Sup ya’ll. Quite some time ago, I posted the “I Don’t Wanna” track by the lovely Carol Riddick. In the last 2 years, she’s been an artist that I have followed and supported. I still gotta make it out to a show…(AxisMusicGroup, can you hook a brotha up with tix? lol). For those who do not know, Carol is an artist under Axis Music Group, which was co-founded by Grammy Award winning musician, James Poyser, and renown R&B producer, DJ, and songwriter, Viktor Duplaix. So you definitely know that she’s in great hands and her product will be nothing but soulful and classic!!!

Carol recently gave up some of her time to let us know more about her and speak on her first album, “Moments Like This.” By the way, GO COP THE ALBUM!!! It is my hope from this interview that you all make it a point to check out Carol, who you might know as the female vocalist from Musiq’s “Best Friend” and “Soul Star” tracks. Her album has received nothing but stellar remarks. Without further adieu:

1. So that everyone gets a clear picture Carol, where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

2. I find it interesting that you decided to use your name as your stage name instead of adopting a moniker of sorts. I definitely feel that there’s so much power in a person’s name and what a person chooses to be called and identified as is so important, especially in the music industry. Was there any particular reason you wanted to stick with “Carol Riddick?”

It is who I am. I’m not interested in being anyone other than I was put on this earth to be.

 

3. Who/what would you say is/are your major music inspirations and influences?

Nancy Wilson, I believe, is the epitome of femininity in this industry. I grew up listening to her as well as Gladys Knight, Barbara Streisand, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band and so many others that I’d have to say all of their influences were like a new candy to me every time I heard something from them that their work/gifts inspired me to accept and tap into my own.

 

4. You’ve worked with Black Thought, Musiq, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, and I’ve also heard the “I Might” track you did with Norman Brown. I also find it interesting that you did not have many/if any major cameos on “Moments Like This.” Why was that?

This is basically what it boils down to: 1) all of the artists I was interested in working with while I was recording, were busy with various projects and coupled with 2) When I put more thought into my own project and who Carol Riddick’s introduction would be to everyone (from Carol Riddick), I thought what better way than offer myself, by myself and to welcome other artists in future projects of mine (almost like seasoning, if you will).

 

5. I’ve noticed that a lot of acts that have come out of Philly, whether hip-hop or R&B, have tended to support one another and stick together. Aside from Illadelph being the “City of Brotherly Love,” can you explain why everyone kind of supports or does shows with one another? Personally, being from Brooklyn, and growing up on East Cost hip-hop, we don’t see a lot of acts doing what ya’ll Philly cats do consistently. What’re your thoughts on this?

We know each other’s struggle and we’re proud of one another and are eager to support. It’s better to be a contribution to a great thing (if the opportunity presents itself) than not. Also, because I tend to equate being in this industry to being in a barrel of crabs. So my personal philosophy is we can all win if we help each other. (This is my own personal opinion, I cannot speak for anyone else).

 

6. To be honest with you, I’m kind of tired of the term, “neo-soul.” I never really liked it but became complacent as it became rather ubiquitous in music after/during the Badu era. I believe soul music is soul music regardless of time or era. To me, the whole “neo-soul”categorization sort of puts a negative stamp on today’s artists that are put in that light. “New Soul?” lol….Rebirth of Soul? i dunno…I guess my question for you is: How do you define your music? Is it R&B, is it “neo-soul?”

I honestly don’t know what “neo-soul” means. I’ve asked a few people who have label me as a neo-soul artist and quite frankly none of them have given me an answer. (LOL). I don’t mind the term, I’d just like to know what it means…… So, I consider my music to be just that “my music”, it’s what I feel, what I believe, what every fiber of my being exudes as I’ve created it.

 

7. Why did you entitle your album, “Moments Like This?” What’s your favorite track and why?

It is a collection of Moments in my life. There are so many songs on my CD that have become anthems for me that it is hard to say that one is a favorite. I’m in love with my project. I hope that doesn’t sound vain; it’s an honest feeling.

 

8. Again, I sort of have a bias when it comes to your music cause I truly love it. For those who aren’t up on you yet, I’ll have to say that your album expresses so many disparate perspectives: The Love of a mother for her child; Voice of a black woman talking/connecting to her brotha; Thoughts of a black woman on self-empowerment; The vulnerabilities that come with love and the expressions of! With all of these topics, it was written and performed with such raw feeling and you managed to give each its proper attention in only an 11 track album. What was your process like when coming up with your album tracks? Why did you choose the tracks that are not featured? What was the overall goal of “Moments Like This?”

The process was simple; allow myself to be open and to hurt and to feel and to write it down. The overall goal of “Moments Like This” is to share who I am and to heal in the process.

Also, thank you for taking the time to listen and to get to know me.

 

9. You and I have communicated on myspace several times and I have to be honest with you. I always wondered “Why is Carol writing back? Doesn’t she have anything better to do than respond to lil’ ole me?” lol (not that I mind). It’s crazy because after I thought about it, it truly speaks volumes about you as a person, rather than Carol Riddick, the musician. So yeah, why do you connect with your fans on myspace? You are so busy yet you make yourself as accessible as you can be. Why is that?

I’m sure there are some people who might disagree with you. LOL. My myspace allowance has been less and less these past few months. LOL. I enjoy talking with people; I am very much a people person and I feel that it helps with writing to connect to those who are listening to what I talking about. Sometimes my inspiration comes from something someone else has said or done.

 

10. What makes you distinct and a force to be reckoned with amongst other musicians in your category?

Wow! I don’t know that I am. I’m just trying to be the best “Me” I can be.

 

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Are there any non-music endeavours that you’re getting into?

I hate that question. LOL! Only because I cannot predict the future and because I was wrong the first time I answered that question. All I can say is that I am constantly in prayer, and I am always looking for the betterment of myself. Yes, there are non-music endeavors that I am getting into but because my feet are still wet, I’d rather not speak on them.

 

Official Website:

www.carolriddick.net

Official Myspace Page:

www.myspace.com/carolriddick

P.S: Shout outs to Angela @ Axis for hookin’ this up. Stay blessed!!!

Respectfully,

~Thesis