#SXSWCircus Showcase Artist: BJ the Chicago Kid

Say hello to our newest Couch Sessions contributor Tarynn Farmer!

The name might sound familiar. You might have seen him singing live with Mary Mary, Usher, Bebe Winans, Kanye West, Common or the Killers. Perhaps you've seen his name printed in the CD sleeves as the songwriter of Mary J. Blige, Mario, Toni Braxton and Musiq Soulchild.

As I googled BJ the Chicago Kid (aka Bryan Sledge), the first thing that caught my eye was his live rendition of "How Does it Feel." His voice is effortless. Born and raised in Chicago by his choir director parents solidifies that his talent is homegrown. BJ the Chicago Kid's tone has stripes of gospel and motown influences. You immediately think about great soulful r&b in the 90's and the early 2000's.

I was starting to lose faith. Is soulful R&B dead? Is auto-tune now the answer? BJ the Chicago Kid’s grit and soul not only erases doubt but brings excitement as you anticipate each note. BJ the Chicago Kid, continue being dope...

BJ will be playing The CIRCUS SXSW showcase on Thursday, March 15th. RSVP HERE.