Rudy Currence Sparks Passion in Fireplace Lounge

On April 12, PACE presented singer/songwriter Rudy Currence in the Fireplace Lounge at 8 pm. Currence is a 24-year-old college graduate from Furman University where he earned his degree in classical piano and music. He recently wrote two songs for hip hop artist Mya that will be debuting on her upcoming album “Moodring.” Currence now writes and sings for himself in hopes of becoming the next new artist. His present college tour promoting his new album “More Than You’ll Ever Know” started Monday night here at PSU with a small turn out but many happy listeners. CDBaby.com states “Simple yet Dynamic…Innovative yet Classic…Singer/Songwriter Rudy Currence provides a breath of fresh air to today’s music scene. His musical background is very diverse, spanning almost every genre of music (i.e. Gospel, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Folk, Pop, and Classical). With this wide range blended smoothly into one distinct sound, Rudy has a rare crossover appeal that reaches urban as well as sub-urban audiences of all ages.”Currence grew up in Rock Hill, SC, the son of a pastor who taught him how to sing at the age of three and the basics of playing the piano; at age six, Currence took his first lesson on the piano and has played ever since. “My father would always tell me your half singing, then I would belt out my notes ending them with a wide range” said Currence while singing a song Monday evening. “His soul -stirring performances are a reminder of old school singer/songwriters like Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Lionel Richie, James Taylor, The Carpenters, and The Bee Gees. While being influenced by the past, Rudy manages to stay current and in the vein of modern singer/songwriters such as Alicia Keys, India Arie, John Mayer, Vanessa Carlton, Michelle Branch, R. Kelly, Norah Jones, and Avril Lavigne.” explains CDBaby.com. Along with his father’s experience and support in his musical career, Currence keeps all business transactions in the family. His mother is the lead business negotiator and his younger brother helped co-produce the songs on the album. His cousin, Harold, is the tour assistant and technical sound support. Harold uses his truck driving experience to help Rudy tour New England and arrive at his destinations. Currence is full of love and friendship that can be heard in his lyrics and see in his personality. Unlike many successful singers today, he is aware that what he is doing is a gift from God and uses it to his advantage in hopes that, “some day people will sing my songs after I’m gone.” For instance, one of his first songs ever written, “Songwriter,” talks about “catching with a pen and pad every secret I had/ I told all this/ part of me dies every night/ here is something to remember me/ here is my song like the melody sing along.” Currence uses his gift to express his own feelings and emotions rather than having other people write his lyrics and music. Another song from his recent album, “Love Song,” speaks about “no matter what people say/ I still love you any way,” which he told the audience, “I love you, you, you, and you” as he said his good nights.Currence describes himself by saying, “In everything that I do I want to set trends instead of follow them.” Currence is aspiring to achieve longevity through his music; this young man is definitely bound for greatness. As an artist he awaits a bright shiny future filled with meaningful and timeless music. Anyone interested in listening to some of Rudy Currence’s songs can check out his website at www.rudycg3.com or www.cdbaby.com/cd/currence. His new album is available at FYE, HMV, Manifest Disks and Tapes, Record Cellar, and Woody’s Music. Just like Currence said, “Support independent music, and buy my CD,” because it will be the best money spent on one of the few artists who write and produce their own lyrics and music. It will not be a surprise to any one who attended the show when they see Currence on MTV or hear him on the radio because he truly is one of the few gifted and talented musician.