Exclusive Interview with Taboo
One of the original members of The Black Eyed Peas – who to date have sold over a staggering 55 million albums worldwide, the Grammy-award winners have brought their enigmatic fusion of pop, hip – hop and dance music to a huge global audience. Taboo has been a driving force of their unique style and energy, which comes across on and off the stage. Singer, Rapper, Dancer, Actor, DJ, Author, Designer – it is clear that art and ambition are in Taboo’s blood, and he will continue to demonstrate this through his upcoming solo album, which will feature a variety of collaborations with major pop stars.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Taboo, shortly before his performance at BASH (Upscale Late Nightclub) on 20th September.
Your live DJ show called “Taboo Experience” consists of a DJ set, which includes live dance, visuals and live performance elements on the microphone, including new and familiar material. What more can you tell us about its concept?
I conceived of the idea to let people know my personality outside of the Black Eyed Peas. This concept familiarizes people with my own material and embraces live performance, crowd response, and the Ultimate Mike Controller (MC). It’s entirely my contribution.
With your “Taboo Experience” tour you visited several countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. How is the tour experience so far?
The tour experience has been great. Touring with a small unit is always different because with Black Eyed Peas being such a big a production, there is a lot of waiting and down time, but with a small unit we do our job and get in and out.
Out of all music you have made or have been involved with, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Where is the Love, I Gotta Feeling, Just Can’t Get Enough, Pump It.
After the release of the Black Eyed Peas sixth studio album “The Beginning” in 2010, the group has taken a break and you have been focusing on your solo career, with the outlook to start recording sessions for the seventh studio album in 2013. You used this break – besides other things - to get into DJing. How did you get started and how do you enjoy this new facet of your music career?
I got started doing hosting gigs in Europe and the promoter asked me if I could get on to DJ and double my fee. I told the promoter I didn’t know how to DJ, but he said I could make an impact doing it. That was the initial idea. I proceeded to go to Ap’s room, where he had his DJ equipment out, and I just started messing around with it. I remember feeling interested in it because Ap and Will were DJing and I saw how excited they were. I realized that I could add a performance element to it. When I came home my son Joshua showed me how to use the DJing equipment, and I happily embraced the idea.
What are you currently working on?
Currently I’m working on different content and styles of music. Right now, I’m focused on the Taboo Experience.
You’ve acted in several movies. Surely unforgotten is your role in Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li in which you played the character of Vega. Are there any new movie projects coming up?
Yes, my next feature film is Jamesy Boy, starring James Woods, Spencer Lofranco, Mary-Louise Parker (of Weeds fame), and myself.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
The most important thing I miss when I am on tour is my family. Other than that, I miss my own fridge, bed, and my studio where I create awesome music.
The essentials to have while on tour are a cool wardrobe, toiletries, an iPad so that I can watch movies on the plane, Beats headphones, a passport and a wallet.
What was the best and the worst show you ever played? What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
The worst show was also the funniest. It was in Florida at a club that resembled a barn, with around 20 people watching it. While I was performing and DJing, all the DJ equipment fell forward! Everyone was shocked, but I just stepped over it and kept performing. It turned out being really funny because I kept going through the debacle. I bought shots for everyone at the bar while going around and asking everyone their name.
My best show was in Toronto, Canada. I was in the zone – it was perfect. I performed songs never performed before at a great outdoor venue. I used new material and the atmosphere was awesome.
You have been to Thailand several times already. In Bangkok you performed in April 2012 at MIXX and in January 2013 you played at the new opening of the SIAM Center. Did you ever have time to spend quality time in Thailand or were your visits limited to performing?
I actually shot Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li in Thailand – I was there for over a month. I enjoyed the experiences of watching Muay Thai exhibitions and walking around the night bazaar.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Do you enjoy Thai food?
During my travels, I once got severe food poisoning where I was in the hospital for ten hours. Since then, I’m not that adventurous when it comes to food - I tend to stick to what I know. Thai food, however, is really good.
On 20 September you will perform live here in Bangkok at BASH (Upscale Late Nightclub). What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
High energy, great music, awesome performance, and the ultimate Taboo Experience!