By Candace Dowlen
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—R&B singer-songwriter Vann Washington, 20, performed his hit song “Ride or Die” on Nov. 14 at the Elks Club in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Washington, who was born in Washington, D.C., moved to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University. His passion for music led him to the university's Recording Industry program.
Last Friday, Washington performed his R&B hit “Ride or Die” in front of an audience of about 125 college students. Admission was $5, and everyone was required to have a college ID to attend. Emerging local rap artists Jmac and Eddie G opened for him. Washington's performance lasted for 30 minutes, with the artist performing a medley of his songs, “Ride or Die” and "Pyromaniac.” The entire event lasted for approximately two hours.
As Washington took the stage, the building was filled with anticipation and silence. Washington’s first line in “Ride or Die” took the audience by surprise as they began to cheer and scream. During Washington's performance, the audience pushed toward the stage as he began to rise from his seat. The fans near the stage reached out their hands in hopes of touching the artist as he sang to them. Fans expressed their appreciation after the show.
“For a first time listener, I became a fan instantly," said Meyashia Burnly. "I just wanted to crawl on the stage and have him sing to me personally. That boy can sing!”
“Vann has a voice like an Angle it captures your soul,” said Latanya Green. “I never heard a male sing so soft, said Jesse Floyd he has such a light voice.”
Washington began writing songs at the age of 16 when he was still in high school. It wasn’t until June 2013 he began actually recording his music. Washington has many accomplishments. He has gained substantial exposure and new fans by performing at a host of local venues in Murfreesboro, including The Elks Club, Club Social, and MTSU. Washington-penned songs such as "Pyromaniac", "Protégé", and “Ride or Die” can be downloaded at www.soundcloud.com. The artist also has released a number of mixed tapes. He has been offered a distribution deal with Allegro Records.
“I’ve thought about signing with Allegro Records, but I just don’t think that’s for me." The artist said. "Right now, I’d rather be independent and wait to see later if I can get any better offers.”
“I have came a long way from where I’ve started, but I’m still not nearly as close as I plan to be," Washington added. "The hardest part is getting recognized.”
Washington will perform on Dec. 20 at the Armory in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Admission is free. He will be singing holiday Christmas songs for the children. Other upcoming showcases include a performance on Jan. 2 at the Elks. The “back to school” event will spotlight his original songs. Admission is $2 for students with a college ID and $5 for others. His also will perform at the Listening Room in “Ride or Die” and “Pyromatic”downtown Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 3rd. Admission for that show will be $10 for everyone.
“To me, it feels good to have a hit song, "Washington said. "I’m not going to lie. I have a bit of a big head about it, but I’ve put in so much work. I’m just honestly happy to see that some of it has paid off.”
“My ultimate goal is to make it on the red carpet, on the big screen." The artist continued. "I want to win a Grammy one day. I just want to make good music that impacts many people. It feels good when you write and sing from your heart and your audience and fans can relate. That has to be the best feeling ever. It's like they finally understand me.”
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