Bronx, New York City native SHALIEK has brought his immense talents as a
singer, songwriter and performer to the forefront in a grand way here in
2K13 with his passion-fueled, soulful hit single released on the Pendullum
record label titled THE PAST – which has sizzled up the Urban Adult
Contemporary charts nationwide, and in my opinion should garner
well-deserved consideration for a Grammy nod in the ‘Best Traditional R&B
Performance’ category! Shaliek has shared the stage with the likes of the
late great Godfather of Soul James Brown, as well as Platinum-selling
artists SWV, Lyfe Jennings and Ashanti thus far, and in due time WILL be a
headlining act, for he is THE next leading man of R&B/Soul music on all
levels! We at PURE SOUL MAGAZINE chopped it up a bit with Shaliek for a
brief Q&A session.
PSM: How would you define the SHALIEK brand of musicality?
Everything about my music is Soulful – from my lyrics to my vocal delivery. I
grew up listening to the soulful greats like Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway,
Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, so I guess it’s prevalent in my music.
PSM: What was that defining moment that prompted you to say ‘I want to
pursue Music as a career.’?
I would have to say when I was performing for my after-school program in
Elementary school. That’s when I knew I loved the stage and I enjoyed
entertaining people. I was really young, but I felt a crazy energy run
through me every time I sang there, and that I still feel to this day every
time I perform!
PSM: Congratulations on the overwhelming success of your incredible record,
THE PAST! How gratifying has the positive response been from your
perspective?
Thank you!…..The positive response has been great, man. THE PAST was the
#3 most-added song in the country at radio in the Urban Adult Contemporary
format. People are really feeling this song…..It touches so many people
because they find it easy to relate to; people have told me that it felt like I was
speaking to them right through the radio. I can’t for people to my
full-length album!
PSM: Speaking of your album, BLOOD SWEAT TEARS is slated to be released on
the Fall of 2K13. When that moment arrives, what can music lovers worldwide
anticipate once they make their purchase and listen from beginning to end?
Just real Soul music. I’m not new to this….I breathe this type of music,
and I literally put my blood, sweat and tears into this project. I wanted
this project to feel complete and timeless, so I reached out to the select
writers and producers that I knew would help me deliver!
PSM: In five-to-ten years from now with God’s will, SHALIEK will be –
Hopefully still recording music and touring…..Also possibly doing some
acting.
PSM: Besides yourself, which artists best best fits the profile as being of
PURE SOUL?
I’m feeling Lyfe Jennings, Miguel, Luke James and Bruno Mars. We all have
our different styles and approaches to songs, which makes it all pretty
cool. Our musical influences mold our own individual and original sound.
www.twitter.com/OfficialShaliek
www.facebook.com/Shaliek.Rivers
THE PAST – Video
By: Ross Guity aka R.G. Major
www.LockerRoomzRedCarpetEtc.blogspot.com