STEPPING
INTO DESTINY
Interview by Danielle Eliska Lyle
As MonicaBlaire's voice detonates in the
microphone, fans are captivated by her style and funk. Using dope bass
lines as her backdrop, MonicaBlaire fuses genres of music together with
unique harmony. She combines distinctive chords, singing melisma and staccato.
I remember the first time I heard MonicaBlaire perform. She stepped out on stage and created an atmosphere that had everybody rocking. We allowed the beat to take control of us as she sung musical notes and spit lyrics to her audience. I had that "oh-so-free" feeling; that lovely feeling you get when you go to an old school Hip Hop concert. The crowd moved in sequence and rhythm as we head-banged to What I Want. MonicaBlaire is passionate about her gift and it shows in her performance.
CM:
What do you believe is your purpose with your music? Is there a message
that is in your heart that you want to get across?
MB:
Well my music is multi-purpose. It serves as a release for me to set the
things that are on my mind and heart free. One of the things that were
really important as far as this album was the concept of the whole person.
It was important for me to show, especially young girls, that there is
more to a person than meets the eye. I feel that mass media sometimes
can be very one-dimensional especially when it comes to women. I want
to show that you can be sexy, smart, and you can be loved, not possessed
but loved. It's okay to have something to say and to say it. I wanted
this work to show that self-empowerment, as a woman, is necessary.
CM: When did you know this was your calling?
Was it always clear for you, or did you have a "valley of decision-rough
transition" moment?
MB:
I always knew this was my calling. Music has been in me for so long it's
hard for me to go back and remember when music came into my life. I feel
like it has always been there. I will say that life has a way of testing
your faith in the path you have chosen. Many times I would end up at a
dead end or backed in a corner and I would call myself giving up . . .
and 2 months later or even 6 months to a year later I would be right back
were I started writing and creating music. I couldn't get away if I wanted
to! (lol)
CM:
Where does your inspiration for your lyrics come?
MB:
Well, ideas come from all around me. Most of the time I look inward for
inspiration. The songs on portraits range from fairly personal to deeply
intimate. On this album it was very important for the songs to be about
me and to come from my experience. Since this is the first time I am releasing
my own project I wanted it to be a hands on experience for the listener.
I wanted to make a connection with real things, events, and people. What
I want is really about being in a situation and falling for someone else.
It's also about truth and how most of the time it doesn't come in a pretty
little package with a bow on top. The truth is gritty and raw and so are
the lyrics. ThatÕs where I was so that's what I wrote.
CM:
What are your thoughts on the music industry?
MB:
The industry is just that . . . an industry. The point is to make money.
They ride on what's hot and are not really willing to take a chance on
something new. They are not willing to take a gamble and with the Internet
and the I-pod generation the record companies are really looking for the
next way to make money. They are in a situation where the independents
as a collective have just as much if not more leverage than the record
companies. We live in the D.I.Y. age of recording. Where anyone with an
M-Box and a computer can create music. Of course having a major label
behind you is one hell of a push. But it doesn't mean you can't make it
with out them. I feel it is so much more important to have ownership of
my music and how it's marketed than to be with a major. Or you can do
it yourself and prove that it works and the major will come to you. Either
way the industry has some catching up to do and the Indies have some money
to make.
CM:
Talk
about your latest project. How long did it take to complete. What were
some obstacles you faced? Did you ever feel like giving up? If so, what
was your inspiration to stay focused? What was your breakthrough moment
in this project--meaning when you knew it was going to be successful?
Why the name Portraits of Me?
MB:
"Portraits of Me" is a peak into my life and where I was when I wrote it.
Each song is a snap shot into my life (Which is why inside the cd you
have all the artists portraits of me) and it was one of the easiest things
I have ever done. From start to finish it took about 2 1/2 weeks! It just
poured out of me like it was just waiting for the right time and opportunity.
Towards the end the last few songs where hard to record because I was
tired but not because of lack of inspiration. I was (and am) in love and
it all shows on this project. It was easy to stay focused because the
blueprint was all right there in front of me! I love this music and it
has loved me in return!! Now as far as knowing it would be successful,
I didn't. I knew that I was telling my truth and I hoped that people wanted
to hear that . . .IÕm glad that people want to hear it because for a lot
of people it's their truth too! I don't have a favorite . . .I have never
really been a favorites person because what I like has never been consistent.
My favorite changes day-by-day and hourly even. There are songs that I
am fonder of than others . . .but no faves. As far as the production,
it's none other than Detroit's own Silent Riot. Most of the project I
worked closely with Shaphan "Maestro" Williams (of Silent Riot) and there
is additional prod. From Mr. Porter, Wajeed (of Triple P and WJK), and
Stacey "S.O.S." Owens. Everyone showed love including verses from Guilty
Simpson, MarvWon, Mz. Korona, and Invincible!
CM:
What do you want your audience to hear?
MB:
I want the audience to hear growth and development. I want them to hear
and feel the love and I want them to be inspired to do the same!!
CM:
What is in the future for you?
MB:
Well the future is a strange and wondrous thing! I am currently working
on my next project, which is untitled and exciting!!! I am also looking
to bring "Portraits" to a national and international market late summer
and early fall 2007!The wheels are always turning so look for some hot
events this upcoming year with MonicaBlaire. We are going to bring back
the concert as an experience not just an event. Also keep your eyes and
ears open for the triple p album in 2007 with MonicaBlaire as one of the
featured artists!
CM:
What are some up coming performances? make sure you plug your CD-where
we can get it, how much etc.
MB:
You can see me December 15th @ the Grand Central Lounge (311 grand river
Detroit, Mi) it's all about Fashion and the Performances! Also you can
get the album at Detroit retailers and www.monicablaire.com, www.cdbaby.com,
and www.itunes.com!! Check it Out!
CM:
In your opinion, what is the state of our 21 century generation? How
can who you are and what you do change the negative into the positive?
MB:
Well as far as our generation is concerned, I feel that there are some
truly innovative young people that are creating new markets and new vision
to make things happen. This world is not the same as the world our parents
grew up in and I commend all of us for finding a new path. My quest on
this journey is to find my way and to nurture my whole person. I don't
have all the answers but I want to ask the hard questions. With my music
I can do that. With my music there is truth. That's what I want to see
more of . . . starting with me.
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