Richard Singleton II is affectionately known as Creative Theory that shares his vocals' sweet sounds with the world. As the name implies, he has a strong appreciation for the totality of being creative. He believes that there's a certain magic in creating a universe for others to enjoy and get caught up in. After his trials and tribulations, he focused his attention on being his inspiration. There was one quote in particular from Alan Alda that resonated with him more than anything else, "Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative place no one has ever been," and this is what encouraged Creative Theory to begin writing music, poetry, drawing and scripting a story about the events that took place in his life.
It was in Fenty, Afghanistan, that Creative Theory came up with the idea to combine everything he loved and create something about his battles with depression and getting through everyday life. His debut EP, 'Color Blind,' was born, and he tailored it to be a music video anime series that is, in fact, based on those real-life events. Anime Series is based on those events.
"Dream Girl" is the first record we can hear on Creative Theory. Dancing with the striking piano keys and delicate synths that the instrumentation holds, Creative Theory sheds harmonious melodies and soothing vocals that float upon this composition as he sings the sweet and affectionate resonance of his dream girl and all that she has him feeling emotional. "Dream Girl" acts as a letter that bounces in and out of your mind as you gravitate towards the powerful performance that Creative Theory gives his listeners.
Next up, we have "Mahogany." This song carries some decadent ambiance as 90s R&B seems to be the central theme. Fuse that with the relaxation of Jazz vibes and a lounge-like feel, and we start swaying from side to side as we hang onto each word that Creative Theory depicts. Singing in the deep and soothing passion that is showcased, we can hear the expressions of an abstract storyline that touches on an unforeseen future that drips with the many shades that life has to offer.
Third on the tracklist of 'Color Blind,' we have "Colors." Taking a deep dive into some bass-heavy components that gently graze the speakers, we can hear Creative Theory's brilliant vocal performance sift between carefully crafted lyrics and soft humming reverberations that add a textured dimension to this piece. The prevailing saxophone lays heavy on our head tops as we are transported to take it all in during the solo. Melodically speaking about the effect that colors have on our moods, we are reminded that all themes in life have color if you take a moment to look a little deeper.
"Not Only on Valentine's" slows the tempo down as we groove to this nostalgic ambiance that is set in place for us. The harmonious elements in the foreground and distance make for a pleasant listening experience. We begin to craft our picture to this record from our imagination running wild on the canvas that Creative Theory offers up. This song holds very few words, but the fact that Creative Theory allows his pitched down vocals to repeat the title over and over spaciously through the track leaves us fully satisfied.
The fifth track on the roster is "Black n Mild." This time Creative Theory has recruited King Marino to feature on this heartfelt track that carries some heavy Pop meets Contemporary Hip-hop meets Creative Theory flavor. The soft and buoyant execution adds a different essence to this project, kicking it up a notch. The captivating hook, "Blow smoke, blow smoke in the air," has us fully committed to this track. King Marino delivers his vibrant energy transmitted through the lyricism he lays down with his perfectly timed cadences and magnetism. This song is all about getting faded and the laid back vibes you get from a night out with the crew.
The final track on 'Color Blind' is titled "Freedom." A record that features the second collaboration on this project but this time by Demika. The pizazz and grooves that are radiated as we press play make this a solid outro on this EP as we hear the Pop aroma ring weighty bells in our ears. Creative Theory paints a picture within the empowering embrace of his talents about going out and living your life on your terms in order to have a life full of fulfillment and ensuring that freedom is vital in all the moves you make in your lifetime. The heavenly vocals accompany him that Demika offers upon this single in a triumphant finale that this dynamic duo serves.
"Color Blind" is a true sonic creation as we voyage from track to track with a lifelong message divulged in each piece. The collective works create a solid foundation for the start of Creative Theory's musical career, and we can eagerly say that we are ready for what's next to come.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, 'Color Blind.' You truly fuse together a lot of elements to bring this piece of work to life. Where did the inspiration for the title 'Color Blind,' come from?
I chose to title it "Color Blind" for a lot of reasons. Just like my name, Creative Theory, the title is a concept….. an idea, if you may. We, as people, tend to solicit our perspective as if it were fact when in reality we really have no idea how or why we are. Things are always changing...what was acceptable 5 years ago doesn’t meet today's standards and vice versa....most of us just go along with whatever, for the sake of social survival. My music represents an unbiased array of colors. To be honest, even in how I'm answering this question, it’s just a "theory".
Out of all the songs on this project, do you have a favorite? If so, why does it resonate with you more than the others?
My favorite song on this EP is "Colors". To piggyback off the first question, it really embodies the idea of my thoughts around life. “Colors” represents us as people and how we are forever evolving. When you hear me sing "Sapphire Sun where have you been" it’s a representation of wondering where our values and our integrity went. They're structures that make us strong, invoking imagination/innovation. Opposite of that I sing "Blue Crescent moon I’ll keep you in mind". No matter how bleak things look, there's always a rebirth. Also, the sound...jazz fusion like elements, speaks to me. Experimental brush strokes.
On the fourth record, “Not Only on Valentine’s,” you decide to take a more instrumental approach. What was your reasoning behind that?
I chose to go instrumental on “Not Only on Valentine’s” because, for one, but I also love “Love.” I love writing about it. I love singing about it. But I wanted to create something that felt like how love works. If you listen to it, there's nothing major going on, but as the song progresses and gets towards the end, so many things are going on. It’s a musical for all the stages of loving someone.
What was the creative process like when structuring the bodies of work for your EP? Could you take us into what that entailed?
I have an anime music video series going on right now called "Theory". The majority of the music on this EP is tied into that series. But the creative process on each body of music for me was healing. Dealing with fighting depression; finding someone special who inspires me with their art. It all helped with the collage. "Mahogany" for instance, was a painting with sound. Hearing the ocean waves as the sunsets, and an interpretation of finding peace. Or "Freedom" letting people know it’s never too late to reach a dream. No matter what you've been through, dust yourself off, embracing your uniqueness.
What is the main theme that you would like your listeners to take away from your EP, 'Color Blind?'
The main theme is Creativity. A detachment from social constructs to a genre. If you feel it.....Letting that unknown source do its thing. The main intentions were to inspire, not looking for a number 1 hit. Being true to myself in hopes that listeners can feel what I'm bringing to the table.
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