Shun McGhee

Interview by La Sheera Lee

Music gives us motivation, inspiration, and knowledge. This past year, music and artists have played a crucial part in expressing and healing the hurt that was felt across the world. The band, Black History, wants to give you the motivation you want, wrapped up in the groove you need.

La Sheera Lee: The name of your band is very intriguing. Can you share why you selected that name for your band?

Shun McGhee: The name Black History derives from a desire to make music that is so important, it [will be] one day considered black history.

LL: To me, music is most definitely a vibe. Music can transform and transport people. What vibes do you want people to feel that listen to your music?

SM: After listening to our album, I’d like people to come away with an increased knowledge about music throughout the African Diaspora. The varying styles displayed in the songs on the album issue listeners a sort of musical passport, encouraging them to go on a journey I hope they do not mind taking with us.

LL: What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

SM: I feel passionate about the rhythms and beats in music and inspired by the poetry.

LL: Describe your creative process when you write new music.

SM: A lot of times, melodies and rhythms come to my head first and I just keep working to embellish the idea until it turns into something I can connect with. Then, I write the lyrics after I have come up with the music.

LL: Which of your songs would be great for those family reunions we all have missed?

SM: I think the ultimate cookout song on the record is the lead track, “Triple Step.” That song was created to inspire listeners to dance individually and to dance as partners. It’s an ode to DC Hand dancing and “The Hustle,” by Van McCoy who is also from DC. The song is designed to celebrate the history of African American dancing in the DC area.

LL: Who is the man behind the band? How do you find the happy balance between the man and the music?

SM: I am a creative that takes great pride in trying to make music that I can be proud of and that makes people from the DC area proud. Finding a balance between “the man and the music” is something I am working on doing well. The music is also a business I am running, which takes a ton of my time. Right now, I am not sure there is a great deal of balance happening, but I hope to change that in the future.

LL: Tell us about your latest project.

SM: Our latest project is the album, Or Does It Explode? The title is a line from the Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem.” The poem begs the question, “What happens to a dream deferred?” The album is the dream deferred that we are hoping explodes. Instrumentally, it’s Jazz, Latin Jazz, Funk and Soul and lyrically, it’s Rap. I have coined this style, Griot Soul, which is a Hip Hop subgenre. At the end of the day, the record is promoting the theme as we get older, we don’t stop liking music, we stop finding music to like. Black History is a band you can feel comfortable liking and loving as you evolve in life.