Greathouse: Bringing Back the Love Song

BRINGING BACK ROMANCE TO a genre he loves, R&B artist GREATHOUSE offers a deep, velvet vocal backed by a classic bluesy gospel sound. His track "Forever" is a soulful ballad that has been popping up on our radar over and over again, officially landing a spot on our favorites playlist. We were excited to get multiple submissions from GREATHOUSE, and even more thrilled to finally interview this genuine, heartfelt singer/songwriter.

GREATHOUSE - Houston, Texas
R&B / Soul
Song Submitted: "Forever"

ABOUT THE ARTIST: I am an R&B artist from Norman, Oklahoma, but I’ve been in Houston, Texas most of my life. My music is a direct reflection of who I am. I grew up on a lot of different types of music, but R&B was easily my favorite. I love a good love song and that is what I try to create. All my songs are about different aspects of love, and I try to make sure that a story is told through each song. I’m a romantic myself and it shows in my music.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND: I have been singing since I was a child. I didn’t take it seriously until undergrad. I started singing in church, then sang background for a few artists, all before deciding to start singing as a solo artist at different live music venues. This led up to recording my own music.

INSPIRATION: I want to bring back the love song. I want to bring back those songs that tell a love story from start to finish. Being able to write and record my own music allows me the freedom to create whatever I want.

I want to bring back those songs that tell a love story from start to finish.

SIGNATURE SOUND: I don’t know how to describe my sound yet. I’m so new in the game that I don’t know that I can accurately say what my sound is. I know I’m good at ballads, but I want to branch out a little and see what else I can do. I want to grow musically as much as possible. R&B just seemed like the logical choice to start with.

ON SONGWRITING: My songs are about love. My album Radio is a collection of songs that talk about all aspects of love. I definitely feel that “Forever” is my favorite song so far. I always try to write from experience. That experience can either be personal or what I witness from others around me. I want to make sure that there is truth to everything I write. My songwriting process — if I’m writing to a track — is to let the track tell me what kind of song I’m writing. I look for the feel of the music and write based off that. If I’m writing to no music, I usually brainstorm what I want to write about and jot down all ideas about that subject. I’ll then try to put all the ideas together and give them a melody.

I want people to fall in love to my music.

FAVORITE MUSICAL ERA: My favorite era of music is easily the 70’s and 90’s R&B. The grooves were so nice while telling a story. People cared about the music back then, not just a catchy beat.

ON RECORDING + PERFORMING: I love the freedom of performing and recording. When I get on stage or in the booth, everything else fades out and the music takes over. It’s always an amazing feeling.

FASHION: I like hats and sport coats. My style changes up from place to place, but most of the time you can catch me in a nice fedora and a jacket.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: The financial burden of self-funding a project has been one of the biggest hardships. I worked a full-time job while I was recording my album, but that drive to complete it kept me going.

I recently was asked to open for Babyface and Charlie Wilson, and I’m still on a high from that.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Completing the album was definitely a huge accomplishment for me. Selling out my album release was also huge. I recently was asked to open for Babyface and Charlie Wilson, and I’m still on a high from that. All these things show me that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

FUTURE HOPES + DREAMS: I definitely want the world to experience “Forever” and the rest of my album. I would like to tour and have my music playing consistently around the world. I want to collaborate with other artists I look up to. I want people to fall in love to my music. DM