AntoineDunn
Cleveland, Ohio, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | INDIE
Music
Press
The new single "By Design" has been picking up steam online and has already premiered on SiriusXM's Heart & Soul. This past May, the new song was well received by a festive crowd at Perry Broadcasting’s Annual Mayfest. Antoine joined the bill alongside Anthony David, Dwele and several other artists for this years festival. - Geno Jones
http://www.urbaninsite.com/music/antoine-dunn-releases-visual-for-new-single-by-design/ - ww.urbaninsite.com
Smooth and soulful are words that describe Antoine Dunn, the man and his music. Dunn’s sound channels a timeless style, embodied by Donnie Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles—all sources of inspiration for his music. Contemporary artists such as John Legend, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and Adele round out the myriad of styles from which he draws. - The Hype Magazine
I had a great time filming Antoine Dunn's latest video "Drawn to You". He had a clear direction in which he wanted to take it. First we were looking at doing it in black and white. The lighting played a key role in that approach. I was excited because I could use strong back and edge lights to achieve - Devon Collins
“By Design” is the second single and follow-up to “I’m Gonna Love You”. The song is a piano driven and vocally rich tribal ballad which speaks to the perfect love that could only be by design. The tasteful guitar licks also make it pretty pleasing to the ears.. Dunn delivers the extremely hypnotic hook “These days never felt so great… And ALL things by design – I , I Do for you” he sings. - http://samsylk.com/
One of the hardest things in the world to do is to walk by faith. When a passion has been inbred in you to walk a journey and your not quite sure how too or if you will survive is a hard burden to tow. When you could probably do it the easy way your drive tells you to do it the right way. For the love of? Greatness takes time, although your passions run high, perfection is the staying power of all time. For the promise of? Will you stay true to what you do or give out a product that is not a reflection of you? For the love of? Faith is a funny thing, your path and your only stop sign is to not do YOUR math. - 93.1 FM WZAK
The video opens with Dunn and his significant other laying in bed together sleeping. Well, Antoine is fast asleep but his woman is watching him and seething with every breath he takes. She gets out of bed and goes to the bathroom to cry, smoke a cigarette, drink some wine and try to get her mind right and out of her feelings. The scene changes and we see the couple in a happier light while kicking it with friends, sipping from red cups and celebrating her birthday with a cake. Finally, we see the two of them back in bed together cuddled up with all seemingly forgiven as they drift off to sleep. Antoine Dunn may have done something wrong, but he sang all the right words to make it better. - Soul Bounce
Emerging singer Antoine Dunn makes a return with his brand new single “I’m Gonna Love You.” The passionate track is the first single from Dunn’s forthcoming album, which is due later this year.
“I wrote this song for anyone who wants to persevere in a relationship,” said Dunn to Rated R&B about his new single. “This song was the perfect melody to tell that story.” - Rated R&B
The 19th annual Urban Wheel Awards celebrated diversity in the auto industry Sunday evening at Midtown's Garden Theater. - The Detroit News
PRLog - Jan. 7, 2015 - ATLANTA -- Smooth and soulful artist Antoine Dunn will perform at The 19th Annual Urban Wheel Awards on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the Detroit Garden Theater. The 19th Annual Urban Wheel Awards is the "Official Multicultural Event" of the North American International Auto Show.
The event will be co-hosted by Judge Mablean. Presenters include Nicci Gilbert, lead singer of Brownstone; Judge Strong of the Third Judicial Court of Michigan; Van Nguyen, Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce; Detroit Socialite Chuck Bennett; and Camillo Suero, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Afterglow performers are Serieux.
An accomplished vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Dunn taught himself to play the drums and bass guitar. Writing, arranging, producing and orchestrating his freshman album "Truth of the Matter" landed him fans and industry insiders alike, which led to a national tour with R&B Artists Anthony Hamilton & Estelle on the "Back to Love Tour" and national airplay which led to two Billboard National Top-15 charting songs. Dunn went on to chart on Billboard on numerous singles. His music video placements include BET’s 106 & Park, MTVU, MTV.com, BET Centric Channel, Music Choice, VH1 Soul, and AOL BoomBox. Visit Dunn @ http://www.Twitter.com/AntoineDunn.
Dunn will release his new single, "I'm Gonna Love You" in late February and his sophomore album later this year. "Music isn't what I do, it's who I am. I feel it is my professionalism, my uniqueness and commitment to my music that makes me stand-alone. Coming out of a city saturated with rap, I am moved to bring passion and authenticity back to music. I want to make music that all people can be proud of," says Dunn. - PRLOG
Other entertainment included musical talents of Antoine Dunn, a young break out artist who has been seen opening and touring with Kem, Avant, Anthony Hamilton and Estelle. A definite showman, Antoine Dunn is definitely one to keep an eye on in 2015.
The Big Winners of the night were as follows:
Urban Wheel Awards winners
Urban Car of the Year: Kia K900
Urban Truck of the Year: Ford F-150
Urban Green Car of the Year: BMW i8
African-American Dealer of the Year: Greg Jackson, Prestige Automotive Group
Hispanic Dealer of the Year: Bernie Moreno, Collection Automotive Group
Asian Dealer of the Year: Jay Park, Crestmont Hyundai
Supplier of the Year: John James, James Group International
Executive of the Year: Janet Marzett, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Emerging Executive of the Year: Randy Parker, Nissan West Region, Nissan North America - examiner.com
WHY HE'S INTERESTING: With heartfelt and powerful songs based on his real-life experiences, Dunn has established himself as a breakthrough artist who brings an old-school soul sensibility to his music. Dunn has served as vocal producer on 2007 American Idol finalist Lakisha Jones' debut album, performed in Thailand for six months and toured with Kem, Avant, Anthony Hamilton and Estelle. His 2012 debut album, Truth of the Matter, produced two Billboard Top 15 singles, "Can't Forget" and "Miss My Love." Dunn's intimate, sensual style has earned him comparisons to Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, two of his musical heroes. - Cleveland Magazine
Cleveland native Antoine Dunn is making a name for himself on R&B music charts. His last two singles ‘Can’t Forget’ and ‘Miss My Love’ both climbed into Billboard’s Top 15. Antoine is known for his dynamic stage presence and has toured all over the world. The singer/songwriter is working hard to be ‘the next great soul man’. - FOX 8 Cleveland
Antoine Dunn has been making music for most of his life, but in the past year his talents have started to be recognized in the arena they deserve—everywhere. The two singles this Cleveland, Ohio native has released off his debut album have received great reception, with both “Can’t Forget” and “Miss My Love” reaching into the Top 20 on Urban AC Charts. His much anticipated freshman album, Truth of The Matter, is slated for release on October 16th.
This summer, Antoine Dunn hit the road with another R&B artist who is also known for speaking from the heart. Anthony Hamilton brought Antoine into the line up, along with Estelle, for the Back To Love Tour. Unfortunately, the slotted hometown performance in Cleveland on Saturday, September 29th was canceled along with a handful of other dates. As they traversed the country from east coast to west, Antoine Dunn played many audiences to which he was an unknown—people who had mostly come to see the headliner, not the opening act. But if his performance in Detroit was any indication of what he delivered in other cities, he left his mark in the minds and hearts of those in witnessed his performance.
On Friday, September 28th, the Back To Love Tour hit Detroit’s famous Fox Theatre. Antoine Dunn opened the night with a short set of only five songs, including his two previously released singles. While people were still just arriving and finding their seats, Antoine Dunn and his dynamic band hit the stage. In the short time they were allotted, they delivered far beyond an opener’s usual quick performance. Those that had made the wise decision to arrive early experienced a powerful show filled with passion, heart and profound musicianship. Antoine Dunn possessed a familiarity with the stage and the audience so often lost on newcomers. He held the attention of those that were there, was not phased by the empty seats, and drew them into his performance whether or not they were previously familiar with his songs or lyrics.
Antoine Dunn is on the starting block of a career destined to be a life-long marathon. This first album is unlikely to be a one-time, award-winning sprint to the top, so often seen over the years in the music industry. Hop in line with those that were awaiting autographs and photos in the lobby of the Fox Theatre on Friday night—be one of those fans that can say, “I saw him when.” And don’t forget to pick up his album later this month. Or get on the list right now—it is currently available for pre-order on iTunes. - Examiner.com
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience?
Touring with Anthony Hamilton by far was my craziest touring experience. To be on tour with a recording artist I listened to growing up was just amazing to me.
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
I would take an Architecture class because I’ve always had an eye for unique architecture and would love to have a better understanding of its history.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
NYC is my favorite city to visit simply because it has an energy that is unmatched in my opinion. It’s where living your purpose is accepted no matter what that purpose may be.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I was given was to finish what I started by any means necessary. Finishing in essential to moving forward.
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
D’ angelo “Send It On” , Duke Ellington “In a Sentimental Mood” , and John Mayer “Friends, Lovers or Nothing.”
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
Greys Anatomy.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw – how was it?
Eric Benet on Valentines Day with an old girlfriend. The concert was great. Short and sweet, but great! Eric’s a great vocalist and performer.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
An ipod. A pillow. A pen and pad.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, The Manhattans, John Mayer, James Morrison, Anthony Hamilton.
Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Stay Motivated! Life can be challenging but as long as you find ways to stay motivated and finish what you start, you’ll be a success. - MTVu.com
Plenty of musicians refer to their careers as journeys. But R&B singer Antoine Dunn, a Cleveland native, really has experienced a journey, both literally and figuratively. - Cleveland Scene Magazine
The 24-year-old talks mixing old school and new school soul sounds and why he's committed to promoting breast cancer awareness
In the scope of today’s musical smorgasbord, Antoine Dunn’s offerings of “old school yet new school slant” are fortifying. The 24-year-old vocalist hopes that audiences have a taste for some flavor, describing his sound as “fresh, yet familiar.” With popular singles like "Can’t Forget " and "Miss My Love" already establishing his vibe, the Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder enthusiast was the opening act for Anthony Hamilton and Estelle's recent tour.
A self-taught musician/former church music director, Dunn desires to bare his soul while simultaneously breaking down barriers and uniting people through the messages in his melodies. Dunn’s debut CD, Truth of the Matter, drops today and is a testament to the healing power of music; the keyboardist/guitarist found solace while recording this project following last year’s death of his mother, Janna Dunn. After she succumbed to breast cancer, the songwriter/producer found it not only fitting to dedicate the CD in her honor, but to also release it in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. EBONY caught up with the Cleveland, OH native to find out more about his sound and why some consider him to be the next great 'soul man.'
EBONY: Are you nervous about the release of your debut CD?
Antoine Dunn: Nervous wouldn't be the best way to describe the feeling. I'd say I'm 'ready.' It's been a long hard road to this point in my career. The culmination of years of writing songs in the basement and cutting class to play the grand piano is embodied in this debut album.
EBONY: You dedicate this project, and the song “I Am,” to your mom. I’m sure you have good days and bad days. How do you move through the range of emotions?
AD: "I Am" is a song that speaks to my struggles with life, love, and the loss of my one and only mother. Learning that a loved one has only a few weeks left to live isn't exactly the easiest thing, 'ya know? We all like to feel like we are in control of our lives, but at times we are reminded that there are things beyond our control. The song says: "Take me out of time…me out of space…me out of everything that I am." It was my wish that if those things happened, it might not hurt so bad.
EBONY: Describe your sound.
AD: My music has been described as: "Intimate, personal, soothing, sensual, and sexy." I must say that is the way I feel when I’m writing and performing my music. I draw my sound from many different genres and generations of music. Soul, classic soul, rock and blues are the ingredients to the personal conversations I have with fans through my music.
Read more at EBONY http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/antoine-dunn-digs-deep-110#ixzz2MnDeogfz
Follow us: @EbonyMag on Twitter | EbonyMag on Facebook - EBONY MAGAZINE
Singer/Songwriter Antoine Dunn Releasing Debut Album
Truth of the Matter on October 16
Second Single/Video “Miss My Love” #15 Urban AC Chart
FRESH OFF THE SUCCESSFUL ANTHONY HAMILTON, “BACK TO LOVE’ CONCERT TOUR
(For Immediate Release – Cleveland, OH): With his Top 20 debut single “Can’t Forget” and the follow-up single/video “Miss My Love” currently residing at #15 on the Urban AC chart, singer/songwriter/performer Antoine Dunn is swiftly proving to be the next great soul man. The 24 year-old Cleveland-born natural is that rare complete package of soul that seems to only come along about once in a decade.
Having just wrapped as the opening act of the “Back to Love” Tour with Anthony Hamilton and Estelle, Dunn was the epitome of dynamic and classy R&B singer, crooning with sincerity and power in a sharp white suit with hat to match and backed by a crack 4-piece band. Extending his gratitude, Dunn states, “After all the dedication and hard work, for someone like Anthony Hamilton to extend this opportunity to me twice is nothing short of amazing.”
On October 16, 2012, the music world will receive Dunn’s long awaited 12-song debut CD Truth of the Matter – of unusually high quality and breadth on Elite Music Group, Inc. That’s due to the seasoned co-production of soul music veteran Edwin “Tony” Nicholas (Gerald Levert, Barry White) and Antoine’s own passion, styles and talents. The artist boldly states, “My ultimate goal is to take my music to a global level like Alicia Keys or John Mayer.”
The proof is in the impressively diverse grooves of all original songs such as the dreamy mid-tempo love song “Back to You,” the piano and live drum-driven “I Just Want to Say,” the sexy-sexy seduction number “Sweet Lady” and the heavy backbeat bye-bye song “It’s Over.” Antoine Dunn rolls from “Stand Tall,” a bluesy track about being fired from his job while his wife is headed to the hospital, to the album closing title track, “Truth of the Matter,” a strings-drenched apology ballad complete with violin solo and a BIG pop finish. This man’s gifts know no limits.
“I grew up on my parents’ record collection,” Dunn shares, “everything from Esther Philips to The Dramatics. I wrote my first songs in middle school when I started dating. My first song was titled ‘I’ll Be There.’ My older brother was studying to be an opera singer and had a Yamaha PSR keyboard. I’d sneak in his room to play it. I also had a Gateway computer with a 60-second recording feature. I’d make up little 1-minute songs and that’s how I also started producing.”
Dunn stated of the old school yet new school slant of his sound, “Just like people like ice cream, they should be willing to try new flavors. My music is fresh, yet familiar.” Citing all-around music greats Stevie Wonder and the late, great Donny Hathaway as his biggest influences, Antoine Dunn went on to be picked up as the opening act of Anthony Hamilton’s national “Back to Love Tour” (with Estelle) where he received glowing reviews, particularly for a warm up act.
A journalist from the Examiner.com wrote in her review of his opening set at Detroit’s legendary Fox Theatre, “Those that had made the wise decision to arrive early experienced a powerful show filled with passion, heart and profound musicianship. Antoine Dunn possessed a familiarity with the stage and the audience so often lost on newcomers.” On a blog, a fan writing under the handle MsSchelle87 beamed, “I am so in love with his sound. It reminds me of that old school soul. Wow – finally real music and a powerful voice along with it is back.”
The depth of that old school is also apparent in his heartfelt dedication of Truth of the Matter to the memory of his mother who passed away last year after a battle with breast cancer. Antoine is releasing his album in October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – in her loving honor.
Antoine Dunn is all about music’s power to bring people together. “Holistically, so much keeps us separated – sexual preferences, economics, neighborhoods. My goal is to help break down barriers. At a concert when everyone is vibing on the music, no one cares whether the person sitting next to them has the exact same beliefs that they do. As an artist, I want to do things that reveal me as unlimited in my creativity and with the purpose of unity.” - YouKnowIGotSoul.com
Thanks to being raised in the church, discovered in the choir and able to craft his debut with a legendary producer while touring with established hit makers, success seems practically guaranteed for singer, songwriter and Cleveland native Antoine Dunn.
A former choir director with an opera-singing older brother and a gospel-singing aunt (Adrian Dunn and Veronica Dunn, respectively) and enviable vocalist/songwriter credentials (he penned lyrics for American Idol’s LaKisha Jones and supplied compositions on-demand to the “Love Songs For Sale” company ), Mr. Dunn has packed decades of experience into his not-quite-30 years, touring in Thailand with the likes of Avant and Musiq Soulchild and already repsonsible for two Urban Adult Contemporary charting singles (“Can’t Forget” and “Miss My Love”) ahead of his opening slot as part of Anthonony Hamilton’s Back To Love Tour (also featuring Estelle). With just weeks before the release of his highly-anticipated debut, Truth Of The Matter (dropping Oct. 16), Mr. Dunn was eager to discuss his artistry, his ambitions and what it’s like to grow up listening to---then working with---legendary musicians.
MELODY CHARLES- Since we’re both from Cleveland, it’s hard to escape the examples of soul royalty like The O’Jays and the late Gerald Levert. What was it like for you to get in the studio with Gerald’s long-time collaborator, Edwin “Tony” Nicholas?
ANTOINE DUNN-“I actually met Tony throught a mentor of mine: I was playing music during a prayer and he suggested that I meet him (Tony Nicolas). My visions are very specific as to where I want to take my music, but to have avoice of experience like Tony’s is irreplaceable. To have someone who’s been there and who’s had a bunch of hits under his belt, that’s just great to have. He just breathes life, experience and wisdom into my work, so I feel really blessed to have that.
MC- How long did it take to craft the music together?
AD- “We started working on it while I was on the road for the ‘Woo Tour,’ so it was took about…hmm, six months.”
MC- From the music I’ve already heard, you don’t seem to be one of those singers who came from church and did a complete 180 as far as subject matter. Was that deliberate or just the way you are?
AD- “(chuckles) I attribute that to how I was brought up; my dad has been a deacon for many, many years, and my mother was a deaconess. My parents wouldn’t play music in front of me that had profanity or super-sexually-suggestive lyrics, but they did play a lot of love songs, so I heard a lot from The Dramatics, Stylistics, Chi-Lites, The Emotions...I was always out here believing in love, so I always wrote love songs and always looked for what I saw mirrored at home with my mom and dad .”
MC-Oh, you took it WAAAY back with those names. Your style is going to reflect what you heard and experienced, so to speak?
AD- “Every song on this CD is a true story. A lot of relationships are trial and error because with each one, you learn about yourself and other people. On “Miss My Love,” I really had to choose between the ups and downs of the relationship or a career in music, and the music was the better of the two. Timing is everything, and sticking to the music is what worked in this case. A lot of great writing can come from the pain and the heartache that you have to go through---growing pains, so to speak.”
MC-Sounds like it’s going to be deep. Is there a favorite song or one that really resonates with you right now?
AD- “My favorite song is the most personal one---it’s called ‘I Am.’ I lost my mother last September to breast cancer: I wrote it while in the midst of travelling and getting music together, and when someone calls you saying that your mother has one month to live, you feel like you’re up against a clock and in a fight that you’re going to inevitably lose. I’m just asking God and the powers that be to remove that pressure so it wouldn’t hurt as much.”
MC-Our condolences Antoine, sorry to hear that. Does it make things more hectic for you that the CD is getting released while you’ll be a part of the tour?
AD-“ I’m enjoying the the ride and watching the fruits of my labor, everything is everything. For the album to come out when I’m out on the road, it’s wonderful, because like I said before, timing is everything and I give it all to God.”
MC-What’s it been like to tour with Anthony Hamilton for a second time?
AD-“ He is a great guy---I would listen to his songs a lot over the years and I really looked up to him, but I never thought I would meet him, much less tour with him or see my name on the same music chart as his. That experience is nothing short of amazing and it’s great to be with Anthony, his band and the whole crew again.”
MC- Is there a chance that you two will eventually record together?
AD- “I certainly would love to: this path that we’re on now and with him taking me under his wing, it’s not too far-fetched to see that happening one day.”
MC-I know that y - SoulTracks.com
YouKnowIGotSoul: Talk about your upcoming album “Truth of the Matter”. How did you choose that title?
Antoine Dunn: “Truth of the Matter” basically came about just being about life and going through a lot of things in life like trials and tribulations. Sometimes the truth of the matter is that you just try, you always just give it your all no matter how hard.
YouKnowIGotSoul: What can we expect on the album?
Antoine Dunn: You can expect to find something new yet familiar. It’s a new, fresh sound but at the same time it does have some elements that people are used to hearing and are familiar with. There is a lot of r&b and soul, and also some nontraditional pop ballads. I look forward to people hearing that.
YouKnowIGotSoul: I know a lot of people have been waiting to hear more of you since your released the great single “Can’t Forget”. When can we expect this project?
Antoine Dunn: The project will be out May 22nd. It will be everywhere, everyone just pick their favorite online retailer and I’m sure it will be there. Make sure you check for that.
YouKnowIGotSoul: I know a person you work primarily with is Edwin “Tony” Nicholas. Besides him are there any other producers or collaborations you have on this album?
Antoine Dunn: I only have one other producer that I worked with, Jerry Lang, the co-writer and co-producer of the single “Cant’ Forget”. So the three producers on the record are me, Tony and Jerry Lang.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Since Edwin “Tony” Nicholas produced most of the album with you, that’s a rarity these days in r&b to find an artist work with basically only one producer on album. On some of my favorite albums over the years, that was the case. Do you think that’s something that’s missing today in r&b?
Antoine Dunn: Absolutely. I think that’s something that’s missing across the board, not just with r&b. With other genres where you have a collection of producers who already have completed works and they send it around and submit it. This project was really cool that me and Tony had a chance to handcraft each song. We got a chance to really get to know each other and know how each other works. It really worked out good for us.
YouKnowIGotSoul: You’re a younger cat, 23 years old, but you’re an old soul. How do you feel that your music can appeal to a wide range of audiences?
Antoine Dunn: I am young, I’m not too old. *Laughs* The music, the fact that you have a young face and you’re connected to music with a deep message, I have a lot of people that I look up to in music that were really retro artists like The Stylistics.
YouKnowIGotSoul: You were recently on tour with Anthony Hamilton. How was that whole experience?
Antoine Dunn: Going out with Anthony was probably the best touring experience that I’ve ever had. One, because Anthony was one of the first guys that I really listened to on the contemporary front of r&b and soul; I knew his whole catalog. So to get a call saying “You’re going to be going on tour with Anthony Hamilton” was nothing short of amazing for me. It was a great experience; every city was something new and something fresh.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Anything you’d like to add?
Antoine Dunn: May 22nd, “Truth of the Matter” at online retailers. Everybody make sure you keep rocking with YouKnowIGotSoul.com, I love you guys, I appreciate all of your support. - YouKnowIGotSoul.com
It’s so amazing how a voice can mesmerize and capture your attention and send chills through your body. Rising R&B singer Antoine Dunn has been blessed with the voice of a soulful Angel. With his talent he is paving the way to great stardom. SayWhatNews had the pleasure of speaking with Antoine Dunn right before his debut album hits stores:
SayWhatNews: Good morning Antoine. Thanks for interviewing with SayWhatNews. First tell us who is Antoine Dunn?
Antoine: Well, I'm a passionate performer, a passionate writer. I've put a lot of focus on presenting my truth in my music.
SayWhatNews: At what age did you learn you had the gift of song?
Antoine: I would say around the age of eleven. I used to sing along to songs at the movies. I also auditioned at the time and made it into my school choir.
SayWhatNews: I hear you are a self-taught musician and play the piano, drums and bass guitar. Can you read music or do you play by ear?
Antoine: I learned to sight-read music for vocal applications in school. But now I play and produce by ear.
SayWhatNews: Antoine you are a native of Cleveland, Ohio and Cleveland has so many musical talents like Bobby Womack, Eddie Levert, Gerald Levert and many more. Who were your musical influences growing up.
Antoine: Well, some influences I can name are Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, D'Angelo, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight, Esther Phillips... the list goes on and on.
SayWhatNews: At the age of 17 you became the Music Minister of your church. How did a Music Minister turn to an R&B singer?
Antoine: I think good music is good music. I write about love and God is love. It just so happened that the songs that came together for this CD are more R&B-leaning.
- SayWhatNews.com
“My goal is to touch as many lives as possible via my story.”
Introducing Antoine Dunn, a 23 year old Cleveland, Ohio native who refreshingly prides himself on being an authentic and transparent artist. “What you see is what you get. My brand is not separate from myself as a person.” says Dunn on his artistry.
I had an opportunity to connect with Dunn a day after his performance at New York’s popular SOB Nightclub. “ I remember listening to up and coming artists live at SOB’s and now years later here I am performing at SOBS.” says a very humble and excited Dunn.
Antoine Dunn grew up with an undeniable connection to music, whether it was singing in his middle school choir or singing along to popular films like his personal favorite, Toy Story. “You got a friend in me!” Dunn breaks out singing while speaking on his childhood memory.
When Dunn was asked if he saw the last film, “Toy Story 3”, he chuckled and said he watched it when he was touring in Thailand and despite the film being in Thai he still understood and loved it.
Dunn considers soul singer Anthony Hamilton to be his musical mentor and designated him to be his top choice collaborator. “Coming up in game and listening to his stuff I always felt like this is something I would have written. It’s real and it helps bring people understanding. You may hear a song that helps you get it or helps you accept what you can’t change. We’ve talked about collaborating so hopefully in the near future.” Last year Dunn toured as an opening act for Hamilton. “I love Anthony he’s a good guy and a good friend. I appreciate his support.”
On the death of Whitney Houston:
“She was the real deal and just knowing that she isn’t here to share her story on a stage anymore it hurts. We really need that purity in music and in the world”
On the Grammys and Nicki Minaj:
“I was in rehearsal for the SOBS so I only caught few performances. Adele and Jennifer Hudson were nothing short of amazing. Nicki Minaj’s performance was definitely an eyebrow raiser. (Laughs)” When asked if he would collaborate with Roman he continued to laugh and expressed that he loves some of her music but would love to see the old Nicki Minaj.
When I asked if he would do an electro pop track to get to the top of the Billboard charts like other male R&B singers (see: Usher, Chris Brown) Dunn responded, “I don’t create art with business in mind.”
His smooth and soulful new single “Can’t Forget” was featured as the new joint on BET’s 106 & Park and is available for download on iTunes. You can expect his new album “Truth Of The Matter” to drop on May 22nd, 2012.
- VIBE VIXEN MAGAZINE
Cleveland, Ohio – the Home of Rock and Roll – is commonly overlooked when it comes to musical talent. But this town has brought such musical powerhouses as The O’Jays, Tracy Chapman, Trent Reznor, Bone Thugs & Harmony, and Avant to the world’s stage. The next shining star to emerge from this blue-collar, hard-working town may very well be Antoine Dunn.
It’s hard to put words on the sound of this young musician. The breadth of his music and style coupled with his talent and dedication to its development is impressive, to say the least. In his songs you can hear the legacy put forth by musical greats from the past as well as the innovation of today. Antoine Dunn is a perfect example of how today’s music cannot be easily categorized into individual genres, but find themselves blurring the lines and folding into one another to create new musical genius.
This seemingly effortless combination of musical stylization present in Antoine’s work is evidenced in his newest body of work. His Miss My Love EP is slated for release May 31st, 2011. On this EP elements of pop, soul, jazz, R&B, rock, and even a touch of classical music are blended into a smooth, soulful sound that carries his message from his heart to yours. Dunn’s silky voice delivers the poetic beauty of his lyrical expression to the listener, allowing them to see into his heart and soul… into his life. As he expresses his emotions in songs such as Miss My Love and You’re Real anybody who has felt the turmoil of separating from a person they love can relate. And Antoine will openly admit the major inspiration for this EP was one particular breakup. He’s not hiding, but sharing his intense passion for life, music and love with everyone who has their ears open to receive.
The addictive beats and melodies entwined with the powerful lyrics present in Antoine Dunn’s songs make it easy to expect to find him in the mainstream radio airplay along side Usher and Katy Perry. But the depth of his expression simultaneously places him amidst more alternative artists such as Amos Lee and James Morrison filling the logs of college and indie station playlists. The Miss My Love EP seems to channel the spirit of great artists, past and present, into the young blood of Antoine Dunn. This EP is simply the beginning of a road of musical expression that will be enjoyed by people of all types for many years to come.
See Him Live! Antoine Dunn will be performing on April 3rd at Playhouse Square, opening for Avant. - Examiner.com
We're always looking for ways to improve LoveSongsforSale & our newest songwriter, Antoine L. Dunn, is a great addition! His style is a blend of R&B with a bit of soul! If you like Sam Cooke, you love his first contribution to LoveSongsforSale.com, called "You're Real". - Lovesongsforsale.com
Discography
-Major National Album Release
Album Credit-Songwriter / Producer / Arranger
Artist-Antoine Dunn
LP Release-2012 "Truth Of The Matter"
-National Single Release
Single Credit-Songwriter/ Producer /Arranger
Artist-Antoine Dunn
Single Release-2012 "Miss My Love"
BILLBOARD Top 15- Urban AC charts
R&R #2 Most Added Record
-National Single Release
Single Credit-Vocal Arranger / Co-Producer
Artist-Antoine Dunn
Single Release-2011 "Can't Forget"
BILLBOARD Top 20- Urban AC charts
R&R #1 Most added Record
-Major National Album Release
Album Credit-Additional Vocal Production
Artist-Lakisha Jones
LP release-2009 "So Glad I'm Me"
Photos
Bio
Official Biography (courtesy of Antoine Dunn)
"Music is a universal healer," says Cleveland native and Billboard charting National Recording Artist Antoine Dunn.
Smooth and soulful are words that describe Antoine Dunn, the man and his music. Dunn's sound channels a timeless style, embodied by Donnie Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles—all sources of inspiration for his music. Contemporary artists such as John Legend, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and Adele round out the myriad of styles from which he draws.
With his debut single “Can’t Forget” and the follow-up single/video “Miss My Love” charting in the Top 20 on the Billboard Chart, singer/songwriter/musician Antoine Dunn is swiftly proving to be the next great soul man. The 28 year-old Ohio-born natural is that rare complete package of soul that seems to only come along about once in a decade.
Dunn’s early musical explorations were fostered by his aunt, Veronica Dunn. Her career as a professional gospel singer provided her the insight to see and support the musical genius he exhibited at a very young age. Throughout his young career, Dunn’s music has garnered him opportunities to perform nationally as well as abroad.
Antoine went on to be picked up as the opening act of Anthony Hamilton’s national “Back to Love Tour” (with Estelle) where he received glowing reviews. A journalist from Examiner.com wrote in her review of his opening set at Detroit’s legendary Fox Theatre, “Those that had made the wise decision to arrive early experienced a powerful show filled with passion, heart and profound musicianship. Antoine Dunn possessed a familiarity with the stage so often lost on newcomers.” On a blog, a fan writing under the handle MsSchelle87 beamed, “I am so in love with his sound. It reminds me of that old school soul. Wow – finally real music and a powerful voice along with it is back.”
Antoine is all about music’s power to bring people together. “Holistically, so much keeps us separated – sexual preferences, economics, neighborhoods. My goal is to help break down barriers. At a concert when everyone is vibing on the music, no one cares whether the person sitting next to them has the exact same beliefs that they do. As an artist, I want to do things that reveal me as unlimited in my creativity and with the purpose of unity.”
Band Members
Links