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Peven Everett
RnB/Hip Hop | Wednesday 9th February 2011 | Osh
Peven Everett is undeniably one of the most prolific names in house and soul music to date. Most commonly known for tracks such as ‘Gabrielle’ and ‘Watch Them Come’ the world renowned singer, songwriter and producer from Illinois, caught up with The Guestlist Network to discuss the cut-throat music business and his love for London.
You recently performed at Relentless Garage in London, which was your first London gig in quite some time. How was the show? And what do you think of London in general?
Man, that show was ridiculous! I can’t tell you how much fun I had because there just aren’t
enough words. You know... the magic of playing live is that every crowd is different and the London crowd had a feeling that only belongs to London. They respected my song choices and allowed me to perform without any hints of prejudgment. It was just the kind of crowd you want to give your all to in every way. I love me some London! They are my folks. The biggest supporters and as nice as they could be, that’s London.
No-one makes music like you, often you feel like you are getting three-songs-in-one, how did you develop your style of music production?
I have no clue at all. This is why I’ve always felt that the spiritual value of music has been under
minded. The spiritual side, or the euphoria factor [as I call it], is beautiful in many ways. It is beautiful to watch as it flows through a pretty girl. It is beautiful to watch as it turns sadness into joy. It is also unbelievably beautiful to feel. The human spirit goes through emotion at a rate of speed that is random for each person experiencing it. I have just tried to outline my state of emotion from day to day. In a way that people can submerge their souls into, after reality breaks their hearts, or if they feel confused. This is a hard task, because compassion has to be available by the metric ton, but my people are worth it. It’s one of the reasons I’m here. Not my choice, but I’m glad I was chosen as a medium.
You started playing the piano at just 3yrs old. How many instruments can you play in total and at what age did you realise that you had musical talent?
I can play quite a few. Anything on the stage... I gotta eat ya know? (Laughs)
You produce all of your own music and you play every instrument, on every track. Not
many ‘high profile music producers’ do the same, but they can still request up to 1 million $ per track. Why do you think that is?
Many reasons, firstly, the world by in large is still not OK with the African American man. Yes, we are represented but in certain lights only, which is not cool. Then there is the monopoly, the few who have no interest in the existence of competition. This is no one’s right - anywhere in the world. The business of doing business on equal terms is every man’s right. I choose to assert my rights. ‘High profile’ means that the producer in question has met a major label owner or rep, who will pull strings to keep his/her competition from competing, through contacting venues with threats to cease business relationships and contacting sponsors with the same threats. Everyone else has loyalty to the constant flow of money that big businesses offer.
What is your song writing process? Is it lyrics 1st, then instruments, or the other way round or...?
I will never tell (Laughs)
You were just 16 when you wrote ‘Gabrielle’. What strikes most people about that song are the lyrics. Where did those lyrics come from, what is the song about and what does the song mean to you?
‘Gabriel’ is about the archangel and the connection I had with him, which at the time I didn’t
understand. I had a duty to state where I was emotionally, since honest portrayal is a musician’s job.
How did you become involved in House music, because originally you were a Jazz musician?
My brother used to be a heavy party cat and I never forgot how much good energy flowed
through the house when dance music was on. It’s a different animal!
You have been an independent artist for many years and you are often described
as ‘underrated’. How do you feel about that and why do you think you have not had the
mainstream success a man with your talent should be experiencing?
Because I don’t kiss butt. I hate the idea that a grown man can’t accept a simple fact. So when
these dudes freak out, they start sabotaging. Is all a musician wants is a half arsed career? That is stupid to consider. The easier alternative is to dump the attempt all together. I will prove that my intellect and talent made people target me. I’ve said it for years. No man is more feared by the big business world than I. It is so easy to call me cocky, because if my story is seen, then the world will see that the many stories of corruption I have are true. A smart black man with a knack for the pretty ladies has never been championed unless it is certain to embarrass brown skin. They are not so sure about me.
For someone with the kind of unquestionable and exceptional talent, such as yourself, you would think that record companies would be biting your hand off in order to sign you. Have you ever been signed to any major record label and would that be something you would ever be interested in/consider?
I have never, ever, ever been signed. Many labels would like to say they’ve signed me when they haven’t paid for the right to say such things. I haven’t found a label that understands what I need. Mozart is heavily circulated, because he was allowed to write whilst being funded by the king. I don’t need a king, though the monarchy would be a nice fit, (Laughs). What I need is to be able to create. Music is my gift, but the public really has no idea. Extreme change with an easy touch is necessary and we don’t have leaders that can execute the necessary action. Instead, they put their ugly gelfling kids on in place of real talent and innovation, which puts the cream on the bottom and sludge on top. It’s hardly of benefit to anyone.
You have had major problems in the past with promoters, DJs etc... using your name for their own gains, to promote their events or themselves... some people argue that ‘that is the business and how it works' etc... .’ How do you feel about that?
Some choose to do business to the detriment of anyone. Add a jealous tendency that has never
been destroyed from childhood and there we have a recipe for a scene that thrives on stealing.
Some jocks never get over how much they hate artists. I have my own music industry, all it takes is a person willing to invest and the world would change virtually overnight. Who would contest it besides another victim of the ‘Peven Everett throw down’. The physical world counts for a very small portion of my musical journey.
For someone that puts their heart and soul into their music, as you do, how do you feel when people remix your songs without permission?
Picasso doesn’t need some B – Boy spray painting moustaches and circulating the picture, does he? I think he would hate that. I feel the same about my music. A remix is a tool that is to be used by the DJ exclusively for his set in the clubs only. Anything else done with that material is up to the DJs knowledge of the law and adult minded discretion. The right to choose my Re-mixer is not a right that I forfeit. I have very few remixes that I have ‘okayed’ or approved and these guys have defamed me and hurt my reputation by connecting themselves to me.
Speaking of re-mixes, there was a rumour circulating a while back that Roy Davis Jnr
remixed ‘Gabrielle’ and did not credit you. Is that true? And if so, why aren’t you suing the hell out of him?
I found that music is ego based for some people and it is best to have your own or you’ll be
ripped off. I wrote Gabriel and I perform it with my voice and not turntables. It is in the best interest of a select few to turn my case down since I’m the biggest independent threat there is. I get special attention for the smallest things. I’m constantly watched and stolen from. The whole seen loves to hate on me.
Have you ever heard a remix of any of your songs that you actually liked?
‘Sexy Make Up’
‘Sexy Make Up’
The amount of times I have seen something advertised as: ‘Peven Everett remix’ and all
the person has really done is add a kick and a snare. Surely people can spot the parasites for themselves though? Are you perhaps placing too much emphasis on things that are not so detrimental?
No, because music is down played with respects to how important it is to the world and
commerce by in large. Here’s how... From the limo driver, to the caterer, to the stylist, hair people, hotels and publicity, everyone works to be up close with rock stars. Fix music and the way it is handled and we fix prosperity.
You have accused many mainstream Hip Hop and RnB acts for stealing your music in the past, the most prominent person being, Pharrell Williams. What exactly happened there?
My gift is a blessing and a curse, because the savage beast is attracted to it. I do respect
originality and that is lacking in the music business. I’m being copied when I should be running the scene instead of the liars and their slick thief philosophy.
Who else do you feel has stolen your music, because Robin Thicke was also mentioned at one point?
You got about 10 days? (Laughs). Let me say this, when a man meets another who seems more
intelligent or rich in character he goes nuts. Jealousy from one man to another has been the reason for many wars thought to be based on far more important issues. A man’s ego or lack of can cause him to lash out. Failing to feel competitive, is a psycho perspective by any standard, but some people simply don’t possess the necessary self esteem for this business. This is why we see so many fake stars everywhere. Right place, right job, wrong person. I’m the best investment anyone could make but guts are not so prevalent nowadays.
You could argue that if you were a signed artist, your music would be more protected from theft. What do you think about that?
True in some respects and false in others. The wizard of oz is a good blueprint for how the city is built inside and out. Believe it or not, the witch will get splashed.
You have released music in various genres. What genre would you like people to associate you with?
Dancing is what music is supposed to make you do. If it doesn’t do it, you shouldn’t pursue it.
You were quoted as saying this in a pervious interview some time ago:
"We have to take the House connotation off of [the music] because it cheapens it, quite
frankly, to me. It cheapens it...”
And
“The House scene isn't made of DJs, it's made of the records they play. It's all for the
DJ, but let's get off of that. Let's get more into who produced the record. If you DJ too,
that's a good talent to have, it's not an easy thing to do. But it's about the record."
Do you still feel that way? What are your feelings on house music at present?
Yes. DJs are not evolving with musicians their excluding us in many ways. So many DJs feel like disgruntled x-jocks that never liked the way their girlfriends got hard boiled eyes when the artists came around. A lot of practicing makes a professional. Artists have proved that the right profession leads to music and the philosophies within it. House is changing, but I do music across the board and I do it in a way that makes me deserving of any acclaim I receive.
What do you love the most, making music or performing?
Performing is the best.
If you could just listen to one song or album for the rest of your life, what would it be and
why?
I hope that I never have to choose, but any Motown is good with me.
For more information on Peven Everett please visit: www.peveneverett.net
Trina John-Charles
