Osunlade, St.Louis, Missouri, Usa - The Official Interview

Name:Osunlade,
Age:33 years old
Sex:Male
Born:March 13,1969
Location:New York City,Usa

1.For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of Soulful House and Garage, UK Underground music could you tell us how you got started in this game?

When, I started when I created my label called Yoruba Records...

1a. Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today? My Faith...Ifa (traditional african beliefs) 1(a) Was through listen to your parents (Did they have an artists or performer that they constantly kept going on about that influenced you)although there was lots of music in my home, ive always liked music since as far back as i can remember.... 1(b) Was through listening at a early age to the Radio to a particular sound or artist 1(c) Was through going to the church (being part of a choir?) 1(d) Or was it by being forced to take musical lessons that influenced your choice?

All of the above, I sang in the church choir, listen to radio,and had piano lessons at an early age...

2. Who was your first musical hero? Was it Artists from the.. Soul area Hiphop scene Rock/Heavy Metal scene, Pop artists, Drum and Bass artists... Or just any particular artist/s?

Growing up, my musical hero was Prince...

3. You are a Dj/Producer and Musician(First and Formost!!). What was the first club or music venue or other entertainment venue that you played that allow you to gain vital experience to that is invaluable now! Is it still there now?; and have you gone back to play there from time to time?

Theres really no specific venue that I feel has more influence over any others, they all are experiences I learn and grow from....

4. New Yorks legacy with the formation of Soulful House and Garage music is strong. It was one of the first Cities within America to lay claims of inventing the music. Did you ever venture into the Paradise Garage or the Zanzibar nightspots in the height of their popularity. Or did you just miss it?

Nah, I just missed it by three or four years time....

5. I didn't know this, but you were once a presenter in the world reknowned Children's programe called "Sesame street". Did you have a lot of fun doing "Sesame Street", or not? Did this show give you any breaks within the media worlds at all?

I did have fun, but it was a challenge as it was at the age of 17 that I worked on the programme, it didn't really give me any media breaks persay, with the exception of the show itself...

6. You are a self taught musician. However, did djing come easy to you. I take it that you can dj? If you do Dj. Are you one that prefers to "Blend", rather then chop and change between tracks when djing?

I do it all! mostly I like to blend, but I chop and cut as well, depending on the vibe i want to create...

7.You are reknowned for your use of Soul and jazz fusion music with regards to your musical output. You have also mentioned you fondness of the British musical fusion creation called "Broken Beats - the West London Sound" -inspired by artists IG Culture and the like (London). Have you met up with IG Cultutre, Phil Asher and the like, and is there a chance of you making a record together.

Yeah, I do know several of the creators of the West London Sound- "Broken Beats", and am a huge fan of the work created in that scene, its very impressive to see the diversity and imagination put into their music....

8.Most people hate being sterotyped, and I suppose this is no different for you. Is your true love of music geared towards Soul/Rn'b, Deep House, Garage, African beats or Jazz music? Has this path that you have choosen, satisfied you in becoming that artist that you always wanted to be. Or are you thinking of develling into other sounds to give you even more scope musically. For arguments sake Jungle or Drum and Bass, or even Techno music?

I like all types of music, doesnt matter to me, as long as it has positive vibration, I also dig into other forms, but mostly am known for the deep house/soul,r&b material...

9.Whats has happened to the record label that you created called "Yoruba" in the 1990's? It shook up a few people when it first came out. Is it still running? Have you got any new artists signed up for any new releases for the year 2002?

The label is undergoing a restructuring of sorts, its only been operating since December of 1999, I will resume in April, 2002 with new material,artists etc.

10.New York City is where you are from, and based as we speak ( Or I hope so). Is it still musically strong? Can you still get a buzz from visiting various musical events or places in New York. Or do you think that something is missing. Has September 11th, 2001, made New York even more determined to become once again the music capital of the world. Or has too much ground been losted to London.

I believe the New York Scene has been non existant for at least two years now, the attacks of Sept 11th, 2001 made the situation worse of course, it will take alot for the city to get back to what it was once, I think its time for London to rule...

11. You have visited England, once or twice. What are your thoughts on the music known as Uk Garage/2-Step Garage music that is busting out of the City? The music has bulldozed its way into the Soulful House and Garage world music. Its the newest hybrid of the music within the scene. Some people hate it. Some people love it. What are your views on the scene and the music culture?

I am not a huge fan of the sound itself, but do understand the scene and culture, but its not my favorite, I also belive that it hurts the more underground house coming from the UK as its mainstream which pushes the deeper stuff to a more unnoticable sound as a whole...

12. Many Soulful House and Garage artists within the Usa are know familiar with The Arftul Dodger and M.J.Cole. Do you think that these artists have bought the music forward for 2-Step Garage music from England to the American people. Or is there still a very long way to go on that score?

Theres quite a bit of way to forge for this sound to expand in the states, my impression is that in the USA, people like a more solid less electronic sound in comparison to Europe, which is why I belive that the scene is more widespread for us Dj/Producers from the states...

13.When you visited London last. Did you get a chance to flick over to those Pirate stations that are in abundance here?In short what do you think of the Pirate radio set-up within the London area?. Is there such a set up where you are based in the Usa geared for black dance music. Am Radio in the Usa - has a large listentership. Do you think that this could be your Pirate Radio set-up if people where to copy the Uk version of Piarate Radio that is based on Fm? Do you listen to Am broadcasts in the Usa?

I didnt get a chance to hear your pirate radio stations and don't really listen to much radio in the states that much, its mostly saturated with garbage, i prefer to buy and explore music when I travel abroad...

14. There seems to be a love for GARAGE and Souful House at the moment (especially in England) that resembles the early days of Hiphop within the USA. Labels are being sought after, the pirates are canning the music. Underground clubs via word of mouth are becoming " Sought after places to visit". What is the situation in New York and other areas closeby. Are things changing over there with regards to this music?

Not that I can tell, its mainly recived better in Europe...

15.The National radio station within England called the "BBC" seems to be championing the cause of dance music in the Uk. Now with plans of a new National digital radio coming into place in the year 2002; Is this only a case of dance music being fashionable so that the BBC are panicking and getting pressurised in putting on these soul, drum and bass and garage shows in fear of getting left behind?

What is the situation where you are based in the Usa. Any talks of a national station for black dance music coming in the future??

I havent heard of any plans for this kind of situation in the states...

16. Changing the subject slighty. About seven years ago I have learnt you become a devotee of Ifa, a traditional African religous culture. Can you explain what that means very briefy. Has it had an effert on how you compose your music?

Its a belief system and culture based on the relation of nature to God, and all that inhabit this earth...its changed my life, music and spirit, basically, its allows me constant connection with the source and balance within myself...

17.Another style of music that you seem to enjoy, and are quite good at making I must say is "Deep House. Artists such as Larry Heard to Glenn Underground, are probably Chicago's, most famous Deep House Dj/producers.

Chicago,Usa is often credited in inventing the music. Have you had the chance of working with these superstar dj/producers?

Not yet....most of my collaborations and remix work comes from abroad....

18. Chicago, New Jersey and New York City have traditionally dominated the musical output coming from the USA ( with regards to Soulful House and Garage music). However, the city of San Franciso input over the last 3 years has changed that. Are you aware of Labels such as Naked Music, Panhandle, Red Melon and a host of others that are truly challenging these traditional cities musical output. Do you get a chance to listen artists from those labels.

Yes, i know of those labels as well as some of the artists,producers and dj´s that represent them, I think its great...

19. Keeping on the music side of things. What come first when you composing a new tune. Lyrics then the groove, or the groove and then lyrics?

Mostly the groove,then the lyrics, but I really depends on the feeling I have at the time...

20. Coming from a city and travelling like you do. You must have come across quite a few Vocalists, Musicians and Dj/producers of all shapes and sizes. Who would you say to keep an eye out for. Is there someone out there that in your opinion will be huge in 2002?

Osunlade (laughing) i think there are a few new producers/artists coming from Canada, namely Noel Nanton...

21.You have recently joined up with the Record Label called - "Soul/Jazz Records. Are you enjoying your spell with them? How did this meeting come about?

We met in 1999 at their record shop in Soho, we immediately decided to do a project in the future and it came about simply this way, its been a great spell, I'm sure we will continue to do projects together, they have been very supportive and inspiring to me as a label and music lovers...

22. The Masters at Work Production team ( New York, Usa) and Blaze (New Jersey, USA) are still going, and like you, are still making records. Are they someone that you wouldn't mind working with to create more Soulful House cuts?

I have worked with MAW,and would love to work with Blaze as well, I'm sure time will allow for it....

23.You have worked alongside artists of the calibre of Musiq Soulchild, Eric Benet to contemporary jazz artist Najee and a host of many other artists like Grammy Award Winning artist Patti LaBelle. Which of any of these artists that you have worked with, you enjoyed working with the most?

Najee was the most enjoyed artist to work with, he was very professional and I think made the best impression on what sort of work ethics are needed to succeed and maintain longevity in this business...

24. Changing the subject totally. Are we going to see Osunlade at this years Winter Music Conference. Have you been before. If so, what are your thoughts about it?

I will be there playing for a few parties with friends, I have been for the last two WMC and think it neccesary, but not my favorite thing to partake...

25.What is your relationship with the press? Do you like giving comments out or doing interviews. Even though we are doing this right now? Do you feel comfortable doing interviws. Or would you like to be left alone to just to create music?

I love the interviews and exposure, it allows the people who support me to see closer, I'd only have a problem if my music didnt warrant the interest...

26. Have you got any advice for any aspiring Record label producer, DJ, Club owner or Dj/Producer within the world of House and Garage. Any rules that he should adhere to intrying to make in this career!

Create music for yourself first, the world will then hear what you express, never do this for monetary gain only, this is a reflection on who you are as a spirit and what you are to leave with the rest of the world, make your music as pure as possible...

Interview conducted by Osunlade, New York City, Usa

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