Off the Record with Chaka Khan

Last Monday I had the pleasure of seeing Chaka Khan being interviewed by Rita Ora at the Recording Academy. I have been a member of Grammy U for about two years now, and I am really enjoying the advantages of being affiliated with this great company. This past year I have attended their events quite often, and they have always been very informative, and an all around great experience.

I RSVP'd for this event, to see Chaka Khan, the second I received the email, because I wanted to make sure I would be confirmed! I have been a fan of this true diva for a while. I love watching her old concerts, because there's always something to learn. I always wondered what she would be like in person...how she would carry herself... 

When I walked in the Recording Academy, a building I have become fairly familiar with, the lobby was full of people. Grammy U cater's to students in college, so there are usually a good amount of members there from various universities in the Los Angeles area. Once it was time to check in everyone got in a line, and we proceeded down the hall to take our seats. Once seated everyone mixed and mingled and patiently awaited the star to walk in the room. 

Rita Ora was chosen to interview Miss Chaka Khan, which I thought would be very entertaining. I first discovered Rita Ora when I kept hearing "Black Widow" by Iggy on the radio. She was featured on that song, and her hook surly became one of my favorite things to belt out when I turned on the radio! I was also eager to see this rising artist, because I love her voice and tone!

The interview lasted for about an hour, and it was packed with interview questions, audience questions, and Google+ Hangout questions. Rita Ora was very laid back and even humorous! Her British accent really came out, and it was quite funny how she pronounced some names. She appeared very relaxed, and was enjoying herself.

Chaka Khan reminded me of a cool auntie. She was so down to earth, and definitely kept it 100. She answered various questions, from having a long lasting career in the industry to the numerous people she worked with. She spoke of her take on record labels, and explained how she is enjoying being a free agent. She shared some words of wisdom, "The moment you stop being nervous is when you need to stop doing what you're doing, because being nervous means you care ." She shared her secret for handling studio nervousness: she always has her words written down.

It was a great event, and I left feeling more knowledgable about the great songstress. She shared some wise information, and I feel fortunate to have had the honor to sit in for that interview. There's always something to learn from the great singers who have become so successful! 

My First Studio Experience

Last week I had a pretty awesome experience of recording my first songs for this upcoming project. Not only was it another step closer to embarking on this master music plan I have, but it was also my first time recording solo in a legit recording studio. The facility was beyond amazing! I truly knew it was the one months ago, when I was shopping around for the perfect creative environment. Es Audio Recording Studios was the first on my list to meet with. 

When I walked in, there was a nice lobby with comfy couches to the right, and a desk to the left. The walls were decked out with art, music plaques, and more. There was a door that led in to the hallway, and the vibe I felt when i walked through was unexplainable. As I passed an office, production room, booth, and control rooms, I started to get extremely excited! Once past the front rooms, there was another small lobby with a comfy couch, snacks, and water! I was pretty sold when they told me they had complementary chocolate bars. LOL. The restroom facility was homey and clean! They had two studios, Studio A and Studio B, and I am just one person, so of course I was looking to record in the smaller studio, Studio B. However, I got to peek in to the large Studio A space during one of their sessions. 

Once I walked in Studio B, I was in L.O.V.E. There were candles lit, the lights were dim, the room was clean, and the vibe was perfect! The fact that they had a very cozy insulated booth boosted my eagerness to work with them. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for, but I knew that the feeling I had meant I was in the right place. After discussing and listening to their previous work, I put them on a very high pedestal. No studio I visited after that amounted to much. So I made my choice!

On the day of my session I rested, and prepared. I had most beats ready, so I put them on my USB, packed my lap top and water, and drank my throat tea. Once I got there I set up in the booth. I took off dangling jewelry, set the mood by dimming the lights a little, and pulled up my pre-recorded songs on Garage Band, so I could reference certain harmonies and ad libs I have already discovered I wanted to use. I like being prepared, because I am not one to waste time. Fortunately, my creativity wasn't limited to the pre-recording, because I am very open to changes, and adding whatever is need to make the song complete. I had so much fun coming up with ad libs and harmonies to these songs I have been rehearsing for months! My session lasted a little over four hours, and I felt fatigued after recording two full songs. It was definitely hard work, but super enjoyable! I even sat through the mixing process, and I was surprised at how involved I was with effects and sounds. I am looking forward to my next session!