Karyn White: Still A Superwoman
Native Los Angeles, California, songstress, Karyn Layvonne White, literally exploded onto the music scene with her eponymous 1988 solo debut, largely helmed by revered songwriting-production duo, L.A. & Babyface. The platinum-plus selling, now classic, opus, which spawned a succession of chart-topping singles; "The Way You Love Me," "Secret Rendezvous," "Superwoman" and the 'Face assisted "Love Saw It," would eventually go on to earn White a pair of much-deserved Grammy Award nominations.
Her gold certified, follow-up, Ritual of Love, arrived in September '91, which saw Minneapolis, Minnesota, based production team, Jimmy Jam and, her then future husband, Terry Lewis, replacing L.A. and Babyface behind the recording studio console. Karyn's sophomore set also managed to generate four additional hits; "Romantic," "The Way I Feel About You," "Walkin' the Dog" and "Do Unto Me."
Now residing in Rocklin [a suburb of Sacramento], California, Karyn White, whose third and final solo collection, the solid, yet commercially underwhelming, Make Him Do Right, was released in 1994, has, thankfully, finally returned, both looking and sounding better than ever...
First things first, welcome back! You are/were definitely missed
Let's hop right into this long overdue, brand new fourth solo collection, Carpe Diem -- Conceptually, that tells me that now is your time and you're finally ready to seize the moment again...Would that be an accurate representation behind the title of your forthcoming CD? And, that being said, what exactly prompted your decision to name the record this?
Yes, I am ready to get back out here and connect with my peeps again *White giggles*...I was looking for a catchy title, but something that was real, genuine and original, and I feel like I'm seizing another moment/day in my life by stepping out into this music biz again...It's a brand new day, brand new business and a brand new me, and I'm excited about it all!
Being that it has been over seventeen long years since the release of your last studio effort, Make Him Do Right -- Why such a lengthy musical absence? And, what all have you been up to, both personally and professionally, since you walked away from the music industry so long ago?
I didn't plan on it being that long, but when you're a mother that instinct kicks in and time flies by...I stayed busy designing home interiors and buying, selling and building million dollar homes, which was another way of being creative and busy, so I wasn't just sitting around doing nothing. *She laughs*
Which brings us to NOW! You just dropped the first offering, "Sista Sista," from the upcoming Carpe Diem -- How did this particular track actually come to fruition? For someone yet to hear it, how would you describe the song overall?
I worked on the song and idea some years back, but didn't have the real passion and desire to move forward, so once I decided to get back in the game I started going through old ideas first, which kicked my creativity into gear...I think it's a raw, emotional plea to my sistas; black, white, red, yellow, to come together and have real conversations of support and empowerment!
Are there any other things; i.e., producers credits, cameo appearances, favorite joint(s), etcetera, that you can reveal or divulge about the new album? Any chance of hearing another classic contribution from your long-time collaborators; L.A. & 'Face and/or Jimmy & (your daughter, Ashley Nicole's father) Terry?
Nothing or no one special as of yet, but Derek "D.O.A. Allen" is the producer of the project and he's sick wid it! No collaborations with Jimmy and Terry because they're busy with The Original 7ven project, which I'm very proud of them for doing! So, go buy it...Pleeeease *Karyn smiles*
How does Carpe Diem either differ and/or compare to previous Karyn White solo entries?
I am firmly in control of this project as an artist, executive producer, record company and visionary...This is Karyn driven, not producer driven *More smiles*
What has and will continue to be the key to your longevity and success?
Honesty...In the music, the song and the person.
Besides, of course, interior decorating and real estate, do you have any additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from the music?
I have so much I want to do and am going to do! I love discovering new artists, creating new ways to expose my brand through perfume, home-ware, hair care and beauty, books, style & fashion, TV, film and stage. I plan on being everywhere in 2012!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And, where exactly do you see yourself, an icon if you will, fitting into the whole current scheme of things in today's musical climate?
I love what these young women are doing out here, especially Beyonce', who I think is just H.O.T.! I'm just in my lane reaching out to my audience, and thankful for all of the love I've received.
How has the industry itself both changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into it back in the late eighties?
When I came into the business, the artist had no power. In today's business, the artist can have all the power he or she wants to take responsibility for.
To date, what has been your greatest career moment?
Today, because I'm seizing the day!
Looking ahead, say five or even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Fabulous and happy, (and) enjoying the life God put in front of me!
As for the immediate future, what's next for Mrs. Karyn White?
Everything!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Check my out at Twitter: @Karyns_world...Facebook:
www.facebook.com/karynwhitemusic (and)
www.Karynsworld.me.
Any "message" for the readers of The HYPE?
Live Life With God As Your Leader!
Posted 3 weeks ago by thehypemagazine
http://thehypemagazine.blogspot.com/2012/01/karyn-white-still-superwoman.html