Chapter 3 Part 10 – Life and Soul Promotions recalled
Donna Gardiner 24 October 2002, Ebony Evans – 28 February 2007, Eric Roberson – 29 March 2004, Eric Smidi Smith 28 September 2003
Chapter 3 Part 10 – Life and Soul Promotions recalled – Donna Gardiner 24 October 2002, Ebony Evans – 28 February 2007, Eric Roberson – 29 March 2004, Eric Smidi Smith 28 September 2003
Donna Gardier 24 October 2002
Hi Donna, thanks for agreeing to do this - how are you?
I'm doing good
Tell me about the new album, how long it took, how it all came together, how long you've been writing for it.
It took me about two years to write and record it, in that time I fell in love with my gorgeous husband, got married and moved 'Home' along with all the commitments that Lennox had.
It's out soon - can't wait I bet, the initial buzz has been good - what will you be doing to promo it. It's your first album for some time now isn't it.
I am very excited and nervous all rolled into one. I want this album to do well so I'll do anything and everything that I need to promote it. It was co-written and produced by Urban Species member Lennox Cameron.
Tell me something about how you work together.
Lennox and myself work so well together that it's nothing like work. Musically we're on the same page and very often he would just climb into my head without even asking.
Are you pleased with the songs you wrote and the album in general. What are you trying to get across lyrically and what do you draw from.
I am very pleased with the songs because they are from my heart. I keep saying that this is an autobiographical album in life lessons I feel that my life has become very spiritual and this album is the journey I took to get there.
There's a variety of styles in there, uptempo, downbeat, neo, R'n'B Plus How Sweet It Is - what brought that in?
What I did was let things flow and this was the result, 'How Sweet It Is' is an old favourite. I chose this song out of a few because when I sang it I felt that I could sing it about a vertical love as well as a horizontal love.
How did you hook up with Dome - seems the right connection to me - how's it doing?
The hook up with Dome came while I was doing B. V's for Hil St. Soul, she used to be on the label and Peter Robinson gave me a call and asked if I wanted to do an album.
Anything you'd like to add about the album or what's happening now or in the immediate future.
I would just like for people to really enjoy my album and feel what a great time I had making it.
What are your long term ambitions.
I would like to just go on doing what I love to do which is making and singing good music.
Let's go right back now - you're a London girl, is that right. Tell me about your childhood and youth and where and how music fits it....and where it took over.
I am a London girl I was brought up in north London by fairly strict Christian parents, growing up in church they just make you get involved as soon as you can speak so I was singing for as long as I can remember. We used to play church at home and Dad would play mouth organ or piano or anything he could get his hands on. Mum and I would be the choir and my little brother would be the Pastor. I never thought though that my career would be music. I fell into it by covering for a friend on a session.
Gospel's heavy in there? But what or who else influenced you
I have many influences, I grew up listening to the Jones Girls and Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Pattie Labelle, Vesta Williams and Aretha Franklin
"Reach Out" came quite early, how did all that come about, were you ready
for it, and what do you think looking back
As I said I fell into the business and I definitely don't think I was ready for all that stuff that came along with it. I was quite young - there are no text books on how to deal with it all.
Was Raw Stylus straight after that- what happened, did you feel more secure in a band, maybe. Some good material came out of that and good touring experience, tell me about those days and where it took you.
I did a lot of sessions in between but yes, I did feel a lot more secure in a band. I felt like I learnt so much from working with Jules and Ron and I would never forget the great time we had writing and touring. I definitely needed that.
What other things have you done, including your session stuff
There are a few sessions that I've done ie. Tom Jones, Hearsay, Incognito.
You've also been singing in a gospel choir - Shekinah.
Yes I sing alto in this choir led by Clive Brown, I also sing in a group with my sis-in-law and her husband called 'Three n one'
What things outside of music interest you, what hobbies do you have.
As you see I do a lot of music so there is not much time for much else, but I am heavily involved in a prison outreach network and we go to prisons with programs. We write to them and try to help them sort out their lives.
Hope to meet up soon - anything else you'd like to add
Just feel the enjoyment from the album and I will have done my job
Good luck with the album and thanks for your time.
Thank you very much for your support.
Ebony Evans 28 February 2007
Hey how you doing, thanks for doing this.
I'm great thank you! And thank you as well for your interest in me.
Name
Ebony Christine Evans
City
Harlem, Georgia (it's about 10 minutes outside of Augusta, Georgia)
Age
20 something (lol)
Style
Nostalgic Soul Music
Tell me about yourself, where you from, background, family
Well, I'm from a small town called Harlem in Georgia, near James Brown's hometown of Augusta.
My father is a prison warden and my mother is an school teacher. I have 3 wonderful sisters.
Do you still live there, if not where are you based
No, I live in Atlanta, Georgia where the label I am signed to is located.
I've been living there for about five years now.
What are you working on now
Right now I'm preparing myself for shows in Europe and some promo dates here in the states.
Also working with non-profit organizations to help fund childrens causes throughout the globe.
Do you have a CD out or when can we expect it.
Yes, my debut album was released two months ago. Its called "Luv's Fire" and you find it on Amazon.com and most internet outlets.
It will be in most retail stores here in the states by Spring/Summer as well as stores in several parts of the U.K. and Europe.
How's it going down - what tracks can we look out for/do you like
One of my favorite songs are "You Are My Rainbow's End" and also "Somebody Let Him Know", but I am proud of the entire album,
it provided me with some growth and we were able to take chances most artist don't get to take on the first debut album.
Did you write the songs
No, but I got to work with a brilliant and veteran songwriter/producer Emmanuel "Manny" Campbell. He has been perfecting his craft for over 50 years, so it was a once in lifetime opportunity to learn from him. I will start writing as I gravitate more into my career, but I am here to perfect my singing abilities first and foremost.
Some of the greatest singers of our time, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, never wrote a song, but they impacting the world greatly with their vocals.
They are my blueprint right now, but I am working on being a polished songwriter by learing from other veteran writers.
If so tell me about the writing process
And production?
I would prefer finding talented producers and musicians, that is not my craft.
But I like and favor the 'underdog'.
What instruments do you play
My gift, my instrument is my voice, but I keep saying that I'm going to learn how to play the piano. Which is something I'm going to learn in the future.
Where is it obtainable from
Well I can only speak about vocals, and you know people often ask me that. It's just something that I feel. There's something about expressing yourself to people, and people are actually listening to you and they can understand and relate to what your singing about. That means youv'e touched them personally. There's no other feeling I get like the one I get when performing.
Not to get weird on you, but I believe it's from God. There's no other way for me to explain it.
Tell me about your style, what you do and what do you add to the rest of the stuff out there
Well, to answer your first question, my style is anything really that moves me. I want to be able to sing all kinds of music. My first album is sort of like a jumpstart of that. For your second question, I just wanted to put out some feel good music, you know falling in love, being in love, staying in love. But not in a vulgar way. More of a return to romantic lyrics and music that can
be played and enjoyed by the entire family.
Whats your show like, what gigs are you doing.
I am another person on stage, I love getting the audience connected to me. Most of the time with my band, and we like to really do a complete show.It's going to entertaining and hopefully I can help some people to fall back in love again or at least the idea of true love.
Do you use the same people live as on your recorded material.
All of the vocals are me. Including the background vocals. As far as the music, it was all done with live musicians in a studio.
When it's time to get on the road they are on the road with me as well for the most part.
Do you write your songs, if so what do you draw from
I do write, don't get me wrong. I do plan to write on my future projects. But this is just my first album and I'm more focused on getting my vocal artistry perfected. When I do write, it's usually about past experiences or maybe the way I'm feeling at the time. It has to be something that moves me so that I can make it a song people will relate to.
Tell me about the team of people around you.
I have a wonderful team behind me. Yomi Belson is the marketing director for my label. He is an expert in what he does as far as sharing my vision as an artist and knowing what it takes to help me get there. Anjel Clark who is the product manager as well as all of the interns. Of course the CEO Manny Campbell has provided me with years of training which I am forever grateful for.
I'm also very blessed to have a great family that is supportive in my pursuance of a music career. I think it good when you have good people around you, because it keeps you grounded.
Whats it like getting yourself heard, and getting stuff down as an independent.
It's an amazing feeling. I can't believe people are asking about me, and people are actually listening to my music. And being from an independent situation, it think it's good that way because it gives my time to grow as an artist while I'm still really a newcomer in this industry. Grassroots, learning the business, not rushing for success, getting to know my fanbase and the people, thats what I love the most.
Who are your influences, currently and from back in the day
Nat King Cole, James Brown,Minnie Ripperton, Aretha Franklin, Glady's Knight, Patti Austin,Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey,Celine Dion, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Anita Baker, Teena Marie, there are so many.
Who else have you worked with
Did some work on alot of independent artist on some past projects.
I have no features on my album, but I am sure I will be working with alot of artist in the near future.
What else have you done, how have you got where you are now
Well, when I was a teenager, I was a featured soloist on the Gospel album called '' Youth for Christ'' Georgia Mass Youth Choir . I appeared on two songs. I think it's on Savoy Records. Anyway, It was just because I started out in gospel music, so when the opportunity came up for me to be on the album, I did it. At the age of 12 I was a finalist on the popular Amercian show STAR SEARCH. After that I was signed to James Brown's label for a few years, his former wife Adrienne was my mentor. After her death I had other deals on the table, but things were not always easy. Its a saturated and very difficult business to break out in. I have been searching for the right label and recording deal for over 8 years before I found my home here at Coastal. It was well worth the wait.
Has music always been in you from an early age?
Yes! I was in chorus all through school. It was my favorite class! I would go to Atlanta on the weekends when I was in school, to record music. That's all I ever wanted to do. When I was little, I used to put on little shows for my parents all the time, things like that.
Are you in it full time.
Up until recently I have had to maintain jobs to be able to live my dreams and before actually making any money from my dream.
Because I am with an independent record label, most do not give advances to artist unless the artist has a previous sales track record.
But now I am able to live it full time, so I am really excited to be able to travel and do more live events and shows, its really a blessing.
What other independent artists are you feeling.
Being an aspiring artist especially on and independent level is a difficult thing to do, so I applaud all artist who got that route.
I like Leela James, Trina Broussard, Joi, Goapele, Amel Larrieux, N'dambi, Van Hunt, Dwele, Rahsaan Patterson, Hill St. Soul, there are many.
What's the scene like where you are.
Living in Atlanta, we still have a vibrant underground scene, but live performances are very scattered here.
Hip Hop venues have taking over most of the situations, so a singer who does not use sampling or Hip Hop beats and tracks, its a little difficult
to find consistent touring. But I am far from being a 'star' so I enjoy every show, big or small. I just love to sing and express it to anyone willing to
listen.
What is your following like locally.
Georgia has always been good to me, I have had my name branded here throughout the state because of performances and shows.
I am still on the grassroots level so its fun traveling and meeting new fans, I love meeting people.
What do you know about other markets, UK, Europe, Japan etc
Actually for the style of music I perform, the UK has been most receptive of my work lately.
Many Dj's, clubs, radio personalties have extended alot of love to me. Japan has a given me alot of love as well and
I have gained a great following in Germany, Amsterdam, France, Spain and other parts of Europe. Being able to spread my music
so far, this early in my career is such a blessing, I am real excited about my future career and performing in these countries.
How do you see Soul Music right now
I think we are going to see a great resurgence in lyrics, and real musicianship.
More instruments, less computerized music. The UK has always had a thriving soul community that I have always admired.
What are your ambitions
To have a career that spans decades, and to record albums for the love and not the money.
Whats happening next
I am still working with charity organizations on a project called PLANET EARTH IN HARMONY.
I recorded a single to go with it, and we are trying to help raise funds for these groups to continue the great work of helping
the future for children around the world. Always rehearsing with the band, doing some radio and retail promo shows
and events here in the states and in the near future the U.K. and other European countries. Always recording new music and learning
to perfect my gift of singing. Just trying to be a better person every day.
Is there something adventurous you might like to do but haven't yet with your music.
I want to learn to record and have songs in other languages, similiar to Nat King Cole. Music wise, I think I am always going to
seek production and music that stretches beyond a genre' or style.
What do you enjoy most about what you do
Making people happy, seeing them smile in the audience.
Knowing that maybe I was an inspiration to someone who has a dream.
What other things do you like to do.
I hate to sound cliche' but going to the movies, going to the gym, reading and traveling.
A few random one word things:
Favourite artist
Whitney Houston
Film
Don't have one...too many to name..I love em.
Actor/Actress
Denzel Washington
Food
Italian, Soul
Drink
Water
City
New York
Country
U.K.
Holiday Vacation
Jamaica
Sport/Team
The winning team
Anything else you'd like to say
To anyone who has a dream, never give up on it.
Being rich is not about how much money you have, but how often you can smile.
Good luck and thanks for your time
Mike
Eric Roberson 29 March 2004
You're from New Jersey aren't you, born and raised? Do you still live there?
Yeh, born and raised.. I’ve moved around a lot, but I’ve been back in jersey for some time.
Tell me about you're upbringing, family life and childhood. What did your parents do. You always were gonna do something artistic? Always singing?
Singing was so normal in my house.. I thought everyone could sing.. my pop worked a regular 9 to 5 but he was the music cat.. there was a guitar in every room (literally) and he sang and played all day all night.. mom works in fashion and is a image consultant.. and my older sister is an interior decorator, so art was my only choice.. if not music, I would be painting, or building, or acting, etc..
At what point did you realize that music was gonna be your thing.
I won a full scholarship to college pretty much from singing, and it made me stop and seriously consider it for a profession..
And what did you study at University. Did you do any writing or performing in those school/university days, because you got recognized and a deal quite young didn't you. How did that come about, and when would this have been. Were you ready for it?
I studied musical theatre at howard university.. it was an amazing time for me. I always did theatre, but there I applied character development to my singing and writing. I had equipment in my dorm room and we would create all day all night.. the singing group shai were friends of mine and when they went to L.A. I gave them a tape to pass along.. the phone went crazy after that…
I was 19 and a sophmore in college.. I cant say if I was ready or not, but I will say im happy (now) that it didn’t work out cause I probably wouldn’t be in the industry now, as the artist I am today...
That was The Moon. How did that go, it was very successful but no album came out of Warners did it. Anything in the can?
There’s a whole record from that period and to be honest I have no clue where those songs are.. hahaha.. yeah, the president of the label left before while my first single was out, and I followed.. after a few failed attempts to maintain momentum thru other labels, and such.. I decided to go back to school and regroup..
Must have been difficult going back to study after a taste of success?
Probably the hardest and best thing ive ever done in my life.. Extremely humbling for the fact that my single was still on the radio, video was playing.. but the money dried up, and the future was very unsure.. very rough time, but im thankful for it.. I became better in every way.. a better student, better singer, writer, smarter sender, better planner.. it was clearly my turning point..
What kind of stuff did you do on stage.
Man everything. Its amazing how much I learned about music in my acting classes.. ive portrayed almost every character imaginable on stage, so theres not much I haven’t done up there.. hahaha..
And at what point did you make the decision to take the music path.
I never stopped doing music.. I was landing songs while still in college.. when I graduated I had several acting gigs lined up but I pretty much had to chose one or the other.. u see which way I went.. but my vocal booth is a stage.. when I perform its still theatre to me..
Tell me about how your structure your songs, your ideas and your songwriting. Are you a pretty intense person. Do you differ when you write for other people. Do you know who you are going to be writing for because at this point you had some pretty good success. How did you get your songs known and picked up?
I use to handle writing totally different.. I would write and record constantly about 20 to 25 songs a month.. for several years so u can only imagine how big the vault is.. hahaha.. I was trying to develop and take over.. I was trying to be on everyone’s project.. so if I wasn’t writing, I was taking meetings galore.. But every once in a while I would be so inspired I would be able to create whole songs on the spot.. those were the songs that people gravitated to so as time went on I focused on them more.. it’s a blessing cause I’m able to live now.. before I worked non-stop.. rarely slept, ruined relationships.. lost all sense of time and place when I worked.. I was on a mission.. but my passion wasn’t being filled.. I was creating what I loved.. now I believe I have a certain writing style so I just create.. and if u like it and want to sing it.. lets do it.. the last song I wrote with an artist in mind was “what is love” by Vivian Green.. Most times now I just write what I feel..
Tell me about some of them, how they came to be done and what you thought of them. For Example, So Long by Phajja which I believe was the first, Will Downing, Soulchild, Jill Scott.
I was still in school when I worked with Phajja.. I felt we wrote a great song, but warner brothers was still not a good label, so the group didn’t grow to where it could have..
Will Downing is one of my favorite artist.. so working with him was an honor.. crazy thing was I never met him.. we dumped the song, I sang the backgrounds and then we mailed it to his house, where he cut the song.. hahaha.. and even funnier we live in the same neighborhood.. so I guess we’ll meet soon..
“Previous Cats” that I did on musiq soulchild is one of those songs that I mentioned before.. I wrote it sitting in a car with my pop.. and that song sat on office desks for years until musiq heard it and was like “yo I want that joint.” I really don’t shop songs anymore.. people either contact me, or I knew them before they had a deal.. I knew musiq, jill scott, vivian, etc.. so we were already working on music when they got signed..
Tell me about Jazzy Jeff and Touch of Jazz and what you did there.
Incredible development years for me.. Jeff has several studios and for years we sat in those rooms creating with no pressure, no stress, no influence from the outside world..
I guess were talking about 1998 to 2001 and there was quite a lot of your material being done, some soundtrack work, and stuff. What about your management and connections because it seems to me that you did pretty well pretty quickly,and built up your reputation pretty fast. And it ending in a publishing deal?
Yeh, there was a lot of time and work put into it, and then all of a sudden it started to click.. I always had enough success to keep me going, but not always enough to live off of.. then we did will smith album and soundtrack.. a couple of songs here and there.. then musiq and jill got signed.. from that point it was kind of hard to hide in the studio anymore.. from that point people started calling..
The publishing deal has been great for me.. adding a level of stability.. but its important for those interested in this business of music to know that I turned down several deals waiting for the right one.. I went with EMI, which offered comfort and a situation that would compliment my work ethic..
And you built your studio and have some good people in and some top stuff recorded there. What's been the plan with the studio – helps you of course but a business venture I assume.
The studio (the blue room) has been a blessing.. the main plan is to not have anything stop me from creating what I want to create.. if your using someone else’s equipment or time your extremely limited.. Equipment is power .. I learned that a long time ago, so I started building piece by piece.. plus its helped me develop other talent beside my own, which is very important to me.. oh and from a business stand point It makes sense.. labels respect that.. they may not be willing to commit to a song but they’ll pay studio time for u to work with their artist..
It seems to me that your songwriting is your bedrock, the basis from where you develop, the creative source. From this your studio, your songs, your production and everything else comes. Is that how you see it? Is that where you perceive your true talent to be.
Well that’s clearly the 9 to 5.. I wont debate that what so ever.. and in the long run its what I will focus on, but creating my own albums fulfills my passion..
Tell me the rationale behind Esoteric Movement, how it was put together, how and why you put it out yourself, could you have done it any other way, and how did it go down and meet your expectations.
My love life and my music career have almost been identical.. at a time when I wasn’t inspired by the music that was coming out, as well as the music I was doing.. I ended a long term relationship.. I was hurt (I’m man enough to admit it) so I just went into the studio and closed the door.. when I opened the door the album was done. “esoteric- only meant to be understood by a chosen few.” In the end the album was only intended for her.. it was the most honest album I could create.. if I was on a major I may have done things differently.. that whole album was done with out forcing a thing.. I almost can say I wasn’t even writing it.. a lot of times I would realize what the song was saying once I was done with it.. definitely the moment I started doing “honest music.”
More then anything that album has rewarded me unlike anything else.. it helped me heal, as well as inspired so many people..
And some of the tracks were carried across to From the Vault Vol 1.
Yeh, I really never intended on putting out the vault vol. 1.. it was really for those underground heads who loved esoteric and was following my career.. so I threw something together for them and before I knew it, it grew to something else..
How has this one gone down, both at home and overseas particularly in the UK. What do you know about the Uk scene, have you been over?
The response has been overwhelming.. we are winning people over one by one.. its war right now.. and I feel I’m at the forefront of it all.. trying to put back what was lost in music.. and I believe people who hear it, see it, and embrace it..
I was in London several months ago doing the jazz café with jazzy jeff.. we had a blast and im looking forward to coming back
Who out there right now are you feeling and who do you draw from as influences.
On the major scene.. I loved outkast’s album, and kanye west.. they did what they felt, not what was the norm and people responded.. on the independent level it definitely goes to peven Everett and lizz fields.. I feel we’re on the same path.
And to From the vault 1.5 tell me about this and your expectations.
I tried to make an album that could compete with any major album release, but not be caught up in the politics that come with it.. the music is uncompromised. I was only going to make minor adjustments from the original vault but when I went into the studio I just opened up..
Do you have a 'team' of people that you use. And is it the same people for gigs. What you doing for promo, some gigs. What is the reaction so far.
Its quite a large team.. ive made and maintained relationships over the last ten years thru songwriting and production.. From Osunlade, Redhead Kingpin, Dre & Vidal, and many more.. “Obstacles” was a song I did with Jermaine Mobley, who I went to Howard University with. One new things on this album is the addition of my band on a production level.. Most of my band is from a group called Tye and G.A… their a gospel group on Columbia records that im sure you will be hearing more from.. They’re like my brothers and their sound is uncomparable.
I’ve been gigging for years now, and the amazing thing now is that people know the music.. For years I was teaching the songs, and winning crowds over.. now I see couples dancing, and people singing or celebrating when we start certain songs.. just shows that its working..
Is Right back to you going to be the lead cut
Actually “Couldn’t Hear Me” is, but to be honest its really whatever dj’s gravitate to.. some stations are already playing “couldn’t hear me” but being that its independent the path this album takes depends on the people as much as it does on me..
For me it certainly a step up from the previous ones, from the Marvinesque opening, to the more r'n'B Right back to you, track 3 - Please don't go? - is the kind of track that could go in the UK, bit of funk, Norman Whitfield, jazz, ballads, and the epic and different track 10! - you pleased with how it's shaping.
Very pleased.. I did what was on my heart. And no matter what I’ve done before its always a growing process for me..
Tell me about what you trying to put over
I’m just following my passion to be honest.. Hopefully if successful others will be able to follow some path or footprints I left behind..
Any interests from the majors, or are you set up to control everything yourself
That’s kind of like a continuation of the last question.. ive been signed many times before.. and have many friends who are signed.. some successful, some not.. its not about that for me anymore.. I did their way before.. don’t get me wrong if the right deal came to the table I might would do it, but it would have to be so right.. hahaha.. the industry is falling apart, so im just maintaining, and watching it fall.. and best believe I will be standing right there with my bricks, my hammer and nails ready to help build a stronger truer one..
What are the next few months going to bring.
Shows, shows, shows.. Ive been living out a suitcase for months now.. and have no plans of stopping.. in between I come home and its studio, studio, studio… hahaha..
And the big future?
Hopefully form a following and a system that allows me to continue putting out records on myself as well as other artist that deserve to be heard and aren’t..
What other things out of music do you do.
Talk and listen.. I love to create in general.. I write a lot.. letters, poems.. thoughts, etc.. other than that its God, my family, my friends, the ny giants and knicks..
Anything else you'd like to say.
I appreciate everyones support and interest in what I create.. thank you..
Thanks for your time – good luck and maybe see you soon.
Until then…
Eric Smidi Smith 28 September 2003
Eric Douglas Smith, AKA Eric “Smidi” Smith was born 27 January 1960, Covington, Kentucky. Eric graduated from Covington Holmes High School 1978.
Eric began playing music since 8 years old. He was highly influenced by the Motown sound and his sister Renee Smith’s guidance. In 1977, Eric recorded his first single record “Big City Disease” with his cousin Darryl Huddleston in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following year He teamed up with Cincinnati’s #1 rated show band, “The Mighty Python band and show.” His band, recorded a LP album entitled “Sensation” in 1978.
Eric entered the United States Air Force, 1981. His first tour of duty was Kunsan Air Base, Korea. In 1982, his second assignment was Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. While stationed at Warner Robins, Eric auditioned to tour as lead guitarist for the prestigious Air Force “Tops-N-Blue” a military showcase tour. The tour lasted for six months. In 1985, Eric accepted an assignment to RAF Wethersfield, England. He spent six years traveling throughout Europe on special military missions. While assigned in England, Eric spent most of his off duty time in London. He met up with Keith Wilder (lead vocalist) for the group “Heatwave.” He wrote and recorded a song entitled “I didn’t know.” at Soul City Records (Kent England). In 1990 Eric returned back to the United States to Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada were he retired as a Technical Sergeant 1 May 2001.
Currently Eric is producing music from his private home studio in Las Vegas. He has compiled approximately 2000 tracks in his music library. Smidi is ranked #5 on the SoundClick.Com music charts this week (27 September 2003) Smidi has several projects on the market starting with Clay Hammond’s “ I Kissed Her Gone”, Blues. Green Eyez “Me Against the World” Hip Hop Rap. DeWayne McCoy “Why So Much Pain” Gospel co-written and produced multi platinum artist i.e. Leon Haywood, Spice 1, Club Nouveau, and New Birth.
Eric “Smidi” Smith’s main goal in the music industry is to be the first man in history to have a top 10 record in multiple genres of music i.e. R&B, Rap, Pop, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Country and Gospel.
Is that your full time career?
After retirement music is my full time career!
And how did you hook up with Clay...........and people like Leon Haywood.
I met Clay Hammond through Pete Peterson my friend and Co-producer.
From the little I know about you do contemporary R'n'B, yet you also link up with these guys from the roots of Soul, Southern Soul and stuff. What are your roots and how do these guys give you pleasure. And what are they like to work with.
I had a fascinating experience working on the “I kissed Her Gone” CD. This CD gave me an opportunity to expand my music horizon. After programming Hip Hop rap music, working with Clay challenged me to create true R&B music from the soul with basic instruments i.e. pianos, horns, and real bass lines etc…
What else are you working on? Anything else we can expect - keep me posted whatever eh!
Right now I am working on several projects and mostly licensing my music over the internet at SoundClick.com http://www.soundclick.com/smidibeats
What else have you done that you can tell us about? What are your skills? Computer and keyboard orientated? How does this go down with the older guys! No offense meant!!!!!!!
I have never had any formal musical training. I am completely self taught. I have mastered the art of sequencing music with the Mackintosh computer. My main instrument is the bass guitar even though I don’t play it much anymore.
Clay’s album is polished and clean yet you allow his style to shine through. What do you feel about the album?
I believe Clay’s project is one of my better projects! After reviewing it I have no regrets about my music production!
What do you know about the UK? Both Clay and Leon have had some successes on the UK Northern Soul scene, what do you know about that.
As mentioned in my bio, I lived in the UK (Braintree, Essex County RAF Wethersfield UK from 1985-1990. I love the UK!
What's Leon up to?
It’s been a while since I spoke to Leon Haywood.
Do you get involved personally or with Clay or anybody in any other parts of their careers, live gigs or anything?
In fact Clay was one of the original “Mighty Clouds Of Joy” singers and I have submitted a few tracks to be featured on there next CD.
What are you looking out for right now as far as your personal career is concerned?
I am looking to exploit my music library to the word
Anything else you'd like to add.
I think I said it all! It you need more info please reply or call me at home. Thank you for giving me this time to shine Mate! Cheers! SMIDI
Take care now and good luck
Mike