Media Spolight

07 April, 2009 by Jasdeep Kundi

Interview with Richard Etienne
Photography by Adeyinka Adepitan

As this was my first interview for the I Feel Experience, I was quite nervous and to be honest I really didn't know what was expected of me. However, when I got to the location in Elephant and Castle south London, which was simply a local Weatherspoons I thought to myself 'hey it's just a regular pub, it'll be fine!' I made my way in to find Richard and the rest of the IFE team.

When meeting Richard I could instantly see he was a really friendly and funny person and I knew this is going to be a great interview. We had a fair amount of casual conversation before I began. Since Richard was such a down to earth guy it made me feel at ease and I felt very comfortable proceeding with the interview.

It was like a role reversal as I obviously needed to ask the first question but Richard kindly broke the ice by asking me about my journey. Being a budding new journalist and having done my research on Richard I knew a little about his background in journalism I wanted to know how it all started for him, so we began.

How did you get into journalism?

I got into journalism by writing reviews for CD's, I brought them myself and wrote for myself really. Then other people started reading them and one of my friends, was like raaahhh these are pretty good!

How did you get people to read your reviews, did you put them online or was it through specific contacts?

I just e-mailed them to friends and family. There's usually one special person that you know in your circle who knows someone through music professionally. One thing I've learnt is always contact the right people and don't let your talents go to waste. I love to write I also wrote poetry and I still do.

I could totally relate to Richard as I also currently work with Urban Development as part of the UD Vocal Collective, I sing and write my own songs. During my research I realised that Richard and I had more in common than I first thought, we shared the some of the same industry contacts, which also highlighted to me what a small industry we actually have in the UK.

I was on your myspace and saw that you know the top urban record producer Fusion, what relation is he to you?

Fusion, I've known him for a very long time, he also started off in journalism and is a very good friend of mine. He has helped me with my career and put me in touch with some the right people. Networking with people in your industry is important. He's always wanted the best for me and I am very lucky to have him in my life as he pushes me to do well and he has great faith in me.

Through networking I have gone on to write for various magazines and now write for myspace the hook-up. There is definitely something to be said about finding out about your talents and building strong contacts and relationships within your industry. I have now built strong relationships with all of them.

My next question is about your education. Did you go to university and did you study anything in relation to journalism or media to get where you are?

I have always been good at English and I didn't go to university to study it. It was through my writing that I got ahead. I'm a very creative person and I have a strong passion for writing. I love it.

Richard also owns his own fashion line L.B Apparel with the very distinctive slogan No Days Off. So I had to ask...

No days of from work..? What motivates you, what gets you up in the mornings?

Umm... knowing that I'm having a good breakfast. I love pancakes and I love work! No REST days that's my motto! I love working!

What is your goal, objective and sole purpose in life?

To inspire other people and to do good. I have been well looked after through my career and I want to return the favour.

Who would you say is your role model from the music industry that is actually within your reach?

Fusion is an excellent inspiration to me. He genuinely cares and has helped unleashed my talents, he has had a great amount of faith in me. Also my dad (R.I.P.), he always pushed me and had a lot of patience, which is always a good thing. My dad never put a boundary around my art... he just pushed me to do more and more. He saw my talent and pushed me in the right direction and I always had the support I needed to excel.

What inspires you to write?

I receive inspiration through other music and artists collectively. I love music and I love other artists' work that is unique and different. I really enjoy meeting new people and networking.

How would you give readers inspiration and tips to get ahead?

Being true to yourself, as you definitely don't need to copy anyone, otherwise your work will not be original and originality is key. It is also all about who you know in this industry so go to as many networking things and build a good solid networking base.

Look at the relevant companies that are around and see what kind of new things and new ideas you can bring to the table. See if their website needs a blog or event needs a different venue, if you can go to these companies with new innovative ideas that make money then you might be able to get through. Aim high, go the head of the company and keep badgering them with new ideas. To get to the top is very hard but it is possible to make it in your own way through innovative new concepts and ideas.

Interviewing Richard was great, before my time was up there were a few more questions that I wanted to get through. Being the lover of music that he is and an artist in his own right, (also known as L.B) I wanted to find out a bit more about his musical tastes and what the future holds.

What kind of music are you into and who would you to a duet with male and female?

I like anything that makes me get up and dance. If I were to collaborate with a female artist it would have to Beyonce. I know it sounds cliched but she is amazing and she is often in the top 3 or top 5 of the charts across the world. The girls everywhere and there's no escaping her, which is fantastic. If it was a male artist it would have to be Busta Rhymes he's so animated, so full of energy and I would love to work with him.

It was an absolutely amazing interview with Richard, he is a fun-loving, charismatic person and so easy to get along with. He his definitely a man on a mission and will go far. Now moving on to acting and soon to be appearing in an up-coming movie called G-love. I just hope he remembers me when he's jet setting signing autographs.