You’re working on a new album. What’s it like?
If I do anything, I want to sound good. A bit of dance stuff, a bit of R&B – trying to please all the people all of the time, that’s me.
Looking forward to coming to the UAE?
I was in Dubai once before, although I was upset at how short [my time there] was. I didn’t get a chance to see everything I wanted. It’s one of those places you can’t do in a few hours then leave.
Speaking of cities, how was it growing up in Vegas?
Las Vegas isn’t as crazy as people think – you think of the strip, but the strip is just one street in the city where everyone hangs out. But as far as living there goes, it wasn’t all that exciting. In all honesty it was just a bit boring.
What advice would you give that Vegas kid today?
I’d tell him to keep going. I’m walking, talking, living, breathing proof that if you keep going and don’t let go, you can do anything.
So, let’s get this straight: you’re named after the guy in The Matrix?
It started out as a joke. I didn’t like it at first, I thought it was kind of conceited – in the film Neo is the savour of the world and I’m just trying to make music. It just stuck.
You’d written songs for Michael Jackson before he died. How upsetting was his death for you?
Michael Jackson was part of the reason I do this. Everything happens for a reason. I don’t know what’s going to happen to these songs. They’re just sitting there.
Your third album is called Year of the Gentlemen. What makes a good gentleman?
A gentleman understands the power of chivalry, is a good listener as well as a good talker. He understands that dressing the part makes a world of difference and he knows the difference between being bold and confident versus being cocky. He’s the guy who every guy wants to be, and everybody wants to be with.
Sounds a lot like you.
I do my thing. I can’t say I’m the ideal, but I’m definitely a work in progress.
You’re certainly a slick-looking guy – any grooming tips for us?
There’s no real secret besides being blessed with the ability to look good in a suit. If you got it, you got it, and if you don’t, you don’t.
What’s the future of music?
It’s very hard to imagine. Music happens in waves: something will come along, be cool, and then go away or be replaced. There are a few things that will always be there: a melody that’s infectious, lyrics that are relatable and a track that makes you feel something. Those are the integral things that will always be there in music.
Ne-Yo plays Atelier Live Dance Arena on April 6, tickets from timeouttickets.com
