Interview: After the Smoke

There isn't much to be said about music these days. Cookie-cutter comes to mind. But, every now and then comes a much needed breath of fresh air. Enter After the Smoke, a Tallahassee-based group compromised of a vocalist, Carmen, lyricists, Joey+, Essay Real and Whuzi, and a self-proclaimed super-producer, Speek---all of whom are songwriters. Their very distinct sound, which is likely a result of their eclectic musical tastes, doesn't fit the cookie-cutter mold. Songs like "Love Abduction" and "Go On Home" take you out of this world. A track called "Like Never Before" is one of those feel good songs, and "Dial Tone," my personal favorite, is haunting with a hook that is simple, yet infectious.

I got the opportunity to have a conversation with three of the members and it wasn't long before I realized that music, in its purest and rawest form, lives within each member of this quintet.///

Randall: Tell me and everyone who's reading this, who is After the Smoke?

Speek: We're a combination of sounds. Each of us has our own style and individuality. After the Smoke represents a fusion of those sounds--funk, soul, hip-hop and R&B--and we're not afraid of reaching out and being different.

Randall: I imagine you're a pretty tight group, but do those different styles and senses of individuality ever cause creative differences?

Carmen: You know, one might think that our differences in style would cause differences creatively, but the interesting thing about us is that because of those differences we're better. In terms of creating a song, one person has one idea and another person has another idea. We fuse those. I mean, we've never come across a time when we've had differences and we were like," Oh no! This won't work!" Whuzi's style, my voice, and all the other things fall into place.

Randall: Cool. Music is, of course, all about style. What is your first memory of music? I mean, you may have been, I don't know, five-years old and might remember hearing a particular singer or whatever and thought, "I want to do that." Whatever it may have been, when were you first introduced to music?

Speek: My mom has these vinyls of classical music, Beethoven (and others), and I'd play them because they were interesting. That's my first memory.

Whuzi: Bing Crosby. My dad used to listen to him a lot, and I can remember listening to him with my dad and singing along.

Carmen: When I hear you ask that question, I immediately think about jazz. My grandfather was a jazz musician. I'm actually named after Carmen McRae. So, I grew up around a lot of jazz music.

Randall: It may be the same answer, but who are you musical influences?

Speek: A lot of rock music influences me. Everybody from Stereolab to Radiohead to Incubus to Linkin Park. Anybody who pushes the boundaries and has no limits.

Whuzi: I'm influenced by different blends of music; old-school, funk, everything. Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, even Randy Newman.

Carmen: None of us is limited. All five of us are into all kinds of genres on different ends of the spectrum. As far as influences, I'd have to say a range of vocalists. Of course, I've got to say the big names, like Chaka Khan and Whitney, but also Amel Larrieux and Les Nubians. And, as far as MC's go, I've gotta say Lupe Fiasco and Dave Ghetto. I love them.

Randall: What do you think about the state of music as it is right now? Are you happy with it?

Whuzi: I'm not satisfied with the way music is, but at the same time I think that things play out. Things balance. Naturally the music is gonna change. It's saturated, and once things get oversaturated, something new comes and breaks that mold. So, I'm not too worried about it. Something new will eventually come out, and hopefully we'll be in it.

Carmen: We need more real singers! Singers that do it like Lisa Fischer. You know, that Luther Vandross-type singing.

Speek: As far as mainstream radio goes, I'm not impressed with the quality. I always feel like it could be better. But there are plenty of artists making really, really great music. I feel like good music is out there, it just needs to be heard.

Randall: When you say that, I think about Van Hunt as an example of someone who is making excellent music that just doesn't get played because it doesn't fit what is being played on the radio. What about you? Who do you think is not getting the recognition that they deserve?

Carmen: Chromeo. They're an eclectronic band, definitely not mainstream. But, I love them to death. That feel good stuff is underground. And hip-hop isn't dead, it's buried underground.

Whuzi: Wait for Green, another local group. They've got a good sound and a good following. I think they'd be a commercial success.

Speek: I think Van Hunt is a really good example of that. I'm really into his music, and his time is past due.

Randall: Whuzi talked earlier about the business changing "naturally," and I totally agree with that. I feel like Amy Winehouse and her retro soul sound is doing music a lot of good. Do either of you see any artists out there that are changing the landscape?

Speek: Amy Winehouse is one of those artists. I'm very happy that she's being heard and accepted. She's changing the sound of contemporary pop, and I'm definitely impressed by her work. Bits and pieces are changing, and I feel like we are a part of that.

Randall: Real quick, your favorite song right now.

Speek: Because I'm into melodies, my favorite song right now is, I'd have to say "A Flower Called Nowhere" by Stereolab.

Whuzi: Um, my favorite song? I can't think of one right now but "Bombs Over Baghdad" by Outkast is one of my favorite songs ever. Oh yeah, that Soulja Boy "Yahhh!"

Carmen: [laughs] Usher's new joint...

Randall: I didn't even know he had a new song.

Carmen: Yeah, I just heard it the other day. He's got a rap artist on it. I think it's called "In This Club." Oh! and Mary J's "Hurt Again."

Randall: What's next for ATS?

Whuzi: We have a few tracks that we're working on. We're also working with Chris & Drop who produced for Lupe's last album The Cool. And we're producing for Fonzworth Bentley. This year will see a lot of expansions with us working with a lot of people. We're trying to make a name for ourselves.

Randall: Is there an album in the works?

Speek: Well, yeah, we're working on songs and trying to get songs out to the public. We're definitely taking different avenues as far as getting our music to the next level. There's a video on the way for "Go On Home." Right now we're in the editing process.

Whuzi: Fans should look out for Essay Real's "The Return." J has an allbum coming out this month. Carmen is working on her project as well. Ultimately, our goal is to have a classic album. We put out singles to test the water. We're not looking to put an album out this second, but when we're ready the album will be there.

Randall: Sounds like a plan, but everyone knows that breaking into the music industry is so hard to do. Many try, and many fail. Why do you want to do it?

Speek: We have different reasons. As for me, it's the talent and passion for the music. It's actually going out and making sure you do what you can to be successful, to put out good music and have a message for people to connect to.

Whuzi: We're not trying to get signed. We're trying to build a business, so we, like Russell Simmons, can maintain our own music and manage ourselves. That's our agenda, and I think we're ready for the limielight.///

Agreed. Where there's smoke there's fire. For these guys, that fire is the burning passion and love for what they do. Our conversation was over the phone, but I could literally feel the twinkle in the eyes of these up-and-coming stars. So, sure, breaking into the industry is hard, but it's a lot easier when you're pretty damn good. And that's why, if that's what they want to do, this group should have no problem.

Talented and determined, bright and destined for success. Don't at all be surprised to look up and see After the Smoke sitting on top of the world when the smoke clears.


"Go On Home" Snippet


"Dial Tone" Snippet