From the time this artist stepped on the scene with his debut album, Get Lifted, we knew he would be a legend. His sound was like no other. Since then he has sold millions of albums, performed at sold-out shows, and has even launched his own label, Homeschool Records, which is home to artists like Estelle and Vaughn Anthony (John Legend’s little brother). With a list of accomplishments, what’s next for Mr. Legend? MMIM was blessed with the opportunity to chat with John to see what’s in store.
MMIM:You have a different sound on Evolver in comparison to ” Get Lifted” and” Once Again.” Can you tell us what was the inspiration behind this project?
JL: I look at every new album as an adventure. I go into the studio with various collaborators and I’m never sure how the project is going to turn out. I just want to make great music and do it fearlessly. That’s how I approached this project, and I’m really pleased with the results. We explored some new sounds while also giving people some the things they’ve loved about me from my first two albums.
MMIM: You are currently on tour. By the way I have seen you in concert three times, simply amazing. Can you tell our readers what you enjoy most about touring, as well as who you would like to tour with in the future?
JL: I love being on stage. I love hearing the crowd roar. I love to see the excitement in people’s eyes. I love performing with my band. I love mixing the songs from all 3 albums and telling a musical story with the show. This is my favorite part about my career. I think people will see that when they come to a concert. I put my all into every show.I’m really happy to have Estelle on this tour with me. She’s so talented and we made one of the best albums of the year in “Shine.” I’m proud of all the success she’s experiencing and I couldn’t think of a better artist to join me on tour.
MMIM: So what’s next for you Mr. Legend? You have won numerous awards, released successful albums, and even started your own label. The list could go on and on. Is there anything that you would like to do that you haven’t yet?
JL: There’s so much more that I could do, but right now, I’m really focused on music. I love being a musician. I love being on tour. I love making records. That’s what I’m really focused on right now. In the future, I may do more production and behind the scenes work, but right now, I’m enjoying doing exactly what I do right now.
MMIM: You create soulful and timeless music. Is that the direction you plan to take when working with artists on Homeschool Records or are you looking to put out music from a variety of genres?
JL: I want to put out hip-hop, pop, soul, anything that I think will be really good and successful. I want to work with any artist that I believe in and to whom I can be helpful.
MMIM: You were involved heavily in this year’s presidential campaign and put on a great performance at the Democratic National Convention. You also are responsible for the Show Me Campaign. Can you tell our readers what this campaign is about and how they can contribute?
JL: People can visit showmecampaign.orgfor the details on the campaign. Our goal is to fight poverty, and we’re doing our part to make a difference around the world. Our primary focus right now is raising money for one of the Millennium Villages in Mbola, Tanzania. People can make an online contribution on the site if they want to be a part of the change that we’re making. Even $5 or $10 makes a big difference. So click the link now!
MMIM: What is the best way for our readers to keep up with what’s happening with John Legend?
JL: Johnlegend.comhas all of my tour schedule and I update it with a written blog every week or two and a video blog even more frequently. So keep going there to get the official word. Anything else you see on the internet may not be true!
January 8, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Excellent interview!!! Keep up the good work, I love what you guys are doing!
January 8, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I see yall doing big thangs! Great questions! I wonder when he’ll be eligible to bring his solo efforts straight through Homeschool?