Tremel Hoover, popularly known as Tremel J, will take his vocal mastery to the next level at the House Cafe on Friday.

Hoover, senior general studies major, is no rookie to soul music. He was named NIU’s best singer in April for the E.B.O.N.Y. Women’s “Instagrammy’s,” an award program based off popularity on Instagram. He also won the Apollo Talent Show in 2013.

His first performance at the House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, and Tremel will perform songs from his album “Moving On.”

Q: Why do you believe people should attend your show?

A: I believe there is something missing in good quality music and good neo soul music. I try to bring that to my own music.

Q: How is music defined in Tremel’s terms?

A: I believe music is defined as medicine for the soul. … It is defined as a work of art. I say music is medicine for the soul because good music makes you feel good. It puts you in a place like no other.

Q: What is your favorite song on your album and why?

A: My favorite song on my album is “Moving On.” The reason why is because I went through a lot of tough times in life where I had to let go but didn’t know how to …and I realized that it’s finally time to move on because its good to let go. … I wrote those words and they spoke to me. … I wrote that song feeling hurt, full of pain, and I want my listeners to get the message saying, ‘you don’t have to hold on to something you don’t want to.’

Q: How long has music been a part of your life?

A: I have been a singer all my life; it runs in the family. I have been a recording artist since 2011; that’s when I recorded my first single.

Q: Who are some of your biggest influences in music?

A: I try to write my songs similar to Maxwell. He is probably my biggest influence in my music.

Q: Do you plan to pursue music in the future?

A: I definitely plan on pursuing music after NIU. My hope is to get my music out there to the public to be on top radio stations. I really want to be a Luther Vandross. He is another influence I keep in mind when creating my lyrics.

Q: Do you have any more music coming out in the near future?

A: I have another song coming out mid-October called “Take My Time.” It’s the first song I recorded with a live band. Really excited for that.

If you want to check out Tremel’s music before the show, “Moving On” is available to stream on Spotify and buy on iTunes.