My next cd with the talented ONEDEPENDENT is called Radio Recession
The new record is produced and co-written by the creative Onedependent and there's a raw teaser on my page right now from the album.The vocalist on the new jam is the amazing Narykcin. Check him out.You'll be glad that you did
My interview with Steve Tucker (TUCK) from the legendary PURE ESSENCE
If you're a fanatic of all thangs FUNKY and you haven't heard of PURE ESSENCE you're really missing out.Check out their page and listen to some of the most moving, soulful and SOLID FUNK ever recorded. http://myspace.com/pureessencemusic
Taki76: I found out about PURE ESSENCE when Peanut Butter Wolf released the Stones Throw/ADULT SWIM cd called CHROME CHILDREN and I couldn't believe my ears when I was listening to how soulful THIRD ROCK was.How did you guys get on that album?
Steve Tucker a.k.a Tuck from PURE ESSENCE: Well it's kind of a long and strange story. However, to make it short and sweet, Egon took it to PBW.Later he said to me that PBW flipped when he heard it. The funny thing about it is that Egon and I were spending most of our time planning to release "Wake Up" on the Soul-Cal label.Third Rock was added to change the pace of the album. Egon called me and told me that he and PBW wanted to use it on the Chrome Children CD.
T76: Very cool! "Wake Up" Pts. 1 & 2 and "Third Rock" were recorded and released in 1976 on Mantra Records.How many copies were pressed?
Tuck: I think it was about three hundred.I am told they are now worth about $500.Now that is unbelievable.
T76: Did Mantra release a lot of records back in the day? Was it strictly a soul label?
Tuck: Mantra was our own label that we used to release our music on. We did it like that back in the day. PURE ESSENCE and Bootsy Collins and his band the House Guests, as well as others would release music on their own label to get their music out.
T76: Wow, it's amazing how independent you were.How many years did Pure Essence exist?
Tuck: PURE ESSENCE stayed together for about 5 or 6 years. We would change the name to just Essence from Pure Essence in about a year. We felt that we were not all that pure anyway (smile)
T76: LOL.Did you guys gig a lot?
Tuck: Not really, we practiced a lot. We were somewhat different and club owners did not know what to do with us. We did not do a lot of covers or Top 40 and people would come and watch us rather than dance. We in addition, did many originals and that will always break a club owner's nerves. But when we left Cincinnati and moved to Indianapolis we gigged 6 days a week (three sets a night to four on Saturdays).That would start at 1 pm. It was a grind believe me. That's where I met Kenny Edmonds (Babyface much later). He played and sang in a band called Manchild. They where great musicians.Kenny's a great guitarist by the way. The clubs worked us to death back then and played one band against the other, the movie Purple Rain had the scene down.
T76: Are there any old demos or concert tapes locked up in a vault somewhere? If yes, do you plan on releasing it one day?
Tuck: Sorry to say no there is not. We lost a lot of stuff in a fire when our practice hall burned down.
T76: That's really sad.I'm sure the music you lost was some of the tightest ever recorded.I know you're working on a new album now.How is that going?
Tuck: It has been a task. Due to the fact everybody's now working on different projects and all the legal BS when some of the guys work for different record companies. However, we all know that even though we did not make any money when we were in Essence or Pure Essence many people love the band.People still stop me and tell me about how we F**ked them UP back in the day. Therefore, since we keep on missing our own deadlines we decided to just let the funk come out and not sweat it or try to force it.Pure Essence allowed us to be free and just play or create without pressure, that is why it was so much fun back in the day.
T76: Who will be releasing the new album?
Tuck: Good question. At this time, no one has commented on releasing the CD.Which is understandable since we have not played together in years and one of the main members has passed.Jerome Richmond was a key member and my best friend. Stones Throw said they would listen and they like where we are coming from. In addition, Def Jux has shown interest also. Therefore,it is wide open. Nevertheless, we are going to get it out one way or another.
T76: Are you planning on doing a tour soon?
Tuck: Only if there is a demand out there for us to do so.
T76: So, Kayo and Tuck are working with The Deele now which was the same band your old drummer L.A Reid played in with Babyface.Are you guys thinking of doing any Pure Essence shows with The Deele in the near future?
Tuck: Well I have written a song for "The Deele" and that's the extent of my involvement. Kayo is touring with the "The Deele" now. As far as Pure Essence and The Deele touring, Kayo and I talked about how we could do it. The thing is The Deele and Pure Essence are two very different kinds of bands. I was in The Deele for a brief period and even though some of the same people are in both bands they approach music in a very different way.
T76: I like how you mentioned The Last Poets in your influences and you said that they were "The start of no bullsh*t Hip Hop".Do you enjoy listening to any recent acts?
Tuck: Not many in the mainstream of the industry, therefore most of the artists I and the people I am around are into is music of the underground. It's just so much better.Artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, Georgia Anne Muldrow and J Dilla. Also, believe it or not, I like MF Doom and I play the hell out of "Monkey Suite". All of the above know how to groove a lost art these days. They let the music breath and they know when to shut the hell up and let the music groove a little. In addition, I must add Madlib is a groove master also.
T76: What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?
Tuck: There are two things I feel are going on today. First of all the marketing of music and artists is way ahead of the talent. This is because the industry has found out you only need to catch the essence (no pun intended) of something to sell it.So why mess around with the real thing? Real artists are a pain in the ass.They are very passionate about the music and for the most part will try to stick to their guns. However, if someone just wants to be famous and rich then if you have a little talent or none at all you don't care because you're for sale and you just want to be in the biz. They make about 50 of these types rich and famous and a thousand are waiting for their chance. When they hear these people or see them perform they say "hell I can do that". Moreover, a lot of them are right.Now when you hear a Jimi Hendrix or see him in person live or a James Brown live in his prime you say "damn I wish I could do that". Most people on the other hand won't.Only the real determined people that put in the work will try. Those that stick to it will be better for experiencing something real. It is funny the way things are now.By the time you learn what the hell you're doing your career is over. If you look over the old pictures of those artists back in the 60's and 70's you see they were grown men. They had been working the chitling circuit for years getting better at what they were doing. James Brown was in his mid 30's when he finally got on The Ed Sullivan Show. In addition, Chuck D is way too valuable not to be in the middle of Hip Hop today.Secondly the good news is that the kids got the major record companies by the balls. However, I don't know if they know it yet.You cannot sell what is free and if bands and artists are content with making a good living and give some of their music away to build a fan base they keep losing market share. If they keep losing money then the people whom are only in it for the money will leave.And that's a good thing. On another point, I feel you have to listen to different kinds of music to allow yourself to grow. Many young people only listen to Hip Hop and I know some people that only listen to jazz. That is bad for everyone.It is crazy for someone that's trying to create music.If Jay Dilla only listened to Hip Hop he would have never developed into what he became.You have to listen to everything you can stand to grow. When any type of music is still making money, however not changing, that's the beginning of the end for that music.If it does not change after a while the major record company's will get the formula down and then you have a watered down version of that music. That is what is going on today.
T76: What are some of your fondest memories of the Cincinnati music scene in the 70s?
Tuck: In Cincinnati back in the 60's and 70's most of the musicians were trying to develop their own style.The Ohio Players were the kings of the area. Then Bootsy's band called "The House Guests" gave the Players a run for their money. We all would play in each other's bands from time to time.I was in one of Bootsy's bands for a minute and man that was fun. Everybody was trying to out funk the other and that made you better. There were not a lot of clubs to play in town so you were in close contact all the time.I can remember in my neighborhood at one time or another you had the Isley Brothers live around the corner, the Ohio Players lived across the street and Bootsy Collins was playing in a bar down the street with his big brother Catfish. The one word that describes how you played in Cincinnati is INTENSE. Even if it was a slow song you had to do it like it was the last thing you were about to do. Pure Essence held their own and was thought of as being funky with thought provoking lyrics.Our Bass player Kayo was considered by many to be as good as Bootsy. Therefore, we had to work our asses off to get respect in Cincinnati. There was a place called the Clock Bar where you would see Lakeside, Roger Troutman, Bootsy, the Ohio Players and some of the members of James Brown's band hanging out. I'm a few years older than Bootsy and because I could buy wine we became friends. (smile)
T76: LOL Is there one artist that you all are extremely influenced by the same way?
Tuck: Well of course, we loved Sly that's without a doubt. Therefore, I would say we go off in many directions but we all meet at Sly Stone and Miles Davis.
T76: Are you guys going for a raw 70s sound production-wise for the new album?
Tuck: Due to the fact that Pure Essence is basically a rhythm funk band that will be the foundation of the album. However, the two songs that are out were the first Essence recorded. As we became better musicians and writers we became a mixture of funk with jazz overtones. One of the songs is called "Snake in the Garden" and we are trying to decide to go acoustic or digital. It may be the title of the album and it has an East Indian flow.
T76: Can't wait to hear that! Do you still use any of your vintage gear or effects?
Tuck: Oh yes, my old Cry Baby wah pedal will make an appearance.In addition, my Tube Screamer.I don't know what the other guys are bringing to the table.
T76: Do you think that technology is making albums sound better nowadays?
Tuck: I'm not one of those old school guys who thinks technology is evil.My wah pedal was the technology back in the day right? As for us making albums better it can sometimes get in the way.In addition, some people will try to hide behind technology to cover up weaknesses in their musical ideas and concepts. As for us we will use any means necessary to make the music better.Live recordings, samples, Pro tools, Sonar 6, it all depends on the song. We are progressive by nature and always looking for what's new on the music scene.
T76: Are you guys thinking of collaborating with any rappers from the Stones Throw label?
Tuck: I am talking to Stones Throw about one of their artists doing something with "Wake Up". As far as in the future, we are open for it.I think we will have to let them hear what we sound like today.
T76: Tuck, thank you so much for the knowledge you've shared with us and for the great music!
Tuck: Thanks Taki my friend.Peace to you and keep it wise and funky.
Taki76: It seems like you've played with everyone in the industry when I think of all the people you've made music with.The RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS,MACY GRAY,GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT/ FUNKADELIC,CHAKA KHAN,STING,ICE CUBE,BAD BRAINS, Bjork, MICK JAGGER,FISHBONE and so many others. My favorite jams of yours are on your solo album and the music you did with Weapon of Choice.Will you be releasing any new solo material anytime soon?
Ah'reek: yeah man...I'm recording a new disc right now...one thing I've freakuently heard in regards to my own albums (dats right, I said 'albums'!) is that there isn't enough 'guitarik' in the mix...well this new one should shut 'em up! (ha ha ..jk y'all)
Ah'reek: for a while recently I was really diggin' this heavy metal tribute band here in Hollywood called Metal Skool (kinda like a live version of Spinal Tap for the Eighties hair metal scene)... I noticed that there were tribute bands in L.A. for pretty much any classic rock band you could think of: The Doors, The Stones, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Zep, etc. and I thought how wack it is that there are NO tribute bands paying homage to the soul/funk groups I love...so I said 'funk it! AL do it myself!' so basically The Green Machine is a tribute to the musical greenius of a brutha named Al.
Are you thinking of releasing a dvd of one of the shows or a cd?
Ah'reek: thanks...I prolly should huh? yeah...okay...AL do it!
T76: Yeah do it! The world needs this music.So you're living in the UK now.What musical projects are you working on currently?
Ah'reek: well I'm currently back in Hell A. I was working with the cats from The Prodigy over in London...I'll be going back soon..
T76: Do you feel like people in the UK appreciate REAL music more than people in the US? What is the advantage of a musician working in the UK?
Ah'reek: I think Europeans in general are maybe a bit more loyal to the artists' they're into...like they'll come up to you and remind you of something you played on that YOU had forgotten...but most Americans are too preoccupied with superficial nonsense anyway...in my opinion...the advantages? uh...I can go to the BBC studios and stock up on vintage Benny Hill tapes!
T76: You and your brother Meganut are not only two of the most soulful and creative musicians around but two of the funniest in my opinion.Did artists like Blowfly and Zappa influence you? What about comedy records, comic books or movies?
Ah'reek: you think we're funny? what the hell is that supposed to mean?! you mean we're funny like how? like we're clowns here to amuse you?! ha ha...naw, we're good fellas! yeah man, Richard Pryor, Benny Hill, our pops was funny as hell,Muhammad Ali,the bruthas in the neighborhood, Marvel Comics, Mad Magazine...and I've noticed that the funniest comedians seem to be either black or Jewish: the Three Stooges, the Marx Brothers,Mel Brooks, Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen, Andrew Dice Clay, Seinfield (well...a lot of people thought he was funny), and ya know Richard,Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Redd Foxx, Franklin Ajaye (one of my favorites and really underrated),Chris Rock..etc. so me and Lonnie got a double-whammy of funny bone power!
T76: LOL...Cool! But I meant it more in a "Slim & Slam" kind of way where they were not only creative and super-groovy but they had they're own language that was funny as hell too.
I love your MarshalLaw cd too.Was that project the first band you were in?
Ah'reek: thanks man...naw..actually I put my first band together with my three best friends in junior high school; two of 'em were twins from Nicaraugua named Yadder & Yonell, and the other was a brother named Clinton...we were called The Minors and we played a few originals and Stray Cats covers...I used to LOVE Brian Setzer and The Stray Cats!
T76: Out of all the artists that you've been blessed to play with, who was your favorite?
Ah'reek: gotta be the P!
T76: Can you name a few records that influenced you the most?
Ah'reek: 'Go For Your Guns' by The Isley Brothers (you got that one man? that shit iz DOPE!) 'Axis:Bold As Love' ,'Mothership Connection' and 'One Nation Under A Groove', 'Built For Speed' by the Stray Cats (I know that doesn't sound too cool coming after them other soulfunkrock classics but it's true...that album really made me want to be a guitar player in a band) 'Survival' by Bob Marley, 'Purple Rain' ,'Van Halen 1' ,'Off The Wall' (Michael's dopest album in my opinion), 'I Against I' by The Bad Brains, 'Kind Of Blue', the soundtrack to the movie 'Superfly' by Curtis Mayfield and the Sly & The Partridge Family Stone album...
T76: All great stuff that I own too.I like the Stray Cats but I've never had any of their records.That stoned Partridge family album sounds like it's probably pretty psychedelic and what-not LOL
I love the poem you recited in the video called "They used to cook soul food" and I know exactly what you mean.Why do you think people "forgot the recipe" for making good music?
Ah'reek: too much technology, greed and ego
T76: No doubt...speaking of technology.I like this quote of yours: "i can't wait 'til advances in technology allow me to return to a time when technology wasn't so advanced".That's so true
When was the last time you were excited about a new album's release?
Ah'reek: uh...hmm...um..damn...this is depressing...uh..I guess I'd have to say Moloko's last cd 'Statues' (they're the shit btw)
T76: Are there any recent bands/artists that motivate you when you write songs or improvise?
Ah'reek: see previous answer! and Weapon Of Choice, Mark Cross and Fishbone too
T76: Are there any new artists you'd like to work with?
Ah'reek: well since I've already worked with Moloko I would say...let's see...I KNOW there are some FBI's out there somewhere making some new music so I would say them! (Full Blooded Indian's...of the American variety...NDN power...MY American Idol!)
T76: Cool answer. Who are a few of your favorite guitarists?
Ah'reek: Jimi (like I really even needed to say that), Albert King, Django Reinhardt, Michael 'Kidd Funkadelic' Hampton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Curtis Mayfield,Ernie Isley, Eddie Van Halen, Eddie 'Maggot Brain' Hazel, Phelps 'Catfish' Collins, Carlos Santana, Prince, Steven Hufstetter, Teenie Hodges,Wes Montgomery,Jimmy Nolen,Charo and my nephew Malik..
T76: What is your weapon of choice guitar-wise?
Ah'reek: it's a historic romantic notion for the guitar player to think of his axe as his woman...lets just say I've yet to wrap my arms around my soul-mate in either department...I've got a Gibson Firebird right now...but she aint the ONE...
T76: That Firebird of yours is sweet though! What do you do to sit back & relax when you're not thinking of music?
Ah'reek: read a good book, watch a good movie or interesting documentary, go to the beach and meditate to the soundwaves from the sound of the waves,draw,work out at my boxing gym...stuff like that...
T76: What do you predict will happen to the music industry in the next 5 years?
Ah'reek: man I don't know what's gonna happen to MY crazy ass in the next 5 days let alone the music sindustry! :) I really don't know (and don't care if it stays as it is or gets any worse...wait..gets any worse? that's impossible!)...I just hope that it improves for the sake of the art and the artists' who create it...if I really think about the state of 'popular' music it'll make me too sad and mad...I mean there are way worse things going on in the world today so I can understand when people say 'aw quit your bitchin' when a musician complains about the sindustry, but...when musicians are encouraged, assisted and allowed to express themselves in a pure and untampered with way...they can (and have) change the world to some degree by touching peoples' hearts and minds on a deep and beautiful level...by being totally natural some artists' can connect with the supernatural...I guess some of the drugs that a lot of the greats took wouldn't be considered 'natural' but I think a big part of the reason they took 'em was to open themselves up to the ultimate creative source...you can call it whatever you want...to me it's God...for better or worse I've never had to use drugs to access my creativity (not comparing myself to the greats, just rappin' 'bout drugs) I smoked herb a few times as a teenager but that's it...a little red wine and i'm fine..but the bottom line is money man...the music sindustry is all about the dough and not the do-re-mi...
T76: Are you going to be recording or gigging with any other artists in the next few months?
Ah'reek: well in addition to finishing my new stuff I just booked a gig for the 28th of August at a spot in Santa Monica CA. it's gonna be a new project I put together that will include my brother Lonnie...it's called 'We'll Be White Black!' and it's a musical celebration of being mulatto! everyone in the band is a zebra! and like we'll open up with The Isley Brothers' 'Fight The Power' and then go into 'Rio' by Duran Duran...then well rock 'Mary Jane' by Rick James right before playing 'Jessie's Girl' by Rick Springfield! It's gonna be crazy fun...AND The Green Machine will be the opening act! oh yeah...dig this cool shit...I'll be writing and recording with the Foxy Mama herself: Pam Grier! she sings as well as acts and is gonna be making an album soon. I'm gonna jam with Pam...damn!
T76: Man, what a blessing that is. What would you like to do with your musical gifts that you haven't tried already?
Ah'reek: win the heart of my future wife
T76: I saw Meganut in one of the recent Chili Peppers videos and he was also in Stomp the Yard a few months back.Have you ever acted in a show or movie? If not, do you ever want to try it?
Ah'reek: I actually acted in and wrote the soundtrack to a movie that won an Oscar! it was an independent flick by this USC film student...it was called 'Peace & Quiet' and I played a mulatto punk-rocker who destroys this old guys suburban home...right in front of him! I wore a Mohawk and a Funkadelic t-shirt...
T76: Wicked, I gotta look for that. What moves you more: Music, art, movies or literature?
Ah'reek: when music is righteous nothing moves me more....sex comes (no pun intended) close...but I've always felt that 'real' music (aint that a bitch? we now have to make THAT distinction! wtf!) connects more powerfully with humans than any of the arts...
T76: Yeah.It makes me feel like I'm 100 years old when I talk to people and always have to say "real" music vs "Top 40 music a.k.a burger king commercial music".
I really dig your lyrics as much as your playing.Do you write often?
Ah'reek: yeah...I think I'm just as much a poet/writer as I am a musician/asshole..(ha ha) waking up at three in the morning with an idea in my head then staying awake til the sun comes up writing and re-writing til it's finished...yeah...I love putting words together in groovy ways...
T76: It would be cool if you released a book of your cool poetry.Any chance of that happening? (:>)
Ah'reek: it's funny you ask that...as a matter of fact...if it weren't for this damn innerview I'D BE WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW! (ha ha..jus clownin' m'man) yeah...I'm almost finished with it...my sister Adrianna 'Earthy Girl' Marshall is my editor and assistant (I gotta plug her DOPE re-usable tote bags you can cop on cafepress.com...just type in her name and watch out!) http://www.cafepress.com/agirlscreation ...it'll be available at first on cafe press...then perhaps someone will actually publish it..
T76: Thanks so much for your time and all the great music you share with us bro.
Ah'reek: my pleasure m'man...and btw...the cat who's been asking these questions aint just some music lover...he's a music maker too...and he's a bad mutha---shut yo mouf! I'm jus talkin' 'bout Taki76! then we can dig it! DEAF TO THE SONIC MIRAGE! !PARTY THE IN BACK ART THE PUT
Taki76: Mark, I'm a huge fan of yours.I think it's amazing that you've written, produced, and/or performed with some of the most important artists around like George Benson, Roy Ayers, Sade, D'angelo, The Roots and the list goes on and on. How come you haven't blessed the world with a solo album yet?
Mark Anthony Jones: Thank you very much, There is no clear answer that I can give you as to why I haven't released a solo album yet..I have been deeply into music since I was about 6 years old..I have had a few major label record contracts over the years but for various reasons those deals never translated into a finished/released album. (I think it has something to do with my lack of interest in following current trends)
T76: You once mentioned that you write a lot of songs in various styles.How many songs do you have in your musical vault?
MAJ: Wow..where can I even begin..? (laughs) ..I write everyday..It's rare that I don't write at least 1-2 songs a day..That means at the least..The music..The hook..and a demo with a rough vocal..Its an addiction..I live to make new grooves..I honestly couldn't tell you how many I have..In my current studio , I have at least 150 scraps of paper with lyrics and chords written out, and I have only been there for about 5 weeks.
T76: LOL.That's cool.What do you prefer doing, performing and writing music as MAJ or doing music for others?
MAJ: They both are great in different ways..Lately I have been focused more on my own music because I relocated from New York City To Copenhagen Denmark..(to get away from the extreme negativity that I feel all around me in America) Unfortunately, There isn't much happening on this side of the world musically so my options for collaborations are non existent..In The States I used to really appreciate leaving my world for a moment and finding out how other artists approach their work..It used to be a constant source of new Ideas for me..New techniques to try in the studio..New pieces of gear to investigate..Not many people get a chance to listen to a D'angelo record for instance..and then, get to sit down with him and ask him what his approach to layering harmony vocals is..Or Maybe getting to hang out at home with someone like Nikka Costa listening to Betty Davis records and watching Prince and Sly Stone Bootleg Videos..Or getting to ask people like Roy Ayers how he voices certain Chords..little things like that I miss from time to time but There are always new things to experience and I'm enjoying what I have at this time.
T76: That's so wicked! What would you like to be doing musically that you haven't tried yet?
MAJ: I would really like to make an autobiographical film about my life and I would love to write and produce the soundtrack..I could imagine that something like that would really allow me the freedom to combine all of my musical influences..from the early Motown stuff i grew up on, Through The 80's Vibes Up to where I'm at today.
T76: I think you are one of the best kept secrets in music, how often do you perform as a solo artist and how do you promote your concerts?
MAJ: As I said earlier, I am no longer living in New York City..& Where I am at currently there is virtually no opportunities to do anything on a large scale..So..The things that I do here are not necessarily exactly what I would be doing If I were in a place with more outlets for being heard..I mainly spend my time these days recording and writing new material..I do play a gig at the biggest club here in Copenhagen called Vega once a month its called Funkatek and that is not so much about me and my vision ..Its really an opportunity for me to try to connect with people here that dig funk and are hungry for an outlet to get down !
T76: Are you going to tour in the US anytime soon?
MAJ: There are no plans in the immediate future to do that..But you never know whats going to happen..I do get calls from time to time asking me to do various tours and studio sessions..Last year i was going to go to L.A to work with Nikka Costa, but Virgin records dropped the ball on her Album (as most labels seem to do these days) and Things didn't work out.
T76: Can you name a few albums that continue to influence you no matter how many times you listen to them?
MAJ: Anything by Jimi Hendrix between 1967-1970 Anything by Stevie Wonder between 1972-1980 Anything by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan between 1974-1977 Anything by Bill Withers in the 70's Anything by Prince between 1982-1987 Anything by James Brown between 1969-1974 Sly and the Family Stone' There's A Riot Goin' On & Fresh Jamiroquai' first two albums. Joni Mitchell' ..Hejira Steely Dan ...Aja And Many other obscure artist from the Funk & Jazz/ Funk era.
T76: Yeah! We listen to the same stuff.How do you feel about the change in the music industry with all the digital downloads and ringtones for sale? Does this help an artist like you
MAJ: Well I think its going to eventually open up a few avenues for getting heard That maybe weren't available to artists in previous generations..Anything that equals change In the Music industry is cool with me.. It's much needed.
T76: What are your thoughts on illegal file sharing? A few years back I remember Chuck D saying that it was a good thing and it promoted artists.Another interesting thing is that PRINCE upset the record stores in the UK by giving away 3 million copies of his Planet Earth album with the purchase of a tabloid. Is the music industry going nuts or what?
MAJ: I think the gatekeepers Must be getting Really nervous these days..People have been force fed a constant stream of Talentless Garbage for years..If a few artists with the power of a Prince for instance, can shake things up in the industry I'm all for it.. As I said before..We really need some changes to be made in The music industry..Of course its not an Optimum situation when people are downloading albums for free all the time..But..I must admit I do it myself..Sometimes I think about the fact that artists are not getting Fairly compensated for their work, But I also realize that many artist throughout history have died penniless and homeless while the owners of the label that distributed their music were out sun bathing with 20 year old models somewhere on the french riviera. (laughs) So..Change is Good in the industry..My only wish is for Artists to find lucrative ways to earn a living in a world that seems to increasingly not be purchasing Music in the traditional way.
T76: Who are a few recent artists that influence you?
I get my cues from the "OLD SCHOOL" and It seems like everybody else that I dig in my generation does the same. If I had to mention anyone I guess I might say.. Beck..The Beastie Boys..Jamiroquai (on his Return of the space cowboy album) and this cat named Money Mark on his ( Mark's Keyboard Repair) Album. I like the "Do it Yourself "aesthetic.. Oh yes I forgot to mention..I'm also pretty fond of a lot of Your stuff Taki76..You know what good shit is all about and I hear it when i listen to your jams..(Which I downloaded years before we actually Hooked up with each other Through Myspace).
T76: Thanks so much Mark and thank God for myspace right? I'm curious to know if a creative artist like you ever listens to the radio to see what's popular because I can only imagine you just making music 24/7 and not caring about what the non-initiated people listen to LOL.Am I right?
MAJ: You are 200% correct..I don't own a radio and never have..I'm allergic to Crap ! (laughs)Thankfully my mom always had great musical taste when I was young so If I ever heard the radio It was light music stations that played cool stuff like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers..Burt Bacharach... Dionne Warwick..Marvin Gaye etc..
T76: What was the most recent album that really made you feel like there's hope in the music industry for real musicians/songwriters?
MAJ: That's a difficult Question..and here's an equally difficult answer.. I always hear little sparks of things that catch my ear and make me take notice of artists.. When Alanis Morissette released her song "Ironic" It was impossible for me to listen to it without getting tears in my eyes every time she hit the chorus..There's a line that she sings that goes "A Free Ride---" The way she bent the notes and the harmonies..Amazing! But I'm not necessarily an Alanis Morissette fan.. I also got really great feelings from some of D'angelo's Vocal harmonies on his Brown Sugar album..In particular I guess I would say a song like "Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine". There's some definite magic in some of those vocals..But again I wouldn't consider myself a D'angelo fan. I like those little "sparks" of magic that you hear from time to time from contemporary artists..That little thing that makes you realize that you were not the only one checking out how the greats used to get down.
T76: I know what you mean.There are a lot of artists that I love and respect but I hardly ever listen to them.Like Bjork and the BEATLES for example. Do you prefer instrumental music or songs with really deep lyrics?
MAJ: Both can stop me in my tracks and make me have to go into deeper analysis.
T76: I'm anxiously looking forward to a MAJ album to get released.Do you think you'll ever release an album full of jam sessions or instrumentals?
MAJ: At some point I definitely will release my entire body of work..I'm waiting for the right situation or individual to present themselves with the same vision that I have for me as an artist and for my music.
T76: Man, I know that there's so much the world can learn from your recordings.What are you currently working on in the studio?
MAJ: ahhhhhhh...(laughs) I'm working on a solo project titled "Confused on Earth" its a concept album about me being from another more spiritually rich planet..I plan to expound on all the things that I see that are troubling to me here on earth..Things like racism..sexism..people's love of material things as opposed to spiritually fulfilling things..etc.. I'm also doing various recordings with my dear friend Jay Denes and his Naked Music Label.. & I'm currently recording tracks for a musical that is loosely based on the life of August Darnell aka Kid Creole (of the coconuts) ..we are sending files back and forth via the Internet and that project should be finished before the end of the year.
T76: Amazing.In 2005 you made your acting debut in London Starring as Marvin Gaye in a musical titled "Marvin".Do you have the desire to ever act again?
MAJ: I would love to do it provided it was the right vehicle..I was sorta thrust into it for the Marvin musical and I really had no acting experience prior to that show..I would love to do something where I can utilize some of what i learned during the Marvin experience and something I have a natural affinity for IE: Something Musical.
T76: I know that your music was heard in "SEX IN THE CITY" how did you get that gig?
MAJ: ..The producers heard my music on various compilations and they contacted me..
T76: What's your favorite movie?
MAJ: I like funny stuff...If it makes me laugh it's a winner in my eyes..I like movies like Spinal tap.. Eddie Murphy Movies in his glory years..Chris Rock can be funny at times..I enjoy Jack Black films ..It varies..Of Course.I collect and own all the 70's Blaxploitation Films..I think a large part of my personality, Music, and Clothing sense came from those movies..The Mack..Superfly..Pimps..etc.. (laughs)
T76: Blaxploitation and cheesy kung fu flicks with a funky soundtrack are wicked.They really influence my music as well.Is there anything non-music related that really moves you and influences your music?
MAJ: Yes ! I am greatly motivated by people..In fact I would say 90% of my music is based on the feelings that I get from people..If I see a little old lady that is sweet it can brighten my whole day and make me write something about the beauty of someone that has lived a long life and still has a positive light that emanates from their soul.. On the other side of the coin..I can be just as inspired by someone cruel..someone that's selfish or has no positivity to give to the world..Those are the people that inspire me the most I have to say..Because If you look at all the wars going on..all the fighting and jealousy..and the great lack of empathy that Humans have for each other ..That seems to be the most prevalent and detrimental thing going on in society today. Assholes ! (laughs)
T76: LOL.I know what you mean.Thanks so much for your time and for influencing my music Mark! Is there anything else you would like to add?
MAJ: Thank you..I would just like to tell anyone out there that has aspirations of being in the music business, that Its a long road.. As a person that's been dedicated to art since childhood I can tell you honestly from my soul..It's best to follow your own vision..There is only ONE you down here this lifetime.. By the time you jump on someone Else's style or bandwagon that person will have already moved on to something else and you will be viewed as nothing other than a follower that's 10 steps behind a leader.. As a child my Goal was to be a huge star ..someone loved by the masses and respected immensely..Someone with all the material trappings..Women, Cars, Homes, Money, Fame.. etc..I have been blessed in my career to meet and interact with many people that have achieved all of those things..For Some... Gaining those worldly things was a blessing, unfortunately for many others it became the Basis for their existence and the Gauge by which they and others view their Worth.. "True Artists" are prepared to make it or not "Make it" in the worldly sense of the word..The joy for a "True Artist" is the act of Creation..The Glow that comes over Us when we know we just made some Badass Shit ! Stay focused on being "Good"...Not on being Famous..Looks fade..Trends die..But, FUNK and people that recognize "TRUE FUNK" are ETERNAL !
My interview with Grammy Award winning recording artist VAN HUNT 07/29/07
Current mood: artistic
Here is my interview with Van Hunt. In my opinion he is one of the most creative artists to come out in the last 10 years & he never ceases to amaze those of us who are fanatics of organic funky soul.(Take a listen to his solid musicon myspace) http://myspace.com/vanhunt
artistic
