17 Jul Exclusive! PRINCE Talks Livestream, Janelle Monae, & “Superconductor Reloaded”
Prince is all about Livestream. In a conversation with him at Paisley Park, he expressed this to me. He compares Livestream to a boxing match that you watch live but if you already know the results, it is not as interesting to watch. Some would say with at least a boxing match, you know when it is going to happen, but that doesn’t concern Prince.
“Livestream is the future. Livestream is now. We go live and you are either there or not. It is about being in the now.”
For the past month, Prince has used livestream to drop rehearsal jams, play unreleased tracks, put his songs in the mix, and have the camera on while he was performing at Paisley Park a couple weeks back.
For the full article, click here…..
It is apparent in our conversation that he is having fun with the Livestream concept, which usually start late here in the West Coast, while on the East Coast, it is in the middle of the night. For overseas fans, they have been trying to make their sleeping schedules around it while for some it airs in the middle of the day. He doesn’t want to give people too much of a heads up about it.
Also, there is no archive of the Livestream…at least not yet. You either catch it or you don’t.
He talks about me doing shows on the Livestream and later that night, he has me interview fans outside Paisley Park before they entered. The Livestream app allowed us to film with a cell phone but the lack of a microphone outside of the cell phone’s built-in one made the experience not so great for those watching on Livestream. Next time.
The audio is on point on the Livestream’s Via 3rdEye TV which you know is important to Prince.
On several of the 3rd Eye broadcasts, Janelle Monae’s “Q.U.E.E.N.” remixed by Joshua Welton has been played. Prince is obviously a big fan of Janelle and we talked about her performance on the B.E.T. Awards.
Prince: The B.E.T. Awards. They were not going to have Janelle on the show.
DocFB: What?!?!
Prince: Exactly. That was my response. So I called up B.E.T. for her to get her on the show. Janelle is a talent and they were not going to have her on?
DocFB: I’m really surprised.
Prince: Janelle was on and she and Erykah knocked it out!
(Stephen Hill of B.E.T. confirmed that Prince did make the call for her and he was going to give her the opening spot after the phone call, but it was taken so he let her close the show.)
Later the conversation focuses on Andy Allo.
Prince: Andy Allo put out “Superconductor” on her own. She hustled. From doing a show on the g4 network to everything she does. “Superconductor” is great. We might have to contact Kobalt music, add a few songs that I duet on and release it as “Superconductor Reloaded”…..
A smile comes across his face while talking about “Superconductor Reloaded” and he has a right to smile. The album is phenomenal and the addition of tracks such as “What It Feels Like” (tentative title) which was played on the Livestream went over well with fans and can only help.-DocFB
Diagnosis: This was just a small part of the interview we had with Prince at Paisley Park. Expect more soon as we talk bootlegs and unreleased versions of songs with him.
Follow 3rd Eye TV On Livestream
Follow DrFunkenberry On Twitter
Anonymous
Posted at 08:23h, 05 AugustHi @Jessica Your comment sounded as if you were defending the reason for MJ’s musical output. I was just using his name to prove a point to show how much music Prince was giving his fans versus other Major artists. We all know what MJ went through but I was trying to stick to what the article was about. I was an MJ fan before we even knew who PRINCE was so I’m in no way discrediting his career. The fact still remains Prince is a walking jukebox and has released more music than any other artist in that span of time. Not that he’s better than any other artist just I think it’s just the fact that his number one love is making music,releasing and touring. Most artists hate to tour.
Jessica
Posted at 06:00h, 05 August@TMG you mention Michael Jackson taking more years to release music I think you need to remember that Michael was always under much more media scrutiny especially when the molestation charges began why do you think his last album came out in 2001 that’s when the media really began focusing on that he was constantly during interviews defending himself because their was always some new family coming out how Michael mistreated their child I think it is all crap and they saw him as a easy Target for money who settles out of court I would want that person in jail .. but my point is he was going through much more a lot of legal stuff maybe that’s why he didn’t put out records because now he has a lot of new music that is constantly coming out but the CDS he did put out during his lifetime were amazing Blood on the Dance Floor underrated but he was still doing stuff for his fans I remember seeing footage of him going to Iraq seeing the troops giving speeches meet and greets so he may not have been putting out new music but he was still doing a lot for his fans
Alejandro
Posted at 10:53h, 24 JulyWHERE´S THE 2ND PART OF THE INTERVIEW? PLEASE!
Angela
Posted at 07:47h, 24 JulyWell, 1st of all…. I am blessed to be able to share ….with you all its My Parent’s 48th Wedding Anniversary 2-Day. So, GOD BLESS BOTH OF THEM…. THAT THEY MAY SHARE MANY MORE YEARS TOGETHER! My parents are surly a gift to me! So… on that note; let me move right along… before I start crying out of PURE GRATITUDE TO GOD… for his Goodness and Mercy that he has shown toward me in this lifetime.
Humm…. I wish Prince and A Happy Anniversary Tune!~
2ndly with respects to Prince… let me lay it out for you this way.
Prince in my opinion tends to be 96% precise in all is actions regardless of the type of receptivity he may or may not gain when it comes to his career moves. He doesn’t sacrifice his GOD given talent and creativity for the roots of evil (or the Love of Money). Thank goodness he’s WAY more GROUNDED than that!
Prince appears to be extremely pious about every decision he has, is and will make… as well as the outcomes all of those decisions within his life. He stands by them and make changes and amends when he is out of integrity with himself and others.
Personally, I believe he holds most if not every decision /word germinating from within him as a sacred choices and not as a nonchalant haphazard free will right. Nor as a “Selfish PASS” (if you will) to do as he so pleases at the expense or without consideration of the souls he may influence or interact with! He has always been mindful of his choices/ words and his direction and for this I am most ADMIRABLE. Even in the vulgar phases of his life, it too was purposeful in its intent and offered up ground level wisdom and understanding.
It’s undeniable that Prince is wise person and quite in tuned (no pun intended) as well as an insightful businessman that sees well beyond the moment, or the guises of the “Here & NOW.” Prince Roger Nelson is not only gifted with musical talents and abilities which he’s honed very nicely, by-the-way!
One of the best parts of Prince that is most harmonizing for me is that he’s EXTREMLY intuitive by nature and relies heavily on that attribute when making decisions & deciding on which direction he deems most viable to take, such as LiveStreaming! He does what’s true for him DESPITE the reverberation or backlash that others may attempt to cloak around him…. due to their own conceptual limitations.
Not To Worry Folks Prince is wise enough to make a way out of no way. 4 SURE! He’s got our backs … We just have to keep his…. to some degree.
Will write more later, but have to make a mad-dash for now.
Oh, as for that remaining 4% … well Prince IS NOT perfect last I checked, but he’s working on it. Just like the rest of us… I HOPE!
Kiss, Loves & Hugs
Angela ~
TBC
Posted at 01:40h, 24 July,, – Nobody really talks to me. Nobody talks to me a lot.” He points at Ramadan. “I talk to her. She talks to you. She talks to Richard. And so on and so forth. If I trust her, then you can trust her.” – ”
Just Quoting (V_magazin)
Diagnosis:
DR , are u sure , who was that person ? 😉
Greetz
Debbie a.k.a thareelqueenbee
Posted at 19:15h, 23 JulyI so totally agree with Prince Livestream is were It’s at because you are in the moment with Prince, 3rd EG and NPG. It’s like stepping into Prince’s World in that split moment I so LOVE IT. As for as getting Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu on the BET Awards YES, YES, YES, YES these woman are a Class Act of there own so SAD to know that they weren’t going to be on the BET Awards until Prince pick up the Phone WOW I’m at a lost for words on this. There are so many true Singer Songwriters out their that are Singing LOUD and Sayin Something and their are OTHER Singer Songwriters Singing LOUD and AIN’T Sayin NOTHING at ALL those are the one’s Prince SHOULD NOT WORK WITH.
LexAve456
Posted at 21:20h, 21 JulyThis was a great interview. It was fun and more to the point than many Prince interviews are and I’m excited to know that Prince is back on the Internet. It’s a place that he never should’ve left. I’ve been fortunate to have caught a few Livestream shows and each time that I did, I felt fortunate that I caught it. I do believe that there should be an archive for the shows so that everyone has access to seeing these shows but these are baby steps with Prince and the web so patience is the name of the game here. He’s on here at all and that in itself is a major victory for all of us, including Prince.
While it would be nice to have an idea of when the shows will be happening, the one thing I know about MANY Prince fans is that even if Prince did that, those same ones who are complaining about not knowing when these shows are coming on will be the same ones who will complain that he didn’t give them “this” or that he didn’t give them “that” if they knew a show was coming on at 8pm. People on here who say they aren’t “die hard” fans but still get so passionate about what he’s doing shouldn’t care cause if you have a life, then go and live it already. Prince is doing that, so what’s their problem? If you catch the show, then you catch it. If you don’t, oh well. I’ve missed some shows and I’m fine. Missing 1, 2 or more shows won’t hurt me. These are exciting times again. The Superconductor Reloaded CD would be great and I can’t wait for the 3rdEyeGirl project to drop. Things are FINALLY going in the right direction for Prince and I as a die-hard fan could not be more happier.
Modernaire
Posted at 13:49h, 21 JulyAnonymous SAID
July 17th, 2013 – 10:33
“If I was 17 again and a big fan, I might be able to sit around and wait for all this live stream stuff. But, I’m 43 with a full time job and many other obligations. As much as I’d love to see it, looks like this die hard fan will just have to miss out. What a shame.
Hoping that one day someone from real life will have a serious sit down talk with prince and explain to him the day to day details of the average (and even above average) fan. Everyone needs someone to keep them grounded.”
Anonymous fan, haven’t you been reading what JW Prince has beens aying recently?
He DOESN’T CARE for “older people” and what they think! He doesn’t care about his old fan base that’s above 35, 38… he’s gotten into some AGISM stance on not only WHO he wants to work with, but WHO he’s catering to, his “new young” audience.
I’m not a “die hard” anymore, it was my SOLUTION to Prince’s ridiculousness. Will I try to catch any of those livestream shows? Not one bit!
All I have to do is do a quick search in my music library for instant greater stuff, “livesexy” bam! Instant fantastic concert! “The Cross” bam! Instant great songs!
Modernaire
Posted at 13:44h, 21 JulyHard to believe this is the same Prince that gave us “Dolphin” … and Shockadelica… it’s as if its a totally different person just taking advantage of the former Prince, cleaning up his songs to fit a Jehovah Witness rule and bamboozling Prince fam obsessives with this… this…
André
Posted at 10:50h, 21 JulyBtw a RELOADED version of Superconductor would probably be the best thing that could happened to Andy Allo on her way to superstardom.
Like most great album, and Superconductor is a great album, re-launching it as a RELOADED, DELUXE etc. edition with some extra songs, remixes etc. and with some Prince duets on the album Andy could much easier start reaching a mass audience. Especially if there is some serious promotion, tv/radio etc. behind it.
André
Posted at 10:40h, 21 July“Some would say with at least a boxing match, you know when it is going to happen, but that doesn’t concern Prince.” Hilarious 🙂
U C some U miss some, but at least he is doing something on the internet and is giving people official access to great songs, rehearsals, videos etc.
This is what most Prince music lovers have dreamed of for a long time…
Keep up the good work!!!
M21nights
Posted at 12:31h, 19 JulyRight on TMG!!! Thanks for that comment, I could not agree more with everything you say!!! Some Prince fans can be so ungrateful and they always find a reason to complain, when instead he gives us so much to be thankful for all he shares with us.
And by the way, it seems Prince had a lot he wanted to talk about – 3 hour conversation! It’s great that he shared what he had to say with you, Doc – a friend and real fan, rather than some reporter who may not even appreciate the opportunity. You really are one lucky guy, Prince obviously trusts you completely. 🙂 And I am grateful he lets you share so much with us. So thank U Prince!
anotherlover
Posted at 06:49h, 19 JulyThe very brilliant websites like Da Bang all make sure the world experiences the Livestream’s
grant liddell
Posted at 05:07h, 19 JulyPrince is spot on about Janelle Monae (still to make it in the uk but it wont be long.)and Andy allo.i bought The Archandroid and Superconductor.I just hope since i own superconductor there will be a way (possibly via i-tunes or 3rd eye girl.com)for me to get the extra tracks own there own.
SugarL
Posted at 23:24h, 18 JulyAs far as social media goes, Facebook is as far as I go & I don’t do “Twits”. The idea of the Livestream is pure GENIUS & highly admirable 4 Prince 2 want 2 connect more with his fans this way, adds a whole new element & excitement 2 it all & the idea & concept is extremely exciting 4 his fans & 2 be able 2 have these PEAKS in2 his rooms & these spontaneous treats…4 FREE????…Helleeeerrr???…who can complain about THAT???
As far as “Superconductor”, I fell in LOVE with this album on 1st listen. The songs, production…ALL of it, just PROPS 2 my gurl Andy 4 such a phenomenal job & project & 2 PRINCE as well, of course, the both of U knocked it out the PARK & LOVE hearing such talents as Trombone Shorty featured, as well :-)!
& HARD 2 BELIEVE BET was NOT going 2 include my gurl JANELLE on the show? She was actually 1 of the main reasons why I WATCHED! & I was actually thinking, “Good 4 U, BET!” Now more like, “SHAME On U? Thanks again 2 Prince 4 pushing 4 more REAL talent! My gurls J.M. & E.B. knocked them all with The Truth so hard, they didn’t know what this F-5 was that blew in & tore the stage down! Good thing they came on last :-)! “Truth” TKO-ed with sum “KNOWLEDGE”…RECOGNIZE. Good looking out Prince, GR8 interviews, Doc ;)~<3
troy lee
Posted at 22:33h, 18 Julygr8 interview doc…what a historical moment..Prince is an brilliant being
DeeLucks
Posted at 16:54h, 18 Julyevery1 is entitled 2 his/her opinion.
we all need grace & mercy……
DeeLucks
Posted at 16:50h, 18 JulyEvery1 is entitled 2 his/her own opinion.
And we all need grace & mercy……..
Dan Woods • Paisley Parked
Posted at 14:02h, 18 JulyCool. Would like to hear Supercoductor Reloaded. People Pleaser is so tuff. I keep diggin it more every time I listen to it.
Prince Talks Livestream, Janelle Monáe & ‘Superconductor Reloaded’ | Happily Natural
Posted at 08:31h, 18 July[…] of singer Janelle Monáe and “Superconductor Reloaded” during a recent interview with DrFunkenberry at Paisley Park. Prince has reportedly been utilizing the streaming video service to beam […]
Paradise It's Coming
Posted at 06:00h, 18 JulyHello to you
Doing okay? This interview is cool just like the other parts.
I’m enjoying the Livestreams idea, happens now you see it now. When at a concert you see it now, if not there you don’t. That is how life moves forward not backwards nor does it stand still. I love it!
Janelle Monae-Badu, yes fiyah.
Superconductor Reloaded, I’ll be waiting, sounds like a good idea to me.(grin)
Doc keep doing what you doing, Mr. Prince, sir you too .
Have a sweet day, later (–.–)
Mirri
Posted at 02:32h, 18 JulyThanx Doc for a wonderful interview. And thanx to Prince for Livestream -it’s awesome !
Myles Matisse
Posted at 01:27h, 18 JulyCool interview snippets and piece, Funkenberry. Too bad I ain’t there in Minneapolis with my HD video camera. The one I shoot live shows with out here in LA. With my 3 decades of media experience, I could’ve captured some righteous footage out with you interviewing the fans. Cell phone? No thanks. Nice try though. I’m sure Prince has enough peeps in his audio/visual camp that can, should and will help you.
I wish your piece above had been longer with more of your talk with Prince. Stringing us along is how it’s gonna be I guess. Just like Prince with his live streams. As far as his live streams go, he’s kinda wrong with the whole boxing analogy. I would watch EVEN MORE if I knew what was gonna be on the show and ESPECIALLY WHEN they were gonna happen. This last minute, surprise way he’s going about doesn’t interest me in the least and I’m not the only one thinking that. I’ve got a busy life to live and frankly, don’t have the time to sit around waiting or even have my mobile device with and wait and wait and wait for him to throw out some bits and performances and song bits on Live Stream. I’m sure there’s many out there who like all this element of surprise and waiting around for a live stream. I ain’t one of them and you know what, being a fan since 1981, it doesn’t bother me either that I’m missing out. I’ve got a life to live with music, artists and concerts that I can count on to fit into my schedule and ones I don’t have to hold my breath over. You know what I’m sayin’?
It’s cool that Prince is taking the journey HE wants to take. It’s HIS life. He thinks he knows best and even if he makes less than stellar decisions, they are still HIS to make, whether we like it or not. I still think it would be better if the Live Stream shows were given advance notice with dates and times to the public because you know what? Word of mouth could spread better and lots more people would tune in around the world. Truth be told, most people don’t have time for any kind of guessing games or getting last minute notification. Including me.
Reminds me of when me and my girlfriend at the time went to see Prince play in Vegas at Studio 54 at the end of the 90s. We had paid $100 a ticket and were waiting for the show to start. When it did, dancers came out and performed a routine to an intro song to the show. After they were finished, the show didn’t continue, leaving us scratching our heads. It seems Prince wasn’t happy with the enthusiasm level in the club. Either that or he just wasn’t ready and used it as an excuse. Anyway, an announcer ended up getting on the mic yelling for everyone to make more noise or Prince wasn’t gonna start. Something to that effect. My girlfriend at the time was so bothered with that BS and almost wanted to leave. She paid $100 and SHE is being told what to do? Not gonna happen.
Ssooo, while I’m happy Prince is making the choices that make him most happy, I’m not one to be toyed with as far as live streams go. I’ve got a life. Waiting around and not knowing what I’ll be getting whenever a live stream happens doesn’t interest me in the least. Happy for those it does though. Peace.
Bob George
Posted at 22:16h, 17 JulyThere are arcives of the livestreams if you are in the know.
TheBeautifulOne
Posted at 20:45h, 17 JulyNice interview. How many parts are there? Re Live stream, great yes especially the live rehearsals and jams. But I don’t get the point of streaming a recorded song to a live candle burning.