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Interview: Eric Roberson (In Person)
Meeting Eric Roberson at Camden's, The Holiday Inn, was more than cool. Yet, with all his independent success and talent recognition, Eric Roberson or commonly known as Erro, showed no signs of ignorance. Instead he was intelligent, graceful, friendly and honest.
01. Matthew – How would you describe your music?
. Eric Roberson - I would describe my music as none compromising in what I feel at that time. Its complete art, meaning: some people may like it, some people may not. I'm satisfied in just giving my all and hopefully finding the people that enjoyed it. I call it 'honest music', and that kind of ranges from, not only the process of how its recorded but also the stories and where they came from, if you were telling me something that might have happened in your life or what you’re going through right now. It may show up on a pad or on a microphone.
02. Matthew - You are going to soon be releasing your new album, ‘Left’, please talk to me about that?
. Eric Roberson - Really, the fact that we have a new album out called 'Left', its still not out yet, but we are finishing it and mixing it, so were almost complete. It’s like my baby baby.
03. Matthew – Is there anything you’d like to accomplish that you didn’t manage to, with your previous releases via ‘Left’?
. Eric Roberson - It’s the record that we want to take to the next level. People kept asking me so many questions. We have so much music; we have our own label (Blue Erro Soul) and everything like that. I had some other songs that I really cared about but didn’t' have a plan on releasing any so it really was an appetizer. It was supposed to be like chicken fingers and spin age, or something like that, something to warm people up for the main course. So we were able to do things that were looked at as, what I'd put on a main album. Especially, the freestyle I did with Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry.
04. Matthew – I love the song you recorded with Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius, ‘N2U’. How was it to collaborate with her?
. Eric Roberson - Oh thank-you. I mean, it was fun; we wanted to show some other sides. I wanted to release some other stuff, 'The Moon’; I recorded when I was nineteen, which was thirteen years ago. I just was really trying' to show people more. Marsha, she's an amazing vocalist, an amazing songwriter and a beautiful person; you know. Very easy, I call her my musical twin, so I'd love to work with her more. It's actually very easy because she challenges me as well as I feel I challenge her but we also love music, so we have a lot of fun. I look forward to building with her, if she so willingly has me.
05. Matthew – Would you ever do an album with Marsha?
. Eric Roberson - Yeah, I think it would be great. I think it will be tricky, because of course she is quite busy and I'm quite busy; so the main thing is if we have the time and dedication to stop and do it, we would but I think she's doing a solo record, with Dr. Dre. So I think it would be something special if we did it and it would be something different as well.
06. Matthew – Do you have any music industry views you’d like to share with me?
. Eric Roberson - Your tape will pop with all the stuff I have to say (laughs) and you know really, I think it's something that is in bad shape right now. The majors, with how nothing is really balanced anymore and everything are based on fitting into certain demographics, a younger demographic. Were neglecting a lot of other music forms.
07. Matthew - Do you think it’s safer to go independent than major?
. Eric Roberson - It's actually quite funny what is happening, because there starving the other people out, so there having to find the meaning of making the music, or having there music. So were at a big crossroads, right now because independently you have more opportunities to do more than you've ever done before. Some people are realizing that the major's are not always the right way to go for everybody. I would never talk somebody out of doing a deal with the majors but I would tell something that, that's not the only way to go. Obviously, I'm not going that way, I'm very content and happy with my life and were my music is at, and how it's rewarding me, I'm a fan of balance that everything musically, should exist but it should all co-exist. Just because one record sells five million, and the other sells five thousand copies, doesn’t mean the other one shouldn't get any attention. Or that it can't sell copies, so that's the interesting part.
08. Matthew – You also did another great collaboration with Raheem DeVaughan, and V, on ‘For Da Love Of Da Game’. Please explain that situation?
. Eric Roberson - The song initially was a DJ Jazzy Jeff record, a rap song. Were just a remix of that version DJ Jazzy Jeff had the idea of having a singing version because it's another part of what we can talk about. At the end of the day I'm still an MC, I may not rhyme but I can sing and rhyme. I rhyme sing. I live my words, you know, words are my life. We love what we do and where addicted to the game of it. It's interesting because we wrote our verse separately, I wasn't in the studio when Raheem DeVaughn and V did their vocals, and I was the last one to get on. I walked in the studio and was like very intimidated. (Laughs), so I was like wow! But you know, there cool. I have known Raheem for a long time and V for even longer. The three-headed duo is what I call it because all two of those guys are extremely talented as well.
09. Matthew – Also, what is the whole ‘Blue Erro Soul’ thing about? Is this your own company?
. Eric Roberson - Yeah, that's the label that we set up to release my own records. We are on albums, and soon a live DVD/CD, called 'Erro Live: Volume DC'. We shot five shows in Washington DC, and put them all together. We have two hours of live footage of the show and like behind the scenes footage. It's the fourth record on 'Blue Erro Soul', and really I'm the genie pig, were in the hopes that in the future we can put out other records, you know, by other artists but right now we have to figure out how to do this independent thing. My father who's now retired heads off all the shipping/distribution. Through the people who buy online or at the stores, Elsa Lathan who you spoke with is my publicist. I also have Andre Walk who helps me with assistance, so it's slowly building, you know, I'm really really proud of what we've accomplished.
10. Matthew – Who were your first musical influences and which musical genres influence you the most?
. Eric Roberson - The funny thing is, is hip hop, soul and R&B almost defined my influence because there is a gospel group named the Commissions, and I think I heard them when I was like thirteen years old and they were a major influence on me but I've been in love with the power of words and what they can do to people. So really, it would be the Commissions, Stevie Wonder, and A Tribe Called Quest. I was born into hip-hop.
11. Matthew – Not George Bush then (laughs)…
. Eric Roberson - Oh no, I wouldn’t say George Bush (laughs). He's probably the least, my parents, the fact that my Father was a music-lover and has put so much love and energy into giving. Then my Mum is the exact same way; she is a person who, with strong conviction, left corporate America to pursue a career in fashion, like thirteen/fifteen years ago. To this day she's done that ever since, and doing quite well. So, it's not a surprise that I would venture off and do music. Ya'nameen? They like go for it! (Laughs), they loved, embraced, and encouraged me to sing when I was broke performing in front of three people, they still loved it and they do right now, instead, I'm performing in front of hundreds of people.
12. Matthew – And which songs do you enjoy singing the most by your favorite artists?
. Eric Roberson - 'Love Isn't Love' by the Commissions. I've sung that song more than I've sung that song more than I've sung any other song in the entire world. I probably sung that song in the show for about ten years, it was my daily ritual, Lather up, and sings 'Love Isn't Love', I like to sing 'Little Boy' by Omar. That song as a man touched me on re-evaluating where I was, what I was doing and how I was thinking about certain things. A lot of times I write a song but I can't take full credit for it because it comes from a high power.
13. Matthew – What do you to that makes you relax or at ease?
. Eric Roberson - I'm a Libra, I believe in balance but I'll say singing and song writing first and foremost. When I was in College I was doing a lot of beats but I also noticed that you become like a, what is it? A jack of all trades but a master of none and I didn't want to become that. At one point I sopped producing and focused on song writing. That was when my song writing flourished, I was always performing, and I’d be in theatre or at church. Performing is like second nature; it's just like apart of my life. I'm just doing my part and the audience is doing there's. It's really like living and breathing. To me, if you prepare what you are performing, you got to share it.
14. Matthew – Have you ever experienced a bad show? And are you satisfied with where your career is at the moment?
. Eric Roberson - I mean, you always have bad shows; there was a point when people didn't know any of the songs. I'm so grateful to what we have achieved and accomplished.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Glenn Lewis (Phone)
Glenn Lewis made a name for himself with his debut album 'World Outside My Window'. Released through major label Epic Records in 2003, now in 2006, with the help of his manager, Glenn Lewis speaks to me. He calls me during a shoot for an Adidas commercial in Canada.
01. Matthew – What was it like working with Andre Harris and Vidal Davis for ‘World Outside My Window’ album?
. Glenn Lewis - We were just really having fun. Working with Andre and Vidal, they were real easy. It was just a lot of jokes and we played a lot of pranks in the studio. Trying to create a really light atmosphere and basically referred back to personal experiences, different thing's, and making it into a song. Often that's what creates the most honest work, talking about life. Stuff that you go through from joy and pain in life.
02. Matthew – What do you get up to outside of music?
. Glenn Lewis - I love playing basketball. Since the hiatus of the album, which is like three or four years ago. I have been taking things in because it was a long road to get to the point of doing my first album. So, it was nice to just fall back a little bit. Enjoying ball, watching ball, hanging out with friends. And in the meantime and between times, staying creative. I guess, accumulating new experiences so that I can pour it into this new project. The most important thing in my life is family. My spirituality and family, they pretty much run parallel to each other. That’s pretty much why I do what I do, for the love of my family. Yeah, I'd probably have to say that those are the two most important elements in my life.
03. Matthew – What was it like co-writing with Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius?
. Glenn Lewis - Oh Marsha? That's my homie! She's like super talented, super easy to work with. She gives her everything in what she does. She's the kind of artist that. When you meet her, you just know. That this is what she's meant to do. She has a lot of love to give, and she puts all of that into her work. She's a true in every sense of the word artist.
04. Matthew – How do you manage to keep in such good shape?
. Glenn Lewis - I eat a lot of bullshit man. I eat dumb stuff, like junk or fast food, stuff like that, you always on the go right? So for me, I'm always running around. I cherish the moments when I could have a good home cooked meal. Usually, I'm eating a lot of fast food. I wouldn't recommend anyone to be on my kind of diet, if your expecting abs or whatever else.
05. Matthew – And what do you think of London? Anything you dislike?
. Glenn Lewis - For starters the women, as much as it is to you, it's not an accent, but I just love how people from London and from the UK, how they speak. It's very eloquent and very proper. I like that. The only bad thing that I can think of is sometimes I go out and we'll go eat. And there's like fried bread or something? That's always weird to me; I'm like fried bread? What the hell? But that's the only thing I don't like.
06. Matthew - Have your family supported you from the beginning in your music career?
. Glenn Lewis - Yes and no, my Mom and my Dad, they both did music before me. So, I guess needless to say the influence was around but they could see the talent in me, so they were supportive from that standpoint. They encourage that. Like my Mom would teach me songs. My Dad would take me to the studio with him to see what the process was like. Funnily enough, I didn't really want to do music until a little later on. Maybe fourteen/fifteen. Then it became discouraging because the music industry was hard. It can be a shitty business. So, they didn't want me to go through some of the thing's they went through.
07. Matthew – What can we expect from Glenn Lewis in 2007 and beyond?
. Glenn Lewis - Well, life for all of us is a process; it's all about growth and experiencing different thing's. I've had a lot of great experiences but also some tough ones. They've all contributed to me, and just being the artist that I am. I'm always looking for new challenges. The expectation is, in a very short space of time. I'm in the process of working on this new classic. Working really hard to put together another classic, you know? It's been a while from the spot light. Right now, the focus is putting together another heater; that people will be able to appreciate.
08. Matthew - Is there any obvious musical change on your latest recording?
. Glenn Lewis - It's going to be a little different but the soulful aspect is me. That's just apart of me regardless but as far as the sound and the musical approach, it's changed a little bit. I've been stretching out and trying different things. It's like variety is the spice of life, I just want to try some different musical approaches. For the most part the essence of what the first album was, you'll still hear on the second one but it's going to have a lot more growth.
09. Matthew – And How about your vocals?
. Glenn Lewis - Vocally I've become a lot stronger in my delivery. I've become a lot better as a vocalist. Even the kinds of things I'd be directly talking about, it's still real life but at the same time it's a lighthearted approach. A lot of the song's that were on the first album, lots of people gave me feedback. That it was very introspective, in the way that it was approached. It was extremely personal and I guess it was like an autobiographical album. This one is still going to have a personal touch but it's more about connecting. The first album was about bringing people into my world. This new album is about connecting and reaching out. Sharing things that I feel that people would be able to relate to. The music will have moments where it will be a bit more aggressive, almost a bit of an R&B touch to it but its still soul.
10. Matthew – What have been the highlights so far in your career?
. Glenn Lewis - The best part of my career is to have the opportunity to be around other phenomenally talented people. I've had the pleasure of meeting people that are tremendous talents. They inspire me in there own way. Now, for them to be appreciating me and I'm there peer? And were able to interact with them on a human level? When I can see the human side of them, and they are able to see me, and were on that level. Some of the things that they might share with me, and that I'm in ways and inspiration to them, it's pretty amazing. I think that's the best part, being able to meet different walks of life. Some that I have deep admiration for and respect what they do, like some of the younger cats that a coming out, that's just probably the best part, just being able to interact with other creative people.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Vikter Duplaix (Phone)
Vikter Duplaix is certainly one of todays most experimental underground artists. In this exclusive interview he speaks from his home in America about the collaborations with Jazzanova to his latest record. Released through UKs BBE Music, 'Bold & Beautiful'.
01. Matthew - Recently we have all been enjoying your latest album, ‘Bold & Beautiful’. What was the creative process like for that record?
. Vikter Duplaix – Oh well, that’s such a broad question. In general? I mean; I was just inspired to make something that was soothing but fun, and also not too sleepy but still very relaxing. So, I just wanted to make a listening experience from beginning to end that was consistent and took you on a bit of a journey. But didn’t really make you too excited or make you too mellow. You know? Just finding a couple of different moods to play with was really the goal.
02. Matthew - How did you go about each song? Were they all personal to you?
. Vikter Duplaix – It’s hard to say because I don’t really have a formula for creating. I just kind of go with the flow, some of them I did with other people and some of them I didn’t. They’re all personal, meaning that they’re all based on a thought or an idea of mine. It’s just expanded upon by either the musicians, what I’m doing or going through. It’s really difficult for me to go back in time to paint a picture of each record. Over all it was just a process of being honest at that moment.
03. Matthew - You’ve been singing for what seems like forever now. When did you get your first big opportunity to show case your vocal skills?
. Vikter Duplaix – Well, I didn’t really set out to be a singer in my career. I was really a DJ/Producer/Songwriter, at first. As I was recording songs for people to sing, the other artists were like, ‘Yeah your kind of cool, you should develop it’. That type of thing, so actually I give the other artists props for recognizing that there was potential in what I was doing. I think the validation from a record I did with the Masters At Work, called ‘The Messengers’. Was the beginning of recognizing that people liked how I sounded and then I continued to explore after that.
04. Matthew - You’ve collaborated with the likes of 4 Hero and Jazzanova. Were they good experiences?
. Vikter Duplaix – Yeah, they were all good because you always learn from something or someone. I’m the type of person anyway, who learns from every experience, from personal experiences like Earth, Wind and Fire to doing things with Jazzanova. At the time they hadn’t really worked with any artist, they were only programmers. I was the first actual artist they produced. So, it was definitely a learning experience for both of us because they were so used to being in front of laptops. I had never really been used to working with people who were exclusive to that. It was like a meaning of the mind, so to speak.
05. Matthew - You’ve done a few impressive songs with Jazzanova. Which stand out or come to mind?
. Vikter Duplaix – Yeah, I did three songs with Jazzanova. I did, ‘Soon’, ‘Last Night’, and ‘Wasted Time’.
06. Matthew - How was the experience with Jazzanova?
. Vikter Duplaix – Oh, it was great. I like them as people, I got a chance to go to Berlin, it was a beautiful experience and they are a great bunch of guys. I really appreciate what they bring to world music culture.
07. Matthew - What is the most important thing for you, in general?
. Vikter Duplaix – (Laughs) you mean, in terms of when I wake up in the morning?
08. Matthew - Yeah, just in general. What keeps you going?
. Vikter Duplaix – I look forward to every single breath until I take my last. That’s my objective in life; enjoy it as I go through it.
09. Matthew - How do you remain balanced or at peace?
. Vikter Duplaix – Well, my lifestyle is very demanding but I do Capoeira, which is weight training and other stuff like that. That is what I do for my physical side. Mentally, I just like to hang out, be normal and go to movies. Not really think about too much or too hard all the time.
10. Matthew - Do you visit London? What do you think about London? And it’s music scene?
. Vikter Duplaix – I love London, minus the fact that the dollar doesn’t really work that well (Laughs). But the music scene is great. It’s not even just the music scene, it’s the over all perspective of art, culture and how they work together. I think England in general is still very appreciative of soulful things.
11. Matthew – What do you do to start your day on a positive note?
. Vikter Duplaix – Well, I wake up, and I slap my face to see if I’m still there. And I sit there for a second and think about what I’m going to do next and then ask the question, what? Because there’s always something different everyday.
12. Matthew - Have you ever wanted to write somebody else’s song?
. Vikter Duplaix – No, never had that sensation.
13. Matthew - Is there anything you’d like to change about the USA music industry?
. Vikter Duplaix – Yeah, I wish there was a radio format or a mainstream radio format that was more exclusive of new things and took more chances. It’s very, very repetitive and that’s very boring and it makes the social culture very boring.
14. Matthew - What do you get inspired by and is there anything in particular?
. Vikter Duplaix – I get inspired by good people and beautiful experiences. I’m just typically paying attention to everything that’s going on around me. I try to be somewhat of a reporter in my music, and I try to sing what I’ve experienced through sound.
15. Matthew – What and who has helped you the most during your musical journey?
. Vikter Duplaix – Oh, I’ve had so many people help me through out the years. Kenny Gamble, King Britt, Jazzanova, 4 Hero, the West London crew, BBE guy’s, so many people. I’ve been very fortunate in lots of ways.
16. Matthew – What can we expect from you in 2007 and beyond, any surprises?
. Vikter Duplaix - It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.
17. Matthew – True. Are there any performances that you’re going to do in London, soon?
. Vikter Duplaix – Well, hopefully I’ll go over there in Spring when I get a lot more work, do a few remixes and keep the ball rolling forward.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Marlena Shaw (Email)
Marlena Shaw is a legendary voice in soul music. From her incredible recordings with Chess Records to her famous summer soul hit, 'California Soul'. Marlena Shaw is ultimately one of the top female vocalists of music.
01. Matthew - Who helped or influenced you to sing or play music?
. Marlena Shaw - My Uncle Jimmy Burgess was jazz trumpet player. My Grandmother and my Uncle basically raised me. He taught me how to structure chords on the piano in order for me to accompany him. For the other stuff, like Gospel music I play by ear and am self-taught or perhaps I should say, I play by ear.
02. Matthew - Please talk about your days with Chess Records?
. Marlena Shaw - My first recordings were done for Cadet Records out of Chicago, Chess Records. While performing at the Chicago Playboy Club, Dick LaPalm signed me. As I recall, we were in a studio in a house, probably like the early Motown. I sang a titled song called 'Show Time' or 'It's Show Time'. The flip side was 'Go Away Little Boy', without the monologue, so it never got up off the ground.
03. Matthew - Have you got any current album projects on the go?
. Marlena Shaw - The latest recording done was for Village Records in Tokyo, on the other hand it was quite slick, many microphones and great instruments, everything state-of-the-art, and high tech. I recorded with my live performance band so it was most comfortable for me. I just wish I had more time to prepare. We recorded while on tour in Japan so all of the songs weren't selected yet.
04. Matthew - Have you ever thought of retirement or are you still addicted to music?
. Marlena Shaw - Matthew, I’m in my sixties and been singing for forty-two years or so. And I'll retire when I no longer get calls for my services. I certainly have cut back on what I can accept these days.
05. Matthew - How did the Nathan Haines collaboration happen, for Chilli Funk Records, ‘Soho Soul’ compilation?
. Marlena Shaw - While on tour in the UK with Nathan Haines as part of my backup band, he made a track called Squire for Hire he asked me to write the words for a monologue to fit the track and that's how I got involved with Lofty at Chilli Funk. I would love to do another project with them. Both Nathan and Lofty are simply the coolest. Nathan suggested me for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, which I toured with in '05. What a kick!
06. Matthew - Have you ever visited London and are you a fan?
. Marlena Shaw - I am quite a fan of London period. From the days of Caraby St. to the funkier atmosphere of Camden and its markets.
07. Matthew - When was your first trip to London?
. Marlena Shaw - As you may or may not know my first time in London was in 1968 with the Count Basie Band so I've worked for Princess Margaret to just regular folks and always have a good time. But no I don’t own any property there. Do you know of a good thing?
08. Matthew - What helps you relax or chill out?
. Marlena Shaw - Many years ago I had to meditate and stretch drink soothing teas, etc. Now, I'm so blessed to wake up in the morning I say thank you Lord and get on up! As far as relaxing, I use to be the very best gardener and avid golfer, too many aches and pains and some days are better than others. Love soap operas and trying to design a new home. Nothing much to talk about there yet, as far as the independents are concerned, they're doing pretty darned good. The big boys are having some problems and we don't chase them.
09. Matthew - What was the best advice you’ve been given?
. Marlena Shaw - The best advice I ever had was from Count Basie, “Whatever music you're singing never place the tempo faster than a heartbeat” Over the years I found that getting the right tempo depends on the feeling.
10. Matthew - And what is your favorite season of the year?
. Marlena Shaw - I love springtime. Seeing all the beginning buds on trees and plants gives me renewed hope in all things being new again.
11. Matthew - Do you still get stage fright or have you over come that now?
. Marlena Shaw - Being in front of large audiences scares me! Usually, for just a little while. Once I begin singing, the fright usually goes away. I do like working with people who have similar fan bases.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Eska Mtungwazi (Email)
With a buzz already forming, Eska Mtungwazi has made the public and music industry gain high anticipation. Here, Eska Mtungwazi still holds it down but at the same time manages to open up and lets us in to understand more of her personality, and future plans.
01. Matthew – Which artists/individuals were your biggest influences?
. Eska Mtungwazi - The biggest were my older sister and little brother, she played Guitar, I never managed to get lessons for that instrument but I strummed chords at home and started song writing.
02. Matthew – What do you think of the commercial music world?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I think MTV Culture is one of the most backward displays of black music. The MOBO's is backward and shameful, sadly, for such a talented people group, it amazes me how we cannot get our act together. In terms of basically celebrating the best of ourselves in a much more constructive way.
03. Matthew – Is there anything that you think should be changed about the commercial music scene?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I'm not saying we should censor MTV. I just wish that an antidote existed, I would like to be involved in that in what ever way possible and feel that I am a part of an alternative on offer. We need to keep working at this movement and are certainly gaining ground with events such as Kindred Spirit, Up Rock at Mau Mau's, a variety of club night's on offer such as Wonderland.
04. Matthew – Which musicians influence you that you know or have worked alongside?
. Eska Mtungwazi - Bassist and composer Anthony Tidd was a huge influence at the start of my professional life as a musician, and so were all the musician's I was involved with in his band, 'Quite Sane' back in the early ninety’s. Eric Appapoulay, Richard Cassell, Robert Mitchell, Marcina Arnold, Jason Yarde and Melissa Beckford. Every single one of them had a great influence on me musically and personally. I am grateful to count them as friends to this day.
05. Matthew – What can we expect from Eska Mtungwazi in 2007 and beyond?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I don't think anyone is expecting what I have in store! In terms of what I want to contribute to the scene in artistic terms; they should expect the high standards that they are used to me delivering. I hope that I exceed them this time and begin to expand on my audience. Stylistically, it has the usual twists and turns, oh and I'm rapping now; just to put a spin on it! Ha!
06. Matthew – What are your current creative projects or plans?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I'm working on new material with Swedish collaborator's Hearin' Aid and Up Hygh. Also collaborating here with producer Leroy Brown (Lizzie's children who are Leroy Brown, Ty and Drew Horley), writing and co-producing with Morgan SpaceK for his latest album out, next Spring. Recording a jazz (acoustic) album plus setting up some very exciting situation's that I can't speak of just yet, aaaargh, sorry!
07. Matthew – You moved from Zimbabwe, your birthplace, to London at age three. Do you have any recollection of that experience?
. Eska Mtungwazi - Matthew, I was two when I came over, not sure how I can answer this question without having hypnotherapy or something like that.
08. Matthew - Are you or have you ventured into the USA music scene? Have they heard the word on Eska Mtungwazi yet?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I have frequented the State's a fair amount over the year's on a music capacity. Most recently spending a month out there this February. I did a few shows out in NYC and Philly, it was cool. I'm still looking for all the hot spot's out there, have not really encountered them but I know they exist for sure. The USA is so big it takes a major mission to really break. I think if anyone is really seeking to do so, they would have to consider spending a very long time making the connections and getting on the right festival circuit. I think this is possible and is certainly what I would like to do as part of my touring plan's next year. I think it is actually a very important market for my music. I have fans out there and the support is continually growing.
08. Matthew – Who were the main artists that inspired you?
. Eska Mtungwazi - Nik Kershaw of late, Neil Finn, really strong lyricist's like that. Joni Mitchell, and my brother 'The Spotlight Kit', he is a singer/songwriter too.
09. Matthew – What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far being that you’re an independent artist?
. Eska Mtungwazi - The biggest hurdle is planning, I am enjoying that process still, it takes time but it is so worth while, having to make that commitment to your idea's on paper is a challenge, which we must all try to face. That has really been influencing my work as of late for sure. My entire family is very musical by this I mean, they can all sing and have a 'great ear' for music. I would consider my parents excellent musicians who just happen to not play instruments other than their voice. They are excellent with harmonies but that seems to be the case with everyone in my extended family, there is a tradition of faith and song on both sides of my family. That is probably true of most of Zimbabwe. Music is a very spiritual thing and not as divorced from every day life as it is in the West. For this reason, it is not considered that big a deal to be able to sing, people use their singing voice's for so many occasions that happen in their lives.
10. Matthew – Have you signed a record deal yet or are you even interested in signing with a label?
. Eska Mtungwazi - I would sign a deal with me, if I was not an artist and was starting a label, yeah, another one of me! Ha! I would love to ask you and the reader's out there what exactly they mean and/or understand about being 'signed'. Forgive me, but most people have no idea what they are talking about when they use this term, it has all manner of daft, unrealistic expectations that is laughable for anyone to consider it as such a good thing for them. Being signed is not my goal, My goal is to make legendary music and aspire to be a legendary artist, whatever vehicles help to move me in that direction, on board MY train, and then I welcome those enquiries. I have never sought out a ‘deal’; I have never approached a label. I have had labels approach me, all manner of people who fancy they being in the 'middle' of my business plans. Most of them are a waste of time, because they want to be simply 'people in the middle' making a bit of change in a situation that could actually slow me down. Finance and Marketing are the biggest hurdles to overcome as an artist.
11. Matthew – What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a successful independent artist?
. Eska Mtungwazi - You need a strong team that understands your vision and works your vision, not go off and find someone with a vision and try and fit yourself into it, that is traditionally what 'signing up or on' is about, that is not for everyone. Things will never change if we are still buying into myths about the recording business, and those of us who support this music need to educate ourselves about the industry in a much deeper way. Then I won't get asked questions like this, the question should have been. Who are you looking for to join your team? And answer's can go to eskaworld@gmail.com. Many thanks Matthew.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Julie Dexter (Phone)
Hard working, talented and inspiring are just a few words to describe Julie Dexter. She made a big move from the UK to Atlanta, USA to help her exceed with her music career. Calling from a park bench, in Atlanta with her new baby daughter sitting on her lap; Julie Dexter reveals all that we are wanting to know and more.
01. Matthew – Are you satisfied where you are as an artist?
. Julie Dexter - I'm satisfied with where I am considering the fact that I'm not a major artist, and I'm not signed to a major label. So, as an independent artist I'm satisfied. I don't think I could have done much better independently on my own, so yeah I'm satisfied.
02. Matthew – Is it difficult for the American’s to figure out where in England you are exactly from?
. Julie Dexter - Its more of a case, of, when they hear my accent, they have to work out where its from; they don’t detect its from Birmingham. The first thing they do is try to work out where it’s from, and the first thing they say is it’s from London because most people take it with a London accent more than a Birmingham accent. I have to explain that I am from Birmingham, which is two hours away from London, we get there eventually. They associate London with Julie Brown, who used to do Soul Train. That’s the things they associate it with; they're not familiar with the black population in Birmingham, I don't think (laughs).
03. Matthew – What was it like meeting all these creative people in Atlanta, GA and collaborating with them on your records?
. Julie Dexter - Well, this time I actually collaborated with another artist from Atlanta, called Michael Johnson. He basically produced all the music, except two songs. Were as on the first three albums (2nd being the ‘Peace Of Mind’ EP); I did all the music myself. I chose the musicians, went into the studio, and recorded it all live. W,ere as this time we used a few live instruments. Basically it was a track that was programmed and then put in a live bass and a nice guitar on but pretty much all of the tracks were programmed with the drums. I just did the melody, the vocals, and then came up with the lyrics. This time it was more of collaboration than apposed to doing all the writing, all the music, and all the producing. It was a little less stressful for me, as I could concentrate on the melody rather than having to writing the music.
04. Matthew – Was it more enjoyable working with Michael Johnson in the studio than doing a live recording where you have to do more work?
. Julie Dexter - It was more enjoyable but, you know what? I did most of the album with the help of a producer. I’m very strong-minded in the idea’s that I want musically. I kind of missed that, but this time I enjoyed putting my focus on the vocal arrangements and the lyrics. It was a bit of a holiday for me, in the sense that I could vacation more; worrying about every single aspect of the record.
05. Matthew – What was the move like from the UK to Atlanta, GA?
. Julie Dexter - Well, actually I went via London, when I was eighteen after I finished my A Levels in Birmingham Joseph Chamberlain College. I moved to London, I went to Middlesex University; did a Degree course in Music Communications, and that’s when I got the bug for singing. I’d been a Classically trained musician up until that point. I played the Clarinet and the Violin, and got the bug for singing from actually going to Middlesex and doing an exchange program, which was actually a semester in America at a place called Radford University. I was doing Classical Clarinet up until that point, and took my first jazz class, in this school in America, and you know? I discovered jazz vocals; I studied jazz vocals and scatting, like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan. I really got into those guys, and messed up all the teachers in school (laughs).I was like, 'Oh, I don’t want to do Classical any more, I want to do jazz vocals!' And they were like OK then, and I ended up doing a major in jazz voice. Met Jason Yard, who’s a phenomenal musician from England’s jazz Warriors. So many different people played with me but we formed a group, that was birthed by Gary Crosby, called the Tomorrow’s Warriors, then we became J Life.
06. Matthew – What were the days like with J Life like?
. Julie Dexter - We toured with J Life, with the British Council, to places like India, Columbia, and Lithuania. We’d been ambassadors for music with jazz, and it was the five of us, and that was were I started, you know? Getting my touring skills together, my musician skills and arrangement skills. I got to tour with Courtney Pine, which was a huge deal for me, that was my first time touring but I went to Japan with him and it was then that I felt like I’d reached my highest potential. The opportunity came to me, to come to the States but it really wasn’t to come and live. I just came to do one live show, and fell in love with Atlanta. It was my first time here, I liked the scene, I liked the vibrancy, I liked the fact that it was Southern, and in the South. I’ve been to New York before, which is very similar to London for me, it’s very busy, very concrete jungle but Atlanta appealed to me because it’s like very green, with a lot of trees. People are polite, and the music scene again, is very vibrant, people like India Arie was on the scene, people like Donnie and Anthony David, you know? I was just drawn to it by curiosity, I’d never actually thought I’d live here, for six years, which is how long I’ve been here. Got myself a student visa, came over, and started my independent career as a solo artist, which I hadn’t actually done before.
07. Matthew – Did you experience any fear while doing the big move from the UK to America?
. Julie Dexter - I've always been in a group, so that’s the path that I took and how I got here, which was by accident, but I believe every thing is in divine order. So, I guess it was planned some how. But oh yeah definitely, but you can’t show fear even if you have it inside, you got to look like your confident, you got to look like you know what your doing. Take one step at a time and take everything as it comes to you. Remember as well, I wasn’t necessarily familiar with the place, but I was familiar with the musicians, and I knew how to interact with musicians and that’s how basically I moved around Atlanta. Getting in with musicians like Kebbi Williams, a phenomenal sax player, to Khari Simmons (Jiva). A bass player I’ve actually done this new project with and you just start meeting new people, and you move around in a musical circle. Instead of moving to a new city, looking for a new job, and looking for a place to live. It was more about rolling with the musicians and I felt comfortable doing that.
08. Matthew – When and where do you perform when you come to London? And do you come back home often?
. Julie Dexter - Pretty much every year I’ve come home and done a gig somewhere. If it hasn’t been at the Jazz Café, its at the Drum in Birmingham. I did Mau Maus last year in West London; you know that one in Portobello Road? I might be doing that again this year because I’m coming home in July. I’ll come home every year and try to do a gig somewhere, just to keep my name out there. I mean, it feels good to be at home for one, and the musicians that I play with are the people that I was inspired by and grew up with musically. I almost want to just get with them any way, to do a show, as it just make sense, you know? And just let people know that I’m still making music. Every time I come I might have a new CD to sell (laughs). Yeah, definitely, every year I try and make a point of doing a show.
09. Matthew - Which artists inspired you growing up?
. Julie Dexter - Bob Marley, and a lot of reggae artists because both my parents are Jamaican, so we have a strong West Indian heritage in the household. A lot of Reggae music was played. People like John Holt, and Desmond Dekker. My brother was playing artists of that time, you know? Artists like Tippa Irie, Deborah Glasgow, and Lovers Rock. Soul people like Michael Jackson, and Kool and The Gang. I listened to a lot of what he was listening to and I’ve developed my own taste to get into jazz and Classical, but it was just something that I was drawn to. It was quite a mixture of Reggae, Soul, and Funk, jazz and later on Classical.
10. Matthew – And is your Mum and family proud of where you are and how much you have achieved?
. Julie Dexter - Oh yeah, my Mum now brags about me and says her daughters in America and she’s doing bla bla bla. It’s definitely a good thing, were she can have a good conversation starter with her friends.
10. Matthew – What are your views on the music industry?
. Julie Dexter - I mean my industry is very different to the reality of the music industry and by that I mean. The reality is having four or five major corporation’s, which is Sony, EMI and I can’t remember the other two. Those are the main controllers. Then you’ve got all the labels underneath the sub labels, and you are kind of caught in a vicious cycle if you’re turned to one of those. It’s all about hit records, what’s hot right now, A&R, publicity and promotion, which is obvious but it’s almost like you've got to look a certain way, have a certain vibe about you, whatever is in right now, and its very much stipulated. Where as the independent ride, and the independent industry is very much reliant on how we feel, how we do it, and how we want. We might not sell millions of records, and we don’t get our name out there in a week, a couple of months or a year to get our buzz out there. But it’s done on our own terms, and I feel more comfortable doing that. I want to do this for the rest of my life, rather than being a one hit wonder, which happens to a lot of people, you know what I mean? It’s not in their control, the industry is almost dog eat dog, it’s about survival, but when you’re independent your surviving on your own terms. And there’s not so much pressure. As long as your making enough money to pay the bills, which is what I’m blessed to be able to do, and you can still be happy. I’d love to be on MTV, and VH1 and stuff, but I don’t make it stop me doing what I want to do, because I haven’t been on those programs.
11. Matthew – What are your current plans?
. Julie Dexter - Well, were going to be promoting this new record called ‘Moon Bossa’ with Khari Simmons, which is a new concept for me. Promoting a style of music as apposed to my own album, which is normally a compilation of songs that I enjoy whatever genre it is, jazz, Reggae or Soul. This is a very specific genre called Bossa Nova, so you’re going to dig it or your not, and if you’re not into Bossa Nova it might not be up your street. I’m looking forward to performing and doing gigs in that style, you know? I’m definitely looking forward to it, Khari he’s a phenomenal bass player and this is his baby, it’s his concept, his idea, and I just happened to be the vocalist that he chose. He could have chosen any body. Any-body could have been chosen to go on this album, so again I’m blessed that I’ve been chosen.
12. Matthew – Could you please talk to us about what life is like for you in Atlanta now?
. Julie Dexter - I’ve just had a baby girl. I’m married in the sense that I’ve found a man who I want to spend the rest of my life with. This is new to me; this whole family thing is new for the both of us. Where just playing happy families, just bringing up my daughter, and exchanging roles in changing dippers/feeding. It’s a new gig for me but it’s the best gig I’ve had. It’s the most rewarding and the most challenging gig for me, and being committed in a relationship, you ?
It has it’s ups and downs, and it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also very rewarding, it also gives me an incentive to keep me doing what I do. I want to keep making music and leave a legacy for my daughter. I obviously want to make money so I can send her to a good school; you know what I’m saying? I have a new inspiration right now, her name is Miama Rayne. She was named after one of my favorite John Coltrane songs; it was probably one of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard. It also means contented, satisfied, and she is really all those things. I know you’ve heard her crying but she’s not always crying (laughs)!
13. Matthew – What do you think of the title, ‘Queen of Soul’, from your UK fans?
. Julie Dexter - I know, that’s a really funny title. I have to keep telling everybody that. Because in my eyes, people like Sade, Mica Paris and Caron Wheeler, there my UK Queen’s of Soul, you know? But I could be somebody’s Queen to, you’ve got many Soul Queens, one minute its Chaka Khan, and the next it’s Mary J Blige. A Queen in your eyes is whom you see as your Queen. I take that title very seriously but at the same time very lightly, in a sense, I got my own Queens, so I’m aspiring to be like those other Queens.
14. Matthew – What is your biggest source of inspiration?
. Julie Dexter - Life, that’s the biggest inspiration of all. Experiences, love, work, and history inspires me a lot too. People who have been apart of history. As a musician, as a leader, people like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So many people, even Trevor McDonald, he used to inspire me because my Mother used to talk about how he was one of the first black faces she saw on T.V. When she came back from Jamaica. I'm sure he got knighted. I think he’s Sir Trevor McDonald, if I’m not wrong, and that says a lot to me. So in my Mums eyes he rose and then became a hero for me. I’ve got more contemporary heroes like Trevor Nelson and Ian Wright. Just basically people who have been successful, and you can see it with your own eyes, and you’ve seen the struggle, where they started from and where they end up.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved.
Interview: Algebra Blessett (In Person)
This beautiful Atlanta, GA native takes time out of her busy schedule, during her first visit to London to do this interview for Feel The Soul. Algebra Blessett confesses her story, her current life situation and everything else in between.
01. Matthew – How did the deal go about with Motown Records?
. Algebra Blessett - Motown Records tried to sign me for about a year but the A&R wouldn’t let me sign unless I spoke to the president of the company, that was Kedar. Finally I signed to Motown, then I left Motown, but me and Kedar have been working together ever since.
02. Matthew – You’ve been touring with Anthony Hamilton over in the USA. How did that go about?
. Algebra Blessett - Anthony Hamilton is great, he’s a fun, and happy person. An agency in America hooked it up and I did a couple of shows with him. I was on Motown then, so they thought it would be a good thing.
03. Matthew – You have a very unique name, does it have any significant meaning?
. Algebra Blessett - Well with my name I got picked on all the time, like I got picked on so bad! So bad! It's my real name; I was named after my Aunt, both of my Aunts, my Mothers sister, and my Fathers sister. Only here in the UK, I found two people with the last name Blessett.
04. Matthew – You have your debut album ‘Purpose’ coming out soon. Please talk to me a bout that?
. Algebra Blessett - I want to put this record out. Tour, promote it, and get more established. Not for fame, I want fame dont get me wrong, but I want to be a vessel in someone’s life. I want to help people so bad because I have so many people around me that suffer from so many different things. It could be death in the family or if its not feeling happy. That kills people slowly and I want to help people. I think love and music really does that and I want to be apart of that. There are a lot of underground artists that are singing honest music and I want to be apart of that movement, to help people. In a few years from now, I want to have an album that people go. Do you remember this song? I want to be a classic; I want to be remembered as somebody that was needed, and that makes people smile. That’s my biggest thing. You know? I want to do moves, and buy big houses that are comfortable for my family, and start a school, definitely. I would love to have my own art school.
05. Matthew - Does Atlanta have a massive Soul music scene?
. Algebra Blessett - Yeah, Atlanta has a big soul scene. I grew up there, my Mother sings Gospel, my great Grandparents; they did albums as well. So, soul music, Gospel music and R&B music, was listened to a lot in my Moms basement, because she’s heavily into music. She plays bass, she’s funky!
06. Matthew – What do you think of London and its rainy weather?
. Algebra Blessett - It's funny but I like the rain. It reminds me of Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s very rainy and dreary but when I flew in a couple of days ago the sun was out. I like London, I haven’t had the change to take it all in but I listened to this radio station and I'm like, what is this? It will go from a very R&B song, to a very eclectic dub song, to alternative, or a pop song. We don't get that in Atlanta, there are specific stations, for rap music, or R&B music.
07. Matthew – Please describe your style and musical direction?
. Algebra Blessett - There’s a passion behind it onto my situation and it allows me to get to know myself through out this entire album. "I want to help people, heal people, I don’t know if you’ve listened to the album? But there’s a track on it called 'U Do It For Me'. That was co-written by a friend of mine, she’s married and we were talking one day. We decided to write about repricosity people. It’s about doing onto others as they do onto you, basically. I want to make you happy because it makes me happy. Its about having somebody in your life and being able to be happy for them as well as being happy for you and I think it helped a lot of people. I had a message on my space and it said, ‘I finally found someone that does it for me’. I was like, ‘oh that’s so good!’
08. Matthew – Do you have an IPod? If yes, what music do you have on it?
. Algebra Blessett - I should have brought it! Regarding her Ipod. “I have a lot of soul, rock, blues, and gospel. I have classical. The only classical music I have is Bach. I'm a big fan of Bach and I have country. I have no Mexican music, I should get that. I don't have any Indian music. I don’t have a lot of world music, and I should! I have no world music!
09. Matthew – When did you start singing and doing music?
. Algebra Blessett - I started singing in sixth grade, and was actually getting paid for it. That is maybe eight or nine years old, and the only reason I did that was to stay after school with my friends. I joined a Gospel choir, I couldn’t play any sports, and I wasn’t a basketball player. When I was younger I wasn’t aloud to wear jeans, only skirts and dresses. It was strict because of the religion that we were in. I did that to stay after school with my friends. I'm glad I did it; I started playing guitar after my first record deal and I was feeling bad, I was just board with music. I was board with a lot of things musically and I had a guitar that my Mother used, so I picked it up one day, it sounded horrible! Real bad! So, what I did was I decorated it, but I was horrible at playing it, but it soon started coming to me.
10. Matthew – Did you take any music lessons or music education courses to help develop your gifts?
. Algebra Blessett - No I didn’t have music lessons, but I want to take lessons and I will because I write songs on these things!
11. Matthew – What do you feel towards the journalists and critics? Do you care about what they say?
. Algerbra Blessett - Do I care? Good question. Yes and no. I know as a human being I can’t please everybody. I do what makes me happy first and if they don’t like it, its like I don’t want to be miserable trying to please everybody. I kind of care because I don’t want to offend anyone, but I do what makes me happy first, its extra humbling for them to enjoy it, and its what I’m here for, to give you me. The critics? I care, but some are just out to get you. They just start talking junk, no research or nothing.
12. Matthew - What one word would you use to describe your personality the best?
. Algebra Blessett - I’m going to tell you this word but your going to have to go look it up, I’m not going to tell you the meaning, my word is Blithe. That’s probably what I’d say, yeah.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved
Interview: Eric Roberson (In Person)
