Listen to Apropos perform live in WDET’s Studio A

The Detroit musician joined CultureShift to talk about making modern Motown melodies and to perform a few songs live in-studio.

Five musicians crouch in front of the WDET logo in our live studio with CultureShift's Tia Graham

Guitarist Kent Crawley, bassist Rick Enrico Morrone, drummer Reggie "Banga!" Williams Jr., vocalist Apropos and keyboardist Mike Harrison pose with CultureShift's Tia Graham in WDET's Studio A.

Detroit musician Apropos has been gaining global attention for his Motown-inspired sound. When he released his debut solo album (Verse)atility in 2018, musical greats like Elton John and Michigan native Kem sang his praises.

“There was a lot of pop music on there, even the song that Elton John really loved. It’s like, I appreciate that… but I got no David Ruffin tones in there and nothing like that.”

Motown is the sound of Detroit, but it’s often associated with the past. Apropos says he wants to be known worldwide for his unique take on the sound for the present-day. He grew up in the church, where he learned his voice, tones and love for music.

“That soul comes from deep in, and once I started to actually realize who I am as a singer and realize that this is something that I’m born with, that’s when I just took off.”


Listen to Apropos’ full conversation and performance on CultureShift

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Author

  • Tia Graham
    Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.