Soul is far from being that sole thing you may feel while listening to music. It's more of a state of conscience that'll drive your behaviour. In other words, the way you live, the way you look at things and subsequently the way you commit yourself in the direction you've chosen to follow. An option which Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan aka Blaze have always firmly kept in mind, not only musically speaking, but also in their acts which would lead them, alongside brothers and sisters (in the house) to sort of thank the community they've got their names from while putting shapes to their Keep Hope Alive album in order to raise funds for the research against AIDS.

Famous French columnist/writer Didier Lestrade who's the very first to have written about house music and fought for its comprehension in France said to me once that if it has never been accepted by a bigger crowd, it's because - call it whatever you want - dance or club music has somehow been strongly associated to AIDS. Any comment ?

(Joi Cardwell) Never heard of anyone catching AIDS from dancing !

(Arnold Jarvis) Wow ! What a statement ! Perhaps it depends on his experiences, his point of view and/or his perspectives and associations. To say that dance music does not appeal to larger audience is because it's associated with AIDs is frightening. AIDS/HIV has had its impact on all communities, not just dance music. Perhaps if we had a solid supported mainstream platform, the music would get mass appeal.

(Ultra Naté) That's probably true to some degree... It's a complex issue and it starts with the attitude that dance/club/house is not truly creative or organic as other genres... and thus is not sellable on the large scale.

Is this project to be taken as a tribute to all of those of the community who've disappeared because of AIDS throughout the years ?

(Ultra Naté) Yes, both gay and straight individuals... But I think it addresses the broader issue of loss and hope beyond the AIDS epidemic in a subtle way.

(Arnold Jarvis) Not only as a tribute to all those who have lost their lives throughout the years but also an awareness to those who are currently infected and struggling with the bureaucratic policies and political conduct of the Government. AIDS and HIV continue to be a global catastrophe. This is our contribution.

(Joi Cardwell) In my opinion, this record is for the living.

Could this project also be taken as a reminder in a period when, in our Western societies, the threat of AIDS has much lost in terms of care and exposure in the media coverage ? As if the triple therapeutical treatment helping many people to avoid dying was an end on its own ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes, I feel the care and exposure in media coverage concerning AIDS/HIV has taken a distant back seat in the media. It's our responsibility to make all efforts in finding a cure to AIDS/HIV monumental.

(Ultra Naté) People by nature as a means of survival maybe...become complacent and find a sense of normalcy in the chaos. There is also a certain amount of denial that the problem is as huge as it is.

What kind of impact do you expect in a world (ours) where the notion of egocentrism looks like the key to our common way of life ?

(Ultra Naté) More and more destructive behaviours as people unconsciously search for a deeper meaning and a spiritual connection with themselves and the world around them.

(Arnold Jarvis) For many, egocentrism has become a common way of life. I believe it's selfish and self-destructive. And it also divides us.

How does the US/international press react so far regarding the release of this project ?

(Joi Cardwell) So far, I have seen positive reactions. Again, the music is the catalyst for revenue building, and subsequently awareness.

(Ultra Naté) What US press...? It's been some buzz here in the States but without major label blitz it could slip under the radar. Hopefully, enough street buzz will garner it more attention.

(Arnold Jarvis) We've had moderate press and more needs to be done. Again, many people who could make the difference have other priorities and agendas they deem more important. Sad.

Both of you on this project are known for fighting for noble cause ; the first of them being love spreading. Have you seen this project gathering your energies as a way to give it a better impact ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes, and hopefully, collectively we can continue to make an impact.

(Ultra Naté) Yes, as well as it's a way to connect to the people out there dealing with these issues everyday. I've lost friends to the disease....I've watched them deteriorate into a fragment of the person they used to be. It's a horrible way to die.

(Joi Cardwell) I always try to write about the positive aspects of life through adversity. We all struggle with our demons everyday. Love and hope are what keep us motivated to continue in the world.

After the progressive arrival of individualism as the main character of our Western societies, is this, like suggested by people like Louie Vega, that gathering is to be the sole solution facing the current situation ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Providing awareness and information to the communities in mass is definitely a contribution to the situation. Each us should execute our responsibility in finding a solution.

(Joi Cardwell) Well, no person can walk this earth alone. We need others to lean on and to hold up each other. Where the individual is key to providing diversity, unity comes from merging. Hybrids are always stronger than purebreds.

(Ultra Naté) You're not in the world alone...bottom line. There is strength in connectivity....

Some others including Joe Claussell on our columns even talked about a revolution as being inevitable ? Your comment ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Again, any movement to rectify a debauched situation for optimistic advancement of mankind is a tremendous service.

(Ultra Naté) Ah, yes... I welcome it ! I pray for it...

As said a long time ago by Lil' Louis amongst others, would dance/club music have to be conscious like say blues or hip hop to be accepted on a wider scale, while providing the opportunity to people to identify themselves to the messages that it spreads ? The only question regarding the DJ's. Are they ready (conscious enough) to display music with messages instead of their usual abstract bits'n'bops ?

(Ultra Naté) Doesn't matter if they're ready or not, when the cycle changes it changes... It's never controlled by a conscious decision. It's the natural way of things... Nothing is static or stagnant in this world... Everything is in constant motion.

(Joi Cardwell) As a lyricist and singer, club music has always had its conscious side. I think most poeople fear dance music because sex drugs and rock and roll now = sex, drugs and death. The music has been linked to excess and of course there are those who believe that hype. In reality, club music for those who come to dance and listen is more the new church than the den of the downtrodden. For the DJ's Music and I mean instrumentals can be very powerful, but there needs to be a melodic element to it

(Arnold Jarvis) I think dance/club music is conscious; it desperately needs a platform to adhere to mainstream. Are DJ's conscious enough to play music with messages ? Some are and some aren't. If the songs have great abstract bits'n'bops along with a message, then perhaps more DJ's will be more "conscious".

You've known each other for quite a while. Has this project been an opportunity to feel closer to each other ? To feel somehow less alone while being on your own ?

(Ultra Naté) It was more about having fun and common purpose.... We didn't think that hard.

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes, this project has brought us closer and gave us the opportunity to be reacquainted. We all tend to get caught up in our individual "survival" and projects like these are rare. Perhaps, with the success of this endeavor, more opportunities will arise.

Would this album be the result of conversations you may have had with each other ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes, with each other and abroad.

(Ultra Naté) They called,.I went... Simple as that !

How have you worked together ?

(Arnold Jarvis) We all have had the opportunity to perform alongside each other and work on mutual projects over the years.

(Ultra Naté) Quite easily... We like to keep things drama free.

How are you to remind this adventure ?

(Arnold Jarvis) This was a very heartfelt, spiritual and uplifting adventure. It was so nice to see so many talented artists together in one studio.

(Ultra Naté) We took pictures !!!

Already… ready for a second chapter ?

(Ultra Naté) I'm down for any quality work with quality people.

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes, and a third, a fourth, etc...

Has this common experience given you some extra amount of energy as individuals ?

(Arnold Jarvis) Yes it has. It reinforces why I continue to do what I do.

Is there any date/tour scheduled already ? Heard for some time about this project at Central Park of you on stage alongside Louie Vega and his EOL band. How come it hasn't finally happened ? Has this been pushed forward to another date ?

(Arnold Jarvis) I'm sure something of this nature will happen. We are in discussion for many wonderful events to take place.

(Ultra Naté) Was in the planning but then it changed but other things are in the works. We're doing a Virgin instore in N.Y. this month to promote the record.

V/A : BLAZE presents UNDERGROUND DANCE ARTISTS UNITED FOR LIFE Keep Hope Alive LP/CD (King Street)

More info : kingstreetsounds.com westendrecords.com LIFEbeat.org

King Street present Keep Hope Alive LIFEbeat: Live In-Store Performance with Kevin Hedge, Dawn Tallman, Arnold Jarvis, Barbara Tucker, Joi Cardwell, Thurs, Nov.18 @ 06:30pm sharp Virgin Mega Store Union Square 14th Street, NYC

Official Release After-Party:: Tony Humphries Thursdays at Discotheque with:Kevin Hedge, DJ Jeannie Hopper alongside residents, Tony Humphries & Allen Jeffrey