Reminiscin' - Interviews

Bringing fun and laughter to the table the trio explain why their sound is the ultimate booty shaker.

1990 was the year where music was at a stand still, but it took a band with the prevalent talent of Lord and Smith to engineer an album that shook not only those on the dancefloor but the industry itself. Their debut album Chain produced the single 'Ghetto Heaven' a disco anthem that has longed filled every club and party.

Their creativity was not only influenced by the legacy of Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix and Earth Wind and Fire but a family trait of musicians - Sandra's biological mother was a singer, Jeffrey's family had continuous jams and Peter's lust and love for the industry stemmed from his childhood.

En suite their success the band fumigated the soul scene with 'Moon in Scorpio'. With Lord and Smith recording tracks for other artists Daryl Hall, Eamon, Des'Ree and Corey Glover. Sandra followed swiftly on her own venture releasing a solo album, 'Mack Diva' as well as writing grounding lyrics for Chaka Khan and Prince.

Now reunited the band talk one on one with Reminiscin' about their reunion, their upcoming album and what keeps them motivated in the fickle music industry.

Ghetto Heaven is notably one of your most popular songs, especially in the UK - how did the track come about?
Peter: I woke up one morning and called Sandra telling her I had an idea for a song called 'Ghetto Heaven'. It was a dream I had.
Sandra: That did not happen. The record company called us, when we finished our record they said they loved it but we ain't got any singles, so we were like ain't that a …
So we went back and he (Peter) wanted something real simple, something like a nursery rhyme (Sandra hums the melody to 'Ghetto Heaven'). Then Peter came up with the lyrics of 'Ghetto Heaven' that is when he (Peter) mentioned he had the dream. That is how the track became because Peter said he could write a very simple melody.
Peter: (Laughs) yeah that is right.

Speaking of the track 'Ghetto Heaven' it was also covered in 2000 by rap artist Common and as a duet with D'Angelo with Macy Gray - Do you have any reservation about other artists covering your songs? Do you have a preference?
Peter: No never, it is a compliment. I do like the one with D'Angelo.

The sound of music has developed over the years with more producers and artists on board - has your music grown production wise( lyrically and musically) since you first stepped on to the scene?
Peter: Nowadays there is nothing really new melodically, song wise or lyrically that anybody is particularly saying. It is only sounds and the technology; the technical stand point that is different.

Did your upbringing in your home towns contribute to your portrayal of music in any ways?
Sandra: I think it did, but I was also influenced by groups that were big in the south like Frankie Beverly & Maze. He had this real warmth about his style and voice in the portrayal of his songs and lyrics. I listened to him a lot.

All three of you have either written or produced songs for various artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan and Paula Abdul-how different is it to write a song/produce for other artists' - are there certain aspects you need to identify with the artist you are writing for?
Sandra: You need to write for yourself obviously for me, but for these guys (Jeff and Peter) they do it a lot more than I do. For me I definitely have to think what can or cannot this person sing, you know. I mean, I may want to do something but that may be my style in my voice.
Jeff: You have to cater to the needs of the artists, see what they can or can't do 'cos everything ain't for everybody. Like Sandra says when artists sing it depends on their certain style, for some it is really easy and for others it is really difficult. Like I said you just have to cater to what an artist can or are willing to do.

Being producers (Jeff and Peter) have you ever worked with any artists that have been hard work?
Peter: You mean sucks (laughs). I think artists' they have to lead or they have to follow. The problem is when two people want to lead or two people want to follow. Somebody who wants to lead who can't really lead creatively, that can be the most difficult part sometimes.

Being on the road continuously as a band member and solo artist - how do you keep yourself motivated?
Sandra: Life, relationships, people and situations.
Jeff: You have to love the music you are getting out there and help each other. Having the people appreciating our music that keeps us motivated.

You have done many gigs worldwide and toured throughout Europe, Africa and US - what can people expect to see at one of your shows? How do you keep your audiences on their toes?
Jeff: They can expect to see a great show and good music - high - charged emotional, thought provoking and booty shaking music.

At the moment what is Family Stand working on?
Jeff: We are working on a new album.
Sandra: We are focusing on Family Stand - totally focusing on Family Stand.

Sandra you also worked on the project Daughters of Soul - Is that still ongoing?
Sandra: Yeah, that is a touring project, so we are gonna do some shows this summer.

What was the concept behind the Daughters of Soul?
Sandra: I had daughters of icons of soul and I put them with what I call spiritual daughters. The marriage of two and the individual people is a very fabulous concept to watch to see the both merge together.

The line up consist of the daughters Lalah Hathaway, Simone, Indira Khan and Leah McCrae, along side the spiritual daughters Joyce Kennedy, Nona Hendryx, Caron Wheeler - why did you choose this particular line up?
Sandra: Some of it was because it was people I knew and some of it was people I loved and wanted to work with. I have crossed path with so many of the artists and really wanted to work with them.