An Interview with Joyce Irby of Klymaxx

Since Klymaxx’s 1981 debut album, Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman, they have shown no signs of slowing down despite line-up changes and adversity both personally and professionally. Known for hits such as “I Miss You”, “Man Size Love”, “I’d Still Say Yes” and their signature classic women’s anthem “Meeting In the Ladies Room”, Klymaxx are back with a new single “Take U Back”. Original member, co-lead vocalist and bassist, Joyce Irby joins me to discuss all things Klymaxx.

Terrance - First can you briefly introduce to us to the current lineup of Klymaxx and their key roles in the band?

Joyce Irby - Yes, Regina Troupe on keys and lead vocals. Regina has performed live with the original Klymaxx for over 10 years and also tours with Peabo Bryson as a lead vocalist for duets. She is a fitness instructor and the tallest. Sheryl Harper on drums. Sheryl is a renown drummer in the Atlanta area and has toured with T Pain, Bobby Brown and many others. She also has had many movie roles including, The Fighting Temptations, First Sunday and Joyful Noise. Sheryl also toured with the original Klymaxx for a few years. Vanessa Izabella is an accomplished rock guitarist who also fronts her own rock band. Katarina Mia is a lead vocalist and percussionist. She owns one of Atlanta's favorite night spots, Kat's Cafe, in midtown.

Terrance - Was it strenuous choosing the ladies who you thought would fit?

Joyce Irby - Not at all, it just came together. As previously mentioned, two of the girls were with me already with the original Klymaxx. Vanessa & Kat were recommended and it was an immediate fit with good energy and temperament.

Terrance - Tell us about the new single “Take U Back” what inspired it and is there a release date.

Joyce Irby - Hopefully the release date is Friday May 6!! I knew we had to hit hard like we did with the Men All Pause back in the day. That was a track that I wrote and played the parts to. I sent some music over to our producer Wirlie Morris and asked him to give us something that hit hard and was not dated...and he killed it!!

Terrance - Is there also a new album in the works? If so, can you share the direction and sound it’s going in?

Joyce Irby - Yes, we are so excited about the album that's almost finished. We have a combination of things people know us for, hard driving synth bass, smart talking over nice beats, sensitive ballads, and a few twists thrown in!! We have elements of old and new blended together into a contemporary vibe that shows off all of us.

Terrance - A few years ago the former Klymaxx were the featured band on TVOne’s Unsung do you feel the taping was thoroughly explained in 41 minutes?

Joyce Irby - Lawd no!!! There are so many complexities and the show had to focus on what it thought was most important at the time.We could have been 3 seasons of "Diva's in Their Own Minds" if there was such a thing.

Terrance - Your work is often sampled by many of today’s contemporary Hip Hop artists like Fat Joe, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Kurupt, Big K.R.I.T. and so on what are your thoughts?

Joyce Irby - It’s good to have something that a younger artist thinks is worth borrowing.

Terrance - What was your initial reaction to the breakout song “I Miss You” when you heard it on the radio?

Joyce Irby - That one really caught all of us by surprise. Because it exposed us to a wider audience, it opened up other doors for us and that was incredible

Terrance -Do you think female bands are treated differently in the industry because they play their own instruments?

Joyce Irby - For me it was an advantage playing an instrument...especially a non traditional one like bass or drums. I used to stand outside venues when George Clinton (who is like my dad), Ohio Players, Bootsy, EWF, The Brothers Johnson, Mother’s Finest and Larry Graham came within 200 miles of my home in NC.  I would just be there with my bass strapped on and they would always get me in. When I showed guys I was serious about learning, I was treated like a musician and they were all nice to me...plus I was a teenager. I got to go to their rooms and sit on the bed and trade bass licks and learn from them. I sat with Louis Johnson, Wizard, Bootsy, Larry Graham and they all showed me stuff. George Clinton, saw me so much , he started introducing me to people as his daughter. He would let me come to his room after the show and listen to me play for about 5 minutes. He would encourage me and tell me how great I was going to be. He wouldn't let the other guys in until I was done, and then they couldn't wait to come in and party!! But George never let any of that happen around me..I love that dude!!!

Terrance - In the past 35 years since Klymaxx been in the industry is there certain memory that stands out from touring to collaborators?

Joyce Irby - Two big things....collaborators first. We were the first group that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced outside of the Time. They got kicked out of the group because they were working with us. We never had a big record with them, but we got to experience them when none of us had any hits, and they are the same now as they were back then. Prince called the studio one day to speak with them, and we all had to leave the control room. After they all talked for a while and we came back in, the tape machines stopped working and we thought there was something mystical going on. Pretty funny. Touring.....We opened up and did a whole tour with Kool & The Gang. We had water pistols that looked like tech 9 machine guns. They even had water clips in them. We would put on shower caps and run through the hotel ambushing each other. One time we had a massive water pistol ambush and shoot out right off the elevator in a Miami hotel. It was like a movie, the elevator comes to a stop. We are waiting quietly to ambush them and one of the guys dives out of the elevator, rolls on the floor while shooting up at us. We were shooting back and the poor people in the elevator were tripped out. The police came and told us to stop....we all retired our weapons....it was fun while it lasted!!!

Terrance- Is there a particular Klymaxx single you thought should’ve been pushed harder by the label?

Joyce Irby - Not really, I feel like they did a pretty good job with what we gave them.

Terrance - What’s the one Klymaxx song that gets the audience amped when performed live?

Joyce Irby - Men All Pause with Ladies Room a close 2nd!!

Terrance - Many may not know you discovered Dallas Austin what was it about him you knew was spectacular?

Joyce Irby - Dallas always used simple traditional chords and put great melodies on them. And he did drum rhythms that were a twist Teddy Riley's stuff and made it more hype. I knew immediately what he could do. It took me 2 years to convince anyone else at a label.

Terrance - Do you think Artist Development is missing in many artists today?

Joyce Irby - Totally!!! Not only that, but artists with depth are missing today!! There is a lot of young talent, but you can be famous for almost anything. And many people make a mockery of music. Every kid in middle school makes "beats", but that’s not necessarily the same as music. Sometimes there is not much to develop and when there is talent to develop, labels often don't want to risk the expenditure if they are not getting instant results. Dick Griffey and Solar records supported us through 2 albums that didn't sell, before we got to the one that was a break out for us.

Terrance - Who are some artists or bands in music you currently enjoy?

Joyce Irby - Well currently, here are some of the people on my iPad....Drake, Shy Carter, Justin Bieber (yes that's right, he has a great album), Taylor Swift (I drink the Kool-aid), Iggy (haters can't make me not like her), Adele, Celine Dion, Tamar, Kelly Clarkson, Wale, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, Jessie J, Dave Barnes, Ed Sheeran, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Rascal Flatts, Ludacris, The Canadian Tenors, T.I., Jay Z, John Coltrane, George Clinton, Sonny Criss ...I am all over the place.

Terrance - What’s your take on digital music. Would you say it killed the record store and made music better accessibly?

Joyce Irby - Streaming in particular, is killing everything for songwriters.  In my opinion, it’s basically a license to steal. And yes music is better accessible if you want it for free. I believe, streaming contributes to a degrading quality of available music. I just don't want to talk about it. I don't know if we will be able to make another record if we can't get a sales support for this one.

Terrance - With a tremendous amount of experience in the business what advice or motivation would you give aspiring bands?

Joyce Irby - Do it only if you love it, and take pride in what you send out. If it’s something that you would do for free, and it’s your passion...then follow the voice inside that guides you and let it fill your heart!

Mishon Interview

Terrance - You took a brief hiatus from the business so tell us what sparked this renewed interest to get back out there?

Mishon - Sometimes we all have to step back from something to really realize what's there. During my break it made me realize that the only thing that missing was my direct focus on being passionate about what I do. You gotta have that fire, and that break led me back to that fire.

Terrance - Talk to us about your latest single “Lessons” and what inspired it.

Mishon - "Lessons" was inspired by a real relationship I was in with a girl, she was living in LA at the time, I was living in ATL. It was basically me reminiscing on the love we had and things that I've learned about life along that journey. For example, the line "just because you have power doesn't mean that you're strong", is saying no matter what walk of life you come from we all succumb to the powers of love.

Terrance - Can you share details about your upcoming album, The Truth, as far as producers and guest artists?

Mishon - I've been recording non stop! I produced "Lessons" & "The Truth" and many more on the project. I'm working with 808 Mafia, V12 The Hitman just to name a few. I really want you to be surprised so I won't say much.

Terrance - There was also a surprised EP released titled, The Lost Files, this year. What’s your ultimate goal with that release and is there a personal favorite track?

Mishon - "Lost Files" was a collective of a few really dope records that have been sitting in my archives for some time now. I wanted to get that music out to the world and give fans an appetizer to "The Truth" EP.

Terrance - So far in your career what has been the biggest accomplishment for you?

Mishon - My biggest accomplishment to me is always being able to stay connected to the creative process. Some people lose their source of inspiration and forget how to regain. You have to really be in tune to these certain keys to success.

Terrance - Considering you’re fortunate to add songwriter/producer to your credit, who are some artists you would love to work with?

Mishon - Drake, Future, Chris, & Kehlani to name a few.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on social media as it pertains to music overall?

Mishon - Social media is the wave because it's allowing people to get into everybody's personal life. It's like everybody has their own television channels now. It's super cool.

Terrance - If you could perform with any Legendary artist who would it be and why?

Mishon -  If I could perform with MJ it would be the ultimate dream come true. His stage presence and passion always makes me take my stage experience to a higher place. It's higher than just being on stage, it's about just "being". I learned that from studying Michael Jackson.

Terrance - What era of music inspires you the most?

Mishon - This era of music inspires me the most. I've had phases of 80's, 90's, and grew up through the 00's, but it's really hard to beat the honesty of the music this day & age. As a musician I can hear all the subtle nuances that an artist drew inspiration from when listening to their music. I'll be like, that was a 90's run, or "that note had the passion of something out of the 70's", or "they wrote those words because that's something my generation is currently going through". As a musician I love being able to pick up on these things and talk with other people that do too.

Terrance - You have quite a background in Film and Television most notably on the series Lincoln Heights will we see you on TV again?

Mishon - There's a lot more in store for me, not only including being back on the television screen, but on the big screen as well.

Terrance - What’s the greatest lesson learned about the business?

Mishon - To stay humble, and only do it if it's true love.

Terrance - Where can our readers reach out to you on social media?

Mishon - My Twitter/IG is @Mishon. Facebook.com/officialmishon.

Elijah Bland Interview

My interview with multi-talented independent recording artist Elijah Bland.

Elijah Bland came on the scene with his national radio debut “Talk to Me” courtesy of the Michael Baisden Show and Award nominee song “Necessary”, back with his new single “The One”, Elijah Bland takes us on this journey of Faith and Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbcYRdIZQd4 / https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-one-single/id1090732512

Terrance - When did you know you were ready to share your gift with the world?

Elijah Bland - I’ve been blessed with many gifts.  I felt most ready to share my musical gifts with the world when I was writing and producing songs for other independent artists and felt compelled to tell my own story.  I was 23.

Terrance - Your new single and video “The One” is causing quite a buzz on social media. Talk about what inspired that song.

Elijah Bland - “The One” is a dual testimony of faith and love. It was originally written for an inspirational stage play. The character I portrayed during a powerful realization of purpose. On the surface, it’s a vow of commitment to the love of his life, but the ultimate source of that love is something greater than all of us.  Every lyric in this song applies both to God and to her.

Terrance - Can you share any details about your forthcoming album?

Elijah Bland - My goal for this album is to give listeners an experience they can feel and almost “see” through that feeling. It’s cinematic, in a sense.  

Terrance - A while ago you released your album, Soulcentric, looking back then to now how have you evolved musically in that short time?

Elijah Bland - Soulcentric is an exploratory body of work that has done a lot for my career as an independent artist. I’ve had a number of life-changing experiences since releasing that album. I’ve spent a lot of time learning and growing, not only as an artist, but more importantly as a man. I feel like I’m in a much better position to communicate what is on my heart and let my music tell a more vulnerable version of my story.  

Terrance - What’s the key quality that makes an artist great?

Elijah Bland - Authenticity. I don’t know of anyone truly great who has achieved greatness using someone else’s gifts.  

Terrance - Everyone have a different perception on how they define success how do you define it?

Elijah Bland - Success is a journey, in my opinion, of fulfilling one's divine purpose and feeling a sense of peace in doing so.

Terrance - What are your thoughts when people say R&B is dead?

Elijah Bland - I don’t even want to speak that thought into existence. I think what people mean is that the popular perception of the term “R&B” has changed. The entire music industry has changed - drastically!  That’s definitely something to consider, but I believe everything is cyclical and timeless music like real R&B will never die.  

Terrance - As a songwriter/musician are there any artists on your wishlist you would like to collaborate with?

Elijah Bland - Prince. Lalah Hathaway.

Terrance - Are there any ventures in entertainment outside of music you’d like to pursue that you haven’t yet?

Elijah Bland - I really enjoyed directing my music video for “The One”. I would love to direct more film projects.

Terrance - Live music is often ignored, especially local, so the question is how important is it that the public support it?

Elijah Bland - I believe it’s very important for the public to support live music, simply based on what music does for people. Good music is timeless and far more impactful than any tangible product. A great live performance creates memories that last a lifetime. To that point, however, I also feel that it’s equally important for us (artists) to give the public something worth supporting. People don’t leave their homes and spend their hard-earned money to “ support" just anything. They want an experience and we have the platform to give them exactly that.  

Terrance - What’s the one favorite attribute about performing in a live setting?

Elijah Bland - The freedom and newness of every single moment. There is nothing like knowing that each moment has the potential to be something that has never happened before, and something that may never happen again.  

Terrance - Tell us about any upcoming shows you have scheduled.   

Elijah Bland - April 16th at Adinkra House (Montclair, NJ)

Terrance - Are there any final words you would like to leave with the readers?

Elijah Bland - Whatever you do, do it with passion, purpose, faith and love.

Candice Glover Interview

Terrance - What’s a typical day like for Candice Glover?

Candice Glover - My typical day when I don’t have a show is to stay in bed as long as I can! At times, I’ll head out to the gym and work out. After drinking my protein drink, doing my hair and makeup, which usually takes forever, I may even go to the Mall!

Terrance - You were recently casted in the Gospel musical play The Love Shack co-starring Ann Nesby, Dave Hollister and Eric Hawkins. Tell us how that opportunity came about and what it was like working with such talented artists.

Candice Glover - Well, one day, my business administrator informed me that the Casting Director for the musical stage play “The Love Shack” was interested in casting me for the lead role of Lovely Love. It was so exciting, because I love acting, and I had done another play in Ohio as well. So, after a few conference calls, it was decided that I would do it. I began reading the script, and rehearsing the original songs, and I just loved it. I was so honored to work with such a talented group of people. We really bonded and developed a good friendship, and by the end of the Play, we were like family!

Terrance - Is there new music on the way? If so, can you share the direction you’re going musically.

Candice Glover - Yes, I’m in the studio currently. This time, I’d like to put something out a little different than the American Idol music I’ve done. R&B is basically my genre, with a deep soulful flavor, so I’ll be bringing more soul to my music. Also, I’ve been writing a lot, so some of the songs will be written by me.

Terrance - Speaking of  American Idol. You auditioned three times in seasons 9, 11 and 12. In season 12 did you know for certain that would be your moment?

Candice Glover - No, not really. I really didn’t have a clue! After being eliminated in Season 11, I made the decision to audition one more time for Season 12 and give it another try. Then, with each passing week that I survived, I felt I was getting closer and closer.

Terrance - Did you have control over what songs you performed each night?

Candice Glover - No. With Idol, you are given a list of songs to choose from, and I just basically chose from that list.

Terrance - What are the best memories of being on the show?

Candice Glover - Wow! There are so many. I think meeting all the other contestants, bonding with them, and building lifelong relationships with them; performing with many talented and legendary guest artists; and of course, the amazing moment when Mariah Carey threw glitter on me at the conclusion of my performance of “Love Song.” I was so honored. She seemed to enjoy all my performances.

Terrance - How has life changed for you since the win?

Candice Glover - OMG! My life has changed so much. I’m from a small island in South Carolina. After winning the Idol title, it seemed like I went from living my simple country life to becoming a household name! I’ve been honored to be personally invited to the White House by the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama; I’ve performed at the reopening of the Washington National Monument, and I’ve been a special guest at South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s State of the State address. I’ve had the pleasure of singing with the legendary Ms. Patti LaBelle at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, travel to Vienna, Austria to perform at the “Lust for Life – Life Ball”, co-star in an original Hallmark movie, appear on TV, act in stage plays, release a debut album, and most of all, meet thousands and thousands of amazing and beautiful fans throughout the United States! My life has definitely changed!

Terrance - What are your thoughts on American Idol coming to an end?

Candice Glover - It’s sad. In many ways, it’s the end of an era. I want to thank everyone involved for giving me the audience to showcase my voice as well as the opportunity to grow as a performer. I am honored to have been chosen the Season 12 American Idol Winner and to have been a part of one of the greatest shows in television history!

Terrance - A while ago you released your debut album “Music Speaks”, how did you prepare for that?

Candice Glover - Well, it became a work in progress. During the process, I went from studio to studio and worked with each producer. We worked hard until it was just right, and I was very excited with the result.

Terrance - Was there a song in particular that was harder to put together than others?

Candice Glover - No, not really. Putting together the album was cool. We worked hard, but everything went smoothly.

Terrance - There’s a song on the album called “In the Middle” which I personally love co-written by fellow Idol winner Fantasia. What are your thoughts on Fantasia and how much she has flourished musically?

Candice Glover - Wow! Fantasia!! Isn’t she fabulous?

Terrance - Yes indeed.

Candice Glover - I was so honored to have her bring her special touch to my debut album, Music Speaks. Fantasia has that special God-given talent that makes her stand out from the rest! She is an amazing Artist and performer, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more and more from her!

Terrance - What's the one greatest feeling about performing for your audience?

Candice Glover - I think knowing that there are people who love my music as much as I love performing for them. It’s such a good feeling to look into the audience and see how moved and mesmerized some people are. I’m humbled to be able to bring about that kind of emotion.

Terrance - Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?

Candice Glover - I would love to collaborate with Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Drake and Ty Dolla Sign!

Terrance - Lastly what’s the greatest piece of advice you would give to aspiring artists trying to make it like you have?

Candice Glover - BE YOURSELF! Some people may hate you for it, but more people will love and respect you when you’re you!

Big Mike Interview

Terrance - You ventured off doing your solo projects but for many fans the question is still in the air. Is there still a Day26?

Big Mike - There will always be a Day26; that's where it all started. We are all just doing the music that we love individually just because that's the path that has been placed in front of us. We still get together whenever there's an opportunity, and we will always and forever be Day26.

Terrance - What has the transition been like coming into your own as a solo artist?

Big Mike - The transition has been good, slow at times but still good. I just had to realize I didn't have that machine behind me so I had to do it all myself.

Terrance - How does your material differ from Day26?

Big Mike - My music only differs from Day26 because it's my music, my life, my situations and things that I've been through personally as well as my energy alone. Besides that it's all still great music!

Terrance - Musically what inspired “How Do I Go On”?

Big Mike - How Do I Go On was inspired by my past relationships. I really just had to let it all out so I basically wrote a song about how she made me feel.

Terrance - Why did you decide to name your EP, Bonus Tracks?

Big Mike - I decided to call it "Bonus Tracks" because I just wanted to give more music to my fans. They kept asking for it so it was just some extra tracks made just for them.

Terrance - Who are some artists you’re listening to right now?

Big Mike - Oh wow to be honest I pretty much listen to everyone that catches my ear. To name a few I would say Coldplay, Lionel Richie, Adele, Trey Songz, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Tori Kelly just to name a couple.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on where R&B is currently?

Big Mike - I think R&B is in an ok state but declining, only because there's not a lot of artists that can truly sing and entertain that get the recognition that they deserve. So once we all get back to appreciating an artist for being an artist and not a gimmick or hype then I think we will start to see that great music again.

Terrance - On Making the Band we witnessed the turmoil of Day26 but what would you say is the biggest misconception about the group?

Big Mike - The biggest misconception is that people may think that we hate each other but we don't. Things are just not clicking in the ways that they need to right now because of our own individual schedules.

Terrance - With Diddy being at the forefront do you think Day26 were kind of in the shadow of 112?

Big Mike - Day26 has never been in the shadows of anyone. We've always made our own lane no matter what because we wanted people to know we can stand on our own. Vocally I don't think there is a group that can touch us.

Terrance - Do any of the guys still keep in touch with Diddy?

Big Mike - Well I don't know about them but I know when I see Puff we talk. I can't say that for everyone else.

Terrance - If you had to choose three Day26 songs that weren’t singles but should have what would they be?

Big Mike - If I had to choose three songs that should have been singles I would say Perfectly Blind, Baby Maker, and Come In

Terrance - One artist you would love to collaborate with?

Big Mike - T.I.

Terrance - What’s one thing about yourself that would surprise people?

Big Mike - One thing that would surprise people is just how outgoing I am

Terrance - Who musically influenced you growing up?

Big Mike - My family influenced me the most growing up. Aside from family I would Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men and many others

Terrance - Greatest lesson learned since being in the business?

Big Mike - The greatest lesson learned is to always go for yours and always stay working because you can be here today and gone tomorrow

Terrance - Is there anything else you’re working on or have planned?

Big Mike - I’m always in the studio working on new music and continuously trying to build the Big Mike brand

Terrance - Where can our readers connect with you in social media?

Big Mike - All of my social media can be found at www.iambigmike.com