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Soul2k:
You have collaborated with producers like Grammy Award
Winning producer, Madukwu Chinwah. How did you get
in touch with him and what was the basic context of
your collaboration?
Sean:
I met Madukwu through a friend, who knew a guy, that
knew Madukwu. Networking is very important in this
game. So I was working on some hooks for an underground
hip-hop artist in Texas, who introduced me to a guy
who runs a promotion company in Dallas. We began talking
about producers who could possibly help me create
the kind of sound I was working on. Madukwu's name
came up and I was put in touch with him. He heard
some of my material and decided that he'd help me
make it all a reality. We worked together on the entire
album for nearly a year. I let him hear lyrics and
melodies, and he made the music. There were some songs
that he gave me the music to, and I wrote the lyrics.
When we had all of our material ready, we got it all
recorded and mixed. He was at every single session.
There were even days when he had a cold, or wasn't
feeling good, and he still showed up to the studio.
Needless to say I developed a great deal of respect
for him. He's a great mentor and a real friend. He's
creative, works fast, and he's all about perfection.
He has an excellent musical ear and played all of
the instruments. He probably worked harder than I
did.
Soul2k: You founded Country Cool Records in June 2004
and you've been a part of it since then. What is the
reason behind the creation of Country Cool Records?
Sean:
Country Cool is a nickname that was given to my younger
brother. He had this country style about him, but
it was cool. Most Black families in the United States
have roots in the country. Some of us who live in
the cities have an equal blend of qualities that are
common in the city and the country. Plain country
is the Southern accent, the coveralls, the pickup
trucks, farm life, country music; the southern blues
can also fit in this category. Country Cool combines
some of these elements with the urban/city lifestyle.
Hip language with a slight southern drawl, comfortable
clothing (t-shirts, jeans, caps, etc.), jazz, the
blues, hip-hop, rock, funk, street life, and stuff
like that. My brother had these Country Cool qualities;
we were exactly alike, but the name Country Cool was
his. He was killed in 2001 outside of a nightclub
in Chicago. He was a hip-hop artist and was just starting
to record his material before he was killed. We used
to sit around and go over our lyrics together. We
were very close. After his death, I decided to form
Country Cool Records in order to promote my own music,
but primarily as a means to keep his dream and legacy
alive.
Soul2k:
Can you tell us more about Country Cool records?
Sean:
We currently have three artists signed to our small
label; Gibeth (Latin), Neri (Pop/R&B), and myself.
We also have a small team of individuals who take
care of the many responsibilities that come with running
an independent company, while trying to compete in
a sea of musicians and record labels. The mission
is to provide quality music that everyone can enjoy.
We want to give all people the opportunity to groove.
Men, women, children, young people, old people, all
groovin to the beat of our drum. Country Cool is a
culture, and we've got a lot planned for the future;
the future of music, film, venues, clothing. Right
now, we're putting together a collection of music
for our artists. We'll be planting seeds and releasing
the music soon, and then we'll be able focus more
on promotion and other things.
Soul2k:
Tell me Sean, what do you think about French R&b?
Sean:
I'm familiar with a few French R&B artists. Some
who have caught my attention are Dajla, Sly Johnson,
and Mademoiselle China. I love artists who are unique,
but also find a way to incorporate elements from their
inspirations. In this way, they paint their own pictures
and do their own thing, but they pay respect to the
ones who lit the fire in them. These artists and others
in France and taking R&B to another level, and
the music is very good. I'm looking forward to making
my way to France so that I can collaborate with some
of the wonderful artists there. There seems to be
more of a love for the music in France. On this side
of the world there is too much focus on making money,
and not enough focus on the art.
Soul2k:
In your own theme, what is your definition of R&b?
Sean:
R&B is an expression, an evolution of the Black
experience that is now accepted and loved by many
races. You hear the sounds of jazz, blues, and gospel,
but it's not just about the music. The lyrics of love,
hurt, pain, good times, and struggle are also key
ingredients. The delivery is important, becuase the
listener has to be able to feel exactly what it is
that the artist is giving to them. You know you're
caught up in an R&B vibe when you're listening
to the music, and you catch yourself groovin to the
beat, reflecting on the words and getting stung by
the way the artist is singing. Maaaan! There's nothing
like it, ya dig? It's medicine. It's food for the
mind, body, and soul. That's why it's important that
it's prepared well.
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