Interview: Katy B – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 07/29/2011

Katy B is one of Britain’s rising talents from the underground scene. As a member of RINSE FM’s “community” of artists, her success is both personal and political. The release of her first single, “Katy On a Mission,” came shortly after the pirate radio station’s granting of an official broadcast license, which had spent 16 years broadcasting underground. Her success gives credence to the emergence of grime and dubstep – paying homage to her fellow musical soldiers: Dizzee Rascal, Wiley and countless others.

On July 19, 2011, Katy’s debut album, On A Mission, was nominated for the 2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize. The album will be distributed States-side via Columbia Records. In support of the project’s US release – September 13, 2011 – Katy B managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on her early years at RINSE FM, the influence of DJ Geeneus, and the lessons learned from Ms. Dynamite, Britain’s top female MC.

Interview: Sean Paul – Dancehall King

Date of Interview: 07/20/2011

A critical prerequisite in the provision of “second chances” is the determination of its recipient to persevere in the face of an initial failing. In retrospect, the sophomore success of Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock virtually supplanted all public memory of his Stage One debut; and following the swift impact of two massive singles, “Gimme the Light” and “Get Busy,” the dancehall artist became a mainstay on MTV and BET. His subsequent collaborations with Beyonce (“Baby Boy”), Blu Cantrell (“Breathe”) and Mya (“Things Come and Go”) were simply the prelude of the many accomplishments to come.

Within a decade’s time, Sean Paul has become the best-selling dancehall artist of all-time – with a GRAMMY-winning catalog eclipsing 10 million album sales. During a promotional campaign for his latest single, “Got 2 Luv U” (featuring Alexis Jordan), Sean Paul managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the origins of his music career, the international success of dancehall, and the significance of Little X’s video treatment for “Gimme the Light.”

Interview: Benny Benassi – Deejay, Producer and Remixer

Date of Interview: 07/12/2011

From the outset of Benny Benassi’s professional journey, the spaces and places framing his musical landscape have grown smaller and smaller. In this new millennium, physical distance is no match against the technological forces driving the creativity between two or more collaborative bodies. The discography of Benassi is the perfect illustration: a kaleidoscope of genres crafted by an Italian GRAMMY Award-winning artist.

With the release of Electroman, Benny Benassi substantiated his love of hip-hop, which is often overshadowed by his status and influence on the electronic dance music scene. In support of this effort, Benny Benassi squeezed some time out of his busy schedule and settled down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the global emergence of hip-hop, European club culture and his musical partnership with his cousin, Alle Benassi.

Interview: Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles – Actor and Comedian

Date of Interview: 07/12/2011

Every weekday morning, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles entertains a radio audience of 8 million listeners as the co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show. Although known primarily for his comedic talents, Miles majored in Theater during his undergraduate years at Texas A&M University; and as a bona fide thespian, his talents were honed through study and work with the Royal Shakespeare Company of London. The totality of these experiences allowed “Nephew Tommy” to foster a career that encompasses – and transcends – radio, television, and film.

In support of the DVD release of his debut stand-up comedy special, Nephew Tommy: Just My Thoughts, Thomas Miles spoke with Clayton Perry about the influence of Charles Gordone, the art behind a side-splitting prank call, and an important lesson learned while touring with Luther Vandross.