Front Page
US Interviews
Special Features
Nightclubs
Events + Concerts
Album Reviews
Games
Music Videos
Chat Room

Interview Archive

By Keya Modessa

Who’s that girl? Was the question on many peoples mind late last year, after the song ‘Drawing Board’ was heard playing through the speakers of radios across the nation. It turned out that the buzz on the street and the name on everyone’s lips, belong to a savvy young lady by the name of Terri Walker.

Signed to ‘Def Soul Records UK’, 23 year old Terri, is the latest talent to emerge from our very own, home grown soil. Hailed as this years biggest female newcomer, Terri debut live's up to the hype. The Guardian described her as a, 'Striking old soul-diva, posing and singing with 21st-century knowingness.'

Listening to her 14 track disc, ‘Untitled’, Terry’s influences are apparent. Whilst compared to old school artists like Patti Labelle and Aretha Franklin, she has been able to bring a contemporary feel and freshness to her music, gaining a neo classic soul sound similar to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. "I don’t categorise my music. Like people say, oh she sounds like ‘Erykah Badu’ or ‘she is neo soul’ and they are doing that already (Sorry)."

Unlike many urban albums, ‘Untitled’ does not feature a whole host of big name producers and artists. With the exception of producer Warren Campbell (of Mary, Mary Fame) and the appearance of ‘Mos Def’, on the track, ‘Guess You didn’t Love Me’, Terri pretty much takes care of business herself. Stand out tracks include; ‘It’s All Good’, ‘Love You For Life, 'Dirty Weekend' and 'Ching-Ching' which Terri calls "the cheesiest track on her album". Then there is the minute long interlude (7), ‘Deutschland’, sung entirely in German. To understand how this track manifested, a look into Terri's past is required.

"I moved to Germany when I was 4. I went there because my mum married a German guy." Whilst terry grew up in Germany, she continued her studies in the UK, attending a boarding school where she began to study and sing opera. "Training to sing Opera helped in my breathing to sing and it was a useful skill to learn." At seventeen she moved back to the UK permanently to study at Britain’s oldest school of performing arts, 'The Italia Conti School.' Renowned throughout the world as a training centre of excellence and boasting a series of celebrity students, including super model Naomi Campbell, and East Enders sweetheart Martine McCutcheon a then itching Terry left after just one year, to pursue her musical career.

Unable to secure a record deal, Terri, begun working indepently, singing vocals for garage artists such as, 187 Lockdown, TNT (on the irresistible beats and shifty rhythms of 'Easy Lovin You') and Shanks and Bigfoot, on 'Singalong'. Eventually she met up with producers James Yarde, Sammy Jay and Amber Rene of Xosa entertainment. It was then that Terri found the soul-bearing sound that has shaped her music today.

Traveling to LA to record some demo tracks, Terri returned to the UK, continuing her attempts at landing a deal. "I tried to break a record deal in the UK but it just didn't work out. It's because of the whole manufactured thing. They (the record industry) want to make quick money, so if they don't understand something or if they think there's not a large market for it, they're reluctant to sign you. But I’m seeing groups like BLUE, doing cover versions of songs like ‘Too Close’ (originally sung by US R&B trio NEXT) and they’re bringing the R&B element into the UK pop scene, so things are slowly changing."

Receiving her demo tapes from L.A, months later, Terri's management in the UK sent the recordings to different record label's in the states, who begun to show interest, many of whom requested to see her. "We were supposed to fly out on Sept 13th 2001, but then 9/11 happened so it was all delayed. Def Jam were one of the labels who we had sent my demo to and they contacted their UK offices who got in contact with me and signed me to Def Soul UK."

In between signing her record deal and releasing her first single, this fresh-faced singer, performed as part of Philadelphia’s Black Lily talent showcase, alongside Julie Dexter, Jazzyfatnastees and The Roots. She also performed at London's stylish Jazz Café, which she considers the highlight of her career. "Performing that night was my first solo concert. I sang eight songs and people knew the words to my songs. That was amazing, because I know who has performed there before me."

Terri has the voice and character to make a huge impact on the urban music scene. Her debut is a rich array of songs in which the music frames her voice perfectly. Her progressive style differs from traditional soul or R&B music, retaining a uniquely British flavour, whilst demonstrating her willingness to challenge musical orthodoxy. So why the name 'Untitled' for her album. According to Terri, "It’s like when you go to an art gallery and see a piece of work called 'Untitled'. That’s how I want people to see my work. I want them to judge for themselves and make up their own minds."

A soul diva in the making she may well be, Ms. Walker knows only too well how short-lived success can be. While the Americans, on on one hand, can sing praise to a never-ending supply of artists that we are all too familiar, the Brits have stuggled to maintain longevity. "I know slowly people are going to be thinking 'your representing us' and it's a great honour to have but, at the same time it sets you up for a fall as well. It's all quite scary because you only get one chance."

Having released a fantastic debut, Terri, I am sure is here to stay. Her plans for the future, "I’m gonna be doing my new album soon. The next one will be a bit more serious. I've grown up since writing some of my original material and I've seen alot of things that I would like to write and sing about."

Ladies and gentleman put your hands together and give a warm welcome to Miss. Terri Walker.

The album, 'Untitled' is out now
Single - Drawing Board - Out Now

Related Links:
www.terriwalker.com