MonicaBlaire

Detroit singer, songwriter, and MC Monica Blaire initially labored behind the scenes, contributing toward other artists' projects before developing into a unique


alternative soulstress. Extremely versatile and very talented, she loved music and the arts at an early age. She was formally trained in ballet, tap dancing, and even gymnastics, but she would eventually veer toward more modern and ethnic forms of dance. However, since hip-hop was at the core of her passion for music, the young performer informally learned to write rhymes and rap throughout her years during grade school. Blaire progressed further as a musical talent working for Detroit production company PAJAM. Among her various tasks were choreography and songwriting, which included penning songs for gospel artist (and PAJAM producer) J. Moss and R&B singer Vanessa Williams, but due to creative differences, Blaire left the company in the early 2000s. She went on to explore Detroit's musical scene, leading a few different local outfits whose repertoires ranged from hip-hop and funk to alternative rock and soul. The Detroit native soon met up with local record label Silent Riot Entertainment, and not long after joining the camp, she quickly laid the groundwork for what would be her solo debut album, Portraits of Me. A mid-2006 release, the LP was as much an alternative neo-soul affair as it was a showing of Detroit's local finest. It featured production from Denaun Porter (aka Kon-Artist) from D12 and Waajeed from Platinum Pied Pipers; plus, local MCs Miz Korona, Marv Won, Invincible, and Guilty Simpson gave guest appearances. - www.VH1.com

Save the hamburgers and hotdogs for July 4. Thursday is all about gumbo.



Detroit neo soul- and hip-hop-artist Monica Blaire is bringing more than 15 of the area’s up-and-coming music performance artists together for a celebration of Detroit musical diversity as part of the Monica Blaire Detroit Groove Gumbo on the Pure Detroit Stage during the 2008 Comerica Cityfest at the New Center Area.



Blaire, 25, who is best known for her independent album “Portraits of Me” and her America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance alongside her Godmother and soul legend Ortheia Barnes, says the Gumbo Groove is a way to give a taste of the next generation of Detroit talent to the masses as well as prove to the city -- as well as the world -- that we has more than enough ingredients in our cupboard to continue the legacy of Motown and lead it to new heights.



“(Gumbo) is another level of creativity,” Blaire says. “We’re going to mix it up and present it to the people.”



Blaire, who is in the process of working on tracks for her upcoming mix-tape “Back to the Future” as well as several local and regional shows says she has an obligation to reach back and support local artists as people have -- and continue to -- help her.



“When you have an opportunity to pass along and help, you don’t pass it up,” she says.



Metromix caught up with Blaire to find out her secret recipe at finding success on the local music scene and what it means to work together with other local artists.



Who are some of the artists that are performing in the Monica Blaire ‘Detroit Groove Gumbo’?

We have L’Renee Ren Cen, Neco Redd -- and let me say this -- all of the acts aren’t hip-hop and R&B. We have funk, reggae, alternative and rock. We have everything in it, just like gumbo.



You are an established performer in the metro Detroit area…How has the experience been for you coordinating a concert?

The experience was good. A lot of these people are my peers -- it was kind of seamless to get them involved. It was a lot of hard work but all good stuff. Working hard is always a good thing.



Detroit artists aren’t typically known for their willingness to work with each other. How can the ‘Detroit Gumbo Groove’ change that notion or encourage more collaboration among the local artists?

It’s important to have Detroit unity. It’s important for us to be one accord, to help root you on. The world respects Detroit music -- something here is really magical. We definitely want that and this is what the show is all about.



Is this the only (and last) serving of Groove Gumbo or will it become a traditional dish of the CityFest?
We're thinking about making it (an annual event) but that is just in the thought process. We're going to see how this one goes and go from there.

Will the public have an opportunity to interact with the performers?
We're having an after party at Alvin's (featuring a live jam session with the artists from the Gumbo Groove). - http://detroit.metromix.com

Well maybe not saves the world, but she certainly is busy. I sat down with one of my favorite Detroit artist the undeniable, unstoppable, unbelievable Ms. Monica Blaire and she spoke on her inspirations, goals, and upcoming performances. Monica’s shows have been dubbed more of an experience than a concert, and if you’ve ever seen her in action you know why. Monica’s voice has very distinct traces of jazz, soul, and R&B yet she always surprises you with something unforeseen before the show is over. Whether she’s softly crooning or belting out a rock remix it’s evident she has been well trained and it’s no wonder she’s been compared to soul stars such as Dwele, Leela James and Floetry. On top of being a powerhouse vocalist, Monica is a choreographer and dancer, in other words she’s the dancer’s dancer. With a seemingly infinite supply of energy Monica dazzles her audience with her sultry moves and ability to cover every area of the stage that has open space. While her dance style is obviously heavily influenced with traditional African dance, she has no problem pop-locking on you when you least expect it.

Well then, now that I’ve sufficiently embarrassed the humble songstress with that intro, I’ll share a bit of my recent interview with Detroit’s favorite diva.


??? Describe who Monica Blaire is as an artist
I believe I function as a mirror. I want to reflect what is going on with people individually and collectively. I just want to be a as real as possible and speak to your truth and your soul. I try to give a lot of love and energy on stage and have a little fun while I'm doing it!

??? What flavor do you bring to R&B/Soul and to the music industry in general
I feel that just in entertainment period there's a lack of showmanship. I want to let people know it's ok to have a message. To have your music truly speak to people and to entertain them at the same time. I want to bring that next level experience to the stage where your soul, your eyes, and your heart get a work out!

??? If I looked in your CD player right now, what would I find
LOL. More like what wouldn't you find. Right now I'm kinda stuck on DeBarge really heavy (With the Biggie movie coming out it inspired me to check them out again). I've also been into Faith Evans. I've just been into retro stuff like old school Timbaland and Missy, Aaliyah, and playing a lot of Stevie on vinyl. You can always catch me with White Stripes, Dilla, and Nirvana handy too. Other than that it's top 100 from the 50's until now.

??? What motivated you to be more than just a fan of music and to become
an artist
It was more like if I didn't do it apart of me wouldn't exist. I tried to walk away from music so many times but my heart wouldn't let me do it. My motivation is really that I can't live with out it. My reasons have changed over the years. When I was very young I just wanted to be famous. Now I realize that my gift has more to do with connecting people, helping to start a thought so someone else can finish it. Now I'm motivated by love and the wish that everyone can experience it no matter who or where they are in life. My job is to show others and myself how important we really are. That's the best job ever!!

??? I checked your Myspace and it looks like you have fans from Alaska to Australia do you have musical ties overseas?
Yes. There's a lot of music that has been released overseas. Between the Radiohead remix I did with Waajeed, and a 12 inch I did with Theo Parrish my voice is floating around over there. I'm working on really getting over there and checking it out this year. I'm excited that people in other places can appreciate what I do!!

???You're known for being a dynamic performer, what training led to that, and when did you realize that your stage show was different from most
I've been on stage most of my life. Through choirs, school, and outside projects I live on stage. I think the turning point was first the production company I was with before Silent Riot instilled a lot of discipline in all their artist. From there when I started with Lola Valley it was a free for all. I did WHATEVER I wanted and it worked so when I started on my solo venture I had spent alot of time cultivating my relationship with the audience in a different way. I think I've always been a little weird in the way I relate to the world so I don't know that I feel like my show is different more than it's just me being me.

??? What was your most memorable performance and/or session, why.
Wow. They all have a special place. I think the first time I got onstage with Roy Ayers. That was such a crazy thing. A master of music acknowledged me and I keep that in my heart as a huge honor.

???What kind of mentors or guidance have you had along the way, what type of lessons have they taught you
My mom, she is one of the most creative people I have ever met and she encouraged me to live every aspect of my life creatively. Also my Godmother Ortheia Barnes, If you know Detroit she is a legend in and far beyond the city. The main thing is that she has always been encouraging. She has always nurtured my talent.

???When is your next project coming out, who are you working with
We are looking at mid to late 2009. It's a project that is still evolving but I'm very excited about it. It's based on all the songs that inspired me growing up in music. It was very basic at first, but it's taken on a life of its own LOL.

???So I did my homework and googled you, and after the nearly 200K results came up I followed up with a few of the really impressive ones like AOL music, Vh1, and WashingtonPost.com you have tons of accolades why do you think your music has resonated so broadly
Wow. That's hard to say. I hope it's because people see their truth in my music. I know that's what motivates me to listen....


???This is Motown Records 50 year anniversary, what does that mean to you being an artist born and bred in Detroit
It means that greatness is possible and I feel this new Motown movement has everything it takes to show the world why Motown is still Motown.

- www.Examiner.com