Over the past number of months I have had the pleasure of featuring many interviews with a host of talented individuals within music and now it is time to take a slight different angle from an artist’s perspective, as I feature the following interview with Dr. Syleecia Thompson who is the author of, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: A Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, a book that delves into how the industry has turned its back on many talented individuals within music.
Here is a short introduction to the equally gifted, Syleecia Thompson, who is a professor at Berkeley College; an author, music executive and professional speaker. She also works for Aneelys Records (Syleena Johnson’s record label) as the president. Alongside all of this, Syleecia has penned her very own book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: A Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, which discusses how R&B as a whole has changed over numerous years and the direction it is currently taking within the industry, how more talented artists are suffering as a result of the more commercial artists within the genre, etc. All in all, the book is a very interesting read and is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already. Syleecia also gains views from many artists within music, including her very own sister, Syleena Johnson, who I have interviewed previously on Sexy Never Left.
Below is the interview with the lady herself, followed by some links to look up Syleecia’s latest book and a couple of videos where she discusses over her theories more, all in all, a very interesting feature. Enjoy!
You have a book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, out at the moment. How would you describe your book to the people who haven’t yet read anything from you?
It is an in-depth discovery into the breakdown of Rhythm and Blues over the last 20 years. It includes interviews from R. Kelly; Syleena Johnson; Brownstone and many more. It also serves as a teaching tool for aspiring artists; musicians; industry executives and music lovers. It also uncovers the true magic of R&B and gives detailed solutions to labels. It’s about bringing to light the issues that affect R&B, the artists and music as a whole.
What are your thoughts on music as a whole?
I love music, all types of music. Today, I feel music is dying and suffering from the commercialism and labels driven by profit as opposed to artistry.
What can people who haven’t heard of your work expect from you as a writer?
Realism; truth; passion and hope.
You obviously have some close links with really talented individuals within music, what do you feel their take on music is when they hardly get a look in these days?
All of the artists I know are passionate about music and their jobs. That’s what pushes them, passion. Syleena Johnson (my sister) knows her worth and that her talent is great, so she keeps pushing by pure passion.
What influenced you writing this book? Why this subject?
Watching my sister over the years and seeing her struggles in the industry. Also, watching my father and his dealings with the music business, I have a passion for music and this was my research topic while working on my doctorate degree and it developed into a book.
What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?
I think some of them need to get their act together! Some of them produce and put out music that is inappropriate and lacks skill.
Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine. Do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?
No way, no how. I think the most talented people don’t get a chance. Now there are some talented artists out there, but the music industry is stuck in one way of thinking and one type of artistry. Most artists receiving the awards, profit and accolades today are the same ones every year over and over again. Once you are designated as the “IT” artist, then the industry supports you.
Which artists would you prefer to hear more of within music?
Syleena Johnson; Anthony Hamilton; Tamia; Lalah Hathaway; Joe and Kelly Price.
How do you feel real music is being accepted?
I don’t.
Who do you believe is to blame for the lack of substance within music?
Record labels; radio, Hip Hop and society.
Do you think record labels need to stop focusing on the money to be made and concentrate on the music put out?
They sign people as their product, so they should at least focus on artistry more.
How would you like the industry to change?
Bring artist development back, radio should support black music more, artists need to take responsibility over their music and piracy needs to be controlled.
Here is a short introduction to the equally gifted, Syleecia Thompson, who is a professor at Berkeley College; an author, music executive and professional speaker. She also works for Aneelys Records (Syleena Johnson’s record label) as the president. Alongside all of this, Syleecia has penned her very own book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: A Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, which discusses how R&B as a whole has changed over numerous years and the direction it is currently taking within the industry, how more talented artists are suffering as a result of the more commercial artists within the genre, etc. All in all, the book is a very interesting read and is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already. Syleecia also gains views from many artists within music, including her very own sister, Syleena Johnson, who I have interviewed previously on Sexy Never Left.
Below is the interview with the lady herself, followed by some links to look up Syleecia’s latest book and a couple of videos where she discusses over her theories more, all in all, a very interesting feature. Enjoy!
You have a book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, out at the moment. How would you describe your book to the people who haven’t yet read anything from you?
It is an in-depth discovery into the breakdown of Rhythm and Blues over the last 20 years. It includes interviews from R. Kelly; Syleena Johnson; Brownstone and many more. It also serves as a teaching tool for aspiring artists; musicians; industry executives and music lovers. It also uncovers the true magic of R&B and gives detailed solutions to labels. It’s about bringing to light the issues that affect R&B, the artists and music as a whole.
What are your thoughts on music as a whole?
I love music, all types of music. Today, I feel music is dying and suffering from the commercialism and labels driven by profit as opposed to artistry.
What can people who haven’t heard of your work expect from you as a writer?
Realism; truth; passion and hope.
You obviously have some close links with really talented individuals within music, what do you feel their take on music is when they hardly get a look in these days?
All of the artists I know are passionate about music and their jobs. That’s what pushes them, passion. Syleena Johnson (my sister) knows her worth and that her talent is great, so she keeps pushing by pure passion.
What influenced you writing this book? Why this subject?
Watching my sister over the years and seeing her struggles in the industry. Also, watching my father and his dealings with the music business, I have a passion for music and this was my research topic while working on my doctorate degree and it developed into a book.
What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?
I think some of them need to get their act together! Some of them produce and put out music that is inappropriate and lacks skill.
Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine. Do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?
No way, no how. I think the most talented people don’t get a chance. Now there are some talented artists out there, but the music industry is stuck in one way of thinking and one type of artistry. Most artists receiving the awards, profit and accolades today are the same ones every year over and over again. Once you are designated as the “IT” artist, then the industry supports you.
Which artists would you prefer to hear more of within music?
Syleena Johnson; Anthony Hamilton; Tamia; Lalah Hathaway; Joe and Kelly Price.
How do you feel real music is being accepted?
I don’t.
Who do you believe is to blame for the lack of substance within music?
Record labels; radio, Hip Hop and society.
Do you think record labels need to stop focusing on the money to be made and concentrate on the music put out?
They sign people as their product, so they should at least focus on artistry more.
How would you like the industry to change?
Bring artist development back, radio should support black music more, artists need to take responsibility over their music and piracy needs to be controlled.
Do you believe that music with more thought behind it will shine again?
Hopefully!
Are there any plans for you to promote your work overseas?
Yes, I would love to attend some book festivals overseas.
What are your thoughts on Japan who seem to welcome real talent with open arms?
I truly believe that although Rhythm and Blues started in America and is prominent in America, I believe other countries where R&B is not their main music it is admired more because they understand the value of it. They view it as something special. So, other nationalities respect R&B more because they understand the uniqueness of it.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add to this interview which you feel hasn’t been addressed so far?
People should learn to fall back in love with Rhythm and Blues.
I would like to thank Dr. Syleecia Thompson for taking the time to answer the questions I asked and wish her the very best with all that she is doing, if you would like to read Syleecia’s book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, then you can do so by purchasing it here or here. Other than that, you can also view some videos of Syleecia discussing her theories by clicking here.
Are there any plans for you to promote your work overseas?
Yes, I would love to attend some book festivals overseas.
What are your thoughts on Japan who seem to welcome real talent with open arms?
I truly believe that although Rhythm and Blues started in America and is prominent in America, I believe other countries where R&B is not their main music it is admired more because they understand the value of it. They view it as something special. So, other nationalities respect R&B more because they understand the uniqueness of it.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add to this interview which you feel hasn’t been addressed so far?
People should learn to fall back in love with Rhythm and Blues.
I would like to thank Dr. Syleecia Thompson for taking the time to answer the questions I asked and wish her the very best with all that she is doing, if you would like to read Syleecia’s book, ‘Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy Of A Music Genre’, then you can do so by purchasing it here or here. Other than that, you can also view some videos of Syleecia discussing her theories by clicking here.
4 comments:
This is an awesome book!!! Go buy it!!!! We need to help R&B become R&B again!!!!!
Excellent points!I believe that there is too little substance and too much auto-tune.....
Interesting. Thx
Thankyou, it was a very interesting interview, so it was always going to be a pleasure getting Dr Syleecia Thompson on this site.
Thankyou for the feedback.
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