 |
Precious Little Diamond Interview
Location : Ibiza, Spain. Time : July 2000
|
|
|
 |
Andru Donalds took the time in between recording sessions for his new album to answer questions
asked by myself and some other fans from around the through the Internet. We would like to
thank him for taking the time answer our questions and for his support of his web page.
- So this new album and single has come very quickly behind "Snowing Under My Skin", why so
quick and what are the differences between this new album and "Snowing"?
ANDRU:
This album is more about my life experiences and musically more influenced by my
heritage; more uptempo, and definitely much better written songs.
- How many tracks did you write or co-write on the new album?
ANDRU:
There are 12 songs, I've written and co-written 9 of the 12 songs.
- What did you think when you first heard original version of "Precious Little Diamond" by Fox the Fox
before recording your version?
ANDRU:
I didn't like it in the beginning but when I sang it acapella, I liked it more and more and wanted
to put my thing on the song moving from low to high voice.
- Did you or Michael suggest "Precious Little Diamond" as the new single?
ANDRU:
Michael suggested to attempt to try and do something differenct with this song.
- After the new success of "All out of Love" and the "Snowing" album did this
change your way of thinking regarding the music that you wanted to make for future albums?
ANDRU:
The "Snowin'" album was only about 40% of our potential. Michael and myslef are getting better
and better writing together and are always learning from and with each other.
- How much influence and how many new ideas have you gained from working with Michael over the last
18 months?
ANDRU:
We have taught each each other a lot of things, as we are both from 2 different worlds. We have
influenced each other a lot.
- When was the album and single recorded and what do you remember most about the sessions?
ANDRU:
Album is still not finished as we are talking in this interview - the sessions were a lot freer
than before with our ideas - they flowed so easily.
- What was it like to work with Thomas Job in your new video?
ANDRU:
Thomas is very great - he will be one of the great video directors - very easy to work with.
- Who are your current favorite bands or singers at this present time?
ANDRU:
Seal, Sinnead O'Connor, Annie Lennox, Skin from Skunk Anansie.
- Would you ever like to live in Ibiza?
ANDRU:
Not really - Want to go back home to Jamaica!
- If you had one choice for each sex to sing a duet with who would they be and why?
ANDRU:
For the ladies it would be Annie Lennox or Sinnead O'Connor. For the men it would be 3 choices
and they are Seal, Prince or George Michael - they stimulate me and I think these voices
would be cool with mine.
- What would you like to see done with your music in the future? (Question sent by Tim Carney)
ANDRU:
I would love to grow musically by experimenting with a lot more musical styles and get all
the musicians in the studio and play it live and direct.
- What inspires you, and what inspires your music? (Question sent by Tim Carney)
ANDRU:
Everyday life inspires me, everything that happens around me and of course the crazy stuff
that happens in my life every second of the day.
- This new album will be your fourth album. Are you thinking about a Greatest Hits album in the
future? (Question sent by Roberto Gonzalez)
ANDRU:
Well that's a far far-away dream - I need a few more # 1 songs to have a greatest hits album.
I need all of you fans to buy more of my records ! :-))
- Is God important in your life? (Question sent by Roberto Gonzalez)
ANDRU:
Most definitely.
- How does working with Michael Cretu differ to working with Eric Foster White?
(Question sent by Sean Spence)
ANDRU:
They are both very good producers but Michael is a bit more emotional as a person and not afraid to show his sould which is
better for a producer - he has taught me a lot.
- What is Andru thinking about Ibiza? (Question sent by Sven Distel Radio Antenne Germany)
ANDRU:
Very relaxing - and great for creativity.
- Are you a party-animal? (Question sent by Sven Distel Radio Antenne Germany)
ANDRU:
I love to party with my friends - then I'm an animal :-)
- What does Andru hate most? (Question sent by Sven Distel Radio Antenne Germany)
ANDRU:
Racism, ignorance stupid music on the radio!
- And what does Andru love most? (Question sent by Sven Distel Radio Antenne Germany)
ANDRU:
Music, gorgeous women, God, my Mother and Father, my fans. Shorts and travelling.
Lydia!!!
- What is left for Andru Donalds, what goals and aspirations do you still have?
ANDRU:
To continue to grow as a human being, get better at my craft, produce classic songs for the world,
tour the world. And take my Mother and Father around the world before they leave me.
- In a perfect world, considering all musicians from the 1950's until now who would be in your
perfect line up be for a live concert?
ANDRU:
John Bonham on drums from Led Zepplin, Sly from Sly and the Family Stone on keys,
Jimi Hendrix on guitars, and Familyman Barret from Bob Marley and the Wailers on bass.
- When can we expect the new album release? And what style and feeling will this album have
compared to the previous ones?
ANDRU:
Maybe in October for the release. The album will be more groovy, with stronger melodies, and
more reggae.
- What was your biggest proffessional achievement over the last 10 years?
ANDRU:
Doing the creative music I want to do without comprimising.
- Can we expect any tours In the coming future? If so when and where and who will work with you
in the band?
ANDRU:
We hope to tour in Europe about October 2000 - my band resides in New York.
©EnigmaMusic.com and Martyn Woolley 2000
CREDITS
Many thanks to Virgin Germany for arranging the interview.
Thanks to : Tim Carney, Roberto Gonzalez,
Sven Distell, Sean Spence
for sending
in questions
No re-productions of this interview without written permission
by Virgin Schallplatten, EnigmaMusic.com, and Martyn Woolley
|
: August 2, 2000