#MARIAHWEEK: 'Myths, Divadom, and That Lip-Synching Thing'...

In 2009, Mariah Carey ventured on a European promotional tour, in support of her last studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. Outside of her regular London stomping ground - The Dorchester Hotel, I noticed a couple with a young girl, approximately 6 years old. Armies of Paparazzi on one side, and legions of fans on the other – it was immediately obvious that there was no place in either camp for the child.

Out came Mariah and hubby Nick Cannon, and the swarm immediately began. It was a matter of moments before a stranger than usual commotion overtook the scramble. I saw Mariah push Paparazzi and even her beloved 'lambily' clear of a central spot, before dipping out of sight. When she came back into view, the distraught little girl was in her comforting arms, after being trampled by both groups, whilst her negligent mother could be heard screaming hysterically – nowhere near her child. So disgusted was Mariah by the behaviour of both camps, she refused to stop for pictures or autographs. She got in her plush waiting car, and sped off to record her X-Factor performance.

The very next day, The Daily Mail (HUGE Mariah fans, I tell you, HUGE...) printed one of their infamous egregious fabrications, which were, of course, picked up all around the world:

'Mariah Orders Cute Child for Photocall!'

(Paraphrase)

She was torn to shreds by media and online readers alike, who posted so many sick, abusive and outright disgusting comments about her arrogance, egotism, and self-obsession. You had to wonder if they weren't a few Dexter Morgan's in the making...

I have a host of similar examples, witnessed either by myself, or by friends of mine, that completely disprove the endless media myths of a conceited, self-serving, Mariah Carey.

That, my friends, is the essence of the media's relationship with Ms. Mimi. Be careful not to mistake this for her relationship with them – they are two very different entities. A precise strategist, when Mariah wants you to know something, the wording is written via statement, or better yet recorded, so that there is no doubt as to whom they came from and, more importantly - they cannot be misconstrued.

Case in point: Around the time of July 23rd, when the second current album push back occurred, both Manager Jermaine Dupri, and Producer Rodney Jerkins tweeted celebratory messages about Mariah's imminent album, entitled 'The Art of Letting Go'. The media and fans alike ran with the title as Gospel, forgetting one thing; Carey never said those words herself. It didn't take long for her to clarify – also via twitter – stating that 'The Art of Letting Go' was not, and will never be, the album's title!' Without a useable replacement, the incorrect title remained in every news reference.

That's not to say that Mariah helps herself in all instances. When it comes to 'Professional Mariah', she is extremely careful about how she handles the media – just ask her how she feels about the ongoing war between herself, and Madonna, or Jennifer Lopez. Carey will always be the first to interject that no such animosity exists…at least not on her part. But when it comes to public opinion of 'Private Mariah', what you all need to understand, is that after so many years of suppressing her opinions and beliefs for the benefit of others, at this point in her 44-year life, she no longer cares! After 25 years of criticism in the public eye, would you?

If you think this is a ball gown, you are either an idiot, or have no
fashion sense. Either way, seek advice.
In the case of the latter, come back Wednesdays...

So if, for instance, she chooses to wear a floor-length, figure-hugging dress (NOT gown – distinctive difference that the use of eyes would clear right up); with a pretty belt and some heels to the park with your children, then in the name of a human being, with all the same rights that you have, that is, indeed, her choice. The fact that she mocked herself first, clearly shows how seriously she didn't take the whole episode – why bother when the media will do it for her?!

Speaking of unqualified judges…The phrase 'everyone's a critic' never applies more aptly, than with so-called, Mimi 'fans' (O' the day - ie. Newgen).

Having been a supporter from the day her vocals reached British shores, I have grown up with the (not so Elusive) Chanteuse, to the point where, if there was a pointless University course in her, like the one on JayZ, I feel confident in saying that I could teach it. Since proof is undoubtedly always in the pudding (why never another food course?) Let me give you an example:

Mariah Carey has not, I repeat NOT lip-synched a televised performance (that I have seen) since 2005. How do I know this? Well it's quite obvious, really; so long as you actually know what you are talking about. If you want to catch her in the act, there are three surefire ways of doing it…

1. THE EASY WAY: BREATHING

Because Mariah Carey's vocals are extremely intricate, her breathing pattern when singing is as essential to her delivery as keeping in key. If she were not singing live, there would be no deviation in her delivery pattern. Being one of the few remaining original Divas (no, Beyoncé is not a guest in this category); Mariah cannot help but deviate, and throw in a few extra somethings for flaaaava, dahhling.

The mistake most novices make, is that they are unaware that when she performs, her studio vocals are always playing beneath her – pick a performance, tune out her lead vocals, and focus on the background. If you know the song well enough, you will recognise her vocals as a layer in the background, completely separate to what Mariah is singing at the same time.

Around 1997, Mariah talked about the Beatle's idea of the 'Wall of Sound' in a video interview. She immediately went on to incorporate her knowledge of the style into her composition, long before her first album. Your best example of this would be Breakdown from the Butterfly album around the same time:

2. THE HARD WAY: VOCAL MECHANICS

For this one, you will need to be a vocalist, or at least know enough about the subject of vocal mechanics to recognise, and understand the feel of the vocal nuances that the arrangement creates on your throat, as you flow through her many tricky transitions. Once you know those, in combination with her breathing patterns, you will be able to look at her throat, neck and chest musculature (No, I Do Not Mean Ze Boobies), and see how they react. They cannot be faked. Therefore, unless you do NOT see them respond, you are NOT watching her lip-synch!

Pay close attention to her neck area, and the shadows that straining creates...(Photo courtesy of MariahJournal.com)

I saw a particularly humorous comment posted regarding her recent 'At Home in Concert with Mariah Carey' Interview Special with NBC's Matt Lauer. A 'fan' told of their irritation at Mariah's blatant, "lazy lip-synching"; and the 'fact' that she could not even have the decency to pre-record her vocals in time, if she was not going to learn the lyrics to her own song(!) Aside from the self-contradiction, I was also amused by one other crucial point that the viewer seemed to miss…Yes, Mariah's feed was very far out of sync with the picture; but then so was her backing singers', her audience singing along, and even Matt Lauer…Draw your own conclusions…

________________________________________

I do hope you enjoyed this look at some of the media fodder attached to this lady. If you take anything away from it, I sincerely hope it is that, what you read is not always the real story. It just goes to prove the saying true – there are two sides to every story! 

Share your thoughts in YOUR Stage aka the Comment Box below – I want to hear from you!

Until the next…

ES ;)

#MusicMonday's 'Flashing Lights' Winner: Kehlani - The Tsunami That F’s WU…(WARNING: INCLUDES EXPLICIT LANGUAGE)

Musical draws are as individual to us as our fingerprints - what works for one, may not necessarily work for another. Take Yours Truly for example. I'm a sucker for a mean, singalong vocal hook, that stays with you LONG after the song has ended.

That's how I came across this week's #FlashingLights competition winner. Some months ago, she delivered a beautiful chorus for a collaborator that a few (dozen million) people may've heard of, with the precision of a fresh-faced, vocal Olympian. She didn’t overpower the artist on lead (which is probably only part of the reason that he was gracious enough to sit back and let her shine), when it came to her time in front of the mic.

Fast forward to last week, when the most unbelievable case of 6 degrees brought me back full circle to that same, ridonculously talented young lady. Only 4 days prior, I learned her name was Kehlani. Some of you may be familiar with her, if you watched the US of A version of one of our Simon's many talent shows. Thanks to a switched on friend over 3000 miles away, that information came to my attention along with a crucial bit more - that Kehlani's new single, boldly entitled ‘FWU’, was set for release last Thursday. Opportunity had knocked; to not have answered the door would simply have been rude.

Now this explicitly-named single, for want of a better description is a bomb. Not the nuclear demolition machine that it would have been, without the most annoying hype man on the planet doing his darndest to ruin it (during the bridge in particular) – but it is C4 nonetheless. You don't come out of battle with this newly 19-year-old singer unscathed; in fact, you barely survive her domination at all. At first listen the initial assault is in the acoustic guitar intro that is something like a honeytrap. It's enticing, sexy, and it stops you in the centre of the blast zone with enough of a flirtation, that you don't see the aerial plane dropping until it's too late. The next thing to hit you is a horn section that reminds you of something that you can't quite put your finger on…Right away. By the time the Missy Elliott's SupaDupaFly comes to mind, you've joined the winning side (because you're too scared not to). Somewhere along the way, you're imagining yourself standing in a desert jeep, speeding through sand clouds in a very Tina Turner in a Mad Max-like battle ensemble, ready to take anybody out the game for even looking at you funny. It's entirely possible that last part may just have been me, but you get the idea – song, battlecry, soldiers in battle, that sort of thing... Don't question it, just go with the visual – trust me.

Download your free copy of 'FWU' from KehlaniMusic on Soundcloud

It may not seem like it initially, but 'FWU’ is nothing, if not a fight song. It masquerades with a sweet serenity, courtesy of harmonious vocals so smooth and liquid buttery, that it clogs your arteries (and every orifice), in a disturbingly pleasant way (you should probably see a Healthcare Specialist about that last part. Especially if you like it). Anywhoo... those horns add a regal touch to this 'Ride or Die' anthem. A Queen is pledging her never-ending devotion to her King, if he promises her the same in return. Only this royal couple rule the streets, and the neighbourhood is their court. Because Kehlani's natural sound is so soothing, you overlook the fact that her words are as menacing as her effect on your diet. The 'tell it like it is' lyrics are ballsy, and make it clear that this Chica is no trifle to be messed with – the sweetness turns a tad sour, when she lets you know that she'll defend you to her last breath, but she'll also end you, and take yours if you don't tow the line...

And that my mealbreak friends, is why you need to cop yourself ‘FWU’ without a moment’s hesitation – because it’s for the good of your health.

In addition to this ESPspotlight Review, Kehlani also wins the monthly prize of an electronic press kit (EPK) for professional use. Don't forget to enter next month, my darling buds, when you'll get four chances to win £90 worth of graphic cover art with custom front and back covers for your next musical release - don’t miss out!

I need a snack now…until the next!

ES ;)

#MusicMonday TALK ON CORNERS: CONTROVERSY! NICK CANNON vs. IGGY AZALEA - Rappers, Celebrities, RACISTS?!

As I was trying to decide which of these two albums would be more controversial to cover, a strange realisation dawned upon me; here you have Nick Cannon – a self-proclaimed 'entrepretainer', currently being vilified for his latest album, White People Party Music. The title has incited anger across the Continent for reasons I hope that we can uncover over the course of his album review…

On the flip side, we have the white, Australian-native, Miss Iggy Azalea, currently being condemned for attempting to 'act and rap black' on her latest album out today, entitled 'The New Classic'. What exactly constitutes 'acting black'? Well we shall take a moment to examine, and decide whether the accusations are justified, or are all just a bit of noise.

First, let’s take a look at each album, track by track if necessary, until we get a clearer picture. Ladies first, so Ms Azalea is in the #ESPspotlight…

I tried very hard to go through each track, and in all honesty, I found it just about impossible. The Australian's 'American' accent threw me the whole time, and when I was finally able to get past it for long enough to listen to her lyrics, I'm afraid I found mostly no sense at all. The sad thing about it, is that if she was herself, ie. Rapping with the Australian accent that she was born with, then I'm sure she would actually be more appealing, even with the gibberish. It was certainly amusing to hear her cite the line 'never forget my roots' in Walk The Line, because when she doesn't seem to know where hers are.

By Lady Patra, when she migrates to a Jamaican accent, I plain don't know what to think. I rescind that statement. I think Iggy Azalea is not the kind of role model that I want my young nephews, and nieces especially, listening to. It's funny that she should talk about being in love with herself in F*** Love. If that were true, we wouldn't be hearing about how much she disrespects herself in the way she puts herself across. And we most certainly wouldn't be seeing it…

PARENT'S BE WARNED THIS VIDEO IS NOT FOR CHILDREN

Confused Female 1 Racism 0

…And now the turn of Mr Carey *ahem* Cannon

From the moment Looking for a Dream drops its first bar, it’s obvious that short of being David Guetta, someone around here is most definitely, a regular club DJ. Which Cannon is, in case you didn't know that. In keeping with the #WPPM Festival scenario in which the whole episode takes place. Though not my cup of Tetley's, it’s a fitting kick off to the set.

Definitely one for the surfer dudes, follow up Unbelievable leaves you thoroughly confused throughout the entire three minutes and nine seconds. Is that really Nick Cannon singing? We all want to know?! The only thing we are sure of is that this track belongs in a spoof film with Alison Hannigan doing something silly, for your laughing pleasure. Leaning towards the affirmative on that singing question, it's a very sweet ode to the Mrs, and his undeniable love for her. Très cute, like a mini-Cannon twin! 

Here is where things definitely get confusing. Because I just do not understand America. I initially thought that we were going in the same direction as the previous track, until we established the 'chick' in question was the Country. Or is there 'a girl in skintight stars and stripes' who is actually called America…I am a huge Nick Cannon fan, but I just really do not get it! And I'm not even going to discuss Pitbull. We've already established I'm confused by the Dance track - let’s leave it at that.

There comes a moment in Pyjama Pants, when the words: 'Grandma twerkin out her bloomers' are uttered, and that is when you realise that okay, he’s got me, this really IS a comedy sketch album. Ok, now everything makes sense, and we can all twerk away, til our hearts are content, or we pull a muscle (whichever comes first).

I will not pretend to hide my bias here, I don’t have to, it’s my blog (perk)…this is the only track so far, that I can genuinely say that I 100% get, like, and understand. Cannon is applying a different type of comedy, one growing up through the pre-teen, to puppy love years that every single one of us experienced, can relate to and therefore grasp the nostalgic comedy infused throughout. Kudos also needs to go to Kehlani, owner of the beautiful vocals, applied over the R.Kelly sample. If she ever releases anything, I will be sure to cop it; her voice is as lovely as her name. Please take a moment to enjoy the adorable works of a husband so obviously devoted to his wife – he makes a girl wonder if he has any brothers (Google says YES ladies - queue starts behind me)

Connor Smallnut's appearances invoke no more racially charged themes, than an improv character performing a skit. Why does no-one remember that Cannon is a Comedian first? The only moment that I feel an audience may have a justifiable issue with, is the song OJ. Let me preface this by saying that I understand where Cannon was going with it, but I'm afraid the track never got there in time; and as such, poured vinegar on old wounds. The world is about as ready for an OJ sketch, as they are one about Oscar Prestorius.

Phreakin Awesome is where the comedy comes back, and we know unequivocally – or at least you should by now – that no part of this project could ever be serious! We’re back to that spoof soundtrack for Scary Movie 35; as a whole litany of characters introduce themselves in the musical equivalent of a Madea family tree. As oddball as the dyed hairdos Mr C has been sporting of late, but hey, isn't that why we love him?

Birthday Interlude is actually good enough to be a real track, right up until the part where Tammi, or Pammi, or something hyphenated with a Sue, ruins the moment, by shrieking for her favourite song for her birthday, until she gets the slap that every DJ has wanted to deliver at some point. It's less a comedic moment, and more delivering a public service, in my humble opinion, but hey, that's just what I think...

The fact that F Yo Birthday is actually a genuinely good track, is actually laughable, in and of itself. Over a backing track that will be immediately recognisable as a massive hit on the European continent, even Fatman Scoop gets in on the act, alongside DJ Class, as the party wave continues into the next track.

Stadium brings us back to DJ Cannon, and is essentially another genuine track that would not be out of place on many a nightclub playlist.

Pete's Rap gives you the chance to sit in the judge’s chair of any talent show in America…or even the rest of the world, y’know, where Nick doesn't host the show. This interlude is for EVERY talent show fan who is even thinking of participating in the next series. DO NOT. DO. IT. Okay? Just DO NOT. We WILL laugh at you, and we WILL NOT be ashamed when you get upset, and cry. That's our favourite part as the audience. You have been warned.

When Right Said Fred came out with 'I'm Too Sexy' all those years ago, those born at the time, mocked the siblings mercilessly in the open, but secretly, were closet fans. Well nothing has changed in 2014. You don’t want to like Me Sexy, even though you know that the entire production is entirely in jest. Nevertheless, you just cannot help it; you’re on an intravenous intake before you know what’s happening. For a proper, accurate understanding, imagine if Salt'n'Pepa and Right Said Fred had a Baby. That Baby would be Nick Cannon.

And then it happened again. I didn't want to like it, I swear I tried not to, based on the appropriate indignation such a title should incur, but White Lady is such a great track, I think I may have just found my next ringtone. Now, this could very well be one of the tracks getting people so upset, what with Cannon making comedic light of the long running myth, that white people have no rhythm and thus, cannot dance. But consider this, if the notion is so unacceptable, why did Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes make a film based on the sporting equivalent of the hypothesis? Did anyone call Phil Collins a liar when he said he couldn't dance in song form? I think not. Therefore, I'm sorry, but I must confess, it's my track of the album!

By Feel The Music, and So Turnt Up, you realise that the point of the entire album, is to poke fun at himself, and some of the clichés that he is exposed to on his varied, everyday travels. The F Nick Cannon hashtag across social media for the past year at least, finally makes sense to me. It's another realism that he encounters so much, that he decided to take the insult, turn it on its head, and fire it back at his naysayers, by rubbing their faces in what they hate about him the most. That my friends, is what is known, as having the last laugh.

That wasn't the last laugh of the album however. Famous is an extension of F Nick Cannon. This time calling on Akon for backup, over a beat that finally defines Electro Hop. Well Nick has always been big on education, and with #WPPM, we learned today.

The joke that many like to apply to Cannon, is that he's not 'Black enough' (see Rapper Cam'Ron's Instagram feed for proof on that one). So seeing as Nick the DJ is not black enough for the 'black community'; he may as well go on over to his fully mainstream side and embrace it, in the only way that Nick Cannon could do – by being comedic on his own terms.

Thematic Album 1 Racism 0.

All in all, both have proved that neither is inherently racist. Azalea claims she raps with a Dirty South accent after moving to the Continent as a teen. That would be believable…if she didn't speak with her original Aussie accent. If anything, that young Miss is suffering from a complete loss of identity; how can you be racist when you clearly don't know who you are?

        

And as for Mr Cannon, I think that we've established he is simply coming from a place of improvisational comedy, where a variety of characters are the stand up equivalent of his bread and butter.

Well I’m off to slumberland. I hope you enjoyed the first #MusicMonday of 2014, and that you will continue to join me!

Nighty-Night Folx!

ES ;) 

A Whirlwind in SlowMo...

Well what a week!


So much has gone on within the ESP Family in the past 7 days, that it literally took an extra one to find a second to tell you all about it!


If you caught our New Year welcome, then you know that Charli-Anne and Design Assistant / female face of deer oh deer ltd. Lottey, have been hard at work on our SpringSummer12 Collection, 'Carnivale'. Already on to that next stage, this week she blogged about her return to long-time collaborator Andy Piccos of Stitchin' Business fame, where they talked the 'logistics of fabrics'.

Andy's handmade talents brought Charli-Anne's Winter 'Vintage Rose', and Summer 'Carousel' Clutch bags to life, in addition to the hugely popular Lux Hunter Hoods and Hampton Scarves from the current Heritage Collection. Andy, who you may also recognise as Official Couturier for Gok Wan's Clothes Roadshow, was kind enough to film an exclusive special for deer oh deer tv recently. Currently in edit, subscribe to the channel NOW so you don't miss the webisode when it goes live! 

Because our Charli-Anne's talents know no bounds, she's also been hard at work on the Web and Graphic Design front for Jelli Ltd. In addition to designing Drassick's new website (more on that later), maintaining the ESP home, blogsite and LekLane to name but a few. She also set about a new project for GLO MediSpa in Harley Street, that includes this little nugget as their new logo...

(l-r) R2S members Krome, Birthday Boy Prophyle,
TaYshan

The BakaBoi has been on his grind as always. Writing for upcoming projects and filming two music video cameos, Lekhem spent the majority of the week in the studio; recording 'The Rebelution Part. 2' with 'Rebels2Society', mixing solo tracks and working on a little something called 'KrateDiggin'...More details on that will be coming very, very soon!


For the latest directly from him, including press coverage from music blogger lov3hat3u; wander over to 'LekLane' (blog), where he tells you all the details.


The Digital One has taken over! In addition to prepping for that 31 January return to the stage we told you of last week, Drassick and I have been hard at work on more projects than I can share with you today...Just know that when I say the wait is almost over - I'm NOT joking! First up:


'RESET BUTTON' is the 3-track mini-EP set for release on 23 January. A little 'Thank You' to all who continued to support during what may have seemed like a quiet period on the exterior, we want to get fans and newbies alike set for February's much-anticpated 'RiseNGrind'. Starting over, Drassick is  Bigger, Better and Stronger than ever for 2012. If you're not familiar with our Andre yet, you soon will be...


For a taster of what you can expect from 'RiseNGrind', check out his warm up video for 'Bars So Hard'...

With a fresh, re-branded slate, a new website coming, and a 13-track mixtape in it's final readying stages (for starters), the 23 January won't just see the start of the Chinese New Year - The 'Year of The Dregon' will officially have begun.


And then there's me, the 'ES in the P'...


In addition to working with my Benetton Brady Bunch above (!), I also spent some time chatting with Def Jam / NCredible Entertainment Singer-Songwriter and Producer Kevin Writer, for the second #FindOutFriday of the year. He told me about his unorthodox mix of musical friends, what it's like to be managed by Nick Cannon and his upcoming work with the most successful Female Singer-Songwriter of All Time.


Have a read, comment and share if you like it!


Finally, after a renegade interview for this Friday's feature, Sunday the 15th saw Lekhem and I down at the Queen of Hoxton for dejavufm's 'We Play Music' launch. A MASSIVE look for the unsigned music scene, the event was full-to-brimming with first-rate, live performances from the likes of Dionne Reid and the ever-talented Soneni & the Soul. Look out for more details from the night directly from the dejavufm website.


And that's it! A new week has already begun and the gang have me hard at work...duty calls!


Have a great week!
EricaSharlette ;o)

@ESintheP

#FindOutFriday with Kevin Writer!

   Kevin Writer 

It's not very often that I'm thrown.

But when you accidentally get the time difference from our little Island to the big ole' US of A off by oh, I don't know...180 minutes or few (yeah thanks for that worldclocks.com)...well there's not much you can do, but hope that 'Wing and a Prayer' thing is more than a concept reminiscent of Meatloaf (the Singer. Not the food).

And so it was that I found myself, face-to-malfunctioning Skype screen, with Mr. Kevin Writer. You may not be familiar with the name in the UK just yet, but that is something that is about to change. From Producer Extraordinaire, to one former third of the hugely talented RnB group RydazNrtisT (managed by Nick Cannon), to producing for TV film soundtracks and now scoring for them also (which was exactly what he was doing when I caught up with him).


Kevin Writer is a very funny font of talent that you can't help wanting to get to know. Find out what happened when he stepped out of the studio where Connor Cruise was tinkering (yes, the DJ-son of a Mission Impossible Agent), for a gracious chat with Yours Truly...

1. So Kevin, thanks for interrupting what sounds like a busy afternoon through these speakers! Let's start off with your mixtape. 'Before the Ink Dries' sounds like a title with a story to tell. What inspired it?



I asked a lot of fans and friends and a lot came back with some clichéd answers around my name. Then someone said something about 'ink drying' and I added the 'Before'. When I thought about it, this was really a passion project for me; it was my opportunity to put all of my thoughts and the things I feel passionately about on wax. It was my chance to speak to the fans that I have right now and that I have had up to this point, before things blow up, before the hype that's coming really starts, before everyone else was a fan. This was about connecting with them.

2. You're managed by Nick Cannon, who we know found his start on Children's TV Channel, Nickelodeon. From the UK looking in, it seems to be the norm, that a lot of stars find their start there, through Disney or like shows. Did you have a similar starting point?

No, I came from a Church background, my Father is a Minister, my Mother was really involved in the Church also; so that's what I was really exposed to as a child. I came through with the help of a lot of lucky breaks, I was also Blessed enough to meet some cool people...I gave away a lot of free music (laughs), and did a lot of Internships. They paved the way for me to produce and write for some very cool people like Akon. So no TV shows, but I've had a couple of good shots!

3. Definitely can't deny that! So staying on the Production side of the Street, if you had to pick one, which do you find easier, being an Artist, or being a Producer?

Well I don't think it's a matter of being easier, because they both come naturally, but I would say that I definitely prefer being an Artist. Music is one of those rare things that, no matter your race, your gender, your job, what you do, or where you are in life, everybody can relate to, because it's universal.

4. You mention a memorable moment during the track 'I Got U'. Flashback to the 'Angels Advocate' Tour, 2010. You're opening for one Ms. Mariah Carey, and about 30 rows back, you see a group of fans singing every song in your set, word for word. What was that experience like for you?

Madison Square Garden on New Year's Eve...that was my biggest show to date and an experience I will never forget, for so many reasons but specifically, for those fans. 11,000 people plus...It was pretty hard to see from up there, but somehow I could see them!  We got to go down and take pictures with them after Mariah's set,  talk to them and just enjoy that interaction - it was incredible. After such an unbelievable set, to get that love and talk to them directly? The whole thing just left me so truly humbled and thankful.

5. We've talked about some of your Production credits briefly; can you share the story behind your most challenging track yet?

Honestly, it's rarely ever the music itself. The real challenge is the business side! I'm Blessed to have been able to create a culture around myself where most of the time, it's just been a lot of fun! 'Famous' with Akon and Nick (Cannon) was good example of that. It's probably the most fun I've had working on a record. It really wasn't about the song; the most memorable thing about it was the experience itself.

6. Let's fast-forward to 12-months from now. How have you established yourself within the current music climate? How will you have set yourself apart from the crowd?

By making good art. For a long time now, the truest, most honest people who were producing art at it's very core, were undervalued in modern culture. I think that with certain artists though, the potency of their bodies of work meant that we're starting to see a value shift. Adele, Michael Buble, John Meyer, Kanye...what they have given us has a value higher than the standard that is overpowering the current market. I hope to show that same creativity...

The hardest thing to do in this climate is be yourself. I plan to continue on being myself, because I truly believe that when you do that above all else, the commodity of You becomes infinitely more valuable. I love music in general; but because there is this belief in the Industry and our culture overall, that you have to be this way, look like that person, only make this or that type of music to be successful - the content that makes it's way to the mainstream seems much more manufactured to me. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think that if you commit to keeping that realness and stick to making your best art, then you can't hide your honesty. By just being yourself, you will always have something unique to add to the market place.

7. I want to go back to that young Kevin. On your mixtape, you mention your Mother waking you and your brother with songs every morning; can you tell us about one? What memories does it evoke for you and why?
Well as I mentioned, I grew up in a devoutly religious household, so before the age of 10 years old, I was not allowed to listen to anything that didn't come from the Church. There was this one though, and it wasn't even really a song as much, it had like four lines! They were:

"God put a rainbow in the Sky,

God put a rainbow in the Sky,

When it looked like the Sun wasn't gonna shine any more,

God put a rainbow in the Sky."

I still look to it for positive reinforcement. There's just something in the simplicity of the whole thing that, when you're really bummed out it just takes you back to that lowest denominator - the things that make up who you are, and you find your way back.


8. What do you do when you're creatively stumped? How do you handle it?

There's a great quote that I once heard from Quincy Jones. It was from an old interview, when he was talking about working with Michael (Jackson).

He said something like:

"get out of the way and leave room so that God can walk in"

You just have to let the negativity flow through you, then get away from it. Sometimes you will find yourself inspired by things you didn't expect to be, purely because you took yourself out of the environment.


9. I can't not talk to you about your projects because I know you have some amazing stuff coming up. Can you tell me what you are working on? What should the UK be looking out for, from you?

I'm going on a College Tour around Southern California very soon. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the fans on that. I have a lot of parent label showcases coming up (Sony, Columbia, Universal). They're always a great opportunity and platform to do some really cool shows. I'm scoring for some TV shows and films;  the fourth School Gyrls movie is coming (Cannon's teen girl group who's début film starred some kid named Bieber?).


There's the Wonder Girls tour in Japan...

OH, and another mixtape (laughs), yeah that too! But I guess the most immediate thing though, would be that I start working with Mariah on her new album, next week. 

10. And finally, just to take things a little 'left of the middle'...I know you love your Sports. If you had to describe yourself as one, which would it be and why?
I would have to say...Golf. I'm a very specific person; I like to have my own way when it comes to making music and golf is a solo sport, you have to be focused on Self. When it comes to my music,  it's not about the love of coaching in teams - my only goal is to keep beating myself at every turn.

I have to say that Kevin officially became my 'Quote Prince' during this interview (Quincy took your 'King' spot afterward, I'm sorry)! We had such a great chat, I honestly struggled to pick my 10 favourite answers, so thank you Sir, for making my job so hard!  


This is a hardworking gentleman who is destined to be everywhere before long. Put him on your radar NOW by checking out his works, connecting with him directly and finding out for yourself why we had so much fun talking...

'Before the Ink Dries' Mixtape / Soundcloud / 

Twitter / YouTube / Ustream

Don't forget to check out the first video from Kevin's mixtape, a remix of T-Pain's '5 o'clock':