ANGELA JOHNSON
Of
COOLY'S HOT BOX
Interview 19 September 2001
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Angela
Angela's Website
If we
concentrate on Cooly's Hot Box at first. Until maybe this year you were
probably best known in the UK as a Dance act. Tell us about the origins of
Cooly's, what you have done to date, and how it all hangs together.
A little
over eight years ago, CHB started out as a college band, showcasing some of
Chistian's (AKA Cooly) songwriting skills. We were all attending S.U.N.Y.
Purchase as music majors. After sometime, we've soughtgigs off campus and began
playing shows in Manhattan. We've received incredible responses from our
audiences and the word got around. We became known as "one of the hottest
R&B bands in New York." The core of the band is Christian (drums and
lead vocals), Victor (keys), Ernesto (percussion), and myself (lead vocals and
keys).
I have a
96 US promo of We don't have to be alone - was that the first release. You then
had releases on Sole Music. How did these tracks go down particularly in the
US?
No, our
first release was in the United States. We put out a single called "Don't
Throw My Love Around." It appeared on the first Giant Step compilation in
'93. We were signed to Payday/London records of Polygram.
Do you
like this more 'dance' or house material.
It
really doesn't matter. If the music can bring out the emotions within the song,
without it being forced or over produced, I'd like it.
How do
the Cooly's projects come together - is it a project based thing or something
more permanent?
Cooly's
is a band in the truest sense. We've always seen ourselves along the likes of
Earth, Wind, & Fire, Rufus & Chaka Khan, etc. It's not a concept. We write,
play, tour together. We do everything as a band.
This
year and the current album is more 'Soul' and less 'Dance' (although it's
danceable for sure). Was this change just an evolvement, or was it conscious
because of the marketplace or the label, or a direction you prefer.
It's
funny to me when people ask that. We've always had a soulful, R&B, funk
sound. That's the kind of band we are. All of our influences are of that genre
of music. Those songs that many people know us for are all remixes! I'm hoping
people aren't stuck on that. We've worked hard to create our unique sound. We
can only ask people to open their minds.
What
does the Dome deal offer you, and what do you think of the exposure you are
receiving in the UK?
It
offers us a direct connection to the UK and Europe R&B, soul buyers who've
traditionally bought albums from the likes of Hill St. Soul and Dennis Taylor.
The exposure is surreal to us but we are equally excited! We can't wait to do
some shows over there.
Do you
do gigs or are you preparing any for the future.
Do we do
gigs?! Hell, yeah! :) We've toured up and down the East coast from NY to Miami,
California, the Midwest, and Canada. We're well known in the US for our solid
shows.
Do each
of you in the band have different backgrounds and influences, and how does this
help?
We all
have similar tastes in music, as well as different backgrounds, upbringings.
From R&B to gospel, funk to latin, pop to dub. All of it helps to define
our sound. Anyone from anywhere can enjoy this music.
What about
the guys - what do they do aside from Cooly's. Anything that they are involved
in.
Everybody's
involved in other projects. It's a great outlet for the band and it helps to
keep the creative juices flowing, ya know?
Is there
anyone you have particularly liked working or touring with.
We've
had some pretty exciting tours. We've opened up for artists like: B.B. King,
the Neville Brothers, Zhane, A Tribe Called Quest. Shared stages with
India.Arie, Roy Ayres, Pharcyde, the late Roger Troutman and Zapp, plus many
more.
What
changes will it make to the band if the album goes 'big'.
I don't
know. Maybe it will bring more stability. But, wait a minute, artists are never
stable!! joke
What
tracks on the album do you like.
Honestly,
I think every song on this album has something in it that makes it special.
"It's Alright" and "Take It" may move me a bit more when we
perform those songs live.
Now
yourself - tell me something of your history and what have you been involved
with. What have you recorded to date. Who have you worked with
Well I
come from a family of vocalists and musicians. I've began playing the piano at
the age of four and studied violin in elementary school. Cooly's is the only
band I've been a part of. I've done a lot of work with other producers and
artists. Whether it was singing, producing, writing, I was definitely involved.
Guru from Gangstarr, Roger Sanchez, DJ Disciple, Junior Sanchez, Guiro, DJ
Spinna and the Jigmastas to name a few.
What are
your influences - your classically trained aren't you?
Growing
up, I've listened to wide variety of music (thanks to my parents). Most of my
sound comes from listening to gospel and classic R&B and soul. I've also
been exposed to classic rock, reggae, and pop. I'm into anything that makes a
good song. Of course, I've got my classical background from studying in school.
I think that gives me an edge, but I only use it when necessary.
What
from a solo perspective will you be doing in the future. What have you recorded
to date?
I am
currently working on my first solo album. I'm extremely excited! I've got three
cuts on a NY compilation called "Lost Found Soul Volume One."
You
wrote and produced the top 10 single "Angel" for Japanese star Double
and you also produced Anri- How did this come about? Have you been to Japan
My
management team (914 music) got word that Double was looking for songs. They
sent out my package and got a response a few weeks later. She picked a song
that I've written a few years ago. It was a great experience working with her.
I've never been to Japan but, we're currently working on a Cooly's/Angela
Johnson tour, since our albums are coming out there. It was different with
Anri. She already had the song. For Life Records of Japan knew about Cooly's
and had asked if I could 'arrange' the song in a way that made it more current.
Tell us
about some of the others things you have produced or mixed.
I've did
some remixes with DJ Spinna; Talking Loud recording artist, Urban Species
"Woman," Polydor recording artist Kojack "You Can't Stop
It." I've also produced the Jahbaz track "Lemistral" on DJ
Spinna's Beat Suite compilation (Beechwood 2000). Of course, I produced songs
on this album.
You also
seem to do a lot of work with Roger Sanchez?
Yes, I
do. I've done some work on his current project. We work well together.
Tell us
about your solo album and how that's going down (Sorry but I have to confess to
not having heard it, although I like your voice very much)
I'm
putting out an album through Wood Records of Japan. It's different from the
Cooly's stuff. I've really tried to zone in on my personality, the way I would
say things, what I would talk about. I'm pretty content with what I've done so
far. I also would like to mention that I've produced over 60% of this album,
from the drum programming to laying down the vocals.
You
write, produce & arrange music and lyrics and perform - what do you prefer
doing?
I enjoy
anything that has to do with music. Although, performing in front of a live
audience is a different kind of high. I feel most free when we do it! Whatever
happens, just happens. If it's a wrong note or a missed hit, it's OK as long as
our audience can feel the emotion put behind those mishaps. My only focus is to
move the crowd!
Anything
else going down or anything else you would like to say
I'd just
like to say, thanks to those who have supported us along the way. Everyone
should pick up this album to add to your collection. :) It's raw! I t's
different from anything else out right now. We've put a lot of love into this.
And thanks to Dome, Wood, Higher Octave/Virgin and Purpose records for giving
us this opportunity to get our music heard. Enjoy!
Thanks
for your time and good luck. Look forward to seeing you in the UK.
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