Few artists embody both the history and future of R&B and house like Sinclair.
From his formative years with Chicago group Image — where R&B, soul, and live performance shaped his foundation — to his present-day releases reaching global audiences, he has consistently blended authenticity with evolution. Now working with MN2S on digital distribution, Sinclair is bringing his unique fusion of classic R&B, house, and modern soul to listeners worldwide. His recent tracks, including Sparkle, have been embraced by DJs across continents, proving that the timeless energy of Chicago’s sound continues to resonate today.
Looking back at your early days with Image, how did that Chicago R&B and soul foundation shape the artist you’ve become today?
Growing up and starting out in Chicago with Image gave me a foundation rooted in soul, authenticity, and live performance. Chicago has always been a city where music comes from the heart, and that energy taught me to value not only the craft of songwriting but also the responsibility of connecting with people. That early R&B and soul training is still the core of everything I do today — it gave me discipline, stage presence, and an understanding of how timeless music is created.
Your music blends classic R&B with modern house and soul. How do you strike that balance between honoring tradition and pushing forward with fresh sounds?
For me, it’s about respecting the roots while embracing evolution. I bring the emotion and storytelling of classic R&B into the studio, but I pair it with the energy of house and the textures of modern production. Working with fresh producers keeps the sound current, while my voice and writing keep it grounded in tradition. That balance is what makes the music both familiar and new at the same time.
Check out Sinclair on Traxsource.
Working with producers like Nicky Roland has been a key part of your recent releases. What’s your creative process like when collaborating, and how do you keep your own artistic voice at the forefront?
Collaboration is about trust and chemistry. With Nicky Roland and other producers I work with, there’s always a respect for my vocal direction and my songwriting. I like to start with a strong concept — whether it’s a lyric, a hook, or a mood — and then build around that. When producers bring their ideas, I add my interpretation and emotion so that the end result always sounds like “me,” no matter what genre elements we’re blending.
“Sparkle” and other recent tracks are gaining traction internationally. How does it feel to see your music embraced by DJs and audiences worldwide, compared to the regional success you had in the 1980s?
It’s humbling and exciting. Back in the 1980s, success was about radio play and local shows, and Image had a strong regional following. Now, to see DJs across the world spinning “Sparkle” and fans connecting instantly through streaming and social media is on another level. It shows me that music truly has no boundaries and that the sound we started back then still resonates — maybe even more today.
You founded Phrostvybe Radio to spotlight independent artists. Why was it important for you to create that platform, and what role do you think it plays in preserving the legacy of R&B and house?
Phrostvybe Radio was born out of a desire to give independent voices the spotlight they deserve. I know firsthand how hard it is for talented artists to break through without support. The station gives them a platform to be heard, while also honoring the history of R&B and House Music that shaped me. It’s about passing the torch forward and making sure that legacy doesn’t fade, but continues to inspire new generations.
Chicago has such a rich musical heritage. What do you see as the biggest lessons or inspirations you carry from the Chicago scene into your current work in Arizona and beyond?
Chicago taught me resilience and innovation. The city’s musical heritage is about pushing boundaries while staying soulful. That lesson is something I carry with me no matter where I am. In Arizona, I bring that Chicago spirit of experimentation and grit — it reminds me to never get comfortable, to always strive for excellence, and to let the music speak for itself.
As someone with decades of experience, what advice would you give younger artists trying to carve out a space in today’s fast-moving music industry while staying true to themselves?
Be patient, be consistent, and never compromise your authenticity. Trends will come and go, but your unique voice is what will carry you through the years. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, keep learning the business side of music, and remember that longevity comes from passion, not shortcuts.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Sinclair, whether it’s new music, live performances, or other projects you’re excited about in 2025 and beyond?
Fans can expect more new releases that continue blending R&B and house in fresh ways, as well as collaborations with producers and artists who inspire me. I’m also focused on bringing Phrostvybe Radio to an even wider audience and performing live shows that celebrate both my history and my future as an artist. 2025 is about expansion, evolution, and keeping the music alive and thriving.
You’ve worked with a number of labels over the years and even stepped into the role of A&R at IMG. How did those experiences — both on the artist side and the business side — shape the way you navigate the industry today?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to sign with several labels including Granville Records, Ram Records, MCA, Lujon Records, IMG, and DJ International Records. Each deal gave me valuable lessons in both success and survival. Out of all those experiences, working as an A&R at IMG was one of the most eye-opening — it showed me the business side of the industry, including the challenges and “under-the-table” realities that many artists never see. Those lessons, along with strong publishing and copyright management, continue to sustain me today and give me the knowledge to guide both my own career and the next generation of artists.