Downloads, Interviews, Online Exclusives - Thursday, June 25, 2009 13:03 - 1 Comment

S.I.H.H.N. : Brian O’ Neal

THE SOURCE.COM – How would you describe exactly what you do?

BRIAN O’NEAL — I feel like I am an artist/songwriter. That’s how I feel right now. Apart from singing, I’ve written a lot of songs for a few local artists in California. I call myself an artist because I do everything from singing to writing to composing.

THE SOURCE.COM — Growing up in California, what kinds of music were you exposed to?

BRIAN O’NEAL – As a kid I was raised in church, so I was exposed mainly to the COMMISSION which is a gospel group that inspired me to sing at church so I joined the choir at a very young age and that was how I learned to arrange notes and stuff to make music. Singing at church taught me what I wanted to do.

THE SOURCE.COM – As a singer/writer what image does your music convey ?

BRIAN O’ NEAL – I have my own image as far as what I do is concerned, but mainly I’m like a BOYS II MEN style mixed with USHER. My style is different from what is out now. I still think there are good singers out there but I believe I am a completely different singer and I also perform better at live shows.

THE SOURCE.COM – What keeps you going in your music career?

BRIAN O’ NEAL – Honestly I feel like the game is really lacking that amount of talents it used to have , that the whole song used to be good but not just a hook or two. I feel I’m here to mix a little bit of old school and modern music and call it me. There are people out there like NE-YO and THE DREAM who are great but I think I am ready to take the game over and its been waiting on me.

THE SOURCE.COM – Do you have any long term plans in relation to your career?

BRIAN O’NEAL – I see myself being in this game for about five to ten years. Then start my own label once I get myself established. I feel like my label is going to be totally different. I want to be that young entrepreneur. I am completely ready to face the challenges of being an entrepreneur. I think I will learn a lot being in the game now, talking to people who know what they are doing. I feel the drive already and I have a lot of faith.

THE SOURCE.COM – How do you intend to be a positive influence in society through your music?

BRIAN O’NEAL –I was raised around a lot of good values. With my dad being a pastor, I feel my music will touch on the negative vices in society and try to get people in the right direction. I want to speak to people about their problems, and do as much as possible to help the less fortunate in society, not to be cocky but I feel its my duty to give back to people who are hurting right now because I was once hurting myself.

THE SOURCE. COM – How are you working on getting your name in the mainstream?

BRIAN O’NEAL – I am trying to connect with a lot of local Florida artistes, there are some really good talents out here. I’m in the studio 24/7 non stop, giving my CD’s to club owners, DJs and everybody who can actually promote my music , and helping me do this is DJ SPINATIK, the mixtape rookie DJ of the year.

Listen to Brian O’Neal’s Lead Single - So Beautiful
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