Jas Tunica El

Interview 6 December 2003

Interviews Menu – Interviews

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











Visitors: