By: Leilani
This issue was very important and special to me. Some say that the Bay Area has a curse on it in terms of our entertainment and entertainers. Maybe it does or maybe it doesnt! What I do know is we have a lot of slept on talent and this talent has decided to not be overlooked on any longer. In my search for our cover story, I couldnt deny this artist his chance to shine! Rob Bess has definitely brought the sexy back with his swag, old school lyrics, big band sound and mesmerizing performances! What I respect most about Rob Bess is his dedication and love for making great music! Between studio sessions, producing other artist and performing, we were able to catch up with this multi-talented musician. Join me as we introduce the next rising superstar from the Bay Area Mr. Rob Bess!
Rob Bess: I am blessed. Things are moving really smooth and the outlook is great.
Leilani: Tell us about your project?
Rob Bess:Well my newly released album is entitled Up Temple. It has a smooth laid-back R&B type of vibe. Folks in my camp have nicknamed it Grown and Sexy music. I kind of like that LOL. I worked for a couple of years with several other producers along with myself and I think I have put together a nice album that gets you in a groove and keeps you there.
Leilani: How long have you been singing and who has been some of your influences?
Rob Bess: Well I have really been singing all my life, in talent shows at school and around the house, but I started in church. Looking back on it, going to church at a young age let me know what life was really about! Well one of my biggest influences has been Toni Toney Tone; coming from the Bay Area they kind of set a standard for R&B from this side of town. But there has been a lot of great music, musicians and artists that have come from this area people like; Too Short, Maze, Hammer, Tupac, En Vogue and the list goes on and on. There is also a lot of new talent coming out of the Bay Area; the R&B scene is flourishing right now.
Leilani: What do you think about the music industry now verses back in the day when you had heavy hitters like Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway etc?
Rob Bess:
Well a lot has changed. It used to be all about bands and original sound. Just think you would have 7 or 8 musicians all working together to make a song. Now it is like let me power up my computer and make some beats. It used to be about making music; I think we miss that in todays industry. I wonder when we look back in 20 years how many of todays songs will we still be singing? Inquiring minds want to know LOL... So I am taking things back to the old school with the straight band feel...When you listen to Donnie and Marvin you feel the music, and you feel the lyrics. That is what I am trying to recapture with a present day sound.
Leilani: Tell us about some of the folks and producers you have worked with? Is there anyone you would like to work with? Rob Bess: Most of the work on this album was done in house within Divine ENT. But we have several other producers on this album that I collaborated with. Of course I would love to work with all the big names, but I realize I have to make a name for myself before I can try to ascend to those heights. But I would love to do some production with Mary J, or Alicia Keys, they both have that 70s feel in their music.
Leilani: Is there anything else you would like to do in this industry?
Rob Bess:Well our tagline for Divine ENT is making a Difference for the Future. So as the VP of Artist Development I look forward to working with younger artists and helping them perfect their craft. I believe my real ability to make a change will come through how I help others. There is an entire generation out there that needs a change in the world so that they can see that they too can succeed.
Leilani: For many artists that are trying to break in this industry, what has it been like for you and whats your advice to them?
Rob Bess: Believe in yourself and know what the game is about. Industry rule #4080 you know the rest. I advise anybody trying to forge a career in the entertainment industry to have their eyes wide open. I know first hand about the way the game works in music. I suggest you find a good camp, surround yourself with people that think like you and have the same goals. Get yourself around people that have achieved what youre trying to do and soak in the game. Always keep your heart in it, because no heart no results!!
Leilani: Has there been anything a fan has done for you that really touched your heart?
Rob Bess: One time a group of Kats came up to me after a show and said they were feeling what I was doing man. It made me feel like I had really reached them, and gave me confidence that I can do what ever I set my mind to do. I asked those kats so what did you get from the performance? They all said, If we believe in what we are doing anything can happen. That made me feel great because thats what it is about uplifting people. So that was a memorable day for me and it showed me I was on the right track.
Leilani: In your opinion, obviously talent isn't just enough to make it in this business! What do you think it will take to make it and have longevity in this business?
Rob Bess: The only way 2 have longevity in this business is to study the business!!! This business is cut throat but the good thing is there are outlets where you can succeed if you never give up. Just like this magazine is an outlet, introducing new artists to a new group of potential fans. But you got to put the work in and get a team together with 1 goal and stay focus on the business at hand using that formula.
Leilani: In your CD player, home or car, whom are you currently playing?
Rob Bess: Im knockin old school tribe call quest write know...them fools were off the hook!!! Benita Appelbaum you gotta put me on! LOL
Leilani: For the ladies: What's Rob Bess really like?
Rob Bess: If a female fan wanted to approach you, what would catch your attention? What would be a turn off? I like a lady that knows herself, is confident, and self-sufficient. She needs to have her own thing going on. I wouldnt approach a female if I had nothing to bring to the table....and a turn off is FAKE, a woman trying to be what she thinks a man wants and not being herself. I dont mess with Fakers!
Leilani: Where can fans reach out to you at to find out about upcoming performances etc.at?
Rob Bess: You can always go to: www.divineentmusic.com. I am on Myspace/Facebook/Twitter. Man if it is out there I am trying to be on it!
Leilani: Any shout outs?
Rob Bess: Id like to give shout outs to my camp Divine CEO and my best friend since the 3rd grade Damon Pierson, Project Manager Emare Butler, and Head of Internet Marketing and Roshanne Pierson. Big shouts to my boy Gary knockin hard in Texas right now dont sleep on him. My videographer Ansar Mohammed and my industry partner THatter he is doing big things in the Bay!
There you have it straight from the press! If you dont have his CD, I suggest you get one quick! If you havent seen him perform, be sure to check his website for performance updates and check him out! I wanted to thank Rob and his team Damon Pierson, Divine Entertainment for rapping a taste with my audience. Youre always welcomed back! Continued success!
Team: Special Thanks
Photographer: Mastahn Fanaka
Image Consultant: TD Wilson
Artistic Creative Consultant: Kami Boyd
Graphics: JL Connections
