Exclusive Interview with Vocalist Rachel Brown

A keen eye has been on the music industry since Don Imus uttered those now infamous words against the Rutgers women's basketball team. The focus should now turn from the negative to highlighting the positive voices in music. For if they are not consumed they will not be promoted by the record labels. The consumer dictates this market. One artist who demands attention is R&B vocalist Rachel Brown. Beyond Rachel's talent is her positive approach and awareness. Rachel released her debut album "Love, Life and Relationship" after her single "Lets Fall in Love Again" reached #1 on the Billboard R&B Single Sales Chart in the spring of 2007. Signed to Urban Music group, the Texas native calls South Florida her home.

I had a chance to interview Rachel and her answers didn't disappoint. See what Rachel has to say about what is missing in music, relationships, and who is ultimately responsible for Don Imus' comments.

Essential Presence: Do you feel you have a responsibility to the audience with your music?

Rachel Brown: Yes, music is powerful. It has the power to influence positive or negative. It can bring change and if done the right way, inspire.

EP: Who were some of your inspirations?

RB: Stephanie Mills, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross. Just the great singers with timeless music.

EP: Where did you get your start in music?

RB: In church at a very young age, 5 or 6. I sang in the chorus. I don't have formal training. I think the church is the best training because its spontaneous and you can be creative. You can grow your craft [in the church].

EP: In this age of manufactured sounds and manufactured vocals it was great to hear your voice. And it was clear; they could actually be heard over the music. Was that priority for you?

RB: Yes, definitely. I think true singers want to be heard not drowned out.

EP: Do you write your songs?

RB: I write. I wrote on three songs for the album and we do collaborations.

EP: After the Don Imus incident and his declaration that he heard those words in rap music what were your feelings?

RB: What Don Imus said was irresponsible; he doesn't get a pass. But as a culture we can't give people a way to piggyback off our words as an excuse. We can't create an outlet for others to say things about us. We need to step up to our responsibility.

EP: What has been the response from your single "Rise Again"?

RB: We've had a great response from women. They are going through things and they listen to the song. Its what we aspire to do.

EP: Do you feel like you are speaking for women with your songs? Saying some of the things they are feeling?

RB: I've heard from so many women and they are excited. We're excited about the response from the Internet with emails and my MySpace page saying thank you. We are searching for something, something with substance in music.

EP: What message would you want to get out to men?

RB: To understand a responsibility to women. Support and don't degrade sisters, intentionally or unintentionally. Imagine calling Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz or your mom or sister "whore", calling them out of their name. And then feel it with no regret, like its okay. Remember what you want for your [female] family members. In "Where Did We Go Wrong" I talk about men and women supporting each other. Look how we speak to each other. And we as women accept this stuff.

EP: What is missing in music?

RB: Balance. Everything doesn't have to be inspirational. We need our dance songs, our club songs, and fun. We need a message too. We shouldn't focus on the things that glorify sex, drugs, and violence.

EP: Your CD is titled "Love, Life and Relationships". Why that name?

RB: As we worked on the project we touched on those things a lot. We deal with [love, life and relationships] everyday

EP: Do you feel there is a shift in music?

RB: Yes, I think we are looking for the alternative. I think its why 1970s music is so popular. There comes a point when you outgrow some of the rap and other music out there. And where do you go? Its positive, its happy.

EP: When you look out at your audience who is out there?

RB: There is a blend. My music is definitely good for couples. The steppers really like the songs.

EP: How do you want to grow with your music?

RB: I want to inspire and empower people. Help people rediscover themselves, their soul, inner feelings and love who they are. Thats behind the song "Learn to Love Me". Its about loving one's self before being able to love someone else. And you don't have to change yourself. I don't know about other places but in South Florida we have a lot of commercials on TV for cosmetic surgery. Love you for who you are. You don't have to change yourself.

EP: What do you think of the media portrayal of Black women?

RB: We are trend setters from the lips to the butts and voluptuous bodies; everything. We need to stand up and lead and live that way. We're portrayed as less, as followers not the leaders we are.

Rachel will be in Chicago on October 20th for several shows throughout the week. For more information on Rachel check out her Web site (www.rachelbrownlive.com).