To kick off my series of local artist worthy of recognition I decided to go with THIS GUY, W. Ellington Felton (Don't you just love the way that name sounds... so profound...) Well here is my thought.. if you never seen this guy perform, you are definitely missing out on something special DAMN!
He is definitely one of my favorites!
So... his interview went exceptionally well! As a matter fact after interviewing people sometimes, the responses seem to get redundant or cliche like OH GAWD..... I KNOW WHATS COMING NEXT somebody shoot me, my favorite line "MY music is real" when its really some bullshit. You don't get that problem with Dub, here we have a cultured, intelligent, sensible black man that really loves what he does and is actually talented in his field; because you know its so rare to get the two Talent and Passion, we usually get stuck with one or the other. So naturally, now a nig is curious...
1) I know you sweat blood and tear music and art, but you do so many things; comedy, open mic, sing, rap, art, emcee, etc etc etc. Is there any one thing that you consider your passion?
Theatre is what actually got me focused as a teen. When I was 15 I got a scholarship to The Chataqua Institute’s Summer Theatre program. It was there that I fell in love with Shakespeare, Moliere, Athol Fugard and August Wilson. It was at 15 acting as a tool for change and influence became my passion. Still is. I still act but, mostly for projects that I really feel or my friends and I produce and direct.
2) Besides your father, who inspires you?
2) Besides your father, who inspires you?
Life in general inspires me. I tend to search for common FLAWS that we share as humans to feature in my art. Those are the things that we often use to abuse or take advantage of others, so why not use those things to unite us instead of divide? Most folks believe that being perfect makes them a better human when it actually makes you less of a human. My son inspires me for sure. Well, he at least inspires me to get up and go on with my day most of the time.
3) Describe your best on-stage moment thus far? What about your best off-stage moment?
3) Describe your best on-stage moment thus far? What about your best off-stage moment?
I did 8 shows in Tokyo with Raheem, so how about 8 best on-stage moments? LOL. I’m not sure really. As a performer, I always try to show the audience “in the moment” creativity. So, when I feel that I’ve confidently represented myself as an individual when a show is done, that’s when I feel great about performances. There was a show I did with Alice Smith in DC where the audience was completely packed and engaged to my music. That’s very rare in DC. If you are “unknown” and looking for hyped DC crowd… think again…lol. I have too many great off-stage moments to give one the props. But, when Chris Rock and Prince Paul contacted me to work on his “Never Scared” record was definitely high on the ranks! I remember walking into a studio in the middle of time square. I got off the elevator and walked around the corner into the studio. I heard a voice say “Aww W. Ellington Felton, It smells like poetry in this mothafucka”. I looked up and it was Chris Rock in the booth! Great off stage moment.
Ya see, its one thing when, a local supporter recognizes talent, but its another when a star is impressed, one that loses nothing and gains nothing by supporting you still feels compelled to make a statement, and recognizes TALENT even when they see it every day and all day. That's wassup!
4) Who have you worked with?
Ya see, its one thing when, a local supporter recognizes talent, but its another when a star is impressed, one that loses nothing and gains nothing by supporting you still feels compelled to make a statement, and recognizes TALENT even when they see it every day and all day. That's wassup!
4) Who have you worked with?
I’ve performed, recorded, toured, worked or directed videos for or with artist like; Dionne Farris, Carl Macintosh, Raheem Devaughn, Me’shell N’Degeocello, Omar, Bilal, Kev Brown, Sy Smith, Eric Roberson, Thievery Corporation, Labtekwon, Rich Medina, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Wayna, Muhsinah, Big Brooklyn Red, Jaguar Wright, Chinah Blac, Esthero, Goapele, N’Dambi, Fertile Ground, Tabby Bonney, Yahzarah, Lone Catalyst and many others who I’m sure I will remember later and wish I included in this list.
5) Is there anyone that you really want to work with?
I would love to work with Beady Belle, Prince, the Rhythm Roots All Stars, ZZ Top, Soul-Live, and maybe Kanye West. I wrote a song about Kanye back in the day called “Dear Kanye”. A lot of folks naturally took that joint as a diss record but, it was actually a letter to him in the language he speaks and influences others with. It was like Malcolm’s letter to Martin. “Am I my brother’s keeper”? I always had a vision of him even producing that tune. I know that’s far fetch but, I think we make music that he never imagined for himself. But, I think that song offended him, his crew, and fans, so he will most likely never work with me. LOL
6) A few years ago I overheard you express a strong appreciation for women; so please elaborate. We are listening...
6) A few years ago I overheard you express a strong appreciation for women; so please elaborate. We are listening...
A lot of artist, men and women are making music for kids or immature adults. Some men sing songs about women and they don’t even like women. A lot of women make music about men but, don’t like men. Not saying a person can’t screw, save, or sing to whom they want but, I’m a truth seeker. Being an Honest artist to me means transparency and no illusions. So, when I sing a song about a woman it’s a true story. Unfortunately people are scared of truth because there is a lot of ugly in the truth. But, I love women so much that I demand high standards from them and only want them to be the best. Society has tricked us to believe that when a man calls a woman out on her shit that it’s somehow a bad thing. It creates a belief that women should have high expectations of others and low self expectations. I love women so much that I’m willing to take time to tell them specific behavior that often turns men off that they may not be aware of. I don’t refer or compare them to objects. I’m not sure if this is even making sense but, a lot of Male and Female artist are lying to women and men about what we desire of each other. I want to remind women that there still men out here who don’t use the TV as research on learning about women. It takes actual experiences and conversations between each other. I want to be an artist that re-introduces women to men and vice versa. Not for the sake of lust and love but, for the overall health and happiness of Mankind.
My thought at this very moment... " I wonder if this guy is single..." lol sheeeesh
7) When your audience members and supporters see you what do you want to be the first thing that comes to their minds? What image do you want them to be left with?
My thought at this very moment... " I wonder if this guy is single..." lol sheeeesh
7) When your audience members and supporters see you what do you want to be the first thing that comes to their minds? What image do you want them to be left with?
A lot of them love the fact that I never sell out my morals and core values in order to make people like me. I think in many ways I represent the “individuals” and persons longing to be individuals but, may not have the platform or support system to allow them to live as an individual. As far an image goes? Folks are going to view you however they want and it’s usually a 45% chance of being dead wrong. 45% of them settle for a perception of me. 5% of them are in denial of who I am. Then there’s that 5% who get me instantly! LOL I guess that’s why I don’t surround myself with too many folks. I want them to see their reflection on stage.
8) If you had to describe yourself in with one word it would be, ________?
8) If you had to describe yourself in with one word it would be, ________?
INDESCRIBABLE
Can you smell what WES is cooking?
9) Are you currently working on any big projects, what can we expect to see from you next?
Can you smell what WES is cooking?
9) Are you currently working on any big projects, what can we expect to see from you next?
I just finished a new record called Ellington International produced by Jason Orr and Craig Love from Soul of Earth. Soul of Earth is a crew I’m proudly a member of that consist of N’Dea Davenport, Omar, CC Sunchild, Dionne Farris, Carl McIntosh, Caron Wheeler and a few other trail blazing artist. Check us out at www.soulofearth.com. I also have a new project out called “Love Daze” on www.tastefullicks.com with a group I have called The Antithesis. Lastly, I’m starring in a new film called “Babylon Central” directed by Thievery Corporation and ESL’s Eric Hilton slated for an April 2010 release worldwide. I’m always making new music alone and with others, so folks can check for me on all online music stores and sites.
I will definitely keep everyone posted on whats coming next from Wes, cuz its real music. The new sound of soul, it appeals to everyone, is every age group. LOVES IT!
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