news-record.com

When you hear R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, it's hard not to acknowledge the talent and raw emotion that makes his music so personal for his fans. After sitting down with the soulful Charlotte native before his Nov. 21 concert at Music City in Greensboro, I realized that same vibe translated in person. It was like talking to someone I've known for years....

Q. How does it feel to be back in your old stomping grounds again, well at least you will be, right? (Hamilton performed in Charlotte Nov. 23)

A. "Well, I've stomped through here some, too. It always feels good to come home.

Q. So let's talk a little bit about the music. Your voice is so soulful, in fact you've been compared to the likes of Donny Hathaway, Al Green and Bill Withers. Where do you get your inspiration for your music?

A. Life. My journey. Others' lives and stories I've heard and things I've experienced.

Q. So, what music do you listen to?

A. Oh, all kinds.

Q. So, if I were to get your iPod right now, what would I hear? What's in rotation?

A. Oh, I really need to fix my iPod up, but the last thing I put on there was John Legend's album, "Get Lifted," Kirk Hero, I have some of my stuff on there. I plan to put Raphael Saadiq's new album on there - I gotta fix it up.

Q. Your new album, "The Point of it All," comes out Dec. 16. Tell me a little about it.

A. "The Point of it All" is actually an amazing ballad on the album. I felt like it really represents, ya know, why we do what we do for love, fame, success and what we're looking for in life.

Q. Oh yeah, because you have been on quite a journey to get where you are today. Having taken that journey, what advice would you give to a young vocalist wanting to make it in such a tough industry?

A. Yea, it can eat you up. I'd just say, be sure it's what you want and make sure you want it for the right reasons. Some people want the fame, but if your motives are wrong you might wind up doing anything. You have to make sure your spirit is grounded and that you have God.

Q. Do you ever feel like you're pressured into doing music that you may not normally want to do?

A. No, I pretty much do what I want to do. I think I've earned the right - once you have success, it opens up. But you also have to give the label a few songs they feel that they can market and get on the radio.

Q. When you write your music, what gets you in the zone?

A. The music will speak to you and it will create that zone. The music will dictate what you write, where you go with it. I just reflect on what I want to say, how I want to say it and ask, 'How has it already been said?' I always want to say it differently; you want people to always be curious to listen.

Q. How would you describe the new album for your fans?

A. Refreshing. It has a lot of up-tempo songs. There's not a lot of heartache and pain, but there's still the presence of that emotional side that people can relate to.

Q. Speaking of emotional music, I'd have to say, I really love "Charlene." Do you have any favorite songs?

A. "Coming from where I'm from" is one of my favorite songs and "Never Love Again."