Exposed Vocals Interviews MeShun
Detroit has birthed many talented musicians and vocalists. An entire movement, the trademarked Motown Sound, rose up from the smoke filled motor city to make history and music that would be heard and felt around the world. Detroit native MeShun Fuller, a gifted singer and songwriter born a decade after the offices were relocated to Los Angeles, carries the torch. With every note he sings, and lyric he pens, MeShun upholds the legacy of the cities musical past.
As a teen, MeShun was a member of the R&B group B.A.S.I.C (Boys Always Singing In Class). He pulled triple duty as a singer, songwriter and vocal arranger. They were stars on Trapper’s Alley, an area currently known as Greek Town Casino, where they performed regularly at Mo’Betta Fudge Shop. Fans and customers marveled at their ability to sing effortlessly while making fudge from scratch. In addition, their live show at venues and shows throughout Detroit were also well received. The most memorable performances were opening up for the late great Aaliyah, and having a small role in the movie “Renaissance Man” starring Danny DeVito.
During that time, MeShun was sought out by other local musicians for collaborations. Known for his ability to craft songs and arrange vocals with harmonies blending seamlessly with the music, he was able to build a diverse variety of songs that crossed all genres. His love of music kept him in the studio creating music and on stage performing at every opportunity possible.
Upon graduating from high school, MeShun packed up and took his talents to another up and coming music town. He was accepted to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, and jumped at the opportunity to relocate to what was being called the new Motown of the south. While in college, he met his music partner Todd Davis and aligned their talents. They soon landed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Several song placements followed as well as a licensing agreement with the popular daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. It was then that creating music became a full time endeavor for the talented singer and songwriter.
“Having the opportunity to do what you love each day is a reward and a great accomplishment within itself. I’m grateful and will never take it for granted,” MeShun notes.
One of MeShun’s first major writing projects was with Evidence, a pop group in the UK. One of the producers he frequently collaborated with invited him to London to work on the groups upcoming album. It was during that experience, he decided to record his own independent project. In 2004, “Timing is Everything” was released through BCD Distribution’s, available at local retail outlets and digitally. In support of the project, MeShun became a familiar fixture on the music scene in Atlanta, performing songs featured on the CD.
“Releasing my first album was quite an experience. Being free to express myself artistically and have new listeners really enjoy it was incredibly rewarding,” MeShun explains.
Over the past few years, MeShun has continued to build his catalog of music. Consistently, recording songs to be licensed to major recording artists and for placement in film and television. He’s also spent countless hours grooming other artists who have hired him to assist with their projects. Those artists motivated him to release songs such as, “Redefining Me”, ”Right Here”, You”, and “Hand Out the Ghetto”, to name a few; with an eclectic mix of R&B and POP songs, this will help establish MeShun as a master at making timeless music. “Redefining Me”, an introspective glimpse into the thoughts of a man growing and learning about life as well as himself. A modern day Marvin Gaye, his song “Hand out the Ghetto” webs a tale about the horrific conditions in urban cities across America and asks that something be done.
Explaining the songwriting process for this project and others, MeShun shares, “A song should tell a story, and you should be able to close your eyes and form a mental picture with every line.”
Whether the tale is contemplative, mellow or upbeat, MeShun is music’s every man. He captures life’s intricacies and re-tools them into the common tongue of everyday life. Music lovers will enjoy the timeless music offered by one of Motown’s protégé’s, who continues to create music for the world to love and sing. He was groomed well and he delivers a rock solid performance with every note, every time.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
MeShun: I’m originally from Detroit, MI and I’ve always had a love for music. I remember when I was a kid and cable TV was getting popular… MTV would come on and play all sorts of music from Michael Jackson to Depeche Mode… I was glued and wanted to hear and see more. During my 1st year in High School, a friend of mine wanted me to audition to be in his singing group, I always loved to harmonize, write songs, and create melodies. I auditioned and now was a member of a singing Group later to called B.A.S.I.C (Boys Always Singing In Class). We ended up getting a fun job in what is formerly called Trapper’s alley, (Now Greektown Casino- Detroit) at Mo’ Betta Fudge. We would make fudge from scratch while entertaining the public walking by. It was quite an experience and provided more opportunities to further my passion for music. Quick story, once at work we were cleaning up and this person came by and was asking about us “Singing Guys”, this person was Penny Marshall (Actress/Director), she was shooting a movie called Renaissance Man starring Danny Devito, and wanted us to be a part of it. We agreed and had a couple small scenes. Highlight was hanging out with Danny Devito, and he said to me between takes “wow… didn’t know that voice can come out of a little guy like you” cool and memorable moment now go watch n see my small role lol!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
MeShun: Well, MeShun is my birth name. The story goes my mom wanted to name me MeShach from the biblical story of Meshach, shadrach, and abednego in the fiery furnance. My dad wasn’t having it LOL and said … this boy has to live with this name, so a compromise was made and MeShun was the result!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
MeShun: Music sharing done right I believe is a great way in getting oneself exposure needed to further career in music. Sometimes giving away a “freebie helps to create the buzz especially when no one knows your name or your music. So the FREE word is kind of an attractive magnet that at least gets the attention first, and hopefully the listener will enjoy what they hear… I try not to give away too much because honestly I didn’t spend thousands of dollars in equipment and endless hours of writing, recording, etc… just to give my music away, BUT giving away some music does serve a purpose.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
MeShun: As far as gigs, being a part of music conferences and showcases is a start. Some may have small entry fees some may not. Talk to some of the locals bars, lounges, and clubs- Share some music with them and see if you can perform on a night that doesn’t interfere with High volume nights. With Airplay to start check with some local or community stations, colleges to see if they have an indie artist roster/playlist. Most will but find out what their requirements are. There are a lot of internet radio stations available also to look into, Make sure your songs are properly Mixed and mastered. You want to have the very best representation of your music before going to get airplay and also make sure your songs are properly registered with your PRO’s(Performing Rights Organization), Soundexchange and BDS/Media Base. Be creative remember there’s no ONE way to do these things, create opportunity when there’s none. It may be difficult at times, but it’s very possible.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
MeShun: Everyday life, some forms of inspiration come from my own experiences and some from others. It can be something I read or seen that sparks that idea of creating. My process varies; sometimes I hear melodies just the melody, haven’t got to the lyrics yet. I may record it so I won’t lose it. Then I start to build from that melody.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
MeShun: Nightwritermusic.com (getting the site a facelift as we speak), Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/nightwritermusic. I use all the popular ones that have a lot of users, reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/meshunfuller, Twitter: @meshun, Instagram: meshnightwriter, also new site Muse Digital one(MD1): musedigital1.tv. You have to learn to use these platforms in order to engage with others that like the music you make. I’m still learning LOL
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
MeShun: hmmm let’s see, I’d probably take a portion like 30% so 150k and use that for my businesses, part for more music equipment, marketing and promotion, and setting up a cool Tour. I’d also invest in some real estate property nothing too risky with that. I’d let the other 350k sit in some high interest bearing account, and as I make more do a little more. I am a parent so I have to think a little more responsibly these days!! LOL…… Tour most definitely though!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
MeShun: Social media of course but also the engagement I have with listeners of my music they really help share and post my videos, along with some cool ideas to try. Also live performances is a must! Shoot videos and collaborate with other artists and producers, these days almost everyone in music (not just recording artist) has some sort of listeners and fans so it helps to cross market! I would say live shows works best only because with that live feel, it’s more of a personal connection when you, the artist, can perform live and the listener can hear the songs and see and share expressions. To me that’s powerful.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
MeShun: Yes, I’m working on an EP still debating if it’s going to be an EP or album. I’m going to be shooting a video for the “Right Here” single and start performing more again. I’m a songwriter 1st and I’ve been creating a lot of songs for other artist lately, so I recently began to start writing more songs for myself.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
MeShun: I couldn’t see myself NOT making music BUT for the sake of answering the question probably something that sounds boring like Business Management (music publishing/licensing) , while managing an artist or something LOL… see had to put music in there someway somehow! Really couldn’t see myself not being involved with music.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
MeShun: My life outside of being Dad is Music life, so basically for me it’s just a part of life. Late night music sessions and early morning wake ups and round up for school! Basically a sleepless life! But not a life I would trade for anything!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
MeShun: More shows and performances definitely being more engaged with fans on social media… time to get out the studio a little more! Stay tuned world!
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