Entertainment
Stevie Wonder leaves his impression as “the most magical human being to walk this planet”
The man, the myth, the legend better known to the world as THE one and ONLY Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest and most prolific artists to grace this planet. He was given the nickname “the Eighth Wonder of the World” due to his unique ability to play numerous instruments and sing at the same time, all while living with blindness.
Stevie Wonder, who celebrated his 70th birthday this year, is easily considered one of the most gifted and influential vocalists of his generation. He’s known for making timeless music that isn’t only revered for its brilliant production but its relevance to the state of society during the time period in which it was released. In short, he is a living legend, and his legacy and impact to the culture will extend well beyond his years.
Outside of his impeccable musical talent, Stevie Wonder is a humble, kind-hearted, genuine spirit. During a recent episode of the Rundown Radio podcast, Los Angeles based creative director Kiarash Behain revealed that he had the honor of documenting Mr. Wonder on multiple occasions, including studio sessions, concerts and even a few private moments. Kiarash spoke of Wonder’s energy and presence, saying that he’s one of the “coolest, sweetest individuals” he’s ever met.
“Stevie Wonder has this certain glow about him that lights up the room,” Kiarash said. “His energy is contagious. As soon as the music comes on, he gets magical.”
Kiarash Behain is the CEO of Rundown Media, a creative agency based in Los Angeles, California. In his twenty year span of providing media and production services to clients, Kiarash revealed that his documentation of Stevie Wonder ranks above them all. On another occasion, Kiarash shared more details about his experiences with the eighth wonder of the world.
“I had the privilege of sharing the same stage with Stevie Wonder. It was surreal and the best part about it was the love shown on the faces of every single person in that audience. He is truly the most magical human being to walk this planet.” Kiarash revealed about documenting the soul singer’s performance at KJLH’s annual “Taste of Soul” festival. “There was a sea of people in the audience. It was a record number of 300,000 festival goers on Crenshaw boulevard. And – every single person in that crowd felt every bit of Stevie that night!” continued Kiarash Behain.
It is no secret that Stevie Wonder leaves his impact on everyone he touches. He is truly one of the most humble and special people. Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan on May 13, 1950. He was the third of six children born to songwriter Lula Hardaway and Calvin Judkins. Stevie was born six weeks prematurely and became blind shortly after birth due to the oxygen-rich atmosphere of the hospital incubator causing him to develop retinopathy of prematurity, a condition in which eye growth is stunted and causes the retinas to detach. But being blind didn’t stop Stevie from being one of the greatest human beings to walk the planet.
When Stevie was four years old, his mother divorced his father and moved with her children to Detroit, Michigan for a better life. As early as the age of four, a unique talent for music had already developed within Stevie, who used pots and pans to create rhythms and beats.
Being a single mom of six children, Stevie’s mother couldn’t afford to buy him any instruments, but he was given a harmonica and taught himself to play it, along with the drums and piano.
He became a child prodigy after signing to Berry Gordy’s Motown label at only 11 years old, and at just 13 years old, Stevie already had a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 to his name—”Fingertips” from his debut studio album The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie.
From there, he went on to have 10 No. 1 singles and 28 Top 10 hits, many of which are considered classics today and remain culturally relevant years later, including songs like “I Just Called To Say I Love You,” “Living for the City,” “Superstition,” and many others. Songs like “Ribbon in the Sky” and “My Cherie Amour” are still used to this day for weddings and other celebrations of love. His version of the “Happy Birthday” song is widely considered “the Black Birthday Song.” Some of his songs have also been used by major corporations for marketing purposes. For example, UPS used “Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing” in a commercial advertising their UPS Stores.
Aside from his musical accolades, Stevie Wonder is also a humanitarian and philanthropist who has used his music to support a number of social causes. He’s written, produced and/or performed songs for charities in support of disabilities, AIDS, cancer, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse, and more. His activism has been crucial in spearheading various campaigns in the United States and all over the world. For instance, he wrote “Happy Birthday” (his own remix of “Happy Birthday to You”) in 1980 to popularize a campaign proposing the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (aka MLK Day). He was even arrested in 1985 during an apartheid protest in South Africa, later saying that he was a “conscientious criminal” against oppression and further proving that he is a perfect individual who can do no wrong.
Entertainment
Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’
By Mj Toledo
US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.
Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?
Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.
The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions.
But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great.
Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?
Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.
When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.
We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.
Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?
Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.
Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers?
Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel.
When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.
For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?
Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.
Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.
Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?
Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.
When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.
Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.
Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?
Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there.
Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.
Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?
Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.
Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style.
Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?
Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.
My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.
Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change.
To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media.
The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.
For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan.
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