By Kimberly W.

Its 7:17pm in Arlington, Virginia and Avant is minutes away from performing to a packed house at the Birchmere Music Hall. No stranger to the Washington D.C. area, the down to earth, yet humble singer goofs around with crew and friends as he waits for his cue to head to the stage. Sultry, sexy and seductive R&B crooner Avant is back with his fifth album, self titled Avant. A self proclaimed, “freak” the Cleveland native returns with his first single, “When It Hurts.” As he explains it, “In this song I’m asking my woman: Will you love me through the pain?”

 Make no mistake about it—Avant has most definitely been keeping himself busy. The platinum selling artist is fresh from his return from Iraq to visit the troops who continuously work to serve our country.  “I performed ‘Sailing’ by Christopher Cross, which is on the album. [Myspace.com/avant] has all the footage. God gave me a job to do you know? These men fight everyday for us. That is why VOTING is so important; it’s time for a change. We need to extend ourselves as black folk. It’s time for the dark to turn into light,” says Avant.  Last year he also starred in the David E. Talbert stage play, “Love in the Nick of Tyme” along with Morris Chestnut,  “It’s funny because Morris is a big-time actor and this was his first time travelling doing stage play or anything outside of LA. He would be like, “Avant, what are the people like in Detroit? It was a great experience for me. Who knows what’s next for me in the future as far as the big screen.”

The veteran, whose past albums include My Thoughts, Ecstasy, Private Room and the Director, is set to debut his first album with Capitol Records this year after leaving his home Geffen Records. “I can’t be mad, Geffen gave me 10 hit records. It was just time for my departure. It was time for me to spread my wings, get my “shine time.” I just want to focus on making music that means something, longlasting music.  I’ve got a record called “Break Your Back”…in a good way! Also one called “Yes.” It’s definitely an album that the fans will enjoy.”  The album originally set to be released October 28, 2008 was pushed back, “I wanted to push the album back just so I can put out 2 singles before the album drops. I’ve never done that before. I wanted to spend more time on promoting with this project,” says Avant. When finally asked to share something personal about himself he simply stated, “I enjoy women.” (smiling)

Avant hits stores on December 9, 2008.