Interview: Silk Discuss the “Quiet Storm” Album

My interview with the legendary Silk! The new album Quiet Storm is out now: http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Storm-Silk/dp/B01AVTULQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1459044774&sr=1-1&keywords=quiet+storm+silk

Terrance - You guys released one of the biggest R&B hits of the 90’s “Freak Me”, now looking back on it how did that single shape your careers or did it?

Jimmy Gates - I think it helped us with our identity in R&B and Hip Hop and it brought attention to the more mature R&B songs on the record like “Lose Control” and “Happy Days”.

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - If we can go down in history with that song and songs like “Happy Days” and a couple others I think we can go down in history as the first R&B group to fuse Rap and R&B together.

Terrance - Throughout the past six albums are there any songs you thought should’ve been singles but perhaps the label went against?

Jimmy Gates - I wouldn’t say went against but one for me “Lose Control” was not officially released as a single by the record label it was picked off the album by radio, they loved it and played it.

Terrance - Not often do groups come back with their original lineup from when they first started how did you all maintain that?

Gary “Big G” Glenn - I just want to say by the grace of God we been blessed to stick together like a brotherhood. I mean we been able to do things on the side as well so again it’s just a brotherhood connection with us.

Terrance - You guys performed at the 2014 BET Awards along with Color Me Badd and Troop. What was that experience like to resurface on such a platform for both older and newer generations?

Tim “Timzo” Cameron - That was the most exciting experience lately and we would like to thank BET for inviting us to be part of that whole segment. We would like to thank the fans for following us all these years and just being onstage and backstage and meeting all the artists was just amazing. The only award we really won was the Soul Train music award for Best New Artist so to be connected with our people again and know they have our back is a great feeling.

Terrance - Now bring us up to date. Since the last Silk album Always and Forever you guys went on a hiatus. So what sparked the interest to record the Quiet Storm album?

Johnathen “John John” Rasboro - You’re right we haven’t released an album in a while, but first and foremost we wanted to make sure that it was the right album with the right songs. We actually didn’t plan to be gone this long as far as releasing an album but we definitely wanted to take our time and sit down together and kinda come up with songs we felt our fans would love and get accustomed to and again we never broke up or never stopped touring and things like that but with this particular album we just thought it was time, it was time. We got a lot of good reception, good warm reception from it and we don’t plan to be gone this long again (laughs).

Terrance - Compared to previous albums how is Quiet Storm different?

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - On previous albums they weren’t self-contained this album is pretty much the first album under our label Silk Entertainment with distribution through EOne so it’s this album that involves us with entrepreneurship in the industry.

Terrance - Talk about the single “Love 4 U 2 Like Me”.

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - I think what inspired that song was the producer sent us the demo and we heard it for the first time together and everybody was like Yo’ this is the first song we need to do and the statement it makes is so true you have to like someone before you can love them then the relationship will automatically grow. It’s a song for all ages and serves as a welcome back from Silk.

Terrance - The song “Baby Maker” has been described as Prince inspired. Would you agree?

Tim “Timzo” Cameron - I would say yes in a silky way. That song was actually inspired by a couple people we know on a personal level here in Atlanta.

Terrance - Are there any personal favorites from Quiet Storm?

Gary “Big G” Glenn - My favorite is “I Love You”.

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - I don’t have a favorite I listen to it all the way down (laughs).

Terrance - What is it about Quiet Storm you would like listeners to take with their listening experience?

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - We would like people to use this album as a guide to having remarkable relationships. Each song represents something within a relationship between a man and a woman. What a woman wants. What a man wants. What a woman wants done to them (laughs) so we want listeners to use this a booklet as an addition to the Silk anthology on how to keep your woman happy.

Terrance - Even though you guys have been in the game 25 years are there any artists in music today who inspire you in any way?

Jimmy Gates - Charlie Wilson, Usher, Chris Brown, Lalah Hathaway is really hot right now gotta love her.

Tim “Timzo” Cameron - I’m still a fan of R. Kelly. I love the way he has persevered and continue to make good music. He has a wide range of songs and he’s still R Kelly and not selling out or changing up so I love his contributions to music to this day.

Terrance - Known for signature bedroom anthems like “Nursery Rhymes”, “Ebony Eyes”, “Meeting In My Bedroom” and “Let’s Make Love” fans have always wondered do you make love to your own music?

Tim “Timzo” Cameron - Not lately (laughs), it feel like the group is in the room. I remember some times back in the day you might go past some hotel rooms and hear some Silk songs but that’s what females wanted to hear and loved.

Terrance - Talk about any awkward or embarrassing moments you’ve encountered from female fans on tour.

Tim “Timzo” Cameron - Yeah we did a show just recently with Keith Sweat in Phoenix Arizona and a young lady came on the stage baring all and when I mean baring all I mean baring all so she was politely escorted off the stage but she was trying to put it on everybody (laughs) but it was all good and we have nothing but love she just got a lil too excited.

Terrance - How would you best like Silk to be remembered?

Gary “Lil G” Jenkins - As a legendary group. Innovative with integrity.

Jimmy Gates - Who brought some smooth sexy bedroom baby making music (laughs).

RES Interview

My interview with RES who is an indie female artist from Philly known for her blend of Soul, Rock and Indie Pop. In 2001 she released her debut album, How I Do, which spawned the hit, “They-Say Vision”, plus “Golden Boys” and “Sittin Back”. Since then she’s been rebuilding her career and brand DIY-Style on her own terms...

Terrance - Tell us how much you’ve evolved as an artist since your first album?

Res - That’s a tough question off top, I don't really keep tabs on myself or growth in that way. I’m not sure how much I have changed. I feel like I sound like me, I look like me but I'm sure my songwriting has developed more and I think I am more open to the idea of doing house music and I want to start a lifestyle blog that reflects my lifestyle at a worldly young black woman who is a creative, living in Los Angeles at this time. I think I have evolved because I am more open to showing more sides of myself. Before I only wanted people to know about my music and nothing of who I really am.

Terrance - When you first came on the scene you were characterized as Neo‐Soul. What’s your take on that?

Res - Yes I was very much so characterized with the Neo Soul label, and I thought it was not appropriate but I knew at the time that when I signed my deal and released How I Do that it was a product and it needed a name or a category in order for it to be sold. I would have preferred to be characterized as alternative or alternative R&B.

Terrance - You’re part of a campaign called Indiegogo. What’s that about?

Res - Well, for the last few years I have been wanting to release music. I have completed a couple albums and a slew of songs by all sorts of producers and even making my own beats on Garage Band. I had a couple of deals that just didn’t work out. And so I decided to do a crowdfunding campaign thru Indiegogo to gather my fans and raise 35K to complete and properly pay the producers for their work and to have money to market the music.

Terrance - Where did you get inspiration from your latest single “Hollow”?

Res - I honestly don't remember my inspiration for that song at the moment but I can tell you that the video concept is pretty intense and a lil dangerous. The video will shine a light on the homeless in downtown Los Angeles.

Terrance - There’s a new album coming soon called RESET. What inspired that title?

Res - At first, the title was a play on my name but then as time went on it became an overall theme for my life and society, I live in. This time around I am and have had to reset my mindset. I had to approach everything from an indie artist point of view. And I had to deal with being treated as such.

Terrance - It’s interesting you mention that, so far what has the journey been like being an independent artist compared being a major label artist?

Res - The journey has been very tough this time around as an indie artist and I am very much looking for ways to make things happen on such a small scale. But there are some highlights, it is a blessing to choose the music for folks to hear. It’s great to be able to decide what song I am doing a video for.

Terrance - How has social media helped you as an independent musician? Are there any challenges?

Res - Social media has helped me get a quick reaction to music that I release from the people I want to impress, my fans. The challenge is that it is severely distracting me from making music and other art.

Terrance - And while we’re on the subject of social media what are your thoughts on artists beefing online?

Res - It seems like beefing online is part of some artists marketing plan. I don’t think much about it unless it’s someone I care about and even then with them, it gets old...quick.

Terrance - What artist are you currently listening to?

Res - I'm feeling Bibi Bourelly... alot!!!!!!!!Her songwriting and voice and delivery is above anyone's I have heard in the last 2 years.

Terrance - If you could name five RES songs people should know what would they be?

Res - Ice King, 700 Mile Situation, You Don't Know Me, Life Is Strange... both previously not released but are ​part​ of my new album RESET, For Who You Are co-produced by myself and the living legend and amazing guitarists,WahWah Watson.

Terrance - How important is performing on stage to you?

Res - Performing live is the way I truly make a living, so it’s pretty important and it is the most fun thing for me to do besides going to a bomb new upscale restaurant or hanging out with my family.

Terrance - Are there any upcoming shows or appearances?

Res - I am living in Los Angeles and I perform, pretty often with House of Vibe Allstars most Wednesdays night in Santa Monica at a spot called Harvelles.

Terrance - Lastly what’s the one thing you hope fans get out of the new upcoming album, RESET?

Res - I hope this album becomes a 2nd cult classic for them. I hope people listen to it together, feel great about putting their friends on to something amazing but not commercial.

Virtue Interview

My interview with Karima Kibble; the lead singer and founder of the legendary Gospel group Virtue! Back with their sixth album, Fearless: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fearless/id1077058431 Virtue is destined for greatness and they expect the impossible in the latest single “Miracle” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjxXnCqnRHs  

Terrance - It’s been ten years since the last full-length Virtue album. Tell us what’s been going on with you ladies since.

Karima - We decided to take a break not intentionally, but just living life and following God's lead and waiting for His green light. But our families have grown six children between the 3 of us we've lost some close loved ones a sister, granny, and our father, one of us has gone through a divorce, but God has kept us and our passion for ministry alive and well.

Terrance - The new album Fearless is out now. Give us a brief background on this project as far how the title and producers were picked.

Karima - When the 3 of us were approached to make a new record, we were filled with so many fears and questions about if we'd be successful. We live in 3 different places, all have other careers and are the women who keep our households running. How could we possibly still be able to minister and sing? With the support from our families and an unconventional, innovative, independent label, we decided to go for it! It's been quite a journey filled with ups and downs, but the lesson that God keeps teaching us is that we are His and the whole world is His! We don't have to live in fear of ANYTHING or ANYONE! We chose producers we were somewhat novices. They have a fresh take on music and it was just what we needed to be current, since we have been gone for a while. We also went back to two of our producers we used before Mark Kibble and Asaph Ward...they are familiar with our sound and we knew they'd give us that great Virtue sound...harmonies and tight vocals like we love!

Terrance - What has the response been like thus far getting the new music out there to fans?

Karima - We have been so fortunate to have been missed by our fans. The response has been phenomenal!! We've heard that this cd has no fillers...every song is worth listening to. And most of all, we've heard it's a blessing which is most important to us.

Terrance - The new single “Miracle” is a remake of The Clark Sisters song and you all performed it recently at the University Oakwood Church. What is it about that song that gravitated to you all?

Karima - First of all, we LOVE The Clark Sisters. But a friend of ours Justin Francis who is also a producer on the album asked us to participate in a tribute to Twinkie Clark that he was a part of. He sent us the songs and one was Miracle. We sang it and The Clark Sisters were there and loved our version of the song, they even stood up while we were singing. After that performance, we decided we should add it to our album...it was the last song we recorded.

Terrance - What are your personal favorites from the Fearless project?

Karima - It's hard to choose because we love them all, but the favorites change each day. Today it’s “More Than Words”, “He Gotcha”, “I Love Him”...the bonus track.

Terrance - As a group how do you all make sure each member is satisfied with the final product?

Karima - We are veeeerrry particular when it comes to the final product, sometimes over the top..(laughs). We all have that ear that tells us yea or nay, but we ALL must agree before it goes out. We asked each other what could be done better or eliminated. We really love each other's critics.

Terrance - Is there ever pressure within the group to outdo yourselves with each album?

Karima - Of course there is pressure to outdo the last album, but with each album comes growth and we want to show that on all levels vocally, musically, and most important spiritually.

Terrance - The Testimony album was nominated for a Grammy what was your initial reaction to that?

Karima - We were elated!! Just blessed that God thought so much of us and our hard work.

Terrance - What’s your response when the Christian community say Gospel artists are becoming too radical in their message, image and overall deliverance?

Karima - God is a radical God, everything He does is big and different. Ebony is a teacher and was taught that everyone learns differently, therefore one must differentiate. The world we live in is forever changing and to stay current, our delivery and image must attract those who are in the world. Our message stays the same, to tell others of God's goodness and His grace towards us and that He loves us, but we must reach people where they are. And if that means going in the streets, wearing holes in our jeans, adding a rap to a song, or dancing like David did, we'll do it with God's blessings!!

Terrance - I know awhile back you released a solo project, Just Karima. What was that transition like stepping away from the group at that point?

Karima - While we decided on a break for Virtue, I decided to try my hand at being a soloist...it was scary...I missed my sisters. It was fun recording because I totally love the studio, but when I couldn't look to the left or right and see my girls, man, I needed them. But it still was a blessing to go out and minister and it helped me with some insecurities and fears.

Terrance - If the opportunity presented itself would you all consider Reality TV or some type of show documenting your sister dynamics?

Karima - Of course, you'd be amazed at our talents LOL!! We'd love, too!

Terrance - Who were some of your greatest musical influences growing up?

Karima - Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, The Winans, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Richard Smallwood, The Clark Sisters, and the list never ends!

Terrance - Reminiscing on the self-titled debut album that spawned popular Gospel anthems like “Quiet Times”, “Greatest Part Of Me”, “Let the Redeemed” and “I Must Tell Jesus”. Can you share what you remember about the recording sessions for that album?

Karima - Mannnnn, we moved to Detroit for over a month to work with Mitchell Jones of Commissioned, COMMISSIONED!! one of all time OUR FAVORITE groups (yes we're screaming..hehehe) First there were smiles from ear to ear, then we got ourselves together and recorded (laughs). It was something new for all of us, but we knew that God had blessed us with voices to sing His word and spread to the masses. I Must Tell Jesus was written by a close from of ours from college named Wayne Bucknor, we remember being in his apartment helping with the song. When it was chosen for the album, we were thrilled. Recording those songs, well anthems like you said brings back fond memories that God is so good to His children. If we follow and believe in Him, all things are possible.

Terrance - Lastly what’s the one thing that has kept the Virtue name together all of these years?

Karima - First of all, we're blood sisters and that has helped. But we love to sing and especially as a family. Although we took a hiatus for a while, we knew we'd come back when God wanted us to. He has been the glue that has sustained us all these years along with our mama… our fans also have not let us stop the Virtue name...and we'd never let them down.

Jcksn Ave. Interview

My interview with PJ Morton’s girl group Jcksn Ave. Hailing from Memphis the quintet sister group dropped their debut single this year entitled “All These Dreams” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ2_Lb2Tj8s https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AOIR0GO?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Here’s Jcksn Ave…

Terrance - I understand you all are blood sisters. When did you all realize music was your calling?

Madison - It happened at different times for all of us I believe or for each of us. We’ve all been around music our whole lives. We were studio babies growing up and going to different functions with our parents and other relatives who are also musically inclined so I think that it was just you know being around it. We kinda had a realization at different points in our lives.

Terrance - Born and raised in Memphis, how much does Memphis influence you all as musicians and not just people?

Moriah - I think being born and raised in Memphis and being around the Arts and Music in general you just really don't have a choice in that influencing you especially when you're around it all the time. You’re just gonna to be inspired especially when it's something that you want to be or be involved in. You got Stax music it has such a huge history of Blues and R&B. Memphis is really one of the birthplaces of Soul music and so just the influences were all around. It definitely influenced us in more ways than just living here. It’s definitely a musical connection.

Terrance - We always hear about aspiring groups going through many name changes before getting discovered and signed. Was that the case with you all and how did the name Jcksn Ave come about?  

Kristian - That wasn’t the case. My father actually came up with the name. I want to say Madison went through it like she actually remembers.

Madison - I remember jotting down different names and they were all like really wack because I was every bit of 12 so they all sucked (laughs). It was like really weird stuff. I was coming up with phrases because I was listening to a lot of bands so it was like phrases for group names and my dad didn’t shoot it down he just came back and let me give my input. He was like what about Jackson Avenue? And I didn’t like it I thought it was suckie at first.

Moriah - Jackson Avenue stuck but later on maybe about a couple of years ago we change the spelling of the name. Jcksn Ave pretty much been steady since the beginning I think we're going to keep it.   

Terrance - There’s an interesting backstory to how PJ Morton from the Maroon 5 band discovered you all. Can you share that with the readers?

Kristian - Okay so we went to PJ's concert back in 2013 and we were just you know grooving during the concert and dancing all 5 of us and then afterwards we actually waited at the end of a line to go and speak to him and we kind of talked and we told him about our single “If You Believe In Love” and that was the end of that and then like a couple of weeks later he DM’d us like have your mom or dad email me or call me ASAP and the rest is history.

Terrance - Describe each other’s personalities within Jcksn Ave.

Madison - Moriah is the fireball.

Kristian - Jessica is the mysterious one.

Moriah - Kristian is the drama queen.

Jessica - Hannah is the shy one. The baby.

Hannah - Madison is the leader.

Terrance - Interesting. Now not only are you singers but gifted writers and instrumentalists as well. How important is it for Jcksn Ave to be known as all around musicians?

Hannah - It’s just as important as Jcksn Ave. to be known as all around artists.

Moriah - Yeah definitely. Often times in this industry people try to put you in a box and say oh you sing? Oh you play instruments too? Oh but you’re so beautiful you should just sing only or they have their expectations of you should be and what you should do but we are so focused on wanting to grow and be the best we can in every aspect of who we are as musicians and artists so we think that it's extremely important for people to see both or all the sides of who we are creatively.

Terrance - Tell us about your debut single “All These Dreams” and what inspired it.

Jessica - Honestly the whole journey to get to Los Angeles which is where we actually wrote and recorded the song that whole journey was trying and that inspired a lot of what came to be the song so yeah and it was our first time creating together in one room like the whole family and with PJ so that was another thing in itself so it was really cool.

Terrance - Is there an EP or album in the works?

Kristian - Yes! There is actually an album. We have more than ten songs in the works. We want it to be great like when it hit we want it to hit and we want it to be something very authentic and organic and shows people who we are and what we stand for at the same time so yes there is an album in the works.

Terrance - How would you best describe your sound?

Hannah - Fresh and relatable

Madison - I’d have to say soulful and musical

Kristian - Organic and authentic

Jessica - Our music is a fusion of many because we all are night and day individuals so we’re a stew we mix the pot a lot. We’re stewin’.

Terrance - What artists or bands are you all enjoying at the moment?

Hannah - I have to say Stevie Wonder at every moment.

Moriah - Artist or band I’m always enjoying some Michael Jackson. At every moment.

Madison - There are so many but I'll just say Mint Condition. They’re probably my fav. I love Mint Condition.

Kristian - At every moment I would have to say Sade or Anita Baker

Jessica - I love Paul Simon, Diana Ross and Prince

Terrance - Why do you think there aren’t many girl groups anymore?

Madison - I’m not sure why there aren’t many like I don’t have an answer for that honestly. I think times have changed and times were different. It’s kinda like we’re right now repeating where music was in the eighties and that’s also prior to the nineties where girl groups were really popular and they were leaving after the seventies where girl groups were really popular back in the early to mid eighties. So I think we’re kinda in that space again and everybody is kinda searching for what sounds good, what the industry needs, what people need and what music need.

Moriah - And another thing is I have to admit we [as in girl groups] aren’t the easiest it can be hectic at times like you hear some of the stories from the past girl groups that went on but I still don’t understand why there aren’t girl groups because you can look back and learn from the past girl groups and their mistakes but I don’t know that’s a very good question.

Kristian - I think also the industry has evolved and I think possibly I don't know for sure but they may be controlling that because at one point there were tons of boy bands the industry was producing making available to the general public as well as female groups and then all the sudden you really didn't see any but I feel like that's kind of odd because I know that they exist so I feel like maybe that it was an inside situation where companies were pushing for solo artists. Possibly. Just a thought not coming for anyone just not sure (laughs).

Terrance - And while we’re on the subject of girl groups which ones influenced you all growing up?

Hannah - Destiny’s Child

Moriah - There were many but I’m gonna say TLC

Madison - I’m gonna say Out of Eden, Virtue, Mary Mary, Trin-I-Tee 5:7

Kristian - I will say En Vogue and The Spice Girls

Jessica - The Supremes and Dream

Terrance - What’s the most exhilarating attribute about performing live?

Kristian - I have to say the energy, the crowd and feedback and just the energy period about hitting the stage because you have a moment where you go through in rehearsals and stuff where you’re like walking through and sweating it out trying to get it right and then when you get to the stage you have that moment it clicks the audience out there it's a liberating situation and it feels like you belong up there.

Madison - Michael Jackson once said if he could he would sleep on stage because that’s where he’s most comfortable.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on social media and how it play a role in your impact?

Hannah - I think social media has played a huge part in our impact. It has gotten us a following that we didn't have we had a following before social media but it has gotten us more followers and just people who genuinely love us and our music and we genuinely love them too.

Jessica - It’s a very powerful tool when used correctly and in your favor. Youtube is cool too.

Terrance - Where can the readers find you all on social media?

Kristian - Well all of our social media handles are JCKSNAve except youtube it’s JcksnAvenue.

Hannah - And thank you so much! We’re glad you reached out to us. We really enjoyed it.