Interviews
Interviews are always an adventure trip. At best, they give an insight into the way of working and the world of thoughts of artists and musicians. Here you find our WEST COAST Soul interviews.
Flying On Abraham – Interview with Diane Birch
“Flying On Abraham” is a narrative of Diane Birch’s artistic journey, blending elements of 70s AM radio, soul, jazz, classic rock, and pop. With her distinctive voice – a blend of raw emotion and refined grace – Diane channels the legacies of iconic artists while maintaining her authenticity. Join us as we delve deeper into the creation of “Flying On Abraham” and Diane’s enduring vision of making American music with an English sensibility in our in-depth interview.
Eddie Chacon talks about his current European tour and his latest album “Sundown” in the West Coast Soul interview
With his current album “Sundown”, Eddie Chacon has released one of the best albums of the year. The Californian soul artist is currently on tour in Europe and will also play some shows in Germany at the beginning of November. He will be accompanied by the fabulous The Zenmenn from Berlin, whose terrific album “Hidden Gem” made it into our Top 10 last year. We caught up with Chacon in Lisbon to ask him a few questions about the tour and his latest album.
Overview about all our interviews
Flying On Abraham – Interview with Diane Birch - Diane Birch is a remarkable American singer-songwriter and pianist whose illustrious career spans over a decade, marked by critically acclaimed releases and diverse musical influences. From her upbringing as a preacher’s daughter in Africa to her formative years immersed in the vibrant cultural scene of Portland, Oregon, Diane's journey is as eclectic as her sound.
Marcus Liesenfeld talks about the new TSTD compilation “Yacht Soul 2” and the unifying power of great music - Two years ago, Berlin-based Too Slow To Disco (TSTD) curator and DJ Marcus Liesenfeld aka DJ Supermarkt introduced “Yacht Soul – The Cover Versions,” a captivating collection of West Coast AOR tunes reimagined by talented black soul and R&B artists. It was evident from the start that this venture wouldn’t remain a solitary endeavor. The dusty archives were teeming with outstanding rarities and classics just waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world. Now the sequel many of us have been waiting for is here: "Yacht Soul – The Cover Versions 2." This great follow-up continues the tradition, delivering a masterful compilation of songs hailing from the golden era of music in the 70s and 80s. What becomes strikingly evident once again is that exceptional songs transcend the constraints of genres. We had the pleasure of delving into the world of “Yacht Soul 2” with Marcus Liesenfeld himself. He shared insights about the latest edition of the Too Slow To Disco universe, his role as a guardian of vintage sounds, and the most important criterion a song has to fulfil to be included on a TSTD compilation.
Eddie Chacon talks about his current European tour and his latest album “Sundown” in the West Coast Soul interview - With his current album "Sundown", Eddie Chacon has released one of the best albums of the year. The Californian soul artist is currently on tour in Europe and will also play some shows in Germany at the beginning of November. He will be accompanied by the fabulous The Zenmenn from Berlin, whose terrific album "Hidden Gem" made it into our Top 10 last year. We caught up with Chacon in Lisbon to ask him a few questions about the tour and his latest album.
A Good Woman – Interview with Izo FitzRoy - Singer, songwriter and pianist Izo FitzRoy returns with her third album "A Good Woman" and impressively proves that she is one of the great voices of the British soul and gospel scene. The album is her most personal to date and reflects her development over the last few years, and is not least an examination of the roles women have to play in our society. WEST COAST SOUL spoke with the artist about the making of the new album, how the experiences of the last few years have influenced her songwriting, her collaboration with Oscar de Jong of Kraak & Smaak, feminism, the healing effect of gospel music and much more.
Island Time – Interview with Joel Sarakula - "Island Time" is the long-awaited new album from Joel Sarakula and his first since moving to the Canary Islands at the height of the pandemic. Building on his previous albums "Love Club" and "Companionship", the Sydney-born singer-songwriter, musician and producer expands his palette with a wider use of synthesizers and drum machines, making stylistically adventurous choices such as AOR samba and 70s-style reggae. The result is one of the first album highlights of the new year. West Coast Soul took the opportunity to talk with Joel Sarakula before the start of his German tour about the making of "Island Time", the influence of his new domicile on his music, what the audience can expect on the tour and much more.
Ticket To Shangri-La – Interview with Young Gun Silver Fox - On their new album "Ticket To Shangri-La", Young Gun Silver Fox invite us to take a sonic break from everyday life and current crises. But anyone expecting an album full of relaxed ballads should buckle up. On their fourth studio album, Shawn Lee and Andy Platts pick up the pace and combine their inimitable feeling for catchy, sundrenched West Coast soul-pop with an infectious funkiness. West Coast Soul talked with the duo about their new songs, their creative partnership, sources of inspiration, tour plans and many more. - Too Slow To Disco – the anniversary interview with Marcus Liesenfeld - After smooth detours to soul covers, French neo-disco, modern sunset club sounds and Brazilian AOR, the renowned "Too Slow To Disco" series returns to its original West Coast AOR and yacht roots this year with its tenth edition. A good reason to talk with Berlin based TSTD curator Marcus Liesenfeld aka DJ Supermarkt on the development of the series over the past eight years, the qualities of a good music curator, his favourite editions, the classic compilation format, the future of the series and much more.
High And Dry – Interview with Stefan Olofsson (State Cows) - For many years, the State Cows from Sweden have been a permanent fixture when it comes to great West Coast AOR from Europe. With "High And Dry", the duo, consisting of Daniel Andersson on vocals and guitar and Stefan Olofsson on keyboards and bass, release their long-awaited fourth studio album, which is, as always, filled to the brim with sophisticated new West Coast AOR music. West Coast Soul talked with Stefan Olofsson about the new album, their love for the classic L.A. sound, their development as a band over the past decade, the European West Coast AOR scene and many more.
Rides Yet Again – Interview with Shawn Lee - When Shawn Lee released his very personal country-soul solo album "Rides Again" in 2019, it was to remain a one-off. In the middle of the tour for the album, the pandemic set in and life came to a standstill. The consequences of the lockdown, personal strokes of fate and experiences inspired the US-born and London-based singer, songwriter, musician, producer and arranger to record a sequel under the title "Rides Yet Again", now released by Légère Recordings. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the "Silver Fox" about the making of the new album, music as a way of processing personal crises, his eternal search for the perfect sound and much more.
Le Piano – Interview with Donny Benét - “Mr Experience”. “Konichiwa”. “Santorini” – these songs represent just a small taste of the enigma that is Donny Benét. On 1 April, the Sydney-based composer and multi-instrumentalist – hailed and panned by critics as “Prince on a serious budget cut” – returned with a new EP, “Le Piano”, an intoxicatingly groovy instrumental album paying homage to 80’s funk, city pop and disco. West Coast Soul talked with “The Don” about his new EP, his eternal love of 80s culture, the power of instrumental music, his return to touring and further plans.
Cure The Jones – Interview with Andy Platts (Mamas Gun) - After the turbulence of the last two years, the long-awaited fifth album "Cure The Jones" by British soul band Mamas Gun is finally released – a lush, nuanced and expansive contemporary meditation on a world turned upside down, embedded in the classic soul tradition of Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. West Coast Soul talked with singer, songwriter and band founder Andy Platts about the new album, the impact of the pandemic on their music, what it feels like to be back on stage, the healing power of soul music, his new studio and much more.
From LA to Joshua Tree: Interview with Pearl Charles - With "Magic Mirror", American singer-songwriter Pearl Charles has released one of the best albums of the past year. Her unique blend of catchy ABBA melodies, Laurel Canyon hippie bliss, sun-drenched West Coast soft rock and 70's cosmic country reveries excited critics and listeners alike worldwide. In mid-January, the LA-born artist returned with her celestial new single "Givin' It Up", which seamlessly follows the greatness of "Magic Mirror". West Coast Soul talked with Pearl Charles about her new song, the impact of the success of "Magic Mirror", the creative power of relationships, her love of 60's and 70's music and sources of inspiration.
Homemade – Interview with Andrew Gabbard - A staple talent of the Ohio rock scene for more than a decade, Andrew Gabbard first made his name as the guitarist and vocalist for the Cincinnati garage rock powerhouse Thee Shams before co-founding the critically celebrated Buffalo Killers. Now, while simultaneously serving as one half of the sibling duo Gabbard Brothers and performing as the touring guitarist for The Black Keys, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter releases his first solo release “Homemade” via Colemine/Karma Chief. The result is an album that, with its great harmonies, psychedelic playfulness, Americana and West Coast influences and vintage analogue atmosphere, is reminiscent of the music of artists like the Beatles, Brian Wilson, Wilco or the Flaming Lips.
Studio City – Interview with Shawn Lee (The Superhighway Band) - What do two multi-talented musicians do when they suddenly find themselves at home because of the Corona pandemic and no live gig is in sight? They decide to record an instrumental album bursting with positive grooves and crisp horn arrangements, celebrating the jazzy L.A. sound of the 70s and early 80s. This is what happened in 2020 when singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and “Silver Fox” Shawn Lee and trombonist and keyboardist Nichol “The Gift” Thomson joined forces to form The Superhighway Band. Their debut album “Studio City” has now been released on the Hamburg label Légère Recordings. WEST COAST SOUL talked with Shawn Lee about the recording of “Studio City”, the secret of great horn arrangements, the return to the stage and further plans.
Private Space – Interview with Durand Jones from Durand Jones and The Indications - After their outstanding 2019 album "American Love Call", on which Durand Jones and The Indications celebrated the soul of the 60s and 70s to perfection, the American quintet opens the door to a world of synthetic, modern soul and string-infused disco beats with their new album "Private Space". WEST COAST SOUL talked with lead singer Durand Jones about the making of the album, their new sound, the effects of the pandemic, his musical roots and further plans.
Yacht Soul – Interview with Marcus Liesenfeld (Too Slow To Disco) - "Yacht Soul - The Cover Versions", the latest edition of the renowned Too Slow To Disco series, highlights an area of 70s and 80s music that has long been criminally overlooked: the interpretations of West Coast AOR by black Soul and R&B artists. On the basis of 16 songs, TSTD curator Marcus Liesenfeld aka DJ Supermarkt shows how artists like Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Greg Phillinganes or The Brothers Johnson put their stamp on well-known world hits like "What A Fool Believes" or "Summer Breeze" by making the songs their own with refined soul, funk and sometimes even political attitude. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the Berlin DJ veteran about the ninth edition of the series, the creative exchange between the genres, the influence of the studio musicians of this era on AOR and R&B, further plans and much more.
The Art Of Conversation – Interview with Leo Sidran - Three years after his critically acclaimed Michael Franks tribute "Cool School", American multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter Leo Sidran finally returns with his long-awaited new and arguably most personal album "The Art Of Conversation". Listeners can expect a treasure chest of intimate and introspective portraits of family life during the pandemic, performed by Sidran in his irresistible blend of jazz, singer-songwriter pop, bossa nova and funk and supported by numerous friends. West Coast Soul talked with the Grammy Award winner about the making of his seventh studio album, family life in times of Covid, the influence of his adopted hometown of New York on his music, the impact of the crisis on the music industry and his plans for the future.
Simply Music – Interview with Benny Sings - His songs often seem light and easy-going, but they are guaranteed to stick in your ears: Dutch singer, songwriter and producer Tim van Berkestijn, better known by his stage name Benny Sings, has become one of the Netherlands' most talented musical exports with his distinctive blend of mellow Californian-influenced pop, jazzy R&B and a hint of DIY charm. In the music business for around twenty years, Benny Sings has collaborated with the likes of Anderson .Paak, Cornelius and Mayer Hawthorne and earned himself a loyal fan base – not least among artists and musicians. In 2019, he made his international breakthrough with the critically acclaimed record "City Pop". On his new album "Music", released on April 9th via Stones Throw Records, he refines his signature sound, supported by great artists such as Mac DeMarco, Tom Misch, Emily King and Kelsey Gonzales. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the Amsterdam-based artist about his new album, his latest collaborations, sources of inspiration, the right beat, nostalgia and much more.
Memories Of Love – Interview with Myles Sanko - With "Memories Of Love", the fourth album of soul singer Myles Sanko will finally be released on 12th March via Légère Recordings. In ten stylishly recorded and arranged new songs, Sanko illuminates the eternal theme of love with all its facets, delivering his most personal album to date. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the prolific musician, producer, designer and director about recording the new album, the many shades of love, the meaning of authenticity, musical influences, fatherhood and his longing to perform live again.
“Mas” – Interview with Carwyn Ellis - While winter still has Central Europe in its grip, Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18 bring us the first great summer album of the year with "Mas" via Légère Recordings. Like its predecessor, the highly acclaimed "Joia!", this album is a collection of songs sung in Welsh, combined with distinct pop and South American influences from bossa nova, cumbia, samba and tropicália. Behind the project stands the Welsh musician Carwyn Ellis, founder and leader of Welsh band Colorama and renowned session man who has played with artists including Edwyn Collins, Oasis, The Pretenders and Shawn Lee. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the Cardiff-based singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist about cultural exchange, his fascination with South American sounds, recording the album in Rio de Janeiro and the role Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders played in the making of "Mas".
“Introducing…” – Interview with Aaron Frazer - With “Introducing…”, Brooklyn-born, Baltimore-raised songwriter Aaron Frazer has released one of the first album highlights of the year. Frazer previously stepped into the international spotlight as drummer and co-lead vocalist of the fabulous soul band Durand Jones & The Indications. The artist with the unique falsetto voice hadn’t planned on releasing a full-length solo LP until he received a call from Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who was so taken with Aaron’s voice and songwriting that he quickly convinced him to produce his solo debut. The result is an album on which Frazer doesn’t hide his old school soul roots, but also opens up to other influences from pop to gospel to doo-wop. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the talented musician about the making of the record, high-speed songwriting sessions, musical influences and the importance of the right drum sound.
Pleasure, Joy and Happiness – Interview with Eddie Chacon - Californian singer-songwriter Eddie Chacon is probably best known to most as one half of the early 90s US soul duo Charles & Eddie. With "Pleasure, Joy and Happiness", the 56-year-old has ended his self-imposed musical exile in 2020 with the support of Solange and Frank Ocean collaborator John Carroll Kirby and released one of the best albums of the year. The introspective masterpiece will finally be released as a limited LP in Europe in January. Reason enough to talk with the artist, whom Mac DeMarco recently called his "planet earth's number one musician", about his current album, his career and musical influences.
The Sunset Manifesto – Interview with Marcus Liesenfeld (DJ Supermarkt) - With "The Sunset Manifesto", DJ Supermarkt aka Marcus Liesenfeld delivers the relaxed soundtrack for the private club evening between kitchen, home-office and Christmas tree in Corona times. The second release in the Too Slow To Disco Neo series presents sixteen sophisticated, adult-oriented and dance-inducing Sunset Disco treasures by international top acts and new discoveries such as Kraak & Smaak, Poolside, Roosevelt, Luxxury, Yuksek and PREP, which, in addition to their catchiness and smoothness, combine a sense of nostalgia that the Berlin DJ calls "parallel pop" – music for a delightful, if imaginary, contemporary world. WEST COAST SOUL talked with Marcus Liesenfeld about the new compilation, dance music in times of social distancing, nostalgia as a music trend, and what comes next for TSTD.
A Joyful Sound – Interview with Kelly Finnigan - Even if it is still some time until Christmas Eve, with his great new Christmas album "A Joyful Sound" the American soul powerhouse Kelly Finnigan gives us one of the most beautiful musical gifts of the year already in the Advent season. The 38-year-old Bay Area-based singer, songwriter, engineer, producer, and band-leader of the famous Monophonics stands for authentic, handmade music and follows artists like Lee Fields and the late Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, who heralded the soul revival at the beginning of the 2000s. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the multi-talented artist about his new Christmas album, the relevance of soul music in our time, music influences, his favorite classic Christmas records and further plans.
Interview with Viktor Jakob-Jonsson - After Swedish singer-songwriter Viktor Jakob-Jonsson has already caused a stir in the West Coast music scene with his excellent debut single "A Little Denial" in August, the next coup will follow at November 26th with the follow-up single "Monotony", a wonderful 70s-inflected duet with none other than legendary singer and multiple Grammy Awards winner Bill Champlin. Reason enough to ask the Stockholm-based artist and passionate West Coast music aficionado, who says of himself that he still has hundreds of songs in his drawer, for a talk.
Masters of Modern Smoothness – Interview with PREP - Originally founded as a project by four established artists, PREP has developed from EP to EP from an insider tip to a bearer of hope of sophisticated British pop music. The quartet comprises of Grammy nominated producer Dan Radclyffe, French drummer Guillaume Jambel, Welsh keyboardist Llywelyn Ap Myrddin and London-based singer and frontman Tom Havelock. Together, they have created over the past five years an eclectic blend of contemporary indie pop, soul and synths, deeply rooted in the melodic West Coast elegance of the 70s and 80s. In late October, the quartet finally released their highly anticipated self-titled debut album on Bright Antenna Records. WEST COAST SOUL talked with Guillaume Jambel and Tom Havelock about the making of their debut, their musical development, their shared love for Steely Dan, the importance of smoothness and the value of nostalgia.
The Rhead Brothers Story – Interview with John Rhead - The fact that in the golden era great West Coast music was not only created in sunny California, but could also flourish in the rather rainy Great Britain, was demonstrated not least by the English duo The Rhead Brothers in the late 1970s. The brothers John and Steve Rhead recorded two albums whose quality could compete with any American production and which are still sought after and loved by many music aficionados today. WEST COAST SOUL talked with John Rhead about their musical beginnings, the making of their two excellent albums, "Dedicate "and "Black Shaheen", his memories of the Muscle Shoals music scene and the rediscovery of the Rhead Brothers in 2016.
“Coming Home” – Interview with Tomi Malm - Three years after his critically acclaimed debut “Walkin' On Air”, Finnish songwriter, producer and arranger Tomi Malm returns with his sophomore effort "Coming Home" via Contante & Sonante. His new album presents another flawless collection of pop, soul and fusion songs, recorded with the help of some of the most talented musicians on the West Coast music scene. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the multi-talented artist about the making of his new album, the importance of collaboration, the characteristic Tomi Malm sound and his everlasting love for West Coast music.
Hamish Stuart (Average White Band) - Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Hamish Stuart shot to fame in the 1970’s as the falsetto voice of The Average White Band, his distinctive songwriting and guitar style paving the way for the band’s worldwide success.
Interview with Ned Doheny - A key member of the California West Coast scene in the 70’s, Ned Doheny reached cult status thanks to his 1976 album "Hard Candy".
Chris Jasper - If you love 70’s and 80’s R&B and funk, you can't get past the American multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and arranger Chris Jasper. Whether as a member of the legendary Isley Brothers, the successful trio Isley-Jasper-Isley or as a solo artist: Jasper shaped the sound of an entire era. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the legendary musician and Grammy Award winner about his early beginnings, the golden era of the Isley Brothers and his new, soon to be released album.
Companionship – Interview with Joel Sarakula - On his new album "Companionship", prolific writer, producer, performer and multi-instrumentalist Joel Sarakula keeps the mood easy and the grooves deep. Ten new songs see Sarakula develop a deeper, more introspective lyrical style from his previous works as he celebrates and laments friendships, love and loneliness. The result is one of the most exciting albums of 2020. We spoke with the Sydney-born and London-based artist about his new album, his fascination for smooth West Coast and soul music of the 70s, and the effects of the Corona crisis on his new release.- Corona Crisis Chat with Marcus Liesenfeld (Too Slow To Disco) - The current corona crisis especially affects musicians, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation, but also give fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the Berlin based DJ veteran and Too Slow To Disco curator Marcus Liesenfeld aka DJ Supermarkt.
Corona Crisis Chat with Marcos Valle - The current corona crisis especially affects musicians, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation, but also give fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the legendary Brazilian pianist, singer and composer Marcos Valle.
Corona Crisis Chat with Fernando Perdomo - The current corona crisis especially affects musicians, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation, but also give fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Fernando Perdomo, who has just released his first 70s inspired Yacht Rock album with the fitting name "Yacht".
Corona Crisis Chat with Marc Jordan - The current corona crisis especially affects musicians, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation, but also give fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the multiple award-winning Canadian singer, composer and producer Marc Jordan.
Corona Crisis Chat with Andy Platts (Mamas Gun/ Young Gun Silver Fox) - The current corona crisis especially affects musicians, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation, but also give fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the British singer, songwriter, producer, founder and bandleader of Mamas Gun and the 'Young Gun' of Young Gun Silver Fox Andy Platts.
Corona Crisis Chat with Shawn Lee (Young Gun Silver Fox) - The current corona crisis affects especially music makers, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation in an interview series, but also give the fans a little insight into their musical roots. Today we talk with the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and ‘Silver Fox’ Shawn Lee, who we have reached in London.
Corona Crisis Chat with Don Breithaupt (Monkey House) - The current corona crisis affects especially music makers, bands and artists. Against this background, we at WEST COAST SOUL would like to give musicians the opportunity to talk about the current situation in an interview series, but also give the fans a little insight into their musical roots. The start is made by the profiled pianist, singer/songwriter, composer, arranger, producer, author and Monkey House leader Don Breithaupt, whom we reached for a chat in Los Angeles.
Izo FitzRoy – How The Mighty Fall - Three years after her excellent debut album 'Skyline', British Soul singer, songwriter and pianist Izo FitzRoy releases the highly anticipated follow-up ‘How The Mighty Fall' this March. Recorded between Paris, London and Sheffield, the native Londoner convinces on her new album with a captivating blend of Gospel, Soul, Funk and Disco and of course with her unique big voice. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the artist about the making of the album, sources of inspiration, strokes of fate, the creative potential of collaboration and the power of gospel music.
Young Gun Silver Fox – Canyons - After their critically acclaimed milestones ‘West End Coast’ and ‘AM Waves’, Shawn Lee and Andy Platts, better known as Young Gun Silver Fox, return this February with their long-awaited new album ‘Canyons’. In the third chapter of this British-American success story, which began five years ago, the talented musicians, singers, songwriters, arrangers and producers take their listeners on another journey into the world of soulful West Coast, AOR, soft rock and boogie. ‘Canyons’ is a consequent further development of the distinctive YGSF sound and convinces with excellent songwriting and musicianship, wonderful harmony vocals, incisive brass sections and a superb production. Reason enough to talk with ‘Young Gun’ and ‘Silver Fox’ about the new album, their band anniversary, sources of inspiration, kids and further plans.
The Philly Spaceman – Interview with Dexter Wansel - Calling Dexter Wansel an all-rounder is no overstatement. As one of the architects of the Sound of Philadelphia, the keyboardist, synthesizer pioneer, composer, producer and arranger worked with dozens of top recording artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, The Jacksons, Patti LaBelle, The Jones Girls, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Lou Rawls and The O'Jays and released style-defining solo albums that have become a goldmine for hundreds of hip-hop artists in the past decades. In February Wansel performs in London and Paris. Reason enough to talk with the legendary artist about his long career, his love for synthesizers and the heyday of Philly Soul.
Mandoo – Pacific Addiction - Seven years after their critically acclaimed first album "Sweet Bitter Love", the French duo Mandoo, consisting of singer-bassist Pierre Vanier de Saint Aunay and pianist Esther Ben Daoud, returns this December with "Pacific Addiction". The new album is a wonderful love letter to the West Coast music of the late 70’s and early 80’s. WEST COAST SOUL talked with Pierre Vanier de Saint Aunay about their new album, the collaboration with the legendary artist and songwriter Eric Tagg, the band's history and their everlasting love for the Californian sound.
Al Sunny – Planets - Two years after his critically acclaimed first album "Time To Decide", singer-songwriter Al Sunny returns this November with his long-awaited second album "Planets". With catchy melodies, soulful vocals and beautiful harmonies, the French artist brings light and warmth back into the gloomy autumn season just in time. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the Parisian musician about his new album, his love for analogue recordings, his musical development, role models and further plans.- Rides Again – Interview with Shawn Lee - "Rides Again" is Shawn Lee's first vocal and songwriter album since 2005, and a very personal journey into the world of soul-inspired Country music. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the American born and London based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and “Silver Fox” about his new album, musical role models, his love for classic Country music, ageing and the importance of authentic guitar sounds.
Kraak & Smaak – Pleasure Centre - The Dutch trio Kraak & Smaak, consisting of Oscar de Jong, Mark Kneppers and Wim Plug, has been successful with their eclectic mix of electronic, funk, disco and downbeat music for more than 15 years. Their new studio album "Pleasure Centre" is the result of two years of hard work and the first release on the band's own label Boogie Angst. WEST COAST SOUL talked with Wim Plug about their new album, the search for inspiration, their instinct for new talents and their personal pleasure centre.
Sempre – Interview with Marcos Valle - Marcos Valle is a monument of Brazilian music. The 75-year-old legendary pianist, singer and composer from Rio de Janeiro blends pop, bossa nova, psychedelia, jazz and funk into a distinctive sound that has inspired music lovers for nearly six decades. His songs were interpreted by famous artists such as Frank Sinatra and Bebel Gilberto and sampled by Hip Hop stars like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre. "Summer Samba (So Nice)" is, after "The Girl From Ipanema", the most played bossa nova song of all time. Now the original Rio beach boy has returned with his new album "Sempre" – his first solo album in almost a decade – and revives his seminal feel-good Brazilian boogie-era sound of the early 80s. WEST COAST SOUL talked with the pioneer of Música Popular Brasileira about his new album, his musical career and old friends.
Friday – Interview with Don Breithaupt (Monkey House) - Sophisticated musicianship, imaginative lyrics, and a flair for melody are signatures of the sound of Monkey House, a sound that has earned the group serious critical acclaim, peer respect, and a steadily expanding international following. With "Friday", the American/Canadian band has returned with a new excellent album, that is already causing enthusiasm among critics and West Coast music lovers. WEST COAST SOUL talked with band founder Don Breithaupt about their new album, the band chemistry after more than 25 years, his love for Steely Dan, the first tour in the band history and future plans.
Remind Me – Interview with Patrice Rushen - To describe Patrice Rushen as versatile is an understatement. The legendary pianist, R&B singer, composer, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music director has been a wanderer between styles throughout her life. In the late 70s and early 80s she merged jazz finesse with disco elements, soul and funk to a higher level of sophisticated R&B. With the new compilation "Remind Me" Strut Records presents the first definitive retrospective of her career at Elektra / Asylum, which made her an R&B star with unforgettable hits like "Forget Me Nots", "Haven't You Heard" or "Settle For My Love". WEST COAST SOUL talked with the California based artist about her early beginnings, her love for jazz, Quincy Jones, her legendary Elektra albums, her role as a pioneer in music business and future plans.
Doug Brons – Timepiece - The American singer and songwriter Doug Brons was one of the greatest music discoveries in 2017, who enthused Contemporary Christian music (CCM) and West Coast music fans alike with his unmistakable voice and his brilliant debut album "Soulscripted". With his second album "Timepiece" Brons has now returned in old strength. WEST COAST SOUL spoke with the native Californian about his new album, his musical career, the power of faith and his eternal love for West Coast music.
Thomas Splett