CATCHING UP WITH...WILL DOWNING

Deservedly inducted into The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame in November, Will Downing truly epitomizes the term 'soul survivor.' He has built a solid audience for himself in the U.S., staying true to his artistic integrity and becoming a staple in the world of black music since the late '80s. In conjunction with his induction, we caught up with the ever-genial Mr. Downing to talk career, future plans and more... 1. What was your reaction finding out that you had been inducted into the SoulMusic Hall Of Fame at SoulMusic.com by a much-deserved popular vote? WD: Very excited, Glad to be recognized for my contribution to recorded MUSIC. These days seems like the longer your around the less your remembered. Good to know people still listen and care!! Thanks to everyone!!! 2. What's been happening career-wise for the last few months? WD: Career wise for me has been good. After going independent 2 years ago my work load has tripled!! Touring wise, recording and administrative things as well. The SILVER CD was well received and I'm currently putting the finishing touches on the upcoming release which is entitled EUPHORIA. 3. This has been quite a year with your 25th anniversary. How does it feel to have been recording for a quarter of a century? WD: It's strange to know that I started this race with so many other artisst and its stranger to be one of the last survivors of my generation still recording. I can vividly hear and remember record executives saying to me I need to change my style or I wouldn't make it. I guess the old phrase "Be yourself" applies in my case. 4. How have your audience reacted to your SILVER CD? WD: Audience reaction to the SILVER project has been fantastic they say they get a mixture of the classics as well new music. 5. You have been consistent as a recording artist for the past two decades-plus which is a real achievement given the state of the music industry! What has enabled you to maintain that consistency? WD: I was told years ago "trends come and go musically but a good song lasts forever" My name has become synonymous with ballads and midtempo songs so that’s what I’ve been trying to give my listeners. 6. How easy/challenging is it finding new material to write or select for each project? WD; New material is tough to find – sorry, new good material is tough to find! The last few releases have been theme-related and the next release will be the same. It a mixture of classic jazz standards, some interpretations of some classic songs done in a traditional jazz style and one song in Portuguese. This project as a whole is reminiscent of [both] A DREAM FULFILLED and PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT. 7. If you took an overview of your career right now, how would you say it's going? WD; I've never been happier. Musically, I'm doing what I enjoy doing and my audience has been supportive. 8. What are the particular challenges you face now as an independent recording artist? WD: The hardest thing about being independent is distribution although hard copy CD sales are down. A lot of your big chain stores won't carry indie projects and radio sometimes is not as responsive as it is to artist on major labels. Somehow the music has still gotten to the consumer and listener. 9. The kind of music you make is often described as a combination of smooth soul and jazz. While labels don't really work for music, how would you describe what you do? WD: I don't like to categorize the music but if I had to call it something it would be smooth R&B. I'm not sure how folks will catagorize the new music from EUPHORIA! 10. Your work has consistently been within the U.S. Is that likely to change in 2014? WD: Yes I’ve been blessed with a lot of work in the US. Hopefully 2014 will take me overseas again. The economic decline around the world has made it tough to tour overseas. 11. You have been very public about your health challenges. How is your health these days? WD: My health is pretty good. Like most folks I have my good and not-so-good days!! I've been healthy to "keep making it do what it do." So thanks for asking!! 12. You're a married man with children; how challenging/easy has it been to maintain a career in an industry that has no 'guarantees' or 'security'? WD: I asked myself that question every year for the last 25 years. I've been blessed!!! 13. 2014 is approaching: what do you want to accomplish in the next year? WD: I'll release the next project in March and hopefully it'll be received well enough for me to continue touring at Home and abroad. Visit the website to find out where I'll be. www.willdowning.com 14. What's next for you career-wise? WD: If you ask my Mom she'd love to hear me do a Gospel recording so stay tuned!!!