Flint, Michigan’s Finest READY FOR THE WORLD – the original ‘Bad Boys of R&B’ – are all still together after three decades and are ready to bless the world once again with their signature brand of Soul, Funk and Pop/Rock musicality. Their classic 1985 self-titled Platinum-selling debut album produced the timeless hits “Tonight”, “Deep Inside Your Love”, “Oh Sheila”, “Digital Display”, “Slide Over” and “Ceramic Girl”. RFTW followed up strong with their second album release LONG TIME COMING, which spawned their timeless No.1 smash hit ballad “Love You Down.”
Founding member/lead vocalist Melvin Riley, lead guitarist Gordon Strozier, keyboardist Gregory Potts, percussionist/keyboardist Willie Triplett, bassist John Eaton and drummer Gerald Valentine are living proof that the art of the all-around live performance, along with creating good-quality, real music, will never leave their collective souls and are showing no signs of slowing down.
PURE SOUL MAGAZINE caught up with the fellas during their busy schedule for a brief Q&A session.
PSM: What have you guys been up to over the past few years?
RFTW: We have been doing occasional live performances, consulting on outside projects, recording music on covers, and most importantly for our long-time fans, we are working on brand new, original music!
PSM: What new projects can we anticipate from RFTW here in 2K13 and beyond?
RFTW: We plan on releasing a new project in 2K14 which will incorporate our signature sound with today’s trendy beats.
PSM: What is your opinion on the current state of R&B/Soul music as a whole?
RFTW: Although R&B has seemingly dissolved into Hip Hop, the foundation of the genre is still compelling and lives within the hearts of many. Sure enough, R&B has been on the decline as a business model, and that to me only solidifies its authenticity. Most of what we are listening to today has been commercialized from what we as recording artists conceptualize. The authentic style of Neo-Soul, to give you as an example, has remained intact….India.Arie is a prime example of pure raw talent and sound. If the R&B artists of today can remain true to their craft, the genre will last for many years to come.
PSM: What is you collective opinion on the current climate of the music industry?
RFTW: In today’s music industry, the measurement of success is much different than what it was when we started our career back in the mid-1980s. The artists of today have an opportunity to capitalize on the new ways of exploiting their music. They can own a greater share of their creations and also control their career path towards success. To some, it may be the establishment of a listener base in an effort to maintain it throughout the course of their career; For others, it may be getting airplay, fame and some fortune. There will also be artists who’ll measure success in their ability to get their music and lyrical message out to the masses. All in all, the internet and the mobile devices we now utilize to gain access has leveled out the music industry playing field – therefore allowing success to be defined by the creators of the music.
PSM: Besides yourselves, which artists best represents the essence of PURE SOUL?
RFTW: “Lauryn Hill”, the aforementioned “India.Arie” and “Mint Condition” are just a few artists of many that come to mind when PURE SOUL is mentioned!
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