JOHN FAYE

John Faye is a recording artist, producer, mentor, open mic host, and recently retired songwriting professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He has seen the music industry from every conceivable angle - from the heights of major label excess to the trenches of DIY guerrilla warfare. His various musical iterations - the Caulfields, IKE, John Faye Power Trip, John & Brittany, and his solo work - have yielded over 150 recorded songs (8+ hours of music), song placements in film and television, substantial commercial and satellite radio airplay. For more details on John, go to: John Faye

Here is our interview:

Interview with Musician John Faye

Koffee Brown: Familiar Name, But New Music and Memories In the Making 

Authored By: Cindy Mich

It’s been twenty-three years since Koffee Brown has released a new project. The duo is coming back out and Ryan Lane is their new male member. Koffee Brown truly wants to give the fans a taste of old school R&B male/female sound. They are excited to back out singing on stages, and I am excited to talk to them! 

 

It has been twenty-three years since you have released new music. Because that is a bit of time, how do you get back into the swing of things so as to create sensational new tracks? Further, the music industry as a whole has experienced some major shifts in the last two decades. Do you feel that you will be able to grab new fan bases with your new sound and structure? 

Our recording process is pretty organic. We just go off what feels good and what we want to speak about from a musical standpoint. Even though a lot has changed over time, we still keep the essence of Koffee Brown, and that is expressing love while having a good time. I am sure we would have no problem grabbing our old fans back and getting new ones. If you love good music, you will love what we bring.  

For those unaware, you are from the NY/NJ area. Talk to your readers a bit about being a musician in the Big Apple. I imagine there is much competition for bookings; P2P scenarios in particular venues, and have they clamped down on subway performances?

Yes, we are both from the NY/NJ area. Living in the big Apple is the city of dreams with lots of opportunities. I am sure it is very competitive, but we created a lane of our own and we focus on that. An R&B duo has not been done in so long, so we ae preparing to reclaim our spot. We will be touring not only in the Tri-State area, but all over the world.  

Vee, tell me about the adjustments that are necessary when you start creating with a new musical partner. Are there certain elements that you carry forward from your days with Fonz, or this is a totally new recreation? Likewise, for you Ryan, when you walked into this - were you worried that fans would not take well to a different musician in Koffee Brown? Rayn, give us a bit of background on your history in music. 

 
Good Question. No, I was not worried at all, but I knew I had big shoes to fill. People are going to always have opinions, and especially when it comes to a replacement in a group. However,    I am focused on what I bring to the Koffee Brown legacy. I have been traveling and performing for years, so I know that my artistry will shine through. Koffee Brown will pick up right where we left off.  

   

Some have indicated that your music is best described as neo-soul, which is a less conventional and more experimental sound than R & B. Would you describe your sound as such? Also, in today's culture, from whom do you derive your musical inspiration? 

I don’t know if I would call it neo-soul, but I would say that it was the master mind of KayGee. He has a thing for creating amazing and timeless music that just makes you feels good. In today’s climate we are going to bring back that feeling to music.  

  

Walk me through your typical process for songwriting (assuming you have some sort of routine). Moreover, is this a team effort, or is one of you the lead as to lyrics? 

It is definitely a team effort, We base the music on both our vibe and what the track is saying to us. Ryan comes up with a melody idea, and then we exchange words that come from both a male and female prospective. It just floats from there. It is just a conversation we have together or with friends. We focus on keeping the situations real and relatable to the people.  

  

In watching you perform together, you give off such a mutual admiration for each other. You inject such excitement and energy into a room. Does this come naturally, or did this require some practice and planning as to stage performance? 

Performing with each other is absolutely natural. We vibe off of each other while doing what we love to do.  

Finally, what can we expect from Koffee Brown in 2024?   

You can expect "FIRE" from Koffee Brown. Seriously, new fans can expect a great vibe. Audiences will be able to relate and identify with what we are talking about and feel all the emotions that come along with listening.  

To learn more, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@KoffeeBrownMusic/ 

RCC Is Revolutionizing Music With Their Remarkable Melodies  

Authored By: Cindy Mich

RCC is a dynamic musical group specializing in original R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop. This power duo brings a unique blend of familial harmony and industry prowess to the forefront. Adding to their accolades, RCC has shared the stage with mainstream artists such as Soulja Boy, Yolanda Adams, Jacquees, PnB Rock, Lil Flip, 50 Cent, Luniz, The Outlaws, Jeezy, Trina, and Too Short. Their song "Stuck" claimed the number one spot on Power 98.3's request list in 2022, surpassing even Doja Cat. This versatile group has left an indelible mark on the music scene, and I was thrilled to have some time to speak with them. 

 

1. To commence, I see that you are all siblings working together to make music. Some studies indicate that this helps foster relationships, while others say that it can tear a family apart. So, I must ask - how do you handle creative differences or bad days? Further, as musicians who collaborate, do each of you bring something different to the musical table that the others do not offer? 

We handle creative differences by always considering the best idea, but, when necessary, we take a vote. Since there are three of us, there is never a tie, which helps in making clear decisions. When it comes to music, we are open to different ideas and perspectives, which allows the creative process to flow smoothly. The biggest challenge is not usually about writing or music, but more about choosing outfits for performances. Each of us has a unique vision, and sometimes those styles do not align. To resolve this, we pick a base color and allow each person to put their own twist on it. 

Each of us brings something different to the table musically. Reatch started in rap, hip-hop, and R&B, while Cudos has roots in singer-songwriter music, pop, and R&B. Cherrelle, on the other hand, brings a strong foundation in gospel and soul, which adds depth and richness to our harmonies and overall sound. Her ability to incorporate powerful, heartfelt vocals into our music gives it an emotional edge that resonates with listeners. These different influences help shape our sound into something that blends multiple genres while still feeling cohesive. Additionally, there is an unspoken chemistry that comes from working together as siblings. Our bond allows us to push each other creatively and refine our sound in a way that solo artists or even non-sibling groups might not experience.

2. I see that American Idol was just in Arizona. Did you attempt to audition for this, or does this not appeal to you? Besides yourselves, I understand that many influential musicians come from Arizona. Would you say that your state embraces and helps to empower their artisans? 

We actually auditioned for American Idol in the early days when the show first came to Arizona. It was an exciting and fun experience, but it also gave us an inside look at how the entertainment industry operates. One of the judges told Reatch, "You almost made me cry singing that song (Eric Benet - I Wanna Be Loved), but as an inside scoop, we are looking more so for entertainment rather than pure talent at this time." That was a shocking reality check, but it helped us understand that not everything on TV is as it seems. It also reinforced the idea that we needed to take control of our own path rather than relying on a platform that prioritizes entertainment over raw talent. 
 
Arizona has its fair share of influential musicians, but the state is not necessarily known for empowering artists on a large scale. The music scene can feel very independent, meaning that many artists must create their own platforms rather than relying on major industry support. While there are opportunities, it often takes persistence and creativity to break through. 

3. From a musical standpoint, how do you stand out among other groups as far as sound, presentation and overall appearance?   

We stand out in multiple ways. First, the sibling dynamic gives us an unmatched chemistry, both in the studio and on stage. Harmonizing and performing together comes naturally, and that connection can't be replicated. We also blend multiple genres—R&B, hip-hop, and pop—creating a unique sound that appeals to different audiences. Additionally, we focus heavily on our live performances, ensuring that our energy, stage presence, and delivery leave a lasting impression. Another factor that makes us stand out is our storytelling. The music isn’t just about catchy melodies; it is about real experiences, emotions, and messages that people can relate to. We want every song to feel authentic and impactful. 

 

4. Curious to ask, as you work in music - with the rapid interest in AI, how worried are you about this technology taking jobs from musicians?   

AI isn't something we’re too worried about. Even before AI, the music industry was already highly competitive, and talent alone was never enough. There are thousands of artists with incredible skill, but there is only one of us. AI can mimic voices and generate songs, but it cannot replace the human experience—the emotion, the perspective, and the soul behind the music. If we create a song that resonates with people, AI won’t change that. There will always be a space for authentic, live music. At the end of the day, music is about connection. 
 
People don’t just listen to songs—they feel them. AI can’t recreate the moments when an artist steps on stage and delivers a performance that gives the audience chills. It can’t replace the feeling of hearing a song at just the right time in life when the lyrics feel like they were written just for you. That is something only real artists can do. 

 

5. Each of you has a unique backstory. Cherrelle, I see you studied criminal law. At what point did you realize this was not meant to be your regular occupation? Reatch, you were a backup dancer - are you still able to participate in that endeavor while being in a band? Cy, you were quite the football and track star - have you gone on to teach, as I feel like this is a part of you that is permanent? 

Cy has done some one-on-one coaching for high school and elementary students, though not through an official program. The passion for sports never left. Even at the gym, it is second nature to help friends with lifting or running techniques. Training never stopped—it just became part of everyday life. Reatch's dance background still plays a role in performances. Being a backup dancer taught discipline, movement, and stage presence, all of which translate into the live shows. Even though the focus is on music now, the love for dance has not faded. Cherrelle’s background in criminal law gave a unique perspective on the world, but ultimately, music was where the true passion was. Studying law required dedication, research, and attention to detail, which are all skills that still help in navigating the business side of the music industry. 

 

6. You have stated that your music is a combination of R and B, rap and pop. Who are some of your musical influences? How successful have you found musical crossover artists are, as you are blending some genres that are typically not synonymous with each other? 

Our influences come from a mix of genres, including legendary artists from R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Blending different genres is not always easy, but it helps us stand out. Some of the most successful crossover artists are the ones who stay true to their sound while incorporating new elements. By blending multiple styles, we can connect with a wider audience and create something fresh. The beauty of genre-blending is that it allows for creative freedom. We do not want to be boxed into one category because music is constantly evolving. Some of the greatest artists of all time have succeeded by pushing boundaries, and we aim to do the same. 

 

7. If folks are interested in attending a concert, or meeting you in person - what is up next for you all? 

We are always working on new music and looking for opportunities to perform. Stay connected with us on social media for upcoming shows, new releases, and special announcements! Whether it’s an intimate acoustic set or a high-energy performance, we love connecting with the people who support us. 

 

More information on RCC can be found at: RCC_Music | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree 

PROFESSIONAL DRUMMER ZORO

Known by musicians around the world as the “Minister of Groove,” Zoro is an internationally-renowned rock star, one of the world’s most respected and award-winning drummers. Throughout more than thirty years of his career, Zoro has been consistently voted the #1 R&B drummer and clinician by the premier music industry publications Modern Drummer, Drum!, and Rhythm Magazine. Take a few moments to listen in to our video interview, which is below.

Interview with Zoro the Drummer