CAROLE SYLVAN – A SOUL TO SOUL INTERVIEW
Carole Sylvan just released her new, full length, 10-song album called “Love,” with 2016 New England Music Award winning Producer of the Year Vic Steffens at the helm. The album contains a collection of originals, along with a few soulful renditions of some great covers. “Love,” has gotten a fair amount of hype for the short period of time it has been commercially available, which is not surprising considering Carole Sylvan’s extensive career as a vocalist.
As a recording artist, Carole scored a Top Ten Billboard dance hit in 2009 with her breakout single titled “Just Doin’ What We Love,” which was produced by mix masters Mike Rosenman and Mike Hacker. Ms. Sylvan has also enjoyed international success with her dance songs, “Come Go With Me,” and “Caught Up,” with Angels of Love as one of Italy’s favorite dance recording artists. In 1995, Mix Magazine voted Carole’s song, “Look Ahead,” Best Record of the Year. She has performed all over the world and recorded with C&C Music Factory, Change, Aaron Neville, Peabo Bryson, Pet Shop Boys, Simply Red, Toni Braxton, Rupaul, Eddie Murphy, Lionel Richie, Ben E King, James Ingram, Melba Moore, Musique, Change, Dan Aykroyd, The Weather Girls, Brandy, Gloria Lynn, Diane Schuur, Natalie Cole,
Jennifer Holiday, Charlie Karp, Patti LaBelle and many more. Ms. Sylvan performed vocals on Multi-Platinum song U2’s Rattle and Hum, as well as other movie soundtracks and commercials.
I was fortunate to be able to catch up with Carole to talk a bit about some of the awesome things she has done, and some of the great artists she has worked with over her career.
RD– Hi Carole, thanks for sitting down with me today to talk about your amazing career, and the remarkable album you just released. The first question I ask everyone is- What made you get involved with music?
CS– For me, it was the way it made me feel. It was how it connected with my emotions, especially the human voice. It has so many colors for every expression we have.
RD– How did “Love,” come full circle?
CS– That’s a hard question. I didn’t plan it, and I wasn’t looking for it. God just planted it at my feet. I first worked with the great Charlie Karp. We did a gig together for a band that does fundraisers. Then he asked me to do a memorial for a friend of his. After that he kept calling, and I kept answering. I met Rafe Klein through Charlie. They had written, “Love to Love,” and asked me to come up and record it. I had a ball doing it. Then the other songs just fell in. The last song I did with Charlie was, “I Still Love You Anyway.”
RD– What is your favorite song on the album, and which song did you have the most fun recording?
CS– That is also a hard question to answer, depending on my mood. I’ll venture to say, “I Still Love You Anyway,” is my favorite right now. The most fun song is a draw between, “What Do You Call It,” and “Only One Around.”
RD– What was it like working with producer Vic Steffens?
CS– Vic is a singer’s producer. I would throw an idea out there and he knew what I was thinking. He knows how to guide a singer into a great performance. He also encouraged me to build my confidence in what we were doing.
RD– Who would you say your biggest musical influence is?
CS– I have many, but first, my father. He introduced me to all types of music, and he could sing. He had a beautiful baritone voice. His forte was jazz, which I love and teach. I also sing with a jazz band. My first voice teacher introduced me to classical music, another love. She took me to see Leontyne Price at the Met. At the end of the performance she asked me, “So what do you want to do?” I said, “I want to be like you.”
RD– Out of all the artists you have worked with, which one had the biggest impact on your career?
CS-Bill Curtis and the Fatback Band! He respected me as a singer, but also encouraged me to write songs, which I have done a lot of since we met. Also, it was with Bill that I earned my first Gold Record. I’ve written R&B and house music in the past.
RD– Any advice to musicians who are just starting their journey in this industry?
CS– This is the advice that was given to me- work hard, be humble, and if you can’t be the best, surround yourself with those who are. It will rub off. Don’t look for fame; it’s fleeting. Have a good reputation and you’ll always work. And finally, live clean. You’ll last a long time.
Carole Sylvan will be performing at 10Selden in Woodbridge, Ct. with The Name Droppers on Saturday, May 29th at 7PM
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To learn more about Carole Sylvan, check out her Discogs Page
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Purchase: Amazon
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