August 4, 2010 at 10:07pm

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10 Questions with Leonardo Carmichael, Special Feature

Interviewers: HOOKEDUPB & FUTURE WORLD FAMILY PROMOTIONS

Interviewee: Leonardo Carmichael

Leonardo Carmichael is a performing artist in Portmore Jamaica; who has been working hard to keep up his steady pace of catchy music for everyone to enjoy. Growing up music was always a part o his life, Leonardo went to, and graduated from Edna Manley Music School of Jamaica. While he was there he met, now, good friend and supporter: Nastassja ‘Nazy’ Hammond (Beres Hammond’s daughter), and has since collaborated on each other’s singles. I think his R&B style coupled with his Jazzy lyrics, Reggae beats, and consistency makes him stand out! He has over 20 Youtube uploads and numerous hit singles under his belt.

He writes his own original music, and he also performs covers to other artist’s music to gain attention to his wide variety of talents. From his 2009 release of his original song “If only for a Little Time” that is still being talked about in summer 2010, to his current song “I Do” (Feel Like Dancing); Leonardo is definitely making waves. He doesn’t want to waste any time promoting his music at home and abroad. Here is an exclusive interview with Leonardo Carmichael, brought to you by HOOKEDUPB and FUTURE WORLD FAMILY PROMOTIONS:

Tell us one of your earliest memories of music that always stands out to you?

Taking My grand mother’s pots, their covers, paint containers and buckets to make a drum set when I was 5 or 6, always singing some melody, beat boxing and staring intently at musicians in church as a child.

You graduated from Edna Manley Music School of Jamaica; what program(s) did you take during the time that you spent there? 

I graduated with a Diploma in Music Studies (Jazz and Pop), my principal instruments being: Voice and Drum Kit

It is said that you: “want to perform music that changes every world”- what changes are you focused on? 

Creating a dynamic, menu of grooves and tunes from Jamaican roots that draw from several genres but stay true to Reggae, Dance Hall and like Jamaican forms, with a message that speaks to anyone regardless of their contexts and has a positive, edifying, entertaining and inspiring message. My music must be trend setting in message and in form, that is Leonardo Carmichael! We strive to make it the best and we are going nowhere but up with brand Carmichael.

Your song “If Only for a Little Time” was a hit last year and continues to get attention now, how does that feel as a performer to make music the people enjoy? 

I can’t explain it, it’s likeseeing something priceless to you appreciated and respected…it’s beautiful. Makes me wana write a billion songs.

Your new song “I Do” (Feel Like Dancing) is a really nice song for the lovers and the ladies, is it or can it be played on the radio in Jamaica? 

It is very well accepted by ladies in fact they often tell me its there favorite and it is being played a lot by Disc Jockies on the stations.

You do all kinds of covers to songs and even a mixture of genres, what artist’s music do you enjoy performing the most, and why? 

I think it’s far more than just the artiste. It is the substance lyrically as well as the composition of the song and for that reason I find it very hard to chose one. Ironically one of the artistes I respect the most: Musiq Soulchild, I do not perform his song the most. However, I think he is one of the most lyrically potent song writers and recording artiste of our times…like WoW! With songs like: Until, Someone, Just Friends, Don’t Change, Who Knows, Teach Me, If You Leave, 143, Love, Half Crazy and Deserve You More…. I know he deserves 11 Gramy’s but have never gotten even one save for nominations!

You have experience playing the drums in a band, and also performing songs in front of the mic in the spot light-what are the differences in the energy you give/ get regarding the two? 

When I drum as an artiste I perform like it’s the last chance I’ll ever get. When I drum for an artiste I temper that energy relative to my band leader or performer, or I just take the lead and bring it! However, when I am singing that stage has gotta be like a throne where I offer my best ‘sacrifice.’ I sing like it’s my last, I connect I mean every word, I perform, I pour into my audience. And they must be satisfied. I give my best even if it’s just a soft simple melody.

Do you have any live performances lined up for the near future?

I have a couple shows lined up for the country’s north coast and within Kingston just stay tuned especially to my facebook events page and you’ll get everything.

What can we expect from Leonardo Carmichael in the next year (mixtape, album, videos, singles, big movements est)? 

Expect to hear a lot of new music coming out from Leonardo Carmichael. I have a new song it’s called “My Love” Written by Nastassja ‘Wizzard’ Hammond and myself. It’s a tribute to artiste’s like Musiq, D’angelo, glen lewis, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandross. I’ve been on lock down writing a lot of songs. Oh, Jah Cure and I have songs on the Stonehenge Riddim which is the track for "I DO", so one of the producers invited me to be a part of Cure’s video shoot. I am on that and funny enough they did a Techno remix and had me playing the electric drums in a few scenes so you should like that. I should write atleast two Albums/Mix Tapes by this year’s end.

Shout outs to:

God ‘big up yuhself’ my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

My mother Geraldine Morgan, a living example of true love and a true mother. I love you mom

My church Fellowship Tabernacle; Pastor Al Miller and Overseer of the church’s Education Assistance Program: Mrs Richardson who sent me to Edna Manley College, University of the West Indies and paid my plane ticket to go to Berklee College of Music for which I received a part scholarship. Who never stopped believing in me. Thank you FelTab forever!

Nastassja ‘Wizzard’ Hammond dear friend, producer, co-writer, Jemoi ‘Twis’ Montieth Recording, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, Producer : Rickman Jamplified Warren, Recording Artiste, Song Writer and Producer: Courtney ‘Yogi’ John. Entrepreneur, Producer and Promoter: Walter ‘Tha Future’ Russell. My good friends from Tru Cronicles (A rock band I played for) Ryan, Kenny, Ainsley for the sleepless nights of music

The Staff of the Edna Manley College’s School of Music, UWI Singers, Panoridim Steel Band Orchestra and everyone who has contributed to my life in anyway, even the haters.

RIP Granma (Amy Morgan) I’m always greatful for the love you gave to our family!

SPECIAL THANKS TO HOOKEDUPB FOR A GREAT INTERVIEW! GOD BLESS YOU!

Contact Leonardo Carmichael:

LIVE PER4RMANCES & SINGLES:

http://youtube.com/leorjc

FACEBOOK ARTISTE PAGE:

http://facebook.com/pages/Leonardo-Carmichael/385823712441

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/LEOCARMUSIC

JAMAICANSMUSIC.COM:

http://JAMAICANSMUSIC.COM/artists/1070-leonardo-carmichael.html

LIVE MUSIC NATION JAMAICA:

http://livemusicnationja.com/leonardo.cfm

MYSPACE:

http://www.myspace.com/leonardocarmichael

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Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/10-questions-with-leonardo-carmichael-special-feature/426764697392