Exclusive Interview: 7 Questions With Pharrell

In honor of N*E*R*D’s upcoming September 7th Release “Nothing”, I had an opportunity to ask Pharrell 7 quick questions. If you know me, you know I am a huge supporter of the entire Star Trak movement. This was definitely an amazing opportunity and I have to show some love to MiMi Valdes over at Kidult and the entire Kidult army! Also, I want to send a big thanks to Pharrell for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with me!

EARSTYLE: You have had your hands in everything from music to furniture to fashion. You continue to expand your brand, but what is next? Do you ever think about what you want to accomplish next or does it just come to you at any given moment?

PHARRELL: I am often lead by the void of what doesn’t exist just as well as the inspiration of a moment.

EARSTYLE: Movies are something that are evolving right before our eyes. It seems as though today, directors have to figure out how they will tie in 3D into the movie production and marketing. What do you think is the next revolutionary step for music?

PHARRELL: We are steady trying to harness all of the existing modes of recording in search of 3D sound.

EARSTYLE: Space seems to be a reoccurring underlying theme of a lot of your projects. What is it about space that fascinates you so much?

PHARRELL: Where else can we find such vast existence which lead to vast possibilities?

EARSTYLE: Kidult is an idea of yours, right now an army of future leaders and innovators are being assembled. What is a kidult and what inspired you to create the entire Kidult movement?

PHARRELL: A kidult is a soldier for education while the term itself is meant to describe one who does not identify with age for categorical purposes.

EARSTYLE: I’m a huge fan of the entire Star Trak brand. I am anticipating the upcoming release of “Nothing”. What does that word “Nothing” mean to you and what do you hope to accomplish with this album sonically and message wise?

PHARRELL: If the simple things in life are free as they say then “Nothing” is everything.
Nothingness is where everything comes from and is the first stage of everything that exists.
Nothing-void-inspiration-fruition.

EARSTYLE:  If there is one thing that you want to be remembered by what is it?

PHARRELL: That I am human and answered your questions as you would for me.

EARSTYLE: What is the best advice that you can give anyone who’s reading this that have a dream that they would like to manifest?

PHARRELL: Study the “how” and the “why” of something and from there you will discover “what” that thing is. That is how all great thinkers transition to great doers.

Now go take over the world.–Pharrell

Exclusive Interview: Dondria is More Than Phatfffat!

Drop + New Single “Shawty Wus Up” ft. Johnta Austin & Diamond

You may know Dondria as Phatfffat that pretty girl who’s always eating and covering others songs, but the beautiful vocalist wants to prove that she is more than a voice! With a top 10 single and a sick voice she is well on her way to stardom.

-How are you?

I’m good! How are you?

-I’m great. It’s been a while. Last time we talked it was like a year or two years ago.

Oh gosh. It’s been a long time.

-Congratulations on the single! “You’re The One” has really taken off. Everyone is singing it from fathers to mothers to the children. People even said their churches are making gospel renditions. It’s crazy!

Ok. I was saying “really?” My church tried to, but I was like “No! Stop it.” (Laughs)

-When the organs come on it takes you to church a little bit though. Especially once you start singing. How does it feel having people cover your song? That’s how you started doing covers so I know it must be crazy?

Yes! It feels great. I think that a lot of times it’s so surreal, because that was me singing other people’s songs. It’s like things switched. I don’t even know. Sometimes I’m even speechless, because it’s like wow. I really did like a 360.
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Producer Jay Fenix Speaks From The Soul

Wassup Man?

Just trying to make it out here in this DC weather! (laughs)

It’s been crazy. Congrats on the success with Melanie Fiona’s “It Kills Me”! How does it feel?

Yeah, thanks a lot man. It feels great actually. Talk about a dream come true, you always think, “Man I want to have a number one song, I want to have a Grammy and all of that.” Even though she didn’t win, losing to Beyonce wasn’t a bad thing at all. You know what I Mean? (laughs) I’m very grateful and thankful to God that I can experience this in my life at this point. I’m very grateful.

I heard the record at the top of 2009 when I first found out about Melanie Fiona. It was my favorite track of hers and I was kind of apprehensive about it being a hit, because of the climate of the industry. Did you see this success coming for the record?

You know what, I feel as though if you look at the history of music…Music that truly came from the heart and when you capture that on record man people feel that. Those songs tend to become hits. That’s exactly what happened with that. As time went on, the label picked it up for Melody. I heard them talk about it being a single, but you never know, because anything can change. Plans change a lot in this industry. They came out with “Give It To Me Right” first and then “It Kills Me” was the second single. I’ll never forget when me and Mel had hooked up in DC. This was like when they were just releasing it. She said, “Man all the radio stations are going crazy over this”. I said “Are you serious?” When you hear that it’s so humbling. Men and women have come to me, black and white, young and old they have come to me and said that they love the song. It’s crazy to hear men say that, because the song is talking about what a man is doing to a girl. I’m just grateful for it all.

When was the first time that you heard the record on the radio?

People were calling me telling me that they heard the song on the radio before I even heard it. First time I heard it, me and my boy was going to one of our boy’s birthday party and we were talking actually. He’s a fellow producer so we were talking about music and the song. As I parked the car the song comes on the radio…(laughs).

Did you stay in the car to take in the moment?

Yeah I stayed in the car man! (laughs) It was crazy. In fact he heard it on the radio before I did. It was on XM at that. I’m constantly getting told they play that song all the time. Hey man, that’s a good thing. Thank God.

“It Kills Me” was a first taste for us for what you are doing. How would you describe the Jay Fenix sound?

I don’t know how I can describe the sound. I want to say my sound is hard. No matter if its a club track or not I just want you to feel it. I want it to touch every emotional fiber in your body. I want you to experience that in my music. As far as actual sounds, that’s only one dimension of me, because I am just a music lover. My sound as far as my influences goes all the way back to Quincy Jones producing “Off The Wall”, the old Motown era, the 60s, groups like Number 42, Genesis, Eurythmics, The Temptaitons, Four Tops, The Meters, all of those different oldie groups. Teddy Riley, New Jack Swing, the original Bad Boy era when he had the Hit-men. Bryan Alexander Morgan, Troy Taylor of course Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I know that’s a lot and I forgot about Marvin Gaye and Donnie Hathaway but all of those people influenced my sound today.

You mentioned that you are from the DMV area. Do you tap into the Go-Go sound?

If it comes out that way, Yes. I can’t say that I am setting that agenda with bringing Go-Go to the forefront. That’s been done with the likes of Chuck Brown and EU when they did “Doin’ The Butt”. I know Wale is pushing his Go-Go agenda and of course Rich has had crazy success with what he’s done with “Crazy In Love”, Amerie, and he have Rich Girl now. I can’t say that bringing it to the front is my agenda. What I am doing is helping bring that real R&B back. I am not going to say we don’t have real R&B out today. I’m not going to say that. We don’t have many R&B artists. Most of it is a cross between R&B and Pop. That good music that makes you dance and cry…and music that stands the test of time. That’s where I can put it.

What do you think happened? Why can’t the people who are doing R&B survive in the industry today?

I feel as though there’s a space for everything. It also have to do with promotion and then you have to think that the labels and radio stations they are like the chefs. They feed the people what they want to give the people. In their buffet of music, figuratively, they have a lot of food to give, but are they doing that? No, they are sticking to the 1 or 2 maybe 3 or 4 different things out of 100 different acts. Somewhere the other 96 acts get lost in the sauce. I truly believe that R&B is still alive, because “It Kills Me” is quite evident that its still alive.

Monica is also doing her thing right now with her single, “Everything To Me”.

Monica! Exactly and I love that! I think that people want to hear that. Like I said,this world is big enough. There’s space for everything. I just don’t want it to be one sided. That’s good for today, but most of these songs…are we really going to listen and remember them like we do today with songs from the Motown era. What’s your honest opinion?

I agree. Most of the albums that have come out, especially in the early 2000s didn’t age really well. They were hot for the moment and don’t have the same effect when you listen to them now. There are some albums that are completely unlistenable now. Same effect. 2003 and can’t listen now. Albums such as “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” are still enjoyable today and you could release songs from that album and it wouldn’t even sound dated.

Exactly. It’s very few albums that you can think of that’s like that. Lauryn Hill? Classic. Maxwell the first one was a Classic! Biggie’s first album…Classic! That was R&B. They weren’t doing Pop. Everybody no matter if they were black, white, orange, or yellow..they loved it. I think that is why the industry is suffering, because we are still going in the same routine that we have been doing for the last decade. It’s 2010 and we’ve been doing this for the last ten years. Somewhere down the line it have to change. It’s crazy because I was at the SESAC brunch. Swizz Beatz was the honoree and he talked about that in his speech. He wants to bring back good music and hearing him say that, I know I am on the right path, because I have already been thinking that.

Where do you think it all went wrong?

When labels started focusing on singles. There was a point of time when labels were putting out singles on like the 45, you had an A single and you had a B single. It’s nothing new, but we started forgetting about the album. They forgot about the concept of albums. They forgot about hiving people a reason to go pay $10 or $15 to get an album. The albums are not good. There’s no cohesion, it’s just not good. Think about all the albums in the last 10 years that have been released..that’s a lot of albums. How many of them can we say are classic albums?

We can count them on our hands.

We can count them on our hands. Exactly! (laughs) That’s not good.

There’s no artist development either.

Barry Gordan to me was the greatest at artist development. That whole era that he created was based off of artist development. He strongly believed in that. That model succeeded during that time when they were also going through social issues. They were not able to perform at certain places, because of the color of their skin. Well…that’s a whole different conversation. I am not going to say we are totally eradicated of that, but it’s a slightly better time. Where as so he was able to succeed during that time with that model…Motown will forever sell and be played. Whether it is Karaoke or in the elevator, it’s going to be played. I think we need to start digging back in our history in how our music succeeded back then. Everybody thinks that YouTube is how you find out about the artist. Well OK, but its more than YouTube, twitter and those social sites.

You can’t even turn on your television to a music program on television anymore. I remember being excited to see Behind The Music and Fanatic.

Exactly! You know how Soul Train use to showcase talent…it’s crazy. If we were to have a show like that it probably wouldn’t be called Soul Train now, but we lost all of that man.

You’re right. All we have is 106 & Park which shows the New Joint of the Day. Takes us right back to the “Single” talk.

How do we change all of that?

How do you think we change all of that?

Wow man! Once I figure it out you will be the first person I call and we will sit down and talk about it man. (laughs) I’m not going to say I have the final solution, because this is years of stuff that we have to correct. I do think that apart of the equation is greed. Some people I’ve seen in some of the blogs, say that the greed of the execs in the older days, having these high salaries and bonuses is coming back on them. It’s kind of like you reap what you sow. That’s been said. I truly believe that Tower Records would not have closed and others have the labels or the powers that be have been realistic with selling records for $20 is ridiculous. You still eat. Why can’t the records be $10.

I definitely agree. Why not charge lower prices? It’s better than no profit at all. There are people who still enjoy opening up albums and checking out the booklet and stuff.

Yes I am one, because I did it last night (laughs).

Me too!

Yeah, people don’t think that their hard drives can crash. Then you have to buy it all over. I love CDs, I use to love going to the stores and they would have the listening stations, and the magazines, it was just a whole experience that you can’t get while you are on the Internet. Even though its full of great resources and information it is nothing like going to the store and bumping it. Some married couples probably met at the record store going to buy an album. You know what I mean? Now that’s kind of gone man.

It’s sad, because how many years will it be before that’s gone? Right now most purchases come from stores like Walmart.

Right Walmart and Best Buy. Come on Best Buy y’all want to do everything. Y’all want to have musical instruments, y’all want to sell CDs, y’all want to sell home appliances. Come on man. It’s crazy. There’s enough for everybody.

So what’s next for Jay Fenix? I am sure  that the labels hit you up after the success of the Melanie Fiona record.

Right now I am currently working on some stuff for Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette, and Fantasia. I am working on those projects and I am also working on some independent stuff, my own acts also. I have a surprise that I am working on too. It’s a surprise so I don’t want to speak too much on it.

What advice would you give to any aspiring producers who are trying to get in the game?

I’ll say what worked for me. Some people take it as advice or not-that was my strong belief in God. I keep him first in my life and stay committed to the dream and the vision that he gave me. I saw it coming I just didn’t know when. You are going to experience the pitfalls as well as the highs, but you have to stay consistent and dedicated to your dreams and goals.

How can people reach you?

I have a twitter @jayFenix and my facebook is Jay Fenix. Everyone hit me up!

H-Town Is Back And Ready To Knock!

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Before there was Pretty Ricky there was H-Town. Known for their bedroom banger “Knockin’ Da Boots”, the duo lost a member in 2003 and now they are back and ready to Knock off the ladies heels with their new single “Knockin’ Your Heels Off” featuring Jodeci and Pretty Ricky. Find out what the group have been up to and what’s the inspiration behind the name of their new album, “Child Support”.

Read More after the jump!

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Everybody Do The Bankhead Bounce!

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earStyle recently caught up with choreographer and dancer Sean Bankhead. Find out his thoughts on dance reality shows, who he’s worked with, where you can take his classes, and the artists who he believes are the better dancers in the game.

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Double The Trouble: CoCo & Breezy

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Eyewear designers CoCo & Breezy chats with earStyle.NET’s Zay. Find out who’s rocking their glasses, who they want to rock them, and what the two young ladies have planned for the future.

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Earstyle.NET Interview with Diamond Blue from Pretty Ricky

EarStyle.NET caught up with C.E.O. of Blue Star, Diamond Blue also known as Baby Blue from Pretty Ricky. We talked the new single, Spectacular’s video that caused a stir, Pleasure P, and Pretty Ricky’s upcoming album. Check it out!

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Amerie Talks “In Love & War” W/ earStyle.NET

Everyone who knows me knows that I have a special place in my heart for Amerie. She is the dopest female ARTIST/Musician in the game, but she is so underrated. She is not a tabloid chick and she is strictly about the music. Amerie is now signed to Island Def Jam through her own company Feenix Rising Entertainment. Amerie was pretty busy doing different press so we were blessed with a quick moment with the beautiful singer. Check out our interview with Amerie as she talks life “In Love & War”.

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More Than Just The Drums: Los Da Mystro Interview

EarStyle.NET recently had the opportunity to catch up with Producer Los Da Mystro. We are fans of his work and it was great learning how he got his start and learning about some great projects he have in the works. He even has some advice for up & coming Producers. Check out the interview and be inspired!

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Electrik Red In Ya Mouth!

It took a little bit to get all of the wonderful ladies of Electrik Red together on the phone, so while waiting I had an opportunity to chat with Binkie about everything from her love for Grapefruit juice, her days on tour with fellow Def Jam artist Amerie, to a prom I was going on the evening of the interview. Check out this funny clip of Binkie singing an improvised song called, “Waiting On Your Friends”. Thanks to Electrik Red’s team for making this happen and thanks to the ladies for chatting with EarStyle.NET!

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Bangladesh’s Muffy Get’s Real With EarStyle.NET

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Q&A with NandoMcFlyy.

LuckyLibra: I know you’re a busy man, so i’ll try to make this quick for you. When did you decide to become a rap artist?

NandoMcFlyy.: I didn’t decide to be a rap artist, honestly. I was always into music as a kid but I liked to dance so I wanted to be a dancer as weird as that may sound (laughing). Then from that I wanted to do comedy but I wasn’t that funny (laughs). THEN, I started to draw. But to finally answer the question when my mom died at the age of six I wrote down rhymes and used that to express myself. That’s when I noticed how good I was so I took it serious.

Wow! I’m sorry to hear that (in regards to your mother). But on the upside, at least you have many talents. So, speaking of other talents, is there anything else you want to do – career wise?

Thank you and it’s fine. Yes! I am currently building my catalog as a producer. I honestly don’t feel that it’s enough money in being JUST a hip-hop artist where as a producer pockets the money from EVERY beat he sells… well at least some (laughs). And I want to manage an artist one day too, but that’s WAY into the future.

Yes. I agree (laughs). My father has told me all about the way money is dispersed in the entermainment industry. So why the name Nando McFlyy, where did it come from, and what’s the meaning if any?

It’s spelled “NandoMcFlyy.” all together, 2y’s and a period at the end (laughs). Now the reason it’s spelled like that is because it looks cooler (laughs) and it’s a statement. It means that I am the “future of the music industry”. I could possibly be one of the few who bring back artistry and musicianship back into music. I’m not just the run of the mill rapper. I want to be a tastemaker and trend setter like the guys I look up to.

I just mentioned you in my twitter update (laughing). But continuing with the interview, who are “the guys you look up to?”

Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Andy Warhol, Co Co Chanel, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Morris Day… The list just goes on and on (laughs).

Anyone in particular that you would like to collab with?

I honestly can’t choose one. It would have to be them all. I’m such a big fan of ALL of their work.

Do you believe the rap game is changing, if so for the better or worst?

I think the rap game IS changing. It’s getting better but is JUST getting better. Artists forgot what it means to express themselves and got too caught up into the money.

What does your favorite or typical outfit consist of?

It depends on how I’m feeling (laughs). I don’t go places to impress people really. I’m in Johnny Cash mode so I wear all black and some sneakers, or I might rock some Levi’s with some chucks on a reg. day. I don’t do anything JUST for attention. That’s some hypebeast ish (laughs).

It just seems like it’s about to be a great schism in hip hop and there will be two teams; the hipsters and the thugs. Would you say you fit under the category of hipster or gangster/thug?

Neither! I don’t like being labeled. That’s when I switch everything up. I try my HARDEST not to be placed in a category for the simple fact that I don’t want to be like anyone else. Feel me? I want to evolve every time someone thinks they know who or what I am.

What’s your favorite area to perform in?

I love New York. I performed there a handful of times. They show SOOO much love it’s not even funny. They show me a little bit of love home, but not like in New York (laughing). I want to move there before I move to Cali for a few years (more laughs).

Do you feel that your area – DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) has helped you in your success at all?

Kind of. People from here have helped me more than the AREA did. Judah and Khary mostly helped me get to where I am as far as the advice and assistance A LOT. They helped me more than people will know.

Alright, I saved the best for last. Can you tell me about DMG?

DMG (DeLorean Music Group) is my label/crew co-founded by Mouse and Azizi Gibson. It consists of myself, Mouse, Cayan, Azizi, Lyriciss and our newest member Deron. We ARE the future of music. You just don’t know it yet (laughs).

Is there anything that we haven’t covered that you would like to let the readers of earstyle.net know?

I’m dropping my 3rd mixtape “Super Nike Nando” in May. It should be one of the DOPEST tapes you’ve ever heard in a VERY long time (laughs). Also look out for the DMG collab mixtape called “88 Miles Per Hr” coming very soon!!!! Thanks to any and everyone who supports my music. I appreciate it sooo much.

If you like what you read check out NandoMcFlyy.’s blog for music and more facts!

www.whynotnando.blogspot.com

KO Interview: Trakaholikz Got Next!

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Can’t Stop Loving Dondria…Chat With Phatfffat

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A Shot Of Cristyle