American Idol 2019 finalist Uché is dropping his first single, “Whatever” with the help of one of his musical Idols. The flamboyant singer was eliminated from the show after his rendition of the Disney song “1 2 1” from A Goofy Movie. Nevertheless, one of his favorite artists, P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins posted kudos about his performance on Twitter.
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“I thought it might not be real or maybe someone trolling. Then Bootsy DM’d me. He was excited to see someone my age keeping the funk alive and doing it well,” Uché told Billboard magazine where the new song premiered. “He said he had heard how during my first audition I said he was one of my influences and that when he saw me perform ‘Play That Funky Music’ he was blown away and wanted to reach out. I was so honored that he took the time to show me some love. I mean, this guy played for James Brown and is one of the baddest, funkiest bassists in music.”
Soon, the two were speaking on the phone. “We clicked over the phone and were literally working on new music the very next day,” the singer told Billboard. “He has such good vibes and our personalities are harmonious, so when we hang out, we stay laughing. He’s like my cool uncle. When we decided what my single would be, Uncle Bootsy heard it and loved it and wanted to jump on it. For me, it was a no-brainer. Bootsy Collins wants to get on my record? Heck yeah, let’s do it!”
When Uché heard “Whatever,” he declared it the perfect song. “Finally, the music I was hearing sounded like what I had been hearing in my head but wasn’t able to communicate effectively in words that this is me, this sound is me. It may not sound like what you hear on the radio right now but if I have my way it will sound like what you hear on the radio tomorrow.”
Uché’s current team includes manager Tracy Matthews (Beyoncé) and producer Ben Franklin. And they have plenty in the works for the young artist. Uché will soon hit the road in March. “Bootsy and I are planning a series of dope parties together across the U.S. and abroad.” Also, the singer will release his first full length album, After Party, on March 26, in addition to a documentary coming out in April titled Uché: Mr. Entertainment. Uché told Billboard that it “chronicles my musical journey from my last day on American Idol through the release of After Party.”
