EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MUSIQ SOULCHILD
Angel: First off, I’m a big fan of your music, so it’s a pleasure to be interviewing you right now.
Musiq: Thank You
Angel: It’s been about 4 years since your last release and a lot of people wanted to know what you have been up to…
Musiq: Um…I’ve been busy. I’ve switched labels. I’m no longer at Def Jam; I’m over at Atlantic Records, which takes a lot of time and paperwork. I’ve changed management; I’ve changed producers – working on this new album. Well I worked with some of the same producers that I worked with on the past three albums, but I also worked with a lot of new producers. And it takes time to cultivate a sound and get comfortable.
Angel: Yeah, that’s true.
Musiq: I’ve done about three or four tours domestically and internationally. I’ve done a play for about four months, um, just basically been busy. And still at the same time just trying to be a regular human being just living out my life.
Angel: Ok. Well you brought up one of my questions – about the label switch. What was your reasoning behind that?
Musiq: That was actually an idea or a suggestion that was made by Kevin Liles. You know he was over at Def Jam records when I got signed – he actually signed me to Def Jam Records. But when he moved over to the Warner Music Group, and I would see him in passing and he approached me and asked me, “What you think about being over here with me?” Plus it took him a little while to figure out where he would place me and he had to talk it over with L.A. Reid and Shawn Carter [Jay-Z] to make the arrangements.
Angel: The game has changed a bit since your last album, so what do you expect to do to stand out this time?
Musiq: I don’t know. I’m pretty much doing the same type of music, I guess, that I’ve been doing on my past 3 projects. But I’m trying to introduce the idea of other things.
Angel: Un huh
Musiq: I mean there is just way more to music that R&B and Neo-Soul, and I want to be able to perform those different styles and genres and things.
Angel: You always have eclectic titles for your albums, so how did you pick this one?
Musiq: Just being very basic and simple, that’s what I’ve always wanted to give love & music.
Angel: Ok. So one thing I noticed about your new single Buddy is that is similar to your other single “Just Friends.” Did you do that intentionally or is that just how it came out?
Musiq: It’s pretty much how it comes out. All of my songs are basically reflections of my perception of things. I do my best to factor in a general objective perspective, but I’m still a human being and I can only see things the way I see things. And experiencing what I’ve experienced and learning what I’ve learned. I’ve always come back to that subject. I guess that’s why it turns out that way, because I still feel the way I feel about it.
Angel: I always wanted to ask you this ever since your first album came out. You had the song “Seventeen” on your first album; was that from a personal experience that you went through?
Musiq: In a way – it didn’t go like the song. I was being a little more dramatic, but that was an idea that was presented to me by writing partner at the time. Because I remember hollering at a girl and then finding out that she was seventeen. I was like “ooh ok, Imma have to leave you alone..”
Angel: [laughs]
Musiq: You know, but we just took that idea and just ran with it. And just took that idea and just ran with it. And just entertained the ideas of one of the worse case scenarios and then u have the song.
Angel: Ok, you just said that you plan on getting out the box of R&B/Neo Soul, so who do you plan to work with that is out of your genre?
Musiq: It’s not so much that I’m trying to get out of the box of R&B and Neo Soul, it’s just that I would like to be able to do more than just R&B and Neo Soul and not be looked at as being crazy and lost my mind because I wanted to do something else yanno?
Angel: So who would you want to work with?
Musiq: That’s the thing, anybody. I’m inspired my music itself. You know I might want to work with an emcee, I might want to work with a rock artist, and I might want to work with a classically trained maestro and conductor or and old school jazz musician. I don’t know. I would like to be able to do that and it being appreciated and respected for what it is. Rather than, Musiq just trying some new stuff, he just trying to be different.
MUSIQ ON THE STATE OF R&B/SOUL MUSIC // TALKS ABOUT HIS NAME
Angel: Some of my visitors wanted to know your perspective on the state of R&B right now. Because you know a lot of people say Hip-Hop is dead, so do you think Neo-Soul or R&B is dead?
Musiq: I don’t know [sigh/laugh] it just is what it is. In my opinion, and actually in my education too, of things and music, everything works in a cycle. I would say that the business has put more focus on commercial gain, rather than the creative substance of things. Which sort of altered people’s perception and contributed to people’s conditioning of how to listen to music and appreciate music. But personally, I wouldn’t go as far as to say Hip Hop is dead or Rap music is dead or Soul music is dead..
Angel: Un huh
Musiq: It’s just in a state that could use a fresher approach and a breath of fresh air. You know, I’m the kind of person that is not going to sit back and complain about the state of things, but will do my best to contribute to it being better.
Angel: Awhile back on 106th and Park, you said you were going to drop Soulchild from your name. Or did you decide to keep it now, or what’s going on with that?
Musiq: I never really dropped it, the point was to try to focus the attention on one part of the name, and later put the attention on the other part of the name – in the attempt to explain the name. But it got a little confusing to people, so I used this opportunity in reintroducing myself, and to bring the name back as the full name, Musiq Soulchild. Hopefully later on I will be able to explain the purpose behind the two names.
Angel: So a lot of people wanted to know if a Neo-Soul tour was in the works. I’m talking artists like: Bilal, Jill Scott, The Roots… is that something we can expect in the future?
Musiq: Not particularly, but I would love to.
MUSIQ ANSWERS RANDOM QUESTIONS
Angel: Ok, so here are some random questions that some of my visitors want to know. Um, what was one of your most embarrassing moments in the spotlight?
Musiq: One of my most embarrassing moments in the spotlight?
Angel: yeah
Musiq: Um, I remember having to sing “Love” and when it came to singing that high note, I couldn’t do it because I was so horse from doing shows back to back.
Angel: [laughs]
Musiq: That was embarrassing.
Angel: See I was hoping you would bring up that National Anthem thing, because I didn’t really want to ask but..
Musiq: That really wasn’t that embarrassing.
Angel: So you weren’t embarrassed?
Musiq: I mean I was embarrassed, that I forgot the line, but I’m human it happens – people forget.
Angel: Well a few years back you and India Arie were reported to be an item. And you were in one of her videos; I spotted you at the Grammy’s etcetera. Were you two dating, and how is that relationship now?
Musiq: I guess we were dating if you let the people tell it. I didn’t think we were dating.
Angel: Oh, so you weren’t dating?
Musiq: [stutters] I mean well, what do you call dating?
Angel: going out to movies, dinner, chilling at the house. I don’t know.
Musiq: Now is it possible to do that with someone that you are just cool with?
Angel: Yes, it’s possible. But if you do it more than normal, get what I’m saying?
Musiq: Well then, I ask you another question. What is normal?
Angel: Oh lord.
Musiq: You see, you see what I got to deal with?
Angel: I get what you saying.
Musiq: You know because everyone has their own perspective of what dating is. I just saw it as this is somebody that I met – I thought was cool and I loved to spend time with. But when you start saying dating, then you imply that we are together and that we are an item.
Angel: Yeah
Musiq: And then you start commiting with the people and that may not be the situation with the people that are you are “commiting” to each other.
Angel: Ok.
Musiq: You know she has her own life to lead and I have my own life to lead. You don’t know, she probably had other people that she was seeing…
Angel: See, I just wanted you to clear it up yanno?
Musiq: ..She might have had someone else she was trying to get serious with, but everybody else was trying to put us together. And it’s not like it was like I wouldn’t have liked the idea of us being together, but that just wasn’t the reality of things.
Angel: Well, I just wanted you to clear it up..
Musiq: But that’s just for you, but I’m going to have to explain that for the rest of my career.
Angel: That’s true, but you’ll educate some people though.
Musiq: And just to answer the end of your question. We’re still cool, that’s still my homie. I just saw her not to long ago in Atlanta. I did a show in Atlanta and she came through and showed love and support. Like we are still cool, and she is still somebody that I love to spend my time with.
Angel: Ok. Well if you could choose a celebrity to be your “buddy” who would it be?
Musiq: [sighs/laughs] Oh God
Angel: Who would it be?
Musiq: India Arie
Angel: [laughs] See, now you playing around.
Musiq: No, I’m not playing around, that’s a fact.
Angel: Okay..
Angel: Some people wanted to know.. can you cook?
Musiq: I won’t starve.
Angel: So you microwave it up?
Musiq: I can cook a little bit.
Angel: So what music are you listening to right now? Like artists and albums?
[ATLANTIC REPRESENTATIVE CUTS IN: Hey sorry to cut in, but this is going to have to be the last question, you have to rap it up okay?]
Musiq: I listened to so many things, from John Coltrane to Gnarls Barkley to… I don’t know, I listen to so many things.
[I ASKED HIM TO DO THE DROP AND THEN THE INTERVIEW ENDS]
Angel: Alright, well thank you.
Musiq: No doubt
Angel: Have a good one.
Musiq: You too.
Sorry, I couldn’t get more questions in yall, but you know how that goes. Hopefully you enjoyed the interview and make sure you sign up for the LuvanMusiq contest.
LuvanMusiq is in stores on March 13th!
49 Comments
1.
KATHLEEN
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
Wow I love that bit about India Arie. He was real honest. And thats funny how he was actually feeling her she must have a little game. Hey I’m going to give her her props as a talented beautiful dark skin black woman,lol.
And u go music, for loving her!!!!
2.
oh no
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
good interview
3.
kwy8storm
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
Great interview
4.
yes
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
guess his rep didn’t think our questions were relevant enough to be askin *rolleyes* lol whatever…
5.
yes
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
i think buddy is more like forthenight than just friends, well i guess it’s a combination of the two
6.
Silence4me2
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
That was a good interview. He kind of sounded tired.
“Musiq: I mean I was embarrassed, that I forgot the line, but I’m human it happens – people forget.” I loved that part ’cause that is so true…people need to get over that. The India Arie part was very interesting. =)
7.
Angel
Saturday, March 10, 2007 /
@ 6. Yeah I could tell he was. I mean I would have posted the whole audio interview, but honestly yall would have fell asleep. That’s why I put snippets in this one. LOL.
I’m guessing he was hella tired because of a concert or something. That or he just didn’t want to talk to my ass. LMAO
but thanx yall.
8.
Mike
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
It does sound like he was tired a little, o’well it happens, most likey that would be the reason on account of he was on tour and did a lot of press and interviews — Great interview, you remain professional and you kept your composer! =p
9.
PoeticMD12
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
yeah!!!! im in the top 10….Great interview..I love it and im still luvanmusiq….cant wait to pick up the new cd!!
10.
sheneice
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
GREAT JOB
11.
keisheloca
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
He could of least acted like he was up beat and rested. But Angel still did her thing tho.
12.
Diabolical
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
*sigh* good interview … wish my question had gotten thrown in there about his 4 song tour, LOL. But still, it was good.
13.
afrobabe
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
good interview though he sounded tired atleast he took his time 2 speak 2 u.
14.
Bouga
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
It’s a dope interview Angel. I enjoyed it….and I laughed a bit with some of the answers. Well done Angel.
I’m looking forward to the album.
15.
LilMamaKatz
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
Angel. your interviews are the best part of this site!!
and they’re gettin only better every time.
luved dat 1.
16.
hmmm
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
Enjoyed the interview! He has grown and matured as an artist. Looking forward to the new album.
17.
rkj
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
I just read the transcript. Seems like he was a bit tired or testy. His replies are about as boring as his music.
18.
Anika
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
My poor baby was exhausted as hell. He sound good as shit tho. lol. I wont even lie.
But that was good. damn good job Angel! Love your interviews. Now we need to get you to do one with Reggie, and I’ll love you forever. lol.
And that part about India was deep. I love the fact that he was honest about her and his “feelings”. I got nothin but love for Musiq!! And people need to get over that Anthem crap. I swear some people will dwell on small stuff forever. It’s the national anthem. Not everyone knows it, if you wanna be honest. It’s a whole nother thing if he forgot HIS OWN lyrics. Either way, like he said, he’s human.
anyway. Thanks for that interview. I been waiting on it.
19.
Anika
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
And some of you need to remember. He’s an entertainer. He’s probably been promoting the hell out of his song/cd. Give him a break. Take on the role that he does, and see if you won’t be as tired. He at least took the time out to still do it.
20.
Chanté
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
The part about India.Arie is kinda weird. Do you hold hands like that (Grammy Pic) when you consider the other person just a friend? They were always like that, that’s why they got people “confused” according to him. You know, Janet did it with Renee but they secretly were more. And then, MUSIQ was in her video “Ready For Love”? I think he probably lead her to believe they were more when they weren’t.
See, “Buddy” I think, is about being FUCK BUDDIES. So he’d choose India to be “buddy” with?
“sorry if i come off disrespectful
but my convo is a little bit too sexual
but damn its incredible be more flexible
cause the context of this text is special
but wait let me explain it
a buddy is an equal beneficial arrangement
a buddy is a buddy that don’t be complainin
when his or her buddy and the buddy they came wit”
The convo is “too sexual”, but they’re just cool friends? There’s nothing ambiguous? Oh no, they’re “Just Friends”. Musiq has his own definition of dating and it’s called “friendships with benefits”, he may love you but he doesn’t like the “commitment” part.
21.
Chanté
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
Corr. : I think he probably lead her to believe they were more when they weren’t IN HIS MIND.
22.
Angel
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
@ 20. I disagree with you. I got the impression that he wanted more, but India was hollering at someone else. I mean he even mentioned that a little bit.
23.
Aaimah
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
They do so many of those interviews in one day..they have to keep them on schedule, I don’t think they were too worried about the questions.
I can tell though that he woke up on that India Arie question.
24.
what you know about that
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
good interview Angel.La I love how you slipped the part in about the national anthem, cause I’m sure we all were thinking he was going to say that was is most embarrasing moment. And he’s right, people do forget. Musicians do it all the time but they usually know how to play it off with runs or something else.
25.
Jazz
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
Well we learned something different today…India Arie a Buddy? All I gotta say is atleast he says how he feels. He’s human and I can respect that.
26.
new yorker
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
@ Angel
First off, great interview! And also, I agree with you on the India situtaion. I believe she had someone else on the side. He mentions that she might have been dating other people but he never says “we might have been dating other people”. So obviously she must have been playing him and she’s the one that left the relationship ambiguous.
27.
hood_shit
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
I didn’t really think Musiq was or sounded tired. He sounded relaxed like he was in a zone. The reality is that every interview wont have the same energy. We are talking about different people with different shit going on in their lives. Congrats on the interview.
28.
Brian
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
angel! great interview. I especially love the part where you get into the india.arie thing. I thought it was great. great job!
29.
Shun
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
I think you did a good job Angel and their is nothing wrong with having a BUDDY.
30.
Stina
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
@ 20, you hit the nail on the head. The buddy he’s talkn about, is a F**kbuddy. To the rest of yall, don’t act brand new. LOL.
I love Muisq though! His new joint is hot and I’m looking forward to his new cd.
If anyone wants to be my fbuddy, holla!! LOL j/k
31.
miniki
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
That’s what’s up!!!
Great interview, I love Musiq, He is bomb,and so is India Arie!!!!
Keep up the good work!
32.
msfabolous
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
angel, very good interview…
it’s interesting bc when you asked the question about his most embarrassing moment, i knew that you were expecting him to say the national anthem but didn’t really want to bring it up lol.
love musiq, will definetly get his cd…i disagree with him on the definition of dating…dating doesn’t mean that you are an item or “together”. it means just that, that you’re dating. either bc you like spending time with the other person or you are getting to know the person so you’re spending time with them. maybe what he meant was, if you’re going out on dates, ppl automatically think that you are an item…
i didn’t really get the feeling that he wanted her and she didn’t want him. then again, i was reading the interview not listening so maybe that would change my mind. i know someone that works with him and awhile ago i asked that person if he was dating India.
at any rate, good interview…
33.
Chanté
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
Yall think she had someone on the side? If she really was playing him, would he still be cool with her to this day? I don’t think so, particularly men who got played, they ain’t cool with you no more after that. THAT DOESNT MAKE SENSE to stay cool with someone who toyed your feelings, and we all know men don’t play that.
I think this statement was just an excuse to imply that’s not his fault, if Musiq was seeing someone else yall REALLY think he would have told us? Yall really think he would be like “yeah I kinda cheated but..”? No, instead he just said THAT IS NOT HIS DEFINITION OF DATING.
WHATEVER MAN!
34.
Bluey
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
@ Angel…girl, you gonna be the black Diane Sawyer…LOL!
@ Chante…I agree with you 110% I saw Musiq at SOBs in New York and he broke down the definition of Buddy…it’s a fuck buddy song. “We’re all adults,” he said. He broke India’s heart and alas, the Life and Tesitmony album…I guess this shows me that one can have a jacked up eye….lemme stop.
35.
Cindyizjazzie
Monday, March 12, 2007 /
u used my question angel!!! thank u!! i really wanted 2 know y he wanted to drop the soulchild. thanks again!!!!
36.
J.L
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
Other than the fact he was DRY as HELL (Imma charge it to his head and not his heart)nice interview, Angel. LOL
37.
lilkunta
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
I’ve been readng here for awhile. It really is nice and now I’m here daily. you all are great.
Nice interview Angel. I think the Atlantice rep( or who ever that ladt was who cut in ) was rude.
38.
lilkunta
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
@20
In 02, IA was new to the industry. Musiq had been in it since 00. They went as just friends. In the aftermath of the 02 grammy fiasco, IA did alot of interviews afterwards in Spring/Summer/Fall 02 & explained that her/Musiq were just friends.
Also, not just Musiq but a whole bunch of artists were in the video 4 “Ready 4 Luv”: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl1LrlOVpyU&mode=related&search= ) 4 Ready 4 Love: Les Nubians (I think), Anthony Hamilton, Grenique, Kndred Family Soul, Glenn Lewis, Jill Scott (I think), Floetry, Eric Roberson ( I think ) … Motown did the video for IA as apprecition for all her hard work and not loosing faith after the grammy fiasco, so many soul artists were in it. If you have mtvsoul channel check for when they do the IA repeat. Last summer when her 3rd album came out she did a secial and explained her music videos, so she’ll go into ore detail on her music special as well.
The rumours came up again in Fall 02 after IA did the song “Truth” from her 2nd album “Voyage” bc she had the line “i love the gap in between his teeth”. But IA ( as Musiq said) was in a relationship with some 1 she knew from childhood/ Atl. That guy she broke up with in 03 or 04, and this breakup was the inspiration for her current album “Testimony 1: Life & Relationship”.
39.
Tianna
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
It was funny when ya’ll was talking about India. Good job Angel lol.
40.
lilkunta
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
@20
about the 2nd half of ur commnent:
I luv luv luv the music to this song. Its a feel good song. But yeah, the content DOES sound like he is looking for a sex buddy. Some ladies are for that though, so the song is true.
41.
lilkunta
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
on Monday, March 12, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
34. Bluey said:
@ Angel…girl, you gonna be the black Diane Sawyer…LOL!
@ Chante…I agree with you 110% I saw Musiq at SOBs in New York and he broke down the definition of Buddy…it’s a fuck buddy song. “We’re all adults,” he said. He broke India’s heart and alas, the Life and Tesitmony album…I guess this shows me that one can have a jacked up eye….lemme stop. [/quote]
=== =============== ========
@34Bluey– WHAT? So M admitted to it being a “f*ck” song…. Good that he is honest. But regardless, the song has a agood vibe to it. I like it.
42.
decatur
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
Sorry Angel for me the interview was just ok….and I really hate when u do interviews and the person you are interviewing says something and u just dismiss it with a weak “ok” almost as if you could care less and really did not want the answer anyway…but everyone does their own thing so, whatever works for you….
43.
new yorker
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 /
@ chanté
actually i know guys like that lol there are some girls that i know that play guys. the guys know each ohter too and know what’s up but still hang around. it’s weird but it can happen
44.
NOWEAPN
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 /
This was a good interview! I’m so happy that he cleared up the National Anthem business for all of the naysayers out there and on this board. What did he say “I’m human?” I am so glad he talked briefly about that. Angel, good looking out … this interview was great!
45.
Janelle
Thursday, March 15, 2007 /
Wow! I love Musiq! Great interview he didnt sound tired he sounds like he’s laid back,and relaxed. His music is no where near tired and he’s an excellent musician very different and very talented. I’m really looking foward to his album great job on the interview! Also on that India Arie thing I think that he wanted a relationship with her but she wanted to keep it moving, its so nice to see an honest man…
46.
babyboss
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 /
good interview…the national anthem i must add that not many ghetto americans know it or the pledge of alligence i still love him~
47.
pinkprincss
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 /
nice interview thanks for sharing
48.
sharonda
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 /
lol love the interview angel.la!big ups.
49.
luvmesummusiq
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 /
i feel #20..she probably wanted more but like the typical man he wanted to be friends with benefits..but i still have nothing but love for musiq…..and i’ll always love his musiq…