FSD: Where could these tapes be purchased? How did they circulate around the city?
The Twilite Tone: These tapes were not for purchase, actually. I used to give them to a few friends and they organically would be “dubbed” and circulated amongst friends until the degrees of separation became more and more widespread.
FSD: Would you ever consider re-releasing these? Do they exist anywhere?
The Twilite Tone: If I possessed these tapes, yes I would re-release them. However, I just released a new Twilite Tone Tape entitled “MOMENT BY MOMENT”[enJOY the JOURNEY]
FSD: Rumor has it you were once going to sign with Diddy and Bad Boy in the late-90s. Was there any truth to that?
The Twilite Tone: The rumor surrounding Diddy and Bad Boy was that he/they were seeking me out because of the line in the song “Can-I-Bust” where I say “Call me Sean cause with the Penn I been a Bad Boy” which in fact was prior to any knowledge I had of the label. I actually was alluding to Sean Penn in the movie entitled Bad Boy. Beyond that, I have no knowledge of Diddy wanting to sign me. Although, that would have been very interesting and full of unique possibilities had that taken place
FSD: You’ve never stopped DJing. How important do you think DJing is when you’re also a producer?
The Twilite Tone: Right again. I still DJ to this day using vinyl. DJing is very important to being a producer, because you have direct connection to the people you are ultimately serving. You learn what moves and inspires them without pondering and a bunch of philosophy. If you look throughout history, since the invention of the DJ using the turntable, they have served to be some of the most influential producers in music.
FSD: You’ve been DJing for a very long time. What are your thoughts on the “double click” DJs. As in guys who just get up there and play music out of iTunes or have no formal training?
The Twilite Tone: Honestly, the so-called “double click DJs” and guys who supposedly just get up there and play music out of iTunes with no formal training are not doing anything wrong. It just is what it is. I really have no opinion or insight on that point of view as it is not my point of view. I just look at DJing and music differently. That doesn’t mean my point of view is better, or even right. It’s just my point of view.
FSD: What are your thoughts on the current state of Chicago Hip-Hop? As far as new artists like Chance The Rapper and Chief Keef, or the Drill scene?
The Twilite Tone: Honestly, my thoughts on Chicago Hip-Hop are that I am happy with any authentic forms of creativity despite what it is categorized as or where it comes from. Chance is dope. Chief Keef represents a voice that needs to be heard, and the Drill scene is just a scene that is real. These brothers and sisters just put a soundtrack to it.
FSD: What’s coming up for Twilite Tone in 2014?
The Twilite Tone: What’s coming from The Twilite Tone in 2014, to be honest with you, is me constantly creating and opening up new possibilities in music, art, so-called fashion/style, and multimedia; through my efforts as a producer, singer-songwriter, artist, master of ceremonies, DJ, musical director, cultural leader and renaissance man of lifestyle