Dwele…He’s Not Lonely
Interview by Tieuel Legacy Entertainment
R&B music is saturated with artists that hope to make a mark with their sophomore albums. If it were not for artists that fail to follow their first hit with quality vocals and lyrical content, then I would label the occurrence “unfortunate”. Detroit is the home of one crooner that takes on the sophomore jinx face to face.
I remember watching Dwele’s video, “Find a Way” a few years ago. At that time, his vocals were airy, yet melodic, as he shared his experiences with dating and love. As I listen to an advanced copy of his new album Some Kinda…, I realize that his voice is stronger and more confident than before.
My phone rings, as scheduled, at 7pm on a Tuesday. I pick up to find Marlene from Virgin Records on the other end. “Shawnre’, this is Marlene. Will you need more time or are you ready for the interview?”
“Put him through,” I answered.
From jump, Dwele’s tone and personality erases those thoughts of cockiness found among some entertainers. We laughed, joked and enjoyed the opportunity to speak about his new masterpiece. Some outsiders label his genre as “neo-soul” or “nu soul” but it is all soul to him. I asked him to compare his musical influences and realize that he has a tough time when separating them. It was like pulling teeth when I asked him to choose but I had so much fun I did not move on until he finished.
(He hesitates before each answer.)
TL- “Michael Jackson vs. Prince?”
Dwele-“Off the Wall. The Off the Wall Michael Jackson”
TL- “Vandross vs. Hathaway”
Dwele- “Vandross, but you can’t go wrong with either. They both have sentimental value.”
Upon listening to Dwele’s new album, Some Kinda..., I noticed increased vocal strength. He assured me that his vocal breathing lessons were the reason for the change. It especially helps those singers that perform strenuous dance routines. Since he met his performance. Three years ago, he would have labeled himself a rapper. After making the transition to R&B, he prides himself with being an all around MC.
TL- “Your first album was titled The Truth. Do you think that women really want to know the truth in relationships?”
Dwele- “I think that they want to know the truth. Women handle it better than guys can.”
Some Kinda… is an extension of the first album titled The Truth. He experiments while playing more horns and adding fun interludes. Creating the album was a freedom that was well worth his musicianship. It gave him a chance to explore musical legends like Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
TL- “What drew you to their music?”
Dwele-“With Donny, it was his vocals, words and tone. Marvin had amazing stage presence and excellent stacked vocals. Stevie is an all around musician. Songs in the Key is one of my favorites.”
Much like each of those musicians, Dwele’s content varies on his new album. He enjoys making his personal style come to the forefront. “I Think” has a catchy tempo. “My Lover” is a playful meeting with a young lady. It’s definitely a “babymaking song”. The title track is about his family and the tragic death of his father. With that song, he challenges people to find out where their love lies.
Along with the friendship between Dwele and Slum comes a commitment to be the blueprint of a New Motown as outsiders focus on Detroit again. In the meantime, “People should stay positive and grounded…know yourself. If a song is forced upon you by the label, do two joints to make sure you don’t lose yourself.” That philosophy speaks volumes about his commitment to himself and to his music.
In the song “Money Don’t Mean a Thing” from his first album, he sang, “…a house on the hill with 17 acres around me…still lonely. Could call two or three girls…to make love to me…still lonely.” Although it was an ode to the people that have not found happiness, Dwele has found his happiness in music.
© Copyright 2005, Tieuel Legacy Entertainment. All rights reserved.