T Staggs Returns With A Massively Soulful R&B Release
- BuzzSlayers
- 58 minutes ago
- 6 min read
T Staggs just dropped an album that really thrives in terms of delivering massively soulful performances, pop, neo-soul, R&B, and more, just packed into this personality-riddled album.
The vocal performance across this Southern Soul Era, Vol 2 record pulls you into the atmosphere it delivers. It is a robust atmosphere, and it beckons everything from classic soul to current R&B, which is why digging into this whole album at once is the only way to go.
There are loads of amazing production elements that unfold throughout the album, and once you get into the first track, you get an idea of the pieces of himself he gives off in his music.
You get loads of vintage style rhythm and blues in the form of a full band that just gives the album a huge robustness and a perfected, particular kind of energy that really puts you in the moment with some of these tracks, including the first one, "Fight For You".
Rolls of organs through packing in that soul and really giving it an almost gospel aesthetic, which works amazingly in terms of instrumentation, especially the way the vocals are.
The vocals complement the instruments throughout this whole record, and vice versa.
It's like everyone's feeding off of each other's energies throughout this release.
On top of those warm organs, you have plucking guitars, layers of grooves that send you reeling into their deep pockets.
This is a track that makes you move. It's very danceable. It's got this almost swing kind of rhythm, which again kind of beckons vintage rhythm and blues styles, and it really opens the door for the rest of the record nicely.
"Step With Me" showcases more of a current R&B style but also introduces other instruments like horn sections and other keys that thicken the track up and give it depth.
This is one of the tracks that feels almost cinematic as well. You get that cinematic feel scattered throughout the record, which is something I really adored.
Some of this is experimental in the best ways possible. "Pop My Ishhh" is an excellent example of exactly that, as the vocals have these amazing harmonic layers that feel almost like vocoders are being used, but they're not.
This showcase is such an intense passion for layering vocals to create soundscapes that are boisterous and really come through shining.
For me, this is one of the most impressive tracks on the record because it sits firmly outside the box.
It's a great example also of how the artist can branch out into different directions and still keep that Soul intact the entire time.
A very personal and warm single called "Still Here (Dedicated to My Dad)" is absolutely breathtaking. The lyrics go into depth and give you a little aspect of how vulnerable T Staggs is willing to get what he wants.
I love this aspect simply because it showcases a different side of his artistry and personality.
It's amazing how honest he can be, and how detailed his lyrics are in terms of telling certain kinds of stories when he wants to go there.
What's probably the most addictive aspect of the record is its energy levels. There's something about how the entire thing is performed, I mean, everything. The entire record has this live-performance kind of energy to it.
Everything comes through with such a massively powerful approach that a lot of the songs that have emotion behind them, like this one, are impactful.
These are songs that send messages, tell stories, and give you pieces of the artist's personality through and through. This is exactly what people are looking for when they're listening to a record with soul.
They want authenticity, and T Staggs gives an abundance of it.
Dig deep into this record because it's well worth it, especially if you love Soul, riddled with R&B, and a crossover of old and new school approaches.
Definitely do not miss this.
After listening to the record, I wanted to talk with the artist about it. As you listen through, check out our interview with T Staggs below.
Thanks so much for taking the time! Let's jump right into Southern Soul Era, Vol.2!
Where did this record come from and what was it about? Southern Soul Era, Vol 2 is an extension from Southern Soul Era, Vol 1 that was released November of 2025. This Southern Soul Era series came about from a thought that I had in early 2026. With the hit song Boots on The Ground taking shape and doing great, I wanted to ride that wave and create a summer type feel good type song and ride the momentum. So I went in studio with my producer and we created a single titled "Hold My Own". The goal was to release just that record but as I continued to think more, I decided to just do an entire EP album dedicated to the Southern Soul genre and a couple months later we had Southern Soul Era, Vol 1. I'm from South Carolina, I grew up in the church and my entire family can sing. I grew up around gospel quartet music, and Southern Soul music is just an extension of gospel quartet music so for me to want to create in this space was natural because it's who I am at the core.
I am hearing a few different styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Man I can go on and on with who I consider my biggest musical influences lol. I would have to say my favorite group of all time is Jodeci. I find it interesting that KCi and JoJo who are members of the group are from NC and I'm from SC and they grew up singing in gospel quartet group as well. My favorite singer is Charlie Wilson. My guy Uncle Charlie. I just love his style. I would love to do a record with him. Speaking of my family gospel quartet group growing up, my big cousin Douglas Scott is one of my inspirations as well. He was like our Michael Jackson growing up. We all looked up to him. The way he sang and command the audience was remarkable. RIP big cuz. I like other singers but those are my top 3 influences and inspirations.
Are you performing live right now?
I am available to perform, I just performed the entire Southern Soul Era, Vol 2 album at my 50th birthday party this past April. I really enjoyed that.
How did this all start for you as an artist?
Well again, I grew up singing in the church along with my family. As a solo artist I began to get that itch in 2003 and in 2004 I released my first solo project which is a gospel album titled "Available".
Did you work with a producer on this album, or was this all you?
Yes I work with a producer who is actually my younger cousin, his name is Sharone Scott. He is remarkable. I love working with him. Of course his artist name is Days On 85. Whenever I'm ready, he is ready to deliver and we get to it.
What's next for you? Working on more new releases?
As long as I'm breathing, I will continue to make music and drop new music until I can't anymore. Let's see where this Southern Soul Era series takes me. I'm actually about to get in studio and start working on Vol 3.
What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands or artists trying to get heard?
I would say first to believe in yourself. If you have the passion and the drive, keep going, keep creating. Everyone's not going to like your style of music but there are an audience of people out there who will. You may have to persevere through a million MO's but all you need is 1 yes. But no matter what as long as you love what you do, that's all that matters. Trust God because faith without works is dead so show folk your faith with your works and watch what happen. In other words keep grinding
What would you say people can expect to hear on this record?
People can expect to hear "REALNESS". The lyrics are real and stems from my own personal experience. These songs are about everyday life, situations and things a regular person can relate to. Concerning the music and arrangements they can expect to hear great melodies, smooth vocals and a vibe you can simply ride to. Easy listening is what I would call it.
Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?
First off I appreciate your ears. Thank you for rocking with me. Even those who may not like the music, thank you for your ears as well. To my true fans that continue to show support, be on the lookout for new releases coming soon. Love yall!!!
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