OurStage

Today’s interview is with music extraordinaire, Lou Writer. Where are you from? I am from Jackson, MS When and how did you first become interested in music? I became interested in music at the age of two, always moving my body to the beats that I would hear. Rhythm and dance has always been apart of me. I started in church listening to my family sing with the choir. Even though I was young, I remember wishing to be up there to express the songs within. What genre is your music? Who are your musical influences? When you hear the name Lou Writer, I want you to naturally associate it with “all” genres of music. I make music not only for me but Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, etc… I am music and music is me, so I create from within and out comes my masterpiece. My musical influences include but are not limited to: Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Usher, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Sheard, Tonex, John Legend, and Lyfe Jennings. When did you first start trying to do music professionally? I’ve been trying to sing professionally all my life. Every concert that came to the city I would go hoping for a chance to sneak backstage and just sing my heart out to some celebrity and in return they would say “Oh my God,” and help me get signed. Lol. I’ve always taken music seriously and practiced all the time trying to perfect my craft. I entered many talent shows and never lost one. I started off writing poems, then I started to place melodies to the words and they soon turned into songs. But it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I auditioned for Lyfe in Jacksonville, FL that I finally got the opportunity I had been waiting on my entire life. That’s the day I knew that I had star quality and potential and I could not let it go to waste. What has been your journey (in music) to where you are right now? Oh man!!! My journey? I have choreographed for local artists such as : ML, Romain, and Recognition. I have written for several artists, opened up for many artists like: Anthony Hamilton, Ray J, Pretty Ricky, Pretty Willie, Dru Hill, Ginuwine, Musiq Soulchild, and David Banner. I have been to American Idol tryouts at least 3 times. I’ve won in my city, gotten the free rides to the major cities and still didn’t make it. I auditioned for the Missy Elliot Project some years back and almost made it to the finals but I just didn’t cut it. I have written for various artists locally and in the industry. I taught myself to sing, rap, write, dance, act, and produce. I sung background for Lyfe Jennings for 2 years. Toward the end of the tour I started working on my album and trying to take my city by storm. I let my music speak for itself. I went on to become the 10,000 dollar Southern Starz competition winner which only help launch my solo career even faster. And now I document every concert that comes to town, and make every connection I can to assist me on my journey and path to success. Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? I write ALL of my songs except for a couple of songs in which Candice “Kandy” Sims co-wrote with me like “Aftermath” and “Already Beautiful.” To me “true music” can only come from a place the really exists, like hurt, pain, betrayal, happiness, love, and sex. It varies just like emotions so to speak. (Smiles) The themes for my songs come from things that I’ve experienced in my life. I have truly gone through a lot and each and every page represents a single page from my life’s journal entry. And believe me when I say the pages are endless. The main theme has been about love, hurt, and happiness. And who can’t relate to love, hurt, and happiness. My topics will always and forever be different because situations and emotions are different, but there will always be a basic premise of my music and that’s love. Whether it’s making love, hurting from love, or the triumphs because of love, it’s all love. How has your music evolved since you first began? When I tell you that I started off sounding like a fake Sisqo mixed with Smokie Norful (LOL) it was that serious because I was just trying to find myself. I was trying to find who Lou Writer was and believe you me it was no easy take. Coming up I had so many influences that I want to sound like or close to all the artists that I loved, but it wasn’t me. I slowly transformed and became Lou Writer by “my own” trials and tribulations which molded and shaped me. And if anyone ever asks “how can I find myself in music?” I would say to them it will find you. You can run, but you can never escape what God has meant for you. I have accepted my sorrow, pain, disappointments, and sadness along with optimism, happiness, hope, and love. So that’s what I sing about. What is your ultimate direction for music? My ultimate direction for music is to create an independent empire that will enhance the lives of anyone with musical ability that desires to take it to the next level. I wish to become the ultimate mogul in music, fashion, and restaurants. I’ve always dreamed of opening up a school of performing arts in the state of Mississippi for youth of all ages to channel their negative energies and turn it into works of art, while maintaining the excellence of academic achievement. I am merely using music as a vehicle to help others harness their crafts and show them how their God-given abilities can make room for them. What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a music career? Honestly, the advice that I would and will give them is, first, make sure that this is something that they have a passion for. When you wake up in the morning and you can’t think of anything else but singing, rapping, acting, dancing, teaching, playing a sport, or working at Home Depot, then that’s what you should be doing. But it requires an immense amount of passion and committed dedication to your craft. If you do it long enough, you will begin to see doors open up for you and God will place the necessary people in your life to help get you to that next level. Where have you performed? Do you have any upcoming shows? I have performed at the Sundance Film Festival, Jazz Music Festival in Jamaica, Showtime at the Apollo, Jimmy Kimmel Show, Platinum at Birmingham Club, Coliseum in Jackson, MS, and the Essence Festival. I am currently on a spot date tour with Dru Hill. My next performance is August 1, 2009 in Memphis, TN and then The Bronner Bros hair show for 3 days in Atlanta, GA August 15th, 16th, and 17th. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website or a CD? Fans can hear my music at: www.myspace.com/lou601 www.youtube.com/louwriter www.ourstage.com www.twitter.com/louwriter www.Louwriter.ning.com They can also find me on Facebook and add me as a friend and become a member of my fan club called “Lou Writer Global Connection.” Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support? Delshon Harris, Eric Hunter, Tonitrice Wicks, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Sorority Inc. Do you have any shout outs? I would like to thank God first and foremost for being the ultimate provider for me because without him this would not be possible. Eric Hunter (thank you for believing in me), Tonitrice Wicks (my rock, my world and I will always love you), Delshon “Rock” Harris with Ace Rock Entertainment (my manager, best friend who never stopped grinding and never gave up on me), Chris “BedRokr” Davis (my ace thank you for believing and grinding with me), Jeakorie “Cold Hearted” Peace (thank you for being down and believing in me and never giving up even when others started to), Marlon “ML” Williams (my producer and friend) of 100 dRUMs Productions “My Label”, Howard “Loksmif” Loving with Lokaroom Productions (my producer and friend), and Louis Wright Jr. (my cousin and friend), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. (Blu Phi!!!) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (my sisters). 97.7 WRBJ (The Beat of the Capital) and 99.7 WJMI (99 Jams) for playing my songs and all the DJ’s that showed my love and didn’t show me love. And last but not least I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL MY FANS!!! WITHOUT YOU THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE! I LOVE YOU