|
Fueled by the hit single "Find A Way," Dwele's 2003 debut, "Subject" sold more than 250,000 copies, based
mainly on the strong, word-of-mouth buzz generated from his dynamic live shows and 'round-the-way-guy charm. In addition to
working on his new CD, "Some Kinda," the artist has continued touring, including recent sold-out shows in London
and Paris.
The first single, "I Think I Love U," is climbing urban charts nationwide now and was produced by Mike City
(who has worked with Usher, Carl Thomas, Nappy Roots). Born and based in Detroit, Andwele "Dwele" Gardner started
playing the piano at age six. Although he tragically lost his father at 10, his passion for music at an early age lead to
Dwele becoming a self-taught multi-instrumentalist.
Growing up as a fan of hip hop led to collaborations with Slum Village (who appear on "Some Kinda") and Bahamadia,
among others. Dwele himself produced nine tracks on the new record; other album producers include Mike City, Jay Dilla (Slum
Village) and G-1 (R. Kelly, Raphael Saadiq).
Dwele is on a heavy schedule right now, promoting his new CD, but the rising star took time out for a Q&A with Starpoynt.
Star - Was your first project independent?
Dwele - I had an indie project called "Rize." That got their (the major labels') attention. I started off in
Detroit, sold 100 copies in a week... got bootlegged and ended up overseas. I didn't get paid, but in the long run, it all
turned into a deal.
Star - Hidden Beach's Mike Phillips spoke about how he practiced eight hours a day and how he put the time in to perfect
his craft... and that's how he ended up performing with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder in front of Nelson Mandela and on
tour with Prince last year. A lot of upcoming artists are looking for microwave success. Talk about your background and how
you came up in the music industry... do you play an instrument? Did you study music?
Dwele - I started off playing piano and took trumpet lessons, too. I started in the fourth grade. That was my focus when
I was younger. Later I couldn't wait to get home from school to work on songs I was writing. I actually started as an MC and
the vocals just kind of happened.
The major money is knowing how to read and write music. You have to be diligent about that. Once I started creating for
myself, I slowed down with the reading and I wish I had stuck more with it. But when you know how to control your
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
music, you control more of your craft and thus your money.
Star - As someone who didn't copycat an already successful artist, what were the challenges in maintaining your integrity
and how did you overcome them?
Dwele - It comes down to this: it's about being yourself. A lot of people will get in your ear and try to tell you what
you should be doing. But you have to know yourself and know your music. Stay true to yourself.
Star - At times you may have felt like quitting or giving up... what would keep you going?
Dwele - It was frustrating once I got signed. It was four years before I came out. News was going out that I was being
dropped. No one was telling me anything. I did want to give up on the major label thing but not give up on the music. I love
music and I will never want to stop.
Star - As someone who has been there, who was once a no-name with a song and a dream... what's the best advice you can
give to those still trying to make their way into the music industry?
Dwele - It's about proving yourself. Stay diligent. Stay persistent. Do it for the love. The best advice... control your
own. Build your own studio. Set yourself up so you don't have to rely on anyone.
Star - Who's in your CD player (iPod) these days?
Dwele - Faith Evans, Tweet, Bobby Valentino, Raheem DeVaughn.
Star - Talk about your new album.
Dwele - It's called "Some Kinda..." - it's a continuation of "Subject," my first album. It's telling
a story. It's about family... the title track is urging people to recognize the love in their family and share it. It's about
me finding love, losing love and all the things that go with it. It deals with relationships... something everyone can relate
to.
Thanks Dwele!
Dwele's album releases October 4. "I Think I Love You," the first single, is impacting radio now.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
