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November 1, 2012

Copywrite: Exclusive lyricism at its best [Interview]

Shireen from Flavour talks hip hop with Ohio’s Copywrite, an rapper who has brought together artists from the UK and US for his brand new album ‘God Save The King’  (Proper English Version)’, released 13th June. We talk about the hip hop scene in Colombus, Ohio, his reputation as a battle MC, and working with the UK’s finest MC’s.

How did your journey as a hip hop MC begin?

I actually started off by accidentally freestyling, spur of the moment in my friend’s basement, while he banged on the table and recorded it into a boom box. This was in 1990/1991 I was about 13/14; people in the neighborhood heard it and told me to keep going. They said it was good which we knew it wasn’t, but at the time and for people that we knew thought it sounded decent.  After that we thought lets try and write something.

Tell me about your early days with Megahertz?

Basically we started in Columbus, Ohio, Megahertz went through a few different phases with different members, but we were just a group of kids who really wanted to make a career out of it and go worldwide with it. We got a good response locally in Ohio and in Columbus, and we hoped the rest of the world would feel the same way the people locally did. We took it a little bit further every year.

You come from Ohio, what is the hip hop scene like out there?

It’s cool you’ve got a lot of people from out here who made a name for themselves. We’ve got Blueprint, Illogic; we have ten worldwide acts from Ohio, Columbus from the same area who just did their own thing on their own merit without help.  It’s quite a hip hop scene out here, the only downfall is we don’t have that many venues to perform at, so most of us go out of state to do our shows. Artistically it’s an incredible place, its birthed a whole lot of great artists and it continues to do so.  There are a lot of people on the come up, new artists that are just getting their names known.

As an MC what do you think is the most important to have; content, delivery, wordplay or flow’?

Flow. You can have the best lyrics in the world, but if you don’t have flow who would want to listen. I’ve heard some MC’s that don’t have the greatest lyrics in the world, but their flow is nice, so they’re listenable. Personally I cant listen to an MC if he doesn’t have timing.

You’ve got a reputation as a battle MC. How do you prepare yourself mentally?

I’ve never really prepared myself; I just go out there. In my earlier days I was just so hungry, and so angry, angry that other people were rapping so good. This was coming from when I was like an arrogant little 19/20 year old, and I would just have an arsenal of my legitimate thoughts. It was already there, these were the thoughts I had trapped in my head, and I was ready to direct them to whoever I thought was in the way or a lesser opponent. I’ve been doing it for so long, but there’s a time and a place for the cockiness and arrogance, which is important to but you learn that along the way. The studio and the stage is the only place for it.

What proportion of your battles is pre prepared and what is off the top of your head on the day?

When I battle it all it is off the top of my head. I wouldn’t go in there with any pre-written or pre-thought out stuff. I would throw all my thoughts in right then and then.

Can you remember a punchline that destroyed your opponent? 

There was a 50 Cent show I did and Jay Z was there, Just Blaze was the judge and there was a kid named Skyscraper and I said, “This aint event fair game, if you’re a skyscraper I’m the Taliban in an airplane.” It was like a crowd of 10,000 they all went crazy.

Which international battlers really stand out to you and why?

There’s a dude names Dirtbag Dan from San Jose, he does a lot of Grind Time battles, I like him because he has a different approach. He has all the basics an MC should have, but he has random stuff and will sometimes come off like a stand up comedian. He’s really good and really funny.

You’ve worked with various UK MC’s in the past. What initially led you to work with MC’s from across the Atlantic?

Early on in my career I got the chance to work with different cats. We went on our first tour in 1998, and Creative from Denmark was one of the first people we worked with. A kid named Formula 1 from Sweden we worked with. I learned early on that everyone has skill. Slick Rick was always one of my favourite MC’s, and to me he’s one of the top MC’s and he hasn’t fallen off. That always blew my mind, and people don’t really stop and think where Slick Rick’s from. As far as me being an Italian, a white dude or whatever, in the same manner I didn’t want people to discriminate against me for being white, I never discriminated against other MC’s for being from different countries. Music’s very transcending and I’ve always seen that.

On your forthcoming album you work with UK MC’s such as Genesis Elijah, Context, SAS, Bigz, Dru Blu and Akala. Why have you continued to develop this relationship with MC’s from the UK?

I think it’s just something different and I feel like with the Internet we have a real bridge. We speak the same language the only thing different is the slang and the accents. This border between us (the US) and the UK is real silly at this point. There’s a lot of politics in music, but I’m just really trying to show people there are a lot of talented people out there, and it doesn’t matter where they’re from. What I like about Context is his flow is real smooth and he has lyrics and he’ll rhyme in particular parts that you don’t expect to hear. Genesis Elijah is real raw and energetic and I always like that. SAS is real street with it. I like the kid Bigz a lot because he has a lot of punchlines and energy and bounces all over the meat. He’s really really dope, I get a really live visual when I hear him. Akala, just forget it that dude’s crazy.

You also feature a lot of US heavyweights. Why the decision to have so many features? 

A lot of people I’m really cool with in the industry, and it was a strategy of mine to get people to pay attention to the MC’s that they may not otherwise pay attention to. I’ve been doing this long enough to know the games that people play. I’m not really into the whole names thing, I base it on talent. I figure if I throw me and Royce and Genesis on a song, people are going to hear it. People are going to listen to it and it might open up their eyes to an artist they otherwise wouldn’t have paid attention to.

Do you think by having such a mixture of UK and US artists that your album becomes fully trans Atlantic or will one side still favor it?

I honestly think it will be trans Atlantic, I think both people will dig it. A lot of people out here really like the song I did with SAS and they’re not pressured into the fact their from the UK, there is no negative feedback. I don’t see how an accent can get in the way of people enjoying the music.

After the album, do you still intend to work with artists from all over the world?

Yes. It’s pretty much an ongoing thing. I get a kick out of putting people onto new artists. My biggest dream would be to do a song with Radiohead.

What is next for Copywrite?

Were working on the Megahertz record with RJD2 and the rest of the group. Our brother passed away from cancer, we’re doing it in honour of him, a tribute to him. We never got the chance to make a proper full length so that what were trying to do.

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October 23, 2012

Liverpool’s Soul: KOF

KOF is the undeniable talent from Liverpool. His smooth, soulful lyrics have caught the attention of DJ’s Trevor Nelson and Ronnie Herel. His gift of being able to write songs, sing, direct and edit his own videos means all his projects are personally looked after by him. Kof’s ‘Alternative Soul’ EP did exceptionally well, with singles ‘’Looking At Me’, Be Like You’ and ‘Child Of The Ghetto’, being playlisted from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Choice FM, BBC Merseyside and more. He is currently working on his debut album telling Shireen from Flavour that features will include Exo, Benny Banks and Ratlin.

You have a very soulful voice with poetic lyrics. Where does this soulful influence come from?

When I first started getting into soul, the first guy I listened to was Musiq Soulchild, and he had that tune ‘Just Friends’. I used to sing that in college all the time or any time I got the chance to sing that would be the song. Then I started listening to artists like Glen Lewis and Erykah Badu and Common, I think that’s probably where my main influences in terms of soul came from.

You’ve worked with Terri Walker on your last EP, and Wiley on your first single, two inspiring people in the music industry. If you could pick anyone to work with next that would compliment your music who would it be?

At the moment I would say MJ Cole. With Terri Walker’s track I really caught the vibe of neo-soul. I think MJ Cole could take it to the next level and give me something a bit more upbeat, but still got that soul element, and I love old school garage as well. I loved what he did with ‘Sincere’, and those kinds of tracks. I think I could vibe on that pretty nicely. I think it could be an amazing summer track that you could have a barbeque to.

London is often hailed as one of the music capitals of the world. Do you think that coming from Liverpool has made your musical journey more challenging than if you were a London native?

I think so, but it has it’s pro’s and con’s too. I lived in London from when I was 6 till 18, so my teenage experiences were here in terms of the music. Coming back to London in terms of how my music sounds, people embrace me more because they see me as being someone who is outside of their remit. Radio stations like 1Xtra have embraced me quite a lot, being that I do represent a different demographic of the UK, whether that be my attitude, my accent, or my style of music. I’m happy that I’m different from the majority of things that are going on in London.

It must be amazing to have your music supported and co-signed by so many industry heavies. Whose approval has really encouraged you the most? What kind of praise have you been receiving?

People like Trevor Nelson and Ronnie Herel. When I was bringing out this new side of music, the soul stuff, they are pioneers who I would be amazed to get played by. Once that happened it was great, then I went and met them at a show. Trevor Nelson said to me “I love it, it’s just good music and just keep doing your thing. Try not to follow to many trends, just do you. That’s what people can relate to and respect”. That was a big thing. With Ronnie Herel we went and did an acoustic cover in his place ‘Brown Sugar’, and from there he wants to work on some music. He played the first Terri Walker tune that I did, and he’s been supporting from then. There the guys I look to for that light to say your doing well.

Although your music loosely falls into an ‘urban’ category, there is a uniqueness and freshness to it that makes it hard to define. What is it about KOF that separates you from the rest?

I think it will always sound cliché, but I am different from everybody else. I think I just try and be as natural as possible, especially with the music that I’m doing at the moment, it’s just straight off the vibe and the feelings that I’m going through with day to day stuff. For instance the track ‘Get Out’, which will probably be my next single, that was one of those situations that I was going through with my ex girlfriend. The first line is ‘Keys on the table, coat on the floor, phone by the bedside, but you don’t live here no more’. As I’m writing these thing I’m looking at them, that reality of what I’m writing is what sets me apart at the moment, people can feel that in my music.

Rapper, singer, songwriter. Where do you feel your talents lie? How would you define yourself?

I don’t know different people tell me different things. My manager might tell me “I think one of your strengths is in you songwriting, you can write for a bunch of different people”, which I’m starting to do. Myself I don’t know, I don’t know where my strengths lie. I think I’m a person who’s just all about the vibes.

Not many people know but your also a budding film director and editor having edited 5 documentaries aired on national TV, and directing and editing 3 music videos. How does this other passion of yours fit in with your music career?

When I started doing it was more of a case of being able to earn money from something other than a 9-5 job that would still allow me to make music. By doing those small documentaries, I then figured out the ways to make music videos. I watched a bunch of stuff on TV, and tried to dissect it, read a few books. Now it’s easier for me writing the music, and then having the vision to be able to go straight and direct the video a week later if I need to. I don’t have to worry about too many different influences changing up the idea or the story it was when I wrote it. People say I’m doing too much and you can’t be jack-of-all-trades. It’s like if I make a song that’s my baby, I don’t want anyone to change it. It’s a gift and a curse.

Your lyrics have been described as ‘conscious,’ what does this mean to you?

Just real, I support the people who are affected by the bullshit that we have in society. I make the music that people like that will hopefully connect with. The people that have issues with poverty, with the general struggle and I’m not one to talk about ‘I’ve got this chain or I’ve got money, or I’m going to this club’. I’ve done that before even myself I know it’s not real.

Your music and lyrics possess great realism. To what extent do you draw upon your own life and past when writing, and how do you think people who have not had similar life experiences will relate to elements of your music?

Everything I write is straight from personal situation whether that be relationships, ‘Need Somebody’, that’s another relationship track. With that realisation of this isn’t really me, I don’t really like making these tunes, and then ‘Be Like You’, came about from that situation. So it’s straight what I’m going through to what I’m putting onto paper. People who don’t relate lyrically I hoping they relate to the production the way I’m trying to merge different styles with the soul music with drum n bass, dubstep the neo-soul. I’m hoping they relate to the music and the vibe that way.

I witnessed one of your live shows, which blew me away. How do you make sure you keep everyone’s attention during live shows?

That’s kind of hard because I’m a little bit shy. Sometime I have a little bit of trouble with that. Having a good band that is of a good standard. I try to play a lot of my shows with different artists, so one time I might do an acoustic with a guy from Liverpool called Phil, or I might do another acoustic set with Dev from Radio 1, or a band from London. I try and switch it up and keep everything a little bit different. I just try and get rid of the nerves and the shyness and just let people enjoy my personality and hope it comes through in my music.

 

You have several forthcoming international releases planned, both in Europe and in Africa, which is notable for an artist in your stage of their career. Why have you aimed your music at a wider audience before solidly conquering the UK market?

The Internet brings all these different places so close together. I think it’s so accessible to be able to release music in separate countries. I got signed by a company who distribute over 9 different territories, so they are set up to do distribution and handle the radio and the marketing over there whilst I’m over here. I don’t have to do much in the sense of going out over there. They want me to reshoot another video for ‘Child Of The Ghetto’, which is more based towards a European market. We shot it in the Caribbean, so I think they want to reshoot it because the Caucasians won’t relate to that struggle of the ghetto in the Caribbean or the black ghetto. They want to tailor it more to the concentration camp situation, where the word ghetto actually comes from.

You’ve started on your debut album, which will be released next year. Can you let us into any secrets about what we can expect from it?

You can expect the same kind of storytelling lyrics wise. The same kind of elements of the conscious artist, but more upbeat tracks. I want to really lift my live shows, because I’ve watched some of the videos back from some of the shows I’ve done, and at the moment I’m lacking the songs that can raise the energy levels when it comes to performing live. My catalogue of the new sounds of music is what I’m lacking so stuff with MJ Cole, Nutty P, and Stinkhabell. Some of the artists I’m looking to work with on the album are Donaeo. It will be the same kind of stuff, but just elevated in terms of production and the artists I’m working with as well. I’ve got some tunes with Ratlin on there, Incisive, Exo, Benny Banks as well. I don’t want to have too many features on the album, more production features.

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October 1, 2012

Dillon Francis [Interview]

Dillon is a young DJ/producer from Los Angeles’, known for being one of the biggest names in Moombahton who has quickly risen to reputable heights in the electronic music world. He is supported and singed to Diplo’s Mad Decent label, and worked with and released an EP on Skrillex’s OWSLA label. Known for his world class remixes as well as his own releases such as ‘Westside’ and ‘Take Me High’ that have been supported by world renowned producer/DJ’s including Sinden and Rusko, it is safe to say will be hearing more from Dillon in the very near future. You can catch him live as he embarks on his debut UK and European headline tour.

 You seem like an interesting character. How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I’m just a guy that makes music and likes to make jokes, that’s it! I’m not a complex human being, but I really do love cats.

How did you get into DJ/producing electronic music?

The first time I ever heard Bloody Beetroots’ ‘Ill to Destroy’ while I was in my friend’s Jeep Cherokee is when I realized I wanted to DJ and produce electronic music. I fell in love with the song and with dance music and knew I wanted to be a part of it.

Are you still into graffiti?

I like looking at it, but I don’t do it anymore.

How would you describe your music to us in the UK?

My music is very bubbly, bouncy and it makes you very happy.

What do all these terms actually mean, Moombahton and Luvstep?

Moombahton is bubbly, bouncy music, and has great Major Lazer tropical vibes. Luvstep is very lovey, happy dubstep. It sounds like you’re going to go on a date, and this it the type of music you would actually be able to play for a girl and have the girl enjoy it instead of thinking it was robot music. It’s very happy.

Your music got heard quite quickly. What do you think it is that makes you different from other producers?

The thing that makes me different from other producers is that I don’t put my pants on like every other producer in the morning!

 What was Diplo’s reaction when he heard your track ‘Masterblaster’, and how did he support you from there onwards?

My old manager sent it to Diplo and then he let me know that Diplo really liked it. After that I reached out to Diplo on twitter and that’s when he told me to go by the studio to hang out.

Your signed to Skrillex’s label and worked with him on your EP? What have you learnt from him?

I’ve learned a lot from Skrillex.  He is a genius when it comes to sound engineering and it’s pretty insane how things naturally come to him and how great he is with music.

You recently remixed Flux Pavillion’s ‘Daydreamer’ featuring Example, what drew you to this record?

Flux is one of my really good friends and he asked me to remix it. I said yes because 1) it’s flux and 2) because it’s a great song! Example is a good friend of mine as well, so doing the remix was a no-brainer.

What is the electro/dubstep scene like in the US, particularly Los Angeles where you’re from?

The electro/dubstep scene in the US is very good and is always evolving.

Where’s your favourite country to play out to apart from the US? Which country really appreciates your sound?

UK and Norway are both my favorite countries so far and I feel like they both really appreciate my sound as well.

Which UK producers are you rating right now?

UK producers I’m into right now are Netsky, Doctor P & Calvin Harris.

What does the future hold for Dillon Francis?

I am working on a bunch of different singles that will be coming out on different labels like Mad Decent, OWSLA and Calvin Harris’ Fly Eye label.

 

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September 17, 2012

Dru Blu [Interview]

Dru Blu formally known as Don Strapzy is the rapper hailing from Lewisham, South London, who has steadily over years been making a name for himself in the UK rap game.  The want to turn his life around is what made him get into music and take it seriously, becoming an inspiration to others. His debut album ‘Fingers Crossed’, is set to be released later this year with features from Young Mad B, King Zion, Professor Green, Davinche and The Thundacatz to name a few. Shireen Fenner talks to Dru Blu about his name, being from South London the message behind certain songs, the UK rap game and more.

Where did the name Dru Blue come from?

My names Andrew and I’m from Lewisham, which is also blue borough. It’s quite simple, that’s it.

Why did you change the name from Don Strapzy to Dru Blu?

I changed my name because it was holding me back, there were to many political problems with that name. I couldn’t get certain shows, and DJ’s weren’t supporting. I just changed it before I got bigger and it became more of a hurdle.

 What was it like growing up in South London?

It’s my home, it was good, it was all right, I’m not going to lie. Of course it was a bit rough at times but that’s what makes me who I am.

 Do you think its influenced you music, life and beliefs today?

Yes of course. Things I’ve seen and things I’ve been through influences me and what I write about. Most of my memories are within South London.

Tell us about your involvement in MC contests around South London.

When I was growing up when I was in school, I used to clash certain people, and go to youth clubs and that all over South London. It was quite competitive, but it was good.

 

 You write some thought provoking songs such as ‘Survive’ and ‘She’s Gone’ so what is the motivation behind them, and are they based on real events?

‘She’s Gone’ was because I lost my niece, my sister’s daughter, which was a very emotional time and I used that to write about it. The verse was about a girlfriend, which was just so more people could relate to it. The tune was dedicated to my sister and daughter. ‘Survive’, was because it was a cold winter and you always see homeless people on the streets, and it made me realise how lucky we are. A lot of us complain about how hard life is sometimes, but were very lucky really. There’s people out there that are struggling much harder than us, so that’s what it really was, ‘Survive’ was for the homeless people and we did it for the charity Broadway, and just gave everything to them.

Thematically what does your music talk about normally?

I’m quite versatile, I talk about a lot of stuff, sometimes banter or it might be more emotional deep stuff, also football people know me for my football I love football. There’s a new dream team coming out soon as well. I prefer to write about more emotional stuff

 What was the first hip hop song you ever listened to?

Ohh flip. Probably Eminem to be honest, Jay Z I can’t really pinpoint it.

 Music means something different to everyone, but what does it mean to you?

It means hopefully the opportunity to get rich. Other than that music is life, everyone listens to music, whether your rich and your famous or your poor and your struggling, you still listen to music. It’s a worldwide language, it doesn’t matter how you’re living your life. Music is very important to me; I would listen to it even if I wasn’t a rapper. It’s a way for me to vent my stresses and express myself.

If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?

I’d be out here, probably have to go and get a job somewhere. I used to do football which I still like, I got my coaching badges so I’m qualified as a football coach, so I’d probably be doing that. I used to do it before music.

 What was your dream as child growing up?

To be a professional footballer

 You’re using your music to try and turn your life around, but why?

I’ll be honest, I was going down bit of a bad road at one stage in my life, when I was in school and just come out of school. A lot of my friends are in jail and some of them are dead, and it’s like music was my chance to change my life around. At one point I couldn’t go to certain areas, there was people that I had issues with over stupid things, and now through music I’ve managed to link up with a lot of people from a lot of different areas. It’s given me a career path, I’m serious about my music, it’s realistic to me. If my music wasn’t going anywhere I’d be the first person to say it’s not working and go and get a job. It gives me something to focus on and concentrate on, and get away from the roads. Instead of sitting on the block and doing nothing, I’m here doing a video shoot.

 Do you class yourself as a role model?

It would be nice to be looked upon as a role model, but that’s a lot of responsibility, I wouldn’t describe myself as a role model, everyone is human and can make mistakes. It would be nice to influence young children and other people for positive reasons. I want to be rich, I don’t know if I want to be a role model. It’s a lot of responsibility, when your out there you have a responsibility to your listeners to act in a certain way.

 If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Jennifer Lopez or Alicia Keys, nah I’m joking. Musically Adele or Jay Z as a rapper or Eminem, other than that Coldplay. I’ve worked with the majority of UK rappers. I rate Exo from USG I like the way he moves and his music.

 How do you see the UK rap scene progressing?

It seems very healthy at the moment and it’s progressing well. It’s in a good state, and its important to artists like myself to cross over soon. It’s very congested at the same time, you have to look at yourself and separate yourself. People from overseas are watching us.

 Who would you predict as the artists that will crossover?

K Koke is signed to Roc Nation and has got a big buzz. Benny Banks is doing well; his last single did really well. Cashtastic. There is a handful of artists who I think are on the fence, and this is a very important year and will show who’s ready.

What can we expect from you next?

This is an exclusive for you lot. I got one single “Living The Dream’, which is releasing in Australia. Warner Australia wanted it. I got my ‘Let Me Loose’, single dropping in June, I shot the video the other day so that will be out on TV in a couple of weeks. My next single is featuring Professor Green, I don’t know when that will be, but there’s loads of stuff coming. Just keeping busy, my name will be popping off anyone who wants to know about my name change just YouTube Dru Blue vs Don Strapzy to find out why.

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August 1, 2012

Can Wiz Khalifa smoke Snoop Dogg under the table? [Interview]

I interviewed US rapper Wiz Khalifa here what he has to say about Snoop Dogg, his new movie, tattoo’s and his beautiful fiance Amber Rose and also tells us his firsts and lasts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o15so3qUuDs&feature=plcp

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August 1, 2012

Introducing Luminites [Interview]

Luminites are a mixed group of males and females, aged between 17-22 from different parts of London. They were put together as a band, when Ben was discovered beatboxing on the streets of London by their now band management, and the rest is history. The band have been together for a few years now, working on building a fanbase by continuing to busk on the streets, and performing on school and club tours. I went down to meet them for dinner in Shoreditch to get to know them better and watch them perform live at an event. Afterwards I talked to them about how they met, how the band work together, their friendship and most importantly their music.

Firstly tell me the story behind Luminites, how did you guys get together?

JJ: The guys who are managing us they spotted Ben and were blown away by his beatboxing talent. They had a chat with Ben to see how they could channel his talent, and they had a few ideas. One of them, which they ended up going with, was Ben helping with finding a group of people to put together. I know Anthony (one of their managers) because my school is right next to his office, and I heard him speaking to one of my friends about music, and it was something I wanted to get involved in. They found us all in different ways, I sang in front of Anthony in his office.

Ella: I was at a small showcase night at a jazz café and they found me there.

Corey: I put loads of stuff on YouTube, and the managers spotted me whilst flicking through there.

Steph: I went along to a rehearsal with my friend to show my support. Anthony asked me to sing and I was like no because I’ve never sung before, and it just went from there really.

JJ: It wasn’t 100% that it was going to go that way, we work shopped some ideas, and we all loved each others sound, so we thought lets go for it, lets get the band together.

Did you gel straight away?

Ben: It was weird because usually when you put a group of such different people together usually there’s always a clash, even families everyone argues. We’ve all got along very well for some reason. I think that’s why we’ve stayed together and things are going well.

Ella: It’s a good thing we’re all different.

JJ: There was no gelling process. The second that we met each other we all had something in common, and the conversation got rolling straight away. It was really nice.

Ben: Where we all have different inspirations, we all have our own input. Imagine five people wanting to put into 1 idea; we all have to come to some agreement.

Ella: We know each other better now, so we know what works.

What do you all do to kick back and relax together?

JJ: We chill with each other, we like to have a laugh and we skateboard a lot. Were all really into skateboarding. The girls are all really good at it (laughs).

Explain your roles to me.

JJ: I play the keyboard and I’m also a vocalist.

Ben: I beatbox and rap, I’m like our drum kit.

Ella: I’m a vocalist

Steph: I’m a vocalist as well

Corey: I play guitar and rap, and I try to do a little bit of beatboxing.

How would you describe your sound?

Ben: (sings) ahhhhhhhhh

JJ: When it comes to our live performances we like really stripped back music. We use our keys, we use an acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, and that’s one of main aspects.

Ella: It’s a bit edgy.

Ben: I’ve not seen many groups that have a beatboxer, that’s what makes us different.

JJ: It’s a unique element what Ben brings to the band, his percussion sounds aren’t meant to replicate that much of a proper drum kit. He’s got sound effects, synthy sounds and scratchy sounds.

Your initial performances was busking at London’s main tourist attractions, how did people react to you?

Ella: They gave us really good support. Considering nobody has to stop and they do, were proper grateful.

How different is street performing to club and school tour performances?

Ben: Clubs we use more backing tracks, schools we usually strip it back and it’s calmer.

Ella: They’re both wicked but in totally different ways. Schools are wicked because the kids are buzzing, they’ve come out of class, and they’ve seen a new band. With kids they love the latest things, they like to know something before everyone else, if some thinks in fashion next week, then they want one today. That’s what we love about them, they give us great support.

JJ: It’s nice because school kids don’t tend to see live bands. They enjoy it when they see a band come in and play.

Ben: They follow us on Facebook the school kids.

Any funny stories from your street performances?

Corey: We were doing a gig in Trafalgar Square, and this, guy he must have been about 50, he was obviously drunk because he was all over the place. He came and stood next to me, we were in the middle of a song, and he rocked along to it in front of everyone that was watching. Then he thought it would be funny to try and play my guitar while I was playing it. That was really weird.

JJ: We had another one outside Covent Garden, it was right outside the tube station and it was immediately after work, and there were loads of office guys drinking and stuff. It was really good; they appeared to be really enjoying themselves. Then we had to police officer’s come up to us and stop us. They got a bit ratty with us. Ben asked the crowd “Do you want us to stop?” Everyone was like “no no.” These police officers weren’t happy about it at all and pulled us to the side and said, “if your going to be like this we will arrest you.”

Ben: Westminster council has always been my biggest problem when it comes to busking. Everytime they come up there’s 2 of them and there was this one woman who came along and she had these pigtails and tried to stop our show, but we didn’t pay much attention.

Steph: There were so many people on our side booing her.

You recently started to write and record material, how does this work, as there are 5 of you?

JJ: We all have different ideas. We sit down and write some pieces and share our ideas, some are better than others, and my ones are usually the worst ones. We come to an agreement and we structure it like that, so it all fits and ties in together nicely.

Ben: If we’re doing a cover for an example, I’ll go home and learn the beats, Corey will go and learn the melody with his guitar, and the other 3 guys will learn the harmonies and the lyrics, then we come together and make our own arrangements.

Ella: Sometimes we make stuff up as we’re going, and we’re like ah that sounds good, we’ll put that in.

Ben: Even tracks that we’ve got finished we always have this thing were its not finished till it’s finished. Were still working on tracks that we think we’d finished a few months back.

JJ: You just think there are always things that need improving.

Is there a leader of the group?

All answer: No

Ella: There are 5 big personalities in one band

Ben: No-one’s the leader.

JJ: Everyone’s on a par with each other.

You have done a few cover tracks including Rihanna’s ‘Talk That Talk’ and Katy Perry’s ‘Part of Me’, how do you decide what tracks to cover?

JJ: We like ones that are relatively new. We do up-tempo’s, mid and some slow ones. It’s what we like the most, we all go home and research tracks, and when we come back we all chip in. If we’re all feeling it, we’ll say yes lets arrange it, and record it and stick it up on the Internet.

Ben: We all listen to different types of music. I might come in and say I like this hip hop track, Corey might say I like this rock track and the girls might like a Beyoncé track.

Individually what do you all listen to?

Corey: I like reggae, hip hop and rock

JJ: I like hip hop and stuff like Chris Brown, Eminem and Ed Sheeran.

Ben: I listen to mainly hip hop, some dubstep and drum n bass for beats, just whatever I can beatbox, dance and rap to.

Ella: I like something for absolutely everything. There’s not a genre of music where I can’t take at least one song.

Steph: I like bashment and D’banj and Leanne Rhymes and people like that.

Tell us about your recent track ‘Gotta Get Into It.’

Corey: It’s about chatting up a girl. It gives the listener both points of view. The woman whose getting chatted up, and the guy who’s chatting the woman up. The guys rap what the dude would feel in the situation.

Ben: The girls are saying you got to try harder, I’ve heard all this stuff before and it’s just not going to work for me.

JJ: Because we’re a mixed band we thought it would be cool to do the two point of view thing. There are so many boy bands and girl bands, but there’s not many mixed. Where the boys are quite cheeky we thought that concept would work, and the girls are like nah I’m not having it.

Ella: That’s what we’re like as well.

Ben: It’s a real reflection of us in a way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eguiddaFH28

What does the future hold for Luminites?

Ella: Just gigging really.

JJ: We don’t get anymore of a buzz than we do when we’re out performing, on the stage live.

Ben: That was my thing about busking you can set up anywhere and you don’t know what’s going to happen, you could get a crowd of 200-300 people. You’ve stopped a big crowd of people without telling them to stop. For them to stop enjoy it and clap it makes you feel good.

JJ: We don’t do things in half, we put everything into it, so in 5 years time if we could be at the 02, which would be amazing. We’ve just got to keep working hard and see where it takes us.

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July 19, 2012

Saxophonist Yolanda Brown on her new album

Meet Yolanda Brown a talented, intelligent woman who as a self taught saxophone player is now one of the UK’s best. She has had many great achievements including two MOBO Awards for ‘best jazz’, being invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, playing for the Russian president and the Jamaican Prime Minister, being listed in the Evening Standard as one of the top 30 black students in the UK and being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the University of East London. Now she has released her debut album independently ‘April Showers, May Flowers,’ and for the first time shows off her vocal skills on it .

You taught yourself how to play the saxophone at the age of 13. Why did you make this decision instead of having lessons?

I had played a range of instruments before the saxophone and so had a background of theory and reading music. The saxophone was the first instrument that I felt I wanted to make music on instead of playing what others had composed. Teaching myself the instrument and how to improvise came naturally and I enjoyed exploring for myself.

You have played many other musical instruments before the Saxophone. Do you still play anything else now, and what else would you like to take up?

I grew up playing the piano, drums and violin before the saxophone. I still play the piano now and have always wanted to play the guitar. I was given one for Christmas last year and I am enjoying finding chords and melodies.

Why did you decide to complete two masters degree in operations management even though you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I didn’t know that I would have a career in music until I was 2 years into studying my PhD in Management Science. I had already completed a Masters in Management Science and a Masters in Methods of Social Research and was well into my PhD research when I joined a band for the summer holidays (as some students do!) and by the end of the summer I was performing solo at shows and recording my own music. Solo concerts and the MOBO awards followed and I was still studying, it was only then that I realised that a music career was budding.

You’ve performed in front of Russia’s president and Jamaica’s Prime Minister.  Which one was more nerve racking, and which president or Prime Minister would you like to play for now?

For me, music and performance is like conversation and so I don’t find being on stage or playing my saxophone nerve racking. Both of these occasions were memorable because of the people and where I played, the Hermitage in Russia was beautiful and being accompanied by Russian Folk instruments was great. In Jamaica, Port Antonio by the sea! It is a true honor to be able to play for such dignitaries and I would love to add Barak Obama to that list!

You have also met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. What was meeting them like, and what did you talk about?

To be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace on the merit of the work that I love to do was overwhelming. It was a true pleasure to meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, as well as their staff and associates and be able to talk about my music, journey and future plans.

You’ve had some great achievements one of them being listed in the Evening Standard as one of the top 30 black students in the UK by Gordon Brown. How did you feel?

It always amazes me that you can be recognized for something that you are doing naturally in your everyday walk of life! As I said, I love to research and so was doing what I was passionate about and then found that this was something to be celebrated! It is strange because there is so much more that I plan and want to do. I’m not there yet, but it is reassuring and motivating to have these achievements and be recognised along the way… it gives me a push to do more and better!

What is your personal biggest achievement to date?

My personal biggest career achievement so far would be independently releasing my debut album. I have been humbled and excited by the tours and awards but being able to release my music and be accessible to people that want to hear my music is something I am very proud of.

You have always been an independent artist with many record labels approaching you. When do you think the time will be right for you to sign a deal? 

When the deal is right! As an independent artist you have to work very hard to make an impact but you also have control of your brand and how it is looked after, the balance if very important to me.

How do you feel you have taken and developed jazz music to a new and exciting level?

I don’t think that I can take credit for developing jazz music, although I do enjoy doing things a bit different. As I have been touring, holding workshops and meeting people who enjoy my music I think the main thing is about feeling what you play -being able to improvise and make the listener feel something. Also, having grown up with such a range of musical genres being played at home, I like to mix these influences into my music. Hearing Jazz alongside Reggae, Classical, Gospel, Soul, Hip Hop, etc makes it music that all can tap into and enjoy.

What is your debut album ‘April Showers, May Flowers,’ about, what is the story behind it?

April Showers May Flowers is a story of overcoming the odds. The April Showers illustrate the trials that we all have to overcome in life, hard times that take that extra push to get through. When we get through, the May Flowers come; The silver lining, blessings, good times that we can celebrate. This is something that young and old can identify with.

How has your sound developed since your two EP’s?

I think the main development is maturity. When creating original songs on my EPs they were based in improvisation in the studio – the band would play and I would improvise the saxophone lines while recording. With my debut album there was a longer writing process involved where the songs could breathe a little and notes or sections could be changed to make the finished song. This was a new experience for me and a great process to experience, as well with using the spontaneous element of recording also.

You sing and play the piano on your new album. Why the decision to have two vocal tracks and how do you feel letting people hear your singing voice?

When writing melodies and improvising I use words in order to get the emotion across. Usually these words are in my head as I play, but when writing the album I had written them down. It got to a point where I had lyrics written for saxophone melodies and so I decided to vocalise them for this project to get the point across quicker. It was my first time singing and developing my voice as an instrument with vocal coaches. It is new and exciting and I look forward to growing with it even more in the future!

You have the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing with you on your UK tour. What made you decide to have such a prestigious Orchestra perform alongside you?

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra accompanied me for the first two dates of my album tour to launch my debut album. They were two fantastic concerts at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo along with my full band and backing vocals. On the Album, April Showers May Flowers, I have strings and orchestral arrangements and so it seemed only right that the first time this new music was to be played live in concert it would be with an orchestra! The RPCO were wonderful and it was an overwhelming experience to hear and play my music alongside a 25-piece orchestra. It was also a great buzz to have them play the range of genres I love, including Reggae on TokYo Sunset!

You say you plan to do this with similar orchestras right across the world. Where would you tour next and why?

There are Philharmonic Orchestras all over the world and I would love to take this concert all around the globe. My next stops would be Japan, Australia and USA – I love their appreciation for new music and can’t wait to share my music with different cultures and people.

YolanDa Brown’s debut album April Showers, May Flowers is out now on Black Grape Records. For info on her UK tour visit www.YolandaBrown.co.uk

Interview by Shireen Fenner

 

 

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July 11, 2012

Speech Debelle

Speech Debelle is back with new album Freedom Of Speech, an engaging journey through her life, full of energy and attitude, following her debut album Speech Therapy, which won her the acclaimed Mercury Music Prize 2009.

Her soulful, raw and organic music speaks on personal, social and spiritual issues.The 28-year-old from south London is wise and this shines through. She wants her voice to be heard, not only as an artist but as a representative for her peers, and has visited Number 10 and Parliament to promote opportunity and equality. Flavour gets the lowdown on Speech Debelle, her voice and speaking out…

For the people who may have forgotten about you, tell us who Speech Debelle is?
I am a rapper, that’s who I am. I’m a Piscean, I’m 28 and I’m a chef. I make music with organic sounds, with bass and trumpets and strings.

You won your Mercury Prize in 2009. What’s been going on since?
I’ve been touring and making the second album. I took a little bit of a break, went on holiday, chilled a bit and ate some seafood on the beach. I basically went from my day job to TV, then TV to touring.

You have been involved with some social and political issues over the past years. Why is it important for you to become involved and speak out on certain issues?
It’s important for exactly the same reason that people go to the hairdressers or barber shop. It’s exactly the same, except I’m doing it mainstream, as opposed to doing it in the hairdressers on a Saturday afternoon. I think it’s part of my culture to talk about the society in which I live and to voice my opinion, and to expect to be heard.

Some of your work has been quite personal and political, who do you think listens to your songs?
People that like emotive music. There are young people, there are older people that just like organic music.

You write your music in hindsight rather than at the time of an event. Why do you feel it’s important to write afterwards and not while a situation is happening, when your emotions can be at their rawest?
It’s not that I feel it’s important to write afterwards, it’s just the way it happens for me. In terms of emotional or emotive songs, I’m not able to write about them in the moment – it’s probably because I can’t make sense of it in the moment. I think you need to have time to analyse. If I’d just broken up with someone I wouldn’t go to the studio and be like, let’s go do a song.

Why the title Freedom Of Speech, what is the message behind it?
I wanted to carry on having ‘Speech’ in the titles. I want to do a trilogy of ‘Speech’ titles. Freedom of Speech is after vulnerability comes freedom.

The stories on your first album were so personal, so what will you be talking about on the new one?
There’s always going to be personal songs, always. I always write about things that affect me.

How do you feel about letting the world into your life through music, which you describe as your diary?
It’s not something I question; it’s just something I do. Sometimes there is a reason without explanation, you just go with it.

The track ‘Blaze Up a Fire’ talks about spiritual revolution, which you leaked after the riots. Why?
It’s metaphorically speaking, in the same way you have a fire inside and you have the same belief to do things inside yourself. That’s what the song is about, spiritual awakening.

Favourite track on the album?
‘Sun Dog’ is my favourite because it speaks to everyone, and it’s the footstep into the next one.

Have you matured as an artist?
I’ve got into this album knowing how to form songs more constructively. I thought about choruses more. The first time I didn’t really know about how songs were structured.

After the album release, what can we expect from Speech Debelle?
After the album, we’re going to be touring again. There’s definitely going to be more music, I’m not going to stop doing that.

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July 9, 2012

BET Awards 2012 Red Carpet

We flew all the way from London to LA to bring you exclusive coverage of the 2012 BET Awards. We bring you up close and personal with the guests that attended the Awards with exclusive footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGiCqs8JUo&feature=youtu.be

 

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July 6, 2012

Mikey J | Interview

Mikey J is not just a producer, although some know him best for the work he has done with Kano; producing London Town, Home Sweet Home and Not For The A List and the newly released EP Random Antics. What some might not know is that he is also a classically trained singer, with his voice being featured in many songs. Not stopping there, he has also been heavily involved in the dance world, starting up Boy Blue Entertainment with a friend, and winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Pied Piper. There is more to this man than meets the eye.

How did you get into producing and was there anyone in particular who influenced you?

I think it was an amalgamation of my love for music overall, experimenting and putting music together. Music and production back then was more analogue, I got into it when I was 14. No one in specific got me into production, it was the creation of music which got me. I was in a studio and saw guys making music, and I just thought I want to do production.

How do you start making a tune? Do you make the beat first or the bassline, or do you get inspired by a sample, talk me through the process.

It depends really. Of late I’ve just been playing with ideas and sounds and putting them together. You could hear a sample and just be like yea bam. The Kano track Layer Cake, well I was watching the film Layer Cake, the Michael Gambon speech and I thought this talks about what I’m going through at this point in time, I’m going to make a track inspired by this. Or it could be you get a job and it’s the artist that inspires you. Now I’ve got The Maschine, I just have more fun with my music. It’s the No1 source where I begin my material now.

What programs do you use to make your beats and why?

The Maschine which has it’s own software attached to the hardware. I use Logic Pro mainly to make my tracks or loops into full songs. I use samples from all kinds of digital software out there.

Your work had been very varied from dance theatres and shows to production and engineering. How do you juggle so many different things at once, and which one do you want to pursue the most?

It’s pretty hard, I don’t have much of a life. I just like to put my head down and work. I don’t get to see everyone often, but my friends and my family are very understanding they know it’s a part of me. No one nags me saying where are you, they are very supportive. I don’t get much time; my weekends are usually spent in the studio. I get down time every now and again. Juggling everything is exactly what I do, but it can be tough. It’s allowed me to do so many different things, produce music for films, TV, shows and theatre. As long as I’m doing music I’m fine.

 Do you feel that by taking the hip hop dance scene to a wider audience in the theatre that it’s helped it to become more understood and mainstream?

Yes defiantly. Flawless are doing their thing now they did the Chase the Dream tour. Zoo Nation has got a piece called Some Like It Hip Hop. Now we’re starting to see that hip hop is more viable, people are understanding it more. It’s getting more prestige in the dance world, you don’t have to go and see Swan Lake. When you see hip hop dance it’s really exciting, that’s what makes people come.

 You’ve been working with Kano for a long time now including the albums Home Sweet Home and London Town. Why did you feel it was the right time to bring something out together again?

We did a track that was a personal for him for one of his friends. It had been a while, he was doing his thing, and I’ve been doing my thing. I just had a jam with him after we made the track for his friend and I said, ‘we should just do something.’ So he said ‘OK cool.’ He came over that Sunday, and literally I just made a couple of beats, and it just ended up being Random Antics. He was leaving and said this tracks cool I’m going to go now, I said I got one more, and he stayed and we did another. Random Antics is the perfect way to describe the project, it just happened randomly.

 Have you got any exciting projects coming up that we should know about?

We got a new show with Boy Blue. We’ve got a new show up in Ipswich were doing for 2 weeks, up at DanceEast. I’m making all the music for that, so I’m going to be working on that for the next few months. I’ve done a track with Chronz from RD, that’s come out sounding nice. I’m working with quite a few artists, so you will be hearing them soon

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