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Summer 2003 and without a doubt the man
of the hour on the soulful side of things is Detroit’s
own Dwele. I first encountered this artist’s unique
and stripped down hip hop soul sound in 2000 when bootleg
demos of his Stevie Wonder take off “Too Fly”
made the rounds among us Atlanta soul heads. I’ve
been following ever since. The independent Dwele release
“Rize” was my soundtrack in 2001 along with
a fair share of “Dwele Remixes” for everyone
from London’s New Sector Movements to Lucy Pearl.
I knew being featured on the hook for Slum Village’s
2002 hit “Tainted” was a good sign, and now
the much-anticipated major label debut has hit the shelves.
“Subject”, is the title and
it’s a refreshing record, definitely worth the wait
and capturing the sound of the summer. The album comes together
well and the warm hip hop swing that Dwele brings to the
boards is so infectious you could put it on virtually anywhere
and get good response. The Drums knock and lyrics are tasteful
and honest explorations of loving. This is a must have for
any soul music head.
When I was blessed with the opportunity to speak with Dwele
about the release thanks to our friends at Room Service
Inc. I was thrilled and here’s our…
CONVERSATION:
WITH DWELE
Q: Its good
to hear you on commercial radio, how do you feel about breaking
the surface?
A: It feels
good, I actually experienced it last year with the Slum
Village Tainted single, and all my friends family were really
happy for me it was a good feeling. As far as this album
I feel good about the album in general it’s a little
more commercial than my previous work but its more accessible
and I wanted to expose a variety of people to my music without
compromising too much. I was going for the perfect background
music for sitting around cooling out, or for your barbeque,
baby making or riding around with the top down in your Sebring
or your Lexus. (both LOL) It also opens the door for my
past work to be heard, the earlier stuff is more hip hop
oriented and raw, and now a person will be more likely to
give it all a chance because of this record.
Q:
Explain the title – Subject.
A: I just
wanted to focus on something that everyone could relate
to and the Subject is the Woman, loving and relating to
them.
Q: Is there
a favorite track?
A: That’s
hard I like them all, but “Truth” and “Without
you” especially.
Q: So you
sing, produce tracks, write a lot of the songs. Do you play?
A: Key boards
and Fender Rhodes Piano and I’m learning the guitar?
Q: Do you
have any terminology or description for your sound?
A: No not
really but its based in hip-hop, jazz, and soul.
Q: What other
artists are you enjoying right now:
A: There are
so many but I’m into anyone that’s making music
and being true to themselves with it.
Q: A lot of
people will not have heard your previous work and this album
is their introduction to you. What can they expect or anything
they should know about you as an artist?
A: My inspirations
are Donnie Hathaway, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye all the greats
but look for a variety of things from me musically, because
I’m into a lot of different styles, everything from
hip hop to techno.
Q: So what’s
next for Dwele?
A: Working
on my live show learning the guitar, pushing the album here
and overseas.
Q: Fans overseas
have been with you for a while now. I first heard your song
“Too Fly” on the Giles Petersen Show on BBC
Radio 1.
A: Funny you
say that, I just met him in London. I visited his show and
his club night at Barumba, the music and vibe were great
and it was a great experience.
Q: That’s
our time Dwele, we appreciate you taking a moment to talk
to us, any shout outs?
A: Your Welcome,
thanks for your support and as far as shout outs…
Slum Village Big Up! I’ve got tracks on their forthcoming
album and finally Big Up to everyone making music from the
heart. Peace.
Interview by Jeff Johnson for LiquidSoulRadio.com
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