Episode 75. Host Troy Saunders has an engaging conversation with soul and R&B singer Noel Gourdin. Gourdin is best known for his chart-topping hit “The River,” but this interview explores a deeper retrospective into Gourdin’s life and stellar 20-year career. Gourdin’s music smoothly incorporates classic soul, R&B, and hip hop, bringing styles from different eras together to create something uniquely his own. Gourdin signed a record deal with Sony at age 24, releasing “After My Time” in 2008. That massive success was followed by “Fresh: The Definition” (2011), and “City Heart, Southern Soul” (2014). All three albums are worth listening to, as well as various singles and EPs he released over the years. Gourdin talks about how he makes sure every record he releases isn’t “wasted” and they get the attention they deserve. Troy and Gourdin discuss how important it is to make a great impression for every song that’s released since you never know when someone is hearing an artist for the first time and you want to make sure to earn their attention. Gourdin wants to always be memorable when people hear his records. Gourdin shares a little-known fact that Frank Ocean (under his original name, Christopher Breaux) was part of Gourdin’s debut album, “After My Time,” and he remembers hanging out with him at Chipotle. Gourdin explains how fortunate he was to make that album with so many talented people and it remains an extraordinary moment in his career. This classic album is still available, so go out and buy it! What would Gourdin say to someone breaking into the industry now? “Be yourself. Don’t try to be like anybody else.” If someone gives you a no, that means you’re not supposed to be there. But, that yes will change your life. Keep on moving, keep on pushing, and look for those vindication moments. “If you have a passion for it, you will rise. The cream rises.” They close out with his latest single, “Get To You,” along with “Gatcha,” both of which will be included on his upcoming EP. Be sure to check out the latest from this amazing artist. Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”