With a new sound and tour on the go, Don E spares a moment to speak to Reminiscin' about his musical conquest, teaching abilities and why his motto of life, 'Don't stop 'til you get enough' stands true.

Don E has worn many musical hats. Since the age of 12 he hit the scene touring worldwide in his band, now an artist in his own right, song-writer and producer Don E has proven he is overly qualified. With his mindset flourishing with new beats and vibes, Don E over the years has achieved a commendable CV bubbling with high profile artists'.

Despite working with UK talents Lynden David Hall and Mica Paris, Don E's talent has travelled to more hotspots than British Airways can envisage. In revealing all and more to Reminiscin', Don E touches on his touring companion Grace Jones, his favourite getaways and why a night in is considered valuable.

You have a new album out Try This which took a year or so in the making-did you place an initial deadline prior to working on it?
I kinda let it go with the creative flow really; let it happen naturally. I stopped writing when I thought I had enough and I was done. I have now got enough songs for the next album.

What does your new album say about you musically and personally?
Basically, I have been out the market place for a long time, so I thought I kinda needed to let people know what I do again. I wanted to make a soul album this time. I thought the last album I did was quite poppy, there was a big budget but the record company got involved and water it down and stuff. This time I kinda locked myself in a room for about three years (laughs) and came up with some stuff; I just invited people in, horn sections and different musicians.

Is there a particular track that you are most proud of? Examples?
I like all of it. I suppose the one I am most proud of (pauses…) I like the title track Try This and One More Time that is regular in my car.

On the completion of your album - who was the first person you played the album to?
I think it was my girlfriend. I suppose family and friends too. One of best mates as well, because he was always around in the studio; he probably heard it before anybody else did actually.

While you were recording the album in your moments of uncertainty did you get any second opinions from friends / artists / family etc? If so who?
Oh yeah! Basically you spend the first year or so recording what you think it should be. As you start to leak them out you begin to get feedback from different people saying, "I think you should change that" or "you should do this". I did a demo version of the whole album and went on a little tour with Omar in America, basically I played it to the Americans while we were out there to see what they thought; I was getting good feedback from them so that was nice. I came back to England and changed a few things after a few conversations I had out there, and it was for the better as well.

In terms of producing do you have any inspirational figure you look up to or like to follow suite?
Going back in the day, I like Quincy Jones. These days now I am apart of the Hip Hop generation I like (Rodney) Jerkins, Neptunes, Dr Dre, I am into all of it.

Producing wise your work has been predominantly soul/R&B but you are also currently working on Sinead O'Conner's album - do you think it is important as a producer to be open minded to all genres-pop, rock, etc?
Yeah! I don't like to be in a box. Although my first love is soul music I like all kinds of music. At the moment I am doing a lot of House music and Garage; I have been doing Drum & Bass for the last two years as well.

Has there been any artist that would pose as a creative challenge to you?
You are always learning. One day Raashan Patterson came in and that was a bit daunting because Raashan is dope. I'm working with Grace Jones that is quite daunting as well.

What do you consider as an evening well spent?
At home with my girlfriend and the dogs. Eating some lamb and drinking some wine.

Do you get time to cook with your hectic schedule? What's your favourite cuisine?
I wish! Not anymore, I used to cook. I eat Brown Stew Fish everyday but I don't mind a bit of Thai or a bit of Japanese.

If you could spend more time doing a hobby other than music what would it be?
I have always wanted to do music from the moment I knew myself. My mum said I was always making noise, banging on something, playing, shouting or singing from day dot. I really don't know what else I would be doing. At the moment I have just got into teaching and that is quite fulfilling actually.

You have been on tour with Grace Jones is she erratic as the media make her out to be?
She is a great person, but you never know what is gonna happen next.

You have jet setter lifestyle where are you off to next?
Moscow on tour with Grace Jones.

What country/ies serve as your detox zone?
Apart form the West Indies, Barbados and probably Spain. You can just switch off; it's just back to basics.

If you could recommend a good night out abroad - where would it be and what would it entail?
The Basement in Serbia. My friend runs it and they know how to rave it up just like we do in London.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?
Hindsight. I think probably listening to a few people what they had to say to me in the past. Not being so headstrong is probably the answer.

What is your motto in life?
I have got a few; 'Don't stop 'til you get enough' and 'It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings'.

Your studio is based in Brixton - what is it that makes Brixton stand out to you?
I was from Brixton originally so I think it is the natural thing to go home. My studio is around Poets Corner, so I spend most of my time writing there. Brixton is dope right now, it is definitely up and coming; it is the place to be at the moment.

Related Links:
> www.myspace.com/donnyone
> Try This CD - Don-e - Amazon.co.uk