RODNEY CARTER: A GROOVE TROTTER...
Much has been said here and there incl. on these pages about the obvious lack of artist development as far as house music is concerned. Well, it pretty much looks like this man alongside producer Wil Milton, have decided to stand against all odds, hot on the heels of two 12’’ releases on King Street and Vega Records while puttin’ out an album independantly. Nuff reasons to have us here on IDMW.Com givin’em our full support...
Heya Mista Carter, would’ya mind havin’ a few words as an introduction to who you are, where you’re coin’ from, your background and your aim?
Not at all. I started out a few years ago in an R&B duo called BRIDGE with my longtime friend and mentor Eric Scott. BRIDGE was an opening (at Black Expo) for several Major Artists (Usher, Montel Jordan, Changing Faces among others). While in the duo, I learned the art of songwriting, and vocal arranging.
I understand you’ve been involved in the R&B scene also as a session background singer. What has led you to embrace house music even though it’s far from being the major part of your album?
Honestly, Wil (Milton) introduced me to the genre. The thing I love about house music is that it truly incorporates all kinds of sounds and genres. There is a freedom in house music that will always keep it fresh and ahead of the curve if you will.
To tell ya da truth, as an observer, I’ve always been surprised by those internal divisions which have occured right at the death of disco, fragmented the groove spectrum, not to say Black music and led people to sometimes hate each other from a genre to another. Any reaction?
Good music is universal. Personally, I enjoy many different genres from hip-hop to R&B to soft rock to pop. And, the musical pie is so vast that there is room for many genres to peacefully coexist.
Quite ironical at the end of the day, when rembering the energy spread by hip/house, but also all of those R&B singers who’s happened to have cuts of theirs remixed by house producers...
It is sad that house music does not get the attention and enthusiasm enjoyed by other genres. Hopefully, we can help to change that.
Would you say that fragmentation – despite some understandable need of landmarks for the consumers – has weakened the impact of the said Black music and more particularly the underground?
Well, in some instances music has become less fragmented. If you look at a music chart, you'll see many different genres that comprise the Pop 100. What was once underground is not anymore. That concept needs to be expanded further. Sometimes, a song does not fit into a nice little box.
Let’s talk about it as a concept...
In working with Wil, we didn't intend to make an album that would cut across genres. We simply took it one song at a time and the result was The Songbook Of Love.
Any kind of biographical content?
All of the lyrics/ideas come from events or situations that have actually occurred. We'd like to think any listener can identify with our lyrics. Many people have been or are in good or bad relationships. Our songs reflect the complexities and or challenges of being in a relationship.
Your influences lyrically speaking?
My biggest influence is probably Eric Scott. Of course, we look at the classics for inspiration and guidance. Songs were just written and arranged differently back in the days.
The choice of its title...
It's actually a title that Wil and I came up with. We wanted to have a title that would summarize what the album is about. Also, it opens up the possibility of calling the next one Volume 2
I understand the album is currently only available via downloading or as a CD-R. Isn’t that a bit frustrating though?
Can be... Many consumers are becoming more familiar with the whole downloading process. I'd imagine it would be more frustrating for those that prefer to have vinyl.
Any single scheduled for a street date?
Wil and I have been talking about that. Not sure, even though Ruben Toro has been playing ‘Walk Away’ and ‘Last Night’ on his KISS FM show in New York.
Kenny Dope said to me a couple of years that although bein’ kinda laidback with a preference for the said vintage material, one gotta do with today’s technology, sein’ Internet as a good opportunity to launch a project while havin’ it first available via downloading then have it transformed into a finished product compiling the most downloaded files... Any comment?
Technology is forcing us to rethink how we make music available to the consumer. To that end, we have to be receptive as artists/producers to creating a different model which will incorporate these new realities.
Any chance to have it officially released in the near future?
Possibly...
How did you come to work with Wil?
I've know will for a few years. I was actually introduced to him by Eric Scott. We worked together for a few years and recorded some songs. Then, we both started working on other individual projects. After a couple of years had passed, Wil reached out to me to assist him with other artists he was working with. During that time, we reestablished our working relationship and we picked up where we left off.
Any aside project?
We would like to do movie scoring and also get into music licensing for advertisements.
One x-tra word? Thema of your choice
If you are a writer, producer, singer or songwriter. keep grinding and never give up on your dream. Just remember this: any criticism of your material is just an opinion. In general, you will face a lot of rejection. Don't get discouraged. Let the negativity fuel you.
Thanks Gentleman... MFSB
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