Archive for ‘Interviews’

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June 25, 2012

MTV The Wrap Up Interview – Sneakbo

Sneakbo is the south London rapper that quickly rose to fame as part of the new wave of rap talent to grace the UK. His sound is so unique that Drake has cited him as his favourite UK rapper, calling him an inspiration for his ‘Take Care’ album. The Wrap Up’s Shireen Fenner talks to him about Drizzy, changing negatives into positives and his new music, which includes a mixtape dropping in August and a 2013 LP…

The Wrap Up: Hey Sneakbo! What have you been up to?

Sneakbo: I’ve just been working hard in the studio; I’m working on new singles. I’ve been doing shows all over the UK… just working hard!

TWU: How did being in prison change your outlook on life and what did it teach you?

Sneakbo: It showed me that the road I was walking down really wasn’t worth it. Now I’ve seen what I can achieve from music, I’d rather stick to it and just stay positive.

TWU: Do you feel that there you may experience setbacks due to your time in prison? 

Sneakbo: Yeah, the police might stop a show if they feel the area isn’t safe. But I’m not really sure if anyone’s trying to bring me down; I haven’t really come across it yet.

TWU: Your musical influences range from afrobeats to rap music. How would you describe it yourself?

Sneakbo: I’d say it is a ‘Jetski Wave’ because I do all kinds of things, that is why I named it that because it’s got its own type of sound. I wouldn’t say [‘The Wave’ track] is afrobeats music; I’d say it’s a dance vibe with a bit of emotion to it as well.

TWU: How’s the Jetski Wave clothing going?

Sneakbo: The clothing’s going well; most of the fans are supporting it. Hopefully I’ll be doing some stuff for girls as well!

TWU: Your own music is very distinct. How do you make sure you remain different?

Sneakbo: I just come with new and different angles all the time; it just comes from my mind when I’m chilling and stuff. I don’t follow the crowd; I just go with whatever I think sounds right and whatever I think is live.

TWU: How does it feel knowing Drake cites you as his favourite rapper and your music was influential on the recording of his second album?

Sneakbo: I was happy because I’m a fan of Drake and everyone I know is a fan of Drake! I’ve been listening to him for at least 3 years, so when he said I influenced him I was overwhelmed. I listened to his album and I heard the track ‘Cameras’ where he actually does use a part of my lyrics. He also said that I influenced his track ‘Take Care’ with Rihanna.

TWU: There are rumours you two will release a track together. Can you tell us anymore on this?

Sneakbo: Yeah… I can’t really say anything about that to be honest! It’s up to everyone to think what they want to.

TWU: What has been the best advice you have received from another artist?

Sneakbo: I haven’t had an artist support me throughout my whole career, but I’ve had chats with people like Chip, D’Banj and Drake. They’ve all told me that if I keep positive, focused and out of trouble then I’ll get far.

TWU: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind ‘Sing For Tomorrow’?

Sneakbo: I was going through some rough times and I just thought about it and wrote down what I was going through. I added a bit about what my friends were going through, because some of them are in a bit of trouble right now. One of my mates died in a car crash too. Essentially, I’m just talking about going from negative to positive.

TWU: How did you and L Marshall get together to collaborate on the track?

Sneakbo: When I was looking at singers for the track, I was listening to different songs and I came across L Marshall’s mixtape. I liked one of his songs on there so I showed my manager and he hooked it up. We both went into the studio and we just connected; he wrote the hook and blessed it.

TWU: ‘Sing For Tomorrow’ is quite different from ‘The Wave’ and ‘Fire’. What can we expect next?

Sneakbo: I’m definitely going to be doing a dancehall track, that’s the route I’m going down. As for ‘Sing For Tomorrow’, I’m going to do a couple of tracks like that as well, but the party vibe is more my scene.

TWU: What would you like to gain from your music career and where do you see yourself in the future?

Sneakbo: I just want to be successful and make sure I can help my mum and my friends if they are in trouble. I want to be a big star, but I’m not really after the fame to be honest.

TWU: Is there any advice you would give to up and coming artists who have come from similar backgrounds?

Sneakbo: Just work hard and stay out of trouble. Don’t hang out on the streets with friends, read your books. Just be focused in whatever your doing, It doesn’t even matter if it’s not rap, you know?

TWU: Can you give The Wrap Up any exclusives on your album features? I’ve heard names like Jessie J, Roll Deep and WizKid being said…

Sneakbo: [Laughs] I can’t really say. You can expect more songs like ‘The Wave’, and just a few like ‘Sing For Tomorrow’. The producers I’m working with are Ill Blu and some others that aren’t really known that much.

TWU: In between now and the album dropping early next year, is there anything else happening?

Sneakbo: I’m going to be releasing a new single, but right now I’m doing shows all over. I’m working on a mixtape that should be released in August and that will feature a couple friends I grew up with. There are a couple tracks on there that are already done.

TWU: Last word?

Sneakbo: Hopefully I’m going to open a Jet Ski shop in a hot country!

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June 11, 2012

SB.TV Interview – Lloyd

Lloyd is back with a vengeance with his new single Do It Again, featuring Chipmunk, and the recently released single Dedication To My Ex, which peaked at No.3 in the UK charts.Shireen Fenner sits down with him during a recent trip to London…

 You were born in New Orleans and lived in Atlanta. How did growing up in the south influence your career direction, and were there any music artists from there that were instrumental in shaping you into the artist that you are today?

I don’t know if this has anything to do with the south but it’s definitely more family orientated. The attitude is realistic, it’s possible, and it’s down to earth. At times it’s simple, country, just simple. I also think coming from the bottom you have that mentality of having to claw your way out. I see a lot of strength in where I’m from. If anyone knows New Orleans like I do, then they know it’s like a third world country sometimes. It’s really violent and corrupted, the home of the mob and all kinds of stuff. I just think when you’re born against certain circumstances it usually makes you stronger.

My father was into music he was a saxophonist and a choir director; he was a pretty popular singer in his neighborhood. My mum, I watched her sing in the choir for most of my early life, she actually got me singing in church first before anywhere else.

 You’ve had a successful music career from a young age. Was this always your dream as a child?

Yeah man, I mean what child doesn’t dream of these things. I had many other dreams as a child, dreams of being Michael Jordan, or an astronaut, a fire fighter or a doctor, different stuff at different stages of my life. Music was something that I always enjoyed very much, I think ever since I can remember

Dedication To My Ex, is your biggest international hit so far. How does your rising stardom outside of the US influence the type of music you are making now?

It’s just a broader spectrum; I think that’s just the way the world is. Hip hop is much more integrated than its ever been, with that said you always have the need to grow and to try new things. Being abroad gives you an opportunity to realise a new direction. At the same time if I don’t have soul then I’m not doing this. I really enjoy the music I hear when I’m away; I think that personally we should do more of that in the States. They are catching on now the States, but I think the world has been dancing to a different beat for a little while now; it’s more fast paced in most places.

You have been blessed by having many talented and successful label mates. How has the close proximity of so many young stars shaped your career?

It makes me work harder, it makes me just want to improve myself more. It makes me less afraid to talk to people and ask for help to ask for advice, to collaborate. I think that’s one of my greatest assets is my ability to collaborate with the likes of many. I think through collaborations I’m able to exist even when I don’t. Even when I don’t have an album that I’m ready to release I can still collaborate, so it keeps me relevant.

Compared to the slow jams of your earlier music, Dedication To My Ex, is a different sound altogether. What has led to the evolution in your sound?

Just growing, getting older, age, experiences, the yearning to grow, to progress, and to try new things.

Love, pain and loss can be quite deep subjects to sing about. Do you feel that you need to go through all these in order to be able to sing about them, and to what extent is your music fuelled by your own experiences?

You don’t have to go through all of them to sing about them, but I think going through them allows you to sing about them more convincingly. It has more passion, I think you can hear that when you listen to music, and I think that’s what people are listening for. You don’t have to go down the wrong road to see what happens at the end, with that said I think you still have certain traits that you can relate to, that you can sing about, but you don’t have all the things that’s necessary to sometimes pull it off the way its supposed to be and that’s where experience comes in.

The title of your last album is interesting. Are you the king of hearts? Whose heart are you the king of, and is there currently a special queen of hearts in your life?

I’m the king of all the hearts. All the listeners, all the fans, all the women that have listened to my music. Not just my music but also my style of music. To all the women that have never been told that they’re beautiful before, that’s what I’m here for.

Yes there is a Queen of my heart, her names Andy Anderson, she’s about 3 ½, 4 weeks old, she’s my little niece, she’s beautiful, my little chocolate drop. I’m very happy, I get to hold her probably a day out of the week, so when I go back home I’ll go and see her, pick her up and make her laugh a little, and give her to her mama if she starts to cry.

You have been both in a group and as a solo artist. What are the pros and cons of each?

The pros of being in a group is obviously having brothers, having support, knowing that it doesn’t always depend on you and that relieves the stress and the pressure that one may feel when in the spotlight. The con is in my opinion is it’s not on you, sometimes you depend on other people, and people are unpredictable at times. I’m really not comfortable with putting my life, my career and my dreams in the hands of others. As much as possible I like to eliminate that and take more control of my career, and that’s where the pros of being solo come into play. The cons of being solo are you get lonely sometimes.

 You’ve collaborated with rappers and singers. Do you find it more challenging working with other singers where comparisons are inevitable, than working with rappers?

It’s not more challenging it just takes a little more effort, because singing is just a more prolonged process than rapping. I mean a lot more goes into getting a nice sound vocally than rapping. I wouldn’t say it’s more or less challenging, that all depends on the chemistry and how people work together. I feel pressured very rarely, I think that that’s why I enjoy doing it so much, because if I do feel pressured it’s a good thing, it’s not anything that’s nerve damaging.

 Is there anyone in particular that you would want to collaborate with in the UK?

I always wanted to work with Chipmunk, and I’ve had the chance to work with him recently, so I’m excited about that. I like Adele, Jessie J, Labrinth, Tinie, I like the whole scene.

To wrap it up, what can we expect from you next?

The unexpected. I’m coming back with a full band this March; I’ll be in London two days performing. I’ve just released a single called Do It Again, which is only for Europe and features Chipmunk. We just shot a video, which is a play off of Top Gun the movie. I’m looking forward to that.

Interview by Shireen Fenner 

Thanks to Live Base

Twitter @_LIVEBASE

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June 6, 2012

Last Word: Angel

No stranger to the music industry, Angel began his career at the age of 10 when he and his siblings formed The Charles Family.

In his mid-twenties he set up production company Parallel Music with his brother, writing for Pixie Lott, Jason Derülo and No1 single ‘Green Light’ for Roll Deep. He has a massive underground following thanks to producing and mixtapes, including the recent Any Minute Now. Lately he’s been in the studio with Frank Ocean, working on his debut album. Flavour welcomes back Angel and asks the questions his fans want to know…

Where did the name Angel come from?
I’m very spiritual; I think I’ve been put here to do angelic things, like send messages and heal people with music.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced since being discovered?
Am I good or not? Am I good enough to stand up with the rest of the UK’s finest like Jessie J, Dappy, Tinie Tempah and Loick Essien. We’re all doing similar genres of music, and for someone coming up straight away, you think, are you as good as them?

How has your background shaped you into the artist you are today?
From the age of 10-11, I was doing two schools a day, being promised things and not getting them, being out in the cold with no windows and travelling up and down to do shows. It’s been a long grind, but though some of the times were hard, if I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be as shaped as I am now.

Your little brother is the rapper A Star. Will you do a tune together?
Yes. I’ve been busy and we don’t see each other a lot. When that time comes we will do a tune together. We’ve got a bond. It would be like, I know what I’m doing, he knows what he’s doing, let’s do this, it will be fun.

As a singer and a producer for years. What do you love most?
I like creating and being a composer. I love to create that meditation, that beat I’m going to be performing on and delivering on. I love making melodies and delivering them. I love both the same, but in different ways.

Who is your musical inspiration and how do you aspire to inspire other acts and music listeners?
The biggest would have to be Quincy Jones. You’ve got to listen to what is happening out there, you got to work hard, deliver and put in what you want to get out. Hard work pays off.

Who is your angel in life?
The creator, the God.

To impress the girl of your dreams, what car would you ride out with?
A black Porsche 911. It’s a vintage car, it reminds me of Beverly Hills. It’s just a dream car, two-seater and me and a chick.

You may be called Angel, but what’s the most devilish thing you’ve done?
[Laughs] I put pins on someone’s chair. I was young, it was in school, the poor little girl was in tears; it wasn’t nice at all, it was devilish. I’m friends with the girl now, though.

Any collaborations this year?
‘Go In, Go Hard’ out now, it’s part of the new soundtrack for StreetDance 2 with Wretch 32 off my EP 7 Minutes Before Time. I’ve got a new mixtape, Any Minute Now out now; I’ve got a feature with Mark Asari from Encore on there. I’m finishing the album; I’ve got it, I’m just really polishing it up.

Have you ever been star-struck?
No, because I haven’t met the people yet. I would be if I met Brandy, Quincy Jones, Rodney Jerkins and Prince.

How did you meet Frank Ocean and has he been inspirational?
It was random: I was working with producers that came over from LA. On the second to last day we were chilling and Frank walked in, he had a show in XOYO. We started playing the piano and drinking wine, it was crazy. Then I recorded ‘Rocket Love’ that he’d written. It’s played a major part in the creation of my album, obviously Frank’s massive and a credible songwriter who writes a lot of hits.

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May 28, 2012

Julia Channel – Forever In A Day

Parisian born Julia Channel is a woman of many talents, she is a singer with her own record label, a model who has featured in many music videos, and also a businesswoman owning her own dating website. Rewind back to the early 90’s where Julia was the first black adult movie star, which led her to travel all over the world and enjoy a somewhat celebrity lifestyle.

Now living in London she is working on her debut album ‘Colours,’ which is set for release this summer, along with the release of her new single ‘Forever in a Day,’ a club anthem with a super electric remix by Willy William.

How did your childhood shape you into the person you are today?

I had quite a tough childhood; at just 5 years old I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders.  My father was at work most of the time and I had to take care of my mum as she had an alcohol problem so when other kids were playing with their toys, I was acting the role of my mom which forced me to grow up faster, I didn’t complain as it instilled in me the importance of working hard for a better future.

You are known as the first black adult movie star. How does it feel having this title?

That’s nice, it makes me laugh sometimes, just a few weeks ago I read in an American magazine that in the top 100, I was number 5 on the charts of ‘the best black adult movie star of all time!’ My fame at that time did open up doors for other black women to enter the industry.

You were studying when you got into the adult movie industry, which developed very quickly. Did you finish University?

Yes, I was a good student and was awarded my languages diploma and which meant I could enroll at the prestigious Italian university in Paris – Parisian Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle, but as I started my career in movies soon after, it felt weird at University.  I had the feeling that everybody knew what I did which made me uncomfortable so I quit, but with no regrets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4RoTeTuhs&feature=player_embedded

What made you decide to go on the trip to Congo, and what did you learn from the experience?

I was commissioned by the French magazine ‘Hot Video’ to report on something serious.  I loved Africa and knew from reports there were many people dying there of AIDS, this was the beginning of the 90s. With a photographer we flew out to Africa and made our way to Brazaville in Congo for 2 weeks.  It was horrific, children, babies and adults were dying and they didn’t understand what AIDS was or how to protect themselves. This trip really changed my vision of life my life, condom use was crucial in the fight against AIDS and shockingly at that time workers in the adult movie industry were not using protection.  So I count myself as having a very lucky escape.

What advice would you give to girls who wish to enter the adult movie industry?

Honestly I wouldn’t recommend to any girl to work in adult film industry if it was the same as when I made my movies BUT today the industry is safer.  I still don’t knock the period I was working, it was truly ‘the golden age’, and we were treated like stars and rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous.  Today it seems to be open to everyone and everything with free TV channels etc.

Why did you decide to launch your own record label, and what are your plans for it?

My music producer passed away very suddenly a few months ago and beside the fact that I lost a very good friend, I had lost the person with who I was working closely with for four years on my music project, he’s the one I trusted and he believed in me and my music 100 %. So I had two choices, stop or keep going.  Quitting wasn’t an option for me, I launched my music label, sourced lyricists, sound engineer, mix producer, mastering etc … I took the best and here we go!

You also have your own dating website with the ethos, ‘created by women, for women,’ and the website name meaning ‘men to crack or chew on.’ Why did you choose this name? What’s the story behind the website?

Oh yes my website is in French www.mecacroquer.com  – it really started out as a joke at dinner with girlfriends. They were all complaining about men and the difficulties they had to find someone, finding the guys on existing websites far too pushy.  So I said: “OK girls, I will design a dating website where you will be the boss, you’re going to choose!”  I took a great web designer, technicians and the adventure started.  I must say in France we are in the top 10!

How did you get into singing? Has it always been a passion of yours?

I grew up in Paris where there’s not a lot to do, concrete landscape in the suburbs and a lot of unemployment, so besides school we were hanging around parks with a ghetto blaster listening to Hip-Hop with my crew of friends. In France I became the muse of hip-hop, with all the French hip hop artists wanting me in their music videos.  I feature in quite a few including Joey Starr from NTM and Method Man’s (Wu Tang Clan) ‘Judgment Day’ video.

Why did you decide to move to London?

I’ve always loved London. I love English people, they are more relaxed, creative, open-minded, have individual fashion trends and you can be who you are which is cool.  In France they are more critical and scrutinise everything.  I wanted my daughter to be totally bi-lingual so it made sense for me to move here and start her education.  Then making music here was the right choice for me as I have a lot of creative contacts here.

Your new songs are dance tracks. With your love for hip hop what made you get into dance and not hip hop or r&b?

Well I like happy up-beat music so dance is the thing!  I want to be able to move like crazy on a music video, so this is what I tried to do with mine, there’s a hip hop track on my album called ‘Drop It Low’, a duet with American singer LeMarvin.

 Your new single ‘Forever In A Day’ is mastered by American DJ and rapper Big Ali. How did you get him on board?

Big Ali did a remix, I was so happy because I know how the people are crazy to work with him. One day he heard my song and sent me a message telling me he really loved it and he’d like to play in his number one French radio show, I was so happy!

Tell us about your forthcoming debut album ‘Colours.’ What is the story/message behind it?

That’s simple, I called it ‘Colors’ because in the album I mixed a lot of my musical influences, quite an eclectic mix of pop, dance to transfer my energy and optimism to everyone, if people are happy after listening my songs, I’ll be happy.

‘Forever In A Day’ will be released on June 10th

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May 23, 2012

Calling All Ikes Fans. The Journey Has Begun

Ikes has made a strong start to 2012 with the release of his new mixtape ‘The Intermission: Last Call,’’ and the single ‘Girl Talk,’ which features Scorcher and Jermaine Riley. A rapper who brings raw realism to his music mixed with playful lyrics and ingenious word play, gaining fans both in UK and US. Starting off as a garage MC at the age of 14 has seen Ikes naturally evolve to the credible hip-hop artist he is today over ten years on. This year should see the release of his album, with the masses coming to love his music.

 

You grew up in Hackney, how much of an influence were the people you grew up with and the area you were raised, in motivating and inspiring you to arrive at where you are now?
Where I grew up obviously it was rough but you don’t ever realise it’s rough until you move out. It’s let me see that world, and taught me how to apply myself. It’s taught me that I know where I don’t want to go, and how I don’t want to live.

You were a garage MC performing at events from the age of 14. How different is it to performing live now?
I kind of feel like your job back then was to make people feel good in that kind of environment. They weren’t really caught up in you telling your story as such, it was just about your flow and how you could go to a rave and ride the beat.

In terms of content has there been a great change between the lyrics you were spitting when you first started and your most recent music, or has it been a gradual evolution and development?
I think it was a gradual evolution, but it has been a definite evolution and I kind of want to believe that I’m always evolving. Every step is a forward step, and there is definetly more depth and storytelling. I’m 25 now and I’ve seen a lot, I’ve lived a lot, and I’ve been in so many different situations from the underworld to corporate level and education.

Other than being a lyricist, you have also achieved notable songwriting credits. Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing tracks?
It doesn’t necessarily have to be things I’ve seen personally, I know a lot of people and I’ve got a good network. I use my ears and people talk to me a lot (laughs) and I soak in everything. I like to be inspired by simple things like landscapes, travelling the world, and seeing the sunset. I get inspiration on my journey, even on the train on the underground.

Most of your songwriting has been on r&b and pop tracks. Do you find it hard to switch between genres? Is there a different mindset and mentality required?
Definitely a different mindset and mentality. I used to struggle when I was in the songwriting zone, and then going to writing a rap record. Nowadays I’ve learnt that it’s more or less the same thing.

Creating a buzz in the US as a UK artist is notoriously difficult, yet you have featured on two of DJ Infamous’ mixtapes alongside such names as Drake, Fabulous and The Dream. Do you think that the US is slowly warming to UK talent?
I don’t think that it was a situation or a case where they would have to warm to UK talent; I think the UK had to up their game in terms of the kind of music they were making. I think music is an international language; a hit record should be a hit record over here, in Australia, in Africa, in Asia, everywhere.

How did the mixtape situation with DJ Infamous come about? 
DJ Infamous liked what he saw, and we had the same vision of putting out something that could work on a worldwide level. He owns a radio station over there and that’s done well. He’s trying to do the same thing that DJ Whoo Kid did coming over to the UK and spreading the love, and getting into out culture and seeing how he can take that back to the US.

How has featuring on the SBTV Google Chrome advert aided your career? Did it create positive exposure?
Ah man that was crazy. When it came out in the ad break for the first X Factor my phone just blew up. Straight away people were like, “I know that guy,” even though the clip was like a second long. I think it just made people take me seriously, because you get so many new artists, and everyone wants to be an artist.

What single aspect of your character, personality and talent do you credit the most with you achieving the success you have so far?
I think personality as an individual and my humour. In my everyday life, I’ve definitely got a way with words, and I’ve definitely got a way with connecting to individuals. I like to think I’m a good person who’s seen a lot and experienced a lot, in terms of storytelling that defiantly comes through. Without substance you’re not going to be remembered.

What’s next for IKES? 
The next thing is definetly going to be the debut album, and I’m kind of been working on it for a couple of years now. I’m about 5-6 tracks deep already; I want to put out something official. It will be out definitely this year, the 3rd or the 4th quarter. I’m planning a couple of collaborative projects inbetween with other artists, something that will feed the underground and the fans.

Follow Ikes on Twitter @ikesonthereal

www.lifeofikes.com

The Intermission: Last Call is out now on iTunes


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May 18, 2012

Ledisi: The new soul of R&B

Ledisi is the New Orleans r&b singer who this year alone has been nominated for 3 Grammy Awards. She has performed with two of the biggest artists in the world, Prince and Stevie Wonder and opened for Chaka Khan, and can count Michelle Obama, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Pattie LaBelle as fans.

Ledisi has worked with some prolific producers, including Rex Rideout, Raphael Saadiq, Chucky Thompson, Jerry Jam and Terry Lewis, providing her beautiful and soulful singing ability with the perfect beats to match. Shireen Fenner sits down with Ledisi ahead of her biggest UK gig in Scala.

You have often talked about being ‘honest’ with your singing. What does being honest with your singing involve, and do you think it connects you to your audience in a deeper way?

I think just being relatable and singing songs that relate to regular people. Nothing to far or deep, just regular things that happen day to day like dealing with men, wanting love or just anything that happens.

You once experienced writer’s block, and yet went on to achieve three Grammy nominations this year. How did you overcome the block and how do you ensure that you maintain a good flow of creativity now?

I take a break take a breath then take a break, those are the two things. I have great people around me to remind of some powerful stuff like Rex was telling me to think about just what you want people to get from you. What would your Ledisi radio sound like? That was the thing that got me out of the writers block, thinking what would my sound be.

Having been very close once to giving up on music, what advice would you give to people in a similar situation, and do you think that there ever is a time to give up on a dream, in order to pursue something more concrete? 

That depends on the person if you want to have a back up plan, but for me I went full out. This is what I love to do and what I was born to do, and I knew it but I had some roadblocks along the way. Having the right people around you to encourage you to keep forward that helped me out a lot. I would tell them if you believe in yourself before others will believe you, that’s the key. Having faith, being around good people and just go out there and kick butt, you gotta go out there and rock it. That’s what I do as if I may lose it everyday; I’m grateful for it so I hold it.

Has the skepticism and lack of belief you encountered at times on your journey been an important source of motivation for you to succeed, or just a minor inconvenience along the way?

When I had lack of faith it was me trying to fit everyone’s box, trying to please everyone else, they wanted me to be a certain way, so that’s where my confusion started I was trying to please everybody else instead of pleasing myself. I figured it out that I have to be me, and be happy with myself first. I can’t worry about what other people think, that’s where the confusion, lack of faith, all that dysfunction happens. There’s always going to be people who judge what you do and how you do it and that’s just part of what your in if you’re an entertainer.

Many of your key decisions have been motivated by your determination to maintain complete creative control over your music and its future. Has this made your route to success any harder or more complicated?

I don’t think anything is harder or complicated anymore. It was harder being an independent artist and not having the marketing and people not knowing my name or not being able to get out a video, that was harder for me. Now it’s a little bit easier because I have the right people around me. I have great management now, my career took off this year in a bigger way than the year before, but I’ve had a steady climb, it hasn’t been a decline.

Coming from New Orleans, a city well known for its music and creativity, to what extent do you feel that a person’s place of origin and background influences their music?

People from New Orleans are very resilient if you tell us no we’ll say, ‘nah I think so,’ (laughs) so we’ll just keep making it happen, we like to try for the impossible. The music influences are jazz and the rhythm; everything has to have a beat to it that means a lot that’s where it starts. Being from New Orleans and having that real determination it really helps.

Having been nominated so many times, it must only be a matter of time before you are collecting your first award. How are you going to celebrate when you win your first Grammy?

Wow. Should I win, I hope I don’t do the ugly cry and just get out the thank yous. I’ll just celebrate with my family and friends and people that made it possible. I would just be like lets go lets do something fun. I think as you climb there’s more work to be done (laughs) it gets harder, more and more work to stay steady but I’m looking forward to it.

 You are a beautiful woman, who has nonetheless sometimes encountered people saying that you were not attractive enough to succeed. Do you think that a lot of talent is being ignored and not being supported for the same reason, and what can be done to overcome these narrow minded views in the future?

You just have to be comfortable with you, and it radiates out and after a while people get it, some won’t ever. I mean people still don’t like my hair or how I dress, and some people don’t like how I sing and it’s ok. There are a lot of people who love how I dress, love the way I sing and I’m here for a reason. It has to start from you, so as long as your ok with you, and your representing who you are on the outside as well as well as in your music, your good. Just focus on that, all the negative energy is always going to come, but don’t let that stop you from being you.

Who is your biggest celebrity fan, I’ve heard Michelle Obama has you on here iPod?

I love her, yes she loves my music. There are a lot of people I didn’t realise knew my music like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Pattie LaBelle, Stevie Wonder is a big fan, I love all of them. I didn’t know that a lot of people knew who I am, its great I love them probably more than they would ever know (laughs).  I’m appreciative of anybody, I care that people love my music it makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing.

Have you started to record a new album and when is your next single release?

I’m still working out on ‘Pieces Of Me,’ and ‘Bravo’ is the third single from ‘Pieces of Me.’ I’ll probably start writing after the summer or the spring, just songwriting and seeing what flavour will come next. I let it all happen natural, I don’t make music like “oh I have to be done at this time.” I have to let it come naturally or it will sound a mess, I’ve done that before.

Who do you sing for?

I sing for people to uplift them, to make them feel better. I feel like it’s a gift from God and I translate those feelings and energy to everybody else, and hopefully they get it, and if they don’t I cant do nothing for those people. I hope I get can 2 or 3 everywhere I go.

Do you have another significant love other than music?

I love writing I’m working on a book right now with Essence Time Warner, that’s exciting. I love what you guys do, music journalism, I’ve always wanted to do that, but instead I had to sing (laughs). I love just quiet, still stuff, and listening to Miles Davis and Abbey Lincoln those are my two favourites, with Diana Washington and Aretha. I just love chilling out. Just people and talking about people, and the way we live, and our lifestyle.

Follow Ledisi on Twitter @ledisi

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May 10, 2012

T.Mills Has Left Home

T.Mills is the 22 year old, Riverside California native, who became an Internet sensation after producing his own songs, rapping and singing over them then posting them on MySpace and YouTube. His ability to cross over genres and make ‘hip pop’, makes his music appeal to a wide and diverse audience, and his f*** you attitude means that he makes music that he loves, not what he’s being told to make.

Now signed to Sony Music, he has released a free album since being with them called Leaving Home, and his recently released 6-track EP also titled Leaving Home. Now he is working on a full-length album that is due to be released on Colombia Records this year.  Shireen Fenner talks to him ahead of his first live shows in the UK.

You’ve been making music since you were 13. Now that you’re an established signed artist, how much involvement do you still have in the production of the beats?

I still have a lot of involvement. When the producer and me are sitting in a room, we will craft the song together. I’ll tell them what sounds I like and how I want it arranged, and its just very hands on. Other times if I’m on tour or something and a producer sends me a beat, then I’ll take it and run with it. It’s very unique to the moment.

Your early exposure was generated through your music being on MySpace and YouTube. To what extent do you feel that the Internet contributed to you being where you are now?

100%, I feel like before any labels or anything like that that was my job. I would put a song out and then stay online for like 8-9 hours a day talking to kids. I did everything myself. MySpace and YouTube just gave me that platform to expose myself. Without that no one would have seen the music videos that I dropped which led to me getting signed. I would drop a song that I recorded in my bedroom and it would get 140,000 downloads.

Who are you trying to reach with your music primarily?

I feel like I’m really blessed because my demographic is so wide. At my shows you’ll see a 12-year-old girl with her mum and they’re both singing along. Then you’ll see an 18-year-old girl with her boyfriend. Then you’ll see a 22-year-old girl with 4 of her girlfriends and you’ll see a couple of 17-year-old dudes. I mean it really appeals to everyone; my fans are so diverse and so eclectic. I’d say anywhere between 11 to 28 years old. Facebook gave me a really good insight, 15% of my fans are over the age of 50.

You’ve got an established fanbase in America, so how do you think the UK will embrace your music?

Starting back when I was doing my Internet stuff in my room, I had a lot of fans from the UK. I feel like their really going to like it. My live shows are going to be something new which my fans over there haven’t had the chance to experience yet. I feel like it brings a whole other element to me being an artist, I have a chance to connect with kids. Back when I was sitting in my bedroom I had fans all over the UK doing fan photos, I had fans in Germany getting my name tattooed on them, it was just insane.

What does hip-pop mean to you?

Originally I just started throwing it around. I really feel like I just came into it and I can identify a lot with it. It’s the attitude and the energy, the rawness of hip-hop, which is what attracted me to the music when I was a little kid. Pop is a little polished its kind of dressed up a bit because I’m a singer as well. I wanted to make music that could just say f*** you, but just do it in a beautiful singing voice so it doesn’t sound as harsh, like a beautiful way of saying f*** you.

What was the one defining moment in your career where everything changed for you?

Getting a record deal was pretty heavy; it didn’t change my work ethic or anything, because I feel like I’ve always worked really hard. I definitely got more opportunities being with a major label. That was a dream, I never thought that a people from Riverside would go to LA and get signed to a major label, or even record in studios and stuff. I didn’t think that that happened.

Your style is very unique and memorable with all your piercings and tattoos. Which of your tattoos is your favourite and is there a story behind it?

The one on my knuckles would have to be my favourite tattoo and it says patience. I got them tattooed when I was 18 kind of on a whim. I had really bad ADHD really bad. I just have zero patience, I’m the most all over the place person, and is just go go go. I thought getting patience tattooed on my hand is kind of a reminder, and kind of a joke because its something I don’t have. At the same time its very positive and a virtue that I need to invest in and to be mindful at all times.

How are the girls feeling the boy now, or have you always been a hit with the ladies?

I’ve always had a personality so I’ve always been able to talk to girls. My fans now its just craziness, like jealous girls who don’t even no me that will get mad if I’m talking to other girl fans. I don’t get it sometimes, I try not to pay attention to it, it’s just weird to me. Even on twitter if I talk to a girl they’ll jump on and be like, ‘f*** that b****,’ it’s a bit overwhelming at times. I’m just amazed that people have that much passion for me and the love for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lAvsZkoIcA&feature=player_embedded

Why have you called your new EP Leaving Home and talk us through what it’s about?                                                      

Leaving Home, is the title track off the EP. I made that song with a dude called Colin Munroe who is from Canada, he’s an artist that I’ve admired. We were just talking and I had written down these lyrics that said, ‘you can stay in that small town/but imma break out/I’d rather lose your love then have to stay and live in doubt,’ that was about me moving away from home to purse what I wanted to do, and a love interest that didn’t want me to go. Its just a story about how I’m out there and I’m pursuing my dreams and what I wanted to do in a non cliché kind of Hollywood movie way. It’s like the start of everything to come.

How much creative control did you have over the new EP? Are all the tracks on it your first choices?

We put out a free album which had ten tracks on it, which kids were able to go and download on my website. We wanted to put 5 songs on the EP and a brand new song. It was both of our decisions; we kind of brainstormed and worked out the 5 best tracks off the album. Looking back on it I would have put my song, Scandalous, on the EP, we shot a video for it and the song just started getting a really good reaction live. It’s picked up and become a lot of people favourite, I wasn’t aware of that until I started playing it at shows.

Do you have any interesting collaborations’ in the pipeline, and do you intend to work artists from very different and diverse genres to yourself?

Definitely. I really want Travis Barker on my full-length album that were working on now. I have a song in mind for him to play drums on. I’ve been a fan of McKenzie Eddy for a long time, and been saying I wanted to work with her, then she reached out to me on twitter, so were about to work on something when scheduling is right. I’ve never really been a huge collaborator with other artists. I did a song with Juicy J and we put it out virally, which was amazing because I’ve been the biggest 36 Mafia fan since I was a teenager, to have him on my song was crazy. Once I have a body of work to go through it will be easier for me to see where I can see certain artists.

What’s the message from you to your UK fans?

I’m over here! I’m doing a few shows, one in XOYO, Koko and Yoyo’s. I just want to say thank you to all the support, because without my fans I wouldn’t be able to travel the world and plays shows and put out music. Thank you for listening and I’m grateful for all of it.

Follow T.Mills on Twitter @ilovetmills

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May 3, 2012

NEW EXCLUSIVE LUCIEN LAVISCOUNT INTERVIEW

Check out my latest interview for Channel AKA with Lucien Laviscount from Waterloo Road, Coronation Street and Celebrity Big Brother who has just released his new single Dance With You.

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May 1, 2012

ADEWALE AKINNUOYE-AGBAJE

This London-born actor first came to our attention in the film Congo and then for his role in TV series Oz as the unforgettable and striking Simon Adebisi, so making Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje a household name.

Others will remember him as Nigerian drug smuggler Mr Eko in award-winning hit TV show Lost. His roles in popular films, such as The Bourne Identity, The Mummy Returns and Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, have proved his range as an actor. He has starred with movie greats, including Michael Caine, Wesley Snipes, Jim Carrey and Jean-Claude Van Damme. And now there’s more – Killer Elite, with Robert de Niro, and Bullet To The Head, with Sylvester Stallone, out soon, plus writing and directing Farming. Flavour finds out more about ‘The One Triple A’…

Your name means ‘The Crown has arrived. A warrior of great chieftaincy who will yield wealth and prosperity’ –  have you lived up to this grand description?
Somebody’s done their research. Put it this way – it’s a long title and it’s a long road [laughs], I think I’ve arrived. A ‘warrior of chieftaincy’, that’s what I am already, and ‘yield wealth and prosperity’ is a process. I’m on the right track, I’m halfway there.

Your parents are from Nigeria, but you were born and grew up in London, you were a model in Italy and now live in LA. Where’s home?
Home, as they say, is where the heart is, and my heart is here in England. The profession I do dictates that I have to travel wherever. I do have houses in both LA and Nigeria, my family live both in the UK and Nigeria. I call it the Ls: London, Lagos and LA; they’re my homes. London is where I like to seek refuge and get back into myself, this is where I grew up.

Does your Buddhist faith influence your choice of roles? And what led you to become a Buddhist?
I have four sisters and I’m the eldest son. Two of them are Buddhists and have been for 20-25 years. So it was my sisters that introduced me to the practice. I think what’s it’s done on my outlook of things is to see everything as an opportunity. I don’t discriminate with roles and I put my whole life force into absolutely everything. You can never tell where the character is going to go or blow up. You may have a two-liner, like I did in Oz, then become the star of the show. It’s helped me put my ego to rest, and let my heart and talent lead.

As a black British actor when you were starting out, it was a bit of a novelty. How has it changed now in the US, and do you think there are more chances for British actors to break into Hollywood?
When I went to America, I was the first one to breakthrough really. I was a novelty; they had no idea in terms of what a black British person was. It’s changed dramatically since then; it’s been about 20 years, two decades. Now black British actors dominate Hollywood; we’ve seeped in everywhere, not just acting but music too. The black British voice is now a voice being recognised and heard all over the world, especially in America. I think there is an acceptance that not only do we exist, but our talent is one to be reckoned with.

Is the time right for you to be the leading actor, and do you feel that you are ready for this?
I do. I think it’s the perfect time for a black British lead actor; the perfect time for people to see a black person as a hero in a lead. We need a fresh generation of blood in Hollywood. The ones we have had have been fantastic, but it’s time for a new breed and I’m definitely poised and ready.

Which actors have been the most fun to work with and why?
I just finished a film with Sylvester Stallone called Bullet To The Head. I have to say he is one of the few movie stars I’ve met whose persona is as large off camera as it is on. He’s also very down to earth and a straight shooter, and he’s a good laugh. I enjoyed working with Jason Statham too, he’s very down to earth being a south London boy and a great laugh too. I enjoyed working with Jim Carrey, he was brilliant. Prior to his movies I wasn’t a fan particularly, but working with him and seeing his talent he is hilarious. Michael Caine was a lot of fun because he’s got so many stories and so many eras of the industry and he’s worked with so many legends. I’ve had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

How was working with the legend that is Robert de Niro in the film Killer Elite?
It was cool, it was one of the reasons I did the movie, because you just want to be in a scene with a guy you grew up watching. What it shows about your career is that you’ve reached a level where you’re opposite the greats. You see how they became a legend, you see the techniques they use, and you realise it’s not too different from yourself. It was a tough moment and I did have a moment where I had to pinch myself. It was fun and rewarding and I really enjoyed it.

You are working on a new movie project called Farming, actually written and directed by you. Is directing where you really want to be in the future?
I think as an actor, generally you have to be multitalented; you can’t just wait to see what comes down the conveyer belt. There are roles that I want to see put on the screen, and I have to write them or produce them and get them made. Certainly in the future I will be in the driver’s seat, sitting at the table behind the camera. I think that’s inevitable if you want to have any longevity in your career,
the best ones do – the George Clooneys, the Mel Gibsons, the
Clint Eastwoods.

You have played so many diverse roles. Which of the characters that you have played is closest to the real Adewale?
It all depends – when I played the bad boy characters it wasn’t too far off the mark [laughs], I was a bit loose then. I think Eko [Lost] reflected a side of me that is the spiritual side, but also the hard edge. I think I combined both the practical guy who was a straight shooter, but also spiritual but spiritual but in a realistic, practical way. I think they all kind of represent different factors of who I am. I love The Mummy Returns because it shows the theatrical side of me. Best Laid Plans shows the heart, how lovable I can be. Perhaps what hasn’t been shown is the romantic side of me. I don’t think there’s any one role.

Best Laid Plans is loosely based on John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice And Men. Has it been a challenge playing this role because of this?
I didn’t feel any attachment to the original classic. The dynamics between myself and Stephen Graham who plays Danny in the film are similar, because it’s all about friendship and how bonds are tested in extreme circumstances. It’s ultimately about love, and being the kind of guy who may outwardly seem quite simple, is extremely profound and relates to the world in a different frequency. I didn’t think I owed anything to the classic; I just went with what was on the page and tried to create something original.

You are going to be starring in a new TV series called Nemesis. Can you tell us a little bit about your character? What sort of role is it, and what can we expect?
Nemesis is the new HBO/BBC spy thriller. I play a character that is the head of an elite spy assassin international group. It’s a great role because you don’t see roles like this for black actors on TV. Often you see them playing the partner or the buddy. Here is a guy who’s the head, the leader, the boss. At the same time he gets his hands dirty. You get the best of both worlds – you get the suit and the tie, but it also gets rough and gritty. It’s slick, it looks great and it’s a very classy quality piece.

How is your horror movie The Thing different to the other movies you’ve been in before?
Why I like that movie originally is because it didn’t strike me as a straight horror movie, it was a very intelligent, paranoia, almost thriller suspense movie. I just think it was a great interesting story. I looked at the character I would be playing and I thought that’s something people haven’t really seen me play before. I liked that challenge: I was going to play a nice guy for a change. Those were the things that made me make my choice. Saying that, it was fun to do a film with monsters and creatures, and they’ve gone to painstaking details to create this automated nasty creature.

The Thing is out on DVD and
Blu-ray in March
Best Laid Plans is out now
Follow Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje  on Twitter @TheOneTripleA or visit
www.adewaletheartist.com

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April 25, 2012

Lioness Is The Next King Of The Jungle

Izabelle Fender aka Lioness is the British grime artist hailing from South London. Her skills as a lyricist match up to many male MC’s in the UK, which gives her the title as one of the top MC’s, not just one of the best female’s in the game. Spitting from the age of 14, Lioness soon joined her family members in Mastermind Trooperz. From Loch Ness Monster to Roarness, Lioness is ready to show she is King Of The Jungle.

Can you remember the first tune you ever MC’d to?
Yes I can, it was with these boys and it was called ‘Storm’ I think, it was on Channel U. Embarrassing times (laughs), I was young and at the time I thought the bar was good. When I look back now it was like oh my God, what were you saying (laughs).

You took time out of your music to focus on education for a while; did it feel weird not doing music for that period of time?
It did, I would always do music, but I would always be sidetracked and not doing it fully. For me music’s a hobby and me getting my thoughts and feelings off of me and onto paper. So I’d do that when I was stressed or whatever, but in terms of taking music seriously I couldn’t because of school, A Levels and uni. Now I’m doing it full time. I went to uni and in lectures I just wasn’t paying attention, and I was writing bars. I just thought do you know what if I’m going to be here and paying for this, let me take it seriously or let me just go.

Did you feel that by having an education it would make you a better MC?
No not necessarily not at all. I know some people that haven’t been to uni, or got kicked out of school, but they still do music. If you can read that’s it, you don’t have to go uni to be able to read. To be honest I don’t read, I do feel a little bit thick now (laughs) considering I don’t go to uni anymore and I don’t read that much. No you don’t need education to be able to do music.

When you started out you were quite young, did you feel ever that people weren’t taking you seriously being a female?
Yes I did. They would just be like what is she doing here, or why is this girl here, then I’d go to the mic and they would be like alright cool, but still why is she here. They would never be like ahh she’s actually good. One time when I went pirate radio, and a lot of the girls back in the day just used to go with the boys, and they would be like hoes or whatever. That’s probably what they thought about me, she’s probably one of them type of girls. Then when I went up to the mic they were probably thinking, why this girl so inna, like whys she near us taking the mic? They didn’t want to just be like ah she’s good.

What’s the best advice you would give to a young female MC?
I feel like we’ve paved the way. So for any up and coming female it’s alright, you’ll be able to do your thing. No one is going to tell you to get back in the kitchen because it’s accepted now. Just keep going and don’t listen to people, just ignore it.

There are many female artists that do well in the US, but often sexualise themselves and their lyrics. How do you feel about this?
Maybe that’s what they feel they have to do in order to get recognised. It is true sex does sell, but for me the reason why I do music is because I just want to get stuff off my chest. If you happen to like what I’m saying whoop de doo for me init. If you don’t there are other girls you can go listen to, that fine. I don’t think anyone needs to do it, but if you want to and you think that’s going to get you further then that’s your prerogative. I’m feminine and wear heels and stuff, people say it’s nice that I wear heels and be a girl but really you’re an MC. In the UK a lot of us are tomboys.

Yourself Lady Leshurr and A.Dot make up 367. Are there plans for an EP?
All we need to do is sit down for a day and the EP will get done, because it’s so fun the environment being around them. It’s like ‘listen to this instrumental,’ or we could do this or this, its just fun, so we just literally need a day. It definitely will happen. We all got our tops ready for the launch. We just need to find time in all our schedules to just make it work. When we do it will be big.

Are there any plans to go more mainstream with your music, and how do you think you would make the transition?
There are plans; obviously that’s what I want to do. I’m not prepared to alter the way that I am at all, so I’m just waiting for a sound that’s still me, but I can pass over. I don’t know what that sound is yet, so I just need to find myself in that respect. Once I do that, I think I’ll start doing full on singles etc., but I don’t want to put out a single that I’m not 100% happy with.

What do you think about the current state of the grime scene at the moment? Do you think it’s in a healthy position?
I think it’s very healthy. I think everyone is still doing grime, but they’ve done there on spin on it. I think I still do grime, but it’s my take on it. I think a lot of people do that. Everyone says grimes dead grimes dead, but it’s not its just really evolved. What grime used to be is pirate radio vibe and anger, clashes, because that’s all it was about, but now we can see it can go much further. People just want to stick to how things used to be that’s why they said its dead, but its not dead, its healthy.

Do you think anything needs to be done?
No I don’t think anything needs to be done. I know a lot of people are trying to bring clashing back, because obviously LOTM3 has come out. I don’t see the point in clashing for fun; I don’t think that’s fun. I remember when I was young and I used to clash, it wasn’t fun, it was a real problem. For the person that I am if someone’s done something to me, I’m not going to want to write a song about it, I’m going to want to say ‘why did you do that for are you mad?’ Everyone still needs to be making tunes, and working together and bringing the UK back up there. The US can keep their tunes now to be honest, the UK were doing our thing at the moment.

Apart from London, where do you feel is the strongest city for grime right now?
Birmingham most defiantly. I rate everyone. I fully rate Trilla because I feel like he brought Birmingham completely on the map. I think Leshurr came and cemented it, and I think them two really paved the way for Birmingham. C4 I love him, all the Stayfresh love Stayfresh. There are a lot of producers up there like TRC, TC4, and Bassboy. Big up the Midlands gang!

In terms of the future, what do you think the next step is for you?
EP, iTunes, I haven’t had a CD on iTunes. I’ve been doing music for 8 years, I’ve only had 2 CD’s, and so my third CD is going to be the EP King Of The Jungle, April 18th on iTunes. Hopefully there will be some singles from there. Everyone says you should call your CD Queen Of The Jungle, and I think that’s so obvious for 1, 2 why Queen? So I’ve decided to be King Of The Jungle. All lions do is eat, sleep and beat, those three things that’s all they do, and the lioness does everything else. I feel like lioness might as well take the title, and I feel like in music you don’t need to say female MC’s, were all MC’s I’m on the level as a lot of the men out there.
There are collaborations with Ghetts, Mercston, AL, I really want to get Ms. Dynamite, probably Leshurr and A.Dot too. I want to try and put some people I haven’t worked with on there, there’s a singer called Baby Sol, I really like her.

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