Raised on legends like Stevie Wonder and inspired by modern envelope pushers like Anderson Paak, Nashville-based R&B artist Alex Slay has never been a rule follower. As A&R Factory put it, his “completely distinctive sound fuses nostalgically warm Neo-Soul Jazz Pop tones around roots-deep R&B and light melodic Blues in a way which I can guarantee you’ve never heard the like of before.”
A quiet kid from small-town Florida, Slay’s music career took off after winning a local talent show and being offered an opportunity to tour around the world from Venice to Barcelona performing in front of hundreds each night aboard cruise ships. When he finally settled down, he chose an unconventional city for R&B: Nashville.
He has since made quite the name for himself in the city’s budding R&B scene, performing regularly at iconic venues like Flamingos and the Hutton Hotel and collaborating with acclaimed producers like Will Bowers (Snoop Dog) and Danny Polo (Landon Sears). In a city of superstars, Slay’s incredible raw talent shines through precision that can only be cultivated by a true dedication to the craft.
Tell us about the story of your act
A: I started playing music in high school with piano and singing. A few years passed and I got into writing my own music and producing. I was able to sing on Cruise ships for a while and tour around the world. Then I decided to move to Nashville. I found out who I am as an artist and as a person in general. So far It’s going pretty good!
What is the message behind your art?
A: Overall, I just want people to be inspired to try new things and be open to change. I feel like some people never take risk because of the “what if” but I want to inspire people to take those risks and see everything they do through.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
A: For a long time it was heartbreak and relationships, but lately I’ve just been writing about discovering who I am as a person. I’m 25 years and I am just now figuring out who I am and I’m excited to take the journey with myself.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
A: Probably any artist that is making their own way. A few that come to mind are Lucky Daye, Victoria Monet, Mac Ayres, and AG Sully. They aren’t afraid to grow and try new things as an artist and that’s what I look up to.
Was was the record or artist that changed your life?
A: There are too many counts. I would say the most recent would be “Painted” by Lucky Daye. His producer D-Mile has a huge influence on my sound the way he can mix so many styles and influences so flawlessly. But my all time favorite is “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder, I always listen to it from top to bottom and still haven’t gotten bored of it, and I don’t think I will.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
A: Deep End came about a year or so ago, I had just released “Cherry Wine” which was a sort of sultry slow jam, and wanted to make something upbeat. I worked on Deep End more than I have any other track. I made three completely different versions of the song until I found the one that felt right. Although it took so long to finish I don’t regret taking my time with it because I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
A: I get my inspirations from all kinds of music. I’m always trying to create something that feels new but most of my inspiration comes from older music such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield etc. There’s just something about live instrumentation that has always resonated with me. It makes the music feel alive and I understand it more than just electronic music. That is why I try to fuse both worlds.
How would you want people to feel while listening to your music?
A: This might be a cop out answer, but as long as they feel something towards the music I feel like that’s enough for me. But I guess it also depends on what song it is. Overall my music right now has a calming feeling to it so I guess I want people to feel relaxed and chill when they listen to my music and just vibe.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
A: There’s so many, I would love to go on tour next year. There’s a few places here in Nashville I haven’t got to play yet but really want to like 5 spot, and Analog. Bigger accomplishment would be to play the Garden I feel like that’s everyone’s dream as an artist but that would be pretty amazing. If I was able to get on a tour with all my friends who are artists that would be pretty amazing as well.
What inspires your style?
A: The simple answer is vintage. I love a good bowling shirt with some clean simple shoes like converse or Jordans. My style is a lot like my music, I like to mix up the influences of different decades.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
A: All the time, but I never do. I made a choice a long time ago that this is what I was going to do. Sometimes I get discouraged because its not happening as fast as I want it to or the song I released did not do so well. But at the end of the day now matter how small the steps I’m taking are as long as I’m going forward that’s what keeps me going. I’m here for the journey, to make the memories and connections that’ll make the destination worth it in the end.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
A: To always remain a student. The second you think you know everything you close yourself to any possibility of growing even more. Surround yourself with people who are better than you and never settle.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
A: It’s going to be the R&B scene in Nashville TN, There are so many underrated artists here like Danny Polo, Landon Sears, Gretchen, and AG Sully that are starting to get some buzz. I think there will be a huge wave of R&B here soon and I can’t wait to be part of it.
