Check out this new track, “Maniac” by R&B singer Jason Derulo featuring Auburn and produced by J.R Rotem. The track samples the original “Maniac” by Michael Sembello. Jason is keeping busy in the UK where he is currently performing for his World Tour. In a recent interview, he said “I’ll have an album coming out in July, my first single for the album will be coming out in late March. This project is totally different from the last. I’ve changed as an artist, as a singer, as a man even. You’ll definitely seen another side, so it’s definitely exciting.” We cannot wait to hear more from him!

Click Here to Listen: Jason Derulo Ft. Auburn – Maniac

The post Listen Up: Jason Derulo feat. Auburn – Maniac appeared first on BestFan Blog.

Recently Bestfan had the privilege of interviewing American songwriter Claude “Studio Beast” Kelly, who recently received his first career Grammy Award nomination in the Best R&B Song category for co-writing Fantasia’s “Bittersweet” with Charles Harmon. Known for penning numerous chart-topping hits including Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You,” Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.,”Britney Spears’ “Circus,” Jason Derulo’s “In My Head,” and Ke$ha’s “Take It Off”. Bestfan was honoured to have the opportunity to speak to such a talented singer/songwriter/producer.

(Bestfan): First and foremost, congratulations on your recent successes with the Grammy Nomination for co-writing the Fantasia record – “Bittersweet” – how do you feel?

Claude Kelly: Thank you so much! I never saw it coming. You know- whenever I write a record I don’t do the work thinking that everyone is going to love it.  So you know, seeing people buy the record and nominate the song is always an honor for me.

(Bestfan): It seems like your hard work and dedication is definitely paying off. How did this collaboration come about?

Claude Kelly: Actually I was in the studio with her. I did a couple songs on her album. We worked together on several sessions for the last few months. Fantasia and I have a good working relationship and she is an ‘open-book’ with me so luckily the last song we did before she wrapped up the album became the first single.

(Bestfan): You seem very musically inclined in all genres. Is there any genre that you prefer writing in?

Claude Kelly: Actually I love them all for different reasons. I love R&B because it’s soulful, and you can express yourself and pour out your heart. You can also be cool and clever when writing so I love R&B Music. I also love Country & Rock. I don’t necessarily have a preference. I grew up listening to all those genres in New York City. It’s really fun for me to write – so I don’t really have a favorite.

(Bestfan): You have an extensive list of artists and producers that you’ve worked with. Which musician do you feel you mesh with the best? Who do you have the most chemistry with?

Claude Kelly: Wow! Well I have chemistry with a lot of people in many different ways. I have great chemistry with Dr. Luke who I’ve done a lot of pop records with such as: Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus and most recently Flo Rida who has a current single out right now. I also have good chemistry with Akon who I’ve worked with on his previous albums as well as the most recent record ‘Hold My Hand’ which is a duet with him and Michael Jackson.

There are a bunch of other producers as well. I have great chemistry with including, Chuck Harmony who I did ‘Bittersweet’ and Chrisette Michele’s ‘Epiphany’ album with. Also, JR. Rotem who I’ve worked with on Jason Derulo. In addition, I also have an amazing chemistry with Bruno Mars. Who I co-wrote the Flo-Rida single with and also ‘Grenade’ off his debut album.

(Bestfan): Well congratulations on that ‘Grenade’ record by Bruno Mars off his debut album it seems to be getting so much love on the radio.

Claude Kelly: Well thanks, you know it’s a funny one because a lot of people said it wouldn’t work on radio because of it’s emotional capacity.I try my best to be honest with the records I write as well as talk about things that people are going through. I find it best to actually hear what an artist is going through and situations their really living.

(Bestfan): One thing that I love about your work is that you pride in making your music take the listener to a special place.  Is your writing style done in ‘freestyle?’ or do you have a certain structure and formula in the music you write?

Claude Kelly: It’s definitely in freestyle. I don’t write anything down. I usually make it up on the spot or go behind the ‘mic and make it up. I usually go with emotions first. For example when I hear someone playing the piano or guitar I sing whatever comes to mind. I usually go with my gut. Personally I feel that’s the best thing because its one ‘true’ emotion. There’s no formula really. Depending on whom the artist is I follow wherever the music takes me.

(Bestfan): You have an extensive resume of songs you have written. Is there any producers or artists coming up that you are looking out for?

Claude Kelly: Well, actually there is a bunch of artists that I’m actually excited about. Recently I’ve been working with an artist out of London/UK who goes by the name of Jessie J. She actually has an album coming out soon – she’s probably one of the best singers I’ve heard in a long, long time. There’s another artist named ‘Unique’ – he’s currently independent but he’s doing really well overseas and in Japan. There’s a lot of artists I’m excited about as well as producer wise. I’ve become in love with people who love music.

(Bestfan): Claude, it is believed that you can sing really well. What are your thoughts about taking ‘The Dream’ & ‘Ryan Leslie’ route and becoming an entertainer?

Claude Kelly: Well I actually started out as an artist when I came into the music industry. Songwriting became my back-up plan when I first started out but actually turned into my plan ‘A’. To me, being an artist is not at the forefront right now because it requires so much of your time – which I barely have right now, because I am so pre-occupied right now being a songwriter. I’m not counting it out as something I would do but right now I’m so focused on becoming a song-writer that the time I dedicate to an artist wouldn’t be enough for myself. Therefore, I feel it’s almost not fair to myself. In addition, I sing a lot of background vocals in a lot of artists’ tracks as well as I have personal input – so definitely I’ve been getting my ‘singing’ game on.

(Bestfan): Most recently, you penned the song for Michael Jackson’s (“Hold My Hand” feat. Akon). Personally I feel that is a really big feat. How did this come about?

Claude Kelly: That song actually has a really long journey. I actually wrote that record back in 2007 while working on Whitney Houston’s album. Akon initially heard the record and wanted it for himself. From there, he was actually working with Michael Jackson in Vegas and when Michael heard the record he wanted to be on it. It came from being a demo, to being a Whitney Houston record, to Akon wanting the record. Now it’s an Akon and Michael Jackson duet.  It’s been a 4-year journey for the song and it’s finally coming out now – so I’m really proud of it.

(Bestfan): Well congratulations on that record. Another favorite of mine Bruno Mars’ – Grenade has gotten a lot of love on the airwaves.  Was that a song based on a personal experience?

Claude Kelly: Well you know when me and Bruno get in the studio it’s always a good time. Working with him is a blast. We actually only had one day in the studio together when we wrote this record and we thought of an idea of something dramatic you would do for a girl to put your life on the line like ‘throwing a grenade’ or ‘jumping in front of a train’ and we just picked the best type of scenario and made it a song. It actually worked out in a cool, twisted kind of way.

(Bestfan): Bruno is a very talented guy, how did you guys meet?

Claude Kelly: We actually met through friends in the industry. Matter of fact, we worked on a song together before we even met called ‘Who Dat Girl’ off of Flo Rida’s album. We were actually supposed to link up for a while but luckily we were in the same town and had the same free time so we actually connected in the studio and made ‘Grenade’ which came out really, really well.

(Bestfan): Many producers and musicians tend not to dab into the business side of the industry. Are there any future plans that you have for the ‘Claude Kelly’ brand? What may we see in the near future?

Claude Kelly: I’m definitely in the process of bringing out artists of my own and putting a stamp on things. I’m also looking into bringing out my brand and the style of artists I work with and bring out. It’s definitely a process but I’m looking into having people look at me as the ‘man’ behind the product. I really want to ‘flex my muscles’ more and show people I’m more of a pop writer, but I can also write R&B, country music and other genres. I’d like to dip more into the artist development side as well and bring out artists who I feel have potential to be something great – You’ll definitely see my brand develop in the next coming years.

Bestfan Quick Q’s

Who’s your favorite actor and actress?

Meryl Streep & Robert De Niro.

Favorite place to travel?

Costa Rica

Backstreet Boys or Spice Girls?

Backstreet Boys

Soca music or Reggae?

Reggae, I’m Jamaican.

Blackberry or IPhone?

Blackberry.

What is your favorite book?

The Alchemist.

-End of Interview-

www.claudekellyonline.com

www.twitter.com/claudekelly

The post Bestfan Exclusive: Interview With Claude Kelly appeared first on BestFan Blog.