Muhsinah Madness has clearly touched down in japan. HMV took the time to interview The Golden Girl and discuss the finer points of being a “visionary and dreamy”. Again… the online translations seem much more entertaining. We’ll post the translation for you this time. Enjoy!
Tell us your background.
I grew up in a loving and supportive family structure. I started playing piano when I was 11. I spent many years studying classical music privately, was put in competitions, and was very serious about my studies. I got a degree in jazz music as well as an audio engineering certification. I classify myself as a nerd first.
With whom do you normally work?
Normally I record everything alone at home alone, but if I’m collaborating I use the internet to send ideas back and forth. It’s really a simple setup.
When and how did you start writing and singing songs? Have you been
influenced by any other vocalist?
Singing is definitely new to me. I was always really shy with singing in front of people as a child and teenager. A few close friends of mine helped build my confidence to letting people hear my voice and I’ve been working at it ever since. I pull most of my vocal influence from instruments that play melodies. I’m really fascinated by pretty melodies.
You did not have any guest beatmaker on your album and you did everything yourself. How have you learned the method of beat making? Any influences?
My older brother is a hip hop fan and shared his musical taste with me. I picked J Dilla and Madlib as my favorites. I was so fascinated with them while I was learning how to make my own beats. Since my mother was a DJ in college, I was lucky to inherit her record collection. This pushed me to learn sampling. A friend showed me how to use an MPC and I started making beats in college, having worked summers until I could buy Pro Tools and an MPC of my own. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music and I try to push myself to take things further every time, whether it means flipping samples backwards, or singing and sampling myself. Its endless.
What does it mean to you to produce tracks, write, and sing songs yourself?
I think it’s important for musicians to challenge themselves. I love to do both because it gives me more room to try new things. It gives you power and big sense of freedom.
Your music it Hip Hop based tracks with vocals, but sounds nothing like typical R&B or so
called Neo Soul. Something visionary and dreamy. Never too feminine but with
grace and strength. How do you analyze your music and yourself, and where
your music is coming from?
I think my music comes from being open with my dreams. I have a big imagination and I love to mix styles to get something new. It’s an honor to create something that doesn’t fit into the norm. I make heavy beats but I cant help being a girl with her head in clouds sometimes. I feel balanced.
For those Japanese audience who can not understand English, please tell them what
you are singing about. Is there any concept to your lyrics?
Most, if not all, of my lyrics have a positive message for sure. I have a lofty imagination so I tend to ask questions in my music rather than preach, or tell people what they should think. I truly believe we should think for ourselves and hopefully my music can help to get people’s motor running.
What is music to you?
I think music is a simple thing that nobody can understand. It’s delivery system for emotions. I mean this to say that music can convert any emotion into a way for people to take it in.
Any other projects or releases plan scheduled this year?
2008 is going to be a great year. I’m working on a full length solo release called “ECHO”. Also I sing on the next Foreign Exchange album with Phonte of Little Brother and Nicolay. I’m working on quite a few more collaborations with people around the world. How exciting.
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