I had the pleasure of interviewing one of PartyLikeThis’ favorite artist’s Green Velvet. I’m sure you’ve already heard of him, so let’s get right into the Q&A and hopefully you learn a little more about the Legendary DJ/Producer.  Bonus: “Everybody Wants” trailer featuring Kid Sister after the Q&A!!

PartyLikeThis(PLT): You have been in the music scene for a long time and have made a mark with every new turn of dance culture, without “selling out” or changing your sound up too much. Would you agree with my observation and why do you think you have been so successful in life?

Green Velvet(GV): I try to stay true to my roots of Chicago style house music as I remember it from the eighties. I’ve been successful for so long because I truly believe that I can do music as long as my heart desires.

PLT: My gateway into Cajmere/Green Velvet, as I’m sure most people’s was, is “It’s time for the percolator.” I know you have remixed and released it before, but will there be any new remixes for 2010 or beyond? Also, how did the song come about?

GV: There will definitely be some remixes of the ‘Percolator’ coming out in 2010. We have already secured some very interesting guest appearances for that project. The song came about when I was remixing the song ‘Coffee Pot’ in the studio. The owner of the studio said he liked the track and that it sounded like a percolator. You know the rest.

PLT: You have been touring/Djing for a long time and have achieved great heights in this industry. What are a few tips to help the next generation along in their endeavours and dreams of making it in the Industry?

GV: My best advice to making it in the music industry is to believe that you can do it and pray.

PLT: The new track you did with Kid Sister reminds me of if “Skake and Pop” and “Switchboard” had a baby. Very good! What was it like working in the studio with Kid Sister?

GV: Working with Kid Sister was a great experience. I had never done a song with a rapper until ‘Everybody Wants’. Her voice sounds incredible and it works really well with electronic music.

PLT: Any other new collaborations on the way?

GV: I will be working with Santiago & Bushido, Robthreezy, Tommie Sunshine, Felix Da Housecat, De La Soul, Phil Kieran, Japanese Popstars and Tiga in the near future.

PLT: I also know you are a very spiritual man and had a conversion a while back. How do your beliefs fit into your work?

GV: Yes, I put God first in my life with everything I do. I’m not perfect and I don’t have to be. I always try to do my best and learn from mistakes. God is love so I always try to spread love with my work.

PLT: Last but not least. You have many loyal new and old fans. What would be your message to them?

GV: Love is the message.

Check out Green Velvet’s trailer for “Everybody Wants” featuring Kid Sister below.  Go buy it on Beatport!

PartyLikeThis.com brings you an inside look at ‘Marina and the Diamonds.’  Click below for an exclusive interview, one killer music video and some tracks you’re sure to become “obsessed” with!

We had the chance to ask Marina a few questions. Keep reading to see what she is all about, and check out her myspace page to keep up with her!

INTERVIEW

PLT: What is the origin of Marina and the Diamonds? Who are the diamonds? Have you changed the band’s name before?

Marina: My surname is Diamond. The Diamonds are the audience. The idea that my art/work was a collective thing and not a self-fulfilling/self-centered project felt really nice. I changed my name once to Marina the Diamond but then changed it back very quickly- because it was LAME.

PLT: So, what genre of music do you consider your work to be?

Marina: Risky pop

PLT: It’s definitely risky pop! Britney is a huge influence to you, do you have any other major influences?

Marina: Madonna.
PJ Harvey / Patti Smith / The Distillers / Nirvana / Daniel Johnston / No Doubt / Dolly Parton

PLT:  It won’t be long before people start listing you as an influence! What inspired you to make music?

Marina: I knew ten years ago I wanted to do this but was too scared to say until I was 18. I didn’t know anything about music or making it- i still don’t think I can play the piano! But I was obsessed with being a singer and badly needed a way to express myself.

PLT: Do you have a record label?

Marina: Yes, 679 Atlantic Records.

PLT:  Sweet. Do you have any upcoming U.S. shows?

Marina: Nope, not for a little while. I will be there eventually though.

PLT: We cannot wait!  Which songs do you perform most frequently? What is your personal favorite?

Marina: Probably ‘Mowglis road’.

PLT:  That’s definitely one of my favorites. Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

Marina: I write my songs! Who else?! Topics obviously change- depends what is going on in my head/life.

PLT: Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

Marina: I feel an emotion. I write down a lyric that pops into my head. Perhaps 2 minutes or 2 weeks later, I go to my keyboard and start to feel out chords that I think will suit the underlying feeling beneath the song. That’s all there is to it, really.

PLT: You make it sound so easy! How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

Marina: Got less complicated I think and more structured. I had no awareness of chorus or bridges or verses before. I would just sing until the story had been told!

PLT:  What has been your biggest challenge yet? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Marina: Singing in public. It took me 2 years.

PLT: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Marina: I would feel very sorry for myself and my life if I were in this to seek fame and fortune.

PLT: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Marina: Be yourself.

PLT: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Marina: itunes in the UK. Myspace. Hopefully US itunes soon!!!

PLT: Any last words? Excited about anything?

Marina: Excited about life!

Listen to a few of her songs below, and make sure to check out her myspace page!

I Am Not A Robot

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Mowgli’s Road

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Obsessions

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]

Plus my favorite remix!

I Am Not A Robot (The Shoes Remix)

[Check out the post on PartyLikeThis.com to listen to the audio]