Interview: KRS-One – Author, Producer and World-Renowned Emcee

Date of Interview: 11/20/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Whenever a listing of hip hop’s “greatest” emcees is created, one name consistently ranks in the top tier: KRS-One.  As a solo artist and founding member of Boogie Down Productions, Lawrence Parker has maintained unprecedented levels of notoriety and respect throughout his quarter-century reign as “The Teacha.”

Within the past few years, KRS One has received countless “Lifetime Achievement” Awards – honoring his impact on hip hop culture, as well as his philanthropic efforts revolving around the Stop the Violence Movement.  On October 6, 2009, his first book, The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument, was published under the powerHouse imprint.

In the midst of a promotional tour for the Gospel of Hip Hop, KRS One managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on the philosophical teachings of Edgar Cayce, the prophetic wisdom drawn from Louis Farrakhan, and the burden of responsibility hip hop’s emcees must bear.

Interview: Emilie Autumn – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 11/20/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Emilie Autumn is a classically trained musician, who rose to fame as Courtney Love’s “anarchy violinist.”  In the years that followed, she contributed backing vocals and instrumental support to Billy Corgan (The Future Embrace), Dethklok (The Dethalbum) and Attrition (All Mine Enemys Whisper EP).  Her musical work can be found on the international soundtracks for Saw III and IV as well.

To date, Emilie Autumn has six solo albums to her credit: On a Day… (2000), Enchant (2003), Your Sugar Sits Untouched (2005), Opheliac (2006), Laced/Unlaced (2007), and A Bit O’ This & That (2007).  In October 2009, her third album was repackaged by The End Records as Opheliac: The Deluxe Edition, which coincided with the launch of Emilie Autumn’s first American tour.

Upon review of Opheliac: The Deluxe Edition, Emilie Autumn managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Nigel Kennedy, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and life as an independent artist.

Interview: Christopher “Tricky” Stewart – Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 11/13/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Over the past decade, Christopher Stewart produced several of the industry’s biggest hits: “Umbrella” (Rihanna), “Single Ladies” (Beyonce), “I Look to You” (Whitney Houston) and “Touch My Body” (Mariah Carey). To date, his production talents are responsible for the sale of more than 25 million records.

As the co-founder of RedZone Entertainment, “Tricky” has established himself as a cultural tour de force, along with his brother and artist manager Mark E. Stewart.  Since 1995, the company has produced a string of platinum and chart-topping singles that have drastically molded the contemporary music landscape.

At the close of 2009, in the midst of the successful release of “Hard” (Rihanna) and “Louboutins” (Jennifer Lopez), Christopher “Tricky” Stewart managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on the founding of RedZone Entertainment, the lasting influence of Lou Silas, and his transition from the football field to the production studio.

Interview: Sean “The Pen” Garrett – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 11/12/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Although Sean Garrett is one of the most respected songwriters within the music industry, he has yet to become a household name.  Even so, it would be safe to bet that every American has come into contact with one or more songs from his music catalog.  Inside Garrett’s discography, one will find: “Yeah” (Usher), “Lose My Breathe” (Destiny’s Child), “Run It!” (Chris Brown), “London Bridge” (Fergie) and “Break Up” (Mario).

In 2008, Sean Garrett transitioned to the public spotlight, when he released Turbo 919 in Japan, which featured collaborations with Akon, Lil’ Wayne, Ludacris, and Pharrell.  The following year, he took his performance on the road – touring with Mario, Trey Songz and Day26 on BET’s 106 & Park Tour – and further established himself as a solo artist.

Fresh off the heels of a successful tour, Garrett received a GRAMMY nomination for his contributions to Beyonce’s I Am…Sasha Fierce!  After the first leg wrapped, Sean Garrett managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on his admiration of Lionel Richie, his nine contributions on Destiny Fulfilled and the story behind Jay-Z dubbing him “The Pen.”

Interview: Priscilla Renea – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 11/06/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Several years ago, Priscilla Renea made her grand debut on YouTube – posting home-made videos from the comfort of her home in Vero Beach, Florida. And through the use of several innovative marketing techniques, Renea amassed a sizable online following and landed a recording deal with Capitol Records. Her debut album, Jukebox, was released on December 1, 2009.

Like the album’s title suggests, Priscilla Renea is an eclectic artist.  On Jukebox, she masterfully fuses elements of rock, pop, and R&B, with select tracks evoking the spirit of contemporary artists like Katy Perry (“Dollhouse”), Rihanna (“Lovesick”), and Keyshia Cole (“Pretty Girl”).

In the midst of a promotional tour for Jukebox, Priscilla Renea managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on her YouTube experience, the inspiration behind “Rockabye Baby,” and the video shoot for “Dollhouse.”

Interview: Erik Hassle – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 11/02/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Although Erik Hassle hails from the small town of Katrineholm, Sweden, his music has slowly crept into virtually every corner of the globe.  Like ABBA, who rose to fame fifteen years before Hassle’s birth, Erik is determined to cement Sweden’s place on the musical map.

In August 2009, Erik Hassle released his debut album in Sweden under the Roxy Recordings imprint.  And following the success of “Hurtful,” he landed an international recording contract with Island Records and Universal Republic, which will allow him to repackage Hassle in 2010 for international audiences.  The re-release will be entitled Pieces.

Upon review of Pieces, Erik Hassle managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on his mother’s influence, the reason behind Hassle’s title change, and his transition from a drummer into a singer.