Interview: All-4-One – Vocal Harmony Group

Date of Interview: 08/20/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Although classic vocal harmony groups were radio staples in the ‘90s, the current decade hasn’t been so kind to either the male or female variety.  One group that has stood the test of time, however, is All-4-One, who made their international splash with a rousing cover of John Michael Montgomery’s country hit, “I Swear.”

Lovingly dubbed as “the Dukes of R&B,” the GRAMMY-winning quartet has released six albums over the course of their fifteen-year career.  Their latest effort, No Regrets, features their best work yet – marking the return of their timeless sound to mainstream radio.

Upon the release of No Regrets, Tony Borowiak, Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, and Alfred Nevarez managed to squeeze some time out of their busy schedules and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on “My Child,” their strong Asian following, and the roots of R&B.

Interview: Jaicko – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/20/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

As the summer turns to fall, American radio has taken an unexpected trip to a tropical island in the Caribbean.  Seeking something exotic and new, Jaicko, a Barbadian native, serves as the perfect musical tour guide.

As the nominee of several Barbados Music Awards, his music is widely known throughout the island.  In fact, amongst the country’s 300,000 residents, Jaicko is literally a “household name,” since his work receives constant rotation on the major Top 40 radio stations.  One particular track, “Oh Yeah,” Jaicko hopes will explode on American airwaves really soon.

Upon the release of Can I, Jaicko’s international debut, the artist managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Rihanna, breaking into America, and his professional relationship with his father.

Interview: Chanj – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/18/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

There’s an old saying that promises that the only constant in this world is change.  Unfortunately, a superficial listen to America’s Top 40 radio stations will probably make you think otherwise.  Quite fittingly, Chanj, a new artist who happens to go against the grain, finds comfort and value in his name.  Time will show if radio will too.

Upon the release of Time for Chanj, Chanj managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Luther Vandross, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and his remarkable reign as a four-time winner of “Showtime at the Apollo.”

Interview: Gene “Malice” Thornton (of the Clipse)

Date of Interview: 08/17/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Over the past decade, the Clipse have established themselves as one of hip hop’s most respected and recognizable duos.  And while Malice and Pusha T’s unbreakable bond as real-life brothers drives their success, they are empowered by the undying support of their international fan base.

The Clipse’s first two releases—Lord Willin’ (2002) and Hell Hath No Fury (2006)—have garnered massive critical acclaim, with the latter earning Top 10 rankings in year-end lists compiled by Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and SPIN Magazine.  On November 10, 2009, the Clipse will release their third studio effort, Till the Casket Drops, from their new home: Columbia Records.

During a promotional radio tour for Till the Casket Drops, Gene “Malice” Thornton managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on “Kinda Like a Big Deal,” his chemistry with Pusha T, and the need for “articulate hip hop.”

Interview: Jadyn Maria – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/12/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

For the past ten years, Jadyn Maria has yearned to make her big break in the music industry.  With her career experiencing numerous fits and starts over the past decade, one can only imagine all of the opportunities Jadyn had to quit and let go of her musical dreams.  But had she done so, she would have never toured the world with Ne-Yo (or signed with the singer’s label, Compound Entertainment).  In addition, she would have never had the opportunity to befriend Katy Perry, whose life story is eerily similar to her own.  Thus, the life story of Jadyn Maria, in hindsight, is less about the talents of an extraordinary singer/songwriter, than it is about the rugged determinism that led to her eventual success.  May her life shine as a testimony to all who are still following the rainbow’s end to find their pot of gold.

Upon the release of Man’s World, Jadyn Maria managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on her transition from Sparrow Records to Universal Motown, her international tour with Ne-Yo, and some insight on “why all the good girls like the bad boys.”

Interview: Keke Palmer – Actress, Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/06/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

At the age of 16, Keke Palmer’s resume reflects that of someone twice her age.  As the breakout star of her generation, Palmer’s film and TV credits include: Barbershop 2: Back in Business, “ER,” Akeelah and the Bee, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” Madea’s Family Reunion, “House of Payne,” Shrink, and her very own headlining sitcom, Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP.”

The multi-talented, award-winning actress has occasionally showcased her vocal prowess as well.   In addition to release of So Uncool, her 2007 solo debut, she has also made contributions to soundtracks for Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, Make It Happen, Jump In!, Night at the Museum, and Akeelah and the Bee.  In 2010, KeKe will release her highly-anticipated sophomore effort on Interscope Records.

In the midst of writing and recording for her forthcoming project, Keke Palmer managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Brandy, “Super Jerkin’,” and the trick to juggling two professional careers.