Universal Soul

Nova Scotia Hip-Hop legends in the making, Universal Soul, recently released their debut music video for 'Way Back In The Day.' It promptly received Vibe-Rated status on MuchMusic, a reflection of the quality of music being made by the group's four members: Fiz, DJ IV, Tacktishion and Voodoo. They've won multiple African Nova Scotia Music Association (ANSMA) awards, were nominated for several East Coast Music Association awards and had their debut album 'Time Capsule' produced mainly by Jorun who has worked with Buck 65, Sixtoo, Classified, Tallisman, and others. They will be heading on the Nova Scotia Rising Star Tour with Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Ian Janes from March 25- April 3. I recently got a chance to ask this busy crew what makes them tick. For more information on Universal Soul, check out www.usoul.com

Universal Soul Interview:

Troy: Having been a part of the hip-hop scene for so many years, what have been some of the highlights over the last 20 years?
Universal Soul:
     - Meeting Chuck D & Fal Fav when we as a crew "Down by law" opened for Public Enemy.
     - 2003/2004 ECMA national performance and television appearance.
     - Playing the Evolve Festival in front of so many people, who were there just for good times and good music.
     - Being recognized as "fine ambassadors for Nova Scotia" by the Lieutenant Governor and RESOLUTION NO. 247 check this out... www.maureenmacdonald.ca/html/press/20031006b.html

Troy: Given your years of experience, what advice would you give to younger hip-hop acts?
Universal Soul: Stay true to your dreams and your music. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't and learn as much about the business as you can.

Troy: Congrats on your video for 'Way Back in the Day.' I heard it was certified Vibe-Rated on MuchMusic, which is quite impressive. Originally I heard it was going to be produced by the director of the infamous Trailer Park Boys. What happened?
Universal Soul: VideoFACT thankfully came through with funding but our other half of funding did not come through. So Mike didn't feel he could do the video justice with the amount of funding available. Mike is still all good in our books and part of the fam.

Troy: Who ended up producing the video and what are your thoughts on it?
Universal Soul: Bradley Crayford. The most amazing producing, directing, animating cat T.O. has ever produced.

Troy: How important was Jorun in getting Universal Soul on their road to success?
Universal Soul: Jo was instrumental, excuse the pun, in our success and the success of tons of other artist coming out of this part of the world (Atlantic Canada). He is still family just to put any rumors to rest and the success this band is going through is his as well.

Troy: Given that your last album contained songs written over the past 10 years, how long do you expect we'll have to wait for the next album?
Universal Soul: First of all, it didn't take ten years to release "Time Capsule". "Time Capsule" is a collection of songs that we created over the past ten years. We are taking our time this time around to formulate something truly dope. We anticipate the next album's release in summer 2004, with a string to follow right after.

Troy: Will Jorun be making beats for the next album?
Universal Soul: Yes. He has 6 beats on the new album

Troy: If not, who can we expect to see producing beats for the next album?
Universal Soul: There will also be production from Trobiz, Voodoo, Erin (Jimmy Swift Band), DJ IV and Tacktishion.

Troy: I heard that you might have some nice surprises coming up and I was wondering whom you've been working with or plan on working with? Also, what can we expect from Universal Soul in the near future?
Universal Soul: We are collaborating with a few other artist such as The Jimmy Swift Band, Trobiz, Heavy Meadows, Classified, Dutch Robinson, Amelia Curran, Ardyth & Jennifer, Slow Coaster, King Konquer, just to name a few. So as yall can see we are keeping it truly universal. So just to let ya'll know, expect more than one album from Universal Soul in the next little while. Just keep your eyes peeled. Crazy Shows, killer tracks and love.

Troy: I also heard a rumor about a 40-date China/Japan Tour as a result of all your ECMA exposure. Is there any truth to that?
Universal Soul: It's True. It's Trueeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Heheheheheheheheeeeeeeee We are very happy about that.

Troy: Finally, is there anything you'd like to add? email? website?
Universal Soul: Peep the video "Way Back in the Day" on MuchMusic and vote for that ish on "Much on Demand." Watch out for the video for "All night" coming soon. Hit up our website at www.usoul.com for more info on Universal Soul. Peep www.trobiz.com for Trobiz info and www.newmusiccanada.com/genres/artist.cfm?Band_Id=8964 for Jorun info baby.

Troy: Thanks for the interview.
Universal Soul: Thank you

For more information on Universal Soul, check out www.usoul.com