Ricky Duvall is a man of many talents, a singer, songwriter, rapper and producer hailing from West Palm Beach in Florida. He has been honing his skills since high school and 2015 will see the released of his debut album, Dreemerz Advocate. This song, Got You, is a slow-paced RnB track with a Christmas theme.
Though Christmas songs have a tendency to be schmaltzy, Got You manages to avoid this by making the subject about not having enough money to buy loved ones what they want. Many will relate to that situation giving it an emotional resonance and universal quality, vital components of any successful song.
Ricky has a commercial, smooth as honey voice that brings to mind singers like Lionel Ritchie and Luther Vandross. The verses explain his predicament with the catchy chorus acting as a nice counterbalance, with the message that love, not material things, is what matters. The vocals stand out most, but the surrounding music is well arranged and produced, and just the right length at exactly three minutes.
Overall, this is a touching track and a worthy addition to the ranks of yuletide songs. It showcases Ricky Duvall’s numerous talents and acts as a taster for Ricky’s debut album, which should set him on his way to deserved success. I see no reason why he cannot emulate the stardom of his musical heroes, he just needs one great song from his forthcoming album to break through.
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
Exclusive Interview:
Well, I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. Grew up working for my dad in a sheet metal shop, where long days of intense labor were not uncommon. I didn’t have the typical upbringing of an “artist”; I wasn’t born into a family of musicians, or performed since I was 5, but I was always surrounded by music and one thing I knew for certain, I absolutely loved music; all kinds! There was not one song on the radio I did not know by heart. I think at around 11 years old, I understood that I had a different kind of love for music. I knew it wasn’t normal; I was like a kid with way too much candy when my favorite songs were playing. In high school, I started writing and producing music and I was instantly hooked. I knew this is what I wanted; to be a songwriter and recording artist.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
When an artist creates a song, there’s so much heart, passion, and hard work that goes into it and I believe that they should be compensated accordingly. Online music and streaming stores like Spotify, Beats Music, iTunes, Google Play ect…gives an artist a fair platform to distribute their work and share with the world. Online music sharing is a great thing.
Giving away free music is hard, because you put all you’ve got into creating something out of nothing, and everyone wants their work to be valued, but for someone who wants to be heard, it’s a necessary evil. You have to put yourself out there in order to capture a following that will eventually lead to success; So yes I have given away my music for free.
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?
Biggest tip is networking! You have to connect yourself with people who help you achieve your goals. You also have to be product ready. Show that you have the chops to do and be great and once you make that connection, things will fall right in place. I myself am working this same avenue…
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Anything can happen on stage, and yes I’ve made some mistakes myself. Best way to handle this is remember you are the entertainer; your job is to keep on entertaining. Most people will never notice you’ve made mistake unless you show them. Be confident and practice as much as you can. Practice makes perfect.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Touring is something I look forward to in 2015, when my new album comes out. I did travel with a choir and we sang in different spots locally, unfortunately I cannot give you any juicy, amazing, off the wall stories yet
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Songwriting is one of my favorite things to do as an artist. I started writing on personal experiences in high school, and typically that’s where my inspiration comes from. As far as the process…well, I always start with the music. Whether I’m working with another producer or producing it myself, I always start with the music first. Then I will melodize a hook, come up with a catchy tune and start working the lyrics. I generally write on what’s heavy on my mind at the moment and it serves me well, but sometimes I do write to match the type of vibe the music gives, but still the topic is typically from a personal experience.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
Check me out at:
All my social media can be linked from there. (facebook, twitter, instagram, soundcloud)
Twitter/Facebook – Rickyduvallmusic
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
…Ha! If only you knew…I have from Abba to really old Disney songs to the original Sonic the Hedgehog music, but I have no shame, if music is good, it’s good and I am a proud listener of whatever is good, but…perhaps I should probably remove some songs from my playlist; it’s quick way to lose cool points on a raod trip, a very quick way!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Easy…I’d buy a nice log cabin in the mountains, build a nice recording studio inside and go to town. I’d also probably buy a nice truck and travel trailer to tour and travel while I have some time off.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
For now I’m working with a decent set up, for vocals I’m using the Rode K2 running through my UA La6110 mkii, which is a pretty sick mic and preamp combo. I use Cubase 7 and my Yamaha Mox6 to record and produce music and I mix using a dual reference monitor set up, running through a RME Fireface. As far as upgrades I want to get a Brauner VM1 or U87 microphone and A Roland Synthesizer keyboard.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I’m using the magic of social media to promote myself and sites like expoasedvocals to get myself out there. Social media and the web is key to promoting. I’m currently revamping how I do social media, which seems to be the best way, so follow and subscribe to me, so that I can keep you folks up to date with whats going on.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Without a doubt I would want to perform with Phil Collins at the Grammys. Phil Collins is one of my favorite artists. He is an amazing songwriter and singer, his ability to write and just the way he sings are truly inspiring and he is amazingly talented. I would be honored to perform with him.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Well, I’m working hard on this new album, it’s been an incredibly long journey and I believe this project has a lot of potential. It’s about the life a dreamer who only wants to be heard and prove to himself and others that he can make it. Most of us want to do something with our lives, so I believe that many people can relate to the theme of this project and be inspired all while enjoying some pretty cool funky jams!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Acting or writing films for sure…I’m a huge movie buff and if I’m not singing or writing music…I’m at the movies or doing one of my side talents of voice acting and making skits.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Well, My folks had tons of music in their collections, so I’ve heard many albums before purchasing my very first, but the first album I ever bought was The Eminem Show, I loved some of the singles released from it and I thought “man I can’t wait to buy my first album”. I’m a huge fan of Eminem and I liked that album a lot actually, unfortunately, I made the mistake of leaving the CD in my mom’s car and I think we all know how it all of a sudden went “missing”
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
It’s extremely hard, sometimes overwhelming. I find myself constantly on the go and working, but you have to understand music is my passion and I’ll do what it takes to be successful. Just always remember what’s most important to you and prioritize that way.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015 and beyond?
Look forward to great success in 2015, I believe that I will be heard on a grand scale and that’s what I’m aiming and working hard for. Music is my life and my goal is to share it with the world. Nothing is more exciting than that. Thank you for taking the time to check me out and I hope you will be fans of the work I do. Please check me out and keep up to date with what’s going on. Let’s wish for success in 2015 and shout out to all the dreamers out there, somehow some way we will make it!
