INTERVIEW: Singer & Recording Artist, BaShir Hogue Talks New Single “Love U Back”, Misconception of Gospel Artists, Moving from Philly to Delaware, TV Show, Relationship with God, and More…

Today we have an exclusive with Multi Gospel Image & London Stellar award winner, an anointed singer and songwriter, BaShir Hogue.

He is also set to release his brand new single “Love U Back” on June 26th. BaShir is truly on a path to breaking new ground to his already successful music journey!

Check out my interview with him below:

Hey Bashir Hogue! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, my name is Bashir Hogue and I’m a singer / recording artist. 

Talk me through an average day in the life of you? 

Well, an average day for me is like waking up, morning prayer and then checking emails and my schedule. Then getting to work on my writing for my TV & and music projects. Calling my agent Mike Lee often. Also being in constant contact with my producers and my Spiritual advisor and God brother Tommie Suggs. 

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study? 

I went to Olney High School then graduated from Harcum College and completed my schooling at University of the arts. 

When did you discover your love for music and How did your journey into music begin and then being signed to IMG? 

I was 5 or 6, I saw Michael Jackson do the moon walk on the Grammy’s. I told my mom after seeing that, that I wanted to sing. She told me to go practice. So I did. Eventually, I got my first solo at Deliverance Evangelist Church. My solo song was “Trouble Don’t last always” by Timothy Wright. Signing w/ IMG was short lived but a good one. 

Tell us more about your documentary movie titled “Both Sides”, which i heard is till in the making? 

Well, The documentary was about letting people know that Artists have two sides to them. They have Stage side and an off stage side. It’s was Directed by Emmy Award Winner Kyle Godwin. 

How would you describe the music scene in the United States and is it helping gospel artist like you grow? 

The music scene in United States is very prevalent. It is also very eclectic. Everything is driven by Music. Because words are important, and words are put into music, you have a lot of people driving by music in the United States. It’s very popular and it ruins the United States, even the world. Music helps with a lot of emotions with people. If you want to feel sad, listen to a sad song, and so forth. 

You are set for the release of your next single “Love U Back” and the music video, what is the message behind the title? 

Yes I am set. My new single has a lot to do with how love should be when someone messes up in love. The actual EP is called “Love Factor” (Song of Solomon Modern Days) The EP should be out early fall. The single “Love U Back” will be out June 26. It’s executive produced by Will Baumgardner and Ronald Hall, who as worked with Atlantic Records artists. I’m very excited it’s been a very long time since I released anything when it comes to music. 

How was it like working with Executive Producer Will Baumgardner, Co-Production/ Engineer Ronald Hall and Music Advisor TW Suggs. 

It’s going really well and I’m very excited working with these geniuses in the industry. The work is very tedious and long. However when I go into the studio and knock out at least two songs in 1 hour and half. I’ve never gotten this much attention from the world’s perspective and the church perspective of of one snippet called “Love U Back” 

As a multi Gospel Image Award & London Stellar winner, what will you say keeps you motivated/inspired to stay dedicated to what you love?

Keep supportive people around you. It’s very important to keep around people that will give you a NO when you think you’re right all the time. 

What’s your Dos and Don’t when it comes to music? 

Dos:

1. Be yourself.
2. Sing in your register when you’re thinking of someone else’s song or your song.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t over think music when you are performing or when you are not singing.
2. Be the music. 

What do you do to stay in shape, do you go to the gym? 

Yes. I do go to gym Regularly. I’m 41 and will be 42 July 31 of 2020. It’s to stay in shape at my age. It’s good for your vocals as well. 

How do you balance your personal and music life?

My personal life is technically very simple. I live it very privately. My music life is very busy. But I’ve learned to how to time manage. 

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about Gospel artists? 

That the males are Gay, or sleeping w/ every woman they see. But its not true. Musicians are the most complicated people on the planet. But We are the worlds Medicine. 

What aspect surprised you the most once you started working in the music industry?

That some people in the music business are cut throat. But, aren’t  many in the world?!

Looking back to when you started doing music and songwriting, is there anything you would like to change going forward? 

So much has changed in the music industry, so if anything it would be writing. Writing to tell stories about the day and time we are in at the present. 

Which brands, clients, artists, photographers, producers, directors, etc., have you worked with? 

I’ve shared the stage w/ Tremaine Hawkins, Kelly Price, Karen Clark-sheard, Richards Smallwood, & more. 

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far? 

My Television Show, The Culture on CTFTV and my music. Executive Produced by Eric Zeidler, hosted by me. 

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet? 

1. Queen Latifah
2. Donald Lawrence
3. Quincy Jones. 

What has been your biggest challenge? 

In 2005 I was sick with a bad liver. I went into a coma, Seizures, and Eventually flat line for 2 to 3 minutes. I was in the hospital for three months. But I am completely healed. I had so many turn their backs on me. But God kept me. 

Tell us two things people don’t know about you? 

1. I love to skate
2. Go bowling. 

You are very active with massive following on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why? 

Yes. Because many want to be apart of your life. It’s very important for Artist to be transparent with their followers. 

You from Philadelphia, PA. but now based in Delaware. How is that working out for you?

I was born and raised in Philadelphia. However, now I live in Delaware. I LOVE IT. 

What are your must visit travel destinations?

London, New York, Atlanta. But I go these places all the time. But I love it. 

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our relationship with God? 

1. Prayer 
2. Reconciliation
3. Loving people for who they are 
4. Exhorting 
5. Being kind

How would you describe your style? 

My Style is more on a Jidenna, Marvin Gaye style. I love how they dress. Very impressive.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?

1. Food 
2. Tea 
3. Water 
4. Kale 
5. Flaxseed

What are your favourite fashion trends?

1. Tappered dress pants.
2. Balenciaga sneakers. 

What is your favourite dish?

Chicken Navajo.

What songs are currently on your music playlist? 

My song. “Love U Back” lol 

Apart from music, what other projects are you currently working on? 

My TV Show is going back on air June 27.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?  

Get people behind you to push further. Make sure they don’t praise you too much. It can get overrated. Stay HUMBLE. 

Any specific plans for the future? 

I planned to be in a few movies. 

Any final words?

BE YOU. EVERYONE ELSE IS TAKEN 

Where can we follow you online and on social media? 

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook my name is Bashir Hogue.