Interview: Jo Dee Messina – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 01/26/2010

Although Holliston, Massachusetts, may seem to be the most unlikely place for a country star to be born, over the past fourteen years, Jo Dee Messina has consistently ranked among the genre’s best.  To date, she has racked up nine #1 singles, in addition to two platinum and three gold records.  In addition, Messina has received two GRAMMY nominations: “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” (for “That’s the Way”) and “Best Country Collaboration” (for “Bring on the Rain,” which featured long-time collaborator Tim McGraw).

As the first singer to have three #1 singles from a single album, Jo Dee has set the standard for the contemporary crop of female musicians.  And with the release of her forthcoming album on April 13, 2010, Messina will add to an impressive sales count of more than 5 million records.  Beyond all shadow of a doubt, the title of her sixth projects gives an “unmistakable” nod to her musical legacy and lasting influence.

While promoting “That’s God,” Unmistakable’s lead single, Jo Dee Messina managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on her cover of Dottie West’s “Lesson in Leavin’,” mainstream misconceptions of country music, and her affiliation with the Special Olympics.

Interview: Eric Roberson – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 01/20/2010

Interview: IYAZ – Rapper, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 01/19/2010

As the newest addition to Beluga Heights Records, IYAZ is following in the footsteps of Sean Kingston to become one of the Caribbean’s greatest musical exports.  With the release of “Replay,” Keidran Jones has experienced chart-topping success in Australia, Britain and the United States—conclusively cementing his status as an international superstar.

Straddling the lines of hip-hop, pop and R&B, IYAZ has found a welcome home in the hearts of a diverse swath of music lovers, who have embraced his curse-free music and care-free persona.  On March 30, 2010, he will release his debut – My Life – via Warner Music Group.

In the midst of a promotional tour for My Life, IYAZ managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on the industry’s growing appreciation of Island music, his artistic responsibilities as a “role model” for youth, and his admiration of Bob Marley and Wyclef Jean.

Interview: God-des & She – Pop/Hip-Hop Duo

Date of Interview: 01/14/2010

In 2006, independent duo God-des and She maneuvered their way into the mainstream, when their provocative “Lick It” debuted on Showtime’s The L Word.  Having met in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1999, the long road to success has been rife with true-life clichés, but after spending seven years building a fan base underground, God-des and She hit pay dirt with their third album. Three, which was released on their very own G&S Records, secured the production talents of Brian Hardgrove (Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Burning Spear, Aerosmith).

Defying musical categorization, God-des and She have brazenly and seamlessly blended pop, soul and hip-hop together.  And for the past few years, the dynamic duo toured around the world—performing, at minimum, 100 shows a year.  From Madison to NYC, and back again, these ladies have definitely earned their musical stripes.

In the midst of God-des and She’s daily hustle and bustle, the two artists managed to squeeze some time out of their busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on their musical upbringings, some pressing social issues, and the crazy shenanigans that take place behind the scenes!