LaVance Colley has fused the presence, range, and fervor of a Gospel singer with the versatility of Jazz, and the heart of R&B to develop a style all his own. As an accomplished vocalist his credits include working with legends like:  Beyonce Knowles, John Legend, Shawn Mendes, Pharrell Williams, Diana Ross, Lizzo, Director Robert Townsend, and Andy Grammer to name a few. 

He has been featured on the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars, under the musical direction of Ray Chew, Ricky Minor, and Buster & Shavony (Grammy award winners for the “Prince of Egypt” soundtrack), and has sung background vocals on The Voice. LaVance is also widely recognized as the lead vocalist, and Emcee on tour with international sensation group Postmodern Jukebox. His live performances, and studio sessions are truly spectacular, and highly sought after for many artists in the industry

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

Well, it all started because of Covid actually. I was supposed to be in a brand new show with Cirque Du Soleil, and was in rehearsals in Montreal at their headquarters, and then the pandemic started and I was let go and sent back to home. Of course I had no clue what to do and I had no place to live or anything. While I was staying in Chicago with a friend, a colleague of mine referred me to sing a demo he couldn’t do, and the women I sang for owned this huge sync company and she signed me on the spot and she was the one who encouraged me to do this project. I guess it was providence.

What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion? 

I think it a song piece should communicate whatever your souls desires. It is extremely important for an artist to try and be true to their art and really have something to say no matter what subject. If you make the song yours, you could sing the ABC’s and still people will be moved by it.

Who were your top 3 artists last year?

My top 3 artist last year was Cece Winans, Yola, and Moses Doja Cat

What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?

I love to take walks when I feel uninspired. I’ll walk in my neighborhood for about 45 mins and the inspiration just comes to me.

What are your 2022 projects and goals?

Well my 2022 projects are to release my full length album and then go and do a bunch of solo shows in LA and maybe even a small tour if the opportunity presents itself. I also, would like to get more of my original songs places on more TV shows and movies

Favorite movie or TV show?

I love Schitts Creek. That show is hilarious!

Tell us about your latest release and how it came about

My song “On Top of the World ” came from a brief that I was writing for a TV coming out and they wanted something fun and uplifting. Once I was done writing and recording the song, my producer and I thought this would be a great record to just put out for me as an artist and that’s how it came about.

What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?

I would like there to be no colorism in the industry. I am a dark skinned black man and I feel it’s much harder to be an artist in this industry. I feel if I was a light skinned/ethnically ambiguous my career would be a lot further than it already is. This is something I have no clue how to change but I hope that it does.

Can you outline your creative process?

I love to come up with a nice melody before I even begin to write a hook. I think its important to have a great melody because if you have that as your base, then you’re off to a great start to creating a great song. After that, we put the lyrics to the melody and start ti record. I usually record the BGV’s last and come up with ideas for that while I’m recording and they usually turn up great. I sometimes like to stack my vocals up to 6 times to give it a full coir sound and sing ALL the parts. My producer does his mixing magic and the songs usually turn out amazing!

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

I like a classic look, meaning clean, and slick, and I feel like that is the best fit for me, and it helps me to fit in many different types of situations.

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?

I think of the best moments I’ve had in my career is when I did my very first show at the “Standard Hotel” on sunset, which is now closed because of Covid. That was my very first show is Los Angeles and it was SOLD OUT! I couldn’t believe it and all those people who came, came to see ME! It was vey scary but also one of the best moments of my life that I am super anxious to recreate. 

What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?

I think an artist should sing about whatever they want to. Thats why we are artist. One day we will talk about this and the next about that. We are always changing and evolving, and with that comes different things to express. I never want to say what an artist should or shouldn’t do.

Do you have any regrets?

I do regret spending so much time using my musical gifts to make other people millions of dollars while I was not focused on myself and my own musical endeavors. People will call you and make you sing your lungs away until you have nothing left for yourself, and then they will just say goodbye and hire someone else to replace you.

What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?

I would tell myself to really focus on me and stop worrying about what other people think about you. I would tell myself to believe in my talent, and don’t take it for granted and also, don’t let other people take you for granted. I would say learn more about the music BUSINESS side of things and learn how to read a contract.