Kloud 9 are twin brothers who got their start singing in Church. They define their music as Smooth R&B mixed with a little smooth jazz. They will be performing three concerts at the Birchmere with Maysa on Friday, Aug. 29, Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31. Visit <a href=http://www.birchmere.com >www.birchmere.com</a>for information.
<b>Introduce yourself or the band:</b>
Kloud 9 is twin brothers Kendall and Kelvis Duffie.
<b>How did you get your start in music and how long have you been performing?</b>
We've been singing most of our life. Our mother was a church musician and like most people we started singing in church. Our first professional introduction into the music business came while we were freshmen in high school back in Denver, Co. We met a producer by the name of Jerry Weaver (producer of Janet Jackson's first album and guitarist for Aretha Franklin) He heard a demo we recorded and took us under his wings for years. We credit him for giving us the tools we needed to go the next level.
<b>If applicable, How were your musicians chosen?</b>
Most of the musicians we use are players we've met through our work as Gospel record executives which we've both worked as over the past 12 years.
<b>What is it that you love about performing?</b>
The response it evokes from the people. We love making people smile, making them happy through the passion in our hearts—music.
<b>What is your best memory when it comes to music?</b>
Winning our first Award last year in Detroit at the SoulTracks Awards. We won best duo/group and also. Winning on the same night with our special friend Maysa Leak who also won her category made the night even more special.
<b>Where is your favorite place to play, either publicly or personally?</b>
Where ever there is one or more person who loves good quality soul music.
<b>Best compliment about a performance?</b>
People telling us how they appreciate the fact that we keep our music special and don't try to be trendy.
<b>What is your favorite piece of music and why?</b>
Michael Jackson's "Thriller." We love the songs and production. Anita Baker's "Rapture" for the same reasons.
<b>Who would you love to play with? Why?</b>
Stevie Wonder. He is all things musical, all things soulful and a huge inspiration to us.
<b>Describe your sound:</b>
Kloud 9 fits firmly in that grown and sexy style. it's Smooth R&B/Soul with a touch of Smooth Jazz.
<b>Biggest musical influences:</b>
The Jacksons, Anita Baker, Incognito, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, The Whispers.
<b>Where have you toured?</b>
America, South America, Europe and the Middle East.
<b>Anything special about the upcoming show?</b>
The Friday night show Aug. 29 is our birthday. We share that birthday with Michael Jackson.
<b>Future plans:</b>
We just completed a new project entitled "Enjoy The Ride." It's our bests work to date. It's releasing in the UK very soon and a March or April 2009 US release.
<b>What would you recommend to someone starting out in the business?</b>
Stay connected to the passion that made you want to be an artist in the first place. Do it for the love of music and let the other things that come be more like icing on the cake, but not the motivating factor. Lastly… learn the business side of this industry and always keep learning...to write better songs, produce better records and perform better..
<b>Any parting thoughts?</b>
˙We're excited about performing with Maysa again and this will be our first time performing in the DC area so that's going to be real cool.