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Summer
2003 and without a doubt the man of the hour on the soulful side of things
is Detroit’s own Dwele. I first encountered this artist’s unique and
stripped down hip hop soul sound in 2000 when bootleg demos of his Stevie
Wonder take off “Too Fly” made the rounds among us Atlanta soul heads. I’ve
been following ever since. The independent Dwele release “Rize” was my
soundtrack in 2001 along with a fair share of “Dwele Remixes” for everyone
from London’s New Sector Movements to Lucy Pearl. I knew being featured on
the hook for Slum Village’s 2002 hit “Tainted” was a good sign, and now the
much-anticipated major label debut has hit the shelves.
“Subject”, is the title and it’s a refreshing record, definitely worth the
wait and capturing the sound of the summer. The album comes together well
and the warm hip hop swing that Dwele brings to the boards is so infectious
you could put it on virtually anywhere and get good response. The Drums
knock and lyrics are tasteful and honest explorations of loving. This is a
must have for any soul music head.
When I was blessed with the opportunity to speak with Dwele about the
release thanks to our friends at Room Service Inc. I was thrilled and here’s
our…
CONVERSATION: WITH DWELE
Q: Its good to hear you on commercial radio, how do you
feel about breaking the surface?
A: It feels good, I actually experienced it last year with
the Slum Village Tainted single, and all my friends family were really happy
for me it was a good feeling. As far as this album I feel good about the
album in general it’s a little more commercial than my previous work but its
more accessible and I wanted to expose a variety of people to my music
without compromising too much. I was going for the perfect background music
for sitting around cooling out, or for your barbeque, baby making or riding
around with the top down in your Sebring or your Lexus. (both LOL) It also
opens the door for my past work to be heard, the earlier stuff is more hip
hop oriented and raw, and now a person will be more likely to give it all a
chance because of this record.
Q:
Explain the title – Subject.
A:
I just wanted to focus on something that everyone could relate to and the
Subject is the Woman, loving and relating to them.
Q:
Is there a favorite track?
A:
That’s hard I like them all, but “Truth” and “Without
you” especially.
Q:
So you sing, produce tracks, write a lot of the songs. Do you play?
A:
Key boards and Fender Rhodes Piano and I’m learning the guitar?
Q:
Do you have any terminology or description for your sound?
A:
No not really but its based in hip-hop, jazz, and soul.
Q:
What other artists are you enjoying right now:
A:
There are so many but I’m into anyone that’s making music and being true to
themselves with it.
Q:
A lot of people will not have heard your previous work and this album is
their introduction to you. What can they expect or anything they should know
about you as an artist?
A:
My inspirations are Donnie Hathaway, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye all the greats
but look for a variety of things from me musically, because I’m into a lot
of different styles, everything from hip hop to techno.
Q:
So what’s next for Dwele?
A:
Working on my live show learning the guitar, pushing the album here and
overseas.
Q:
Fans overseas have been with you for a while now. I first heard your song
“Too Fly” on the Giles Petersen Show on BBC Radio 1.
A:
Funny you say that, I just met him in London. I visited his show and his
club night at Barumba, the music and vibe were great and it was a great
experience.
Q:
That’s our time Dwele, we appreciate you taking a moment to talk to us, any
shout outs?
A:
Your Welcome, thanks for your support and as far as shout outs… Slum Village
Big Up! I’ve got tracks on their forthcoming album and finally Big Up to
everyone making music from the heart. Peace.
Interview by
Jeff Johnson for LiquidSoulRadio.com