Interview by Howie Mitchell
Producers can be artists, too. And after spending the last six years polishing other people’s records, the U.K.-based Ebenus decided it was time for him to strut his own stuff, an invigorating amalgam of classic Michael Jackson pop, Prince-ly funk, and James Brown-fueled R&B.
Howie Mitchell: You’re based in the U.K. I don’t hear too much hip-hop or R&B from England; in fact, I’ve probably heard more trip-hop than rap from the U.K. Why do you think the British haven’t staged an invasion with hip-hop stateside as they have done several times with rock since the Beatles?
Ebenus: Well, I just think there hasn’t been any proper investment from the U.K. record companies in U.K. hip-hop artists. Look at artists like Sway; they had to go to the U.S. to get a ‘proper’ deal. We have rappers like Ty who should be blowin’ up big in the States.
Mitchell: Who were the first hip-hop artists that you heard and enjoyed? Did they continue to influence you? If so, in what way?
Ebenus: Tracks like Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show,” Whodini’s “Freaks Come Out at Night.” Hip-hop tracks like this have influenced me over time because you can put acts like Run-D.M.C., L.L. Cool J., Dr. Dre, Tupac, and Biggie – they’ve all had some indirect influence in the music more so because I’ve really connected with the tracks that made people get on the dance floor.
Mitchell: There are some obvious ’70s disco flavors in your music. What attracts you to them?
Ebenus: Well, I just love the feel-good tracks that encompassed the whole of that era…Chic, Donna Summer, early Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire. It was a time of great songs and great singers. The grooves almost made you get up and dance; they locked you in spritually and physically.
Mitchell: What qualities do you feel separate you from other R&B acts out there?
Ebenus: That’s a difficult question. I know in my mind I love to do what ever I feel at that moment in the studio, whether that’s a hip-hop beat, dance, jazz or gospel…just so long as it makes me say ‘Yeah, I can feel that music.’
Mitchell: How long did it take you to develop your own style?
Ebenus: I’ve developed my style over many years but I’d say over the last four years since I’ve spent more time experimenting in the studio with equipment and mixing it up with old and vintage stuff. Now I’ve got nearer to where I want to be at. I’m still on a journey, though!
