NEWS: SITE ON HOLD FOR A WHILE

I have come to the decision that the site will go on hold for a while, I currently have a few things I need to be focusing my attention on and therefore the site has been neglected as of recently, which is not what I want. I feel that if I do have the site up and running, posting features, then I want to have my full attention on it and not leave it numerous days where I haven’t updated. So therefore, the site will be on hold until further notice. Do not worry, for those who regularly check this site, I will be back posting when the time is right and there will be plenty more features to go on this site, but at the moment I just don’t have what it takes to remain focused on this site.

In the meantime though, I have only just posted a couple of features below, one being an incredible interview with the very talented Jimetta Rose, so be sure to check that out just below. Until the site is back up and running full time, have a great Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter, if you’re on the other side of the world). Take care! x

INTERVIEW SPECIAL: JIMETTA ROSE

The time has come for another exclusive interview feature here on Sexy Never Left. Now, Jimetta is an artist I have been following for quite a while now and I absolutely adore her album, ‘The Barber’s Daughter’, which is something that has made it onto my iPod, not an easy feat these days, as I tend to be so fussy with music. So I was truly happy when Jimetta very kindly agreed to be a part of my interview special here on Sexy Never Left.

If you wish to find out more on Jimetta and her music, then you can do so by clicking onto the official Nappy Nation website. If you haven’t yet heard the amazing album, ‘The Barber’s Daughter’, then what are you waiting for? It is easily one of my favourite recent albums and can be found via clicking here.

So sit back and enjoy the following interview with the gifted Jimetta Rose and if you wish to chat to the lady herself afterwards, maybe find out more on her music, then you can do so via her official Twitter page.

When were you first exposed to music? Did you know then that this is something you wanted to pursue?

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing out the womb according to my mother. My first memory of music that is clear is singing in the Sunbeam Choir at my church, I was around 2 or 3 years old. I have always known that music is what I wanted to do, for a split second when I was 7 or so, I wanted to also be a figure skater due to their lovely costumes, but even then I wanted to be a singing figure skater. *laughs*

Who has been the biggest influence on you, when it comes to your music?

Wow! This one is so hard because inspiration comes from all over the place, but if I had to narrow it down to the 3 most influential inspirations, then I’d say Ella Fitzgerald for her pitch perfect scatting and precision; The Clarke Sisters for their wonderful harmonic arrangements and Chaka Khan and Rufus for their funky soulful vibe. There are of course many other influences but these are the ones that I believe have helped me cultivate my own sound.

What has been the response so far to the music which you’ve released?

So far the response has been far beyond what I expected, especially being an independent artist with no actual experience. It’s been a long rocky road, but each day I am surprised by another sale in another country. I have mailed my CD all over the United States and even have some in London and France, not bad for a girl from South Central Los Angeles.

What do you think the future holds for you as an artist?

All I can type here is what I would like to happen, you know, it’s hard because God always has so much more in store for us than what we can imagine. I believe all things are possible, so I look forward to touching the hearts of people all over the world with my music and my words. These are hectic times that we are living in, so it means so much to me that a song I sing could possibly give people that have run out of hope and are looking for a better way, something more; something to believe in.

Are there any plans for you to tour?

So far those are only in my head, but there have been some negotiations - so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

What influences you when it comes to writing material?

Really I am writing all the time. Some ideas I just let fly with the wind, but those that stick with me become songs or stories. I just absorb all that is around me... swish it around in my head awhile and here comes some melodies. Honestly, it’s a humbling experience because I cannot pinpoint the exact source of a lot of these ideas, but that’s the beautiful part of it as well, you know, co-creating with God - divine energy becoming something you can listen to, hum along to and write down on some paper... simply amazing.

Do you have any plans for a new album?

First on the agenda is the live CD/DVD with my band, ‘The Beautiful Thing’, we’ll be recording that soon. So I am super excited about the new songs and also introducing the world to my band. especially since they are so awesomely talented and have believed in me and my vision since the very beginning. I’m working on the master plan beyond this point but more music is coming soon.

What can we expect from your future projects?

My aim is that you hear the growth from one project to the next, so on future projects from me be prepared to share in wherever this road leads me, who knows we may do a whole album Bossanova (one of my favourite genres of music) or flip it up on y’all and cover the Beatles (can’t afford to do that right now). *laughs* Basically there’s isn’t any cookie cutter image over here, you’re going to see me grow up through this music, each project will be a stepping stone. Walk with me!

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how do you deal with that kind of an issue?

I have been quite fortunate in respect to writer’s block, but then again I don’t force any song. What I’d say is the best cure for writer’s block is to broaden your musical knowledge, listen to music from all genres that you can, this will widen your idea pool and also help you find different ways to approach a song, whether it be melodic, rhythmic or varying your format.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?

I think this is a pivotal point in music. The power is being evenly distributed between the big guys and the little guys by this miraculous thing called the internet, which means the listener is getting more options and which means ‘lil ole me has a chance! I’d say things are beautiful right now, ripe with potential. Can you imagine Top 40 being infiltrated by the underground? Well we’re coming!!

To those who haven’t heard your music, how would you describe your sound?

I think when you mix Jazzy Gospel chords with Hip Hop head nods, some real singing, with that divine energy I spoke of earlier sprinkled throughout – then you’ll get what I’m trying to give you.

Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the people reading this interview?

Choose love daily... it is like breathing and we must see the oneness which connects us all - these are times for fearlessness. Believe in your wildest dreams! Love y’all!

I would like to thank Jimetta for taking the time to answer the questions I set for her and I wish her all of the success she deserves for the future. If you haven’t heard Jimetta’s rather amazing album, ‘The Barber’s Daughter’, then you have certainly been missing out and I would highly recommend that project to anyone who is anyone.

JILL SCOTT READIES ‘THE LIGHT OF THE SUN’

It’s getting closer to that time when Jill will announce an official date for the release of her upcoming project, ‘The Light Of The Sun’, which I am seriously excited for. I don’t think excited is the word, I’m beyond the excitement, I’m bursting for the day when I will have the album in my hands. So when the album artwork dropped a few days ago, I was in awe, knowing that the day is at last approaching and that Jill has this monster of an album on her hands that we are all so eager to hear. You can take a peep at the artwork for the upcoming project, which is one of two albums from Jill (the other being a compilation of unreleased gems from Jill’s previous label, Hidden Beach).

STACEY KENT’S MAGICAL INTERPRETATION OF A CHILDHOOD CLASSIC

Now this song is currently featured on a British advert for Dreams beds, therefore a whole host of people who weren’t previously familiar (myself included) with this version are being introduced to this rather magical interpretation of a classic song. A song from one of those movies, in this case ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, that everybody has sat through as a child.

Here is Stacey Kent’s take on a classic, followed by the original from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. Enjoy!

INTERVIEW SPECIAL: KYRA SIMONE

Kyra Simone is someone who has been doing her own thing within music for quite some time now and she remains someone who should be heard of on a wider scale, considering how much talent she boasts. So, it was my pleasure when I got the opportunity to interview the very talented lady herself and was able to ask her about how she started in music; who has influenced her on her journey within music and so much more.

Also, if you wish to check out the material from this very talented individual, then you can do so by clicking onto Kyra’s official website, where you can listen to music, as well as find a link to purchase Kyra’s amazing album. Other than that, enjoy the interview, followed by a couple of videos from the incredibly talented Kyra Simone.

When were you first exposed to music?

Did you know then that this is something you wanted to pursue? Even though my parents were musicians, I didn’t have them guiding me as they pursued other careers as I grew up. My dad always said I had talent and I remember singing with ease, but when I got to 16 most of the family said I needed a ‘real’ career. So I did that, I felt unfulfilled and pursued music, learning about the highs and lows from my own experience.

Who has been the biggest influence on you in your life?

My grandmother (Sylviane Leonce), may she R.I.P and she continues to influence me every single day.

What has been the response so far to the music you’ve released?

It’s been amazing. I have noticed though not everyone likes it when you do something that is a little bit different, but then people start to respect you for your diversity.

What do you think the future holds for you as an artist?

I think being an artist is more than just singing, writing and performing... it’s about growing as a person and understanding that it can take you down many roads. I hope to be an inspiration to many people, especially single (women or men) parents, who feel lost or that they’re worthless because they are raising a child or children alone and show them that they too can pursue whatever they dream.

Are there any plans for you to tour your music?

Yes, there are some future plans, but as yet it is to be finalised… so mum’s the word.

What influences you when it comes to writing material?

Life! I suppose that’s everyone’s answer, but mainly my life experiences, although I have looked on and given my perspective on other people’s lives.

Do you have any plans to release your music on a wider scale?

Yes, I do. I have currently teamed up with some wonderful people. It’s kinda quiet right now, but as soon as I can let you know, I shall reveal their names.

What can we expect from your future projects?

The radio show is returning, after a long break, a new album and collaborations with Don-E; Wayne Brown (Virtual Jazz Band); Wayne Marshall; David Mensah; FDOT 1 and Loose Ends Experience. So be sure to keep a look out for that.

If you could collaborate with one artist, who would you like it to be and why?

Oh my goodness, it would so be Prince... he is super talented, unique and very sexy!

What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?

It’s messed up, I’m tired of watching artists come through in the UK representing Soul and R&B with no acknowledgement for the black Soul artists. This needs to change and can only be done with fair representation and support from all.

To those who haven’t heard your music, how would you describe your sound?

Sophisticated; sensual R&B Soul.

Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the people reading this interview?

Actions count for a lot, but it starts with word and those words materialise from your thoughts. To understand the power behind this is to feel from a deep place and not to rationalise with logical thoughts.

Support UK music (not just any rubbish), but the ones you love and respect. Don’t copy, but download and buy, you reap what you sow, so I am sure you will be blessed for your support.

I would like to take this time to thank Kyra Simone for taking the time to answer the questions in which I set her and for being such a lovely person about it all, I wish Kyra all of the success in the world and would definitely recommend you buying her material. If you wish to find out more on Kyra or her music, then you can contact the lady herself via her Twitter or even head over to her official website, where you can purchase a copy of Kyra’s amazing album, ‘The Scent’.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this feature!

MARY J. BLIGE'S LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO LOVE

I am a big fan of Mary J. Blige and it’s no secret that I am looking forward to the new album (‘My Life II, The Journey Continues’) from the Queen of Hip Hop/Soul, that’s a given. So when the following video surfaced online, I was there to have a look and listen to the rather amazing first single from the upcoming project.

This is a song that was previously on the Diddy-Dirty Money album, but in my opinion, I feel that Mary makes this song. Have a look at the video for ‘Somone To Love Me (Naked)’ below, if you haven’t already. Enjoy!

PRINCE IS GEARING UP TO TAKE OVER L.A.

There are only a handful of artists I would squeal like a bitch for, I named one the other day and Prince would be another. The purple one just oozes that special something that an artist needs to capture the imagination of his fans.

Now with all of that said, Prince is gearing up to take over L.A. with the announcement of a 21 date tour, one that would possibly rival London’s, which he did a few years back. Prince will also be appearing on George Lopez show this coming Wednesday, from what is mentioned in the following clip. Enjoy!

JILL SCOTT OVERLOAD? I THINK NOT!

Is there such a thing as a Jill Scott overload? I honestly don’t think so! In fact, I’m in heaven right now with all of this Jill Scott news, new songs surfacing, release date for a side project and an official album coming this year. This is what I’ve been praying for from one of my favourite artists, if not my favourite, in the music industry.

After ten years with Hidden Beach and leaving them last year, not only has Jill inked a new deal and releasing a new album, but Hidden Beach are also compiling a side project that will be released this year as well. ‘Just Before Dawn: Jill Scott From the Vault, Vol. 1’ will be a CD/DVD package that will feature ten songs and a DVD featuring all of Jill’s past music videos, as well as possible live footage. This, as one will first assume, is not a random collection just thrown together, it apparently has Jill’s stamp of approval and quite rightly so. Jill has always been very precise about work that she puts out to her fans, hence why she has never released a bad project in her career. ‘Lovely Day’, a cover of the Bill Withers classic, is the first song to be taken from the project and is currently being sold on the official Hidden Beach site, with an eleven minute teaser that will hopefully prepare you for this great project.

Having recently featured the first single to be taken from Jill’s official project, ‘The Light Of The Sun’, below is the track list for the Hidden Beach (‘Just Before Dawn: Jill Scott From the Vault, Vol.’) compilation that is now available for pre-order via clicking here, followed by ‘Lovely Day’, which you can also purchase via the link provided. Enjoy!

The Light

Wondering Why

Running Away

Love To Love

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Record Industry

I Don't Know

Holdin' On

Wake Up Babay

Comes To The Light

I'm Prettier