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OSUNLADE: ELEMENTS OF LIFE…
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Seing how things go then start from there looks pretty much like what would drive Osunlade’s existence along the years, allowing him to display countless faces of a talent that seems to have no limit, both as a producer, artist, DJ and manager (at the command of the Yoruba label), but first and foremost as a human being. The latest stop on his already 20 y.o. travel havin’ him comin’ up with a new album on the recently resurrected Strictly Rhythm label…
Hey Sir, long time no spoken. Last time we met was at the WMC’2005. How have you been since ?
Absolutely perfect!
Came to learn that you’ve moved to Greece. What has decided you to come to this country? Where exactly?
Not a decision. More of the universe’s direction for me. Santorini
Was it a(nother) way for you to take some distance and preserve your privacy?
Definitely !
Greece is reknown for being the birthplace of the concept of democracy back in the ancient time. Has this had anything to do with your decision to get there? Not to mention this long history which can’t be felt floating around the Mediterranea…
Nah. My relocation was simply that of energy and inspiration… I never really thought to move here, but since I am an inpass to energy, I submitted to what was put before me.
You look like quite concerned in regards to History. Is it an influent part of your inspiration?
It is, however the future is more important and relevant in terms of creating and evolving musically and personally.
This leading us to your new album. What has been its basic concept ?
There really is no concept beyond the centralization of sound.
The meaning of its title (Elements Beyond)?
Exactly that… Elements being everything around us. Yet, musically I wanted to take those that are traditionally used and create a new forum and direction , as well as combine the old and new.
You definitely look/give the impression of acting apart in comparison to most of your alter egos. Who is Osunlade?
One soul, pure and concentrated… Without alter nor any egos. Only here for the journey of healing.
Your influences? Heroes?
Everything and no one.
I understand you’ve been around for (already) 20 years. How do you feel sitting on those 2 decades ? Best/baddest souvenirs ? The main steps?I feel better than ever to have had the experience and opportunities, but most important, the lessons and chances to balance and correct those that weren’t in order. I collect nothing as I am unattached to all things of matter substance… I only thrive on what’s beneath what U can touch. They have all been main steps as one without the other would lead me some place different.
One word of Sesame Street which you’ve been involved on, writing parts of it…
Interesting.
Then hip-hop Latin artist Gerardo who you’ve produced ‘Rico Suave’ for…
Lesson One!
Those works happened to have a mainstream appeal. What has then decided you to commit yourself on more confidential concepts?
Those works had mainstream appeal due to financial reasons, not creative as most in that situation are. I am here only to create, not to be created. I am not a commodity, so my commitment is simply for and to myself first. All else follows. If something happens to have mainstream appeal, then I’d like to believe that there is hope for the spoon fed idiots out there, however I do not create for that appeal, nor do I seek it… Those who understand and connect with the music, are seeking their own concepts of self and need something deeper. These are the connections I need.
Looks pretty much like you’ve been caught up by your history as an Afro-American citizen at some time. What has been the sparkling light if I may say so?
First, I do not consider myself an African-American… I don’t know what that term means, as I am not African. Nor am I or ever have I been an American by any sort of the word. People have a stigma to base your existence on where your parents gave birth. This is only by default. I am of many origins, and none define me solely. I am concerned with the history and future of those who do consider themselves one thing as it’s quite sad for me to see those who claim something to be all for who they are. I am of this world and everything I experience comes from everything I’ve seen, touched, heard, felt etc.
Has this had as a consequence to have you committed into heavy studies? If so, did you get help from anyone?
I learn from studies, high priests, and damn near anything or anyone.. When U live your life as a child, U see more. When u think U know anything, U miss everything. I simply allow myself to understand that there are lessons in and from everyone.
Joe Claussell and Ron Trent have both developped introspective projects while on search for their respective roots. I guess you feel close to them spiritually speaking… One reaction?
I think this is a concept that is unreal as all of us are connected however we all are separate in that we all have some similiar beliefs and understandings, but the one thing that spirituality allows is your own personal connections, and not the usual joining with others. The only thing I believe is clear is that we all use our gifts to connect, learn and appeal to others in hopes to understand ourselves clearer.
You’re labellized as makin’ house music. Don’t you feel it as restrictive though, as opposed to Afro soul or soul jazz the way you did live for instance at the GotSoul party a couple of years ago in Miami?
I hate when I am labelled as anything, as if you look at my history of music, there is simply music… Of course, I cant negate the fact that house music has been a source of recognition for me in the past 7 years. However as U noted, there is twenty years of music that I’ve been a part of and to simply state that I am a house music creator is insane… This said, I note that people need some box to place U so they have comfort in attending. It’s unfortunate but I try to not absorb so much of these things. They are senseless in actuality.
Let’s talk about this new offering of yours on resurrected NYC legendary label Strictly Rhythm. What has decided you to get linked with Mark Finkelstein’s imprint?
Well, Simon Dunmore and I have been working together over the past few years and when Defected resurrected the imprint, he told me that he would appreciate if i could do some remixes of old classics as well. He’d love to have something original for the label. When I finished Elements Beyond, I thought it would be a great opportunity for both Strictly and myself. One, it would be the first original release on Strictly since its defunkt period, as well for me, it was a better choice than direct on Defected, given the history of the label. I felt like having the chance to jump start the label again with this offering would be a good stamp for things to follow.
Looks like it’s a variety of different sequences sounding like an amalgamation of various scenari/postcards… One comment?
It’s where I was when creating it. Totally inspired by nature.
Last but not least, a few words needing your appreciation…
House music…
Needs ressurection and respect. Too much ego, not enuff innovation.
The revolution will not be televised…
It should be, but not on CNN!
Vinyl…
Love it, but it’s dead. A collector’s dream, a label’s nightmare!!!
Technology…
A blessing for mankind, evil for human nature.
Roots…
Everything and nothing.
Erykah Badu…
Still hasn’t called me yet… wtf?
Africa, center of the world…
This one… Yes!
Nigeria…
Corrupt!
History…
Who’s are we speaking ?
Slavery…
Now… Emotional and mental. It’s about the conditioning state of mind. Today’s slavery.
Ancestors…
Beloved Ones.
Tribes…
Not many left.
Babylone…
America and all other nations that follow.
Brothers…
Are lost.
Tomorrow…
Is today.
Family…
Only the Chosen.
Reflection…
Clarity.
Rendition…
Originals.
Hope…
Blind Faith.
Peace…
Inner. MFSB
OSUNLADE – Elements Beyond LP (Strictly Rhythm/Defected)
CATCH Osunlade this Fri. 07/06 @ The 5BEATS party @ LE DJOON – 22, bd Vincent Auriol, 75013 PARIS
INDAMIXWORLDWIDE.COM: Only the best, No time for the rest!
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