Posts tagged ‘interview’

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July 6, 2012

Mr. Mitchell | Interview

Mr Mitchell, aka Tony Mitchell formerly of the Mitchell brothers, who were signed to Mike Skinner’s label The Beats, came back onto the scene last year as a solo artist. He released his first solo track ‘Off The Coathanger,’ followed by his first solo mixtape, ‘The Night I Thought I Was A God’. His first solo release this year, ‘On The Rooftop’, will be out on March 25th followed up by a second single ‘Wolfcry’, and an EP. Flavour’s Shireen Fenner talks to Mr. Mitchell about The Mitchell Brothers, being a solo artist and what to expect with his new music.

You caught Mike Skinners attention by slipping a CD in his back pocket. What advice would you give to up and coming artists who are hoping to attract attention from DJ’s, labels and artists?                                                                         

Always do what I did; in anyway you can force something to be done basically (laughs). Always put a CD in an artist who you find inspiring’s bag. Always do it the difficult way never the easy way.

How influential were The Streets to your musical direction?

It helped me out a lot, because working with Mike inspired me a great deal with writing, with thinking about music in a different way. He taught us specifics, and making a simple subject seem bigger when you’re writing it. I’ve always kept that knowledge and added it to what I had already. Now I can’t say I’m complete because I’m always learning when it comes to music, but its good to have someone like that teaching you stuff, and helping you out technically when it comes to writing music.

The Mitchell Brothers split in 2008. What was the reason behind the split?

We grow as adults, and I guess at the time I was writing music that didn’t make the albums ‘A Breath of Fresh Attire’, and ‘Dressed For The Occasion’. When we split it wasn’t a great time, but the more time that had passed the love for the music I had written had grown. I suggested to Teddy at the time, “what do you think of me going solo?” Obviously it was hard to digest at the beginning, but I don’t think he said the idea was a bad one. As time went on it just happened.

Was it hard being a duo and working alongside someone so closely, and then becoming a solo artist and not having someone else to share the pressure with?                                                                                 

I mean it’s always going to be hard. It’s like having a baby and your girlfriend walked out on you (laughs). Fans were probably questioning us about what we were doing. We were good writers and we dedicated a lot of time to writing, and I feel because of that we both could last as solo acts. When I’m on the stage and I look to my other side, he isn’t going to be there.

Formerly the Mitchell Brothers and now Mr. Mitchell. Is there a reason why your family name is so key to your identity? Did you not think a more drastic name change would be helpful in distancing yourself from your musical past?     

No because I don’t want to run away from my musical past. I want people to remember me and know where I’ve come from. By calling myself Mr. Mitchell it was easier for people to digest rather than if I’d changed my name completely. By calling myself Mr. Mitchell I haven’t erased what me and Teddy built together. I feel the word Mitchell is important, I feel it was paramount that I left that name.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your songs?

Through the pioneers, through listening to all different types of artists, from Jay Z to Kanye to Ian Brown to Chris Martin to Stevie Wonder. I’m a lover of music full stop, so I think when you listen to a broad sound; it allows you to learn a lot. I get my inspiration from that and I get my inspiration from real life. I think the best music to make is the music where people can relate to it. They can take a piece of that painting that you’ve painted, and they can say, “ah I’m going through that, I know what he’s talking about”.

You have consistently been described as innovative and unique. Is it a challenge to remain different and fresh especially given that you are not new to the music industry?

Yes it’s definitely a challenge, because now I’m trying to find a balance in terms of brining that uniqueness and still being credible and cool at the same time. I feel like now I’ve found that balance. I find that balance by listening to new music and different sounds and reading books. I still try and keep being creative and innovative, but without possibly going a step to far. There are some people who might not be able to digest that creativity.

What do you bring to the industry that makes you stand out from other artists?                

I bring real music. Real music that says what people go through around me. I don’t make music to sound cool. I make music with a meaning. I feel that artists today should make more music like that. I also feel that artists should put themselves in the music. I’m a firm believer that when your writing a song write the chorus, write the bridge write the hooks. Don’t just do things the conveyor belt way where you just give the song to the artist, and that person writes you a song. I believe in making real music and that’s my path.

Why should people be listening to Mr. Mitchell?

I’m making music that I feel like they want to hear. They could be driving to work, or be in a bad mood and need to listen to one of my songs, or be in a happy mood and listen to one of my songs. I write music for the people. If the people want someone where they want themselves to be heard, or they want a song that will relate to them, then that’s why they should listen to me. I make music that’s sincere and honest.

What was the reaction to your first solo work last year, and in particular your mixtape ‘The Night I Thought I Was A God?’

I feel a lot of people liked what I was doing, in particular visually. I stayed away from radio, a lot of the stuff I did was promo work. I got a lot of good feedback; it was always going to be difficult for me to come back as a solo act. The fact that they acknowledged me was fantastic. When I did ‘Off The Coathanger,’ the video was seen as something very creative and different. That’s how I wanted to start off; I wanted to come into the scene saying something without saying something. Now is where I’m going to be judged (laughs).

If you had to choose one track to best describe and showcase you as an artist, both past and present, which one would it be and why?

‘Routine Check’, it was about a real situation in terms of the topic being harassed by police, and having that altercation with police that a lot of youngsters go through, and myself. It was just the way we went about it in putting that picture to people for them to like it, for them to like the funny side of it, but understand the seriousness of it as well. At that time with a lot of artists it was cool to be macho, but bringing that wit and humour for me was important.

Tell us about your forthcoming single release, ‘On the Rooftop?’

It’s about wanting to be like the bird on the rooftop. What I mean by that are people in bad situations and wanting to get away from those situations. Sometimes when you look at the rooftop, and birds fly off the rooftop and they go to another destination. It’s not that easy for us to do that. In some ways I’m saying I want wings. Another reason why I made that is because that is what is in my surroundings. When I come out of my house, that’s what I see, I see rooftops. That to me is a symbol, not only of London but also of the UK in general.

You have an EP set for release this summer. What can we expect from it?

Real good, energetic music. Music that you can play in your car, music that you can play in your home. It still has that cool sound, but at the same time has that concept that you can all get into. Good well-written music. I’ve got Mic Righteous in the studio right now, so that should be fun.

The single On The Rooftop out March 25th

The single WolfCry out May 2012

Follow @MrMitchell on Twitter

Interview By Shireen Fenner

 

 

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June 27, 2012

Ill Manors Cast Interview: Nick & Sean Sagar

Ill Manors is one the most exciting films to hit the UK. A crime thriller set on the gritty streets of East London’s Forrest Gate. Shireen Fenner from Flavour heads down to Revolver Studio’s to talk to real life brother’s Nick and Sean Sagar who play Marcel and Freddie in the film.

How did you both get into acting?

Nick: I would blame that on my mother. From an early age if it wasn’t football or piano it was something she wanted us to do that was creative. I kind of latched onto acting, and I’d be doing it outside of school like theatre shows and anything in school that I could get involved in I did.

Sean: For me it wasn’t even my mum. My dad pushed me to do football and that all went out the window. For me it was Ben with this because ‘Ill Manors’ was the first audition I went for. Ever since I did that a casting agent from that sent me for another show that I did last year ‘Top Boy’. It was like Ben kind of brought me in and said look you’re good at it, so stick with it.

 What is your relationship like with one another?

Nick: Were close. There’s only two years between us were practically the same age. We were in school together and I think the fact that we are close in age means we can do a lot of stuff together. Plus he copies everything I does (laughs)

Sean: The relationships cool its just banter 24/7, there’s not much seriousness unless I steal some of his food. I think it’s cool, we get along.

Was there ever a point where you both were competitive both being actors?

Nick: We used to have mad arguments he used to get on my nerves.

In school we’d be in a fight everyday, but then as he grew up he stopped that.

Sean: I would say I’m better than him at football; I’m faster than him. This is the competitive side.

Nick: He doesn’t score goals. No but were not really competitive I think we kind of give each other ideas…

Sean: Nah were competitive.

How do you immerse yourself into a film role? Is there anything notable that you do to prepare yourself?

Sean: I smoke a cigarette just before I go on set. For you to become a character, you have to live like one. Just like Heath Ledger did with the Joker, he lived like it. I think if you want a performance you have to be your character, you obviously have to bring a certain part of yourself into it. I think as much research, ideas and stuff you’ve seen before will be useful.

Nick: I think I’m lucky because I studied it in college, and then outside I took further studies so I’ve kind of managed to join in techniques that I’ve learnt to help me get into roles.

 Ill Manors is set in Forrest Gate where you are from. How similar are the storylines to the real life East London?

Nick: its pretty much spot on, I mean half the stuff that happens in the film you see in real life. You could drive to Forrest Gate now, and you would see half the stuff you’ve seen in the film just regularly going on. I think it was pretty much a perfect depiction of Forrest Gate.

Sean: The film portrays prostitutes but not just as prostitutes selling themselves, but prostitutes trying to better themselves as well. A lot of people would drive past and be like ‘ah look at them’, but you don’t know what they’ve been through, what there going through. You can’t judge them for what there doing.

Where there ever moments when you could relate on a personal level to the role you were playing? What were they?

Nick: Not really because Marcel’s a bit of a pillack. That’s not an attribute I associate myself with. I do say I could relate to his drive, because although what he’s going for is deemed as bad, his drive and he wants it so bad he’ll do anything. I can kind of relate that to me and what I want in life with acting.

Sean: My character Freddie is just the joker, and in most situations in real life, if me and my friends are having a serious conversation I’m usually always the one to just mess it up. In terms of him being a right hand man for his brother again is the exact same, because obviously he’s my brother and I’ll do anything. In a sense Freddie was spot on for who I kind of am.

 Ben Drew seems to be growing into a multi talented and versatile individual. What was it like being directed by him?

Sean: Being directed by him was amazing. It was a lot different because I worked with him previously for two years as his PA and stylist and I was always getting shouted out, and making sure I had this suit steamed. Him just sitting behind a camera just looked weird. He gave us the opportunity and allowed us to have a lot of lenience with the script and say this doesn’t feel right, how would you say it? Working with him has been the highlight of my career so far.

 What did you think when you read the script?

Nick: I have to run naked. After I got over that I liked the angle he was coming from, the idea with the music. The only thing I’d say is on the script because the music hadn’t been made yet; we didn’t know how the music was going to fit into this. It wasn’t until the end product that I was fully blown away. We didn’t hear any of the music on set; we didn’t know any of the music. I even forgot music was going to be in it.

Sean: When I read the script I looked at it and was like wow. We can look at it two ways; we can look at it in terms of it being an urban film, or you can look at it for the story that it’s trying to portray to you. Same thing as my brother said with the music, when you’re reading the script, you cant fit it in. Your looking at it like this doesn’t make sense, it’s confusing, but as soon as the music was put into it, it all just unfolded and was like wow. The music to the script played a big part in the whole thing.

 One of the key elements of the film seems to be the accompanying soundtrack and music from Plan B. To what extent do you think it helped set the mood and scene of the film?

Nick: I think music in films people don’t realise how important it is. If you look at some of your favourite scenes in film there’s always a soundtrack in the background. If you play something from ‘Speed’, or ‘Inception’, I know it straight away because you see what you saw when you were watching it. I think with this because the actual music is not just instruments, there are vocals and raps towards the story, it puts you that much more on the edge of your seat.

Sean: Music in general just brings out feelings in you. You always have a song you put on if you want to get in a lonely zone. With music in general and with the film Ben kind of hit home with the right genres to put in it. You had a slow song, you had a fast tempo beat, and you had a beat that was dark and hitting you. With music in general it brings out moods in you, especially when it’s in a film, you can feel that characters mood a lot more.

What do you listen to?

Nick: I can tell you what he listens to, Chris Brown.

Sean: Yeah I’m a Chris Brown fan because I like to just dance, not just Chris Brown though. He just says it because every time he’s in my car I play it

Nick: He has a Chris Brown playlist. I like Chris Brown too.

Sean: I like nearly every one of them. He’s got a new song ‘Countdown’, ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’, ‘Turn Up The Music’, ‘Oh Yea’, there are loads of songs. I don’t like to be in a lonely or dark place, so for me his music inspires me to dance or just think of stuff.

What should people take away from watching Ill Manors? Is there a lesson to be learnt from this film?

Nick: The main thing I would say is don’t judge a book by its cover. Watch these people and realise why they have to make these decisions that if you didn’t see why they made them, you would think this person is terrible, how can they do that. If you can see why there forced to do it you understand more. This is what happens in real life, we only see the end product.

Sean: It’s not just a film, for me it’s a documentary film. A lot of people watch documentaries and there like wow I never knew someone lived like this. Put yourself in the characters shoes, or the situations there in, you would feel that you would end up doing the same thing they are. As me and my brother have said don’t judge a book by its cover, don’t look at someone and think this is all your about because its not. Everyone has a dark secret.

 What do you think sets UK film productions apart from Hollywood and the rest of the world? What is unique about our industry?

Nick: I think especially with the comedy stuff, our humour is completely different, were a lot more sarcastic. Sometimes they think were being rude, but they love it because they are addicted to our shows over there. I think with comedy that’s the main difference. With a lot of dramas, especially with ‘Ill Manors’, its so gritty there’s no censorship with of our stuff.

Sean: The film is a hard-hitting story but a lot of people have come out and been like that was so dark, because it was. There’s not other way for me to describe it, and a lot of people try and go on this whole 15 minute description of what the film is, no, its just a dark film. I feel Americans are scared to release such films as ‘Ill Manor’, which is as my brother said gritty. Its even in terms of music like with dubstep, England isn’t scared to do it, they just do it.

 What are the plans for both of you now are you filming anything new or have plans to?

Sean: I’ve just recently been booked to do a new theatre piece that I start in August. I start rehearsals in 3 months and then we tour towards the end of November for 2 weeks. Then I go off to York, so I’m looking forward to being in York because apparently there’s a lot of sightseeing.

Nick: After last year, towards the end of last year I had a part in NCIS: Los Angles. After that I’ve had interesting offers and opportunities have started to open and especially after ‘Ill Manors’. I’m going to take time to pick my next one, because I want it to be completely different from this.

 What are your main ambitions when it comes to acting? 

Nick: I really want to play President Obama.

Sean: I’d like to play a role such as Chris Tucker, Jim Carey, just a funny comedy role. I’ve done a few bits now with a hat and hood on, so I don’t really want to be jumping into that field anymore. I kind of want to swing it to the other side and make it go somewhere different.

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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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June 6, 2012

Nas & Eminem Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap Freestyles

Ice-T takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and soul of hip-hop with the legends of rap music. This performance documentary goes beyond the stardom and the bling, to explore what goes on inside the minds, and erupts from the lips, of the grandmasters of rap. Recognized as the godfather of Gangsta rap, Ice-T is granted unparalleled access to the personal lives of the masters of this artform that he credits for saving his life. Interspersed with the performer’s insightful, touching, and often funny revelations are classic raps, freestyle rhymes, and never before heard a cappellas straight from the mouths of the creators. What emerges is a better understanding of, and a tribute to, an original American art form that brought poetry to a new generation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6LVHT7Qm9w&feature=related

 

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June 1, 2012

50 Cent Isn’t Worried About The New Generation Of Rappers & Has A Message For Young Buck

After the release of the Lost Tapes with DJ Drama, 50 Cent spoke with All Hip Hop, and in part two speaks on the younger generation of hip hop artists and why he has nothing to worry about. 

His ten year run of the Forbes list of the of the Wealthiest Hip Hop Artists is why he isn’t sweating. This year he ranked as 5th, not bad for someone who hasn’t released an album in 3 years.

“I been on the Forbes list 10 years straight – consecutively,” he said. “When I came on the Forbes [list] this year, I’m like, ‘Would you look at that? I’m still there.’ I’ve been on a motherfuckin’ lunch break – I’ve been on vacation and I’m still there. Now I’m telling you I’m hustling in a different way and it’s paying off. If you look at it, I ain’t put an album out in three years, and I’m still in the list? Okay, let’s see the other guys do that.”

He then spoke on former G Unit rapper Young Buck who he gave a lot of support to and how he shouldn’t have “bit the hand that feeds.”

“Where I’m from, we got a code of conduct that we follow: don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” he said. “If somebody [wants] to make you a success and comfortable in every way, down to the point that I pay your taxes for you after you [mismanage your money]…and you still [act] disrespectful and say the kind of shit you saying? Niggas is lucky you don’t just kill ‘em. Niggas shot me for $5,000…[I] feel fuckin’ sorry for somebody that has no opportunities; [I] don’t feel sorry for the person who did something stupid.”

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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 14, 2012

J.Cole Is Working With Kendrick Lamar On A Joint Album

J.Cole was supporting Drake on the Club Paradise tour on Friday, and stopped by to talk to Hot 97.5’s Bootleg Kev. We had heard the rumours before about a collaborative project between the two, but now J.Cole confirmed that the two are already 5 songs deep on a joint album.

“I just started working with Kendrick the other day,” revealed Cole in an interview with Hot 97.5’s . “We got it in, finally, again. [It’s gonna be an] album, man,” he clarified.

“We actually worked, bouncing ideas, which was great. The vibe was so good that it was like, man, that’s absolutely gonna happen,” he added.

“We got maybe four or five [songs] together.”

Listen to the full interview below

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