Strong Women In Music Concert Interview Series: The Main Event, MC Lyte

Strong Women In Music Concert at Penn State University | April 27, 2011
Interviews with MC Lyte, Dr. E and musical director Ronnie Burrage.

The Main Event: Interview with MC Lyte

MC Lyte gives women a strong voice in the Hip-Hop community, she is a pioneer and living legend, earning her status as icon by setting the standard for emcees to come. MC Lyte is the first solo female Hip-Hop artist to earn a Grammy nomination, obtain a Gold Record, and perform at Carnegie Hall! MC Lyte is a multifaceted mogul, Actress, DJ, Motivational Speaker, and Philanthropist. Bringing history to universities; Lyte tours college campuses across the country utilizing her success story to motivate students and young adults to reach their full potential.

The Strong Women In Music Concert, hosted by the Penn State Jazz Club presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to engage in an intimate lecture on Tuesday April 26 in Osmond Lab by the one and only MC Lyte, followed by an exhilarating concert performance Wednesday night in Alumni Hall.

Before she rocked Penn State fans with hits like "Cha Cha Cha", "Poor Georgie", "Ruffneck" and “Self Destruction”, I had the honor and pleasure of catching up with MC Lyte for an exclusive EAR CANDI interview.

Thank you again MC Lyte, meeting you was truly a dream come true! - Ebony Jeanette

EAR CANDI: While in the studio recording "Self Destruction" with Daddy-O and LL Cool J, why did you and LL decide to change the original lyrics for your part?

MC LYTE: I think what I did on that rhyme originally was put in statistics, like hard core numbers of how many kids were actually dying due to violence and it was a little too strong. You know I have always been the one to tell the truth so we just broke it down and LL and I wrote it together. We took it line by line and really thought about what was going to be most potent, but not give so much information that it becomes overbearing.

EAR CANDI: What does it mean to be a strong woman in music to you?

MC LYTE: Stand up for what it is you believe, never be taken advantage of and do what it is that makes you happy!

EAR CANDI: What is your favorite lyric of all time?

MC LYTE: Oh boy! Well, Chuck D said it best: Because I’m public enemy number ONE!

EAR CANDI: You’ve been all over the world, where is the one place aside from your stomping grounds, you feel most at home?

MC LYTE: Philly reminds me most of New York.

EAR CANDI: Just My Take is your first self published literary piece, can we expect any future pieces from you, will they also be self published?

MC LYTE: You know what, I don't know - it depends on whether they are fiction or non, because I really don't like to wait, you know?

EAR CANDI: Is that why you chose to self publish rather than go though an agency?

MC LYTE: Yes, I have a literary agent but giving it to them means that the shape or the mold in which i speak would be changed as a result of editing.

EAR CANDI: What advice do you give to young female emcees who are working to break into the industry without over-sexualizing themselves for attention?

MC LYTE: You just have to stay true to who you are, speak truth and ask a lot of questions so that you can be educated about the decisions you make.

EAR CANDI: And you’ve done so much already, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

MC LYTE: Oh I don't know, (chuckles) I go day by day!

EAR CANDI: Do you have a motto that you live by?

MC LYTE: Do whatever is necessary to be happy. So, whatever that means for you as an individual.

EAR CANDI: When you are on the road touring, what is the one item you can not be without?

MC LYTE: Probably my laptop or Ipod, something that gives me music - I really need that!

EAR CANDI: Artist receiving the most plays on your Ipod right now?

MC LYTE: Niki Minaj.

 Visit the official MC Lyte Website

MC LYTE is constantly creating new mind blowing material,

buy new releases and stay up to date on her schedule

@ http://www.reverbnation.com/mclyte

 

 

Visit the official MC Lyte Website

Strong Women In Music Concert Interview Series: The Music Director, Ronnie Burrage

Strong Women In Music Concert at Penn State University | April 27, 2011
Interviews with MC Lyte, Dr. E and musical director Ronnie Burrage.

The Musical Director: Interview with Ronnie Burrage

St. Louis native drummer and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Burrage played an integral role in the Strong Women In Music Concert both as the music director and accompanying musician. Chatting with Ronnie, I learned stories of his first memories of music, his world travels playing with jazz legends, upcoming show dates, and even a few unconventional talents! Enjoy ;)

Thank you again for your time Ronnie, it was so much fun meeting you! -Ebony Jeanette

EAR CANDI: You are a part of many ensembles, please name them.

Ronnie: "Third Kind of Blue", "Band Burrage" "The Burrage Ensemble" "Q.K.R." which features Qunicy Troupe, author of Miles Davis Autobiography screen writer, "Pursuit Of Happiness" feat. Will Smith & Kelvyn Bell

EAR CANDI: What instruments do you play in addition to the drums?

Ronnie: I play several instruments, keyboards, voice, vibes, multi percussion and idiophones from around the world.

EAR CANDI: Describe your first memory of wanting to play music.


Ronnie: My mother is the oldest of eight siblings and they all were musicians. My grandmother’s father and brother were musicians in the Barnum and Bailey Black circus band as well her brother my uncle John Saunders played sax with Bessie Smith ad many jazz and blues artist out of Chicago, so I grew up playing music by the time I was able to walk. I sang in several choirs including Catholic, Baptist and Methodist.

EAR CANDI: Including the legendary MC Lyte, share some of the other major acts you have played alongside.

Ronnie: McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Sting, Fontella Bass, Nancy Wilson, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, Archie Shepp, Nona Hendrix and many more!

EAR CANDI: If you could play with any musician dead or alive who would it be?

Ronnie: I’ve played with pretty much all my heroes, but I would have to say Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, or Ella Fitzgerald.

EAR CANDI: Most embarrassing moment during a live performance?

Ronnie: I guess once at the Chicago Jazz Festival I was not able to read the written music from the great artist George Russell and I did not do so well in the performance, but I am proud to say that there has not been many incidents of this nature during my career.

EAR CANDI: Do you have a any signature or unconventional talents?

Ronnie: I yodle during my scatting and oh yeah I can flex my chest nipples, LOL!

EAR CANDI: What does the Strong Women in Music Concert mean to you?

Ronnie: The Strong Women In Music Concert means creating a fun, educational, and absolutely enlightening experience to celebrate female musicians like MC Lyte who are trailblazers in the industry.

EAR CANDI: Any future projects coming up we should know about?

Ronnie: Yes I have two new Cd's coming out on my label,, MiMikAlana Records next month entitled, Ronnie Burrage "Spirit Guides" Truth & Love Music / Don't Be Afraid and my production for Australia saxophonist Dale Barlow called, "Blue Jess" Timeline Observatory, Also here is my summer touring schedule.

May 21 Ronnie Burrage Trio "Sista's Place" Brooklyn, New York
May 28 Center City Philadelphia CD RElease Event www.vivantartcollection.com
June 2 & 3 Missoula, Montana "The Daily Jazz" with Azar Lawrence Group
June 4 Bozmen, Montana w. Azar
June 10 Vienna, Austria "Porgy & Bess" w/ Azar
June 11 Diersbach, Austria "INNTOENE Jazz Festival" w/Azar
June 12 - 20 Poland / Sweden
June 23 Duc Des Lombards Paris
June 24 & 25 France, "Galerie de Berlinval" Ronnie Burrage Group with Rasul Siddik
This leg is all Ronnie Burrage Group
July 1 Baltimore "AnDie Muzik Hall"
July 3 "Bohemian Caverns" DC
July 5 Atlanta GA "Churchill Grounds" w/ guest Russell Gunn
July 6 travel day to Matinique
July 7 free
July 8 Concert Martinique/ "Fort Du France Cultural Festival"
July 9 free
July 10 Depart Matinique
July 11 travel day to Orlando
July 12 Concert "Rollins College" Orlando
July 13 free
July 14/15 "The Palladium Theater" Tampa / St. Pete Florida
July 22 & 23 Robbie's House of Jazz St. Louis, MO.
July 23 CD signing in-store "Vintage Vinyl" St. Louis, MO.
July 16 travel New York
August 28 Thompson Square Park, "The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival" w/Archie Shepp

EAR CANDI: What advice can you give to musicians living in central PA trying to break into the industry.

Ronnie: Practice and play as much music and every type of music you can. Reach out to collaborate and move around to meet as many musicians you can.

EAR CANDI: Where can we buy your music?

Ronnie: Visit www.ronnieburrage.biz for album info and purchases. I am also on Facebook!

ADD Ronnie Burrage on FACEBOOK!

Visit www.ronnieburrage.biz for more information on tour dates, album releases and more!

Strong Women In Music Concert Interview Series: The Opening Act, Dr. E

Strong Women In Music Concert at Penn State University | April 27, 2011
Interviews with MC Lyte, Dr. E and musical director Ronnie Burrage.

Led by world renowned drummer Ronnie Burrage, a live band composed of musicians Eli Byrne, Chulo Gatewood, Marvin Horne, and Adam Faulk accompanied the legendary MC Lyte for the Penn State Jazz Club Strong Women In Music concert held April 27th at Alumni Hall.

Penn State Student rappers Ugo, Equille Williams, Jackie Hodge and Drew Dub of the Hip-Hop/ Reggae ensemble Atlas Soundtrack (interview coming soon) also shared the stage with MC Lyte for a crowd pleasing performance of the game changing single “Self Destruction.”

EAR CANDI is pleased to present crew member Ebony Jeanette’s interviews with headliner MC Lyte, opening act Dr. E and musical director Ronnie Burrage.

A special thank you to the Penn State Jazz Club faculty advisor Eli Byrne for making it all possible!

The Opening Act: Interview with Dr. E

Opening the Strong Women In Music concert was soul songstress, songwriter, and former Penn State professor Dr. E.

A rising independent artist, Dr. E has performed at many notable venues such as Walt Disney World, The Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Lincoln Theatre and more. She has captivated listeners with her unique brand of soul and continues to inspire through her personal story of redemption (See here).

Thanks again Dr. E for a great interview! - Ebony Jeanette

EAR CANDI: What does it mean to be a “Strong Woman In Music” to you?

Dr. E: Be who you are and keep grinding.

EAR CANDI: As the opening act for the Strong Women In Music concert, what do you feel right now is most exciting about your music?

Dr. E: Well, now I have gotten beyond the initial excitement when I first completed my project. Now I am proud of my music because it is a part of who I am and it makes me feel good that a lot of people like it and accept it and me for who I am. I am growing as a woman and a songwriter which is great! It feels so wonderful to open the evening for MC Lyte, she has always been an inspiration to me as an versatile entrepreneur and master of her craft.

EAR CANDI: Tell us about your day job, you were a professor at Penn State a few years back and currently at at Ohio State University right?

Dr. E: I am becoming more and more of who I really am and want to be. I used to think of myself as Elaine the singer-songwriter, Elaine the sister-girl from Cleveland, Dr. E the applied linguist who loves culture and African and Afro-diasporic cultures, Dr. E the community advocate. My selves are really not disparate. I am figuring out that I don't have to separate my music life from my scholarly and outreach life. I am all one person and I take me everywhere I go. It's cool!

EAR CANDI: You are a scholar and a songwriter wow! So what is your music writing process like? Does it just come to you?

Dr. E: I can have an idea and the music comes later, or sometimes I get the music and feeling and lyrics all at once, or I will experience an emotion or event and a song will come to me. I’ve had dreams where I saw myself singing a song I end up writing and other times, someone will just give me pre-recorded tracks and I''l vibe until something comes.

EAR CANDI: Who are you listening to the most right now on your ipod?

Dr. E: I'm listening to Georgia Anne Muldrow, Monica, Ronnie Burrage, MC Lyte, and Mary Mary.

EAR CANDI: What advice do you give to young girls who have made difficult life choices? How can they be Elevated?

Dr. E: We all make mistakes. Don't let your past define your future. You are love made straight from the creator, no matter your circumstances. Get the support you need. Reach out and keep striving for your goals.

EAR CANDI: Where can we buy your music?

Dr. E: cdbaby.com/dreelevated

LIKE Dr. E on FACEBOOK!

Get your copy of "Elevated" at cdbaby.com/dreelevated