Jeff Redd Delivers Sol Music

You have a single out now, "Get Into It," which sounds great. Is this part of a larger album? When can we hope to see a new album from you?

I am so blessed that, "Get Into It" has been received so well. It will be available on iTunes this month (January 2008). It is the 1st single from my album which will be released in the summer of 2008. It's going to be filled with music that makes people feel real good...SOUL MUSIC.

I saw from your Myspace that you've gone on to start your own label, Sol Real Records. From the label's site, I noticed you're currently working with two acts, Blaq Rose and Akili. Can you tell us a little about the artists you're working with and what your plans are for them in the future?

I started Sol Real Records, LLC in 2003 right after MCA records closed their doors. My goal was to put together artists that had talent and were self-contained. I signed Blaq Rose, Akili and Forever. I've worked with talented artists ranging from Mary J. Blige to Kci and JoJo and these artist give me that same feel.

I have a compilation available on CD Baby and iTunes titled, "The Essence of Soul" and it has 2 songs from each of the artists that I've made albums on as well as a new single that I recorded called, "Hold On". I also put my gold single, "You called and told me" on the compilation. It's a great introduction for my artist. Once the buzz is created, I will then release the artists and their entire project. The feedback has also been overwhelming. I feel so blessed.

Having worked as both an artist and as an A&R executive at MCA, how have these experiences helped you in your role at Sol Real?

Working as an executive at MCA records for 7 years was the best experience that I could ever imagine. I controlled the careers of such artists as: Kci and JoJo, Regina Belle, Mary J. Blige, Field Mob, etc... and the success that we had was incredible. Bringing this experience to Sol Real Records, LLC was a gift from GOD because it showed me how the industry (which doesn't exist anymore) forgot about A&R (and I'm not talking about Artist and Repertoire, I'm talking about artist relations).

The executives began hiding behind their closed doors when the artist would come to the label. I believe they did that because most of the time they (the executives) didn't return phone calls from the artist. The executives basically thought that they were an "Artist" in their own right. Hahahah. THERE IS NO RECORD LABEL WITHOUT ARTISTS. That's where my, "Artist" hat came into play. I was able to intelligently relate to the artist and get the best product from their creative minds.

You've worked in all facets of the music industry. Any idea what the future has in store for you? Where do you plan on taking things from here?

I have been in this industry well over 2 decades and the possibilities are endless for anyone with an imagination, hustle and great songs. I see myself recording different styles of music from Jazz to Reggae, (I also have a reggae song on iTunes titled, "Time is Slippin", that I recorded in 1996). I am also in the process of completing a book of my life titled, "R&B is the lifestyle, SOUL is the music". I will also release Blaq Rose, Akili, and Forever when the demand is there. I will be performing overseas and continue to develop new acts and executives.

And to close things off, it's becoming a tradition at our site to ask our interviewees what THEIR favorite songs from the 90s were. So Jeff, what are some of your favorite songs from 90 R&B?

Some of my favorite songs from the 90's are: I found lovin- Jeff Redd, Forever My Lady- Jodeci, and You Remind Me- Mary J. Blige.

Since you've also worked on the management side of things, I thought I'd also ask you one more question about 90s music. Are there any tracks that really surprised you when they became R&B hits in the 90s?

The response that we got from Mary's first project blew me away!!!!!!!! None of us was expecting that kind of success. What a blessing!!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot Jeff! I wish you the best of luck in the future!

Those who want to keep up to date on Jeff Redd can check out his MySpace or visit Sol Real Records home page.