Today we’d like to introduce you to AL Chauncy.
Hi AL, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in Raleigh, NC son of Jazz/gospel pianist Gerald “Jerry” Williams of Brooklyn, NY. During my Father’s gospel years he mentored me and took me to revivals, gospel conferences, and concerts. With artists like James Cleveland (Aretha Franklin), Shirley Caesar, James Moore, Luther Barnes and more.
I eventually joined The Gospel Music Workshop of America and the local Martin Luther King Jr. All children’s choir. Learning that my Father was mentored by Duke Ellington and received a scholarship to a school of Juilliard inspired me. He became my hero. In my youth and teenage years, I fell in love with hip hop; imitating the artist of Yo! MTV RAPS, Soul train, and Rap City inspired me to pen my own rhymes and I was pretty dope as a kid. At 17, I joined the local rap group of Raleigh, NC “Bloodline who came up with Little Brother (9th Wonder)/Justice League, Petey Pablo, 9 Deuce, and Dead Prez.
Our determination lead us to New York and Philadelphia where we met Steve Oaklander of Priority records and Peter Scwartz of X Factor UK; which landed us a situation with Joe Niccolo of Ruff House records. Leading up to September 9/11 the music industry took a big hit and Bloodline was on the shelf. I continued my pursuit in music and moved back to North Carolina to regroup. And in 2009, I moved to Atlanta, GA where I met my current mentor Platinum producer Chris “Traxx” Rogers. Rogers heard me singing and harmonizing on my hooks and convinced me to pursue soul singing after he previously worked as the in-house producer for Cee-Lo Green (Gnarls Barkley/Goodie Mob). He saw similarities in me since I rapped and sang. We begin to birth my first album Late for Church in the fall of 2012 and released on May 27, 2014.
To this day, it’s a rare gem and classic available on streaming platforms. Working with Chris “Traxx” Rogers, I got the opportunity to write for Teddy Riley, Porscha Williams (RHOA), Tony Terry, Stetsasonic, Bone Crusher, Greg Nice and more. I am now a seasoned actor in TV/Film/theatre, songwriter, soul singer and mentor to others. My mission is to inspire the world through the arts of entertainment and to be a role model/mentor to up-and-coming talent. I am currently working on my sophomore album Superman of Soul (SOS). My band Richard Hart & The HEARTBREAKERS and performing live throughout the world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Self-awareness is very important as an artist. We come in the game as a blank canvas and our art is sometimes dictated by the ideas of others and trends. The struggle sometimes is staying true to your art and not wavering to a niche for financial gain. A lot of artists lose themselves in the process. Other obstacles would be balancing art and business. You can lose out in business if you only focus on the art. Music publishing, split sheets, understanding contracts, being punctual, and taming the ego are all important when dealing in the music industry. The road is never easy, you are always learning in an evolving industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am Soul Singer Al Chauncy known as The Son of Soul. I am a trained theatre actor, entrepreneur and songwriter. I am most proud of the man that I’ve become over the years… I’ve arrived. I say this because you are your biggest project in life and evolution is a beautiful thing. What sets me apart from others is that I am a soul superhero to my fans and followers. Many look to me for inspiration and light, and it’s my duty to fulfill God’s purpose. This journey is not about me; but the collective consciousness of the people we encounter. That is what art is supposed to do. Inspire!
What matters most to you?
It sounds cliché but Love for humanity is what matters. I believe that each individual should be able to express whatever their soul avatar desires on this planet as long as it’s done in the favor of love. And be present; we’re too consumed on the past and future that we miss out on the beauty that is around us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @alchauncy
- Facebook: @alchauncy
- Twitter: @alchauncy
- Youtube: @alchauncytv
