Jas Tunica El
Interview 6 December 2003
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Hey you've been
around London-born, New York-raised, Atlanta-based. Tell me a bit
about yourself, your background and so on and how you landed
in
Atlanta. Is Atlanta now where you want to be.
I
was born in London, my parents migrated from Jamaica in the 60's. We
had friends in New York who convinced my parents that America was the
promised land. By the 70's my family moved to Eastchester New York
where we lived until we moved to Upstate New York. When I became a
teenager my strict upbringing, a combination of Jamaican parents and
Seventh Day Adventist had me packing my bags and heading to New York
City where I lived until I made the journey to Atlanta.
And what's it like
to be there musically, some good things coming out of Atlanta right
now.
Atlanta was the only city where I had relatives
living on the East Coast. I figured if I didn't like it then I could
always go back. I heard that
Atlanta had it going on and to
some degree that is true. The housing cost less, however I don't see
myself living here exclusively. I miss the
cultural diversity of
living in a large city such as New York. Musically it is a very
clickish city. You have certain producers that only deal with
their
click and don't support you unless you are "connected".
I was often asked who I knew and who I was down with when I was
searching for producers and musicians alike.
You're music takes
from a diversity of genres..and gives too. Tell me about how
you work it all in and how it comes together, and who out there
from
before and now would you cite as your main influences.
My
music is diverse because I am. I am Aries. I have multi faceted
like a diamond, my birth stone. I think some of us supress the sides
of us that we have guilt about. Like sex. The most natural thing in
the world, yet we have guilt about doing what we want how we want.
I went into this album writing and producing and experimenting with
my voice, sounds and feelings. Melodic Moods was the end
result. I worked with the most humble and giving producers who
deserve the medal of patience. For instance I would hear a sound, a
melody and we would work to produce that sound, this sometimes took
many sessions.
Growing up in a very strict religious home we were
forbidden to listen to any thing else than hymns. I did get my dose
of the Bee Gees from a neighbor, or Marvin Gaye from my older
brother. I got doses of influences over my childhood strictly
on the down Low !
'Life Music' Soul Music
- fitting for my site!
Reading your bio there is emphasis on
astrology, tormented souls and so on, in addition to the imagery.
Tell me about your personality, your
ideologies and your
philosphies.
I am PASSIONATE about life. My feelings are
deeper than most. I tend to go to extremes, so I will cry when
watching the news if a child has been hurt. Then I want to take
revenge into my own hands for the stranger. I read something
once from an astrology book that breaks you down by the DAY you were
born. April 18th, ( THE DEFENDERS), like why couldn't I be born
on the 17th, or 19th! But, I'm cool with it, I have to be, I
don't have a choice. I believe in freedom of choice without being
judged. As long as you don't hurt anyone, live, believe and
love as you see fit. This life we have on this earth, no matter what
you believe is short, so make the very best of what you have.
Tell me about your stage show. How many gigs do you do.
I love doing a live show. People who hear my CD then see me live tell me I should record the live shows and put out another CD. I can actually connect to the audience when performing live. I can reach out and feel the energy, so I will respond to the love and give back. The exchange is powerful. This year I gig in Miami, Philadephia ( The Black Lilly), Atlanta and other spots to name a few. I slowed it down so I could start working on my next joint.
The musicians are
all from zuudiakus? You're a close knit bunch, a family?
Tell me about the group and the talents within.
Zuudiakus Entertainment is my family. The CEO is
my husband who has his own group as well "El Mo'Roonz".
The drummer sang backround vocals for me. The percussionist did
the same. Zuudiakus has a few new acts coming out next year, soulful
and guaranteed to make you move. We party, cook, hangout and whatever
goes together. Our children all are close and go to school
together. We are a family.
You operate as a label? How's it going?
A album is as good as the exposure. At first
I was naive and thought that word of mouth, local radio and my love
of my first project would have me world wide. Not so. I
quickly learned that the politics or radio can make or break a
record. It's a cycle. You Pay the radio station (maybe
not directly but you will pay someone to have it played) then
the single gets airplay. The people listen and you are exposed. If
they like what they hear they buy it, if they don't they will talk
about it. One way or the other you are getting exposure. The
local magazines will only do stories on you if you are connected to
something big. So, you are greatful to the local stores that sell
your product and the internet website.
www.zuudiakusentertainment.com
. Oh, but I have learned the game and will be a major player
with my next CD.
And your album, how's that doing, locally and at home and elsewhere. Tell me about how the album was put together, what you tried to achieve, how long it took, how you wrote the songs. It is so varied from straight neo, reggae, dubby trancy items and so on do you have any preferences. I prefer the back end of the album and tracks like Comforted True Fried wanted. You've seen my review anyway at http://www.lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk/part10.htm
I took me two years to complete the album. That sounds long but I have a family, so I didn't have the luxury of going to the studio daily. My familybeing the most important aspect in my life came first. If my babysitter wasn't available, I wouldn't do a show. Years from now when my children are grown, my music career is being supported by TV adds etc (smile), the most important thing will be what a success my children are. I wrote down a lists of topics I was passionate about and wrote around them, using real life experiences and playing with the chords of my keyboards set the mood for the song. I read your review and we were in sync with my favorites. Towards the end of the album I was growing, I was leaning more to that strong bass line and off key melodies.
What's on
the agenda in the promoing stakes - a tour? Anything happening UK
or Europe?
I see myself in Europe, Summer of 2004
promoting my new album also Japan.
And what's going to
be happening in the future?
The future as I see it
although the Creator might have another plan will beto finish this
next CD. I am very excited about it. I will still continue to use my
vocal range, but man the beats are going to be on another level. I
wont be cutting my locks anytime soon, but It's time to explore
another side of my style ( It will be a surprise) on hint, I wont be
naked. My children will not have a picture of me with my ass
out!
Do you have any family, do you have spare time ,what do you like to do?
Yes, I have two wonderful kids a boy and girl.
They are my entertainment, my doses of happy everyday. They truly
complete me.
Anything else
you'd like to add?
I want all of you who read this
interview to remain true to you, true to what you believe.
Don't ever follow the crowd but be your own person and stand up for
what you believe. Don't be discouraged by what others say to
you or about you, for you are responsible for your happiness.
Peace
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