If ever there was an artist to start my interviewing CV with, I honestly could of not wished for better than having a lovely chat with Dwele.

The smooth toned, ‘soul star’  has been on my radar since his major label debut in 2003 (Subject). I, alongside a few millions across the world have been following him ever since. In the midst of a rare moment when he was not touring or recording, I delved into Dwele’s thoughts on the music game these days and discussed a whole bunch of stuff with him…

You are one of my personal team captains of Neo-Soul, but what do you think about the genre now?

I think alot of artists that termed themselves as Neo-Soul have kinda branched out these days. Neo-Soul isn’t dead as such, but I definitely don’t think Neo-Soul is what it was before. Even like 5 years ago. It has changed. Half the stuff these days can’t even be called Neo Soul. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I just think that these days artists wanna be more than one defined genre.

So was this a recurring conscious thought whilst making the new album W.ants W.orld. W.omen, not to fit in one static genre?

I think the album offers a lot of different things. But I would say it is slightly more R’n'B  and Hip Hop, than Neo Soul. But don’t get me wrong, there are certianly some cuts that could be considered as Soul or Neo Soul. Espicially in the W.orld section, like ‘Detroit Sunrise’ and ‘My People’. You know they got that old throwback feeling to them.

There are alot of different things that I tried my hand to. I was trying to make all sorts. You know like the joints for the club or your car as well. Tried a few different things for this album.

Explain your experience  as an artist evolving from your self released album Rize to W.W.W

For me, the most evolution comes as a writer. You know I am a singer, but my song writing has most def evolved.  The collaborations I do these days, inspire me and push me to keep creating. Like the track with Raheem (‘Dim the Lights’) was real cool to make. Or working with some horn guys or a new drummer. Being in the studio with guys like that keeps things molding.

But in a way, I kinda enjoyed the former years when it was just me, pen and some paper. So as far as writing, I have enjoyed the evolution for different things.

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“Pinnablogdotwha?”

Terri Walker gave us nothing but jokes during this interview!

We sat down with the UK soulstress for an exclusive interview to discuss everything from her work with Ski Beatz, featuring on 24 Hour Karate School, Dame Dash and the whole Creative Control camp, to what she’s been up to since the last time we saw her. She also talks candidly about her struggles with balancing artistic integrity and dreams of being a successful recording artist. Walker goes on to reveal details of her new album, which UK artists she intends to work with, and why she feels Britian isn’t necessarily the ‘best place’ for someone making Soul music.

Not only this but we also got to record an exclusive session while Terri and her band rehearsed for Aesthetic Sound’s 5th birthday jam. Performing her brand new single ‘Understanding’ (produced by Ski Beatz) – she attempts to conquer incoprotating PINBOARD BLOG DOT COM into it’s melody. She gets there in the end. Pure jokes. Her voice is like butter.

What Do You Think?

This is insane. 11 years ago today Destiny’s Child released their monumental album The Writing’s On the Wall. It’s insane because I remember the day this album dropped like it was yesterday. I’m officially old. This album not only shaped the face of R&B music, but also directed the type of music I love today. Fact. Listening to Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs production, Kandi’s writing ability and DC’s powerful vocals and melodies inspired a whole chain of musical thought for me.

During our interview with founding Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland we discussed this very album, it’s impact on R&B, on music as a whole and her thoughts on why it was so successful at the time. She also sings an acapella rendition of our favourite track off the LP – ‘She Can’t Love You’. Quite possibly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve ever conducted, so glad Kelly enjoyed it as much as I/we did.

11 years ago today one of my favourite R&B albums was released. I bunked off school to buy it for £15.99 from Our Price. Yes, Our Price! The Writing’s On the Wall is a shining example of how great music never gets old.

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The PinBoard team caught up with Trey Songz at Atlantic Records HQ for a chat, while he was in London Town earlier this week. Discussing a variety of topics, he talks to us about his evolution as a man, an artist and as a business man over the years. Opens up about being the sole provider for his family, what it was like coming from a military family and why he choose to dedicate his latest video to the men who have lost their wives to war. Songz also speaks about blogs and the media at large and how he doesn’t allow it to affect his daily life. He also speaks candidly about his personal life and why at this stage, despite wanting to, he is unable to commit himself to a full time relationship.

Get to know the man behind the shades and the music.

What do you think?

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Sidenote: Quick shout out to the team, once again – for yet another dope interview. Props to our master editor (folks be studying your work sir – heh), interviewer, camera and sound peoples et el.

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Last week the PinBoard team had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms Kelly Rowland while she was in London. Quite easily one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve personally ever conducted, we discussed a variety of topics, but focused mainly on the music.

We talked about her new single, ‘Commander’, and it’s remix – Kelly hints that a certain rapper is itching to jump on it – and when we can expect it, the new album and how she refuses to be put ‘in a box’. She also talks about the producers and writers she worked with on the forthcoming LP, including Chris Brown and speaks about why she chooses not to judge him for his past.

Half way through the conversation, Kelly stops, turns to her management and says (on camera) – ‘wow, you  might have just given me the album title’ (can you say exclusive??).

We also talked about the move from from her former management company and why she felt that was a necessary decision. Kelly also discusses the legacy left behind by Destiny’s Child and upon talking about the groups seminal album The Writings on the Wall, she sings my personal favourite track off that album (and DC song period), the classic, ‘She Can’t Love You’ – now that‘s what you can call an exclusive.

…Oh yea, and I get my geek on by asking Kelly to sign my 2002 Destiny’s Child tour manual – check her out going down memory lane and peep what she writes…!

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Whilst in London, Janelle Monáe sat down with PinBoard to discuss a variety of topics, including the recording process behind The ArchAndroid and the influences she incorporated into it, the future of the human race and her energetic stage performances. Monáe also talks to us about her (now iconic) tuxedo and what it means to her, her thoughts and feelings towards Erykah Badu and what her support has meant, and also discusses how she’s dealing with being hailed as a musical messiah. The interview also features live footage shot by us at her Cargo gig last November-perhaps one of the most unforgettable nights.

The ArchAndroid is released today in the U.S and is out in the UK July 12th.

Bonus: Win a print painting of Janelle Monae by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, along with a whole bunch of other goodies, including a mobile phone, headphones, CD’s, limited edition DVD & more! Go HERE now to enter!

Have to give a massive shout out to Shan for quite possibly one of the best video interviews we’ve had featured on PinBoard. It’s a new day. Love to Sheri and Dershe too! And of course a huge thank you to Miss Monae!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Today sees the (US) release of B.o.B’s album The Adventures of Bobby Ray and in celebration, we decided to drop the interview we did with him while he was in town a few weeks ago.

We discussed a number of things including what it was like for him growing up in Atlanta, the thought process behind his debut album, the difference between B.o.B & Bobby Ray, as well as possibly playing the Cello on stage (?!?), among other things!

The Adventures of Bobby Ray is released in the US today and sees a May 17th UK release. Either way, support good music and buy yourself a copy!

Peace, Love & B.o.B

Speeakz

P.O.S dropped one of the best albums of ’09. Never Better, a perfect and unconventional blend of Hip Hop and Punk Rock was forward thinking and insanely impressive. I already know for many, the thought of anything heavily influenced by Punk Rock is a scary thought, but trust me – if you love Hip Hop, you’ll love this artist and this album. What he produces is unequivocally dope on both spectrums.

P.O.S sat down for an exclusive interview with us while he was in London Town for a gig last year; We discussed the complexities of growing up in two very different towns with the black and white racial equilibrium, the difficulties of identifying himself with a particular sub-culture, how his album Never Better is, at its core, a Hip Hop album, his thoughts on why mainstream Black America hasn’t overwhelmingly embraced indie rap, and much more.

For those who are already fans of P.O.S, I hope you guys love this interview as much as I/we do. For those of you who are new to what P.O.S is all about – I’m proud to present this to you. This is real music. Real Hip Hop

Peace, Love & P.O.S

Speeakz

Once again, much love to Shan ‘Fantastic*nt’ Phearon for producing yet another great interview!

PinBoard caught up with supremely talented Brittany Bosco for an exclusive interview while she was in town. Keeping it 100% London, the interview was conducted in a…phone box! It also features live footage from her gig at the ‘Bitches Brew’ Halloween party and an exclusive and intimate acapella rendition of “Black & White” off her Spectrum EP.

During the interview Brittany talks about growing up in Savannah (Georgia), moving to Atlanta, going mainstream, inspiring her listeners, her new upcoming album and oh, so much more! Sit back, press play and get to know Brittany Bosco a little better.

After this interview, you shouldn’t need any convincing, but if you haven’t already, I implore you to cop Brittany’s Spectrum EP!

Peace, Love & Brittany Bosco

Speeakz

Speeakz says: I was in Rome while this interview was going down (yes, I was gutted). But I have to say the PinBoard crew killed it! Man, having just seen it for the first time, I am blown away! They did me proud. Brittany, thank you so much for being so freaking cool and open. I love this. I hope you do too. Massive shouts to Brittany, Fadia, Amelia & Everyone else involved! I’m gonna go watch this again.

PinBoard kicked back with Grammy nominated R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan one morning a few weeks ago and we happened to catch her at her most hyper-active & carefree. What followed was a madcap little conversation on: drink, drugs, being afraid of the dark, love, the super-producer she wants to work with next, her mother & her obsession with the classic musical, The Wiz. The interview also features exclusive live footage from her Jazz Cafe gig in London on September 8th!

Sit back, relax and see Jazmine Sullivan like you’ve never seen her before!

Peace, Love & Jazmine Sullivan

Speeakz

Mucho thanks to Fantastic*nt for shooting the interview!

“Is that gonna be like, all in my crotch?”

PinBoard sat down with Mr Solo Dolo while he was in town. In this (rather cool) interview, Cudi speaks on his love/hate relationship with blogs, the pressures of early fame, being misinterpreted, upsetting his fans, his relationship (or lack thereof)  with his ‘friends’ and mother and much more…

A very safe dude, who came through with some real insightful answers. This is only a portion of what we discussed. Who knows, maybe we’ll release some more soon. Cudi’s debut album Man On The Moon: The End of Day is out now.

Peace, Love & KiD CuDi

Speeakz

Shouts to the PinBoard crew for delivering yet another dope interview!

Writer, producer, singer…one thing’s for sure, Mr Leslie’s not short of things to put on his CV.  We sat down with the man behind, and in front of, the music to talk about his critical & commercial frustrations, getting older and…Cassie.

Turn on and tune in as he speaks candidly to PBB about all this and more…

Peace, Love & Ryan Leslie

PBB Crew

PinBoard had the pleasure of spending some time with the beautiful and supremely talented Chrisette Michele while she was in London Town. In this exclusive interview, Chrisette talks on how she was discovered, her new album Epiphany, fighting with Ne-Yo and whether or not she’s still a Hip Hop head. The crew also bring her up to speed on UK dub-step. Yup!

…Our interview also features incredible live footage from her August 3rd gig at the Jazz Cafe!

Peace, Love & Chrisette Michele

Speeakz

P.s I’m so happy and proud to present this interview to you guys. BIG love and thanks to the PBB crew – you guys continue to kill it.

Last week we dropped part 1, now enjoy part 2!

We continue our open interview with Marsha Ambrosius who gave us her most frank interview yet. This second segment (make sure you’ve seen part 1 first!) focuses on mixtape releases, the 5 producers picked for her forthcoming solo LP, self-assertion, womanhood, the future and her relationship with the late Michael Jackson & the hours after he passed.

Our interview also includes exclusive live footage from her July gig at the Jazz Cafe in London, including a tear jerking rendition of “Butterflies” and a song Marsha wrote for Michael but never got to record called “Cry”.

Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius

Speeakz

Note: I have to say, a biiiiiiiig thank you to Marsha for being so cool and forthcoming. And a MASSIVE shout out to my crew – you guys surpassed yourselves with this feature. I’m extremely proud of this.