The Uncle Earl

 

'R U Ready' is one of the most energizing dance cuts to hit the floor this year. The Uncle Earl is a genius of self-expression, and this is the kind of work that confirms his reputation!
 

We have a theory as to how Uncle Earl conceived this ingenious dance track. You see, most of the time people creating EDM material do their work in software using abstract (even cryptic) technological processes to conceive the kind of sounds that will induce a kinetic reaction on the dance floor. By and large this works, if somewhat counterintuitively. But we think Uncle Earl subconsciously employed his vast experience as a dancer and movement coordinator to reverse-engineer the process from the locale of the floor, in essence assembling 'R U Ready' from his own physical instincts - and thereby furnishing one of the funkiest club cuts this year. We submit his music video as proof of our thesis; watch him groove out yourself and see if you can trace the underlying aesthetic back to his track. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the charismatic artist to talk about his career (which includes stints with Mariah Carey, Grace Jones, Bette Davis and many others), his growing multimedia empire, and his hopes and ambitions for the coming days.

LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open - What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
UNCLE EARL: The craziest thing that’s happened in my music career was performing with the legendary Ms. Grace Jones for the Gay Games in Amsterdam on the docks. There were over 10,000 screaming fans, which was a very surreal experience. I managed to learn the whole show on the flight from New York to Amsterdam: Vocals and choreography. What a trip! Needless to say, it was fantastic and everything went off without a hitch. I love her madly!

LAUREN: Your song ‘R U Ready' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
UNCLE EARL: When I first heard ‘R U Ready’ played on the radio, I got teary-eyed because it was truly a labor of love writing, performing and co-producing with DJ N-Joy (Leo Stella) from Switzerland and it was a longtime dream come true. As an artist, all you can do is your personal best. To be well received by your peers and the public around the world is like no other sensation. I want to send a huge thank you to all the listeners and fans around the world for their constant love and support.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
UNCLE EARL: ‘R U Ready’ was meant to inspire people to have a good time. Do what you feel, just as long as you don’t disrespect or hurt anyone else in the process.

LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
UNCLE EARL:The ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for my desire to create music is total expression. Music is the creation of tonal vibrations which can cause either a negative or positive reaction. We as ‘human beings’ respond to these vibrations differently. These vibrations and sounds are around us every day and night. The key is awareness and having the ability to use them in a positive and intelligent manner.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
UNCLE EARL: As an artist, I am all about being free, down-to-earth, curious, challenging, fun-loving, an envelope pusher, serious, dedicated, a canvas to be painted on, open and available to receive knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
UNCLE EARL: The experience of working with other people on my team has been awesome and an eye opener. I have gained a wealth of experience through creativity and production thus far in my career, however I can always learn something new and I welcome constructive criticism during the process of creating new music.

 

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
UNCLE EARL: I actually did come from an entertainment family with a rich and exciting background in the arts. From childhood, my mother, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, was and still is a singer, actress, writer and producer. She was even singing while pregnant with me so I guess I got some of my talents naturally through osmosis. She is most known for playing Mrs. Powers in the film ‘Lean On Me’ starring opposite Morgan Freeman. My sister, Marishka S. Phillips, is also a very talented actress, singer, writer, director and drama coach to the stars. She now runs the Marishka Phillips Theatrical Preparatory in New York and Los Angeles. My now deceased father, William Lacy Phillips, did sing for a spell but decided to do the responsible thing and become a blue collar worker to take care of our family.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
UNCLE EARL: The thing that I find most rewarding about being an artist is having a platform for the ultimate showcase of expression from every inch of my being and body. The most challenging thing is having so much music and creativity pumping through my veins that I can’t produce or get it out fast enough, which results in countless episodes of insomnia...I just can’t turn it off!

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
UNCLE EARL: My role models in the music industry are too many for one answer, however I will list a few: Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osbourne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Al Jarreau and the late, great Frankie Knuckles.

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
UNCLE EARL: My best or most memorable performance... once again, there were so many, but working with the incredible and beautiful Mariah Carey as personal movement coach, associate director and choreographer for her ‘Butterfly Tour’ was a major highlight... and I got to perform with her on stage. Amazing!

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
UNCLE EARL: The advice I would give to young artists out there who are unsure and need guidance is to be a ‘human sponge.’ Soak up and learn everything about your craft! Not only on the performance tip, but the production and technical end as well. Basically, learn every part of what makes the whole engine run, and be mindful and respectful to everyone because you never know who knows who.

LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
UNCLE EARL: The next thing for me as an artist is to build a successful multimedia conglomerate consisting of radio, television, film, video, theater and music production. In 2008 with the assistance of a friend, Clayton Karush, I formulated ‘Ultimate Underground’, which is a global music, arts and education project. The main mission is to bridge the gaps between humanity using arts and education as tools. The present objective is to become a game changer in how the industry conducts, promotes and distributes the music business and protects the artists. For the record, there is a new international dance music compilation in the works for 2015/2016. It is untitled right now but I wish to wow the electronic dance music community and reignite an era gone by. I am working with some of the most talented, up and coming producers, artists and DJ’s from around the world, including myself. The phenomenal roster includes: Project Preatorian/Revitalized Records (Netherlands), DJC Cru Productions/David Burnett, Jerome ‘Scorpiochild’ Dickens, Caprice Starbrite (NYC), The Melendrez Brothers/Alex Gaston & William (NYC), Jordy Briard (Belgium), Double Z/Zak Zuul (UK), Sava Boric (NYC), Trevor Sewell (UK), Frankie D’Augusta (NYC), Nino Bellemo (LA), Ian Bel/Norwegian Underground (Norway), Nemanja Kostic (Serbia), Andy Allwood (UK), OKKO/Oliver Klung (Switzerland), Shehab Rehmani (UK), Alyson Williams (NYC), Lonnie Gordon (UK), G-Man/Sugarhill Gang (North Carolina)....to name a few hahaha! Get Ready! Special mentions for Donald Tyler, Barbara Beach/Radioactive Broadcasting Network, Mike McCready & Staff at MusicXray in NYC for guidance and support. To God Be The Glory!

LAUREN: Thank you so much Lacy for taking the time to speak about your past in music and dance and the life experiences that led you down that path. Your new EDM single is a killer and we expect to hear great things about your career soon!

http://www.UltimateUnderground.com


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