Q&A: Get to Know Dance Diva PEPPER MASHAY
"I know y'all wanna go dive in the pool...lets get soakin' wet!' You know the famous club floor anthem from 2003 (heck, I sweated out 15 lbs. on the floor that year cuz of that song), which became an even bigger hit on 'Queer As Folk.' But who's the woman kickin' out those divalicious vocals? None other than dance icon Pepper MaShay.
Pepper has been turning out club hits now for years - 'Dive in the Pool,' 'Release Yourself,' 'I Got My Pride' and the Billboard #1 'Lost Yo Mind,' just to name a few.
Now she's got a brand new track out: 'Does Your Mama Know?'
Pepper was kind enough to take the time to answer some Muzo-style questions. The diva talks up everything from working with Tina Turner, the high of a #1 hit and what she likes to do for fun - to her experience with the very hot Colton Ford.
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Muzo: This year, you have been a hit-making machine! First off, congratulations on your most recent release 'Does Your Mama Know.' In 2008, you've also released 'Release Yourself,' 'Hooked,' 'Pray for Tomorrow' and 'Got to Give the People (What They Want).' When it comes down to writing/producing a new song, where does the creative process begin for you?
Pepper: First, I'd like to say thank you for wanting to interview me. I really appreciate it. I usually start by getting the track from one of my favorite DJs, and then when I discover something that I like, I get started on the idea right away. I try to write about subjects that draw attention to the human condition like: Love Relationships, Dancing, Partying, and an idea that is new to me now, "Pop Culture."
I've started writing about what's going on in the world and not so much about what's going on with me. You've got to bring in universal elements in order to keep a person's attention span on you. I like the way Mariah Carey uses words to describe certain emotions in her songs. I always try to apply something new in what I write about.
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Pepper: Well, I didn't really celebrate by going out. I did call up all of my friends and told them the great news, and then I went right back to calling up all the DJs and told them to keep playing my song. It was a great feeling, but that soon leaves you when you have to keep repeating it over and over. That part is really illusive and daunting. Now, I just want folks to like what I do.
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Muzo: One of your most well-known hits, which also went #1, 'Dive in the Pool' (with Barry Harris) was featured on 'Queer As Folk' and had gays nationwide getting 'soaking wet!' How did you feel when that song blew up? Did you expect it?
Pepper: I just couldn't believe that folks would go crazy over an idea that Barry had given me. Just goes to show that you can't throw anything away. I was amazed that someone would want me sounding like my mother, telling folks to dive in a pool. And because Barry knew the production team of "Queer As Folk" he was able to get it to them before the song really got big on the radio. It was incredible. I was totally busy and couldn't stop performing. Everyone wants you when you're hot like that.
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Muzo: You've worked with a number of artists over the years - from Celine Dion, Cher and Mick Jagger to Steve Perry and Ray Charles. This may be a hard one, but out of all your collaborations, what's one in particular that stands out?
Pepper: That would have to be, Tina Turner! I got that gig from Robbie Nevil (He's one of the writers for "High School Musical.") He recommended me to Roger Davies (Tina's manager) to sing on the soundtrack for "What's Love Got to Do with It." It was fantastic!! I met her and was struck by her beauty inside and out. She was totally professional, juggling her schedule between the production meetings with Disney, showing the dancers their steps, getting with the actors, and then coming to the recording studio to work with the singers and band. WoW!! What energy.
We did all of the songs from the time she started her career in music to the day she left Ike in the movie. We did the sessions in 2 days, and on the 3rd day, she let us hang out with her in the studio all day taking pictures and signing autographs. She's so gracious.
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Pepper: I have someone new to the camp now, and that is DJ Corey D of PNN Radio fame. He's my co-partner on the new song "Does Your Mamma Know." I had a great time working with him, and so it will happen again on the next single.
I also like working with DJ Tony Marinos. He's always been in my corner, and I hope to have him in on the next song remix, too. I loved working with JJ Royal. He's a sweet man, and I like folks like that. Also, Victor Da Silva from Latin America via Switzerland. His rhythms are intoxicating.
All of these guys are on "Does Your Mamma Know." So, all of you should be able to hear for yourselves what I'm talking about.
I also work with other DJs on their projects, and right now I'm having a great time with Eddie Amador. He's in L.A. with me, and it's great being able to work with one of the greats out in your own city. I would love to work with Miguel Migs if ever given the opportunity. I love the way he creates "House Music." Very Soulful.
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Muzo: In this digital age, driven by singles sales, a lot of artists are turning to the Internet or their own indie labels to release tracks - without even having a complete 'album.' This is something you've done for awhile now. In your experience, what are the pros and cons of selling tracks individually as opposed to releasing a full album?
Pepper: The pros are: Being able to create the song on your own, not being told what to do and for whom, keeping everything under one roof when it comes down to your career decisions, and not blaming anyone else for the mistakes. It's all on your shoulders!
Now the Cons: Never having enough money to do what you have to do for your career, and seeing how important it is in having those dollars from others, that can literally change your whole game plan.
I'm going thru it right now. But I don't regret it one bit. You just have to keep picking yourself up and keep on going. And sometimes you miss collaborating with others if you end up doing everything by yourself, it will start to sound stale. I would love to release an album, but its still expensive for me to do it at this time.
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Pepper: Baby, he's even better in person!!! I haven't seen Colton in 3 years, and if you see him, I'll get his number from you. He's a wonderful singer, and I miss talking with him. I think he's on the East coast now. Too Bad for us!!!
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Muzo: A friend of mine once said your name is 'a play on the words Paper Mâché.' Is that right? If so (or if not, lol), where does the name Pepper MaShay came from?
Pepper: It is a play on that word. I had a producer friend who came up with the idea after he looked at my freckles on my face and said I needed a name more recognizable than Jean McClain (Muzo note: Pepper's birth name). I was ready to become a Pepper because I had always liked that name. And so I wanted to spell it like a regular name, so that's how Pepper MaShay was born.
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Muzo: People continually refer to you as a living legend - what's it like when you see or hear that?
Pepper: I'm really honored to have people feel that way about me. I hope it's more with the way I treat people and not just for singing my songs. I'd rather for folks to think I'm a regular person than a living legend, but I'll take the money and the comfort anytime.
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Muzo: What artists continue to inspire you?
Pepper: I admire Joan Armatrading (the British singer/songwriter), Thelma Houston, Karen Clark (Gospel Singer), Peter Gabriel, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle and Tina Turner.
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Muzo: In your iPod, what are the 5 most played songs?
Pepper: I have Floetry "Superstar on it, Aaliyah's last album, U2's "Beautiful Day" and DJ Tiesto's music.
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Pepper: I think it's because I can relate in being treated differently. I felt like that as I was growing up in Texas as a child. My father was in the military, and it was hard for us to feel afraid when all of the riots occurred because we lived on the military base. No one could harm us. We felt protected. And I think a lot of my fans feel like they have someone in me that tries to surround them with that protection. And besides, I treat them like they're my kids.
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Muzo: In your spare time (do you have any??), what do you like to do for fun?
Pepper: I like quiet time!!! There's not a single moment in my life I'm not doing something. I feel if I ever stopped, I might get left behind.
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Muzo: Your celebrity crush?
Pepper: I really can't say right now. That feels creepy to me. Maybe it's because I'm an older person.
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Muzo: What's next for Pepper MaShay?
Pepper: Well, I have a new song coming out in Germany called "Our World," which is about global warming set to a "House Music" beat. And I'm working with a DJ by the name Alex Graham, who I have a new project with from Ireland. Eddie Amador and I just got another single signed to "Spinnin' Records" called "Lonely," and DJ Corey D and I will do a follow-up after "Does Your Mamma Know" runs its course.
I also plan to be busy all over again this year with my Blues project called "Sista Jean's Blues Machine." I've always wanted to put a band together that plays great music and tours like crazy. I hope to see that happen this coming year.
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Posted by MUZOPHILE at 12/1/2008 3:06 AM 
Categories: 0News,0ALL LISTINGS,Colton Ford,Pepper MaShay,Q and As,0Q and As
Categories: 0News,0ALL LISTINGS,Colton Ford,Pepper MaShay,Q and As,0Q and As
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