ANGELA JOHNSON

Of

COOLY'S HOT BOX

Interview 10 April 2002

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It's only been a few months since the last interview, and since you were over here with Cooly's. The Cooly's gig at the Jazz Cafe was excellent. How do you feel it went down, what about the UK?

We were actually a bit surprised. The reception was so warm. We felt great after the show!

And the album (Cooly's) - how was that received.

Very well I believe. We've had some great reviews and sales have done quite well. It was also a treat to hear our stuff being played on the radio while we were in the UK.

What have you been doing since then,,,,,,,,and the band.

Everyone has been keeping themselves busy, working on different projects as well as coming up with new material for Cooly's. We've released the album in the US (January 29th). We've been touring heavily!

Bit more extensive this time around...what are you looking for this time.

We'd like to reach more people. Of course, we want to make a bigger impact in the music industry.

How's it been happening elsewhere...back home and worldwide.

At a steady pace, CHB has been creating a huge buzz, especially in the US. It's funny, a lot of people ask if we're from other countries. Some audiences are not used to seeing an artist doing a gig without the use of a DAT. We're starting to receive calls from other parts of the globe (Australia, South Africa, Korea, etc.).

What's Christian up to..he's outrageous ain't he!

Yeah, that guy is nuts. He's been working on a project called 'Tortured Soul.' He released a couple of singles with Central Park recordings (US) since last year.

Your album, I have to say, is exceptional. Tell me a bit about it..how you wrote for it, how long it took, the freedoms it gives you outside of the band, and, hey, what do you think about it! There's so much in there...some jazz, some deep, some uptempo and downbeat and some soul - it is one that you have to persevere (that sounds a bit harsh a word, I don't mean it like that) in that the album grows and expends with each hearing.

Thanks! After working with one band for so long, I guess it was time to explore my talent as a songwriter, producer, musician. I was afraid I didn't have anything to say. But much to my surprise, I did! I had plenty to write about, to express myself melodically. I felt like I needed to prove myself as a producer and musician. It was a way for me to balance the energy I give to Cooly's. It took a year to create. I definitely grew with each song as I began to learn more about myself and the music I was brought up on.

I think the songs are strong, some personal experiences in there, what to you draw from?

I'm really into lyrics. So, I was careful about choosing the subjects I wrote about. I didn't want to just say anything. Many are from personal experiences and some from what I observe around me. I'd try to put myself in the shoes of the storyteller and ask myself, 'Now, how would I handle this situation' or 'What would I say if this happened to me?'

How are you putting it out in the States.

I haven't found a home yet, but there is quite a bit of interest. I want to be sure that whomever we (Purpose Records) choose to distribute this album, we'll have their unconditional support.

Who out there right now do you like.

I still love Maxwell. I'm really feelin' the Glenn Lewis single that's playing now, Remy Shand is gooood, I love the latest Soul Live record! I like most of the 'Usual Suspects' that are out now. I'm more interested in many of the producers that are behind these artists, like Andre Harris (Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Michael Jackson, Glenn Lewis, etc. . . .)

How much can you include in the show.

The shows are going to be tight! Now that we're more familiar with the UK audiences, we're going to make it really fun. We're excited to come back! We feel the Love!!! :-)

Will the Cooly's stuff be much the same as before

Some songs will be familiar and there are songs we'll perfom that we haven't performed at the last show. It's going to be hot!

Thanks again, Mike. You have a great website.

Best of luck,

Angela

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