When it comes to delivering music that touches the soul of people, Noel Gourdin does it quite well. The Boston native introduced himself to the world in 2007 with his debut single “The River,” lifted from his album “After My Time.” The song, which sampled Millie Jackson’s “How Do You Feel The Morning After,” was a hit on urban adult contemporary radio as it held the throne at No. 1 for 15 weeks. That feat is very impressive for a new artist. “I think ‘The River’ was so successful because a lot of people could relate to it,” says the humble singer. In 2011, Gourdin released his sophomore album “Fresh: The Definition,” which featured his fan favorite song “Beautiful.”
In January 2014, Gourdin blessed us with his third album “City Heart, Southern Soul.” While recording his new project, Gourdin wasn’t focused on competing with the success of his previous music, namely his single “The River.” “I don’t try to outdo ‘The River’ persay, I just try to continue to make quality music and music that’s timeless,” says the soulful singer.
In the past, Gourdin said he wanted “City Heart, Southern Soul” to reflect all the great soul artists of the past. He cites music legends such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Otis Redding and The Temptations as his musical influences, among a list of others. “All of those artists really inspired me to do what I’m doing,” reveals Gourdin. He further claims that the aforementioned singers helped him form his foundation for the love of soul music, which is illustrated on “City Heart, Southern Soul.” “A lot of people are saying it’s my best work and it feels great because I’m really comfortable with being the artist that I am and making good music and feeling free to make the music I feel like making,” says Gourdin.
Gourdin is certainly knows how to make good music. “Heaven Knows,” the lead single off his project has received positive feedback from fans and critics. In fact, the heartfelt tune peaked at No. 21 on urban adult contemporary radio and reached No.22 on Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Speaking on his inspiration behind the song, Gourdin says, “It was sort of similar to the relationship that was in ‘The River’ but years later. It was just something that I think a lot of people could relate to — infidelity in a relationship and when people start acting selfishly and don’t really put the time and the respect into a relationship.” The soul crooner further explains why he thinks “Heaven Knows” is an important song. “I think it speaks to a lot of people’s hearts,” he says. “I think it’s a very important record for the time. With divorce rates so high, a lot of people probably quit before they exhaust all options and try to stay together and make it work.”
“City Heart, Southern Soul” is a ten-track album that features a collaboration with soul singer Avery Sunshine. When asked which track off the album represents his city heart Gourdin says “Don’t You Wanna,” which was featured on an episode of VH1’s “Love & Hip-Hop.“ “It has a Hip-Hop flare to it with the undertone of soul,” says Gourdin. “It just has a straightforward concept and it’s full of emotion. That was just a fun record that we did,” he adds. Gourdin says “Patience,” track number five, represents his southern soul. “It’s that old school southern soul,” says Gourdin. “It captured that feel in which I made synonymous with the south.”
Although Gourdin identified which songs represent his city heart and southern soul, he plans to release “Can’t Wait,” featuring Avery Sunshine, as the next single.”It seems like the people are pretty much picking the next single that we would be going with,” he exclaims. “It seems like the people have spoken. It’s kind of great that we are all on the same wavelength. ‘Can’t Wait’ is definitely making its own way right now and it’s getting some love at radio and we’re really excited about that. Hopefully, we have a video on the horizon.”
Gourdin may have just released his third album in January but he’s already working on another project. The “Beautiful” singer is working on a features album. “I’m trying to do half of it with females and half of it with males,” he says. “It’s going to be good. I’m setting it up right now. I’ve got a few great artists that’s already in. We’re already working on records.”
If we can appreciate one thing about Gourdin — besides his spectacular vocal ability — it’s his dedication to R&B/soul music. “I don’t see myself conforming and switching over,” he states. “ If I’m not having fun and singing with all my heart then I’ll get a nine to five and be content with making records on the side.”
Follow Noel Gourdin on Twitter @NoelGourdin. Be sure to cop his new album “City Heart, Southern Soul” on iTunes.
