Jarrard Anthony

Interview 8 April 2004

CD can be purchased from here Cd Baby

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>> To start off can you give me a take on the Independent Soul Scene and how your own personal philosophy and goals fit into this. You seem pretty committed and hardworking to do it yourself.

JA:Indie Soul is a rejuvenation of substance in music culture. Its more a movement for the critical listener, than a musical genre. Everything has it's place and Independent Soul is taking it's place in hearts and spirits

of listeners. For me, it's about making music that will last and that people build memories on. Music they can reminisce too and twenty years from now say..."I remember exactly was I was doing when I heard that song". Hardwork breeds success, so thats why I am so focused. You have to go and earn what you want in life, it's not go to fall into your lap. I am

trying to send a message also to other artists, to not wait on that "magical record deal". Go out and do it yourself.

>> You use the internet and this seems to work for you. What extra benefits does this modus operandi give you…………….and what are the drawbacks.

JA:The benefits are having access to people whom you normally wouldn't all over the world. I am excited to be a part of this new golden age of civilation. The downfall is also having access to people you normally wouldn't b/c you don't have direct access to them. Also, the mainstream industry hasn't really been acclimated to the new cyber music community

and often times don't acknowledge how much of an impact that it is having on music in general or the artists , like myself who are playing a part in it.

>> It must be difficult but in the end you know that it is really you that we get and feel, and what you want to portray.

JA: You've heard the saying..."First impressions are the ones that last" The way that people perceive me is what is going to allow me to continue making a living making music. The music that I make will out live me in this physical state. I want it to say something meaningful those and that I understand what real life is like. I want listeners to know that if they are listening to a Jarrard Anthony record. I want them to listen and say.."Thats some real shit"..or chuckle at a lyric that hits home. At the same time, I want that thick bassline, chord progression or note that gives you that tingle inside too. I am also a very personable individual. The internet allows me to do this with everyone I come in contact with. I always respond to every e-mail I get from anyone who is supporting me and I make it a point to just touch bases on my own occasionally with some as well.

>> And when the majors step in what do you do………all a question of control?

JA: I am Indie, but not anti-major. It all boils down to how much someone is willing to compromise their integrity. I am Indie now b/c I made a choice not to make certain compromises. I think if a situation comes along and mutual intentions are good for all parties involved then it can work. If a label wants to do a situation based what they have heard and from

the numbers that they have scene, then why change. The problem is when music is treated like a commodity or something.

>> You do most everything yourself but tell me about the ‘team’ around you.

JA: No one can do everything on their own and it always helps to have a good team of people who see your vision and have your interest at heart. I mostly work with indie contractors on eveything from marketing and publicity, to concert promotions, to bookings, to distribution. However there are a few individual who are a constant presence in my efforts.

Reeda Worden(RAW Consulting) handles most of my affairs in the US from booking inquiries, to contracts, to inventories, to marketing efforts.Boyd Greenan in the UK handles pretty much all of my UK business from promotion to retail merchandising. These two folk definetly are a blessing and without their efforts much of what I am doing could not have been

accomplished.

>> Tell me about the album Don’t sleep…..just dream. How you put it >> together, what you aim to achieve. The styles, your preferences and so on. It grew from an EP from a couple of years back didn’t it. You

>> happy with the product. Seems odd that this was driven to an extent from the UK.

JA: This is actually my second full length LP. The first never saw a release in the US. The Dream EP(which was licensed in the UK) featured songs from that LP. The biggest misunderstanding that I have to clear is

that the two are one. DSJD and The Dream are two completely different records. If anyone had the EP, listen to the difference. I remixed and recorded a few songs from The Dream but they sound completely different on

this new project. The new album for me represents growth. As an artists and as a man. The struggle is evident and the pain is heard all through out this record. So much Blood, Sweat,& Tears went into it and so many politics to get it to the public. I appreciate the love that I have received form the UK so far, in the US Soul and R&B is struggling right

now. Hip-hop and Pop music are controlling radio and video. So it is a blessing whenever someone does acknowledge what you are doing.

>> Who are your influences from the past, and who out there right now are >> you feeling. There’s a modern R’n’B feel (like True Love) but very much Soul influenced (particularly on the ballads like say So Divine).

JA: Musically, I am big on EWF(Maurice Whites vocals made me want to sing), Stevie Wonder, Marvin, Donny, Prince, The Deal(Babyface), D'Angelo(from Richmond). The soul greats. But others as well... Nat King Cole(too smooth), Queen, Dr. Buzzard's Savannah Band, Rick James, Bootsy Collins. I would be here all day naming these joints. Right now I am

listening to Viktor Duplaix(genius), Towa Tei, Jamiroquai, Seal, N.E.R.D. But I mostly am on other indie cats like Jon Bibbs(we are touring together this summer), Peven Everett, Eric Roberson, Mello-D & The Rados,

Juliette Leon...Many of these are on CD Baby so support.

>> What kind of things do you write and where does the inspiration come from?

JA: Inspiration comes from life. The world that we live in is inspiring in itself. It's always present. I challenge anyone to go outside and look into the sky right now. You will be moved. God created this world to inspire us.

>> There’s some pretty good soulful R’n’B emerging right now, outside of the bling bling world and you fit into that . Do you agree? Are we going to see good songs, like yours, going big over the next few years. Has Soul’s time come round again?

JA: I think is all about cultivating the audience. We as artist must continue to fill them up on music that is nourishment for the soul and not pollution. The more we give, the more they can consume. Right now most of the mainstream mediums for music(radio and video) are filled with junk food. Taste good, but definitely not good for you. I think the music def.

has it's place, we just have to work to make sure that listeners are exposed to it. Once more listeners open themselves to what nourishes and less on what breaks down their moral fibers. The world will be a better place.

>> The upbeat track’s like What’s going down are going to be the ones that grab attention in the UK. What do you know about the UK scene.

JA: I've been told that the UK is generally privy to Dance music, but I think Soul is establishing a strong presence in the UK as well, especially in the last couple of years. All I can do is make music that is fun for me to make. I appreciate any love for anything I do. One thing I know is that the scene is filled with beautiful women and whatever they

want to hear are the request that I will fill first...:)

>> And you’ll be over soon?

JA: I will be there from 4/30/04-5/09/04 doing some club PA's, shop appearances and radio interviews. I will also be doing the Southport Weekender(Mad excited about meeting Viktor Duplaix at the joint) on May 7th at The Funkbase-Pontins Holiday Center and at The Soul by the Sea Concert in Fleetwood at Marine Hall. It should be alot of fun.

>> What kind of vibes are you getting back from the UK and elsewhere in the world

JA: I am getting an awful amount of love everywhere thus far. I really am kinda wowed with some of the things I have heard. With the support of great people and outlets like Chris Jay at Soul 24-7, Save our Soul,Darker then Blue, Soulwalking, Blues and Soul, Solar Radio, and of course those wonderful folk at Life and Soul, I know growth will continue. I'm just a indie cat trying to do my thing you know.

>> And what’s happening at home, both locally and nationally.

JA: Speaking of labels, I am actually in some negotiations with a major label for a new project so we'll how that goes. As for this project, it's starting to get video and radio adds on the networks and stations here. Hopefully it will be making some debuts over soon too. It is a slow process as an indie artist so it'll probably take me about a year to

really promote it.

>> Do you feel that you have now well and truly begun.

JA: I definitely feel that a foundation is being laid for further growth.

>> What other things are you doing to promo the album. Tell me about your show and your band. What can we expect.

JA: Expect a real soul experience. It's not me on stage, its everyone in the venue that is the show. My band is incredible...They call themselves Chicken Greas,b/c thats how funky they are...They won't be with me on this

trip, but the show will still be hot w/ extra sauce! No Milli Vanilli here, this is real Soul Music!

>> Do you do much live work generally.

JA: As much as possible. There is nothing like bringing it live on stage and interacting with people who know and don't know the music.

>> Some of your songs have been done by other artists. Tell me about some of these and how they came about.

JA:I have had a few placements for artists on Sony, Warner, and some indie projects as well mostly due to friendships and management connections. I am always collabing with other writers and producers to see what is born of it.

>> Tell me about some of the other work you have done and who for. I assume that you are full time in music

JA: The most exciting for me was probably the song I wrote for Bobby Lyles' Joyful LP. The song featured Howard Hewitt on vocals. I received a call from my tfmr mgr and he said there was a tune on Bobby's album that needed vocals and was going to feature Howard, but there was a time crunch. He asked could I do something for it. I was like ..Howard Hewitt,

Bobby Lyle...shit yea. He sent the track overnight and I got it the next day. I wrote and recorded it and sent it back the next. Three days later I was in LA with Bobby and Howard doing vocal arrangements and production on "Caught Up" It was very exciting for me since Howard was also one of my influences coming up. I continued to write for Howard after that and did several very good tunes for him. They kinda got "caught up ..lol, themselves though in the politics of the business.

>> Going back now, can you give me a bit of background and history. What you did before this album. How and when you realised music was gonna be the thing. I gather you ‘knew’ from an early age. Tell me about your first recording.

JA: When I was 3 I used to dance and sing for my mom's friends at the house, so I always knew I wanted to be involved. I started writing lyrics when I was 10, and started performing when I was 13. Did the Apollo in Harlem, NY and won and knew I wanted this as my career. Started playing keys around the age of 15 or so to start creating my own songs. I used to

use a tape recorder and music from video games to make songs. Then after I got the board and a karoake machine I used that to multi track like a reel to reel. The harmonies were tight, but all the static would make it barely audible...lol

>> And you did quite a lot of showcases and stuff while you were growing up.

JA:Too many, word to young artists. Don't get to caught up in that scene. They are good if you need to develop your stage presence or gain experience but after a while you need to outgrow it.

>> You’re from Richmond. What kind of place is that to be doing what your doing. Tell me a bit about your background. Are your parents musical, did they encourage.

JA: This area has actually produced alot of talent-D'angelo, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews, Major Harris, Jarrard Anthony...lol(just playing). ONe the real this place has sooo much talent. The thing is that it is not like the

big cities like New York or LA so no one comes here to find it. You generally have to go elsewhere for real opportunity.

>> And what other things do you like to do.

JA: I generally don't have a lot of time for social activities, but if I can catch a movie or museum exhibit I will, for the most part just chill with someone special and kick back.

>> Anything you’d like to add

JA: Yea, for when I come over, I'm single...lol

>> And I’ll try and get to see you when your over.

JA: Please do, I look forward to seeing you too Mike.

>> Good luck and thanks for your time

JA: Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I really appreciate that. Much love always.

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