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| As many will remember, he was with Prince during the Rave2000 Concert. DuJuan Elliot is one of the Blackshire Brothers and he has been Prince's backing vocalist from 1999 to 2008. He is a gospel singer and he has been touring all around the States with his band The Beard Family. Now he will release his first EP "New Age, New Day". Video The Interview 1° - How was it to work on your first EP? You are a sound engineer so, did you take control of this side of the work or did you rely on trusted professionals?
Working on my EP has been very liberating to be able to execute my own ideas, and allow my ideas to grow and develop into something completely unique. Unique, that's how I would describe myself and this EP. Working on this has definitely been a breath of fresh air. I have been able to find my inner voice. I took on the engineering myself after working with so many "professionals," who could not get me the sound that I wanted. I have been engineering for 20+ years, so the transition to recording and engineering my own music came easy.
2° - Is "New Age, New Day" an introduction, a first taste, to a full album debut?
Absolutely. "New Age, New Day" is definitely an introduction to a full album. Just giving the world a little taste of what DuJuan Elliott has to offer in the near future. I am looking forward to lots of feedback from my fans.
3° - "Let Me In" has a dance sound. What else will we listen to? Which other sonorities did you put inside "New Age, New Day"?
I have maintained being true to myself throughout this album, in that, I do not approach music creation with a "genre" state of mind. Please expect a lot of different sound palates within the DuJuan Elliott brand. I wanted to make sure this album had a little something for everyone on it.
4° - Now let me ask you about Prince. You had been working with him since 1999. People who knew him or worked with him has recalled lots of untold stories about him. What was your experience, your relation with Prince?
Prince was like a brother to my brothers and I. We had a lot of fun together and made a lot of great music together. We talked a lot of crap to each other, like brothers tend to do. He challenged and pushed me to do things that I did not know I was capable of doing.
5° - "The Rainbow Children" was a milestone for many people, full of significations - it was for me as well. You took part in this work: does it have a special meaning for you?
We were touring with Prince at the time of the release, but he had completed this record before we actually got with him. It is a very artistic album, with a lot of jazz influences. It's a great record and I love the artwork for it!
6° - Prince's death was a shocking news for everybody - I cried all week long. What kind of legacy did he leave you?
His death brought on a lot of mixed feelings for me. I was certainly hurt, and quite shocked when I got the call. Prince left me a foundation. For everything that I create today, there are certain aspects that are inspired by him. It might be vocals or how I approach my production process, or even the fluidity of how I work...it's done with him in mind.
7° - What did you learn working with Prince?
I learned to never EVER lose inspiration, because inspiration is all around us. I learned to not approach music from a "genre" state of mind, but to just be who you were made to be and build from that foundation. I learned so much, it would take a book to even begin to explain my experiences with Prince.
8° - Do you look after his teachings in your work?
Absolutely. One of the biggest teachings that I have applied is his work ethic. Prince had a ridiculous work ethic. Everyday, I try to approach my music the way that he did, striving for perfection.
9° - What would you suggest to young people who'd like to find their way in music?
For starters, definitely find your own voice. I think this is something that is lacking in most artists today. This is something that the music industry does not teach you anymore. Be diligent. Don't feel so entitled. Learn to put in the work. Be patient. Your time, is your time. Music is all about creative freedom, develop your own sound. DuJuan Elliott official site DuJuan Elliott Youtube DuJuan Ellioltt Twitter DuJuan Elliott Facebook DuJuan Elliott InstagramEdited by VAMPYNPG2000 - 6/2/2017, 19:12
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