Author: Thomas A. Warren Jr.
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
I was ready!! Despite a long and grueling day of business, I was excited
to finally speak with Tonex. Pronounced Tonex, his first commercial
release, has been a hot item of conversation since its release.
However, my excitement was dampered due to the singer's busy schedule
and I had to wait a little longer than I had anticipated. This is
understandable since there are so many people dying for his attention.
I'd have to take my place in line.
Then when my turn finally came up, I expected to find him hurried and
flustered. To the contrary, Tonex was pleasant and rather reserved. He
was relaxed and tempered and the interview proceeded without formality.
Manhunt: Okay, before we start, I am leaving the professional stuff
alone and we are just gonna vibe.
Tonex: That's cool. Cool with me.
M: So why Tonex?
T: Well it is short for Anthony. I originally spelled it T-O-N-E. But
the R&B group Tony, Tone, Toni came out and I wanted to change it. God
told me to add an X. Why? Because we are all x-something. It isn't
pronounced and in keeping, whatever we are an 'x' to is a part of us but
no longer heard of in our lives.
M: So who were some of your early influences?
T: Ironically, I was heavily influenced by traditional gospel artist.
Walter Hawkins "Love Alive" ( Light Records 1975) - I can still
remember playing him on vinyl.
M: True. My first gospel album was the Clark Sisters "You Brought The
Sunshine". They had those chiffon flowing dresses on the cover
T: Yeah, with those flowers stuck in their heads. (laughing)
M: Yep. Those girls are the baddest. That was then. What about now? Who
are you feeling?
T: I am really feeling Jill Scott. I just like her flow and the way she
has approached her album and artistry.
M: So what's up with all the controversy surrounding your look and
sound.
T: Well this is who I am and have evolved to be. I believe God loves me
and loves me for the creative person that I am. I've always dressed
differently. When everybody was wearing Cross Colours, I was picking out
things from vintage stores. Thrift gear was my choice; its OK to have
some trendy things, but my wardrobe will never be all of what's 'in'
because then I'll look like everyone else. I think a lot of the
controversy stems from the fact that I am a twenty-five year old Black
man. If I was White and dressed like this, it would not have drawn so
much skepticism.
M: That's true.
T: It is important for my personal creativity to be matched by my image.
M: So with all this creativity, why did you choose a solo career as
opposed to a group or choir?
T: Well I have a number of projects that I am involved in. But I really
didn't want the "and the" type emergence - John P. Kee and the.....
Hezekiah Walker and the... There were elements of Tonex that required
individuality in its representation, so I needed to kind of do that
first.
M: Personally, I don't feel that there is much difference between the
gospel and secular recording sectors. And any difference that will exist
is left for the artist to define - we can represent Christ or not. What
is your take on the industry and how you wanted to come on the scene?
T: I agree. I think that gospel is playing a catch up game with its
counter parts. Musically, we are ahead of the game because the sound of
the pop and R&B are derived from what we hear in the church. And many
artists have their roots in the church. But in terms of foresight,
promotions and marketing, we are lagging. When I was making this
transition, it was important for me to feed my base - the Church. I
wanted the consumer to know what I stand for so that when I go to the
next level, it would be easier understood.
M:That's good because they can tell where you fit.
T: Well I actually don't fit into any existing mold in the gospel
segment. And my God given message doesn't fit with the secular set. So I
am introducing a new genre of music. Nureau is a diverse and varied
sound of music influenced by a combination of existing genres. I've had
this revelation since I was sixteen years old and it is now getting big
attention, with the surfacing of other groups who don't quite fit the
mold of gospel music. It is indicative of its place on a new row in the
record stores, new row in the industry, new row in the church.
M: So this is going to be the next form of gospel. We have Gospel
Hip-Hop, R&P gospel and now Gospel Nureau.
T: No. Nurea will not be a type of gospel per say, but will be a new
music genre. Jazz, R&B, Classical, Hip-Hop, Nureau.
M: Okay. So is this the type of innovation you want to bring to the
scene?
T: Yes. When people look back on the 21st Century, I want them to see
that I helped to advance the industry. It's about taking risk and blows
for what I believe in. That's what a pioneer does; they put themselves
out on a limb to make a difference.
M: So as it stands, what do you like to do most - sing or produce?
T: Mmmm, produce. I like working with the underdogs, the talented
artists who were not marketed properly or who are looking to establish
themselves.
M: Was this the case with Nancey Jackson? I personally don't feel that
she has reached her potential listeners because she has not been
marketed to the fullest.
T: This is true. Nancey Jackson is one the most talented people I have
ever worked with and has a lot to offer.
M: So do you ever get discouraged? Do you get those times when you feel
like you can't do it? I just think that people need to know this side of
artists - the real. It's not always as pretty as it looks.
T: Yes I do get discouraged. It's like I've been sitting on the bench
asking the coach to put me in. And now I am in and I'm playing and I
have to run the plays as best I can. I have to seek God everyday on how
I should handle my career, my family, my label. I had to come to grips
with the loss of privacy and the busy schedule. I have to deal with
prosperity as a child of God.
I ask myself "Do you really realize what you are getting into?". And
after years of disappointment, to see things finally materialize can be
overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I can't do it. I have to go home to
find peace; no keyboards, no studio, just peace. And despite whether I
want them to or not, there are going to be people who try to model
themselves after me or people who look to emulate me. That in itself is
a lot. But like I said, I go to God for direction.
M: Okay, so who would you like to work with.
T: On the gospel side, I'd like to work with Shirley Caesar; it would be
interesting to see what would come out of her being in my world. Lauryn
Hill, Missy Elliott, Stevie Wonder and Prince are other artists I'd like
to work with.
M: Well its been a pleasure and thank you for your candor. This has been
very enlightening and I am glad the readers will get the opportunity to
see a part of the real you.
T: It's been my pleasure man. And thank you for the opportunity.
