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March 16, 2011
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Essence looks to seamlessly make the transition into music as they team up with Pebbles to present R&B Star: Search For the Next Singing Sensation.
Beginning March 19th, aspiring hopefuls can log on to Essence.com/RBStar to enter into the contest.
Live auditions will be held in the Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. We were one of the first media outlets Essence chose to give an exclusive on the competition.
Our team recently caught up with Pebbles as she gave us her thoughts on
Essence, the competition, and what it takes to become the next R&B Star.
Many music mavens like yourself are making moves where they reach back into
the community and pullout raw talent. How important do you think it is
for music veterans to grant these opportunities the way you are with
the R&B Star competition?
"I think it’s very important. I think especially with having a project
of this magnitude being done with Essence is going to make it that much
more interesting and vital. We’re laying a new blueprint of what people
should look at. Being a woman and being that I’m involved with women’s
ministry, I’ve kind of always been in leadership positions. I think we
should talk to each other about the trials, triumphs, and even the
tragedies in life and music as well."
"From being broken to being made whole - it’s not even just about music, it’s
almost like music is what draws you in but it’s more about helping the
overall wholeness of an artist. "
How do you feel about being the music figure chosen by Essence as they make their transition into the music genre?
"I’m excited and I feel honored. Essence is just so amazing and important.
They are full of so much integrity and so beloved by the people. I
truly feel honored and that this was meant to be."
What was the inspiration behind yourself and Essence creating this music competition?
"I think that there was a desire to utilize what they already have in
place with the Essence Music Festival and from there taking the
opportunity to expand their brand and open up new avenues."
"It is a new way for people to be seen and be heard, especially in R&B
music. So I think it’s the perfect merger of bringing something like
this to the forefront and my hope, as well as the hope of the Essence
family is that this will reignite a fire in the R&B community. To
embrace this artist development once again and just go out and do new
things."
Can you explain your role in the competition?
"I’m going to be right in the thick of it".
"I will be hosting the program, R&B Star as well as the being the
Executive Producer of webisodes that will be developed and placed on
Essence.com weekly so that anyone can stay with the process and see
what happens. I am the person that will work with artist development,
helping identify talents, and to consult with the judges as we decide
who will be the very first person to be blessed with the title of
R&B Star."
I noticed you said the “first R&B Star.” Are you looking to make this an ongoing project?
"I hope so, I absolutely hope so! I also hope that people take a cue
from this and really understand the value of the genre of R&B music
as well as the sound and the legacy of it. I just think that this is an
important moment, it feels right to me. I think something great is
about to come forward."
What qualities are you looking for in the next R&B star that you feel the industry doesn’t have already?
"I won’t say the qualities aren’t already there, I would just like to
see from the industry a better and a bigger focus on the overall
wellness of artists. I think we need to get back to a place where we
have more of a hands-on approach and a breakdown in this world of
technology. I think certain aspects just need to remain basic."
"We need to get back to the hardcore work values and ethics - not feeling
like we’re supposed to have things handed to us, even if we do work
hard and deserve it. It’s something about staying humbled enough to be
able to balance this life. Also, having the wisdom around you and
willing heart to continue to learn, instead of feeling like you have it
and no one can talk to you or help you to grow and better yourself."
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