Jimmy Jam talks about making Prince jealous, studio secrets, making hits with Janet Jackson, construction process of 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On', discovering Alexander O'Neill, analyzing 'Hang on a String' and its influence, production process of BBQ Band and Change records, instruments used in their music, choosing Janet, working with limitations and remixing songs, writing unexpected songs, influence of a record, importance of context and understanding, and importance of partnerships in the music industry.
The Secret project by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis was initially intended to be a band, but the tracks ended up being used for Janet Jackson's album instead.
The key of E flat was chosen for many funky songs by Jam and Lewis because it allows for a funkier sound and gives flexibility to keyboard players.
Sounds of Blackness became the first act signed to Perspective Records, showcasing the label's commitment to unique and diverse musical styles.
Mint Condition's debut album demonstrated Perspective Records' ability to compete in the urban music landscape and achieve success through grassroots promotion.
Perspective Records faced challenges and a clash of creative vision when it changed ownership, but remained dedicated to taking risks and bringing innovative artists to the forefront of the industry.
Deep dives
The Secret: A Project That Never Came to Fruition
Before working with Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis had plans to create a project called The Secret. The Secret was going to be a band, consisting of Jam, Lewis, and a female guitarist. They recorded tracks for the project, including songs like 'You Could Be Mine' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately.' However, the project never came to fruition, and those tracks ended up being used for Janet Jackson's album instead.
Working with Janet Jackson
After their plans for The Secret fell through, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis had the opportunity to work with Janet Jackson. Initially, they only planned on doing a few songs, but they ended up doing the entire album. Their goal was to create a funky, aggressive, and loud record, known for its attitude. They believed that Janet had the personality and talent to pull it off. The album turned out to be a success and featured hits like 'Nasty' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately.'
The Funkiness of E Flat
The reason many of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' funky songs are in E flat is because it is a funky key. Historically, E was the lowest note on a bass guitar, and taking it down a half step to E flat made it even funkier. Additionally, E flat was a key that keyboards could play but not bass guitars, giving keyboard players like Jam and Lewis more flexibility. The choice of key is driven by the desire for a funky sound.
The Secret Songs
The songs recorded for The Secret project, which included tracks like 'You Could Be Mine' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately,' ended up being used for Janet Jackson's album instead. Those songs fit well with the vibe and attitude they wanted to capture for Janet, and she brought them to life. The Secret project never materialized, but the songs found a home on Janet's successful album.
Sounds of Blackness: Building a Strong Foundation
Sounds of Blackness became the first act signed to Perspective Records, serving as the foundation for the label's future endeavors. The group's diverse musical style, combining gospel, jazz, and blues, resonated with both the artists and the label founders, who saw the potential impact of their unique sound. Despite limited resources, they took Sounds of Blackness to New York for radio appearances and live performances, resulting in significant radio spins and a positive response from listeners. This early success validated their unconventional approach and showcased the power of offering audiences what they didn't know they needed.
The Make-or-Break Moment with Mint Condition
Mint Condition's self-titled debut album was a pivotal project for Perspective Records. Proving that the label could compete in the urban music landscape, Mint Condition brought a fresh blend of funk and R&B. Despite initial doubts from industry professionals, the label's marketing team, led by Sheila Eldridge, organized a college video contest to generate support for the single 'Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)'. This grassroots approach, along with tireless promotion and support from Terry Lewis on the road, led to breakthrough radio play and ultimately propelled Mint Condition to success.
The Challenges of Perspective Records
Although Perspective Records had early successes, it faced challenges as it changed hands from A&M Records to the Polygram conglomerate. New management prioritized cost-cutting measures and bottom-line concerns, making it difficult for Perspective Records to maintain its creative vision. The label's emphasis on artistic integrity and groundbreaking projects clashed with the profit-driven mentality of its new owners. Despite obstacles and criticism, Perspective Records remained dedicated to taking risks and bringing innovative artists and sounds to the forefront of the industry.
Importance of Building Personal Relationships
Jimmy Jam emphasizes the importance of building personal relationships and connecting with people in the music industry. He recounts how he and Terry Lewis would visit record label branches, meet the employees, and even perform live for them. Their goal was to establish a personal connection and gain the trust of the people working on the front lines. By doing so, they were able to create strong partnerships and ensure their music was promoted effectively.
The Power of Effective Partnerships
Jimmy Jam reflects on the importance of partnerships in their music career. He cites examples of successful collaborations, such as working with Terry Lewis, and highlights the synergy that comes from different talents and strengths. He also mentions potential partnerships with labels and executives that didn't fully materialize, showcasing the impact a compatible partnership can have on creative output and success in the music industry.
Black Music Month for Questlove Supreme nears its close in style. In part 2 of his epic interview, Jimmy Jam spoke about making Prince jealous, the studio secrets behind his recordings, how he made all those hits with Janet Jackson and much more.
