rock Café in Nashville.
“I Honestly Love You” will be available in early July.
