NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Universal Motown Records) - Universal Motown Records singer - songwriter - producer KEM's third album, Intimacy, will be available in stores and at all online digital retailers on August 17, 2010. The album's first single is a soulful ballad called 'Why Would You Stay,' which was produced by Rex Rideout (Luther Vandross, Angie Stone). Featuring a gorgeous string arrangement by members of the
Detroit Symphony Orchestra string section that was arranged by the late Motown legend
David J. Van dePitte-who famously produced Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece, What's Going On-'Why Would You Stay' is currently No. 19 on Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B Songs chart and was the No. 1 Greatest Gainer on both the BDS and Mediabase Urban AC Published Charts.
'I've spent the past five years working on this project in the midst of many personal trials, which caused me to pause and take a more introspective look at myself, my family relationships, my walk with God, and even how I relate to my music.'
Named 'New and Noteworthy' by iTunes, Intimacy was inspired by KEM's deeply personal lessons on intimacy and it will allow fans to experience him unlike ever before musically, lyrically, and visually. For the first time in his career, KEM will lay all of his cards on the table and grant fans the opportunity to get up close and personal while delivering a 10-song collection of timeless music for the grown and sexy.
Intimacy features vocal and production collaborations with the likes of Grammy-winning soul diva Jill Scott, who delivers enchanting verses of spoken word in 'Golden Days.' Los Angeles producer Rex Rideout (Luther Vandross, Angie Stone) also joined KEM in the studio to help round out the Intimacy listening experience. The result is a richer sound buttressed by classical instruments and a greater range of musical styles that will certainly expand KEM's audience by garnering success across multiple formats, including pop, R&B, and urban adult contemporary.
Smooth grooves, powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and just plain feel-good music best describe KEM's instantly recognizable sound. In 2002, the self-taught musician wrote and produced his critically acclaimed debut solo album, Kemistry, which spawned the hit single 'Love Calls.' The classic track went on to break records for longevity on the Urban A/C chart while the disc achieved gold-plus status and solidified KEM's position as a leading man in the world of R&B music. The success of his gold certified follow-up CD, 2005's KEM Album II-which debuted at an impressive No. 5 on Billboard's all-important Top 200 Chart-proved KEM's staying power in the very competitive world of R&B.
Now with the release of Intimacy, KEM is opening up to reveal the elusive man behind the voice. In fact, working on this project not only led KEM, a proud father of two daughters who self-produced his first two albums, to a deeper understanding of the true meaning of intimacy, but it also helped him achieve a greater appreciation for the significance of intimacy in all aspects of his life beyond romantic relationships. 'I've spent the past five years working on this project in the midst of many personal trials, which caused me to pause and take a more introspective look at myself, my family relationships, my walk with God, and even how I relate to my music,' said KEM. 'What I found was that giving each more time and attention is essential.'
KEM is currently co-headlining the 2010 Budweiser Superfest, featuring R&B/soul superstars Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Raheem DeVaughn, and Universal Motown label-mate Hal Linton. For tickets and more information about the 2010 Budweiser Superfest, please visit www.livenation.com.
KEM'S 2010 BUDWEISER SUPERFEST TOUR DATES:
8/19/10 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena-Waterfront Theatre
8/20/10 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheater Live Nation
8/21/10 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
8/25/10 Columbus, OH Lifestyle Communities Pavilion*
8/26/10 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre St. Louis
8/27/10 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
8/28/10 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre Detroit
8/29/10 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
9/1/10 Charlotte, NC Road Runner Mobile Amphitheatre
9/3/10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
9/4/10 Houston, TX Toyota Center
9/5/10 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
*KEM's August 25th concert at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in Columbus, OH is not a Budweiser Superfest tour date.
