Review Fix Exclusive: Classic Twist’s Gene-O Talks Time For Change and More

Review Fix chats with renowned R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O about Classic TWist’s new single “Time For Change” and so much more.

About Classic Twist:

Gearing up for the release of “Time for Change,” the infectious, insightful and timely debut single from Classic Twist – the fresh, grooving and innovative, multi-genre duo he’s formed with veteran writer/producer Kevin Flournoy – renowned R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O played the track for some industry movers and shakers in their home base of Southern California. Their response was auspicious – it reminded them of a modern version of “We Are the World.” If ever the planet needed a hopeful and uplifting new anthem to inspire us to look past our differences and come together in a spirit of love, the time is now.

Written by Gene-O and produced by Flournoy, “Time for Change” is an emphatic call to action that pointedly reflects on everything we need to do to come together and achieve a better world. Over a unique musical vibe that, true to the fusion-driven spirit of Classic Twist, incorporates elements of pop, R&B, country and rock, Gene-O passionately sings, “It’s time we leave our comfort zone/It’s time for you and I to rearrange things/Cause everybody knows it’s time for changes/It’s time we see the light/It’s time to do what’s right. . .So much love/That’s what we all should be thinking of…”

Review Fix: HOW DID THIS GROUP GET TOGETHER?

Gene-O: We have known each other for over 15 years.  Watching Kevin playing at some of the local jams around the San Diego area and finally getting a chance to sit in on a couple of the jams it was just the perfect fit for me as a singer.  Kevin is such a singer’s keyboard player that it just always felt right with him behind the boards.  I believe after several shows and starting to get to know him beyond music, he became more of a friend, and now, a brother that I can talk to about everyday things and even get advice on some levels due to his successes in the industry.  

Review Fix: WHAT INSPIRED THIS TRACK?

Gene-O: Around 2020 when the world seemed to go totally out of its mind, I wrote my first novel, which talked about the need for change. But knowing how many people connect with music more than books, a song started to form in my head. I woke up in the middle of the night and the song was so deep on my heart from the pain of what I was seeing every day that at about 3 a.m., I went into my studio to lay down what was on my heart and sent it over to Kevin.  He agreed the song was one of those songs that needed to be shared. I believe the song is just a roadmap for the world and shows the path to getting back to where we should be as a nation.  I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to put the message out there for all to hear.  I am just hopeful that those who hear it will be inspired to act and help steer America towards a brighter future.

Review Fix: HOW DO YOU WANT IT TO AFFECT PEOPLE?

Gene-O: I believe that while people are listening and tapping their toes, the lyrics will do their work subliminally. I just want everyone to realize that love is the only hope that we have to make the changes that we so desperately need. The song is catchy and a real sing along, but beyond that, it’s a guide and I hope everyone will take its message to heart. Let the music move you, but more importantly, let the message guide you.

Review Fix: HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER WORK?

Gene-O: Throughout my career, I’ve primarily sung about love, but it was always in the context of romantic relationships. Now, I’m delving into songs about a deeper kind of love – one that speaks to the heart and humanity. This new direction also includes genres I never imagined I’d explore. Dabbling in Pop infused with elements of Country and Rock was never on my radar. I’ve been rooted in Gospel and R&B since I was 7. Discovering a passion for this other side of the musical spectrum has been a thrilling journey. A lot of this newfound appreciation can be attributed to Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox. His voice shifted my entire view of country music. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Carrie Underwood and have been a fan since her American Idol days. But it was Gary’s voice that truly resonated with me. On the Rock front, Steve Perry stands out. His voice is unparalleled. I’m gearing up to perform one of his greatest hits, “Faithfully.” This is both a tribute to him and a personal honor. That iconic song could have been revisited long ago, but I’m grateful it wasn’t. When we release our version, I hope it feels like a fresh breath of air to listeners everywhere.

Review Fix: WHAT’S NEXT?

Gene-O: My hope as the lead singer, and a sentiment I believe Kevin shares, is to tour with one of the major pop-country artists and introduce our music to an entirely new audience. Ideally, I’d love to share the stage with contemporary icons like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood or classic rock legends like Toto and Journey. I’m confident that touring with such artists would offer us an audience that we’d seamlessly blend into, providing them with the same memorable experiences we’ve delivered to our fans over the years. Such an opportunity would mean the world to me. Meanwhile, I’ll keep writing from my heart, always hoping my music resonates deeply with those who hear it.

Review Fix: WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE? 

Gene-O: Stay updated with our musical journey and join us as we strive to inspire and get America back on track. People can visit our official website at https://theclassictwist.com/ for the latest news and updates. They can also follow our journey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/classictwistmusic/. TikTok is on the way too! We’re committed to keeping these platforms regularly updated for our fans and supporters.

Review Fix: ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Gene-O: We invite you to be part of our ongoing journey by subscribing to our YouTube channel and adding our debut single, “Time for Change”, to your playlists. Supporting musicians in today’s industry is more vital than ever. While we’re passionate about our craft, the realities of creating the highest quality product as independent artists can be challenging and resource intensive. We know our success is predicated completely on our fans and supporters.  If you believe in our music and vision, your support—be it through spreading the word, partnerships, or sponsorships—can make a significant difference in propelling us to the next stage. Every gesture, big or small, aids in keeping the music alive and ensures that we can continue to deliver the quality you’ve come to expect from us.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of our journey.

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About Patrick Hickey Jr. 14230 Articles
Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communication & Performing Arts and Director of the Journalism program at Kingsborough Community College and is the chairman of the City University of New York Journalism Council. He is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of ReviewFix.com. He's also a former News Editor at NBC Local Integrated Media and National Video Games Writer at Examiner.com where his work was mentioned in National Ad campaigns by Disney, Nintendo and EA Sports. Hickey was also the Editor-In-Chief of two College Newspapers before he received his BA in Journalism from Brooklyn College. Hickey's work has been published in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Complex, The Hockey Writers, Yahoo!, Broadway World, Examiner, NYSportScene Magazine, ProHockeyNews.com, GothamBaseball.com, The Syracuse Post-Standard, Scout.com and the official sites of the Brooklyn Aces and New York Islanders. His first book, The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult And Classic Video Game Developers was released in April 2018 and is chock full of interviews with legendary developers. His second book in the series, The Minds Behind Adventures Games, was released in December 2019. His third book, The Minds Behind Sports Games, was released in September 2020. His fourth book, The Minds Behind Shooter Games, was released in March 2021. The Minds Behind Sega Genesis Games and The Minds Behind PlayStation Games were released in 2022 and The Minds Behind PlayStation 2 was published in January 2023. Hickey is also a contracted comic book writer, currently penning his original series, "Condrey," as well as "The Job," "Brooklyn Bleeds" "Dem Gulls" and "KROOM" for Legacy Comix, where he serves as founder, owner and Editor-in-Chief. Hickey Jr. is also a voice actor, having starred in the 2018 indie hit and 2019 Switch, PS4 and Xbox One release, The Padre (also serving as English language Story Editor), from Shotgun With Glitters. The sequel, The Padre: One Shell Straight to Hell was released in February 2021- Hickey also served as a Story Editor and Lead Voiceover performer. He has also done narration and trailers for several other titles including The Kaiju Offensive, Relentless Rex and Roniu’s Tale. Hickey is also the lead voiceover performer on Mega Cat Studios’ upcoming title WrestleQuest, responsible for nearly 90 characters in the game, as well as Skybound's Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, where he voices both Dracula and Renfield, as well as several other characters. He also stars in Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2, where he performs the VO of nearly every male character in the game. He also worked on the Atari VCS’s BPM Boy.

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