James Day Interview

My interview with the multi-talented Songwriter, Producer and Arranger James Day who has worked with an array of vocalists from Lalah Hathaway, Tony Terry, Maysa, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Trina Broussard etc. joins me to discuss his Beginnings, Obstacles, Music, Guest Collaborations, Politics, New Album Song, Soul & Spirit and more! His latest project, Repertoire, is available in all online music stores.

Terrance - Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

James Day - My first dream was to be a singer and a dancer. I used to watch the Jackson 5 cartoons and I wanted to be Michael. I would dance in my living room and practice his spins. My first ALBUM was givin’ to me by my grandfather and it was Natalie Cole’s, Inseparable.  I must have played it til the needle went right through the record. That started my lifelong love affair with soul music.  Seeing The Wiz with Stephanie Mills and playing the role of Carlos in The Me Nobody Knows made me want to be in Musical Theatre, so I went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to pursue that dream.  I ended up dancing on a Nationally Syndicated TV show and in a couple music videos including one with Chaka Khan, but then I got Meniere’s Disease which took my hearing and balance from one side after two surgeries and left me w/ constant Tinnitus (ringing & buzzing sounds in the ear). So that ended the singing and dancing part of my dream. It took several years to get back on my feet and reinvent myself as a songwriter. Long story short, turns out I was a better songwriter than a singer and a dancer and I won grand prizes in Billboard and The John Lennon Song Contest on first entry. In Gospel, R&B, and Alternative music categories.  Then I won a scholarship from ASCAP & The Songwriter's Hall of Fame. That’s when I knew for sure I was going to do this for the rest of my life, or as long as I could hear in one ear. I had one in four chance of the disease going into the other ear, which I have now, but i'm still working with what I have.

Terrance - You mention personal obstacles. Have there been any professional ones?

James Day - The professional ones were mostly the same everyone have...money, housing, healthcare, etc. The other obstacle was that I came into the music business just as record sales were declining at the beginning of downloads and streaming, so the value of what I did took a nosedive.

Terrance - So far what has been the greatest achievement in your career?

James Day - On a personal level, absolutely writing a song with five time consecutive Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway and having her record it and perform it with the Metropole Orchestra. It's on her Stax/Concord album, Where It All Begins and I've been given permission to put it on my new album as well. I've given it a special introduction and closing to highlight it’s significance in my life and dedicate it to our moms because the song is a lullaby sung from the point of view of mother to child. She is my favorite contemporary singer so while I have more things I'd like to do, I can die a happy man who feels like his dreams came true because of Lalah.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k1ZsGrktRU

Terrance - Getting into your latest project, Repertoire, tell me what inspired that album title.

James Day - I called the album, Repertoire simply because it was a collection of what I thought was some of my best writing and I wrote the title song to be a metaphor for bedroom skills ;-) "What's in your REPERTOIRE?" was the promotional slogan. It was supposed to be my last album...I was having significant hearing problems in my good ear when finishing that up and wasn’t able to finish all the songs I had started, so I ended up putting together a collection of new songs and some older ones remixed or reproduced for Smooth Jazz Radio because I wanted to expand my audience and work with more live musicians. I got to work with U-Nam, Walter Beasley and Lin Rountree so that was very exciting. It's a collection of romantic love songs sung by some of my favorite love balladeers like Maysa, Tony Terry, Audrey Wheeler and the last recording my friend Gavin Christopher did before his passing. He really loved the song which made me very happy. I made a dedication video of it for him.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waUfGn0nAG8

Terrance - And speaking of Tony Terry, you more recently again collaborated with him, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Glenn Jones and Audrey Wheeler on the R&B all-stars song, “Battlegrounds”, which has been climbing charts, tell us the meaning behind this song and it’s significance?

James Day - My emotional process to be able to handle pain has always been writing...poetry as a child, then lyrics, and now complete songs. So I began writing about a lot of things many of us vent and rant about on Facebook that we find unacceptable. The shootings and brutality directed at unarmed innocent Black children and adults by Police officers...The entire election season and the hatred coming out of the mouths on the political right directed at Latinos, Muslims, Women, LGBT's, Black people, Immigrants and refugees...Kim Burrell's parade of LGBT HATE and those that condoned or remained silent about it and the larger issue it represents...and most of all, the election of Agent Orange and the monsters he is bringing into the White house. If there were ever a time for ALL of us to come together, it is NOW. They are against us ALL and THAT is what inspired BATTLEGROUNDS and many of the songs on the New Album. But of course I also write from inspiring, motivating, and victorious perspectives as well. You have to feed the spirit before you send it into war ;-)

Terrance - You talk about new album. Share with us what we can expect and who are you working with this time around.

James Day - YES! I didn’t know I was going to be able to make another record but I have had enough cooperation from my ear and have adapted to some of the new obstacles it has presented so I was able to produce enough songs for a new collection this Spring & Summer.  I got to work with so many of my favorite singers and musicians AND write with some of my songwriting hero’s like Gordon Chambers and Preston Glass.  Not only will you hear the amazing voices of Tony Terry, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Glenn Jones & Audrey Wheeler-Downing...but you will hear Elisabeth Withers, Sandra St. Victor, Karen Bernod, Trina Broussard, Tim Owens, and my favorite new independent artist Cleveland P Jones. The icing on the cake was Lalah allowing me to close the album with our lullaby...it's the perfect soothing closer after the emotional ride the album takes you on. Oh...and I wrote & produced one other song for this album but Tony Terry, his label & manager all wanted it for his own album, as a single and title song...so of course you gotta say yes to Tony Terry! I'm very excited about that, I think it's one of the most beautiful ballads I've ever written and is one of the best singer/song matches I've ever had.

Terrance - Sonically what do you think will set this one apart from previous releases?

James Day - Lyrically it is a mixture of a protest and inspirational songs...in the footsteps of many of my favorite works by Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway & Curtis Mayfield. And there is more Gospel influences in this album too...but none of that "Love the sinner Hate the sin" bullshit...this message is love everybody as your equal because they are. I also worked with a live drummer from Italy, introduced to me by Terri Lynne Carrington, a percussionist from Nicaragua who has played with Santana (Fabrizio Cavallaro & Jorje Bermudez-Abuelito) and an amazing drum programmer BUTTER who all gave my productions the best beats I've ever had.  I relied heavily on my friends U-Nam, Ian Martin, Gary Schreiner, Jim Gately & Brad Young for the polish people expect from my productions on bass, guitar, keys, and mixing. And then I reached out to a few new places to give the sound a new slap in the face. Stereo Lif & Boogie Back productions both provided some super cool remixes. I also was heavily influenced this year by the music of my new friend Ricky Kej, Grammy winning World Music artist from India. Although our collaboration won't be done in time  for this album, I believe you can already hear the influence his music has had on me in some of the productions on this record. I hope to release our collaboration before the end of the year. So to sum it up, this is def the most eclectic mix of sounds I've ever put together...fusing Soul, Jazz, R&B, Pop Ballads, Gospel, Rock, Country, and even World Beat & Electronica.

Terrance - Although you’ve worked with a string of artists, is there one in particular you would love to collaborate in the future that you haven’t before?

James Day - Well, as I mentioned I just started writing with Ricky Kej and I could see us writing an amazing movie soundtrack together. That is def one new dream and vision. Some singers I've always wanted to hear on my songs are Chaka Khan, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne. I already have a collection of songs that would go beautifully together featuring those classic vocalists but of course I would need label or financial backing to produce it. I also have an entire collection of original R&B/Smooth Jazz Christmas songs I'd like to put all together on one album someday.

Terrance - Switching gears, why do you think record stores are becoming more and more obsolete?

James Day - Man...I've been thinking alot about this lately because my friend Tim Owens, former Atlantic recording artist, was in Japan on tour with EWF and he went into the Tower Records there and I have my own section and everything. I couldn’t believe it, my own tab right there with James Ingram, Jamie Foxx and Janelle Monae (they go by first name there). So it reminded me of how much I miss the record store experience. I would really like to do a RECORD STORE TOUR for this new album and go to the few cities that have record stores left and have a listening, meet & greet party. So record store owners, please hit me up ;-)

Terrance - If there’s one album you could listen to for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?

James Day - I'd have to say Natalie Cole's Inseparable because it was my first album ever, my first album experience, which ended becoming my life. So I feel like it would help me retain my memories of all the music and the journey music has taken me on between that album and today. Of my own music it would def be the upcoming record because I wrote about all the most important things in my life on it. And I feel like if someone really wanted to know who I am, I could just hand them this record and I wouldn’t have to say a word.

Terrance - Powerful. And lastly, where can the readers connect with you in social media?

James Day - I'm a Facebook person, not much of a Twitter or Instagram person. So you could start at my FB Music Page facebook.com/newdaymusicpage and then try and hunt down one of my personal pages under JAMES DAY SONGS. I just started a second one cuz the other one is already at 5,000 and the music one is over 10,000. But anyone who supports my music with a purchase, you can BET Imma find a way to connect with them if they reach out to me.

"James Day is one of the most beautiful, visual writers I know. His lyrics fit me like a glove." ~ Lalah Hathaway

An Interview with Angel Taylor (Formerly of Trin-i-tee 5:7)

Angel Taylor formerly of the Award-winning Gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7 who brought us hits such as “God’s Grace”, “Listen”, “My Body” and “Over & Over”, is back as a solo artist with a new single entitled, “Everything”...

Terrance - Tell me what was it like being in Trin-i-tee 5:7 and what does the future hold for the group?

Angel Taylor - Being a part of T57 from inception was truly a blessing. As a group we were able to experience and accomplish all that we could. We had a great run as one of gospel's dominant female groups. "God's Grace" gave us a major step towards bridging the gap often found between gospel and mainstream music. Creating music is still important to me and it was all in God's timing that I am now here able to venture out as a solo artist. I feel I still have work to do. This is my gift and calling.

Terrance - And as a solo artist what has that transition been like?

Angel Taylor - This transition has been very freeing. I had to learn myself as a solo artist, it's so different than being in a group. Which took a few years honestly. I love having full creative control and learning a lot about the business as well.

Terrance - Sonically is there a contrast for you as a solo artist as opposed to Trin-i-tee 5:7?

Angel Taylor - There is in minor details. I love various genres of music so you will hear that throughout the album.

Terrance - What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “Everything”?  

Angel Taylor - The song was written by Verto Drayton a friend of mine. After hearing the song one time I instantly fell in love with song. The lyrics really speak to what I was feeling in my heart and captured the essence of my journey.

Terrance - You mentioned your forthcoming album, can you share with us the details and what we can expect?  

Angel Taylor - I really feel like this is God's album. He orchestrated all of the elements at every turn. The songs, whether written by myself or others, really tell my story. You can expect to hear a little bit of R&B/Urban driven songs as well as some more acoustic sounds.

Terrance - What has the recording process been like?

Angel Taylor - The recording process has been awesome! I've thoroughly enjoyed creating & collaborating with some awesome writers & producers. Being able to put my heart on record with no compromises has been an amazing experience.

Terrance - At the moment, who are some artists you’re listening to?

Angel Taylor - That's the thing!  I do really like BJ the Chicago Kid. Mali Music is also a favorite of mine! R&B is my favorite genre because I grew up on Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding and the like.

Terrance - How fundamental do you consider social media to your career and Gospel in general?

Angel Taylor - I have learned that being engaged with your friends and supporters is important. It gives them a sense of unfiltered access to you and the things you create.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on Reality TV and if the opportunity presented itself would you be open to it?

Angel Taylor - I've watched a few shows here and there. I feel that it's important to maintain your character and integrity no matter if you are telling your story or if someone else is telling it for you. If the opportunity presented itself, I would pray about whether or not this is something that is needed for my life at the time and could be done within what I hold as integral. You have to be careful because these shows have a tendency to typecast you and you want to make sure that you are being presented in the best light that reflects who you are at the core.  

Terrance - What’s one hidden attribute about yourself or talent people may not know?

Angel Taylor - Throughout this journey, and still today, health and wellness have become very important to me. I've researched a lot about fitness and eat healthfully. It's important that we take care of our bodies. God says that it is important in His word, so I strive to do the best for me and I like to share those findings with my friends and family.

Terrance - What else can we expect from you this year?

Angel Taylor - My full album will be out later this year. I look forward to touring and being able to share my story.

Terrance - Where can the readers reach you in social media?

Angel Taylor - You can find me @LoveAngelTaylor on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everything available for purchase HERE

An Interview with Terry Dexter

No stranger to the music industry my interview with multi-talented vocalist Terry Dexter who rose on the scene with the Billboard smash hits, “Better Than Me” and “Strayed Away” in the late 90’s. Many die hard music fans have often wondered where is Terry Dexter? From the beginnings to now, here is Terry Dexter...

Terrance - Take me back to your earliest beginnings when you realized you had a gift to sing.

Terry Dexter - I started singing as far back as I can remember. I would sing around the house as a child and put on solo concerts for my family and neighbors that would take place in my parent’s living room until one day at 7 years old I told my dad that I wanted to sing “for real” and that’s when he took me down to my uncles Baptist church and put me in the choir. I sang my first solo that Sunday. This was the beginning of it all. Singing in church really allowed me to realize and understand my gift to sing.

Terrance - How much influence did Detroit have on you sonically growing up?

Terry Dexter - Detroit has a specific sound that comes from “Motown” but also a very raw and true rhythm and blues sound that “Aretha Franklin” was one of the pioneers of. The idea of singing soulful gospel filled melodies with secular lyrics was embraced and inspired a lot by her. The foundation of the Detroit R&B sound is rooted in gospel but with our own specific spin on it and although it has evolved over the years, it always has it’s strong root. I also believe that the city itself and what it represents lives in the heart of it’s music community. The rich history and the resilience of the residents but also the close knit families and strong bonds and love that is shared between everyone.

Terrance - Share the backstory on how you got discovered in the music industry.

Terry Dexter - At ten years old I was part of a live performing band called “Tri Star”. Actually one of the members of “Tri Star” then was “Chris ‘Deep’ Henderson" who is a successful writer and producer in music today. At one of our shows an experienced music veteran named Cynthia Girty saw me perform and then asked my parents if she could work with me and I did. She discovered me.

Terrance - What do you remember most about the recording sessions for your self-titled debut album?

Terry Dexter - Fun, Fun and very fulfilling. It was a dream come true. The thing I remember the most was the late night recordings which were always magical.

Terrance - “Better Than Me” was one of my personal favorite Summer jams , how did that song come about and where were you when you first heard it?

Terry Dexter - Thank You :). “Better Than Me” was co-written by myself, Johnta Austin and Jazzy Pha in Atlanta. We sat in the studio that day and decided that we needed to write something fun. My album at that point had amazing ballads and mid-tempos but I wanted something more uptempo, but still where I could really sing and so… “Better Than Me” was born. I actually first heard it in Connecticut while in a car. I was asleep and my road manager Leroy woke me up so I could listen. It was a great moment hearing it on the radio for the first time.

Terrance - Soon after your first album, there was a hiatus, can you explain that?

Terry Dexter - I was actually all geared up to shoot a music video for “Strayed Away” which was the second single released from my first album but the label decided to move on and start recording a second album. I started on that and recorded quite a few new songs with a series of collaborators but there were business challenges going on behind the scenes that became difficult to maneuver through hence leaving the label and situation. I then signed with A&M Records shortly after and also recorded a few new records some of which were released through other mediums but also during that time I went through a huge artistic and personal transition and growth. Growing up from a girl to a woman and maturing in my craft and voice. Probably the most significant transitional period of my life so far so I decided to take on a very different artistic and life path which eventually led to…. the “Listen" project.

Terrance - And speaking of your sophomore album Listen, can you further elaborate the inspiration behind it?

Terry Dexter - Sami Mckinney….. Sami was a mentor to me since childhood and also introduced me to another mentor, Patti Labelle. Sami was my songwriting partner and made sure I stayed around pure musicians and singers no matter what was going on around me in the business. About a month before the “Listen” deal happened, I had a couple other deal offers for projects in other music direction’s on the table and was deciding along with Sami which road to take but then very unexpectedly in early 2008, Sami passed away. One of the most difficult times of my life was losing Sami so two weeks after his passing I decided to go forward with the “Listen” project. It was the greatest healing for me and I wanted to use my gift to uplift, inspire and help others. “Listen” is dedicated to Sami.

Terrance - Aside from singing I know you’ve also done a stage play, what was that experience like and would you ever consider Broadway theater?

Terry Dexter - Yes, I played “Tyme Prentice” in the David E. Talbert production, “Love In The Nick Of Tyme”. This experience was beyond amazing. Exhilarating. I learned so much. It was my first time acting and an introduction to an amazing new art form. I would def consider doing Broadway and will do it in the future.

Terrance - Are you currently working on new music? Is there a single we should look out for?

Terry Dexter - I am working on a few things musically. I have a few house infused soul records coming out. One with Chicago mavens Roy Davis Jr. and Steve Hurley. Another with Italian DJ producer Marco Corvino and a couple more. I am excited to announce that I am featured on an R&B soul duet single with live musicians alongside Johnny Manuel, produced and written by Preston Glass and Narada Michael Walden that is coming out next month. We are setting up now. I also have been working on a new solo project in the “Americana” vain. “Teresa Clark”.

Terrance - What’s a typical day like in the life of Terry Dexter?

Terry Dexter - Everyday is different. But most days including weekends are filled with both creative and business aspects but I always start my day no matter what with Chai Tea and a good hard workout in the gym.

Terrance - Studio vs Stage: Which do you prefer most and why?

Terry Dexter - I love both. They are very different experiences. The studio is a mix of creative and technical because recording a record has to be balanced both performance and sound wise usually working with a very small team whereas performing live is all out using your heart and soul, no technical and most importantly strongly connecting with your audience.

Terrance - Who are some artists you’re listening to at the moment or inspired by?

Terry Dexter - I listen to all genres of music. I have always been inspired by the one name greats: Aretha, Prince, Michael, Whitney but my more recent faves are Lady Gaga, Kings Of Leon, Ariana Grande and my newest fave Anderson Paak.

Terrance - What’s your stance on the current state of R&B music?

Terry Dexter - R&B music and the authenticity of the sound and heart of it has been compromised by electronic sounds. Technology and certain music trends unfortunately moved true musicians out of R&B and it’s very sad. Most instruments now can be mimicked by a keyboard or computer program these days. There is life and a special gift inside of a real pianist and or a guitarist etc and with real musicians and instruments then comes pure vocalists and songwriting that actually says something with substance. Putting all those special musical gifts together just makes sense in keeping R&B authentic and true. This is how R&B used to be. It was full of life and that life has been squeezed out, but… there are some artists out here today with that life still and I believe authentic R&B is in a sense finding its way back.

Terrance - If you weren’t a recording artist what would be your profession?

Terry Dexter - I’d be a doctor. I still live that dream by giving all my friends and family advice on their health and ailments. Basically, I’m the one many people in my life call if they are having a health issue before they go to the doctor.

Terrance - If you could go back and tell your 19 year old self one thing starting out in the business what would it be?

Terry Dexter - I would tell her to speak up more about her vision and what she wants to do even if it pisses off every single person around you and I’d also tell her to take breaks and say no if she needs to because she’s human and not a machine.

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

Terry Dexter - facebook artist page Terry Dexter twitter terry_dexter instagram terrydexter

Oleta Adams Interview: "Third Set" Album, Musical Journey, Career Highlights & More

Legendary songstress, songwriter and pianist Oleta Adams widely known for signatures such as “Get Here”, “Rhythm of Life” and “Circle of One” joins me to discuss her musical journey as well as her tenth album, Third Set, available everywhere music is purchased.

Terrance - This year marks 45 years since you’ve been in the business, thus far what are the highlights?

Oleta Adams - Wow the first highlight is the fact that i’m still doing it (laughs), because it’s a very difficult business to be in and there’s so much of it and there’s so much access to it now that we have the internet. I’ve had so many moments that were stellar in my life and I would grade the ones that had five people in the audience equal playing Carnegie Hall or being on tour with the British group Tears for Fears who discovered me or the times I worked with Phil Collins on his Big Band tour or the times I played at the Hollywood Bowl or the places I’ve toured around the world. All of it is so special and the thing that i’m probably so honored about is when I get a message from someone telling me that my music helped them get through a tough time, that’s what I feel is an important moment and makes it worthwhile so it’s not just about getting to say I performed this place or that place but it has to do with where did the music that came out of me go? If it’s went into the hearts of some other people and it’s been long lasting then those are the moments that i’m most appreciative of.

Terrance - Throughout your career you’ve charted on multi-genre of music formats from Pop, Jazz, AC, Gospel to R&B, how would you best classify your music?

Oleta Adams - That’s always been an interesting thing because if you consider the fact that i’m a preacher’s kid who was raised in the Church and singing Gospel. Of course I was trained classically as a Lyric soprano and the fact that I sung Jazz, R&B and everything else in clubs until I got discovered, that right there tells you i’m very versatile so I really don’t like being locked down in a box or labeled (laughs). I suppose in Europe where I do perform a lot, they call it Soul music and I call it HEM [short for Highly Emotional Music].

Terrance - We always hear artists say they get bored or tired of performing a particular song, has that ever been the case with you?

Oleta Adams - Well, you know what I learned early is that it’s important you be careful what you sing. Be careful what becomes your big hit. I’ve been very fortunate that the songs that are my hits are still songs that I love to sing, some of them are difficult to sing (laughs), because year after year after year it get’s harder to hit those big notes but musically if it’s really constructed well, if it’s a great composition, if it has great meaning, if it reaches hearts and it’s a profound song then there is not a problem with me performing it so I do love singing “Get Here”, “Rhythm of Life”, “Everything Must Change”, “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice”, “Window of Hope” and “Circle of One”. I mean you be careful when you’re selecting the music and make something that means something to you.

Terrance - You mentioned, “Get Here” which was a pretty big song for you, was that song personally selected for you to remake?

Oleta Adams - In 1988 actually right when I had been discovered by Tears for Fears I had already been scheduled to play piano bar in Scandinavia for six months and they asked me to stop by England first and record with them on The Seeds of Love album and I recorded the song “Woman In Chains” which was a big hit on their album and as I went on to Scandinavia, I was in a clothing store in Norway around the summer time and I heard Brenda Russell’s song “Get Here” playing around in the store and it was her new record and I was like, that’s a nice song and it just so happened my husband John sent the cassette to me so that I could listen to it. I learned the song and when I got back to America I started singing it and it just became so much a part of me that when I ended up getting my own record deal I was asked what did I want to sing and that was the song I knew I wanted to record.

Terrance - Talk to me about your new project, Third Set, and the concept behind it.

Oleta Adams - The reason this album came about is we were having success in the shows and people were enjoying the music and I wanted my fans to have something to take home with them.

There were songs in my set I had not yet recorded and everywhere I went they would say, you need to record that and I was choosing music that I also like to do. In the middle of last year in America when we were going through so much mess I thought about Bob Dylan’s song “Blowin’ Kisses In the Wind”. How many years will it take for people to be considered equal human beings? I think when you’re in the business of art and it’s not just music but fine arts as well whether it’s poetry or drawings, all of that is recorded for Contemporary times. Whatever times it’s happening when we’re alive I believe that it is through music or other forms of art that we express what’s going on around us today so I did want to bring that song back out.

Terrance - You revisited “Evolution” and “Rhythm of Life” for the album, what’s the major difference recording them then versus now?

Oleta Adams - The originals weren’t done in acoustic form and normally I play piano on everything and in the last couple years I told my guitarist to bring along his acoustic guitar as well and my drummer who happens to be my husband bring along a cajon and we all come down front and you hear music that is played in an acoustic form and the people enjoy it. The music just opens up, it’s so warm and inviting and it’s very intimate when it is acoustic and it pulls everybody in and it’s fun and so “Rhythm of Life” was one of my hits and we gave it a totally different feel from the original. Ivan Lins’ “Evolution” I chose the song because of the words because it was very pertinent to what’s going on today and to do it in acoustic form I feel people would listen even more closely so I like my shows to be an experience where it ends up being a very adventurous and emotional evening and not just music performed.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on Rachelle Ferrell & Lalah Hathaway?

Oleta Adams - Those are my girls I absolutely adore them. We’ve been on some of the same gigs and I love their talent, there’s no one like them. Rachelle sings notes that hardly anyone can hit up there (laughs), she’s just amazing and it just gets better and better and better and Lalah comes from a background of Somebody. Donny Hathaway certainly inspired me and my style and Roberta Flack, that’s where I cut my teeth. Lalah has her own style and own ability that’s another it’s just a rich, rich sound. Both of them I love the richness of their voices and they have ranges that are just absolutely incredible.

Terrance - Who are some artists today you thoroughly enjoy?

Oleta Adams - Oh wow there are a lot em but I’ll tell you one and that is Gregory Porter, he is a young man who is a Jazz singer but he also sings R&B and he’s just… the depths of the music he sings and the richness of his voice is absolutely fantastic. He sings from a cultural place. You know It’s one thing when you try to superimpose a certain kind of music you would like to learn to sing and Gregory Porter sings from a soulful place that’s beautiful and lovely.

Terrance - Getting back to Third Set, what is it you would like listeners to take from their experience with this album?

Oleta Adams - Well, basically i’m hoping they would listen to each song and let it speak to them in their own way. The songs that are the most successful are the ones they feel they discover. It’s different because when I was coming up we had vinyl records and on the back it used to tell stories about how the record was created, who was featured on it and little anecdotes of what happened and we would sit there and look at that cover front to back while the music was playing and then at some point you became attached to one of those songs, for some people it was the whole album but it was that one particular song that spoke to people because of something they were going through and that’s what i’m hoping will happen with this one. They’re all different, there’s no one theme except they are songs we’ve performed in part of the shows. I’m hoping that they first of all hear the magic that was in that studio and it translate and transfer right into their hearts.

Demetria McKinney Interview: New single "Easy", Forthcoming Debut Album, Saints & Sinners and more...

My interview with actress, singer and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Demetria McKinney to discuss her new single “Easy” as well as her forthcoming debut album Officially Yours, Saints & Sinners, and more! “Easy” is available everywhere music is purchased online. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/easy-single/id1189165178?app=itunes / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzsTXa0ZjWI

Terrance - You play Tamara Austin in season one on Bounce TV’s Saints & Sinners, tell us how did that come about.

Demetria McKinney - Tamara was supposed to be on for four episodes and make her exit but the writers loved what I was bringing to the character and so they decided to extend the storyline to where I’m now a season regular on season two. It’s been great you know? Being part of something innovative because this is the first time Bounce has really, really done something like this so it’s been awesome and exciting and the way they’ve been able to up the ante in season two versus the amazing ratings in season one, I can’t wait for you guys to see that and that comes out March 7th.

Terrance - Followers of the show were wondering about season two so thanks for confirming that.

Demetria McKinney - Oh yeah, that’s definitely coming.

Terrance - Tyler Perry’s House of Payne was a major breakout for you in TV, but do you think people tend to confuse the Janine character with your real life?

Demetria McKinney - All the time (laughs). I have to remind people that I have never touched a crack pipe, I do not have four children. I love playing Janine in the sense that she made me feel more aware of choice. Her addiction was brought on by one choice to try something she shouldn’t have but just like she made that choice, she made the choice to come off of it, she made the choice to love again and to reconnect and to grow as a woman and to become a career woman and all of these other things so that was incredible and yes it was my breakout role but it’s a role I will never, ever forget.

Terrance - I know you recently opened for R. Kelly on the Black Panties Tour, what was that experience like?

Demetria McKinney - It was amazing having a legend believing in you enough as a novice in the entertainment industry to the point where they share the stage with you is humbling, scary (laughs), it’s electrifying, but to also be able to watch him do what he did and to be able to learn every night from connecting with the crowd and all of that stuff that made him reinvent himself after all these years have been an absolute awesome experience.

Terrance - On the heartfelt ballad, “Talkin About Love” you collaborated with Lyfe Jennings, how did that come about and what was it like working with him?

Demetria McKinney - Oh wow. I’ve been such a fan of Lyfe Jennings for a while, one of my favorite songs from him of course is Must Be Nice and I knew he had a new album coming out and his team actually reached out to me knowing I was an up and coming singer and that was another example of someone giving me a chance. He brought me in the studio in the midst of writing the song and the collaboration came out so pretty. It was such an awesome experience and to do the video and the way it kind of touched people was really cool.

Terrance - Talk to us about the new single “Easy” and the inspiration behind it.

Demetria McKinney - Easy is my first single from the upcoming album Officially Yours. It’s a change from what people think they know about me. It’s sexy, it’s grown, and I’ve been honored people have been calling it a new female anthem. What it’s saying is something I truly do believe in. The pre-hook is “I ain’t no stuck up chick, I ain’t picky I just want what’s best for me I can’t let no one get the best of me unless they want the best for me”. We as women give so much that we forget about ourselves. We forget about what we need in order to replenish what we have to give back to who we give it to you know? And having been in and out of relationships and friendships and being a mom who have to constantly give to a son I realize that I’m deserving of all the great things I give, all the love, all the support, the dream chasing, the soul-stirring stuff, I want it back because I know I deserve it and that’s why it won’t be easy because if you don’t qualify then you ain’t in the running boo! (laughs).

Terrance - Can you briefly share any details about your upcoming album, Officially Yours, what can we expect as far as direction, producers, guest features.

Demetria McKinney - Expect not to know nothing. The beautiful thing about being an actress is you get to walk in everybody else’s story but this is actually my first time really telling the story of Demetria as a woman, as a person, many different facted of me is what you’re going to see. There is no one type of song on the album, it’s whatever i’m vibing to or feeling at the moment you guys are going to get to experience it and that’s why it was so important for my boy Courtlin Jabrae. I Executive Produced it and he was really, really instrumental in having to A&R it and i’m so thankful having the team on board that he has is amazing because putting yourself out there that way can be very scary but at this point I realize my vulnerability is part of my strength and i’m really looking forward to the experience.

Terrance - You and Kandi Burruss-Tucker collaborated on the song “Unnecessary Trouble”. What is it like working with her?

Demetria McKinney - We really got to connect during Real Housewives of Atlanta and that was during such a tumultuous time that it would have been easy to say, you know what? I’m putting her over there in that block with these chicks, but understanding that television is going to show what television wants to show and at the core of it I’ve been a Kandi fan since Xscape. People know about that song but she also have a production on the album called, “B.S.” about what women are feeling so fellas if you’re reading take note to that song, that’s what you don’t do. There’s also a producer by the name Travis Cherry who is amazing and added such a different spice to the gumbo that is my album. I’m just very excited for the opportunity to express myself in so many different ways.

Terrance - Are there any other TV appearances we should look out for?

Demetria McKinney - The Quad which is another show I’m in is currently on BET. Saints & Sinners season two will premiere March 7th on Bounce TV. I got two more really, really big projects that I can’t discuss yet but I'll give you a couple hints if you know anything about who my muze is and if you know anything about my history, those two will give you really good hints as to what’s coming up and what’s to be expected. I’m now the Ambassador for Dark & Lovely - they have their own Au Naturale Line and everybody’s been rocking really hard with me with rocking my own natural hair and I’m so elated to be part of the Dark & Lovely family.

Terrance - Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Demetria McKinney - I want to say thanks to everyone out there reading. You can also follow me @demimckinney on twitter, @demetria4real on instagram, the website is demetriamckinney.com and I just really want to thank my Demetrians and everybody especially people like you who look out for the independent as well as well-known artists, thank you for spreading the love of R&B and the support.