LU: In 2008 you were quoted saying you wanted to stretch out creatively from the confines of R&B, where do you find the inspiration to write songs like “Party In The USA” and” Life Would Suck Without You”?
CK: The misconception is that I’m “trying to stretch out” to write pop/rock. That’s misleading. I grew up listening to and LOVING all kinds of music. I don’t need to “stretch out” or fake writing pop, rock, classical, R&B, hip-hop, jazz. I don’t switch it up for any reason other than I KNOW how to write them all. I’m comfortable writing melodies and lyrics in all these genres because they are all a part of me. I hear them all in my mind. Frankly, I get bored if I’m forced to stay in one box for too long. “My Life Would Suck Without You” & “Party in the USA” are the result of how we were feeling on that day. Both are fun, energetic, pop songs. Like many of the amazing pop songs I grew up on. “Blame It On Me” (Chrisette Michele), “Bittersweet” (Fantasia), & “Echo” (R.Kelly) are the result of the heartfelt soulful music I heard growing up too.
LU: What music do you remember your parents playing in the house and at family functions?
CK: My mother is a huge fan of music. Bob Marley was always on. I remember hearing a lot of Motown too – The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations. She is also a very spiritual person, so hymns were big in my house. There was a rule that a radio needed to be on in every room. So we had the light rock station going in the bathroom; Classic soul in the kitchen; Her favorite albums on the stereo in the living room. And of course I was playing the fresh young stuff in my room – Hot97, Z100 and watching MTV & BET.
LU: How do you think being from a Jamaican background affects your writing? You do have a line saying “ring the alarm” on “For Your Enjoyment” that you wrote for (of all people) Adam Lambert. Any connection?
CK: My Jamaican background definitely affects my writing. I grew up listening to the classics. Reggae is soul music; FEEL it as soon as it comes on. There is ALWAYS a message in it. That is what all music should do. That’s all I want my music to do…MOVE people. Make them dance, think, smile, wake up, open their eyes, cry sometimes, love harder, leave someone if necessary. I’m so grateful for my heritage. Jamaica is a small island with a BIG personality. We are strong, courageous, bold, colorful, proud, emotional, hard working, and lovers of life. You can hear all of that in my music, I think.
LU: What’s your advice to ambitious songwriters trying to get in the game?
CK: My advice to songwriters is to study! You can never know enough music. The bigger the library in your mind, the more you will have to draw from. Learn to love all types of songs, voices, and styles. You never know when you will need to use that information.
Don’t let one “no” stop you. If you have a gift, the “no’s” will eventually turn into “yeses”. The music business is about perseverance…not just talent. Always be on time for meetings. Wasting someone’s time is the biggest insult you can give someone.
LU: What’s next for Claude Kelly? (Other than our big plans for your Whitney Houston / Beres Hammond combination song!!!)
CK: As for what’s next for me: I have new songs coming out with Christina Aguilera, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, David Cook, David Archuleta. As well as songs featured in the movies Sex & The City 2, and Burlesque (a movie starring Cher, Christina, & Stanley Tucci). Oh, and regarding your master plan for a Whitney/ Beres duet…I LOVE Beres Hammond! “Tempted to Touch” is a classic! I’m Not sure Whitney is aware of his greatness. I’ll make sure to relay the message! HAHA!