Interview: Bootsy Collins – Funk Bassist, Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 03/25/2011

Over the past four decades, Bootsy Collins has captivated the world with his funky bass and psychedelic soul. As the unforgettable member of backing bands for James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, Collins also earned fame and critical acclaim under the banner of Bootsy’s Rubber Band.

In 1997, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized Bootsy Collins for his musical influence as a major pioneer in the development of the funk music genre. And through the use of digital technology, Collins further cemented his legacy with the launch of Funk University in July 2010, an online school for musicians, which features lectures and instruction from guest bassist professors such as Les Claypool, Meshelle Ndegeocello, John B. Williams and Victor Wooten.

On April 26, 2011, Bootsy Collins will release Tha Funk Capitol of the World via Megaforce Records. In the midst of a promotional campaign for the album, Bootsy Collins managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the influence of Phelps “Catfish” Collins, contemporary voices of hope, and the birth of funk.

Interview: Simon Cowell – Music Executive and Television Producer

Date of Interview: 03/22/2011

Simon Cowell is the owner of Syco, a television production and music publishing house. Since the firm’s founding in 2002, the company has handled international acts, like Il Divo and Susan Boyle, in addition to producing Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, under the Syco Television banner. Outside of Cowell’s business ventures, the charismatic Britain garnered substantial notoriety for his role as a judge on American Idol (2001-2010). His honesty on the show, as well as his keen abilities to identify talent, led to his infamous reputation as a no-nonsense businessman.

Starting in September 2011, FOX will broadcast the first season of an Americanized version of Britain’s popular X Factor contest. As part of a promotional campaign for the show’s “open call” auditions, Simon Cowell managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an exclusive interview – reflecting on mentorship, the qualities of a “superstar,” and the difference between the British and American versions of X Factor.

Interview: Bobby V – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 03/08/2011

For the bulk of Bobby V’s career, he has been stuck at a crossroad typical of every young R&B artist: how does one pay homage to the traditions of R&B’s glorious past, while connecting to a generation born-and-raised on hip-hop music? Straddling this line with great deft, the music catalog of Bobby V has been sprinkled with guest features from rappers like Lil’ Wayne (“Mrs. Officer”) and Plies (“Phone #”), alongside R&B veterans like R. Kelly (“Words [Remix]”) and Raphael Saadiq (“Wish List”). These pseudo-schizophrenic impulses are the by-product of a music landscape that makes little room for multiple – or conflicting – images of black masculinity. Either you’re “this” or “that” – and Bobby V is neither.

Bobby V’s determination to succeed is evident in a 15-year career that has been dedicated to music. And with four albums to his credit, he shows no signs of slowing down. In the midst of a promotional campaign for Fly on the Wall, Bobby V managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on his growth as a singer, Timbaland’s influence on his production, and the future of his Blu Kolla label.

Interview: Qasim Basir – Writer and Film Director

Date of Interview: 03/01/2011

Qasim Basir is the creative force behind Mooz-lum, a timely film about the contemporary Muslim American experience from an African American perspective. One decade removed from 9/11, Basir has crafted a visual masterpiece that aims to provoke a progressive discussion revolving around intolerance and the nation’s unnerving levels of stereotype-infused bigotry. Through the phenomenal acting talents of Danny Glover, Nia Long, Evan Ross and Roger Guenveur Smith, many Americans will finally have the opportunity to live vicariously through the familiar characters that are often overlooked as members of our cultural melting pot.

In support of Mooz-lum’s theatrical release, Qasim Basir managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on cultural politics, his favorite scenes, and the struggles independent filmmakers face in the present day.

Interview: Wiz Khalifa – Hip-Hop Artist

Date of Interview: 03/01/2011

Wiz Khalifa is a Pittsburgh emcee that is determined to make an impact on the hip-hop scene. Not only does he want to be a game-changer on the music side of the equation, but he plans to influence the overall culture, too. After releasing nine mixtapes, his agenda is off to a great start – following the massive success of “Black and Yellow,” a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 and the “unofficial” anthem of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

On March 29, 2011, Wiz Khalifa is set to release his major-label debut, Rolling Papers (via Atlantic Records), which follows two independent efforts (via Rostrum Records): 2006’s Show and Prove and 2009’s Deal or No Deal.  In the midst of a promotional campaign for Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa managed to squeeze some time out his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on his love for hip-hop, the importance of mixtapes, and the support of his mentor, Eric “E. Dan” Dan.