Michael Keith
LSherie is a big fan of the R&B group, 112 and when she received the call to interview 2 of it’s members, she was on top of the world singing ‘Peaches and Cream’! Check out her exclusive interview with Michael Keith that kicked off the awesome exclusives with other celebs to follow…
LSHERIE: Mike, it’s been a while! Since becoming a solo artist, what has been your main focus these past few years?
MK: These past few years I’ve put more time into my writing. In particular my column entitled “I’m just saying” which on focuses relationship advice
LSHERIE: What is the best part about being in the music industry and how do you use it to your advantage?
MK: The best part is having an influence in the development of the minds of young musicians. There’s nothing better to have a platform in which to deliver your message (whatever that may be)
LSHERIE: It’s been a few years since the release of your album, “No More Tears,” are you working on another project and how different will this one be from the last album?
MK: Aside from the column I’ve been vocal coaching kids, but a lot of my focus has been on 112 and bringing the brand back into the forefront of the music industry where it belongs. And although I love the experience that came along with my solo endeavor I’m not actively pursuing anything regarding my solo career, however if the right situation was to come up I would definitely listen.
I would also like to do more philanthropic work as well.
LSHERIE: I’m sure people associate you with 112 all the time, not realizing that you have a “Million $ Voice” on your own. What is it like to just be Michael Keith?
MK: What is it like to be Michael Keith? …F*@king awesome!!
LSHERIE: Out of all the tattoos you have, which one means the most to you and why?
MK: The tattoo of my daughter’s name (Sydney) on my hand means the most to me. But before that it was my sleeve on my left arm. It took 14 hours to do, and I was really proud of my tolerance for pain.
LSHERIE: Besides music, what else are you into?
MK: Other than music, I love reading, (comics, manga) getting tattoo’s, spending time with my kids and family.
I’m really big on video games. My new shit is cigars its one of my guilty pleasures for sure. I hear it’s bad for your voice but whatever.
LSHERIE: It’s the first show of the 112 reunion concert in Atlantic City. What was running through your mind on stage?
MK: What was running through my mind? DON’T F*@K UP!!!
LSHERIE: I’m curious to know from you how do you feel R&B today differs from yesterday?
MK: R&B today has more of a hip hop feel to it versus what I grew up listening too. Which is cool but there aren’t a lot of songs out there that I would consider classic music in my opinion. and what I mean by that is there’s not a lot of music that we will revisit 10 or 20 years from now and say “I remember where I was when this song came out” but music is cyclical it will all come back around eventually.
LSHERIE: Have you ever felt like you or your music was at times not taken seriously and how did you rise above speculation and criticism?
MK: In the beginning I felt like my voice wasn’t being utilize enough, but that was a very arrogant way of looking at things. The truth of the matter is vocally, I wasn’t ready to lead songs. The vocalist I am now and the vocalist I was back in 94 are two different people. I rose above it by looking at myself and asking myself “What are you doing to accomplish your goals?” I had to get better and not be content with where I was vocally.
LSHERIE: So what should your fans expect in the future? Would you consider a solid reunion with 112 or continue your music independently or both?
MK: I don’t know what a solid reunion is, but all I can do is what GOD allows and for 112 right now that’s touring so I will tour.
LSHERIE: What is that one thing your fans would be excited to know about you?
MK: My fans should be excited to know that I’m committed to bringing them new music
LSHERIE: Is there an artist that you would like to work with on your next project?
MK: If another solo project happens I would like to sing with Jazmine Sullivan or Lauryn Hill.
LSHERIE: In this very moment, where do you desire your music career to go? How far are you willing to take it?
MK: I want to be legendary
