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Jamal: Who is Cody ChestnuTT?
Cody: Just a brother from Atlanta who moved out to LA about 10 years ago to make my mark, chasing a dream figuring it out as I go. I was blessed to be able to complete my record (the Headphone Masterpiece) about a year ago.

Jamal: So your from the "ATL" originally, what high school did you go to?
Cody: Gordon and my partner Don'ray went to Douglass

Jamal: So definitely an Atlanta affair, are people surprised when you mention where your from?
Cody: Well a lot of time especially on the West Coast When I tell people that they say "okay I kinda feel that vibe" from you. A lot of other times people are surprised because they assumed New York or London.

Jamal: You have a very universal sound, you could be from anywhere.
Cody: I give the creator glory for that because I'm just being me.

Jamal: No Doubt, lets talk about your album; it's an eclectic mix. I really couldn't put a tag on it because it incorporates elements of rock n roll, soul, funk, and hip-hop. What inspired the record?
Cody: My love for music, like any other musician you want to make sure the feeling and integrity of the art continues. I grew up in a family that has been into and following music since the 30's.
My uncles, who taught me about real composition early on nurtured me in that type of environment. I embraced all of that and tried to find my function in the whole formula but I call it "soul music", without that it ain't nothing.

Jamal: The foundation of everything.
Cody: Right

Jamal: So you did the whole album in your bedroom, the " Sonic Promise land"?
--Room laughs --
Cody: Yep
--Room laughs again --

ChestnuTT's Bedroom / Studio

Jamal: You played everything on the record.
Cody: With the exception of the saxophone performances, I can't play sax but I wrote and arranged the horn lines and had my man RH the "cool hippie white cat" come and lay it down over some pasta.

Jamal: Best Way to do it.
Cody: Yep

Jamal: So you trying to be on some Sly Stone stuff, a "self contained" artist
Cody: There have been so many great "self contained" artists in this culture, I just feel blessed to get the baton and keep it moving.

Jamal: Your PR is great, your everywhere, every magazine I open there you are. I opened up a soul magazine from UK "Straight N Chaser" and there you were 2 page spread, how does all the press and exposure feel.
Cody: completely humble, the almighty has definitely been taking care of us, that's been the push behind the whole thing, our faith and the word of mouth because people are hungry for it (the music) and have been spreading the word everywhere. It's transcending all barriers, even the (music) industry. It's hit people in the heart again - just like it did me at the time when I was like "okay this is what I'm going to give to world". It's been a new experience for me and I'm just glad to have been a part of it.

Jamal: It's definitely a new experience; I can't say that I've heard a record like this. It's definitely an original.
Cody: Thanks I appreciate that.

Jamal: Lets play something from the record
Cody: Cool
-- "No One Will" plays--

Jamal: That's one of my favorites
Cody: Actually a lot of people seem to relate to that song, I had one brother tell me it saved his relationship.

Jamal: Whats the song all about?
Cody: Commitment, how I'm willing to submit in a relationship to the ultimate power which is love. swallowing my pride and everything.

Jamal: No doubt, so musically who are your influences?
Cody: The whole body of work from the Motown family, Sly, Otis Redding, and the Beatles for their ability to compose.

Jamal: So I'm gong mention some of the things I've heard about you and just get your take on them, truth or false whatever ok?
Cody: Shoot

Jamal: Were you signed to Deathrow Records?
Cody: No I had a writing gig for a group affiliated with them at the time

Jamal: The $2-Bill Show, with the Roots, I saw it on MTV2 and I heard that you have a song with them on the forthcoming Roots Album. How did that happen?
Cody: That was a blessing, their road manager got at my partner Don' Ray. They came across the record in LA, loved it, knew all the words and everything. Flew me out to Jimmie Hendrix's former studio and we did our thing.

Jamal: How did you end up on stage with the Strokes on that MTV2 performance?
Cody: Well I went to the lead singer and asked him if he wanted to make history, he said "How do we do that "? I said " Invite me on stage, lets not wait for MTV to okay it just seize the moment., and we did."

Jamal: I heard that you were in a Brit-Pop band once.
Cody: Yep with the accent and everything, wrapped up in it, I go where the music moves me.

Jamal: That's interesting because the dynamic there is so far apart; you got R&B and Brit Pop. I think that really defines Cody ChestnuTT because you embody so many perspectives musically. It shows on the album and it's a treat. The album is a treat and we at S.O.U.L hope it does well for you brother…