BEHIND THE MUSIC
HOW IT STARTED
It was on the campus of Appalachian State University where Brett Axell and Pierre Montray first met. As a Vocal Performance major, “BA” was known for displaying his one-of-a-kind voice all over the High Country as a featured artist in plays, musicals, operas as well as solo performances at local venues. Pierre made his name known on the grid iron as a member of three national championship teams at App State, where he was a two time All-American.
Their two worlds would merge by becoming men of the Vicious Psi Mu chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. After graduating, Pierre began a career in college athletics, before becoming a radio personality and event DJ. Brett Axell continued to shine vocally starring in a myriad of shows from Ragtime to Rent, Porgy & Bess and countless others. His on-stage success led to him be featured on the Netflix original show, Sing On! B-A continues his career as a business owner, philanthropist, singer-songwriter, recording artist and being the front man for the innovative band ACRES TO MILES.
A chance conversation during a global pandemic led to the formation of BLAQ GENIUS. The two merged their God given talent to create a duo unlike any other, with a sound grounded in hip hop and soul, designed to put a smile on your face and a rhythm in your heart.
BLAQ GENIUS released two music projects in 2021, Volume 1: Kings Quest and Volume 2: Matters of the Heart. Volume 1: Kings Quest captivates you from the start, in Fly Away! with a grown and sexy vibe, and leads you to Gone, a reflection of maneuvering through poverty, obstacles, and temptation.
Volume 2: Matters of the Heart details how love can take different forms. Smile describes how the warmth of a smile is necessary to combat the adversity of the world. An American Love Story details the cycle of loving someone to your fullest, while desperately yearning for that love to be fully reciprocated.
Which begs the question, are they talking about intimacy with a woman, or a tarnished relationship with something much deeper?
BLAQ GENIUS released their most recent project, Volume 3: From the Belly of My Soul, in March 2022. BLAQ GENIUS presented The Songs of the Summer with, Thinking it's Love & Coin Flip, available on all streaming platforms. Thinking It's Love is a groove you can take from the beach to the bedroom, keeping you dancing with an international flair. Coin Flip is a soulful reflection on the foundation which helped create the men they are today.