Exclusive Interview with Shawn Stockman of BOYZ II Men: 'Foreword' the Solo Album
Arguably, 2020 has been a long, emotional ballad swinging us into countless feelings at every change in tempo. “Doin’ just fine” one minute and catapulted into quarantine’s “4 seasons of loneliness” thereafter. It’s so hard to say goodbye to the normalcy of our metaphorical yesterday. Even after everything, we eventually fathom that this is just the foreword and, then, and only then, we begin to perceive the beauty in knowing the best is yet to come.
Wherever you find yourself in the unpredictable and chaotic journey that is 2020 - we have a public service announcement: Boyz II Men’s very own, Shawn Stockman, has a solo album out called Foreword and you need to listen to it.
“[The album] is an introduction to what I hope I get to do more of, in this way”, Stockman shares. “I enjoyed this experience. It’s been nerve wracking and fun at the same time. I hope I’m able to do more.”
Stockman claims that this album made him realize that he still has “a lot more to say.” And, we are very eager to listen.
Here is why: not only is Stockman down-to-earth, but he is wise to the core. Every answer embodies an even greater message beyond his retort. “Do what you love, with people you love. No matter how high or how low you are; you will always cherish the journey,” Stockman emphasizes.
Even with his invaluable advice, Stockman humbly admits that his biggest challenge lately has been accepting and truly believing that it is alright for him to truly be happy. “It’s not as easy as some may think…not feeling worthy is a real thing,” Stockman expands and this notion is all too relatable in our current identity-identifying and feeling-subscribing obsessed society. This undeniably translates into self-worth being indirectly, and often unintentionally, misplaced in the verdict of outside spectators rather than focusing on the pursuit of happiness. Stockman’s plan to deal with this challenge?
“I’m starting to shake that off and assert myself in pursuing and acquiring joy and happiness.”
Great approach. Where do we sign up?
When feeling stuck – again, all too relatable in the 2020 chaotic climate – Stockman tries to explain his sources of inspiration that help him shake things up.
“Inspiration ranges from so many nouns and verbs,” Stockman begins. “It can be Disney-type happy to Red Summer-angry and despairing. Whatever the mood though, I always try to document it, whether through music or just thoughts I may have that I can refer to later.
Stockmans favorite lyric off his solo album is
“Can’t be the scribe of my own eulogy/ of the death of what’s now you and me...”
from the song “Don’t Spare my Heart.” Even though that is his favorite lyric, another song, “All I Do” doesn’t talk about relationships ending but, delves into Stockman’s astute, relationship insights. “Relationships sometimes corrode an in extremely important element, which is friendship,” Stockman clarifies. According to Stockman, this song intends to communicate the importance of riding out the tough times in a relationship. “Titles are merely IDs for strangers to know who one is to another,” Stockman says. “But the work needed to be put in when times get hard has to be done; who truly feel their counterpart is worth the struggle.”
On a lighter note, what I am pleased to confirm is that, like a vast majority of us, Stockman struggles to select his favorite Boyz II Men song when asked. “That’s always a hard question that I fail miserably to answer,” laughs Stockman.
In terms of what is next for Stockman on this journey, he replies with conviction, “only God knows.” As for the rest of us, there is hope as long as Stockman and also Boyz II Men continue to grace us, as well as comfort us during years like 2020, with more heavenly harmonies. But, before we part ways, here is a little more of what Shawn says…
Is his favorite place to be: “A place with really good, yet healthy food; good wine and beautiful views!”
His definition of harmony: Heavenly.
ONE word to describe the music-industry: Clique-ish.
THREE adjectives to describe himself: Diligent, passionate, reticent.
Currently binge-watching: “Queen of the South is dope! My wife and I love Marvel movies, [and] practically anything Dave Chappelle does.”
Desired collaborations include: Gary Clark Jr. and Sade. “Mainly because I feel like the experience could give me so much.”
MAKE SURE TO WATCH SHAWN STOCKMAN’S VIDEO FOR HIS NEWEST SINGLE, “ALL I DO”
To PURCHASE AND DOWNLOAD SHAWN’S NEW MUSIC VISIT http://smarturl.it/shawn-foreword
INTERVIEW BY SANDY AZIZ https://www.instagram.com/thesandakin/
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SONO Records Group