ARTIST
DIRECTORY
Wendell
B
Wendell
Brown is a Southern R&B artist whose inspirations
as a vocalist range from Bobby Womack and
Barry White to the relatively smoother likes
of Luther Vandross and Will Downing.
Interviewed
by Cynthia Allen for Jamsource Magazine
C.
Allen: Let me start this interview by
saying thank you for taking time out of your
busy schedule and that I have become a huge
fan from the first time I heard your music,
you have one of those voices that if you hear
one songs you become a fan.
Wendell B: Thank you, I really appreciate
the compliment and the opportunity for this
interview.
C. Allen: Would you began by giving
our readers a little background information
on yourself?
Wendell B: Yes, I was born in St.
Louis, MO., I was fortunate enough to be raised
in a two parent household with four brothers
and one sister.
C. Allen: Who would you consider to
be a role model and the most influential person(s)
in making you the individual you are today?
Wendell B: I would have to say my
Dad because he was an in-home Dad, he was
super intelligent, he raised all his kids,
taught us right from wrong and gave us knowledge
and wisdom. Also, my Mom because she gave
us spirituality she didn't just send us to
church she took us there and kept us well
grounded.
C. Allen: When did you realize you
had this super magnificent gift and talent
to sing and when did you start performing?
Wendell B: I would say early childhood
and I started professionally in 1983 and nationally
in 1997.
C. Allen: How many albums have you
released and which one brought you national
recognition?
Wendell B: I've done 6 albums and
the first two brought me national recognition,
the first one was done on Raw Deal Records
(Mercury Records) and the second one was done
on Warner Bro.
C. Allen: I know your voice and music
has been often compared to such greats as
Luther Vandross, Barry White and Freddie Jackson
as an artist how does that make you feel?
Wendell B: I think it's one of the
highest compliments I could receive because
they all have inspired me and have had wonderful
careers and music that will never be forgotten.
I consider each of them favorites with such
greatness to follow they set the standard
in helping me to form Wendell B.
C. Allen: In 2010 you release two
albums at the same time that's really blowing
up the R&B Charts and the Blues Charts
titled "Back Ta Bid'ness" and "In
Touch With My Southern Soul" why did
you do that?
Wendell B: One reason was to show
my versiltility as an artist, also because
I'm known as an R&B singer and I didn't
want my fans to think I was giving up on them.
Another reason is as a recording artist I
am always looking to expand and increase my
fan base and also become known in new markets.
C. Allen: Do you write, produce and
arrange all of your songs or do you work with
other producers and writers?
Wendell B: Yes for the most part I
do but from time to time I will work with
other producers.
C. Allen: Do you play any instruments?
Wendell B: Yes, the piano, bass guitar
and drums.
C. Allen: Would you ever consider
doing a duet with another artist if so who
would it be and if not why not?
Wendell B: Yes if it's a quality and
a hit project, currently I am working on an
upcoming project with Sir Charles Jones.
C. Allen: Where do you get your inspiration
and ideas when it comes to writing a song
is it from personal or every day life experiences?
Wendell B: Both and also from artists
such as Babyface and Johnnie Taylor which
had very different backgrounds and styles
but each had
C. Allen: Are you currently signed
with a Record Label?
Wendell B: Yes, I have my own label.
C. Allen: What is the name and how
do you distribute your your music?
Wendell B: Smooth My label is SmoothWay
Music, and I distribute through Music Access
and internet sites such as CD Baby, Amazon
and a host of others.
C. Allen: Do you think the internet
has a positive or negative influence on the
music industry?
Wendell B: Both it can be a positive
thing because it allows artist without a big
marketing budget to promote themselves to
thousands of people. Also it can be a negative
thing because it can hurt an artist due to
downloading and bootlegging music because
of profitability and money income.
C. Allen: What are the advantages
and disadvantages of having your own label?
Wendell B: One major advantage of
being independent is you have more creative
control of your music in every aspect. The
disadvantage of being an independent is the
cost of marketing and promoting because it
cost a lot to distribute and promote. The
major advantage of being with a major label
is they can reach bigger markets and get an
artist known much faster. The disadvantage
of being with a major label is the negotiating
and having to give up so much control of your
hard work.
C. Allen: What is the best and worst
thing you like about being a recording artist?
Wendell B: The best thing is being
able to reach and change lives and knowing
that my music has touched and impacted someone.
The worst is the business itself because it's
not as feasible and profitable as it once
was.
C. Allen: What has been some of your
biggest challenges and how were you able to
overcome them?
Wendell B: Egos, envy and jealousy,
I've learned to over come through my faith
and trusting in God by staying focused, positive
mindset. Also, knowing what it takes to succeed
by having the knowledge and confidence in
knowing who I am and what it takes to deliver
quality music.
C. Allen: What advice would you give
to aspiring and upcoming artists trying to
get discovered with the way the music industry
is today?
Wendell B: I can't stress it strong
enough but educate yourself and understand
that the music industry is based on 95% business
and 5% talent; also know that it's not going
to be an easy road and know who you are targeting
your music too.
C. Allen: What is the ultimate goal
for your career?
Wendell B: To be a household know
that is recognizable and everybody knows who
I am also be able to help others to succeed
in reaching their goals.
C. Allen: One last question what do
you like to do when you have time off to relax?
Wendell B: I like doing electrician
and mechanical work, carpentry, plumbing,
and going fishing.
C. Allen: Again I would like to thank
you for taking time out of your busy schedule
and congratulation on the success of your
2 new albums. I wish you much continued success
it's been a pleasure speaking with you and
we want everyone to go out and buy your music
I assure they will become huge fans just as
I have. Do you have any closing remarks?
Wendell B: Yes thank God for giving
me the talent and gift to sing and all my
family and friends you have constantly supported
me over the years. Also, thank my band members
for their continuous professionalism and loyalty,
my fans for buying my music and supporting
me by coming to the concerts, radio DJ's who
play my music and the promoters who book me
for concerts.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION
(713) 204-9554
callenproductions1@yahoo.com
cynthia@callenproductions.com
