Music Review for Hasani McLean-Davis – Stay With Me
Sam Smith’s hit song is a popular choice for covering; it’s well known, has a powerful melody line, and an inspiring vocal performance from the artist really brings it out into the spotlight. Hasani’s cover is quite different to the original, his voice has more of an experimental style to it – he plays around with the notes a lot more, lengthening them, bending them, incorporating additional ones. He has a strong singing voice, a good ability to hold the notes and play around the with the sound – not just accepting the song the way that it is, but adding his own spin to it. At times it might be a little overwhelming to take each note so far, but for showcasing his ability as a vocalist, it’s a great song choice.
In terms of the track, the mix seems unfinished in some ways – there is possibly a little too much reverb, a little too heavy of an echo, particularly as the voice has enough skill to stand alone without any effects at all. It’s not a trip-hop song, and so, some of the notes Hasani uses are lost a little in the wash of the reverb. Still, it’s easy to see the atmosphere that was intended.
The tone of Hasani’s voice is lovely, at times stunning; a softness and beauty comes through which suits this kind of track perfectly. There are also some real moments of power and feeling, where you believe the words, you believe the performance, and that’s one of the most important things when it comes to songs about love and human emotion. It would be nice to hear this all placed a little closer to the top of the mix – the voice holds the key to this emotional strength, and when the vocal skill is there, all you really need to do is let it be heard. It’s the kind of voice that would suit any number of different songs, and that’s a great asset to any performer.
By Rebecca Cullen
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in a small town called Monrovia California. It’s not as small as it used to be because of everything that has been built here since I’ve moved here, but I am proud to be a small town boy! I remember the first time I sang in front of my mom, I mean seriously sing and how I made her feel really made her feel and from that moment I knew I wanted to make the world as happy as I made her in that moment.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
There’s really no inspiration behind my name, my parents gave it to me and I rock it! Their inspiration was having a name that related to me and unique.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think online music is an amazing way of engaging with people this day and age, and I think it’s probably the best way. I don’t have my own music yet but I will on a couple months.
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?
Artist: Definitely! I would just say work everyday on your craft and make sure you stay true to who are always! Just make sure you know that you love it and love performing for people. Also I would just say if you have like stage fright or something like that where you’re afraid to get in front of people I’m here to say it’s okay! All performers go through it and we all get nervous, but remember how many people you are inspiring with your voice!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I usually get my inspiration from past things that have happened, and everything that I have been through. I guess i use all my pain and put it into my music, and I think that the best music is when artists tell their truth. My usual song writing process is writing late at night because that’s when my best ideas usually come in. I have to listen to music while I’m writing as well because it helps me think clearer as well.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I do not have a band website, but I post all of my covers on all social media sites below:
Instagram:@Hasani751
Twitter: @sanihandsome94
Facebook:Hasani McLean-Davis
YouTube:@Hasanimike
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would really try and work on my music and make a couple of albums, then I would pay for my college tuition and help out my family out with whatever they need, and then I would maybe invest in a couple of my own charities and organizations.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
What really works best for me is having all of my content on my social media sites especially Instagram, that’s where I get the most feedback.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am currently working with a company called Poletus element to further my music career!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
That’s a hard one! I would probably be a sports or news anchor because I still love to be on camera and love to entertain people!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I just make sure I make a little space for everything and work by a schedule. I am very spontaneous and free as a person but I am an extremely hard worker and realize that other aspects of my life are necessary as well.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Just the future of my music career and seeing where my career as an artist goes! Hopefully by the end of the year I am in the studio collabing with some amazing people!
Also I sent a radio payment I was wondering if I can change the song I want to play to my cover of Stay by Rihanna ft. Mikkey Ekko! Thank you so much!
