RECORDING ARTIST ALEX PORTER TALKS INSPIRATIONS, LEAVING GOSPEL MUSIC AND THE NEW WAVE OF R&B
We got a chance to sit down with recording artist Alex Porter and chat with him about the next wave of R&B.
Porter started playing drums as a kid and it sent his career into full throttle!
Check out Alex’s inspiring story below and follow his movement.
Q: Starting out playing the drums at age 15, who was your biggest inspiration?
A: My biggest drumming inspiration I would have to say would be the legendary Gospel great, Teddy Campbell. Who now happens to be a big brother and mentor of mine. Teddy is my biggest inspiration because of the passion and love he puts into playing the drums. I show that same passion and love in every setting or stage I’m blessed to play on.
Q: You have worked with some big-time talent, who is the first celebrity you ever played the drums for?
A: The very first celebrity I played for was the late great Whitney Houston. I was blessed with the opportunity at a young age to play for her and it was a life-changing moment. I also played for other iconic Gospel and Hip Hop artists. Playing the drums will always be my first love.
Q: What was your experience like transitioning from Gospel music to R&B music? Did your family embrace the change?
A: My experience in transitioning from Gospel music to R&B was a rough one. Church and gospel music is in my family’s blood. My grandmother was a Missionary, my mother is an evangelist, and my godfather is a pastor. It was tough at first for them to accept that I made my choice to strictly do R&B music because my family has a Pentecostal and C.O.G.I.C. background, but I had to follow my heart. Some of the best singers in the world all started singing in a church, and my family eventually put their love and support behind what they saw made me feel the happiest. I still put God first in everything that I do even singing R&B music.
Q: Take us through your songwriting process, what is something weird you do before or after a writing session?
A: It’s funny because I get asked this question all of the time, before I start to write a song I actually look and observe my surroundings or think back on things I’ve gone through or am currently going through to see if it creates a narrative or story. Such as things I see directly in front of me.
For example, there could perhaps be a cloud in the sky in the shape of a heart, or I could’ve just gone through a severe breakup and I’m hurt, I could’ve found a woman that makes my soul smile, I could’ve just seen a beautiful plant, tree, or fruit that could be blossoming or blooming, etc. I use my surroundings or circumstances to create relatable music for my fans or supporters.
Q: The best songs can sometimes come from the worst situations, what’s the story behind your latest single “Set Up”?
A: “Set Up” actually comes from a real-life situation, a relationship many years ago I was involved in that prompted the idea of a song. That situation was one of the craziest things that had ever happened to me. I was dating this woman at the time and I guess certain women have their own unique ways of testing a man’s loyalty, that makes absolutely no sense to me. Long story short, the woman I was dating had one of her closest friends try and push up on me to make a move on me. I’m not the cheating type when my heart is involved in someone or something. I’m the most loyal human being you’ll probably ever encounter. She set me up to try and cheat on her when it was her cheating the entire time. She was just looking for a way to get out of the relationship. But she got exposed by her son. Lol…
Q: You have been in the industry for quite some time now, how do you feel about the new wave of R&B?
A: I feel the new wave of R&B can be misinterpreted. The era of R&B that I grew up hearing made you feel some type of way. Whether it was a breakup, or you were in love, or you had to express yourself in some form, the way the music made you feel brought that passion out of you. Songs like Ruff Endz “Someone to love you”, Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady”, Joe’s “I wanna know”, Usher’s “Confessions” and many more, was music that people could relate to that told real-life experiences. Today’s era or wave of R&B in my opinion is missing that factor. But no need to fear, I’m bringing real R&B back in a way that will reignite that spark and fire the world needs to hear.
Q: Songwriters pen so many tracks for multiple artists, how do you separate what songs you keep for yourself?
A: I usually keep the songs that bring out my passion and the best in me. The majority of singers that write songs write from personal experiences. The greatest thing about writing for other artists is that almost everyone on this planet earth has gone through something which makes writing songs, at least for me, easy.
If I’ve been in love before, 9 times out of 10, you have to.
If I’ve been heartbroken before, 9 times out of 10 you have to.
So I can write a song that we both can relate to. And whether I keep it for myself, or write it for you, it will be a hit!
Q: Will we see a follow-up to your record “ The One” this coming Valentine’s season?
A: ABSOLUTELY! I believe “The One” is one of, if not the hottest Love / Wedding type of song out! And I’m not being biased! That’s what others are saying! Valentine’s Day is a special holiday where individuals and couples that are truly in love get to express it in a major way. I wouldn’t be doing my genre of R&B and fanbase justice if I didn’t continue to make love songs on a love holiday.
Q: The world is slowly opening back up, can we expect any tours coming up soon?
A: That’s the plan, my team & I are pushing and working hard towards. I miss the stage so much! With the world slowly opening back up I’m ready to release new music in the coming months, it’s only right that a tour gets put together. Stay tuned!
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go? Why?
A: This is a great question because there are so many beautiful places, but if I had to choose I would probably say Puerto Rico or some type of tropical island like Saint Thomas. Somewhere far away like Iceland, there are just So many to choose from! Lol.
The reason being is because… it’s just something calming to the soul and spirit about looking out at a scenery, ocean, or sky that’s breathtaking and relieves stress. The places that I named offer that exact feeling and experience.
Q: Thank you for chatting with us! Where can our readers get more information on your music?
A: Thank you for giving me the opportunity! You can find full access to my music on all musical digital streaming platforms under Alex Porter.
You can also get more information about my music on my social media: Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok handle @AlexPorter
