Marti St.Michaels

1. The Song "Happy Song" was a massive success for you within the Soulful Garage vein/scene.However, do you feel that people are now pigeon holing you by making it difficult to be creative, and produce a different sound.?

"No I tink its a matter of trying new things. I would like to do some Rn'B, and maybe some Gospel material. But my roots will always be in Dance!!!

2.What's the scene in like nowadays in your respective cities The last time I have spoken about Garage music within the Usa, it hadn't touched the the public consciouness as muchas it has in England. Has this changed. Are the Radio Stations now playing more Garage than they used to? Or is the vibe still the same regarding the music?

In Baltimore USA, there are only 3xRadio stations that play House music 88.9FM which is a College Radio Station (Morgan State University) 92Q and 102.7 2X commercial radio stations...

3.Who has comntinually impressed you over the last 5 years in the realms of this music and Why?
Blaze, Masters at Work, Victor Simmonelli, etc, etc ...who?

Barbara Tucker because of the lyrical content of her songs and the production and remixes done on her singles. Also I'm immpressed by Kenny Bobein becuase of his vocal style is similiar to my own.

4. Forgive us over here in Europe, and more so England, but we have come to the conclusion that New Jersey seems to be able to find Dj's or Singers at the top of the hat!!
Within this style of music. Blaze, Smack, Adeva, Jomanda, David Camatcho, Michael Watford, Arnold Jarvis.......
Is this happening within this area of the world?

Yes, I would say the Baltimore-Washington area is coming into its own. Batimore, has enormous wealth of talent, singers and rappers always looking for projects or doing shows.

5. Have you visited England already? If not are there plans to do so with a band or something in the future?

No, I haven't been yet, but there is talk of me comming over in the future, with some live performances, possibly some radio interviews.

6. To many of us over here (England- Europe) you are a new talent? Could you tell us who you have worked with in the past?

I've done studio work with Ultra Nate and Shelia Ford. I 've performed on stage with Colonel Abrams, Barbara Tucker, Janice Rushmore, Tonya Blount, CC Penniston and last but not least Ms.Patti Labelle!!.

7.Could you tell me how the hit single, which got critical some critical acclaim in the Soulful House field came about?

Actually, "Happy Song has been around since 1994, and it was written during a period in my life when I needed personel inspirational and ironically Charles Dockins was having similiar experiences in his life, so we got together and created "Happy Song"

7a. Were you contacted by your agent that Groove On Records might be wanting a single put out soon, and required a vocalist?

What happened was that Charles Dockins had been speaking to several labels about "Happy Song" and Groove On Records expressed a heavy interest in the track, and the rest is history!!

8.Your voice and delivery has been closely linked to the great singer of the past and present such as Slyvester and Bryon Stingily.
Does this present a problem in some way, or does this make your heart jump!!!

I think this is flattering to be compared with Slyvester or Bryon, but we all stand alone individually.
There is only one Slyvester and one Bryon Stingily and One Marti St. Michaels. I must say that my one regret as that I didn't get te chance to record with Slyvester because of his passing. He is truly missed. I would definately liked to do a project with Bryon in the near future also.

9.Research that I have done seems that you a certain Ms.Patti Labelle was so impressed by your singing that she invited you to sing with her at her next venue.
How did she hear of you? How many time did you perform together on stage, or within the studios?

The reason why that came about was that back in 1993 I had attended one of her shows and during her song called "Somebody Loves you Baby" she had asked for audience anticipation. I stood up and came up on stage and sng with her. After that I managed to sing with Patti 5 more time after that

10.What do you think of the new technology that is available to us such as the Internet. Do oyu see this as something to fear?
Or do you see this as something to incorporate into out lives, something that can work with?

I think that systems like the Internet is great because it gives artists like my self the exposure tp people who may have not otherwise heard of me, and its a way of communicating to people all over the world.

11. How do you see other artists from your area doing in comparision to the more traditional centres for Garage and Deep House music in 1998?
. Cities such as Chicago, New Jersey and New York?
For instance, from your area alone we have witnessed Deep Dish, 95 North productions, The Basement Boys for instance - just for starters!!!

I think that because we have a lot of talented songwriters and productions singers like myself, Ultra Nate, Anold Jarvis and Crystal Waters started out out in this area.
Every year its getting better and better with more opportunites for Baltimore artists to gain national and international attention.

11a.Are you yourself currently signed to a record label?

I am currently not signed to a label, but we have been talking to several and the prospects look good.

12.How do people within your area generally rate you or have taken to you since you have gained some success with Happy SongIs there some jealously from local singers, djs or producers on this score?

As far as I am concerned there has been no jealosly at least I haven't been approached with it?
I can honestly say that I aven't been mobbed while leaving my House, but I have had people come up to me and tell me that they like my music.
And sometimes when I go out to clubs it's a little strange having people ask me for my autograph I guess, because I don't see myself as a celebrity.
I think that I have a long way to go before I achieve that type of status!!!

13.Is there any chance of you collbrating with another Charles Dockins project in the future for an album deal for instance?

At his point of time I would have to say no; but who knows what the future holds?

14. In your opinion, who should we be watching out for in the future when it concerns House and Garage music.

Myself of course, Maurice Hawkins, Brian Bristol and Shawn Hawkins!!

15. At the moment who impresses you within the world of House and Garage music?

I would have to say Martha Wash because she has such a powerful voice that can reach your soul and Bryon Stingily, because he has the kind of voice that can invoke certain emotions within a person!!!!

16. Who's had the greatest influence on your work so far?
Was it your father? Or was it Djs or Producers such as Frankie Knuckles or Tony Humpheries that has aspired you to greater things

I would say Tony Humpheries because he has command of a crowd when he is spinning.
He knows what to play and when to play it.
Tony was also one of the first Dj's to break "Happy Song".