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The self-taught singer/songwriter UNE (pronounced "you nay")
chose this name to express his universal, eternal and soulful spirit. The
Detroit native began his dream, singing in clubs and churches in the Motor
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When you hear UNE, on his debut self-titled CD, you experience his heartfelt
sound - smooth, strong and at the same time, gentle.
"It wasn't until I was given a second chance at life, that I learned
to love myself," admits UNE.
As he sings about life's journeys, you know that he has experienced a myriad
of peaks and valleys. His travels give his music a deep resonant texture,
as evidenced by "I Can Remember."
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UNE's style is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross - at the
same time, it evokes the neo-soul vibe of John Legend and Anthony Hamilton.
Make no mistake, UNE delivers a serious R&B sound that is smooth and
sensual with a jazz feel, as evidenced by cuts "I Really Love U Love,"
"You Complete Me" and "I Won't Complain."
"I wanted to do an album that was rooted in R&B, but would transcend
being pigeon-holed. I wanted this CD to be embraced universally,"
he added.
"The songs primarily come from personal experiences and from people
that were close to me," he said. It explains cuts like "Lady
You Are" and "Hit the Shaw."
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| "My goal was that my songs would touch the very soul of a person--to
take them on a journey with me, whether its traveling the byways of love
or the passages of hurt, I wanted this CD to be a spiritual ride we (the
listener) both could share," says UNE. |
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The UNE CD became a reality, after he moved to Los Angeles, and formed
UNET Music and Entertainment with Carmela C. Martin, a record producer
from Los Angeles, and his cousin, Ernest Thomas. Thomas, best known as
"Raj" from the hit television series, "What's Happening"
and other television and motion picture roles that include "Malcolm
X".
UNE's childhood buddy, Sterling G., a prolific writer and producer, produced
the CD along with co-producer Carmela C. Martin. Music industry lawyer
John W. Smith, and his son, Ken, of Native Records, signed UNE to Native/Fontana/Universal
in May, 2006.
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One fan commented, "You're the only singer I've seen who sounds better
than his CD!"
His sensual, compassionate and intimate nature flows
into his live performances, touching the heart and spirit of his audience.
For those who don't have the opportunity to enjoy a soul-filled journey
with UNE in concert?the CD is the next best thing to being there.
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| Interview with Une |
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- I'd like to ask you a little bit about your background first. When were
you born? And have you always wanted to be a singer?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan here in the U.S. And yes, as far
back as (ICan Remember) I've always wanted to be a singer.
- Was there much music in your neighborhood as you were growing up?
Yes, because I grew up just three miles away from "Motown Records"
in Detroit. I think that had alot to do with it.
- Can you remember your first favorite song?
There were so many because I loved music so much!
- Are there any artists that influence/inspire you?
Again, there are just to many to pin point one, would be hard. Though I've been told I sound like different artists. I could say Marvin Gaye,Luther Vandross, and James Taylor, but there are to many.
- Could you tell us a little bit about your debut CD. (the concept behind
the idea and your impressions, how long did it take to come frution...and
so on...)
It's a soul, R &B and jazz influenced CD with smooth sounding vocals.
It's about love, life and being thankful. The concept behind the
CD is about those three I just mentioned along with a little fun in the
song "Hit Da Shaw". It took about three months to complete
in the studio. But the writing process was done over a period of
time.
- Obviously you've put a lot of time and effort into it. What has been
the reaction to the album so far ?
We've gotten great reaction and reviews so far and I'm very thankful for
that!
- How
would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you
before?
My music is simply put, R& B, soul and jazz music with smooth vocals.Nothing complex, just pure music about love, life and being thankful.
- It seems that you achieved, a lot of dremas of your own. And have you still
got something that you haven't achieved yet?.
Yes, I would like to write a book and film about my life's journey.
- Are there artists or producers you would like to collaborate with?
There are a lot of them out there right now but I have a great team I'm
working with Sterling G., Carmela C. Martin and myself. But I haven't
given it any thought to work with other producers.
- Have you ever had a memory in career that you can't forget?
You know there are many good and bad memories but I just always try to
enjoy the entire journey. Because that's the memory for me, pursuing
the dream.
- What really drives you or motivates you to continue to play music?
My drive is two fold, it's a gift God gave me that burns inside of me
and has to come out. That's part of why I was put on this earth to share
my gift with the world. Then, there's the people who share in it
and embrace my music.
- What is music for you?
Music for me, is a universal language, it heals, it soothes, it relaxes,
it inspires, it's part of who I am.
- Would you like to say something to your fans?
Thank you for the love and support you've shown me and my music. And to those who don't have it yet, go out and buy some good music! Also, follow your dreams and lastly live, love and enjoy life!
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| Discography - albums |
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| Une - same (US-CD, Native Records, 2007) |
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| 1. |
I Can Remember |
| 2. |
One More Time |
| 3. |
Lady You Are |
| 4. |
5th of
September |
| 5. |
Hit Da Shaw (fast verison) |
| 6. |
Baby Stop Your Frontin' |
| 7. |
I Really Love U
Love |
| 8. |
You Complete Me |
| 9. |
I Really Love U
Love (remix) |
| 10. |
Hit Da Shaw (remix) |
| 11. |
I Won't
Complain |
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December 10, 2007 |
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