It’s about that time – and by that we mean the release of Brian McKnight’s sixteenth album. It will be appropriately titled, “Better,” celebrating the 20 years he has flourished within the music industry. “The truth is,” admits Brian. “I’m in love and love makes us better.”
And when a man this good has the ability to continually improve on himself – we take notice. Brian McKnight has shared the studio and stage with the likes of such musical talent as Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. He has starred in the Broadway production of Chicago, appeared in the second season of Celebrity Apprentice, and has collected a total of 16 Grammy Award nominations throughout his career.
Brian is the kind of man that we’d like to have as a mentor… and so we asked like gentlemen – and he replied like one:
Urbasm: Hi Brian, with your new album releasing soon, what can us fans expect?
Brian McKnight: I feel like I’m writing, playing, producing and singing better than ever – no pun intended!
Urbasm: (laughs) You’ve accomplished so much over the past 20 years, what do you think is left for you to do?
Brian McKnight: The hardest part of a long career is maintaining it. As long as people still want to hear me and see me; mission accomplished.
Urbasm: What process do you go through each time you are faced with the task of creating a new album?
Brian McKnight: I always put the focus on the writing of songs. I’ve always felt that if the songs are strong, everything else falls into place.
Urbasm: And you shouldn’t fix what isn’t broke. Who do you admire most in the music industry these days?
Brian McKnight: I admire anyone who is willing to take the chance on themselves to go through the ups and downs of a career in this very fickle business.
Urbasm: We always read interesting stuff about various artists, what is something about you that might surprise us?
Brian McKnight: That I don’t take myself too seriously.
Urbasm: Well, that’s a good rule to go by. And of your greatest life experiences so far – what would you say are the ones that should be on every man’s bucket list?
Brian McKnight: Having children and then actually being a father to them, and passing all the wisdom passed down from their forefathers.
Urbasm: And speaking of that, we’re sure part of those lessons include being a gentleman. What are a few points on being a gentleman that a lot of men get wrong in your opinion?
Brian McKnight: It starts with the simple things like opening doors and pulling out chairs. Women never forget those things.
Urbasm: And a man that can woo women on stage as well as you, we figured could give us guys some good advice on dating. What are a few of your best tips for romancing a woman on a first date?
Brian McKnight: You can’t just hear her; you have to listen to her. Trust me; she knows the difference.
Urbasm: (laughs) We know that’s true. And finally, what are a few things that every man should know to become better men?
Brian McKnight: You must have at least a semblance of a moral compass and more than anything – when you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it.
Urbasm: God speed, Brian! We’re looking forward to listening to your new album, Better, coming this August.
Brian McKnight is a world-renowned, platinum recording artist and musician. He has released 15 albums to date and has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. In 1992 McKnight released his self-titled and first album, which landed on the Billboard 200 chart. His video for “Anytime” was nominated for Best Male Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. McKnight has been the recipient of Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. His most notable album, Back At One, sold over 3 Million copies. McKnight also found success outside of the world of music. He starred in the Broadway production of Chicago and was in the second season of Celebrity Apprentice. With 16 Grammy Award nominations and numerous chart-topping songs, McKnight has established a place in music history.
Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and keep up with his latest albums and tour dates on his website, McKnight360.com.
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About Dr. Eric J. Leech
Eric has written for over a decade. Then one day he created Urbasm.com, a site for every guy.
About Dr. Eric J. Leech