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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: Osunlade (Email)Osunlade is a highly respected creative soul, who lives his art. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Osunlade is also a global man. Who not only enjoys the comfort of home but the beauty of the world. Here, Osunlade insightfully replies to some rather personal questions.01. Matthew - How much does creativity mean to you?. Osunlade - Art and life are the same for me, as a creative person I create what I live, its not the other way around for me. Some make music to create life; on the other hand, the music is the expression and mirror of the life I live.02. Matthew - When did you start playing an instrument?. Osunlade - At age seven, I knew I wanted to be a musician and started playing piano.03. Matthew - How would you describe your personality?. Osunlade - I'm a very personal man, I'm an introvert, I don't live a rock star life style, and my life is very quiet and spent just cooking and relaxing at home. I don't enjoy the company of people much, I like to be alone, I'm a natural chameleon, I adapt to any surroundings and/or situation. I love to watch people and analyze things and people.04. Matthew - Which musical genres to you enjoy listening to?. Osunlade - Jazz or any folklore music is what I hear most. People are surprised when they find that I don't listen to dance music at all, outside of what I create and what I spin at clubs.05. Matthew - How many instruments can you play?. Osunlade - Well, that's an interesting question, for me, everything is an instrument, it all has sound. So in my eyes, I play every instrument, or at least I can create sound from anything. I think that's the beauty of music, its not only about talent, it’s about perspective and the knowledge of how to create something from nothing and visa versa.06. Matthew - When did you become introduced to music and discover your talents?. Osunlade - Twelve years old was when I wrote what Id consider my first song, nothing more. It was during the assembling of the first band I was a part of; it was just a moment that I found my personal interest and sound palette (at least at that age).07. Matthew - And what aspects of making music do you enjoy the most?. Osunlade - The fact that when you create, you have healing powers and if others energies are open to connect with you, you can change many things". However, Osunlade started out in a local band, he says, "We did cover music, as most bands start out performing, a lot of funk, some rock, and pop, but mostly radio tunes etc. We never released any original material.08. Matthew - What musical experience did you first gain when growing up?. Osunlade - They all have. I don't have a favorite of anything in life. It's all apart of the big picture and evolution, without one, the other would not have happened or given time, the perspective it took to join forces and create further.09. Matthew - Which record that you have created do you enjoy the most?. Osunlade - My up bringing was pretty much the same as my life now, and I've always been an introvert, always alone, not many friends outside of music. School was difficult as I was not your average guy, by looks or attitude, I've always been a bit eccentric, and pushed boundaries with what people and society says is rule. I was president of the high school band but other than that, I was simply an outcast of sorts.10. Matthew - How was your up bringing/childhood?. Osunlade - It was a decision made from many years about speaking of an album for BBE, although, 'Aquarian Moon', wasn't made with any label in mind per say, it just happened and I thought BBE would be a good home for it.12. Matthew - What is it about life that inspires you the most/or to make music?. Osunlade - Again, music happens as my life dictates it, I don't decide to make a song, if I'm inspired by something or someone, then I get a feeling to say something or a sound in my head, or a title based upon an experience or conversation etc. It's as simple as that. I don't plan music, just as I don't plan life, its not honest for me if it's done that way. Life is about expression, about vulnerabilities, disappointments, love, joy, and all that. You cant create purely from the soul, if you dictate how, when and what you will create if you don't allow yourself those moments to be real.13. Matthew - What can we expect from Osunlade in 2007 and beyond?. Osunlade - The best thing I can say for 2007 is that Yoruba Records will become stronger, as for Osunlade, who knows. I change with the wind, the most creative projects have been them all, from the simplest to the most complex, they all allow me the models to grow, and so I don't look at one thing more revered than another. It's not how I see or hear music.14. Matthew - Where are your favorite places to travel?. Osunlade- Greece and Turkey are my favorite places. I am definitely one of those people that are affected by the environment and surroundings. I'm very moody and simple things change my state instantly. It doesn't take flashy things to excite me, only natural and spontaneous things.15. Matthew - If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing for a profession instead?. Osunlade - I would have been a doctor, a brain surgeon or some medical specialist.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved
Interview: Keite Young (Phone)
The latest Hidden Beach Recording artist to date is Keite Young. And as we await his debut album, 'The Rise & Fall Of Keite Young' to soon be dropping this year, here he speaks of his life until this positive turning point. To personal matters, allowing the reader, to get to know who Keite Young is. 01. Matthew - Hi Keite, how are you and your music doing?. Keite Young – Things are going good! I think I’m about to plan to play more often live, and that always makes me happy. I am actually looking forward to playing festivals and such in the UK, and some parts of Europe, Japan and Africa. Performing is really the high light of my whole music experience.02. Matthew – So you enjoy performing the most?. Keite Young – Yes.03. Matthew – What is it about performing that you like? Which aspects?. Keite Young – Just the intimacy and the energy, the exchange between the crowd, the band, and myself. So, I just think it's that real kind of energy of what music does to us all, you know? We can all listen to the radio and your hearing like a second hand experience but when your right there in front of the audience, its just really intimate and that’s what I enjoy the most.04. Matthew – You’re getting ready to release your debut album, ‘The Rise & Fall Of Keite Young’. Please talk to me about the experience of the creative part?. Keite Young – It was like a labour of love. There are songs on there that are like ten years old now but then there are also songs on there that are maybe a bit more recent like two years old. I think it was a chore trying to round out an album, I’ve done so much material and it kind of covers a vast musical spectrum, you know? You can’t really put all of that on one body of work, so I think the biggest challenge was to centralize the idea of what I wanted to say on this particular album.05. Matthew – What is the message in this album?. Keite Young – I try to be in line with the title even though the title didn’t come until the album was put together but I try to reflect the ups and downs. The emotional and mental rollercoaster that we all go through from time to time, you know? Happiness, sadness, the everyday experience of life through music, it’s different for all of us but ultimately I think it’s the same.06. Matthew – Once you have released the record, what can we expect from you?. Keite Young – Once the record is released hopefully I’ll be running around with my head cut off. I’m touring really heavily and playing, and just trying to make one stand at a time, if I can. I’ll really be busy; I’m actually starting to record the second album and/or actually just putting material together for it. I got so many songs but I think some things need to be fresh. So, I’m starting to record that now. Just staying busy, you know? Music is great!07. Matthew – On this record you have done a collaboration with the wonderfully amazing N’Dambi, on a song called ‘If We Were Alone’. How did this happen?. Keite Young – N’Dambi and I have known each other for a while now, and we just have a chemistry. On a writing level, and were really good friends. I really enjoy just singing out or hammering a song with her. I think with some people you have that with and some people you don’t. You have to work at it, but with us it was much more of a natural organic process and we complimented each other as well.07. Matthew - What were you doing with your talents at the beginning?. Keite Young – I’ve always been blessed and extremely fortunate to have great people around me. My parents saw, not only talent but how committed I was in turning it into a lifestyle and a career. So, they supported me 300 percent, in every sense since College, you know? At a young age I found myself skipping class to be in the piano room, writing songs and singing. Shortly there after I went on tour with Kirk Franklin, I’ve always been fortunate to do music in some shape or form, as of yet. To tell you the truth if music was to disappear of the face of the earth I’d have nothing to do.08. Matthew – You did the N’Dambi collaboration for a Steve Harvey project as well. It was released through UK’s very own Expansion Records. How was that for you?. Keite Young – N’Dambi was working with Steve Harvey on her own project, which is going to be released earlier next year and they’ve been working for a little while. We were re-connected through her manager, which is Monica Young. I came out to L.A to hang out and it developed into a working thing, there were some things that I wasn’t satisfied with as far as the direction of how my project was going. Steve Harvey, N’Dambi and I hooked up, and it was a very informal thing at first. We just started turning out songs.09. Matthew - Would you ever do an album with N’Dambi?. Keite Young – Yes but if the conditions and the time was right. I think with that experience it was just completely about timing. It was about everybody going in the same direction, at the same time, at that time. Since then we’ve all had our perspective, things that we’ve been committed to, it would just be a matter of timing.10. Matthew - How was growing up for you?. Keite Young – Well, growing up I listened to a lot of stuff. I listened to Sam Cooke, Al Green, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles, Led Zeplin, Eric Clapton, Cream and Jimmy Hendrix. Those people helped marry my sound, Curtis Mayfield; I can go on and on. Those people drew a road map for me in what I wanted to do and how I wanted to sound. To be honest there aren’t that many contemporary artists that I’d say inspire me. I guess Prince really inspired me, so you could put him in the contemporary. He’s been inspiring me since I was little. It’s hard because the last seven or eight years or so, the music itself for artists, or for me rather, has been a little disappointing. But I’m feeling really hopeful now because you have people like John Legend, who can express themselves through song writing and through playing instruments. I really feel hopeful because there is a new trend for artists, musicians, singer/songwriters, who express themselves in a much more organic way.11. Matthew – There is also an independent wave of artists representing honest soul music, such as Ledisi, Myron, Algebra Blessett, Eric Roberson, Anthony Hamilton, Rachelle Ferrell and more. Would you like to be amongst that crowd?. Keite Young – I think it would be an honour to be mentioned as being apart of the revolution.12. Matthew – Well, you are already signed to Hidden Beach Recordings!. Keite Young – (laughs) yeah. Hidden Beach is the kind of place where, ultimately it has to be about art and about being true to the artist. So, I am very fortunate to have that type of co-operation. In that perspective it’s very very rare, yeah. To answer your question, I’d be honoured to be apart of that movement in music. Hopefully, I’d love to work with all of those people. I think, as a matter of fact, the key is maintaining this little revolution, that we collaborate, we do work together consistently, we show up at each others performances and support one another because that’s really the only way we will bring a new innovated sound, kind of take back what we’ve lost, you know?13. Matthew – How would you describe your personality?. Keite Young – I tend to be extreme, I tend to be really laid back or really really edgy. I don’t like the middlebrow, I’m a very passionate person in everything I do and everything that I feel will be enlightened by that passion. I hate to say it, but I’m either really really sad or extremely happy. So, I think I’m just a very passionate person and it comes across in my music.14. Matthew – Are you more comfortable performing or in the studio?. Keite Young – I think they are two different hats, you know? I think in the studio I tend to be more of a producer and my technical aspects come in to play. Obviously, they have to, to make records. So, its fun but different kinds of fun, but if I had to choose one of them, in what I’d be doing on a regular basis, everyday, I’d probably choose the stage because there’s no other place like the stage. The work has been done when you get there, the rehearsals etc. But when you get on stage all you have to do is just be, you know? And in the studio, you can’t quite do that, being the producer and the artist.15. Matthew – So you produce and song write as well?. Keite Young – Oh yeah! I tend to do them all, for this next album, I want to be more experimental instrumentally but maybe do a couple of songs by myself completely, which I did on this album but I’m starting to pick up the drums, you know? I want to be better, that’s what I want to portray and what I want to give, for the next record.16. Matthew – Lastly, have you thought of a title for this next record?. Keite Young – You know, I’ve been thinking about it and I haven’t thought of a specific title. I’ll let it formulate itself but right now, I think it’s a little too early.17. Matthew – Thank-you Keite Young for this phone interview and also thank-you to Monica Young for helping me set this up.
Words by Matthew Daniel
© 2007 Feel The Soul. All Rights Reserved
Interview: Marlena Shaw (Email)
