In an era where R&B and Neo-Soul bands are breaking up to pursue solo career’s, I’m excited to have come across a group of guys who are still following the path paved by the likes of the Temptations, and Boyz II Men. SoulStone, a musical trio consisting of Shaun, Clint, and Lindo, are a living “musical” proof that there are still talented bands in the industry. I recall how when I first discovered these crooners , how blown away I was with their work. They are effortlessly able to deliver as one union. It’s no wonder why their single” Now That Your Love Has Gone” has become a hit. I had the opportunity to learn more about these crooners’ journey, one that I’m excited to share with you all.

Jamati: First shed more light on your music and your work, and thanks for the opportunity to share your journey with the world.

SoulStone: It’s our humble pleasure.

Jamati: Lets clarify this– SoulStone is a 3 man band, or is it now 2? What’s going on? Please explain what, and who, is SoulStone?

SoulStone: Originally SoulStone consisted of Clint, Kent, and Myself (Shaun). Upon becoming a band, our initial intention was to use the group as a platform to develop our individual music careers, since we were all struggling to break into the industry at the time. This largely due to our choice in music genre. This with soul/R&B not commanding a big market in this country especially if it’s locally produced or the negative perception thereof. One more myth we intended to gracefully dispel. Though things have gone from strength to strength since then, Kento decided to pursue his career as a solo Guitarist.

At this point Clint and I remain head strong and have since signed up an old friend and amazing musician, Lindo Dlamini. The three of us are working on SoulStone’s sophomore album. If I had to define SoulStone, we are a band consisting not only of three members, but of a drummer, bassist, keyboardist and trumpeter too. We like to think of ourselves as a collective rather than a couple of individuals.

Jamati: In an era where everybody is breaking forth as solo artist’s, what made you guys to choose to follow and stick with the path that the Temptations and Boyz  II Men have paved?

SoulStone: I guess growing up in a time when the likes of Boyz II Men, Shai, and Silk were the crooners of the day, is what largerly influenced us. Then again, looking at what the present day society is being exposed to, and to a certain extent coerced into, accepting what is being thrown at them, we intend to remain true by doing what we love and not conforming, and, in so doing, make lasting music.

Jamati: How much of a struggle has it been to establish yourself as a band in an industry where your kind of music is still breaking forth?

SoulStone: Record companies unfortunately remain firm in their distorted belief in “making money” by sticking to tried and tested formulas. Hence the genre is truly a struggling and difficult one to pursue, let alone be involved in. It leads one to quote the phrase, “Where has the music gone?”, in a world where electropop, computer-generated drumbeats, and static synthesizers rule. But let’s be hopeful, someday the circumference will be complete and the circle will once again begin a new rotation! SoulStone intends to dispel any negativity surrounding the genre by paving the way for the immense amount of talent within our shores and persisting it at all costs.

Jamati: Let’s talk  about what each individual brings into the group!

Soulstone: As I mentioned previously, were all about being a unit and coming up with what we feel as a band as opposed to one individual. Specifically, Clint brings an amazing ability to arrange vocals as well as write the most enduring and heartfelt lyrics. Then of course his voice lends a certain flair to the fold. Lindo simply put, has the most earnest and sincere voice. I pride myself in the fact that I, being the other writer in the fold, have the eclectic ability to conceptualize and come up with melodies and string arrangements. Then of course there’s our amazing band who always lends just the right amount of expression to SoulStone’s music.

Jamati: Elaborate more on your sound because what I’ve noticed is that you guys don’t limit yourself to just the R&B/neo-soul genre but you like to experiment with different sounds as well?

SoulStone: We’d like to think of ourselves as a if-you-feel-it-do-it kinda band. Not limiting ourselves to one particular genre but rather exploring with many styles and faces of music. As would be even more evident on our forthcoming projec.

Jamati: Who is the band’s number one inspiration?

SoulStone: Being largely eclectic with different backgrounds, it is difficult to single out one individual, but if we had to, I guess, because of his amazing ability to triumph in the face of adversity, and of course, for his incomparable talent, so eloquently illustrated by his work, Mr Stevie Wonder.

Jamati: Who has your sound been mistaken for, because when I first heard your singles “Women” and “Deserve Me“, I actually thought I was listening to Day 26!

SoulStone: We’re somewhat overwhelmed by the number of great artists we’ve been mistaken for. Some liken us to Mint Condition, Boyz II Men, and Prince. We still strive to define ourselves by having our own style but ultimately feel very humbled for being put in the same boot as such formidable and accomplished artists.

Jamati: Please take us through the making of your album “Music LoveTruth (MLT)“.

Soulstone: MLT is a culmination of emotions, realities, and fantasies! We try to address and touch on Social, political and personal issues throughout the album. Being largely an eclectic album, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Just listen close.

Jamati: I know that your single “Now That Your Love Has Gone” is a big favorite and frankly I, I coudn’t help but fall in love with it. Who wrote the song and what’s the true story behind it ?

SoulStone: It all happened one evening when I sat at my piano and felt the need to compose a ballad. Perhaps because of the mood I was in (quite gloomy) I needed to illustrate those moments when you know that you were the reason for a break up. You finally realize your mistakes, but know it’s too late to fix things. So you let her/him know how you feel at that particular point, knowing too that you probably never will be with that person ever again. After I came up with the melody, I put pen and thoughts to paper and the song came to be. The following day I gave it to the guys and we immediately finished writing and producing it. Then [with] Clint’s impeccable vocal arrangment [it was] “magic” ( I must say). Little did we know that the song would become so appreciated. Many thanks for this!

Jamati: Any plans in terms of branding SoulStone internationally?

SoulStone: Nothing in the world (excuse the pun) would make us happier than to spread our message and work out there. At this point in all honesty, it is increasingly difficult to gain recognition here, let alone abroad. Still we continue to persist, in the hope that someday , our time will come! We do welcome any assistance (smile)

Jamati: Any future projects that you like to share with us?

SoulStone: We’re currently working on a new album. The album title, over and above being taken from one of Stevie’s masterpiece, is brought on by the simple fact that we’re born on three consecutive days in September. Lindo is first to celebrate his birthday on the 27th, then on the 28th its Myself (Shaun) and Clint follows on the 29th . Thus it would aptly be titled – ” Libra Sun“. We consider this to be our best work to date! Now I know you may say yeah, everyone says that about their new material but, believe me, if you hear some of it, you’ll know exactly what I mean and how we feel about this project. Over and above being a band, we’re a production company and currently work with, and produce material for, artists both locally and abroad. Behold the dawning of Libra Sun!

Jamati: How do you see the African R&B/Neo-Soul  industry merging internationally?

SoulStone: We believe that with more exposure to the public and adequate interest and investment from Record Companies, there is no reason why the genres could not be considered an international force. I mean the talent most certainly is here!

Jamati: What has SoulStone’s motto been throughout this musical journey that has kept you guys giving it your all?

SoulStone: It has been, and continues to be, a very difficult road, but we’re in it for our love and God given talent for music. Ultimately, believe you can, and you will, and at no point give up!”

Jamati: More light to you guys and I know I’ll be hearing and seeing you guys more, internationally. Once again, Danke.

SoulStone: We are thankful for the opportunity. Much love and light.

For more on SoulStone please visit their website.