From R&B to biotech, Aloe Blacc knows how to raise spirits

Boston Globe

15 hours ago

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Blacc is now back in the business world, but not as an underling. His Major Inc. biotech firm focuses on oncology and infectious disease prevention. He recently spoke with the Globe via Zoom from his native Southern California.
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Q.
You have such a distinctive and recognizable vocal sound. Was that natural or intentional?
A.
What happened was that I tried a million different styles. My first debut solo album was called 'Shine Through,' and I sang in multiple styles. And then on my second album, which was 'Good Things,' I sort of focused on folk-soul. And because folk-soul took off from a commercial standpoint, I've used that as my voice over my career, but I still play with a whole range of styles and voices.
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Q.
You started in underground rap, and early in your career, when you were on Stones Throw Records, you performed for Boston hip-hop promoter
A.
It was a long transition, but it was largely inspired by the songs that I was sampling for hip-hop. I was listening to Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone. Listening to these artists encouraged me to use my skill with language in a different way, and to challenge myself to combine melody with ability to rhyme at the end of the line.
Q.
The vocalist on one of Avicii's other huge hits, '
A.
I generally write all the songs that I sing. For this particular song I came in with some lyrics, and as I was listening to the guitar progression, I just invented a melody that worked for these lyrics. And Tim [Bergling] — Avicii — put together a great production around that acoustic demo. It was a huge moment for me when the song did so well. I was lucky to be able to have this collaboration where I could extend my lyrics and my voice and my thoughts to so many more people.
Q.
A few years ago you put out an acoustic version, and it's also
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A.
Once the song started gaining a lot of popularity, I thought: This is an opportunity to tell an important story. I'm a first-generation American, so the story of immigrants is something that is intimately relevant. And so I created a music video that spoke about humanizing folks that are just looking for a better life.
Q.
Your songs are usually written from a very universal perspective, but on your new LP, 'Stand Together,' there's one that seems more overtly political called '
A.
That was inspired by the relationship I had with my mentor
Q.
You sang a tribute to Charley Pride on the
A.
I've always been a fan of traditional country songwriting, and I feel like some of the very best, most thoughtful writers spend their nine-to-five in a writing room in Nashville. If we could get those folks writing for more of the pop artists, you'd have much better songs with great production, instead of just great production with OK songs.
Q.
There are those who've seen you in a suit singing conscious soul music and pegged you as a retro act. 'Stand Together' has a very contemporary production and mixes in sounds from
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A.
No, I don't care! I'm happy to be in any box. Just make sure there's enough people in that box to have some fun and we can do a concert!
ALOE BLACC
At City Winery, 80 Beverly St., Boston, Aug. 7, shows at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$65.
Interview was edited and condensed. Noah Schaffer can be reached at
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