So I had the opportunity to speak with Johnny Gill about his new album "Still Winning", after releasing his first single "In The Mood" and receiving such a great response, he is now in the works of releasing his 2nd single "It Would Be You" (which was written by Trey Songz) and he talks about his new album, being blessed to continue to make good music and others things!
Check out a few of the excerpts below: (or click here for audio)
-----
NW: Why did you decide to do another studio album after 15 years?
I tour all year round and I’ve had 30 years in this business, and I haven’t recorded in 16 years but I enjoy performing live and b/c of the nature of the business has changed so much and I am fortunate and blessed that I don’t have to make records to make a living, has been a true blessing for me.
I’ve just been touring and time kind of got away from me and then a lot people started asking me about recording b/c there are no more Luther’s, Gerald’s, teddy Pendergrass and everyone kept saying that there is a void that is missing and they felt that I could kind of connect and actual fulfill it…
And at one point nobody really wasn’t concerned if I had recorded or not but watching the response from everyone has simply put things into perspective but just I didn’t think it really meant that much but I guess I overlooked things a little bit.
NW: What was the creative direction of the album "Still Winning"?
There is really no particular direction, my goal was to make good music and let the chips fall where they may. I just came up with songs and good music that I know that I would enjoy performing that I felt that fit me and didn’t compromise who I am and what I do but I also enjoyed and was open to listening to different types of music … but I never let it compromise of who I am.
It’s just a great solid CD that unanimously that people have all agreed that this is my best work yet.
NW: How was it working with different producers such as B. Cox and Wyclef?
As a musician I have such great respect for writers and producers, I just think a lot people just don’t know how far my musical talent goes, not only just as a vocalist but I am a musician so its always fun and especially when your working with great musicians its always fun to collaborate and come together to see what you come up with and I have great respect for them as they have great respect for me and I think its a “win win” all the way around.
NW: What is your favorite song on the album?
Wow! (Laughs) it’s so crazy because it sounds so cliché and corny when I say this but when I listen to this new CD its like everyday a different song becomes your favorite.
But the whole album from the top to the bottom is just great songs all the way through and its just based on where your mood is and it just takes you into a different direction.
NW: What was Inspiration for the single "Still Winning"?
That was a song that I wanted to sum up with everything of having the opportunity to do what I do and through all of the years you hear a lot of the shenanigans and how vicious people can be, and things you go through of being in this business and it just simply just says “Aye Imma keep on pushing and I’m still here and I’m still doing what I enjoy doing and at the end of the day I’m Still Winning know matter what you say!”
NW: How do you balance being Johnny Gill, apart of LSG and New Edition?
Everyday I get calls from the agents and their asking “Are you available?" And I always have to ask for “Who which one, cuz I don’t know!”
NW: Do your prefer to performing Solo or as a Group?
I love having my family, but I enjoy being able to express myself. When you don’t have to talk to or ask anyone, artistically what you want to do and how you feel that day, so it’s a balance.
It’s the best of both worlds and it’s a blessing and I enjoy it all!
NW: How do you prep to perform with New Edition?
Well I look at the steps and look at the choreography and go “I think imma pass on that one!”
But the for the most part we are still in our prime and everybody can still move and jump & do what we need to do and it’s a blessing. So we just pace ourselves!
NW: How do feel about the state of R&B today?
Well I think its making a turn to come back to the basics, so when you see Keith, myself, Mr. Tyrese and Joe, we are all coming from the school of traditional R&B and its coming full circle.
But I like the state of R&B, and I like Trey Songz, Usher and the list goes on of those, but music is a form of art…. and everybody has different taste. So I’ve never been closed-minded.
NW: What current artist would you like to work with?
I’d love to collaborate with, Neyo! But the second single “It Would Be You” Trey Songz wrote that and he’s singing background.
We are shooting the video the video December 15 or 16th, and we might do an element of surprise for everybody!!
NW: Why aren’t there many successful groups today?
Because groups come out, get a hit record and everybody is thinking about how they can go solo, and solo is not for everybody!
And some groups have only had a certain amount of success, and a year or two doesn’t make or solidify you as a group. Over a period of time you have to be consistent and establish your self.
NW: How do you keep your sexy?
Laughs … I don’t know! I go through my spurts where I’ll eat, drink and do what I want to do and then I’ll lighten up and back away from the cookies.
But for the most part you just have to take care of yourself.
NW: Why have you never been married?
I did a 12-year relationship with my ex and then a 4-½ year with my ex and my fiancé now it will be 4 years in May.
So I go into long-term relationships! But its crazy b/c we live together, so beside the piece of paper …. Laughs
NW: Have you guys set a date?
No we haven’t set a date but we have been looking at the summer, but I’ve been so busy with the new CD, touring and the New Edition stuff.
NW: Relationships, Love & Marriage
Marriage has now become about businesses, and who gives what if it doesn’t work verses continuing to work and grow and that wont be determined by a piece of paper but by the two parties understand, learning and wanting to be together.
And understanding what it takes to sustain in a great relationships
 |
| Johnny Gill with Fiance/Model, Carissa |
So The Fans Wanted To Know ......
Nicole from NC asked:
How do you feel about the media picking apart celebrity lives even if it means destroying a career?
It is what it is!! This is where the industry and media has always had control over sensationalizing things, they have the power and they do it.
But celebrities are human beings they wake on the wrong side of the bed like anybody else, good days, bad days, money problems and relationships problems. As a celebrity you are not exempt from life, its just now the media has decided to look in on their since theirs is more interesting versus the average Joe.
HaSheen from NC asked:
What is your favorite personal song or performance of all time that has been closest to your heart?
WOW!!! I did a song for Marvin Gaye called “Distant Lover” which is my all-time favorite songs of Marvin and every time I look back at that moment I felt really proud of and how I captured the song. I am such a big fan of Marvin Gaye and to feel the somewhat of the essence and energy of Marvin it was a moment in time that I really enjoyed!
LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW HERE!!!!
0 comments:
Post a Comment