In 2008, one of the best RnB albums from start to finish was released. That album was The Way I See It and the artist, Raphael Saadiq. If you haven’t heard the album or picked it up yet, do yourself a favour and cop this. The album calls up influences from the old Motown RnB / Soul era, paying homage to Raphaels influences. In this one on one Q & A we were able to discuss the album, influences and future plans.
Killahbeez: Hi Raphael, thanks for taking the time in doing this interview. First off I just want to say thank you for the album, The Way I see it, its’ possibly one of the best RnB albums I’ve heard in a long time from beginning to end. Simply classic and timeless
Raphael Saadiq: Thank you
KB: I’ve read that the inspiration for this album initially came from a vacation in Costa Rica and the Bahamas. Tell us a bit about that? From the sounds of it as well there’s a definite Motown RnB/Soul inspiration as well.
RS: There were so many people In my travels that listen to the sounds of Motown, Stax and other great sounding music, That it really made me think about what music I love the most.
KB: So once you had that inspiration and concept, what kind of time frame were you able to put the whole album together?
RS: I put these pieces together in a month and a half, and then I finished the album in 3 years.
KB: In creating this album did you take on that Motown-classic 60s-70s Rib / Soul artist mentality and put yourself in their shoes?
RS: I’ve been in character my whole life, it’s not what’s on the outside, it’s what lives inside.
KB: This album had little to no samples and used live instrumentation, which is quite refreshing, how difficult or easy was that to do to achieve the sound that you were going for?
RS: It was easy for me, being I never use samples that much at all, even though I’ve had some successful records that use samples, I like samples when they’re flipped in a creative way.
KB: Okay so I have to ask. How did the collaboration with Stevie Wonder come about?
RS: Myself and CJ Hilton wrote this song together, and once we were done, I started my rap about welcoming Stevie to my record and he wasn’t on the record at this point, so I tried calling him, he picked up the phone. Next thing you know, you hear the wonderful sounds of Mr. Stevie Wonder @ 2:30 AM. Hopefully one day we’ll get to do some more work in the future.
KB: Of all the musical instruments that you can play, which of them could you never give up, that’s somewhat a part of you?
RS: The Bass, I could never put it down.
KB: Your first solo album, Instant Vintage, came out in 2002. How has your creation process changed from then to now? How about when you were part of Tony! Toni! Toné!?
RS: Well I don’t depend on others for much these days, when I first started there were always people around when I started projects, now there’s only myself and a couple of people that can help me get a jump start.
KB: You’ve been in the music industry for many years. What are your current views on the industry as a whole? From the digital format to artists becoming ringtone artists rather then taking the time and concepting a whole album much like you and a few other artists out there?
RS: To each is his own, But I like the days of making whole albums.
KB: What’s next for Raphael Saadiq?
RS: I’m starting my next record while I’m on the road, but for now I want to tour as much as possible, I need to be in front of the people everyday, it makes me write better music.
KB: Thanks again for taking the time and doing this. Any closing comments / message you want to share with our readers
RS: I want to thank everyone that’s coming out to shows and listening to my music, I’m forever grateful, thank you.
For more information on Raphael Saadiq:
www.myspace.com/raphaelsaadiq
www.raphaelsaadiq.com
