PinBoard » Interviews

Destiny’s Child Released ‘The Writing’s On The Wall’ 11 Years Ago Today

Speeakz — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:22:55 +0000

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.

PinBoard Exclusive: Trey Songz Interview

Speeakz — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:47:48 +0000

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Our interviews are now in HD, so for the best experience, please watch in 720p

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.

PinBoard Exclusive: Kelly Rowland Interview

Speeakz — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:21:39 +0000

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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…!

PinBoard Exclusive: Janelle Monáe Interview

Speeakz — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:55:51 +0000

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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?

PinBoard Exclusive: B.o.B Interview

Speeakz — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:52:17 +0000

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

PinBoard Exclusive: Erykah Badu Q&A

Speeakz — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:34:00 +0000

Erykah’s epic new video reminded me of what she had to say about “groupthink” (written at the very end of the video) when we caught up with her in Paris last year. Around the 06:35 mark someone asks what advice she would give her fans and what her ‘message’ is…Her poignant response is even more powerful today having seen the “Window Seat” video.

…Badu also speaks on various other topics during the Q&A session including what she feels her legacy will be (asked by me), how the internet has changed her life (asked by PBB crew member Pal Weezy), her experience in Africa, her thoughts on Michael Jackson’s death and the importance of Hip Hop in her life, plus more. While the sound quality is less than perfect (the crew were tearing down the stage as it was happening), this really is an insightful peak into the wonders of Erykah Badu.

New Amerykah, Part 2: Return of the Ankh is out tomorrow (March 29th). Support great music, buy a copy!

Peace, Love & Erykah Badu

Speeakz

P.s This interview was initially uploaded to Vimeo, I’ve just also re-upped it on YouTube.

PinBoard Exclusive: P.O.S Interview

Speeakz — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:39:12 +0000

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 Exclusive: Brittany Bosco Interview

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:08:39 +0000

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 Exclusive: Jazmine Sullivan Interview

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:07:59 +0000

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!

PinBoard Exclusive: KiD CuDi Interview

Speeakz — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:42:17 +0000

“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!

PinBoard Exclusive: Ryan Leslie Interview

Speeakz — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:29:51 +0000

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 Exclusive: Chrisette Michele Interview

Speeakz — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:06:08 +0000

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.

PinBoard Exclusive: Marsha Ambrosius

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:04:37 +0000

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.

PinBoard Exclusive: Illa J Interview

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:38:33 +0000

In his first ever UK interview, PinBoard sat down with the next roughest diamond in the Yancey crown… Illa J.

He tells us about his debut album Yancey Boys, artistry, reminisces on Slum Village as a child and speaks sincerely on his brother J-Dilla; coming out of his shadow & aiming to prove he is an artist in his own right whilst still honouring family.

Featuring live footage of classic Yancey Boys, Dilla & SV tracks from his debut London gig at Bar Rhumba this July 23rd.

This interview was conducted before Baatin’s passing, so our condolences go out to their entire crew of friends and family. We dedicate this piece to our fallen SV heroes.

Peace, Love & Illa J

Speeakz

PinBoard Exclusive: Marsha Ambrosius Interview

Speeakz — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:15:07 +0000

PinBoard sat down with one of the finest female singers & songwriters of our generation, Marsha Ambrosius, formerly one-half of renowned duo Floetry, while she was in London. She gave us her most frank interview yet about Aftermath, Dr. Dre, Detox, the British music industry, jumping shores to America, and the painful truth behind Floetry’s break-up. Our interview also features an exclusive snippet of a new Marsha track produced by Dr. Dre, plus a near-orgasmic live version of ‘Say Yes’.

…Part 2 will cover her new album, producers, critics, womanhood & Michael Jackson and drops next week!

Part 2:

The 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.

Like part 1, the interview also includes exclusive live footage from her July gig at the Jazz Cafe in London.

Kick back, relax and get to know Marsha Ambrosius a little better.

Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius

Speeakz