Michael Ashanti, Born in Poughkeepsie, New York to parents of Jamaican descent is a diverse and natural songwriter and vocalist that shows his audience effortless styles and blends of fusion soul, jazz, pop, acoustic, funk, dancehall, reggaeton, and even a little classical. At The first thought of an artist like this, the first thing that comes to my mind is a true lover of our sweet soul music. As you read deeper g into the life and musical times of Mr. Ashanti you will make your own conclusion of this gifted artist. I had a chance to talk with Michael the afternoon before his performance at The Trane Studios on Bathurst.

Tanya: Great to finally meet you, tell me a bit about yourself?

Michael: I am an independent artist, committed, spiritual, and thoughtful. My parents are West Indian and I spend a lot of time in Puerto Rico. I'm the eldest of three boys and my dad was in the army when I was seven years old, so we travelled alot.

Tanya: Was life a bit hard because of the instability at a young age?

Michael: It was great to live everywhere and be exposed to a lot but the downside is that it was hard to keep friends. I was in 10 different schools prior to college. It helped me to appreciate friendships.

Tanya: How long have you lived in New York?

Michael: On and off 10 years

Tanya: What are you hoping to gain out of the music business?



Michael: I want to fuse different cultures together and make it more accessible yet new. For example I did a cover of Billy Preston's "With You in the Morning" and at 3 am it hit me to put a Reggaeton/dancehall/r&b&pop thang to it. Then i got the beat and the fusion came together.

Tanya: What would you say is your musical recipe?

Michael: Taking music and fusing it and making it fresh yet familliar. Like an "old friend with highlights."

Tanya: What is your definition of family?

Michael: People who you bond with and love, and you feel safe with and you do not need protection from.

Tanya: How did you get started in the music business?

Michael: I worked for Epic Records, and I was a V.P for the black music department. I did auditing, expenses, administration and accounts. I was still not doing what i really wanted to do. I was on the wrong side of the desk.

Tanya: What was the trigger that made you take action, and become what you were mean't to do?

Michael: I was in my office and I got a call from marketing that i had to go to Madison Square Gardens because an artist was late ( He was going to sing the national anthem), so I was going to be the back-up plan...just in case.( everyone knew of his singing ability.) The artists name was Uncle Sam...his flight was still delayed so I did the national anthem, and resigned a month later.

Tanya: It takes guts to make a change like that?

Michael: That's true; I feel that many creative people are afraid of living their dream because it can be very hard to support yourself. What it takes is simplifying yourself, then you can propel more quickly. Believe me it can be done; I'm doing it.

Tanya: What are the struggles that you faced as an independent artist?

Michael: I went into debt to finance this album, and I learned to simplify my life (I invested well.)
Also I learned that temporary sacrifice can support your goals. It can be such a
conflict of interest, to live posh or support your project. Thank god for friends that are supportive.

Tanya: What are the hurdles that you had to face?

Michael: My mom just died; the last thing she said is " sing to me," then she went off to the ancestor world.

Tanya: What do you love or capture well when you are in your element( on stage)?

Michael: A burst of joyful reactions; if it's 1 CD or 1000 CD's that I sell as long as the audience is alright, I'm alright.

Tanya: What would be an asset to your musical carrier right now?

Michael: I love performing with a live band. "I hate to play with just a CD." It would feel like a Soul Train performance to me.
Three background vocals and a four piece.

Tanya: Why?

Michael: Vocals are so rich; we as artists and the audience miss it. The range expands and it's uninhibited in the studio; it's so structured.

Tanya: Who are the artists that you admired for there"Realness" on stage?

Michael: Prince, " He hits all genres." That's what I want in my performances...consistency. Other great artists that I love include... Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway ( To be young, gifted and black.) that's where in my opinion he was at his happiest. Luther Vandross ( inspired me to write and do vocal arrangment.), Chaka Khan (She can hit the notes.), Patti Labelle ( She gives you her all on stage.), Rachelle Pharell ( comfortable with her craft.)

Tanya: What are the flaws in the path to stardom??

Michael: Allowing other voices to have a level of influence on you. You should give yourself support and don't question the internal voice.

Tanya: What do you want from the Canadian audience?

Michael: It does not matter where you're from, we are just the same ( New York and Toronto). What ever struggles we feel is universal.

Tanya: Thanks Michael

Michael: Peace

www.michaelashanti.com

To purchase his latest CD go to www.cdbaby.com/ashanti