Lydell Williams Interview: New Album, Musical Influences, Thoughts on R&B and more...

My interview with singer, songwriter and musician Lydell Williams who sings from a place of Love, Life, Romance and Relationships. The Little Rock, AR native is establishing himself with a sound reminiscent of prominent fixtures in neo-soul music such as D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild and Raheem DeVaughn. His album, The Sound of My Melodies is available in all major online music stores.

Terrance: Talk to me about the recording process for your album, The Sound of My Melodies?

Lydell Williams: The recording process was a true journey in my growth, a well needed learning experience. It taught me to balance. It brought me to a place of hope and love again. It brought me to write and sing from different places. It brought me The Sound of My Melodies.

Terrance: “Don’t Go Looking for Love” is a personal favorite, share the inspiration behind that song.

Lydell Williams: “Don’t Go Looking for Love” was inspired by my quest of studying “love” and its origin and what it really means. What is love? The many types of love. Where does it come from? Where should you start looking for it? What kind of love should you be looking for? These questions of curiosity drove this song through the roof with a rich sound filled with melodies, solid lyrics and jewels to share with a beautiful message that resonates with everyone. I believe it represents my life and album as well as the message and inspiration and substance I want  to give a share with music lovers around the globe.

Terrance: Got it. Who were your greatest musical influences coming along?

Lydell Williams: My musical influences were a wide range of music like Maze, Earth Wind and Fire, The Gap Band, The Isley Brothers, James Brown, Al Green, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Womack, Lee Williams, Ray Charles, Teddy P, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Mahalia Jackson, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Prince, Sade, 90's R&B like D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Musiq Soulchild.

Terrance: Your thoughts on R&B and where it stands today.

Lydell Williams: Honestly I believe there's a major need for more great R&B music. I also believe that this is the year of the R&B takeover. A lot of the legends are returning to the music industry.

Terrance: Recording Vs. Performing, which do you ultimately prefer?

Lydell Williams: I'm a lover of the art, so I love both. But If I had to choose one to do everyday ultimately it would be recording because I'm a very creative individual with so much to give and live and say.

Terrance: How effective is social media to your brand of artist?

Lydell Williams: Social media is the reason my brand, my music and artistry is available and accessible to touch so many music lovers around the globe, so I'll say it’s a major asset to the industry as well the independent artist like myself.

Terrance: Are there any ventures in Entertainment besides music you’re pursuing or would like to?

Lydell Williams: I have an extreme love for the arts. So fashion, an abstract art Line, and acting I would like to pursue.

Terrance: What advice would you give other rising artists who aspire to do what you do?

Lydell Williams: Well my advice to other rising artists who aspire to do what I do would be learn the business extremely well. Stay true and authentic to yourselves, work extremely hard, learn and love your craft, know that to whom much is given much is required, and nothing comes easy. Stay grounded and keep a prayer in life because you’re gonna need it.

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

Lydell Williams: Twitter https://twitter.com/LydellWilliams, Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/lydell.williams, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thernbsoulman, Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/lydell-williams, www.lydellwilliamsmusic.com

Terrance: What is it you would like people to take from their listening experience?

Lydell Williams: I want prove that music can move you, your mind, body, and soul. A new brand of Neo-Soul, a new sound in your ears. I believe my music is different in that the pure non-confused expression of joy, truth and honest emotion that can be extraordinarily gratifying and inspiring. I'd like people to experience my story, my sound. Back to the roots of R&B and Neo-Soul filled with substance, raw feelings, and emotions conveyed by life experiences with potent lyrics and live instrumentation, full of passion. Motivated to create a legacy and sound of my own.

VIDEO [Soul Tie]

[ALBUM REVIEW] Mary J. Blige's "Strength of A Woman"

     Strength of A Woman, the thirteenth studio album by the legendary Mary J. Blige is out now and she doesn't disappoint. After twenty-five years in the game you would think that she would lose her touch but this is not the case. With her personal life in shambles she used that pain to take us on a journey with the help of the monstrous pen of Jazmine Sullivan.

     The songwriting is strong but the production in some places isn't up to par. Still, she delivers pain like no one else can. Weaving in and out of songs with her soulful voice effortlessly. A strength of the album is how concise and how much each song flowed into the next.

     Her soon to be ex husband and his infidelities are highlighted throughout the album. Mary dragged that man like he deserved. However, she didn't stay in that place. Midway through the album it shifts to more empowering songs about overcoming and recognizing your strength. 

Standout tracks: "Thick Of It", "Set Me Free", "Glow Up" (summertime anthem), "U+Me" and "Indestructible".

My Grade: B+

Reviewed by Tavance Cary

PJ Morton Interview: New album Gumbo, Jazz Fest, Maroon 5 and more...

My interview with Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist PJ Morton best known as a member in the Maroon 5 band to discuss his newly released solo project Gumbo and more! VIDEO: “Claustrophobic” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4U6DkCbi5Y

Terrance: Tell me how being born and raised in New Orleans sonically shaped you musically.

PJ Morton: Well, more than sonically it was a mentality. You're taught to really respect the music and the people who make it. So there's always a level of effort when creating. Sonically I just think I always took the rawness with me. And the horns!

Terrance: And speaking of New Orleans you will be performing at the Jazz Fest this year along with your band Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews to name a few. What are you most excited and looking forward to?

PJ Morton: Jazz fest is always one of my favorite times of the year to be home. It's fun when I'm not performing. So, now performing twice and having all that good music and food around is a bonus.

Terrance: What was the recording process like for the Gumbo album compared to previous projects?

PJ Morton: It was very organic this time around. It was my first time recording an album in New Orleans. Which made it very laid back and without pressure. I'd mostly be in the studio alone and then call in musicians as I needed them for specific songs. We'd jam out some. I'd take pieces of the jams and piece them all together.

Terrance: In “Claustrophobic” you mention having a hard time conforming to music industry expectancy, what initially inspired you to write that song?

PJ Morton: It was after having tons of meetings in LA. I felt like I was hearing a broken record. Nobody wanted to be different. Everyone wanted the same thing. No room for creativity. I felt backed into a corner and went to express myself the best way I know how… Claustrophobic came from that.

Terrance: What impact are you looking to make with “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” which features BJ the Chicago Kid and The HamilTone’s.

PJ Morton: I'm looking at every song on the album as a single in its own way, but Everything's Gonna Be Alright I wanted to serve as a soulful anthem to the tension and discrimination that we're feeling these days. I just want it to encourage someone.

Terrance: From a vocal performance and songwriting standpoint, is there a particular favorite?

PJ Morton: They're all favorites in different ways. I think vocally “First Began” sticks out to me. That's the way I'd perform it live. Wanted to capture that emotion. Also Claustrophobic I felt that I sang it differently than I'd sang any other song before. And of course the message I think is the most direct I've ever been.

Terrance: Got you. So what is it you hope music listeners take from their experience with the Gumbo album?

PJ Morton: I hope that they can feel the individuality in it and feel motivated to create and be themselves. Also, I hope that it's something that can just vibe to straight through.

Terrance: Being an established musician who has played around the world what has been your favorite place thus far and what’s on your list in the future?

PJ Morton:  I'd say Brazil is one of my favorites for sure. Such good energy when performing there. Africa is on my list. I've only been to Morocco. Want to play all over Africa.

Terrance: Interesting. Maroon 5 released a new single “Cold” this year featuring Future. What can we expect from the forthcoming Maroon 5 album?

PJ Morton: Definitely a more R&B approach to this album versus prior Maroon 5 albums.

Terrance: In addition to the Jazz Fest, are there any other special appearances we should look out for?

PJ Morton: Essence fest will also be a special one!

WWW.PJMORTONONLINE.COM

Alfa Anderson (formerly of Chic) Interview: Reflects of Chic, Career Highlights, Luther Vandross, New Music and more...

My interview with Alfa Anderson formerly of the iconic funk soul band Chic (Le Freak, Good Times, Everybody Dance) to discuss her earlier days with Chic, longtime friend Luther Vandross, new single in tribute to Luther and more! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-luther-sings-single/id1225359899

Terrance - First can you share with me a little backstory in how you got involved with Chic?

Alfa Anderson - Luther Vandross is the reason I became involved with Chic. He was a much sought after New York session singer and would call me to do some of those sessions with him. I'll never forget the day I received the call to do a session for a new group his friend Nile Rodgers had formed with partner Bernard Edwards. I was excited about the possibility until he said, "It's disco music." I thought I was losing my hearing. "Disco! Are you for real? We aren't disco artists, we are R&B artists." Come on, he urged. It'll be fun. Not only was it fun, it was the turning point in my career. I went to the studio expecting to hear a very formulaic four on the floor track. What I heard was Dance, Dance, Dance and it was perfection. I was not the only person who shared doubts that day. Before the session began, Bernard Edwards pulled Nile to the side and asked "are you sure these are the singers we want on these tracks." Nile reassured him that it would be fine. Was it ever! Luther, Norma Jean Wright, David Lasley, Robin Clark, Diva Gray, Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards and I sang background on that first album. When it came time for Chic to go on tour, they asked Luther and me to go out and provide tour support. When Norma Jean left the group to pursue a solo career, they asked me to stay on and join Luci Martin. It was the best decision I could have made. And it all happened because of my friend Luther Vandross.

Terrance - What has been the biggest highlight thus far in your 40 year career?

Alfa Anderson - The biggest highlight for me thus far is that many of the classic songs on which I sang are still being played somewhere in the world everyday. Who knew that Le Freak or Good Times would stand the test of time? These songs continue to be introduced to a new generation of fans in movie soundtracks and television commercials. That's pretty awesome!

Terrance - You mention the classic songs being introduced to a new generation of fans, what’s your honest take on Chic sampled heavily in the Hip Hop, R&B and Pop world?

Alfa Anderson - I love that the younger generation is embracing the work that we did. They are taking what we did and interpreting it their way. I love it all from Sugarhill Gang's use of the track from Good Times for Rapper's Delight (1979) to Luther Vandross' sample of My Forbidden Lover on Shine (2006) to LA by The Game feat. Snoop Dogg, will.i.am and Fergie (2015).

Terrance - What were going through you guys minds during the creation of the critically acclaimed Risqué album?

Alfa Anderson - Everything about Risqué; the music, the lyrics, the arrangements, the vocals make this one of my favorite Chic albums. We were really in the zone vocally. Fonzi Thornton, Michelle Cobbs, Luci Martin and I perfected the Chic vocal style on Good Times and My Forbidden Lover. The phrasing of those syncopated rhythms worked so well with the music. Above all, we had fun and you can hear that. A Warm Summer Night was sensuous. The strings and the tap dancing on My Feet Keep Dancing were cutting edge. The ballads suited Luci and me perfectly. And oh, that cover!

Terrance - It’s interesting Chic has been nominated for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame eleven times why do you think the band haven’t been nominated yet?

Alfa Anderson - That's hard to say. This year they inducted Nile Rodgers for his work as a producer. Maybe one day the group will be inducted. It will happen if it's meant to be.

Terrance - Getting back to Luther, you released a new single “When Luther Sings” talk about that.

Alfa Anderson - I wanted to offer a public thank you to the man who started it all for me. The song is autobiographical and it came to me so clearly I just had to share it with the world.

Terrance - People have their opinion or theory about Luther what’s one misperception you could clear up?

Alfa Anderson - Some people might have called him difficult. He wasn't. Luther was a perfectionist. He knew what he wanted and would accept nothing less. At the end of the day, it was his name on the marquee, his reputation, his career and his fans. He loved and respected his fans. He always wanted to make sure that when you bought a ticket to see him, you got your money's worth. He would say on stage, "we don't mess with your ticket money."  And we didn't.

Terrance - What’s the most fond memory or advice from Luther you will always cherish?

Alfa Anderson - Believe in yourself. If you like what you're doing, others will like it too because the honesty will come through and connect with people. This sentiment is expressed in a lyric from the song When Luther Sings.

Terrance - Talk to me about your forthcoming solo debut album From My Heart and what sparked that interest.

Alfa Anderson - I have received so much love, support and encouragement from family, friends and fans that I wanted to show my appreciation. At first, I was hesitant but last year I started writing. I didn't realize how much I had bottled up inside of me until I did that. The melodies and lyrics flowed effortlessly. It's as if this project was meant to be because I finally followed my heart.

Terrance - From the beginning to now how has the process changed being a recording artist?

Alfa Anderson - The process has changed significantly. Some of it for the better. The technological advances are incredible and make it a lot easier. You can sing something and then fly it into other places. You can add all kinds of effects. I did some of that, but I am an analog girl at heart. I started writing songs the old fashioned way by just singing the melodies and lyrics into a recorder. Then I took my songs to arranger/producer Bert Price, who helped me turn them into demos. Finally, we produced the tracks. A lot of what you'll hear on From My Heart are vocals  that I sang straight through like we used to do. No stopping and starting again. We went for the feel. If a performance felt good, we kept it.

Terrance - Is there anything you’d like to add not discussed?

Alfa Anderson - For the past two years, I have been working with former Chic vocalists Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright. Stay tuned for another tribute song on From My Heart called Perfectly Chic. It rocks!

Faith Evans Interview: The King and I, Biggie's Legacy and more...

My interview with First Lady of R&B the incomparable Faith Evans who recently released her first ever collaborative project with the late great Notorious B.I.G.

Terrance - When did you realize things were happening for you as a singer vs. writer?

Faith Evans - Actually, songwriting was something that I realized I was good at as a teenager, but I had been singing since I could talk. I used to write and help friends arrange songs as a hobby, moreso. At the time I got my deal, Puff was working on other projects, so he had me take part in the writing on those projects before I started recording my debut album. I wasn't necessarily a writer in the industry and switched to being an artist.

Terrance - Interesting. So bring me to date with your collaborative project The King & I with The Notorious B.I.G.

Faith Evans - It was probably the most fun I’ve had recording a project. Mainly because it was a thought that I'd had years ago, and it actually came to fruition with my original intent and passion. From the first session, to the very end, it felt good creating this artistic expression of our love.

Terrance - Were there any features or producers you wanted to work with on the project you didn’t get a chance to?

Faith Evans - Well, I'm very happy with who is on the album. For the most part, it's comprised of people who worked with either Big or Myself during that time, or those who understood what I wanted to do conceptually and creatively.

Terrance - Balancing the Hip Hop and R&B so that it appeals to both your fans and Biggie’s, how did that work?

Faith Evans - Most of our fans, collectively, appreciate what we each have to offer, and I feel that this album is a continuation of the meld of both genres that was born in that Era. His flow transcends time, in my opinion, and so it was easy to create current and classic records around his vocals.

Terrance - What was it like working with Lil’ Kim on the track “Lovin’ You for Life”?

Faith Evans - We didn't get a chance to record together, but we discussed doing the record while we were on the Bad Boy Reunion Tour. Because of scheduling, we couldn't get in the lab together. When I heard what she'd done with the song, I knew that we had something special. It's a great record! And she did it, only the way Lil' Kim can.

Terrance - Got you. The singles “When We Party” and “NYC” are making a buzz, any word on what the proposed third single will be?

Faith Evans - There’s also #TenWifeCommandments, which you receive with pre-order. But the next single is ‘Legacy’ which was co-produced by Stevie J.

Terrance - And speaking of legacy, what’s the one thing you hope listeners take from their experience with this project?

Faith Evans - I want listeners to experience this project in their own way. It's my creative expression of the love that we shared. I hope that they take his message of grinding with what you have, and fulfilling your dreams. He lived life with passion, and his lyrics and legacy live on as a testament to that.

Terrance - When looking over your own career is there a particular song or songs you felt should have been singles?

Faith Evans - I honestly love "Where We Stand" on my Faithfully album.

Terrance - Because you do amazing jobs with tributes would you ever consider a covers album of your favorite songs by other artists?

Faith Evans - Yes! [Laughs]. There are a lot of ideas, musically, that I look forward to working on.

Terrance - And lastly, given’ your history and success with R&B Divas, can we expect your return to producing more reality shows in the near future?

Faith Evans - I'm always pitching shows, and taking meetings concerning content and new projects. I'll definitely be continuing to wear my 'EP’ hat. :-) As long as it makes sense with everything else going on in my life.

Legacy [MUSIC VIDEO]

Ten Wife Commandments [Audio]