Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
It’s a twofold thing with me. One, I actively seek inspiration because my desire is to always have something to say or something to show that will encourage a person to keep holding on to their faith and their dreams. So in order for that to happen, I have to continue to seek inspiration from the many things that our Creator has created, because that’s where a lot of my inspiration comes from. Also Inspiration finds me many, many times just in sitting back and reflecting on what I’ve been through and how it all worked out for my good. And it causes me to be inspired to say: If I came through that, maybe I can inspire someone who may be in the same situation that I just came through.
What led you to art in general and to your art form in particular?
My mother and father put it in me early in my life. I started out doing it because they made me do it, but later I realized that, they didn’t put it there because God did that, they were just developing it. They saw what I didn’t see. But once I realized that this is what I was born to do, I haven’t looked back. I may not have been in the public for a long time, but I was still doing what I was born to do. Once my mother and father died, it was up to me to continue doing what they exposed in me years ago, and I have been working in the development of it ever since.
Have you and your artistry ever been involved in traditional business? If so, how?
Well, when you mention traditional business, I’m still tying it to music, and I hope I’m answering in the area that you’re talking about. I have not done contemporary music all of my life. I started out in very traditional style, because that was what my mother and father had us singing, however, when I listen to some of the songs from my mother’s first album on Chess Records in 1965, I would have to say that those songs were contemporary for that day. But we grew up singing in church and that was very traditional also when my mom, dad, my sisters and I would go on tour, we did a traditional show.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets to you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
I would say learn to appreciate and respect all music, because you can learn how to incorporate some things into what you do. It will somehow take form with you. You might be surprised what comes out of you. In fact, it just might be something that will change the industry and inspire people all over the world. Also, I would say, please make sure that you understand that in this business, you have to take the time and learn this business, if you are planning on doing this for a living. Talents are absolutely great, but please take time and learn the business too, because it will stop a lot of the pain and heartache that will come to you in this business. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. But Thank God, it didn’t make me bitter, it made me better.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I stay at the leading edge of my craft, because I have learned how to respect the ride. Sometimes when you’re out there doing what you do, you might start thinking that you’re going to be around forever. (Physically that is)! Lol! Respect the ride always, and don’t get comfortable with where you are. Always be hungry for what you’ve been blessed to do and work and perform like you’re still hungry. Another thing is always to remember that you don’t know it all. You can always learn something new, and the moment that you think you have all the knowledge concerning your craft, and that you don’t need to learn anything else, so you can grow, that’s the time you just might start experiencing your demise. So always have an open mind and heart, and be willing to try new things when it concerns your craft, and you will always be on top of your craft.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art, artists or both? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
I think there are many people who think that doing what we do is easy, because all they see is the lights and the glamour. They don’t see the behind the scenes hard work that is put in, and believe me, I don’t care who they are, if an artist wants their show to be more than just coming out and doing what they do without any thought, they have to work at it. And they should be working hard because you never know what that ticket holder has been through and it is the artist job for the time they have the ticket buyer there, to make them forget about what they’re going through just for that short time that they are there, and that my friend takes hard work. I feel that we can dispel the misconceptions about this art form, by simply keeping it real with the people and letting them know that this is very serious business, and we are held accountable for the power that has been given to us to make a difference in someone’s life.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
First of all, I would suggest getting into a peaceful mindset, and begin to relax and then think about the direction you want your career to go in. Surround yourself with people who are like-minded and understand what you want to accomplish. After you have set a direction for yourself, then look at your options on how to obtain what it is that you want to do. Set the goal, and in setting the goal set a basic time to have this goal accomplished, and then work diligently until it is done. Never lose sight, no matter what anyone has to say. In fact, when it concerns negative people and people who can’t see your goals, don’t let that upset you, just limit yourself to two or three of those people, and then fill your life up with people that believe you can take the mountain. I would also suggest that you don’t measure your success on how many people pat you on the back and tell you how wonderful you are, but rather measure your success by the times people tell you what you did or said in your work that helped them or saved their marriage or stopped them from committing suicide etc.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see or use as examples to emulate?
Well, of course, my former group, The O’Jays. I never worked with Eric, but I love his commitment to our history there. But Eddie and Walter are my peers because all of the training I received by them. Also, The Fairfield Four Quartet, also William Guest, who is one of the original members of Gladys Knight and the Pips. I don’t the world really knows how talented this man really is. Stevie Wonder, and Lenny Williams is also one of my peers, and I can’t leave out three men who are no longer with us today in the flesh, but they will always be my angle peers, one on each of my shoulders and one wrapped around my neck, and that is the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, George Duke, and Gerald Levert. The way that they enjoyed the passion of their craft is still something that motivates me even to this day.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one outside of it.
I would have to say there are three people in the business: my wonderful mom the late Dorothy Best Hairston former recording artist on Chess Records out of Chicago. She taught me just about everything on vocals and how to work onstage. Billy Osborne, the brother of singer Jeffrey Osborne, because of his humbleness, with all of the songwriting success that he has had in his life, but yet he is still approachable, and willing to impart great wisdom about the business, and how to keep it real and not get caught up in the hype. Also, Rick Camp one of the most sought after Sound engineers in the business today, but also my childhood friend. We had a dream that we would leave Cincinnati, Ohio, and make it some day in this business, and we did that, but he is an incredible role model for me because he has worked with so many people from Earth Wind & Fire to Jennifer Lopez, to Burt Bacharach. So he has imparted so much wisdom to me from a very broad perspective, and he will always be a role model of mine because he dared to see his dream through and is still current today. Outside of the business, I would have to say one of my deacons at my church where I serve. He is a man who is always willing to do whatever is asked of him to do, from cutting grass at the church, to driving the church van, for going with me every time I am going to a church event, anything, and on top of that, he is an amazing father and husband to his family. He’s like a father to me: Pop Chandler.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life, yourself or both.
The Holy Bible has changed how I view life, and it has also shown me what my responsibility to the world is and to myself. Also when I won Album of the Year at both the 2001 Grammys and Country Music Awards it made me realize the heavy responsibility that I now had to let those struggling singers and musicians know that if they keep themselves true to their craft and not get caught up in the hype of this business, but love themselves and God, they will succeed. Last but not least, the first time I ever walked out on stage as a member of the legendary group: The O’Jays! It made me realize that what I have is not because of who I am, but whose I am!
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Because that’s how you stay current and sharp, and as a result of it, it shows the world that you still respect the ride.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
I am blessed, I am grateful, and I have absolutely nothing to complain about.
What role does art have in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
It shows those in the community that it’s OK to dream, but dreaming is not enough. It shows them that if they work hard on their craft, it can be them on the television enjoying life and being an asset, and not a liability to society. I would like see it make a much more loving role in life through what it is that we do. Let’s paint more pictures through our crafts on the value of life.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
It plays a major role in my life, especially with studio sessions where I don’t have to do hardly any traveling Pro-tools. Just send the files through email if I need a track done by someone and they will send it back to me and I just drop it to the track. Also, if I need someone to listen in on something, there are different ways to do it, I just prefer dropbox. I love technology!
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
My favorite vacation spots are: Rio (Brazil), Hawaii, and St. Martin in the Caribbean. I love the cultures, the music, the food, the oceans, and the peaceful surroundings, especially the weather. It gives me the rest that I need, and the remembrance to take some me time and enjoy it to the fullest.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Greed
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Slow down and keep working on balance in my life.
What does it take to be iconic?
Remembering to stay humble with everything that you achieve, and be thankful for what you have been allowed to do, and never take the ride for granted — ever! Stay true to your craft, and do it to the best of your ability, and respect everyone’s gift whether they are famous or not! Last but not least, keep turning out great product!
