MR. CHENIER

R&B Artist & Emcee Turning Heads!

We caught up with the artist called “Mr. Chenier” during some of his down time.

When did you first get into music?

I’ve been singing since about the age of 5 but 2003 was when I first recorded professionally my song One Fantasy. My vocal coach found out I write songs and turned me on to my producer (who I still work with to this day) and the rest is history.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Michael Jackson was my greatest inspiration when I was little. I sung in choirs, talent shows, vocal lessons but once I went to college R. Kelly took the football and ran with it for me. Then Babyface, and Brian McKnight.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting?

I learned to be creative with both singing, songwriting and performing. I push the envelope and do not care what people think, as long as it feels good to me. I credit that to R. Kelly. His famous words “Hit song or not, I’ll give you all of me”.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I was one of the opening acts for Ginuwine one year in Raleigh, NC and the promoter didn’t have a host for the event. I told him to let me host because I do that too, but I would need to go on first. After I did my set I started hosting. I also became the stage manager. Ginuwine’s people were working with me diligently to make sure everything was set for his performance. When it came time to introduce him, I went to let his people know, but Ginuwine was already in place and when he saw me, we greeted each other like we have known each other for years.

I opened up for Tony Terry one year in Durham, NC and he was performing with tracks off his phone. The DJ wasn’t sure how to hook everything up, so I assisted him to make sure his set was straight through the sound board. That situation got him to remember me. When he is in town and they say we got Mr. Chenier to open for you, I was told he was like “yeah I remember him!”.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Passion. I wake up, go to sleep, and crave this business. 17yrs and counting! I’m more concerned about not being able to sing due to the flu then, not being to go to work and getting paid due to the flu.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas?

I go back to that adult Grown & Sexy style of music. I’m the local Charlie Wilson. I don’t try to mimic what I hear on the radio to stay relevant, I push my music right along with the New School.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Getting my surroundings to enjoy my music live. I overcame it by giving the people show. Just standing on stage singing is not enough for me. I’m very animated on stage and I make sure I put on a show. I also perform with dancers.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I disagree with how it’s worded. I would rather say “you must pay your dues”. That can be anything from paying to perform, sing on a street corner, perform in places that you wouldn’t even go to during the day. Yes, I have “paid my dues”.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It’s very easy to promote and push your projects as well as record. No more needing to be in the studio to collab. You can send the session to its destination and then send back the finished product.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

Make it more about talent and not who you can market. Too many, “One Hit Wonders”. And bring back REAL R&B!

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

1. Jackson 5 first album. That’s when I really fell in to....

2. Brian McKnight’s I Remember You album. I fell in love with the love songs and was told my voice was smooth like his.

3. R. Kelly’s 12 Play. 12 of the best songs with a street edge. Inspired my writing style.

4. Babyface For the Cool In You album. Inspired me to write my first song “One Fantasy”.

5. R. Kelly Chocolate Factory album. Introduced me to steppin music. Inspired me to write The Nite (Give It To Me).

Tell us about your current project.

I’m also working on my upcoming album titled Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself. I’ve been in the business for 17 yrs and it’s like a reintroduction to the Mr. Chenier brand.

What is the best advice you have received?

Be passionate about your craft. Eat, sleep, and drink it!

What’s next for you?

I’m currently shooting in an upcoming indie film called 20Banz where I play 2nd in command for a mob crime boss. It’s like a new millennium “New Jack City”.

I’m also working on my upcoming album titled: “Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself”

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Website: www.misterchenier.com

Social Media Links: > https://www.facebook.com/mrchenierwilson > https://twitter.com/iammrchenier > http://instagram.com/iammrchenier > https://www.youtube.com/user/Syxxthree74