lafayette

Lafayette Reid

Interview 22 November 2005

Hey Lafayette  how you doing, thanks for doing this. Tell me about yourself, your background, family.  Your Family seems to be important,judging by your lyrics.

I am the ninth child. I was raised in the church. I come from a very close-knit family with strong religious beliefs.My Family is a very important part of my life.

Your in Atlanta now, Atlanta seems to be good at the moment, is it for you And your style

I recently relocated back to Omaha, Nebraska. However, I’d rather be in LA. ATL is agreat place to start a music career.

But you’re  from Omaha?

Yes, I was raised in Omaha, NE.

Tell me about Tracing My Roots, how long it took to get together, the concept behind it all

Tracing my Roots is about me returning to Nebraska after a 15 year absence to finish this album. I started working on it about 2 years ago.

What tracks are getting reaction?

How many Roads; Tit 4 Tat; Let’s Ride; NANA & Fallin’

There’s a lot of material on there! For me I prefer the slower

material.

I decided to do a variety of different Genre to reach all Audiences.

How do you feel about the project

I feel very strongly that this project will move rapidly,so far, it’s getting a lot of reviews in several states, and a few countries.

Who are your influences? Donny Hathaway?

Yes, as well as Luther Vandross and Marving Gaye.

You write all your stuff?

Yes, I write all my own material.

Whats your show like, are you doing gigs.

Yes, I am doing gigs, I am currently in Japan on a International Tour as we speak. I do about a 1 to 1 ½ Hour show that is very competitive in the market. My shows have a lot of high-energy in them, there is a lot of moving and dancing as well as my band being in step with what I’m doing

Tell me about the team of people around you.

As of now, I have 5 band members, My Marketing director who stays close by my side, and 3 people that are affiliated with Motown in my corner .

Whats it like getting yourself heard, and getting stuff down as a independent. How do you feel about the music scene right now.

It’s a lot of hard work, but the way to go is Independent,you definitely  have control of your destiny. You have to have positive people around you. You learn a lot about the music business, as far as the music scene, we need more real Entertainers.

How has this one improved on I’m Ready. How did that one do, got some feedback from the UK, especially Miss My Flight

I’m Ready did really well, However, this one was more for me and what I was trying to do as a Artist. My next one will be for the people and my fans.

I think there’s a third album as well isn’t there?

Yes, definitely, I’m working on it.

Tell me about some of the things you have done?  Tell me about ETC and Royal Court?

When I was in Royal Court, we were a young band starting out, but it earned me many awards and a Key to the city presented by George Bush. ETC taught me about the stage life.

You opened for Marvin gaye when you were 10.  What do you recall and what effect did that have on you.

It had the biggest effects on me in life.We did a show with the Staple singers in Gary,IN and Marving came to me and told me that I would make it.That was awesome to hear as a ten year old by such a great Entertainer.

You’ve also toured with some big names. Have you been to Europe

Yes, I toured with Ralph Tresvant, The Gap Band, Keith Sweat,to mention a few.  I am in Japan now, but will be going to Europe on this tour as well.

And you’ve done some theatre?

Yes , I have done several Gospel Productions

Music and performance has been in you since you were young?

Yes, since I was 3 years old

You play a lot of instruments?

Yes, I play Keyboards ,Guitar, Drums and Percussion

Are you in music full time?

Yes I am.

You happy with the way things are working out.

Things are going good right now , but it can always be better. I see great things coming my way soon.

What is your following like locally.

Sell-out crowds.

What do you know about other markets, UK, Europe, Japan etc  -

The market in Japan is doing very,very well. Sicne I will be traveling to Europe and the UK soon, I‘ll get to find out, so stay tuned for station Identification.

What are your ambitions?

To be one of the most sought after recording artist out there and to have one of the biggest record labels I internationally known on the market, to please GOD and give the people what they want.

Whats happening next,

I’m on this  International tour, going on right now. Stay tuned for my next CD and doing big things on my Record Label Platinum Factory Records.

What other things do you like to do

Playing Basketball, Cooking and being a parent.

Anything else you’d like to say

Just that I will always Keep God first in my life, and let him work out the rest.

Good luck and thanks for your time

Mike

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