Handpicked by Sean Combs, Robert Curry, Brian Angel, Willie Taylor, Qwanell Mosley and Michael McCluney, collectively known as Day26, came together as a group during the season one finale of MTV’s Making the Band 4. While signed to Bad Boy Records, the R&B quintet would go on to release a pair of chart topping albums; ‘08’s self-titled debut, and Forever in a Day in 2009. We originally introduced our readers to Day26 back in 2009 when we first met all 5 members. Now all these years later, our Day26 interview brings them back into the spotlight!
The group famously parted ways, while several group members released solo projects. In 2018, most of the group returned for an EP release, titled, A New Day. The group embarked on some tour experiences and things started to come back together, slowly but surely.
Finally, in 2023, all five members were back together on a new project titled, The Return. Earlier this year, back in August, the group teamed up with producers The Exclusives to release a 16 track project titled, Days Ones. It was their most complete project in a while.
We caught up with the group to talk about the latest project, working together 15 years after they first hit the scene, and much more. Check out the full Day26 interview below.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this latest LP, Day Ones: The Exclusives — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you all?
Day26: The title symbolizes a combination of different events that have transpired in our careers with our fans and each other. Day Ones is a call to action for our most loyal fans that have been with us from the beginning.
Parlé Mag: How does Day Ones compare to previous Day26 efforts?
Day26: Day Ones is just a different project in itself. It showcases the growth of the group as individuals and collectively. Each album was similar in the ways that we recorded, but different in what we all have been through in life. First album was the start of our careers into stardom, and that level of fame and success. It was all new for everyone. Along with having a #1 TV show out at the time. The second album was great because we got a little more involved with the project music-wise, while we were all growing up in the music industry. It showcased the fun from being able to do whatever you wanted in life ‘cause we were so successful at the time. The third album Day Ones is showcasing the group as grown men, some with kids and families, along with different trials and tribulations that we all went through just to get the project done. It’s the story of us not having a major deal, falling from grace, to picking ourselves back up and being more involved with all the business from the album, as well as doing everything we can to make it successful.
Parlé Mag: How do you all classify the Day26 sound in 2024?
Day26: Day26 sound is definitely different from anything you’ve ever heard before. The groups we have looked up to, and learned from vocally, would be Boyz ll Men, Jodeci, 112, New Edition… just to name a few.
Parlé Mag: What do you all want people to get from your music?
Day26: We want people to enjoy R&B music again. R&B used to be the good times, turn up music at one point, but it hasn’t been the same recently. So that’s something we want to bring back, is music that people can listen and relate to, while creating memories for a lifetime with the ones around them.
Parlé Mag: If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Day26: We would love to play at the O2 Arena again. Simply because the first couple times over there was amazing. From the shows to the fan interaction, it was just surreal for us.
Parlé Mag: Are you all happy with the current state of R&B? And, even more specifically, why do you all feel that we, the masses, don’t see the group dynamic like it was back in, say, the nineties?
Day26: I think R&B is getting back to a good place, and this Day Ones album is helping move forward the conversation in a great way. I don’t think we see a lot of groups now because they are difficult to keep together, as well as expensive. Doing something for one is much different and easier than doing it for five in our case. Also when it comes to decision making, it can be difficult to get everyone on the same page in groups, but as a solo artist everything is about how you would like your career to go.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans…
Day26: Our interaction with our fans is legendary, especially when we see them in person. Which is a part of the reason we named this album Day Ones for them.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Day26: Favorite part will always be just being able to get on that stage, perform and have a moment with the fans that support and rock with you. Least favorite moments are the times that you have to be away from your kids and family.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Day26: Learn the business, and never stop being creative and fighting for the vision of your music.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, what’s next for Day26?
Day26: Next you will get a lot of visuals to the new album, as well as A NEW TOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GO!!!!!!!!!
Parlé Mag: Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
Day26: Shoutout to The Exclusives and ByUs Ent. for being the catalyst, and putting together this project and bringing all of our visions to life!
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