http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-brandy-20170215-story.html can someone please paste the text? Didn't work for some reason.
It can be easy for those without a finger on the pulse of R&B to overlook Brandy?s influence.
Yet she helped define the genre?s ?90s golden age and carried it into the new millennium alongside singular divas such as Aaliyah and Monica. Still, she hasn?t had a crossover hit in 15 years.
Brandy?s blend of hip-hop soul and contemporary R&B paired with her richly unique tone turned her into a multifaceted pop star: She anchored a major sitcom, had a line of Barbie dolls, became the first black singer to be the face of CoverGirl and the first black woman to play Cinderella in a film.
Rihanna, Sam Smith and Ariana Grande have credited her as an inspiration, and Solange famously beefed with a music critic over Brandy?s modern work (the row inspired a song on Solange?s recent and acclaimed album, ?A Seat at the Table?).
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Additionally, Brandy?s hits have recently been re-imagined as pop dreamscapes and house jams by the likes of Shy Girls and 99 Souls, and have also been sampled by Drake.
It?s that continuing influence that underscores the inaugural Soulquarius festival, which is set for Saturday at the Observatory Grounds in Santa Ana. Billed as ?an R&B Jam,? the sold-out blowout celebrates nearly every era of the genre with Brandy part of a lineup that includes Erykah Badu, Monica, Mya, Ashanti and Jhene Aiko.
Ahead of the festival, and a co-headlining sideshow with Mya at the Novo on Friday, we checked in with Brandy.
During her '90s peak as a pop diva, Brandy was a multifaceted entertainer who enjoyed crossover success and a move to film and TV, including her own sitcom, "Moesha."
During her '90s peak as a pop diva, Brandy was a multifaceted entertainer who enjoyed crossover success and a move to film and TV, including her own sitcom, "Moesha." (Julie Dennis–Brothers / UPN)
Nineties R&B seems to be having a resurgence, and many younger artists today have cited you as a direct inspiration. What do you think it was about that time that so many revere?
The ?90s was a very special era. It touched a lot of people. You know it?s a special era when there are circumstances that go with the song that you love. A certain song, a certain lyric can take you back to a time and a place.
That?s magnetic and magical, and I think people are craving that now. The ?90s was a state of mind, and it?s [been] on its way back. For myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
You?ve mentioned the new you is about being more brave. Considering your career so far, what does that mantra mean to you?
Well, I think it?s humility at the end of the day. It?s staying in the moment. Everything that I have accomplished has required me to be brave. Every single thing. So I want it to be my approach now that I have a little bit more wisdom under my belt and more experience. I want to hold myself accountable to face my fears and not have an ego. This is not about me, I?m just a vessel. And I have to stay humble for that.
What?s going on with new music?
Right now I?m doing a lot of my writing. I have so many songs that I?ve written and been working on and in the process of finishing. I like this process, I've never done it this way before -- just writing my music first before I even go lay anything down.
Last year you were entangled in litigation with your label. Moving forward do you plan on pursuing another deal with a major?
I?m living my dream. The one thing that was really holding me back [was] that my dream was in another person?s hands. I?m just waiting patiently for the right timing for everything that I have planned for myself and my vision.
It sounds like you plan on going the indie route.
I want to know what it feels like to just do things on my own. I want to experience what that feels like. It?s time for new ways to experience things for me. I?ve done the label thing, I?ve done the slave thing ? I?ve done that. I want to know what it feels like to just be accountable for myself and my creativity of my music. I?m looking forward to that.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of your groundbreaking role in ?Cinderella.? Do you think we?ll ever see another multicultural re-imagining like that?
[The 1997 version] showed you humanity. It made you colorblind. At that time naysayers would say, ?We don?t know if it?s going to work ? you shouldn?t do it.?
But [ABC] took a shot at doing something monumental. You had a young African American lady with braids in her hair as Cinderella. Just that alone was brilliant. Everyone was multicultural. You could just see the differences of humanity reflected in this entire cast and I think if someone really believed in an idea like that in today?s time that it could definitely work. It worked then.
I think it?s something we all want to see again. We just need someone to create the great idea and believe in it.
If she don't stop teasin'
Thanks gonna read this in a bit
Thank you Kaeli. Can't wait for her to release the music. It sounds like she's still waiting for the perfect record deal though.
Love the writer of this article. talked to him before
he's a STAN
Quote
What?s going on with new music?
Right now I?m doing a lot of my writing. I have so many songs that I?ve written and been working on and in the process of finishing. I like this process, I've never done it this way before -- just writing my music first before I even go lay anything down.
Last year you were entangled in litigation with your label. Moving forward do you plan on pursuing another deal with a major?
I?m living my dream. The one thing that was really holding me back [was] that my dream was in another person?s hands. I?m just waiting patiently for the right timing for everything that I have planned for myself and my vision.
It sounds like you plan on going the indie route.
I want to know what it feels like to just do things on my own. I want to experience what that feels like. It?s time for new ways to experience things for me. I?ve done the label thing, I?ve done the slave thing ? I?ve done that. I want to know what it feels like to just be accountable for myself and my creativity of my music. I?m looking forward to that.
everything i bolded is what people will care about. it isn't long
QuoteYou?ve mentioned the new you is about being more brave. Considering your career so far, what does that mantra mean to you?
Well, I think it?s humility at the end of the day. It?s staying in the moment. Everything that I have accomplished has required me to be brave. Every single thing. So I want it to be my approach now that I have a little bit more wisdom under my belt and more experience. I want to hold myself accountable to face my fears and not have an ego. This is not about me, I?m just a vessel. And I have to stay humble for that.
It's good to hear that she's writing more and in control of it all.
Welp sis ...
let's see.. I want to see u hustle like never before
"I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone."
I liked that.
" I?m just waiting patiently for the right timing for everything that I have planned for myself and my vision."
I really wonder what is exactly the right timing for Bran. I mean... it sounds like a general quote at this point, but.. Id like her to be deeper about it one day, like... is it about what timeframe to release? the music state around the album release? depending on the artists releasing at that point? or about her being ready to start the era? is it more about her own security? I honestly would love to know her deep thoughts about this issue
im glad that she knows the blame is on her if shit goes wrong
shoulder that blame. thats brave
not ive done the slave thing already :kii:
glad she isn't hyping us up either, describing shit. Just say ur finishing it and PUNCH
give it to me
Quote from: RIGS on February 15, 2017, 08:53:20 PM
Quote
What?s going on with new music?
Right now I?m doing a lot of my writing. I have so many songs that I?ve written and been working on and in the process of finishing. I like this process, I've never done it this way before -- just writing my music first before I even go lay anything down.
Last year you were entangled in litigation with your label. Moving forward do you plan on pursuing another deal with a major?
I?m living my dream. The one thing that was really holding me back [was] that my dream was in another person?s hands. I?m just waiting patiently for the right timing for everything that I have planned for myself and my vision.
It sounds like you plan on going the indie route.
I want to know what it feels like to just do things on my own. I want to experience what that feels like. It?s time for new ways to experience things for me. I?ve done the label thing, I?ve done the slave thing ? I?ve done that. I want to know what it feels like to just be accountable for myself and my creativity of my music. I?m looking forward to that.
oooooooo yass
this sounds refreshing
new approaches take time
remember when i said she needed to take a good 2-3 yrs to learn to produce
and yall said i was crazyyy well lol
:roflmao: :welllol: :jackiessales:
I'm more excited than anything that she's no longer with that shitty ass label and they can't hold her back..
I'm lowkey jumping for fucking joy over here...
As many times I prayed....
It appeared to be the worst deal ever
I'm so fucking happy
Quote from: TheNextLew on February 15, 2017, 09:09:13 PM
Quote from: RIGS on February 15, 2017, 08:53:20 PM
Quote
What?s going on with new music?
Right now I?m doing a lot of my writing. I have so many songs that I?ve written and been working on and in the process of finishing. I like this process, I've never done it this way before -- just writing my music first before I even go lay anything down.
Last year you were entangled in litigation with your label. Moving forward do you plan on pursuing another deal with a major?
I?m living my dream. The one thing that was really holding me back [was] that my dream was in another person?s hands. I?m just waiting patiently for the right timing for everything that I have planned for myself and my vision.
It sounds like you plan on going the indie route.
I want to know what it feels like to just do things on my own. I want to experience what that feels like. It?s time for new ways to experience things for me. I?ve done the label thing, I?ve done the slave thing ? I?ve done that. I want to know what it feels like to just be accountable for myself and my creativity of my music. I?m looking forward to that.
oooooooo yass
this sounds refreshing
new approaches take time
remember when i said she needed to take a good 2-3 yrs to learn to produce
and yall said i was crazyyy well lol
:roflmao: :welllol: :jackiessales:
We don't have another 2-3 years. Trump is about to destroy the world. :plzstop:
But I loved her responses.
So no album til fall 2017.....
It's a good read
Really loved this!
:stressed:
I just hope she understands these important fundamentals for her next independent release:
1. VISUALS - From image, videos, photos, and packaging, to fashion - it needs to be dope
2. EXECUTION - If all is packaged and done, just hit us with everything in like a week or 2, a promo pic, song/visual, then album - we don't need no long waits in between anything, give us the Solange approach
With that she can get a cute buzz, #1 album if the competition is weak and PUNCH
I really want her to WIN next era and if she does it independently it would be sooo littt
:stressed:
I honestly feel like Brandy can compete if she's true to herself 100%. She just has to have that drive and beat down doors to get on shows and in magazines. She easily gets press bad or good. They just really have to have a solid set up before they even release a single.
yeah, she's being very deliberate and discreet about actual material, which is good. Record the album, set dates and the give deets.
Great article.
Just give me the music.
Quote from: brocka4life on February 15, 2017, 09:29:17 PM
I honestly feel like Brandy can compete if she's true to herself 100%. She just has to have that drive and beat down doors to get on shows and in magazines. She easily gets press bad or good. They just really have to have a solid set up before they even release a single.
!!!!!!
If her and Sonja just hire the right team they can really make shit happen!
Quote from: Harlem on February 15, 2017, 09:37:18 PM
Quote from: brocka4life on February 15, 2017, 09:29:17 PM
I honestly feel like Brandy can compete if she's true to herself 100%. She just has to have that drive and beat down doors to get on shows and in magazines. She easily gets press bad or good. They just really have to have a solid set up before they even release a single.
!!!!!!
If her and Sonja just hire the right team they can really make shit happen!
I think when it comes to the music, she shouldn't listen to the fans either...just create a body of work that she is so proud of to the point that she can't see herself letting it fail.
I HATE this wait but Brandy's already solidified in music with timeless work so far. She can honestly take as long as she needs with this one. Give us your truth when you're ready Bran.....
Quote from: Camo on February 15, 2017, 11:25:59 PM
I HATE this wait but Brandy's already solidified in music with timeless work so far. She can honestly take as long as she needs with this one. Give us your truth when you're ready Bran.....
omg i love u :wub:
Well let's get them recorded hun :udontlookok:
(http://gifsoup.com/view7/3567650/got-to-dance-o.gif)
Quote from: Bougi?. on February 15, 2017, 11:29:08 PM
Well let's get them recorded hun :udontlookok:
nnsdndssnsnnsnsnsnxnxnxnxndnx
writing! doing things my way!ch...
Dbdbfbfbfbfbfbfbfbfbfbfbfbffgff
What the ...
Yawl will drag ha for anything
Quote from: ?quababe. on February 15, 2017, 11:52:58 PM
Quote from: Bougi?. on February 15, 2017, 11:29:08 PM
Well let's get them recorded hun :udontlookok:
nnsdndssnsnnsnsnsnxnxnxnxndnx
writing! doing things my way!
ch...
(http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2324/13086109/23838761/410258573.jpg)
I wish Bran would've went to the grammys or at least walked the red carpet. With this independent route, she has to be more accessible. No ones gonna know shit if you just pop out around release and then disappear. Hopefully she takes appearances and exposure into consideration.
nice interview. love when artist get re-passionate about their craft. i hope she thinks through the indie decision well. get it right.... hopefully she will follow keyshia's suit and get a partner or major distributer.
cause its a bit much to do completely dolo.
i stand by a live documentary verse and flow type of album debut on EBT. she sang her fucking face and debut album live. pop it on itunes. and drop some sickening visuals stretched out over a few weeks.... and reclaim her acclaim and glory... pass it along to her somebody.
It's good to hear she's doing all the writing. I really like her new creative process, letting super-producers helm her projects hasn't worked for the last 5+ years, nor has being on a major label so let's switch it up!
On the other hand, she still didn't give a concrete answer about the music i.e. song titles, concept, sound. I knew better than to expect a release date but damn, can we get a release season? "I'd like to have something out for the Summer" would have been great :dead:
It just irks me that she doesn't seem focused. It's all very "whatever happens, happens" :-/
Quote from: Gilgamesh. on February 16, 2017, 04:17:03 AM
It's good to hear she's doing all the writing. I really like her new creative process, letting super-producers helm her projects hasn't worked for the last 5+ years, nor has being on a major label so let's switch it up!
On the other hand, she still didn't give a concrete answer about the music i.e. song titles, concept, sound. I knew better than to expect a release date but damn, can we get a release season? "I'd like to have something out for the Summer" would have been great :dead:
It just irks me that she doesn't seem focused. It's all very "whatever happens, happens" :-/
i agree. if she's gonna change any one thing other than bad business moves, i would like to be her just being
more open in general. But honestly im tired of the talk either way :dead: if we still chattin, that means aint no music out
girl ... lets go
Quote from: RIGS on February 16, 2017, 04:20:21 AM
Quote from: Gilgamesh. on February 16, 2017, 04:17:03 AM
It's good to hear she's doing all the writing. I really like her new creative process, letting super-producers helm her projects hasn't worked for the last 5+ years, nor has being on a major label so let's switch it up!
On the other hand, she still didn't give a concrete answer about the music i.e. song titles, concept, sound. I knew better than to expect a release date but damn, can we get a release season? "I'd like to have something out for the Summer" would have been great :dead:
It just irks me that she doesn't seem focused. It's all very "whatever happens, happens" :-/
i agree. if she's gonna change any one thing other than bad business moves, i would like to be her just being
more open in general. But honestly im tired of the talk either way :dead: if we still chattin, that means aint no music out
girl ... lets go
Right. And we know Brandy doesn't like to say shit until it's just about to happen so the fact that she's still being quite vague means we're nowhere near a completion :kii:
The potential for this project is crazy though, there sooo many unknown producers that would give everything to work with Bran.
Yeah, working with new and hungry producers would probably be the smartest move.
Tbh, Id really love to have at least one album where she doesnt work with any of the producers of Kelly R., Monica, Keyshia, Sevyn, and the like. It would be soo fucking interesting, soundwise. And probably something totally unique and dope
Knowing how sis works, she probably has recorded and has a direction. Also, keep in mind, ppl steal ideas all the time and with her being indie now, discreetness works in her favor. Just hope she doesn't take long dropping everything.
Quote from: Harlem on February 15, 2017, 09:25:49 PM
Really loved this!
:stressed:
I just hope she understands these important fundamentals for her next independent release:
1. VISUALS - From image, videos, photos, and packaging, to fashion - it needs to be dope
2. EXECUTION - If all is packaged and done, just hit us with everything in like a week or 2, a promo pic, song/visual, then album - we don't need no long waits in between anything, give us the Solange approach
!!!!!! ESPECIALLY those visuals.
let's hear/see it sis.
🙄
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
Gerrick is such a good guy and he LOVES Brandy. :wub:
I love the space she's in. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love this!
Quote from: Vonc2002 on February 16, 2017, 08:48:18 AM
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
my favourite part
Quote from: Vonc2002 on February 16, 2017, 08:48:18 AM
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
Yeah this is good
Y'all go back and forth with your stance on what Bran should do and when... based on the majority.... :usuresis: ....lol
ready for the mus' :)
Quote from: Vonc2002 on February 16, 2017, 08:48:18 AM
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
:stressed:
Quote from: Bougi?. on February 15, 2017, 11:29:08 PM
Well let's get them recorded hun :udontlookok:
Zzzzzzzzzzxx
Hoping for the best.
Quote from: MΛΥDΛΥ on February 16, 2017, 11:42:37 AM
Hoping for the best.
No you're not.
:omgwatshappening:
Quote from: Vonc2002 on February 16, 2017, 08:48:18 AM
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
she's serious :stressed:
Quote from: Vonc2002 on February 16, 2017, 08:48:18 AM
QuoteFor myself, going forward ? I?m not going to do anything that?s not true to me in my music or true to myself and my era. I want to try to still modernize it and make it relevant for everyone.
:oof:
she said this 2/11 era.
No shade because I loved the album but it's like she has this same schpeel every time..
hopefully an early 2018 release.
Quote from: 1.7 on February 16, 2017, 12:46:25 PM
hopefully an early 2018 release.
She needs to release this year.
yeah, I'm hoping for a release THIS year. But it needs to be in time for Grammy submissions.
I also wouldn't mind an early 2018 release.