VEDO Interview

My interview with Breakout artist VEDO from NBC’s The Voice (Season 4). Vedo is ready to launch his solo career with his debut EP, State of Mind, which includes his new single and video “In My Feelings”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGzC-pK8rA / https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/state-of-mind-ep/id1094659683

Terrance - Born and raised in Michigan tell us how much of an impact your home state have on your overall sound. Vedo - Where I'm from has a major impact on my sound because I sing with pain, passion and struggle. I had a rough childhood but it taught me to be strong. Terrance - How does VEDO stand out amongst the other artists on the music market? Vedo - I'm more than just a singer, I'm a writer and dancer. I'm an all around entertainer. I'm bringing back that real singing that the game is missing but it's still young and fresh. Terrance - You were a contestant on season 4 of The Voice but was eliminated how did you turn that elimination into something positive and prosperous?   Vedo - Once I was eliminated I came back to ATL and hit the ground running. I started putting more music out, doing more YouTube covers etc I didn't win but I still have a strong relationship with Usher. So I didn't win but I "Won". Terrance - Speaking Usher what’s the greatest piece of advice given from him or any judge on the show? Vedo - Just trust yourself when you’re on stage singing. When you’re on stage don't think, you already got it. Just do it. Don't think about hitting a note just hit Because when you tell yourself "I might not hit that note" almost all the time u mess it up. Terrance - Fast forward in 2016 you have a new single and video out called “In My Feelings” tell us a little about this song and it’s backstory. Vedo - I actually wrote "In My Feelings" in 2014 but it was a record that I fell in love with and my feelings about hadn't changed since the day I recorded it. That's how I knew it was a hit. "In My Feelings" is basically a song about me opening up to an Ex of mine, letting her know that I still want and think about her which is really hard for a lot of guys to do today because they look at that as lame or weak but I see it different. I'm gonna tell you how I feel and we can go from there. Terrance - How did you come up with the title State of Mind for your newly released EP? Vedo - It was fairly easy because the songs that I wrote were my actual state of mind at the time. Terrance - Is there a particular stand out on the EP you would recommend? Vedo - Probably "Touch You, Kiss You" Terrance - Everyone have their definition of success. How do you define it? Vedo - Success is happiness, stability; financially, mentally, spiritually and physically. I just want to be able to take care of my family. Terrance - As an artist what do you think are the pros and cons of social media? Vedo - Pros: you can blow up overnight, Cons: you can become fameless or famous for the wrong reasons. Also it's a great platform for indie artist to promote their music without having to sign your life away to a major label. Terrance - Performing Live vs. Recording Studio? Vedo - I love both it’s just that when singing Live if you mess up that's it, and with a studio you have unlimited chances. Me, I never do something in the studio that I wouldn't be able to do live. Terrance - If you could perform with any iconic artist who would it be with and why? Vedo - Michael Jackson because he's the epitome of musical success and is what we all strive to be like. Terrance - Songwriting is one of your great attributes who are some artists on your list you would love to collaborate with or currently working with? Vedo - I would love to collab with Stevie Wonder, Chris Brown, Usher, Beyonce and I've also written for major artists overseas. Terrance - If music wasn’t your profession what would it be? Vedo - I'd be just graduating from college with a degree in criminal justice. Terrance - You’re also involved in several charities what are they and what sparked the interest to get involved? Vedo - Right now I'm currently the ambassador for the Lung Cancer Alliance and my mothers passing back in 2013 due to lung cancer is what sparked it. Terrance - The music video for “Classic” is nominated for the 5th annual Georgia Music Awards how excited are you about that? Vedo - Yes I'm extremely excited although I was nominated the past 3 years. I’m always grateful to be nominated for anything. Terrance - Is there anything you would like to leave with the readers not discussed? Vedo - Follow me on all my social media @VedoTheSinger. Also get my EP "State of Mind" available everywhere.

Mylah Interview

My interview with Atlanta recording and performing artist Mylah to discuss her musical upbringing, views on the industry, her latest song “Single” and much more! Listen and purchase “Single” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO8DaseaJc0 / https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/single-single/id1077695500

Terrance - Tell us about when you started singing and performing. Who were your earliest influences?

Mylah - I started performing at a very young age, with my sisters. I didn't start out singing, though. I loved to dance more! Singing was my THIRD favorite thing to do, because when I was younger, you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be a rapper! That all changed when I heard Mary J Blige, though. Singing over hip hop beats? I was in. She's probably my earliest singing influence.

Terrance - Who are some artists you’re currently feeling?

Mylah - Currently (and generally), I'm into artists who aren't exactly mainstream yet. I'm a fan of my friends/peers. I love Ro James, who has been my friend for some time, and I'm happy to see him finally getting his due shine. I like India Shawn a lot. Of course Rihanna. Chris Brown...Kendrick Lamar, Jay.

Terrance - What are your thoughts on R&B and Soul music and where it’s going in 2016?

Mylah - I think that R&B/Soul is only suffering because fans don't support it enough. I hear people say that no one is doing "real" music anymore (whatever THAT means!) but there are plenty of artists doing it. They're just either not supported or consumers may be unaware of them.

Terrance - Talk about your newest song “Single”. Was it written from a personal perspective? How did it come together?

Mylah - My new song "Single" was actually written by a very talented young lady by the name of Tytewriter. She's married, so the song definitely isn't personal to her! At the time when I recorded it, it wasn't personal to me, either. I just really liked it and knew that it was very relatable, so we recorded it. It just so happens that now it DOES apply. I think everyone has been in that frame of mind at some point in their lives!

Terrance - Is there an album or EP in the works? If so, can you share any details?

Mylah - I'm currently putting together my first full-length album! No more Eps smile emoticon but I will be putting new music up throughout Summer '16 on Soundcloud while I'm finishing up the main project.

Terrance - How important do you think image and style is when it comes to the music you’re making as well as performing in general?

Mylah - Image...I guess it's important since we live in a very visually driven world. With social media being THE way, your look and image is pretty much your message. I don't necessarily take it too-too seriously because I guess my message is me being relatable. I don't try and portray this fake, overly done image, because it's not who I am in real life. And we already have enough of that floating around. I'd like to think I'm a great alternative to that.

Terrance - What would you say is the toughest part about navigating as a self-contained artist?

Mylah - I guess the toughest part about being a self-contained artist would be that it's a never-ending hustle. I don't think it's "tough," but I think most people would think so. I enjoy being in charge of how things move when it comes to MY life!

Terrance - In an era where social media is pretty much driving the industry do you think being signed to a major label is necessary?

Mylah - I definitely don't think you need to be signed to a major to be successful! It helps as far as the reach that they have to promote you and get your name/music out there, but it isn't a NEED.

Terrance - Performing live is obviously a key factor in who you are how do you prepare prior to?

Mylah - I prepare for performances by making sure I've got whisky nearby! LOL. Really, I've been doing this for so long, it's second nature at this point. I just try and make sure I remember the words to the songs I'm singing on that particular night.

Terrance - One male artist who would be your ultimate duet partner and why.

Mylah - I'd love to do a duet with Chris Brown because 1 - he's dope and 2 - he's pretty much got the midas touch! Drake for the same reasons. Ro James is on that list as well.

Terrance - Tell us about The Revival R&B Showcase here in Atlanta. Why was it created and the goal you would like to achieve with it.

Mylah - The Revival was created simply to give another platform to indie/up-and-coming artists here in Atlanta. I wanted it to SOUND good (as opposed to just looking good...I think that's a problem here), have a certain cool factor to it (a lot of live shows here skew older or are hip hop) and to rejuvenate the R&B scene here! Come on...Atlanta was the home of LaFace Records! The talent is here, it just needs to be seen as much as possible! I just wanted to do my part to help the culture. My goal is to grow it into an Atlanta staple and for it to be a very valuable part of the Atlanta music scene.

Terrance - Are there any aspirations in Entertainment outside of music?

Mylah - Music is pretty much all I love to do, but I'd love to transition out of being an artist and more of a mentor/coach to younger talents. I feel like I could help some people avoid certain pitfalls due to by experience and years put into it. IN THE FUTURE though...not right now.

Terrance - Where can our readers find you in social media?

Mylah - I'm on IG/FB/Snapchat/Tumblr all as @MylahMusic. My website it www.TheMylahMusic.com They can also keep up with The Revival on IG at @TheRevivalATL

Terrance - Can you share any upcoming performances you have planned?

Mylah - I'll be at The Rose Bowl here in Atlanta on May 28th for Memorial Day Weekend! Check out my social media for details!

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!