Is it true that you began writing song at the age of
2 years old and started playing instruments (piano, etc.) at 5 years old?
Interviews
& Profiles
" KENNY A.K.A KENNYFREESTYLE
"
Contact Francis Tanneur at: : ftanneur@club-internet.fr or
fax # 011.331.64.88.11.33
KENNY A.K.A KENNYFREESTYLE
|
Is it true that you began writing song at the age of
2 years old and started playing instruments (piano, etc.) at 5 years old? |
How did your career into Freestyle music business
really start?
I
auditioned for a position in a singing group and ended up being produced by myself.
Which artists
did you produce?
Linda
Low, Remixed for Emotion in motion, Daisey, Gloria Vallen, Innerlude (writing), Stephanie
Fastro, Diana Salinas, Mecca, Bobby Leal, Tear Drop, Wild Boys, 24 K, Ciana…
After 10
years into Freestyle music business, can we consider you like a vet? |
|
Do you think
that there are any particular reasons that the Bay area became throughout the years so
active and important for Freestyle music?
Could you
tell us why Progressive Freestyle is so popular in your area?
I believe that Progressive Freestyle is not as popular as u perceives. It’s just that
the only labels here we’re doing only Progressive.
What do you
mean? Why don’t the labels do Old School for instance?
I’m
not really sure. What is Old School anyway? I’m a musician; to me, music is no longer
music when you are concentrating on what its going to be labeled.
|
Do you have
any idea when and exactly why the West Coast sound was born? Why is it so
hard for a West Coast artist to make a name on the East Coast market, and the same for an
East Coast singer to emerge in California? |
In my
opinion, I think it’s more than a state of mind! Do you think that it could be the
fault of the main Freestyle labels, which only distribute the same artists and music in
the same area?
Okay,
you have called my bluff. I believe the powers that be on the East Coast (or wherever they
make their decisions) are afraid to let us (West Coast, especially males) into the scene.
Because we might actually help influence the growth of Freestyle music.
What is your
favorite part of the business? Do you prefer writing songs, singing your own songs or
producing/remixing other artists?
I
prefer artist development. I think that my true gift is to know how to train artists and
bring out their musical gifts within.
| Why did you
wait so long before creating your first album? Can we consider the “Baby it’s
you” LP like your first one because a long time ago you did a mini album? I haven’t been interested in rushing my career. I only grow with my fan base. They (fan base) made enough noise for me to hear them so I returned the favor with a full-length album. Actually I have over 90 songs recorded and mixed that are for release under the "kennyfreestyle" moniker. |
|
In this album
(14 tracks) features all your success (“Stay with me”, “Freakin’
you”, “Wanna be your lover”…). In listening one by one your songs, we
can remark that you don’t only stay in one genre (Progressive Freestyle/West Coast
sound), but also we can find few titles more oriented East Coast sound. Musically talking,
you seem to be really opened? Why?
I only
reflect what I hear and what my audience wants to hear. I am a MUSICAN by trade. I make
music before songs and versatility is a part of musicianship.
When
you’re writing a song, where are you taking the inspiration?
I write
about what I feel or what I experience from others. That’s where my degree in
psychology comes into play.
What is the
thing that you are very proud of concerning this album?
The
display of versatility: East Coast, West Coast and European Freestyle muzik.
About your
raucous voice, do you think that this is a handicap or an asset to your singer’s
career?
It has
made me different. People can relate to me. A lot of people can’t relate to Freestyle
because it’s done in kind of a teeny bopper fashion (Hearthrob) I try to make it a
little more mature using my voice.
Strictly
speaking, your peculiar tone of voice is not a “Freestyle” voice?
What his your
favorite style of Freestyle (Latin Hip-Hop, Electro, New School, Progressive Freestyle,
etc.)?
I
can’t answer that. I am multidimensional in my tastes.
Who have been
your main influences?
Babyface,
Stevie B, Bob Marley, Duran Duran, Prince, Phil Collins, Johnny O, Willie Valentin, Coro
and George Lamond to name a few.
Do you prefer
to be considered like a singer or a producer?
Producer
with some nice songs. I really don’t know.
What is the
goal of your own label SideBusters Entertainment?
For us
to grow as a company. I want to be a leader in this industry. If some of the stronger
forces of this industry worked as a team we could all come up truly PHAT!
Any
particular Freestyle singers you’re hoping to work with in the future?
What do you
think of the Freestyle scene and market?
We will
have to wait and see. I have no answer.
|
What would
you change in the Freestyle industry today? The stigma of
the Freestyle singer. Could you be
more specific? What advice
or message would you give to future artists? Be artists
not slaves to the genre of Freestyle. Use your voice as an instrument blending it within
the music. FEEL WHAT U SING. |
Do you have
any particular message to give to the Freestyle community?
We are
a global market lets act like one. Free your mind and the rest will follow!
Francis, much
love goes out to you for arranging this interview. I think you are a good example of how
strict we should be with our music and the product we offer to the market.
Thank you
Kenny.