Neo Soul

NSN: Describe your earliest musical experience.

Chandlar: As a child I would watch my parents rehearse. I’d get close to the tape recorder and snap my fingers to get on the recording.

NSN: Where did you grow up?

Chandlar: Westside of Chicago, Il.

NSN: Name 3 of your biggest influences in life.

Chandlar: Parents, Prince, Stevie Wonder

NSN: When you listen to a song, what do you tend to pay most attention to . . . the instrumentation, the lyrics or the vocals?

Chandlar: I hear what’s happening in the track 1st then I start getting the vocals and the lyrics. The track has to grab me before I listen to the lyrics

NSN: What commercial artist or group do you think best defines your style of music?

Chandlar: I don’t know. I don’t like to think in that way. I’ve heard many different comparisons. I’m just trying to make a mark in the history books on my own. I define my style.

NSN: What was it like to perform on BET 106th & Park?

Chandlar: It was a Hot experience!! I felt very comfortable. I just wanted to get the best out of the time I had to shine. And Free is beautiful in person…. (Laughs) View the video here »

NSN: How do you feel about your current album and what would you like listeners to take from it?

Chandlar: I’m excited about it!! I put a lot of my personal experiences on the record. A few songs were written by just free-styling & just releasing the things that I was going through at the time. I want listeners to be able to have an outlet for their feelings. I want anyone who listens to have a reason to feel good, either because of the subject matter, the voice, the harmonies, melodies, or the music. You can ride with your significant other or solo and just let it roll.

NSN: (Here’s that deserted island question) If you were sent to live alone on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you need to survive?

Chandlar: Stevie Wonder - At The Close Of The Century, D’Angelo –Voodoo, John Coltrane- Stellar Regions

NSN: What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?

Chandlar: Politics or some sort of community activist.

NSN: If you made a list of places you’ve visited, which would be your favorite? Why?

Chandlar: Jamaica because I was able to relax & see beautiful sights

NSN: Name 5 essential items that would appear on your tour rider.

Chandlar: internet access, vegetarian food, tread mill, lots of water, and . . . ?

NSN: Which 3 people do you need to meet before you leave this earth?

Chandlar: I don’t like using the word “need” here. But I’d love to meet Prince & ask questions about what he was thinking and/or going through during the period between the Parade album and the Lovesexy album. I’d like to meet Stevie and ask him some questions also. I’d also like to meet Min. Farrakhan.

NSN: What is your favorite color and how does it make you feel?

Chandlar: Aqua Blue- Makes me feel calm.

NSN: Who do you most admire in today’s music scene?

Chandlar: Right now I admire Kanye West.

NSN: What sets you apart from most other artists?

Chandlar: I feel that I’m able to wear many different hats well. In terms of being a solo male soul/R&B artist I feel like I’m very much self-contained. I write, produce, sing, perform, record and mix.

NSN: Is there a particular theme that seems to dominate your songs?

Chandlar: Relationships

NSN: What does your life look like 5 years from now?

Chandlar: My life looks great! I’m on an upward path toward attaining wonderful things.

NSN: How do you feel about the internet music world?

Chandlar: Positive!! It’s a great outlet for the artist brave enough to allow the world into their “world”.

NSN: What has been your designated mantra throughout your life?

Chandlar: Add Positivity to situations and leave people with good things to think and say about you as best you can.

NSN: Name an independent artist that you would like to collaborate with.

Chandlar: Prince!

Checkout Chandlar at buySOUL.com for more info and music downloads!