Reviews & Dunn -What was the inspiration behind your recently released single “Radio?”
Deborah Bond – Producer/Saxophonist Trey Sorrells passed me the beginning ideas for the track and said he envisioned a song that was geared for listeners on the radio. When I heard it, I completely fell in love with the piano melody and decided to follow along vocally. The song is inspired by a love affair or “entanglement,” as I like to call it (Jada/August) LOL. The two lovers know they aren’t meant to be but decide to finalize their ending by creating a love song.
Reviews & Dunn -Who were some of your early musical influences growing up?
Deborah Bond – I am a 70s baby, 80s kid, so my taste is influenced by so many artists. Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Annie Lennox, Patrice Rushen, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Knicks, just to name a few.
Reviews & Dunn – In 2003 you released the EP DayAfter. “Sweet Lullabies” was one of my favorites from that album. If you were to shoot a video for that song, what would the concept be?
Deborah Bond – Excellent question. I envision a very classic old-school-style video for that song. Similar to Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” video. A lot of romantic decors, simplistic scenes, and swaying/dancing in soft lights.
Reviews & Dunn – Producer Nicolay remixed “Say It” from your Madam Palindrome album. What was your reaction when you first heard his instrumental for the remix?
Deborah Bond – Funny enough, I heard the remix when it was done! I have been a longtime fan of Nicolay. And have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him all over the country and the world! It was such a change from the original. I loved it then, love it now!
Reviews & Dunn – How was the experience at London’s Jazz Café during the opening night of the 2012 summer Olympics?
Deborah Bond – That was a night I’ll never forget. We were all so nervous about the turnout because who can really compete with the Olympics. The fans in the U.K. have SO MUCH love for me. They packed the room, and even members of Incognito were there. We partied, I met so many fans. It was just a beautiful experience.
Reviews & Dunn – Post-COVID, what venue in the D.C. area are you most looking forward to performing in?
Deborah Bond – Honestly, I can’t wait to perform in as many venues as I can! I’m hoping to jump on some festival stages and would love to get back to as many “Blue Note” venues around the world as I can!
Reviews & Dunn – What can your fans expect from your new album?
Deborah Bond – Raw, honest vocals, beautiful musicianship, lyrical thoughts from within my soul and heart, thumping drums, many moods. A little something for everyone who enjoys soul music!
Reviews & Dunn – You get a phone call from Babyface, who informs you that he wants to do a virtual concert recreating the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. What song would you sing from the soundtrack?
Deborah Bond – “Kissing You” by Faith Evans. She is actually one of the inspirations for some of the vocals and music on my new record! I’ve been a fan of hers since day 1, and I don’t think she even gets the credit she deserves as a vocalist! And btw, Babyface is one of my DREAM PRODUCERS.
Reviews & Dunn – What was the last great book you read?
Deborah Bond – I’ve always been more of a “watcher” than a reader. The last great book I read was Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner, a great read for artists and musicians from an emotional/mental standpoint of creating and performing. It examines our ego, self-esteem, and how to have the right frame of mind to Master our craft.
Reviews & Dunn – Where can fans find you on social media, and is there anything you would like to add?
Deborah Bond – I.G.: @borabond, Twitter: @borahbond. My official Facebook is www.facebook.com/deborahbond, and my official website is www.deborahbond.com
my latest interview guest Vocalz Iz. The singer has just embarked on his latest business venture and took out the time to chop it up with me.
One of the greatest things in life is when you can interview one of your on-line friends as they live out their dreams. Shout out to my man Denny “DJ Soulchild” Sutton who blessed my platform with an interview.
Hip Hop Head and author Justin Jones is currently in the final writing stages of his second book ‘Hip Hop Was Dead: The State of the Culture 2003-2007’. That book covers a 5-year era of Hip-Hop and how the culture was affected during that period. Mr. Jones took some time out, though, to chat with me about his debut book Street Dreaming: Reading Nas’ It Was Written.
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