Spirit of House is proud to bring you an exclusive interview with Kenny Bobien, a legendary singer, songwriter and producer who can look back at numerous timeless house classics such as "Father", "Brighter days" and "Rise above the storm" to name just a few. Not to forget to mention "I shall not be me moved" of which some hot remixes by the likes of DJ Spen, Soul Creation and DJ Meme are hopefully to be released soon.
Question: Would you mind having a few words as an introduction to whom you are, and where you’re from?
Answer: My name is Kenny Bobien and I am from Newark, New Jersey. I am a recording artist, Pastor, husband and father.
Question: How and when did you get into music?
Answer: I have been into music all of my life. I was introduced to music by my Mom. My mom and her 2 sisters had an R&B group called The Stirs. There was and always has been music in my house.
Question: What are your influences and heroes (producer/artist/musician…)?
Answer: I have a lot of musical influences from main stream and gossip music worlds. Luther Vandross is my all time favorite male vocalist. There is also Patti Labelle and Jennifer Holiday. All three are my ultimate favorites. In terms as my favorite producers, I admire James Cleveland, Marvin Winans and Kirk Franklin.
Question: When did you discover your love for house music, and how did you get introduced to it?
Answer: I discovered my love for house music when I was 19 years old. I was first introduced to it by Fly Guy Productions, Shedrick Guy and Guy Vaughn. It was through them that I meet CeCe Rodgers and Marshall Jefferson. It was ON from there!!! That was it!
Question: What other genres of music do you listen to, and at what occasions?
Answer: All the time, is the occasion that I listen to all types of music. #1 is Gospel music; however I love R&B, Jazz, and Classical. All the music, all the time!
Question: Where do you find ideas and inspiration for your projects?
Answer: My inspiration comes from my everyday life and living. I am inspired by things that I deal with on a daily basis, my family and people that I love. My inspiration is the daily ups and downs of life. It is my way to let people know the real Kenny Bobien and what is going on in my head.
Question: What does it mean to you to have performed with some of the greatest artists such as the legendary Teddy Pendergress, Celine Dion, Jennifer Holiday or Taylor Dayne?
Answer: It was an honor and basically a dream come true for me. I wanted it but, I did not think it would ever happen. It was wonderful for me.
Question: Did you ever consider putting a live band together and touring the world?
Answer: Yes, I have done that and I hope to do it again in the near future.
Question: You worked with the who is who from the house music scene - is there anybody left you would like to work with? What producers or artists would you like to work with if you would be given the opportunity?
Answer: Hmm, that’s interesting. I have worked with so many great people. Quentin Harris, I would like to work with him. Jazzy Jeff is another producer I would love to have an opportunity to work with, and also DJ Spinna.
Question: Songwriting, producing, singing and performing - you’ve done it all. Is it a natural thing for you to do it all, do you have a preference?
Answer: It is natural and I love to be involved with every aspect of music.
Question: You can look back at an impressive list of quality releases, with many of them being considered a timeless classic. What are your favorite songs/productions, and why?
Answer: "Brighter Day", the "Blessed" LP, and "I shall not be moved" are my favorites. Those songs were done during a certain time of my life and those songs tell a story about me and my experiences. Many people seem to have gone through similar things at that time in their lives as well. Those songs seemed to help bring us all through it.
Question: In 2000, your artist album "Blessed - A Gospel Theory" was released. What does this album mean for you?
Answer: Oh wow, The "Blessed" LP is a testimony. There are so many things that LP means to me. It is a testimony of my life from childhood up to now. It was an experience spiritual for me and it also tells a story. I really enjoyed doing that LP as it was my first full length LP as an artist. It really gave me an opportunity to introduce the world to who Kenny Bobien really is.
Question: You’re in the business for almost 20 years. How do you feel the music and business changed during this time?
Answer: It has changed immensely and I have mixed feelings about the change. It is nothing like it used to be, but change is good. It is a totally different generation now that is buying the music.
I am truly glad that I had the opportunity to experience music at that time and the experience the industry during that era. It was very different then at the beginning of my career as a back ground artist. I am happy about being a part of that era. The process and quality of most music has changed drastically since then.
Question: Your perception of the current situation of the music scene and the things which need to evolve:
Answer: I believe as far as the industry is concerned that things had to come to this. Nothing happens haphazardly. We are where we are at this point for a reason. The other thing is that as far as the evolution of music is concerned, we need to stick to our guns and remember something my grandma used to say "No matter how much you put in the pot, the real stuff will always rise to the top". All the gimmicks will go away and the real deal will be all that lasts!
Question: What are you feelings about the music scene becoming a digital world?
Answer: I really don’t like it. It is affecting the creators of music and it takes so much away from the anticipation of the consumer. I do not like the fact that people can access and download music before it is even released. The anticipation used to be a big part of the process. But now it is on the computer and DJ’s can have it and play it months before it is released. This I believe takes away from the artistry and anticipation. The waiting period kept people wanting more and kept people inquisitive, but that seems to be lost now.
Question: What can we expect from you in the near future?
Answer: I am currently in the studio working on a few new projects and I am also going to be touring soon.
Question: How would you define a good piece of music?
Answer: A great track, meaningful lyrics and beautiful melody. Great music needs to be something the people can identify with. When everyone can sing along with it…that’s a great song.
Question: Your 3 favorite all time songs:
Answer: "As" by Stevie Wonder, "Superstar" by Luther Vandross, "This day" by Jennifer Holiday
Question: Anything else you would like to share with us:
Answer: Yes, I would like to thank all of the people who have listened to and supported my music. Much love to you…!
Please feel free to contact me through my myspace: www.myspace.com/kennybobien I would love to hear from you! For bookings and/or production work, please contact my manager, Abigail Adams at kennybobien@gmail.com
Many thanks to Kenny Bobien for taking the time to answer our questions.