28 Dec Teena Marie
Yes people, the blog’s been really quiet lately but I had to break the silence to do a post decicated to Teena Marie who sadly passed away on Boxing Day (December 26th).
Not only was she Rick James protegee but was also signed to Motown and allowed to have alot of creative control in the process of making her music, notably her third LP Irons In The Fire which wasnt all that common, especially for women.
Another massive loss to the music industry but again, her legacy will live on through her music.
Mx
18 Dec New Group
Emerging from the same camp as Devlin, Ghetts and Griminal, Code Red are carving out their lane in the UK music scene, ahead of 2011, with their 1st track ‘Over’.
They’re already being compared to N-Dubz but I think they have something new to offer.
– Silver J
04 Dec Jazmine Sullivan Interview
Seven-time Grammy nominee and Missy Elliott protégé Jazmine Sullivan has worked with the likes of Ne-Yo and Mary J Blige, who recently invited her on tour. Anna Nathanson caught up with the 23-year-old Philadelphia native as she releases her latest album Love Me Back.
How would you describe your image?
I’m not the type of women who shows off my body; I’m a vocalist and I’m a writer, and I think people see that more so than they see anything else. That’s just who I am. I put my emotions in my music and I want people to relate to that.
Missy Elliott is your mentor, what’s your relationship like with her?
She’s like a big sister to me; I’ve known her since I was about 13. I sang to her then and when I was 16 I got signed to Jive Records. She’s definitely someone I look up to, as one of the only female producers out; she’s very inspiring to me. When I first met her, out of all the people I sang for, she was one of the most receptive; she really loved my voice, and she was very excited about me. And when I got signed she was the person they called and she really took a hold of the project. It was amazing for such a huge star to see something in me that was special.
To what extent is Missy involved in your career and day-to-day life?
We don’t hang out as much as we used to but I know that if I need any advice I can call her. I know that when we work together we’ll both come up with something good as we both have a common goal in terms of putting great music out. Missy can come out whenever she wants; she always does something different.
What was it like touring with Mary J Blige?
It was wonderful to get the opportunity to open up for her, and to share the stage with an icon and somebody who I personally look up to. I hope we do it again.
Do you think that Mary sees a bit of herself in you when she was your age?
Definitely. One thing that we share is the passion and emotion that we put into our music. I remember when I was younger and I saw her live and one thing that impressed me was how open and honest she was on stage. I admired her for being able to let go and be that honest; I took that and wanted to incorporate that into what I do.
To what degree have you experienced the fame that comes with being a performer?
So far it hasn’t been as bad as someone like Beyonce would have it, I haven’t gotten to that status yet! I’m getting recognised a lot more than I used to, but it also depends on my look that day.
What was it like having your song Bust Your Windows featured in the hit TV show Glee?
That was incredible! I think it was one of the first songs that they did. My friend sent it to me on Youtube and I hadn’t really heard of the program, but if I’d known then that it would be such a huge show, I probably would have been way more excited! It was an honour that they picked my song to perform, and those kids can sing! Hopefully I can be on it one day.
Your album is called Love Me Back and you recently explained that you put so much into the industry and that you just want the industry and the fans to love you back. With the emphasis on pop and dance records in the charts at the moment, is this something that you have found to be a challenge?
I feel that the music that I do is somewhat of a lost art and it’s not as popular as dance or pop music and people are not as interested in it. But it’s something that I believe in and I feel that it’s needed so that’s why I do it and I will keep doing it until everybody hears it and gets it.
Why do you think that the music you make is not as commercially successful as what’s in the charts?
I think that there’s a time for everything. There was a time when Soul music was the only music people listened to and there was a time when pop and then rap music was the only thing people listened to; everything has a time and one day people will want to hear more R&B, more soulful music.
How do you see the future?
In a few years time I want to have performed all around the world, in sold out stadiums, and have won one or two Grammies.
Jazmine Sullivan’s new album Love Me Back is out this week. Stay up to date with her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jsullivanmusic
Words: Anna Nathanson
03 Dec Yasmin – On My Own
I haven’t felt inspired to blog anything lately but MY GARD, my girl done GOOD. Anyone that knows Yasmin can tell this is 10000% her, no clone no copiessss!
Swagger in check like yes! The song title says it ALL.
Enjoy the video Mxx
01 Nov Jessie J Review
By Anna Nathanson
I recently had the pleasure of seeing star in the making Jessie J twice in the space of a week, first at Notting Hill venue YoYo’s where she performed songs from her forthcoming album and then a longer set with a full band at Hoxton Bar & Grill.
Both shows were roadblocks with massive queues outside as fans waited to see the starlet in action, with many missing out due to the sheer number of people vying to get in.
After gaining notoriety on Youtube, the 22-year-old BRIT School graduate signed to Island Records and has already written for the likes of Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and Christina Aguilera, as well as penning a US Number 1 smash, Party In The USA for Miley Cyrus.
Now she is set to become a star in her own right and judging by these early live performances, it won’t be long before she is playing much bigger venues. It was clear that she already has a dedicated fan base, with people knowing every word to many of the tracks she sang.
She appeared comfortable and entertaining on stage, joking with the crowd and shouting out 1Xtra, who recently playlisted her debut single Do It Like A Dude, an infectious hooky track which she originally wrote for Rihanna. Huge ballads such as Big White Room, Who You Are and Casualty of Love showed off her voice to full effect, and along with more uptempo numbers such as Stand Up and Price Tag, it was clear that Jessie J’s material matched her powerful vocals, adding up to a surefire recipe for the next big thing in British music.
31 Oct Jay Sean Interview
By Anna Nathanson
Last year saw British R&B singer Jay Sean make history by becoming the most successful UK male Urban artist in US chart history. Now signed to Cash Money, Anna Nathanson caught up with the star as he prepares to release his latest album Freeze Time.
The Pop/Dance/R&B sound has really taken off, why do you think that is?
I just think it’s time; music changes, that’s just the evolution of it. We call Michael Jackson the King of Pop, yet it’s interesting that he’s inspired so many Soul singers and so many artists from all genres. It’s just what popular music has become. A couple of years ago it was all about Rock music, and that was Pop music. And now Dance meets R&B has become Pop music. It’s just timely that the songs I happen to release are during the time when it’s really kicking off.
Have you ever felt any pressure to do that sound?
I think I was very much at the forefront of it, releasing Down and Do You Remember. When I came to America there was a gap in the market, there were no male solo artists doing that at that time and the lane was clear. Chris Brown wasn’t there, Ne-Yo was taking some time off and so was Usher at the time. So I thought “Wow, maybe I can do this!” I was very fortunate to get in there at the right time.
What will your new album sound like?
It’s a Pop/R&B album, and there will be extremes of the genres on there as well. You have 2012, which is perhaps the poppiest song I’ve ever done, but then the song I recorded a video to yesterday is very urban; it’s a real R&B club record with Birdman on it. The album highlights the two musical genres that I do best and somewhere in the middle you’ll get a nice blend of the two.
Is America ready for Grime?
I think certain parts of America might be ready for it. I’ve already heard some Grime playing in various boutique shops in New York. In order for it to really break, it has to become a popular genre of music on a mass level. Coming to America has shown me that they need to be able to relate to your music. Not only the cool people in New York or the trendies in LA, it needs to go across the whole of America, you need to pick a random household in Wisconsin and see if they play Grime music on the radio, and that takes a while I think.
Why do you think you’ve connected so well in America?
You really need to think about the music you’re putting out there, to pull people in, to introduce them to you. And I consciously put out music that would be a good introduction to a new artist. When people hear a song on the radio in America, it’s very different to the UK; they play it for months. Down is still playing a year and a half later on radio. I’m hearing the same songs play every hour in every State in America. They’re songs that people just enjoy singing along to, and that’s how I managed to do what I did over here.
Who’s next up in terms of UK talent crossing over to America?
I’ve heard that N-Dubz are being signed here to L.A Reid, which I’m very happy about because I love those guys. I did a song called I Still Love You with Tinie way before we both blew up, and I’m so happy that we’re both doing well now because we all supported each other from way back. Hard work and self-belief pays off. I think he’s got some skills that could work in America, as his tone and his style are very universal. When I get back to the UK I’m going to hit up Giggs and Example to see if I can do anything with them.
You’re part of Cash Money, is it like being in a close-knit family?
It would be if we had the time. If you’re as big as Drake or Nicki Minaj, you don’t stay in the same place for longer than a day. Our diaries are just so busy, I saw Nicki just once since doing the video for 2012. We all talk on the phone, but it’s just so difficult to see each other.
Have you visited Lil Wayne in prison?
No, I haven’t you know. I really want to figure out a way to go and see him. Cash Money have a crazy entourage, they have about 100 guys rolling with them. And obviously a lot of people want to go and see Wayne and they’re all family and his best friends. So I haven’t really had a chance to go but I’d really like to.
What’s been your maddest encounter with a celeb?
Beyonce told me that she really enjoys my music and said that she has the CD at home!
You were privately educated and got straight As. How important is it to have a back up plan and what was yours?
I wanted to be a doctor and got into medical school. But I never let go of my dream of making it in the music industry. Getting an education is important as it helps you get on in the world. You have to be knowledgeable, regardless of the job you get into.
28 Oct Diddy Dirty Money – Lovin You No More
Yes people. This is one of them BANGERS that deserve a video! This tune has been around for over a year now, first heard it on Jam’s show, everyone had Drake on their tunes and I initially was so sick of him I thought he ruined it. But the tune itself, timeless – bit of Drizzy aint gonna do no harm! I LOVE the piano beat, hearing that makes me wanna learn to play even more. The video is beautifully shot and I love a tune that tells a story.
Anyway, enough gushing. Love it, appreciate it, vibes. Its big.
Mx