In The Lab w/ THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE
I recently had the chance to catch up with the Grammy Nominated THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE. The collective have been making waves in the music scene and are setting a tone for many more great albums to come. They shared their process behind the magic of putting together “Leave It All Behind” to Nicolay’s sojourn in Shibuya. (CONGRATULATIONS on the GRAMMY NOMINATION!!)
=============================================
You guys are red hot and raising the bar. “Leave It All Behind” is in constant rotation in my mixes, the album is crazy nice (translation: its a really good record). What was the inspiration behind recording this album?
PHONTE: For me it was wanting to explore different kinds of music, doing something that I didn’t have a chance to do up until that point. I wanted to stretch out and try something new.
NICOLAY: We were on the same page, we didnt have a lotta ideas in the beginning but didnt want to do what we already did before. That was partly what the album was all about, kinda do something that we had not done before. Instead of starting a new chapter, we started writing a book.
The album is fun, tangible and its funky. How have you guys grown since the first release?
PHONTE: I try to focus more on my song writing. Writing songs with bridges, hooks and full fledge songs that stand well on their own, lyrically and melodically.
(To Nicolay) From a production stand point, I noticed you have strayed away from sampling for obvious reasons i’m sure. What’s your take on your approach as a producer then compared to now?
NICOLAY: I think you learn as you grow and by learning i dont mean just musically grow, but you learn everything behind the scenes. What I learned is that if you use samples and you are not finacially able to clear them, there is a lock on the music and you become limited to an “in the moment” type thing. We are trying to make music that is timeless, it is better to compose music that is 100% original. I also felt that I needed to creatively try something different, I reached whatever goal I had in the sampling arena. I wanted to try something new.
From what I gathered on “Leave It All Behind”, it appeals to Hip Hop fans but I also feel an approach to a new form of R&B being brewed, this album totally dispels the “R&B is dead” myth (which is a running joke amongst me and my peers)
PHONTE: When we sit at the piano and when I sit down to write in the studio, I’m not thinking of making any new type of R&B, etc. We’re just making music from our heart and it feels right.
Overall, Do you guys purposely stay away from titles, barriers and labels?
NICOLAY: I think as long you are trying to do something in the music industry, you can’t really get away from labeling music. People are going to expect you to slap a genre on it at the very least, especially with us running our own imprint we had to deal with situations like that. People think in terms of good and bad music, there is good music that comes in many different shapes and sizes, that’s what is important to me.
Who is responsible for the writing collective and putting the concepts together?
NICOLAY:Our method of working pretty much me starting with some ideas of sketches or work through tracks and send those to Phonte and them. At that point it becomes kinda under his control in the sense of song writing and collaborations with other artists. The whole song writing and vocal perspective is something that he’ll work on and i’ll get it back. In terms of concepts that we work with, it is normally Phonte that will come with stuff like that. In terms musically, we go back and fourth and find what’s the common ground between the two of us in terms of what we want to do in that’s why we kick it back and fourth like that.
How long did it take to put the album together?
NICOLAY: we started around the end of 06′, but we are not the type of people to really work on a project all the way through and that be the only thing. Its really an off and on type of thing, but overall it took about a year or two.
(To Nicolay) Shibuya is a beautiful album, with well crafted compositions. It seems like you were wide open on this album. What was your inspiration for this album and the title alone?
NICOLAY: In 06 I was lucky enough to visit Tokyo and Shibuya is the one of Tokyo’s areas, kind of the more hip trendy places. Roughly, the album is inspired of what I saw there and the overall feeling. The album is an ode to that experience and the people, the noises and vibes.
What is your experience with the international market and them receiving the material? There is so much great music in the states, how do you guys stand out and stay concistent?
PHONTE: It comes from the inner desire to want to do better and being a genuine fan of the music you create. That’s what keeps you going.
(To Phonte) How are you able to incorporate the duality of singing, writing and rapping?
PHONTE: I think its both sides of me that I enjoy doing, I dont really look at it as a rap career or singing career.
Radio is changing in this day in age, are you guys seeking to cater in the direction of radio play or are you guys satisfied with solid and concistent underground audience?
PHONTE: Radio aint changing, Radio is dying. (all laugh)
Im trying to be PC about it. (all laugh)
PHONTE: For me personally its about making the music I want to make and letting it connect with the people I enjoy. Thats it for me, radio has never supported our records for the years i’ve been in the game and we’ve been able to survive and thrive.
(To Nicolay) In your previous releases you had a very warm sound? What type of new toys you are using these days?
NICOLAY: Well on “Connected” I didnt have any equiptment, I did that mainly with a computer, keyboard, desk top speakers that came with it and a bass. I did the best that I could with what I had. I think with minimal means we are always able to do a lot, we sometimes jokingly say that are two tracks are no less better than people’s multi track.
Any future remixes or upcoming artists that you are grooming at the moment?
NICOLAY: Actually, i’ve been doing a lot of remixes lately. I just finished a remix for RJD2, his new record is coming out soon. I did a remix for Vikter Duplaix his new single “Electric Love”, I did a remix for Sy Smith. Phonte and myself are working on a number of projetcs but eventually The Foreign Exchage Music is now also our imprint. Which means we can put our strength behind some of the people we’ve been down with for a mintute. Zo! who plays in our live band is working on his full length album which is coming in the Summer of 2010. We’re working with Yazarah, who people know from the both Foreign Exchange albums as well as our tour. She’s dropping her album with us in Spring. Phonte is working on his solo album that will drop in the Fall, all in all we got a lot going on.
(To Phonte) What’s going on with Little Brother?
PHONTE: We got an EP that we will be dropping this year.
a Very Special Thanks to..
http://www.theforeignexchangemusic.com/http://www.thebeautifulproject.blog.com/
=============================================
Interview: Dj A-Ski
Powered by: Unique74
Unique74 salutes D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” (Happy Anniversary!!)
10 years ago, I had the honor and pleasure of watching this project grow from its infancy while working at Virgin/EMI and it was one of the most refreshing records that was needed for that time, it set the tone for many to come after that. This was a straight up FUNK album whether so called “Neo Soul” heads can embrace or swallow it…Many folks wanted what he did on the first album and if you listened carefully he gave you some of that in songs like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, “One Mo’ Gin” and “Send It On” (which is a major nod of respect to Kool and The Gang…do your research and call me later on that one…). He wanted to push the envelope (as many of us Aquarians) and raise the bar for this release and the mission was accomplished.
I remember “the video” was a major conversation piece when it first dropped and watching my man sell out a show in less than 30 minutes..There was a lot of LOVE, TIME and HARD WORK put into this project on all ends from production to promotion.
I am very proud to say Happy Anniversary to D’angelo’s “Voodoo”!! We Need You Bruv (there’s been too many aight substitute teachers…) + Happy B’day!! (im waiting on that BLUES album…)
Peace and Love,
DJ A-Ski
Fast For Healing In Haiti
Fast For Healing in Haiti
There is nothing more powerful than collective hearts and minds coming together in the name of healing. Our brothers and sisters in Haiti have experienced the extreme depths of pain, loss, and suffering. Current conditions have left hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children fighting for their basic needs. Donations are essential but demonstrating solidarity in recognition of their current conditions by giving up our basic luxuries is even more powerful. Think about the amount of money we spend on a cup of coffee from Starbucks, a glass of wine at the bar, or even the time you spend watching your favorite television show. We are inviting you to participate in a “Fast for Healing in Haiti” on Sunday Jan 24 to Tuesday Jan. 26. If you plan to participate RSVP to the event.
Fast Basics
Do what works best for you within your comfort zone. Ideally, participants will do a juice fast, consisting of fresh squeezed juices. If that is too extreme, then eating only raw food (Salads, fruits) is also ideal. Most importantly, NO ALCOHOL, COFFEE, or any other vice of the sort.
Donating
We also ask that each participant donate to one of the following organizations:
Yele Haiti
Text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill) or visitwww.yele.org .
Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees
haitianwomen@aol.com. You can also contact
Sabine Blaizin @
oyasoundproductions@yahoo.com -for more information about this organization.
Doctors Without Borders
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Save the Children
https://secure.savethechildren.org/01/web_e_haiti_earthquake_10
Hope for Haiti
Log In
We want to spread the word about the power of collective healing. We ask that you log on and post the word COLLECTIVE HEALING in your headline for at least one day to show that you are giving your time and energy in the name of healing.
Affirmations/Quotes/Prayers
We will post daily positive affirmations as reminders of why we have chosen to give up our basic comforts in the name of healing. We also invite you to share your thoughts, prayers and affirmations on this event wall and in your headlines.
Many thanks for recognizing your power to be a catalyst for healing. Happy fasting!
Much Peace and Love,
Unique 74
http://www.unique74mag.com
YELE : SUPPORT | HEAL | HAITI
Text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or visit
www.yele.org .
Unique74 SALUTES DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR | HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
a MAN who changed the world yet walked ALONE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR KING!
In the words of The Godfather of Soul James Brown: “Im not gonna tell you what to do, Im not gonna raise a fuss”. However, I urge you all to
please take time and reflect on a man who dedicated his life for purpose and change. There are many out there who waste their lives away by undermining their own potential and not seeking higher ground. Turn that around and uplift yourself from the muck and mire, no matter how old or young. Analyze how you treat your fellow man and woman while breaking the mirror of vanity, take that same mirror and reflect on your own true potential and purpose. As a result, you will uplift those around you and they too will inspire. To even ponder this notion would be a beyond fitting way to celebrate and commemorate MLK Day.
Unique74 Revisited: Ammon Contact | People Under The Stairs
Reviews by Dj A-Ski
Ammon Contact
With Voices
(Ninja Tune)
Ammon Contact chimes in with a beautiful collage of
Hip Hop, Be Bop, Soul, Funk, Jazz and other sincere
gems. A spiritual journey through the form of sound,
Ammon Contact presents a very honest approach with
challenging rhythms and beautiful tones. The entire
album is very uplifting with tracks such as “Drum
Riders” feat Brother J, “With Voices” feat Lil Sci,
Hip Hop heads please dont sleep on these gems! The
very majestic “A Zillion Tamborines” feat the
legendary Kamau Daaood, “Earth Children” feat Mia Doi
Todd and “Children of the Sun” feat “Dwight Trible”
are staples that are immersed in brilliance. This
release rings in different colors and emotions that
are sure to raise the standard in progressive music
alive. This release is the sure shot!
(courtesy of Beautiful Decay | 6.19.06)
People Under The Stairs
Stepfather
(Basement Records)
An uplifting collage of party rhymes and analogue rhythms, the “peoples” come with the goods. The intro sets the tone with a “Brady Bunch Gone Funky” sample while putting in overtime on the production with intricate arrangements and grooves leaning towards the 86-89 style but with a new school approach. Double K comes in strong with the rhyme flow, witty projection and punch. Thes One comes in as a good balance factor with a lighter approach yet tactful. An array of tones and emotions range on this release such as the retrospective “Days Like This” to the King Of Pop infueled “Tuxedo Rap”. “Flexx Off” is a really strong record as well which pays tribute to Uncle Jam George Clinton. Sir Nose later makes a cameo appearance in the ultra hip “The Doctor and The Kidd”. PUTS provides variety infused with excellent production and a sincere approach to this potential classic.
(courtesy of Beautiful Decay | 3.30.06)
Unique74 Remembers…Willie Mitchell and Teddy Pendergrass
Willie Mitchell, producer extraordinaire was the vanguard of “The Memphis Sound” and recorded countless classics with Al Green, Syl Johnson, OV Wright, Ann Peebles, Detroit Emeralds, etc. He kept the gritty sound of Memphis Soul alive and was last of the old school producers of his era (next to Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn). I later learned he used an 8 track board to record many of those classics sessions such as “Love and Happiness” and “I Cant Stand The Rain”. Rest well Sir Willie!
Produced by WILLIE MITCHELL
Like a thief in the night, TP always set the mood for any night while reminding us to “Wake Up Everybody”. North Philly’s own Theodore Pendergrass was the last of the gruff style, pro masculine baritone singers (Ie David Ruffin, Marvin Junior of The Dells, Wee Gee of The Dramatics) who broke the mold with his aggressive style. His signature style not only made waves in the Soul market, he also conquered the Pop market without compromise. As a kid, I remember Teddy was so popular that he had his own line of “Teddy Jeans” and teddy bears (hence his nickname “Teddy Bear”). His dominant urge in emotion was felt on every track and still stands the test of time, beyond a class act. Rest well Sir Teddy.
Conan.
Im not mad at Conan one bit..the better man should NEVER play second fiddle to any man. Make them RESPECT your brand.
1.17 | A Benefit For MLK + HAITI | ZANZIBAR
In light of the devastation as a result of the recent earthquake in Haiti, this event will also be used to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti.
This is what Dr. King stood for. This is what we stand for. Please stand with us.
Sunday January 17, 2010
at Zanzibar
1301 5th St
Santa Monica, CA
9PM – 2AM
Donation $5
100% of door proceeds will benefit HAITI & The Martin Luther King National Memorial
In this same spirit, we also recognize the devastation that has occurred in Haiti as a result of the recent earthquake. The people of Haiti desperately need your help. Please visit The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) for more information on how you can assist in the relief efforts.
LINKS
MLK National Memorial -http://www.mlkmemorial.org
The Center for International Disaster Information –
http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/
Department of State Hotline (for information on family members in Haiti) – (888) 407-4747
Unique74 meets the Unique original himself..
I finally shook hands and met THE MAN himself today…it was surreal..im still sky high from the whole experience…
The Night Is On My Mind: Bobby Womack | How Could You Break My Heart | Nobody Wants You When You’re Down & Out
Every now and then I get stuck on these Bobby Womack trips..this week i’ve been channeling him big time. I am confident we will meet in due time.. this track goes hard (the dialogue is priceless..lol)..
dammit where’s KC Hailey?!!
Barry White has a vamp that is very similiar to this track that he recorded around this same time (78-79). I gotta dig up and post it..I think its on the “Barry White :The Man” lp.
========================
Had to come with the double shotter for “The Poet”…I was literally RAISED on this next selection..this is a remake of an old ragtime blues classic..This is actually my FAVORITE in all of Bobby’s songs..The sessions with his rhythm section during this period (“PEACE” w/David Hood, Roger Hawkins, etc) were off the chain! Listen to that swing and grit! Priceless! A huge shout out to whoever mixed his sessions during the 70′s period..you always felt “the bottom” on all of Bobby’s tracks (observe how the string section “rises” in on the fade out!!).
Jive Talk 101: The New Swag
Today’s Swag is Yesterday’s Jiggy (both are corny).
Unique74 Education: MATERIALOLOGY
What is Materialology all about…?
Welcome world, here we are dedicated to all things material from the things we want, obsess or think we need. I have joined with my follow MARTERIALIST to share, expose and educate of the praiseworthy product the world has to offer for your material fix…Enjoy
This is a new blog that just launched and I can assure you that there will be some big things coming from this site. What you see today is the early stages of what’s to come.
Because we have a close relationship with the creator of this site, we are able to look a little bit closer as to how this project came about. More importantly, we understand the developmental process and courage that it takes to have a vision and then to share it with the world. So, while you frequent this site and gain exposure to some of the finer things in life, take a second and realize that somebody is putting their heart and soul into this project and their is a deeper meaning to it…it’s up to you to find it!
