GFM Family, you asked and we delivered. Check out Noel Gourdin’s inteview with GFM where he shares his views about the state of the music industry today, integrity in music and of course the story behind his new CD Fresh: The Definition and the single “Beautfiul“ .

Noel Gourdin Interview by GrownFolksMusic

GFM recently had the pleasure of talking with first family of soul and all around cool people, Kindred The Family Soul. Listen as Aja and Fatin talk about how they stay true to their artistic vision, their web series, Six Is It, other artists they especially enjoy and of course their new album, Love Has No Recession, due out on July 26. Check out the wonderful scenario that unfolds in their video for the new single “Magic Happen”, directed by Matthew Cherry. Hope you enjoy!

To pre-order Love Has No Recession go here.

Kindred The Family Soul Interview by GrownFolksMusic

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Another great interview from our fam Thomas Leo over at YouKnowIGotSoul.com, check him out and let him know we sent ya! Enjoy the interview.

YKIGS: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. I’m glad because this is a real treat for me, I’ve been a fan of yours since growing up, I grew up on your music, so I’m just glad you’re still here making that good music!

Faith Evans: Thank you! That’s good to hear, that’s always good to hear!

YKIGS: I also want to congratulate you on new album “Something About Faith,” how are you feeling right now?

Faith: You know what, I can’t complain. Things could always be better, but I look at it like the fact that people even care to hear Faith Evans music after all these years, that’s definitely a blessing to still be relevant in some kind of way to somebody.

YKIGS: I also have to mention I was at your show a few weeks back when you did B.B. Kings on the day your album released, and that show blew me away, you did an amazing job!

Faith: Oh you were there? Cool!

YKIGS: Yep! You had that place packed and rocking so it was really cool. What was it like performing in front of basically, I know you’re from Jersey, so in front of almost a home town crowd like that?

Faith: Right, and that’s the funny thing, because it was so many friends and family that I made sure was there, and it just felt like there was so much love, it was like a family reunion. Over the years, it gets better and better but every time I come home it was great for that show to be on the day of the album release and to be at home with all of them in there, because I was having a good time. And I didn’t even know that half of the people that were there, were there. If I had, I don’t know if I would have been as…I was just doing it for the crowd, I didn’t realize exactly people that I knew that were there, that I knew personally.

YKIGS: It was really cool when you brought out Fatman Scoop at the end too, that was a nice moment there.

Faith: Yea, that was good, that was really nice of him to do that.

YKIGS: Your debut album Faith released nearly 15 years ago now and you’re still doing music to this day. So besides having that amazing voice, why do you think you’ve been able to have such longevity in your career?

Faith: You know what, I think I am certainly blessed to be one of the lucky ones. You never know, don’t get me wrong, thankfully over the years I have learned I don’t measure my success by numbers and sales figures, just the fact that like you just said, to still be making music and even though it’s a different walk with independent with the numbers and the dollars, but just to even debut at the number one on any chart, the independent chart, it’s like wow! I think maybe aside from it just being a blessing, I definitely try and not overdo it, I just kinda live by my rules and my heart in terms of the time I take between albums, that may have something to do with it. And when I do come back with music, it’s still the same good music, I don’t try and keep up with a certain pace of what I hear all the time on the radio. With all due respect, and I’m well aware having four kids what is current, but at the same time, I can’t deviate from what it is that Faith Evans does that my fans like about what I do.

YKIGS: Yes and that’s something I admire about you and your music. With this album, you stay true to that r&b sound you came in with, and as a true fan of r&b, I can really appreciate that.

Faith: Thank you! I appreciate that.

YKIGS: What was your plan going into making this album?

Faith: First and foremost, being in the driver’s seat 100% and making for a great, more personal touch with the creative process. I’ve always…me and my husband have been very hands on in the studio and stuff but even in calling other artists and using the relationships I have, obviously this is my most feature heavy album. But it was all because of the love and mutual respect for me as an artist and vice versa. So that all just kinda came together, it was just a good vibe and a personal touch, the fact that it’s like wow, I’m really calling to see if I could clear this sample, and of course I’m ultimately letting my team handle it. But when you do things yourself, it might happen a little faster. So just to kinda answer your question, that was the whole thing, it just kinda came together the way that I envisioned it, but not having done this before in this way, I didn’t know it would be, but it’s exactly how I wanted it to be.

YKIGS: Do you have a favorite song on the album?

Faith: You know what, one of them is “Everyday Struggle,” and “Troubled World” is one of my favorites.

YKIGS: I was actually going to ask you if you can tell me the story behind “Everyday Struggle” and what made you decide to do that like that because obviously we all know you used the same beat that Biggie used on his song of the same name, and I thought it was real cool, so I just wanted to hear the story.

Faith: Yea, firstly I always kinda try and…like even on the song with Keyshia Cole, originally it was written differently and then I ended up like “you know, let me give a subtle throwback to B.I.G., so I put that little “Hypnotize” thing in the bridge. But with “Everyday Struggle,” when I was working on my last album, “The First Lady” with Carvin and Ivan, I had told them I wanted to do a song to that beat. They had given me the instrumental for the original record that they sampled for BIG’s song. And the funny thing is, when I started working on this album, my little three year old, he always gets to my cd’s and dvd’s. I couldn’t find that track for nothing, and one day he pulled out all of the cd’s and bam right on top was the track that Carvin and Ivan gave me. *Laughs* I forgot about it, and I saw it and I started listening to it and I was like ok, and I started coming up with little melodies, and went in the studio. Funny enough, I had just done a song for Harvey Mason Jr. for the LeBron James movie soundtrack. So I said “Oh his father wrote this record, he owns the publishing, let me see if I can get in touch!” So instead of using the actual record, I had my band go in and replay a certain portion of it and I wrote the song and laid the vocals down and decided to keep the title just kinda as another throwback.

YKIGS: Yea I like that you did that, that’s a nice touch, it came out good.

Faith: Yea, and Raekwon came in one day to talk to me about doing something for him, the Capone and Noreaga song, and he ended up being in the studio all night, and he just went and laid the rap on it.

YKIGS: I gotta say my favorite song on your album, I think it’s actually a bonus track, it’s “Baby Lay” and that one to me is just like a throwback to your early work and I just love that one.

Faith: Oh wow! Definitely, we were contemplating not…it was like a lot of songs, but I’m like no they need a ballad, the album isn’t super ballad heavy, and that would be a nice little reminder of my ballads. Thank you, oh that’s cool!

YKIGS: Yea I’ve had that one on repeat since the album came out, I love that one!

YKIGS: I wanted to also ask you about your collaboration with Keyshia Cole, you mentioned it earlier, “Can’t Stay Away.” How did this collaboration come about and what was it like working with her?

Faith: Well I love Keyshia, I have a whole different respect for her, she’s like a mini boss. *Laughs* The funny thing is she actually called me a few years ago when I was pregnant with my three year old to ask me to executive produce her album. And I was like wow! We had met before and stuff, and talked, but I was dang you like me like that? I thought that was really dope, but because I was pregnant and looking for a new house and about to move, I didn’t really want to take something like that on and not be able to really carry it out, so I had to pass on it unfortunately. But then she called me again, we kinda kept in touch and she called me to do a song on her upcoming album, and by the time we went in to record it, I had written to the song that she ended up doing, and we kinda just did an even exchange type of thing, easy on my budget. *Laughs* It made sense because I like her, and she has her certain audience as well, so it worked out.

YKIGS: That’s interesting to me that she would recognize your talents like that.

Faith: I know! That’s always interesting to me, you know I don’t take it for granted, I don’t take myself that seriously like everybody loves what I do or even is a fan. So that was very like wow, I like her, I have that respect for her for even seeing me in that light.

YKIGS: Just out of curiosity, when you run into some of the younger artists in r&b that are out these days, do they show you the same type of respect that Keyshia has?

Faith: Yes! They do, I mean also it’s not always the same situation where we end up talking or on that level or working together, but I can honestly say they do, I never really feel they don’t. That’s something that like I said, I don’t take for granted, but it’s always a reminder when I am out and about, because I really don’t be out on the scene all the time, I got four kids, so it’s just when I’m working a record or out doing something for work, I may be around artists. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot more of course because I’ve been promoting my record. Even with like an El Debarge, I’m on El Debarge’s album, we just did a video for his record and I ended up doing features in Keri Hilson’s next video because it’s like “Wow Faith, come by my video!” *Laughs* So it’s like dang. I don’t carry myself with an heir of extra super ego-tism and I think being approachable and it’s nice to be nice and I respect other people for what they do as well. So it’s not really like it’s all about Faith, just when it comes to my music. *Laughs*

YKIGS: *Laughs* That’s very fair.

YKIGS: Do you have something picked out for a second single, or are you still deciding?

Faith: I am still deciding. I have a couple of ideas, but I don’t know, me and my team are still kinda formulating and trying to figure it out, but we’ve got to figure it out soon.

YKIGS: In the time off between this album and your last album, you wrote the biography “Keep the Faith” and were nominated for an African American Literary Award. What did that honor mean to you?

Faith: Yea, I actually think I won it, and I was so surprised because I didn’t know about it number one, but I didn’t heavily promote the book as much as I could, but it was great to see how well received it was. I’m still running into people now that I am traveling a little more, that are like “I got your book,” or people coming to my little get togethers, little meet and greets with the book like “I love your book.” I’m like that’s cool, thank you! I almost didn’t do it, I was kinda like I’m not ready to do a book, but then I knew I had some time on my hands when I wasn’t going to do another album with my last label, and I decided to entertain the whole offer.

YKIGS: I was also reading you have the reality show “It’s All About Faith” coming out soon, how’s that coming?

Faith: Actually it’s not that show, we just shot a pilot for a show called “The First Ladies” with me and Misa Hylton, Justin’s mother, Justin Combs’ mom. It’s basically kinda about us being friends since back in the Bad Boy days, and just having grown and have families, but it’s not about our family. We’re now both transitioning into other entrepreneurial ventures, me with the line of hair products, her with her line of clothes and the line of wigs and other stuff she’s doing in the city. So I’m kinda just balancing that with having kids, basically kids that’s about to go to college. So it’s going to be interesting, we just shot a pilot for that.

YKIGS: Cool, I’ll have to be on the lookout for that.

YKIGS: I’d also like to know, what do you see as being the major differences in being on a major label as you were for your first four albums, and now being independent?

Faith: Well first and foremost, the dollars are different. But on the other side, a lot more of it is coming to me, and the fact of owning your masters is certainly a plus. But it’s definitely not the same marketing machine, so you gotta try and take advantage of every opportunity to play a part in promoting yourself and your team has to do the best they can. But I feel good about…I think for me right now, I’m not saying I would never do another deal with a major, but right now it’s just so good for me to have acquired all my publishing back, just make a whole new fresh start. If I feel I wanna do something different, I’ve done it this way where there’s some part of my…I’ve gotta own my catalog. I need to have the right to do whatever I want to with the things that I’ve created from my heart and my soul, so that’s really the plus in it all for me. Because you never know, I can’t guarantee how many units I’m going to sell, and how many dollars I’m going to make, but I have the option to do whatever I’d like to do later on to make those choices and make some more money and go to a Time-Life deal with my music, as opposed to someone else benefiting from that.

YKIGS: Now that you’re independent, do you ever find it hard reaching your fan base, since there might be a different type of promotion now being independent than there used to be?

Faith: It certainly is. Even with the whole internet machine and everything, that is such a big cyber world, because some people still don’t know I have an album out, and I haven’t promotionaly covered some of my biggest regions yet. But instead of me blaming…the first week of my release, I had fans setting up sites like “Your album is sold out, they said two weeks!” I’m out here promoting a record people can’t find? I went to store personally and I didn’t see any Faith Evans! But as opposed to me looking at it and being angry, I still gotta promote and do what I gotta do, I gotta see the blessing in it, at least people bought it and it sold out, it means they’re looking for it. *Laughs*But then on the other hand, I’m still finding out some people don’t even know it’s out. It is different, it’s a different walk, but I did it for a reason and I gotta make the best of it. I gotta do what I can do, instead of stalling things and wasting the energy just trying to keep it together, I gotta pick up and keep it moving. Put on a happy face! *Laughs*

YKIGS: *Laughs* That’s definitely a good attitude to take!

YKIGS: I’d like to ask you about a few collaborations you’ve done over the years that I’m a huge fan of as well, and I’d like to just see if I could get some background from you on what you remember about working on that song and recording it.

Faith: Ok which ones.

YKIGS: The first one is the song you did with Jon B. called “Overjoyed.”

Faith: Yes! I remember that! I love Jon B., he’s such a cool guy. Actually I’ve been seeing him a lot recently at the studio too. We did that at his house, and I think he lost everything, I think he had a big fire and lost the house, but I remember recording in his house studio in Pasadena. We actually started dabbling on a few different ideas, but that was the one he already knew he wanted me to do with him. I like that song too.

YKIGS: Very good song. Next is the song you did with Eric Benet “Georgy Porgy.”

Faith: That’s one of my favorites too! I just did a song with him for his new album too. He called me his last album, and I think I was pregnant or it was something weird where it was a crazy time and I couldn’t make it happen in time. That’s like my boy, I feel like he’s my brother just from the first time when he came, I think that was before Motown Live which at the time he sat at the entire rehearsal for two hours waiting for me. And I had never met him, I knew who he was, and he said “I need you to get on this song with me.” And I think we went to the studio the very same day. *Laughs* I was just honored like, “Really? You like me??” *Laughs* And I love that song.

YKIGS: That’s cool that you’re so humble about it.

Faith: I mean like I say, it would be kind of embarrassing to be like “Oh my God, I know yall love me!” and they would be like “Who are you again?” *Laughs*I’ve always kinda been that way, I know so many talented people that may never even see the light of day in terms of being a well known artist. I think there’s so much talent in the world it’s hard to measure, so I certainly wouldn’t try and measure myself and think I’m better or less than, I am just me and I definitely try to appreciate when people receive my gift. That’s really all I can do. *Laughs*

YKIGS: That’s very fair. The song you have with DMX “How’s it Goin Down.”

Faith: You know what, I don’t think I got to record that song with him. But we did the other song, I think we were in the studio together. No no no, he came to my hotel in Miami at three in the morning and made my husband wake me up to tell me about that joint. *Laughs* And he wanted to record with him actually, I remember it. That’s like a real nice little…people like that joint, hip hop heads like that one.

YKIGS: Now I gotta ask you about the song you mentioned earlier which is your new collaboration with El DeBarge “Lay With You.” I’m loving that song, tell me about it.

Faith: Oh that’s one of the times when I was really nervous in the studio, because that’s El DeBarge! *Laughs* You’re an r&b head, so you understand, so I was nervous. I’m used to being in the studio with just me and my engineer and maybe my little few people I may write with and work with. Ron Fair is amazing, so they made me feel really comfortable but I was just like “Wow, that’s El DeBarge!” But that song came out amazing, like what I hear what they did with it, just to know how nervous I was when I was in there singing it! *Laughs*

YKIGS: Yea I love that song, I think it could be a big hit.

Faith: We’ve been doing a lot of stuff together since then, he and I keep in touch a lot, I always send him little messages, a prayer on the road, be safe, God bless. He’s a sweet guy, El is a really cool guy. Just imagine that before I was anybody, Faith Evans the artist, I would really used to read all the credits and look at the pictures like “Oh my God!”

YKIGS: There’s a song I wanted to get some background on, it’s from the Biggie duets album it’s called “1970 Somethin.” I believe the chorus was written by Static Major who I’m a big fan of, and I was wondering if you had the chance to work with him on that?

Faith: I didn’t, they had actually had the demo done because a lot of the vocals were done in a lot of places with the artists. So it was already demoed when I got it. I think I was working on something too, my last album, and I did that while I was in the studio working on something else.

YKIGS: Did you ever have a chance to meet him at any point in your career?

Faith: I met him but that was when they were still together as a group when I used to be with Missy a lot, I think they may have come to my apartment with Missy a couple of times. I wanted to work with him on my last album really, really badly and we almost…I think he wrote to a track I sent him and we weren’t in the same town, I wanted to work WITH him. But he was such a talent.

YKIGS: I’ve mentioned all of these collaborations, but you’ve also made collaborations with the whole Bad Boy roster from back in the day like 112, Carl Thomas and even Puffy. I know you recently did a song with Slim from 112 for his solo album, but do you ever see yourself in the future collaborating with these artists again?

Faith: Yes, actually me and Carl have been in touch quite a bit, we’re definitely going to do something together because he’s working on his new album too. But we kinda keep in touch over the years. Me and all of the guys of 112 are still cool. Me and Q are actually about to do a song together for his album. I’m cool with everybody for the most part unless they have a problem with me, I don’t like having confrontational things with people. I’ve always kinda been pretty much cool with everybody, I don’t have any hard feelings. Me and Puff are cool.

YKIGS: Speaking of Puff, what was he like in the studio in terms of the control he had over your music. Did he really just let you do your thing, or was he trying to guide it? Tell me about that.

Faith: He knew what he was doing. If it was an artist, and I’m not saying I know who they were, but I’m sure there was an artist he couldn’t just leave in the studio, he would make sure there were writers or something there. But I was one of the artists he definitely knew I didn’t have to be in the studio with him to make a hit record. I would sometimes call him and see if he liked the direction I was going in, but for the most part he would be like “Play it over the phone, I love it! Nah you got it, it’s all good!” But he knew that much, for him to know that. I was definitely always pretty much in the studio, I don’t want to say in control because I didn’t take that position back then so much, but I was definitely much a producer myself and as opposed to taking that credit for it, not that he didn’t play a part in the overall production of the song, but I was always producing my vocals and just me and whoever did the track and the engineer. And then when the track is done, just me and the engineer. Back then I really didn’t even write with a bunch of people. Like now, I’m a lot more willing because this is the time of it as well because I have a family. So I write with other people and I do work on my material and it allows them to get a chance to get their names out there and me help them with getting their publishing game together, stuff like that. Which my next book is kinda gonna be about, stuff like that. Because I’m always kinda trying to point people in the right direction. They’re like “You should write a book about that!” *Laughs*

YKIGS: So you’re working on another book currently?

Faith: Yes, actually I just kinda started on the prologue for it. But it’s kinda like going to be a handbook, I guess an informational companion from like the artist/writer/producer perspective. Just the things that I’ve learned. There’s a lot I still have yet to learn, but the things that I do know quite a bit about because I’ve been very hands on with it over the years by trial and error.

YKIGS: How long do you see yourself continuing to make music into the future?

Faith: Hmmm. Right now I can’t see there being an end to it, for as long as I have that drive in me and that passion to do it, and people are out there like “Faith when are you coming back, we need some more music!” I’m going to keep doing it. I definitely have plans to start working on my next album very soon, I’m going to surprise my fans. They’ll think it’s gonna be another few years, but maybe not. I tend to make decisions based on not those things, just on the things I have to deal with every single day regardless of whether I have a record deal or not, to whether I could sing or not. I appreciate them for understanding that, and maybe that helps too with my being able to still come back, because some people do have a heart and do understand those things! *Laughs*

YKIGS: Well speaking on behalf of your fans, please never stop, we want to continue hearing you forever! *Laughs*

Faith: Oh please trust me, as long as someone like you who’s even on the other side, but you still are a fan of real music and you’re an r&b fan obviously, that gives it a whole different perspective. It’s like ok, I’m sure if I saw you in the street, it would be the same thing and I didn’t know that you were a journalist. So that’s a wonderful thing. You never know how you touch people.

YKIGS: I want your opinion, do you have a favorite of your albums you’ve made throughout your career?

Faith: Ummm….I think I have yet to make that! That would be the best answer.

YKIGS: That’s very fair! That’s actually all I had prepared, is there anything else you’d like to add?

Faith: Did I mention I’m launching a line of hair products? I kinda mentioned it, but that’s kinda part of what the show’s about too, I’m going into business with my friend Richard Glass, he has a line of hair products called Glass hair products. Right now for styling products, but they’re amazing, and I’m kinda joining forces with his brand to kinda help launch it. Oh I’m starting the biopic about Florence Ballard. I was chosen to play the lead in that movie and it starts filming in January, and I’m excited about that too.

This post was submitted by Tom Leo.

Source: www.djjazzyjeff.com

While we’re speaking of real dope DJ’s, let’s hear DJ Jazzy Jeff on his inspiration, CDJ, Serato and vinyl. Props to the Crate Kings and PP2GTV for the clip.

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Sometimes it’s just good to listen… a great interview from a great artist, with some excellent advice. Happy Friday!!!

This is a reader contributed guest post from Tom Leo of You Know You Got Soul.

GFM has been big supporters of Donell, so we’re pleased to share this interview with you. Special thanks to Tom for conducting this interview.

If you’d like to contribute a review, post or feature — click the Contribute tab and submit!

Today I caught up with r&b legend Donell Jones to discuss everything from his TWO upcoming albums, to his collaboration with Big Pun, to the state of R&B music today. One thing I will say about Donell is he has always stayed true to his roots and made timeless r&b music. In speaking with him, I can definitely see that he “gets it” in terms of understanding the importance of making this type of music.

YouKnowIGotSoul: From an early age you began writing songs, and eventually started writing for other artists. How were you able to be successful in writing and where did you draw your inspiration from?

Donell Jones: I think I was able to be successful in writing because I came up around a lot of great songwriters. Like for instance, Kenny Green who wrote a lot of the Mary J. Blige stuff. He was on the Untouchables staff at that time, so I kinda learned a lot from those guys and I think that’s why I was successful with my song writing. Plus I came from Chicago and everybody that I met was in New York, so I came with a different flavor than most of the New York songwriters had.

YNIGS: Did you always want to get into music, or was there ever something else you had in mind for a career?

DJ: You know what man, to be honest with you, that’s all I really wanted to do my whole life, was to make music and just create new stuff, like new songs, and just be a singer man.

YNIGS: On a song you did years ago “Life Goes On,” you mention “if it wasn’t for my daughters you wouldn’t have a reason to exist.” Were these feelings you were going through at the time?

DJ: To be honest with you, I feel like that every day. Kids bring so much joy to your life, so I think without them I wouldn’t be the person that I am now, I might be a loose cannon. But the gift definitely slowed me down and kinda made me into a man, you know what I’m saying?

YNIGS: Yea I know exactly what you mean.

YNIGS: Although your last album “Journey of a Gemini” was very well received, it didn’t sell as well it should have, possibly due to poor promotion. Was there ever a point in your career when you thought you might have to go in a different direction music wise?

DJ: To be honest with you, I never thought I had to go in a different direction. I think that my problem with my records has been the fact that they have never really got promoted to become successful by the record companies. As far as musically, I have a lot of fans that they would probably kill me if I changed my style! I don’t think it’s my style of music, I just think it’s the record companies themselves with the lack of promotion and getting the word out there.

YNIGS: I definitely agree with you on that.

YNIGS: One of my favorite songs from your last album was “Apple Pie.” Can you tell me the inspiration for that song and how you came up with the idea?

DJ: Oh Apple Pie, we was just in the studio man and actually I didn’t even write the song, it was written by Cassie from Changing Faces. What happened was we was in the studio, and we was just grooving, and she started singing some stuff, I don’t know where the inspiration came for her, but I liked the song so much I was like “Yo you gotta get me that, I gotta record that song!”

YNIGS: It’s been nearly four years since you released “Journey of a Gemini,” what have you been up to since then?

DJ: Working man, I’ve just been working on the new project. I got a new album coming out right before Christmas, it’s called “The Lost Files,” and this album is just comprised of songs, like every time I do an album, that in between time where there is no album out, I always record a lot of songs, and they don’t make the album because I like to start from scratch when I make the new record. What I did was just grab a lot of those songs and put them on this “Lost Files” album just as a prelude to when my new album comes out in 2010.

YNIGS: I was actually going to ask you about this album you are releasing of unreleased material, are these songs you recorded all through your career?

DJ: I got songs dating from ’96 in the beginning of my career all the way up until 2004. You will definitely hear songs that sound like they are from the “My Heart” era, you will hear songs that sound like they are from the “Where I Wanna Be” era, it’s just a whole bunch of songs that’s throughout my whole career, that I’m like “Man, people need to hear this stuff, I need to stop keeping to myself, you know?”

YNIGS: Yes we do need to hear that!

YNIGS: Now, you had a chance to collaborate with the late Big Pun, can you tell me what the experience of working with him was like?

DJ: Incredible. I mean in the studio he pretty much already knew what he wanted. I mean, poppin bottles, the studio was full of women; it was just a beautiful experience man! Fat Joe and the whole crew was there, my crew was there, it felt like an event, almost felt like you were going to a party or something, but we were in the studio. It was a great experience, I’m not going to lie. That was one of the only artists that, because I did work with Left Eye, but me and her weren’t in the studio together, she did her part, I did my part, but the Big Pun thing, we were all in the studio, it was just fun.

YNIGS: As someone who has managed to stay relevant in the music industry since the mid 90’s, do you feel you get the respect you deserve around the industry?

DJ: To be honest with you man, it’s iffy, it’s half and half. I get a lot of respect from artists, because they do appreciate the type of music that I do. But then you have some other artist that could care less, you know what I’m saying, and I understand that. It’s basically built off of how successful you are, it’s not the music that you make, so I understand the nature of some artists and how they go about the way they treat people, but at the end of the day, I don’t make music for other artists, I make music for the consumer man, and that’s who I really appreciate, is those people.

YNIGS: Are you happy with the state of R&B music today, since it a lot different than it was when you first started making music?

DJ: You know what man, to be honest with you, I’m not. I mean there are a few artists out there I really like, that is doing their thing. To me, it’s too many people trying to be r&b thugs. It’s almost like the r&b game has become almost like the new r&b/rap game or something. There’s no more love in the music, it’s almost like when you are having a special night with your woman, like what are you going to play? You have no choice but to go back and play some “dusties.” Everybody else is talking about cars and how much money they got, and to me the love is not in the music anymore.

YNIGS: I completely agree!

YNIGS: How do you feel about certain artists using voice technology to enhance their voice?

DJ: It doesn’t bother me. The only thing that bothers me is that everybody is doing it. Like T-Pain, I really appreciate what he did. You have to look at people like Roger Troutman, they really made a big thing out of that, but it was fresh and it was only a couple of people doing it. Now it’s almost like why is everybody jumping on the bandwagon when this is this guy’s sound? I’m not saying T-Pain owns the sound because he doesn’t, but it’s almost like it’s too much of it now, its ridiculous.

YNIGS: You mentioned there are a few artists you are feeling in r&b today, can you tell me some of your favorite artists of today?

DJ: I’m gonna be honest with you man, I don’t listen to a lot of music these days. I would say I do like what Trey Songz is doing, I have a couple of his songs that he has out. To be honest it’s not really a lot of artists, I don’t listen to the radio that much. I’m kinda like a “dusties” man myself. When I make new music, I draw off of old music, you know like Teddy Pendegrass, The Isley Brothers, and I’ve been doing that for years, ever since I came out. I’ve never really listened to the radio and new artists that’s out, because I always try to pattern my style of music to my favorite artists from the past.

YNIGS: How would you describe the style of music you make to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?

DJ: I would describe it as true from the heart r&b. I would describe it as, just it’s mellow, it’s smooth, and it’s all purpose music to me. If you are driving long distances, you can drive and listen to the whole thing without having to fast forward. I try to make albums; I don’t try to make singles. I try to make a full album where you can honestly appreciate it, so that’s how I would describe my music.

YNIGS: So besides the album of unreleased material you will be releasing, you are also working on a new album for next year?

DJ: Definitely. Working on a new album as we speak, and it’s going to be incredible. It always takes me a little time to finish albums, and that’s because I’m always looking for a great song, you know? I don’t like to rush through an album because I hate when you buy an album and it’s only like two or three songs on it, so that’s why it takes me a little bit of time. Plus at the same time, I’m not with the label anymore, everything I’m going to be doing from now on is going to be independent.

YNIGS: Did you approach your new album as you did with your previous albums, or did you set out to do something different? What should we expect to hear?

DJ: I approached it the same way that I’ve done all my other albums except for that it will sound fresh and for today. I haven’t gone outside of my comfort zone or anything like that. It will just be the same Donell, but just with new songs, new flavor. I really think people appreciate it because with me it’s all about the subject matter, it’s all about what people actually go through in real life, and those are the songs I’m touching on right now.

YNIGS: Do you have any titles in mind for the new album?

DJ: Nah, it’s untitled right now. I have no clue what I want to name this album man.

YNIGS: You just mentioned you are independent now, what do you see as being the major differences there?

DJ: The major difference is, I’m in control of my own destiny. You know at the major label, I’ve always had to compete with the Usher’s and the R. Kelly’s and all of those other guys because we were all at the same label. It’s kinda frustrating when you see someone get pushed and you feel like you have, if not better, just as strong of material. So I mean, me being independent, and I know that I’m working for myself, it’s more like I work even harder now, because I know what the end result is, I’m working for me instead of me working for them.

YNIGS: Did you ever feel like when you were signed to the major label that they tried to push your music in a certain direction or did you have full control of what you wanted to do?

DJ: I never really had full control at all being at the label. They pretty much pushed it to where they wanted it. There is a lot of people still today just discovering Donell Jones, that’s like “wow I didn’t know you had all these songs, I didn’t know this, I only heard a couple of songs on the radio!” As time has went on, I kinda gained a lot of fans just by word of mouth or somebody stumbled upon an album they didn’t really listen to. To me, I don’t know if it’s by chance, but I think in the end it will work out great for me that my career has went this way.

YNIGS: Final question, do you have any goals for the future as an artist or anything you’d like to accomplish?

DJ: You know what man, I’m really into, I love video games. I don’t know if I will be singing forever. I’m not talking about like playing video games, I’m into like, I like technology a lot. I want to get into more interactive stuff, more internet type of stuff. I don’t know if you are familiar with UStream, I want to kind of build a website somewhat like that, really really interactive where my fans can actually come in and see me do a real performance, and just…..I just got a lot of things on my mind I want to do, it’s just going to take some time! *laughs*

“The Lost Files” will be available November 24th, and his untitled 5th album will be in stores early 2010.

When given the opportunity to interview a musician who has forged a career that contains a volume of work that any student of American music should deem as important, you don’t hesistate to take full advantage of that opportunity. Now, when what this musician has to say is on par with her musical genius it’s a serious no-brainer.

Such is the case with Meshell Ndegeocello and it is our pleasure to bring you this discussion in the only way we know how: unfiltered. Devil’s Halo the new album is out and you can read a review of it here. And now without any further adieu we present the interview!

Q: As an artist which process is the most cathartic for you? The writing, the recording or the performing?

A: Being in the studio. I love to record. Inevitably, I get to write, record, and perform all at the same time there.

Q: Can you point to a definitive flashpoint moment where you determined that music would be your calling?

A: When I heard “Soft and Wet.”

Q: What are you thoughts on social media as it relates to how musicians conduct business in the 21st Century?

A: Well, on the one hand it empowers the artist. On the other, I do not have the skills to “conduct business” there and I don’t think a lot of creative people do. It’s an incredible marketing tool but it’s also another extreme.

Q: Is there a character from a book, movie, or TV show that accurately depicts the feel of Meshell Ndegeocello’s bass playing?

A: Radar in MASH. I can anticipate things musically.

Q: How has playing the material live impacted your perception of the project?

A: It’s made me certain and grateful for the choices in musicians I’ve made. It’s the first time I play live with all the people I recorded with.

Q: Was there any particular catalyst that influenced you to record Devil’s Halo without the aid of the ubiquitous Pro Tools and click tracks?

A: I knew I didn’t want to get bogged down in possibilities, editing, and sounds I couldn’t make myself. It was better for me just to play. I just wanted us to play.

Q: What is the balance point that you would recommend to aspiring musicians between the automation/proxy of music technology and good old fashioned wood shedding?

A: I think both routes can lead to good music, but the most appreciation, possibility, and innovation lies at the crossroads. Learn both. Listen to both.

Q: Part B&C of the previous question: In your opinion, how has the scarcity of music programs in the schools and the elevation of the non-musician as the standard in pop music culture affected the music that is being produced and consumed in this era? How do you believe this will affect music that is produced and consumed in the future?

A: Music gets cut from public schools first and I think that’s led to some serious innovation in urban areas. I also think it has amounted to a lot of crap. It’s become more disposable + that makes me sad, but I’m also not precious about it. I’m hoping for and expecting a return to musicianship. But I do think music programs are essential to illuminating alternative intelligence and exercising the brain. I think gym is way important too. Gotta be well-rounded. This is a dissertation of a question.

Q: Finally what does the phrase “Grown Folks Music” mean to you?

A: Music for people who know how to handle their beeswax. Music for people who aren’t swayed by the nonsense. Music for people who think they’re more discerning and not just old.

Follow up post from Tom Leo, who you can check out here. In case you missed it, here’s his excellent review of “Who Knew“.

Today I was fortunate enough to interview r&b veteran Kevon Edmonds. He discussed everything from his new album, to the change in the music industry, to staying true to his roots. It was a pleasure talking with him, and I hope you enjoy reading.

Thomas Leo: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new album.

Kevon Edmonds: Thank you very much I appreciate that.

TL: For this new album, when you began the process of making it, did you set to go off in a different direction than your first album?

KE: You know, it’s been ten years since 24/7 and you know sometimes you feel you need to connect to the last project you’ve done, but so much time has elapsed that I wasn’t quite sure whether or not that was going to be the approach, to try and tie this into 24/7 and all of that stuff. I thought that I would start out fresh, just really try and get back to my roots of kinda where my music started, and the mindset was that I wanted to bridge my world of where I start with the world of r&b music here today.

TL: In another interview I read that you did, you mention the industry has evolved in so many ways. Do you feel the way that the way it’s evolved, did that cause you to try and do anything differently or did you basically stick to your roots like you mentioned?

KE: Well you know this is the first time that I’ve ever been signed to an independent label. The industry changing that is one of the changes I’ve witnessed. Probably a lot of other mainstream r&b artists that have been signed to major labels have decided to go a different route, you know, and that’s because the times are different in terms of how labels and label executives perceive to be what is hip, hot or cool. They are looking for something different so shopping a deal at a major label, it proves to be a far more difficult task than it once was. At the same time, you kinda learn certain lessons, financial lessons. You know that you are going to get a greater benefit, it may require more work, a lot more leg work, and so on and so forth. In so many areas of when you are talking about working an independent project, the benefits at the end of the day can far outweigh those when you go with a major label.

TL: Now looking at your new album, one of my favorite songs is “April’s Fool,” does that evoke a certain memory for you or something from your past?

KE: Well it was actually written by a young lady by the name of Courtney Harrell, she’s a great song writer in my opinion, very talented. She seems to get a handle on just kinda how to tell a story of general life experiences. I didn’t necessarily identify with it at first, but the more and more I listened to it, I understood the story because you know, if you ever have been involved in relationships or had a thing for a young lady, it seems like it’s the one that you really really want, she’s the least bit concerned about you. She may like “Brutus” over here, she’ll go spend all of her time with “Brutus,” but then get over here with you and just, she just wants to be around like “I know you like me” but ok, and that’s enough. So I really didn’t understand the story she was telling, but then (Ping), a light came on, and it was like yea, we gotta tell this story.

TL: Do you have any personal favorites off of the new album?

KE: That is a hard one. Of course I love “Oh,” but I think one of my favorites….it’s a tough one. I really do like “Who Knew,” the title cut of the album. That’s just a special song to me, but so is “Oh,” so it’s really kinda hard to make a pick.

TL: Yea, that is understandable.

KE: Let me also add, I did read your review (Click here to read) and it was like, it’s almost like you were there. It really truly, in terms of understanding how we got to where we were with this project, it’s like wow, you get it, you nailed it, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Everybody didn’t have to be at the same opinion, because everybody feels differently about things. You seem to hone in on exactly what our mind set was. I was speaking with our management partner, a guy from Make Entertainment, and he was like “God this dude, he must have been there or something, I mean this is crazy!” That’s pretty amazing to me that you were dead on.

TL: Thank you, that means a lot to me. I really appreciate the praise.

KE: Thank YOU.

TL: You mention “Oh” as being one of your favorites, and that is the first single, now do you have anything in mind for a second single or are you not even looking to that yet?

KE: It’s too hard to call just yet. I do know that a lot of people are really into “Who Knew,” a lot of people like “Callin,” a lot of people like “April’s Fool” as well. So, it’s tricky business over here. I haven’t determined which one just yet.

TL: On the interlude on your album, there is a voice mail from Tyrese saying “you are about to bring r&b back,” which is very high and deserving praise. Do you feel you get respect like that from other artists around the industry?

KE: I think that other artists in the industry, they are aware of who I am, probably not much attention has been focused on me as a solo artist. They pretty much probably know me more as a guy from After 7 or Babyface’s brother or whatever. I think that there is a respect, it’s just that it is not as prevalent in the mindset with them. A hit record changes everything no matter what. Perhaps those are some of the intangibles that have to take place in order to maybe bring higher visibility; it changes a lot of things.

TL: Since it’s been ten years since your first album, did you always have plans to release a 2nd album?

KE: Yea, I did. Actually, I started the process of recording a second album shortly after, a year or two after, the 24/7 album, and then I backed away from it with 9/11 and RCA folding up, you know I said let me step away from this. Then, at that point, I knew I needed a break, and I wanted to kinda try some different things at that point. But I always sensed that I would get back and record again, I just had to step away from it for awhile.

TL: I read in another interview that you “are happy with the current state of r&b today.” When you hear some of the younger r&b artists coming up today using such devices as voice technology to basically help them sing, does it bother you?

KE: It is simply the sign of times and technology. You are gonna use what is afforded to you. I mean, there was a time when the only way that you were going to get a record deal is if an A&R guy happened to be coming through and someone that you knew that knew someone that knew someone would get the A&R guy to come into your town and see you, it was like “There’s a guy that’s gonna see us perform!” I mean that would be the only way you were going to get a deal. Now how many chances, how many opportunities do you have for something like that to take place? So this guy had to be moving around in order for you to be discovered. Can I complain? I got signed to Virgin records because my brother and LA were two of the hottest producers and we signed. Kids, young talent today, they can be in their basement creating something, and be on MTV within the next 6 months, I mean that’s how they see it, that’s their world, you now along with that there is all kinds of changes. Now I would love to hear real talent, vocalists, you don’t have to do the tricks. You can play with it, use it as an accessory if you will. But don’t let it become the primary tool by which you deliver your talent, to me. But you know, hey, this is what people are listening to. Can you mix it up a little bit? Yea I would prefer if they mix it up a little bit and gave me more. I have a nephew who also wrote on this record as well, and he was submitting some other music to me that he wanted to hear. I said, I like it, but the problem is I’m not hearing your tone. I’m more moved by your voice, but I don’t get a chance to hear it because it’s disguised, it’s covered up, and that’s what I said to him. You know, this technology and all these other tools they use, it does not resonate deep within. But a tone, well that’s something else. It gets beyond your ears and gets into your heart, if done right. There is a sincerity you can hear, the believability, the genuineness in the way that someone delivers something, that goes a lot farther than *imitates an auto tune noise* *Laughs*.

TL: Can you tell me some of your favorite artists to listen to in the music industry today?

KE: That’s doing stuff today? I love what Keyshia Cole does, she’s had some really nice strong r&b songs, I love what she does. I love the stuff that Rihanna does, and Chris Brown, and of course Jay-Z. There are some of the people that are still just doing what they do, or new at it, but just silent, solid performers.

TL: As a 2nd part of the previous question, are there any artists that you have not had a chance to work with that you would like the opportunity to collaborate with?

KE: I mean there’s so many because I have never really collaborated with anyone. Probably the only collaboration has been with my brother, who has joined me on my solo project and on some After 7 stuff and we had the Milestone with K-Ci and Jo Jo stuff. I’ve never done a duet with a female artist, it’s just going to be the right time, the right song, and the right person, and that could be anyone. Not just anyone, but I think there are some folks that I think our voices would compliment each other, but I shall not jinx anything! *laughs* When that time comes, we will cross that bridge if its possible, then hopefully they will be saying they should have done that a long time ago.

TL: While attending the University of Indiana, before deciding to go into a career in music, what did you have in mind for a career?

KE: It was telecommunications. Of course in college when you start out, you can have 15 different majors. But originally, it was psychology, and then it was telecommunications.

TL: Since you grew up with brothers who were very talented musically, and went on to also become artists, were there ever rivalries that existed between you or any sort of camaraderie?

KE: You know back when we were younger, there was never any rivalry I believe. My brother Melvin who sang with me in After 7, he was kinda like the frontrunner in terms of talent, and in terms of getting involved in music and really kinda exposing us to it by live performance, because he used to have a band and stuff. So that really kinda opened us up, it wasn’t just hearing music in the house, whether an LP or anything like that. My brother also, he loved it so much that it was something he inspired to do, so it kinda opened us up in a way. As far as rivalry, I would say there was none. Probably later on as Kenny learned to play acoustic guitar and he would often times play acoustic guitar and we would kinda do a little singing on the front porch, but that was it.

TL: I also read in another interview that this is the first project that you haven’t had a chance to collaborate with Babyface on. Has doing a full collaboration album with your brother Babyface ever been something you’ve considered or would consider doing?

KE: I would be open to it, but more importantly its gotta be something he is game to doing. Until that happens, I don’t know that it will. It has to be a consideration that he’s taking into account. Again, the right time and everything else as well, if we could put it together in such a way. It could prove to be something that we could have some fun with and create some special moments but its gotta to be that everybody is on the same page at the same time.

TL: You’ve been active as an artist since the late 80’s, what do you consider to be the key to your longevity in the music industry and do you feel you’ve needed to adapt a lot to stay successful?

KE: I think having a real love for what you do, and just being appreciative and grateful for having the opportunity to do something that you love doing can carry you a long way. But you still along with that have to have a spirit of, a willingness to have a strong work ethic, because you have to do the work as well. You can love it, but if you are not willing to do the work well, believing in something and having faith in something without work as they say is dead. So you have to do the work along with it. Change is inevitable, you can’t fight change, so if you try to fight change, you get left behind. You can still make adjustments but still hold onto the integrity of what you do, but being mindful that you can’t sit still and think that everything else is going to evolve around you. You have to be mindful of the fact that it’s always changing and make adjustments to stay relevant.

TL: How would you describe the style of music you make to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?

KE: I would say my style of music is, well……I would suggest that they would sit back and just listen to something that is going to tell you a story. I really kinda consider myself a story teller through a song. And my music is soothing, it can be sexy at times, it can be fun, its like be prepared to just enjoy a nice smooth ride, a nice journey if you will, of different tempos and different perspectives on love and relationships.

TL: Now that you have completed your 2nd album, what’s next for you?

KE: Still a lot of work to be done with this particular record, this CD if you will. That was the first phase, and like it is in all other projects, there are different phases of work that have to be done. We are out here pounding the pavement making sure that we are doing what we need to do in radio, and also gearing up to do live performances, we are out here on the road supporting this music as well just for the fan base. Really its kinda like reintroducing myself once again for those who have known me to get them reacquainted again and hopefully at the same time we may open the door to some new untapped fans who may be interested, who may see the live performances. But you know the next phase of work is on, that’s what’s up.

TL: Can we get a promise from you to your fans that they won’t have to wait another 10 years for your next album?

KE: I was about to tell you before you asked this other question that I can assure you that you won’t have to wait another ten. *Laughs* “Oh yes, new album 2019, I’m going to be dropping a new album.” *Laughs* No, I’ll be back long before, that is a promise.

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