Pictured above - Aretha Franklin and Narada Michael Walden

Narada Michael Walden is a top drummer, performer, singer, songwriter and one of the world's top-ten music producers. He has a management deal with Jim Douglas and Steve Belkin of Left Coast Music Group. Currently, Narada is working on his new solo album, The More I Love My Life with a projected February 2007 release date.

The More I Love My Life is a mixture of things - it's rockin' and soulful and it's got the adult contemporary vibe mixed in there too. Since Narada plays drums, he wanted something that he could really rock out on. "I just want to get back out again. This is technically like my 12th or 13th solo album - it's quite a few. I want to get back out in the arena. I want to have a reason to play live concerts and have some new product to promote," expressed Narada. There's an impressive line-up of notable artists appearing on this upcoming project: Carlos Santana, Sting, Vernon Ice Black, Chris Bottie, Clarence Clemmons, Ismail Lo and the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown making one of his last swan-song appearances. Stevie Wonder may play harmonica on a track or two. With this team of stars, this album will fall under a 'must-have' status.

Narada Michael Walden has been noted as one of the most influential, sought-after and innovative artists of our time. His records have reached across the world selling millions of copies, with several gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums spanning over three decades. Billboard Magazine named him one of the top-ten producers of all-time, and his diverse musical talents have soared up the charts and through the radio airwaves for over thirty years. He became a Grammy Award winning producer in the 1980's, and today, he's still making his mark in the music business.

In 1990, Narada produced hit masterpieces for Mariah Carey: Vision of Love and I Don't Wanna Cry - these songs became #1 singles. The album went into Super Platinum status, and Mariah Carey was to become a house-hold name.

One of the #1 hit's that Narada is most proud of producing is the 1988 Olympic song, One Moment in Time. One Moment in Time with Whitney Houston was done with the London Symphony Orchestra recorded in London. Whitney just sang it like there was no tomorrow. Everyone was at their best that day. I won an Emmy for television. Whitney is a dynamo as we all know. I was first very amazed at how powerful she was to be so thin - a big sound coming from such a thin girl; all muscle, tight muscle like a sprinter. You can tell that God really blessed her " she is very holy," says Narada.

Narada Michael Walden's outstanding musical imprint appears on countless top-selling records and he has contributed to a wide-range of musical genres: Pop, Hip-Hop, Soul, Country, Fusion, Jazz and World music. By being an energetic multi-tasker and somewhat of a perfectionist, Narada has been able to achieve what most people only dream of achieving. His remarkable resume is about as good as it gets. He has recorded and written with some of the greatest superstars of our day: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Barbra Streisand, Wynonna Judd, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Jefferson Starship, Diana Ross, George Michael, Taylor Dane, among others.

A partial list of the songs that bear Narada Michael Walden's trademark include: We're The 49ers (San Francisco 49ers single), All The Man I Need (Whitney Houston - #1 single), Love on a Two Way Street (Stacy Lattisaw), I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (duet with George Michael and Aretha Franklin - #1 single), How Will I Know (Whitney Houston Ð Platinum single), Freeway of Love (Aretha Franklin - #1 single), I Shoulda Loved You (Narada Michael Walden - #3 single), The Real Thang (Narada - single), Who's Zoomin' Who (Aretha Franklin - #7 single), I'm Every Woman (Whitney Houston - Body Guard film Soundtrack - Grammy Award/Album of The Year), I Love Your Smile (Shanice Wilson - #1 single), Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (Starship - #1 single and Mannequin film Soundtrack #1 single); to name only a few.

The late Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records signed Narada to a record deal from 1976 through the 1980's. He recorded seven solo albums and dozens of productions. Ertegun taught Narada the ropes and took him under his creative wing. Narada's first album Garden of Love Light, was released in 1976 and included the track Delightful. The single released from the album charted at #81 on the R&B charts in the spring of 1977.

While establishing himself as a top drummer in the early 1970's, Narada ended up playing with the famous fusion group, The Mahavishnu Orchestra. Later, he appeared as a drummer on Jeff Beck's Wired LP. Great opportunities just kept snow-balling from there. Narada's luck, perfection and professional skills took him higher still, setting his career in stellar motion. Today, he manages to maintain a dynamic non-stop career consisting of outstanding star-quality writing, producing and performing. He's still at the top-of-his-game and going strong. "Well, I have Grammy's and I have things, but I just don't wanna get 'soft'. I wanna feel like I am still a fighter, like I am still in the Ring. As long as I am in the Ring, I don't want to start reminiscing and then get knocked out." mentions Narada.

Narada Michael Walden originally hailed from Kalamazoo and decided to make his home in the Bay Area around 1978. "The Bay Area opened its arms to me, which I love the Bay Area for that," recalls Narada. In 1985, he opened his state-of-the-art recording studio in San Rafael, Tarpan Studios. "Most of my hits were done here, at least portions of them, the trackings, the vocals or the mixing. I can say that in the Bay Area, Tarpan Studios has had more hits than any other studio, not like the Plant where they have had more albums done but as far as number #1 singles and Top #10 singles, it's our studio," adds Narada.

Narada is currently working on his new record label, Tarpan Records. While he's on the look-out for investors, his vision is to sign both older and younger artists, when things get rolling. "There are artists everywhere, but the investors are hard to find. I want to take it slow, so I can have partnerships that I can have a long life with. I'm looking for people with a deep pocket who have a passion for the arts, people who want to raise the next Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey; the next whoever is great. I want to also keep alive the artist who they love - who doesn't have a recording contract anymore," mentions Narada with passion and drive.

There's a powerful spiritual demeanor which is evident, when speaking with Narada Michael Walden. He's extremely generous in reaching out to the nation's schools, helping with the Cancer Society and serving as Musical Director for the Rainforest Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. "I've done six concerts in a row. Trudie Styler, Stings wife, asked me if I'd be the Music Director for the Rainforest Concert at Carnegie Hall. Bruce Springsteen asked her to call me, so the shows that we put on at the Carnegie just keep getting better and better. They are built around the five principles: Sting, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel and James Taylor," adds Narada.

It's obvious that Narada Michael Walden has ascended to superstar status. As you can tell, he is extremely passionate about music, leaving his musical mark on some of the biggest projects of All-time. Narada keeps creating more innovative ideas that inspire many of us today. His accomplishments encompass nearly every aspect of music production, songwriting and performing and his name will be known for many years to come.

As Narada Michael Walden puts it, "Not everything is a hit, but what I can say is there is a trick. You always pay attention to the chorus and the hook. You try to love the song, love the artist, bring love to the project and that love can hopefully shine through people. That's what it is, it's the love you bring to it."

An Interview with Narada Michael Walden
© By Antonia Venezia

Antonia Venezia: Tell me about the song you were recording when I walked into your studio called, "Saturday Night". Did you write that song?

Narada Michael Walden: Yea, it's a song going on my new album called, "The More I Love My Life". "Saturday Night" is just meant to be a party jam. I've always liked party and celebration records. If people work all week long, they can get their drink on. It's important to let go of tension and stress and enjoy the life that God has given us.

AV: How many songs will be going on your new album?

NMW: About 14.

AV: Did you write all of them?

NMW: Yes.

AV: What made you want to do this album?

NMW: I just want to get back out again. I made 7 records for Atlantic Records under Ahmet Ertegun who just passed away, another 3 for Warner Brothers and 2 for Japan, so this is technically like my 12th or 13th solo album. It's quite a few. I want to get back out in the arena. I want to have a reason to get out again, to play live concerts and have some new product to promote.

AV: I hear that Sting and Stevie Wonder are playing on your upcoming album. Please tell me more about this.

NMW: Yes, on one song Sting sings with me. I am trying to get Stevie Wonder to play harmonica in the next few weeks. Other people on the album include: Carlos Santana, Vernon Ice Black, Chris Bottie, Clarence Clemmons, Ismail Lo and James Brown.

AV: Will you be recording Stevie Wonder here at Tarpan Studios?

NMW: No, I will go to Stevie's studio. It's called, 'Wonderland Studios'.

AV: I know you use 'studio tricks'. Is there any trick you do in your recordings? Is there a reason why you have so many hits?

NMW: Not everything is a hit, but what I can say is there is a 'trick'. You always pay attention to the chorus and the hook. You try to love the song, love the artist, bring love to the project and that love can hopefully shine through people. That's what it is. Yes, there's a strong song and a strong chorus. You can have people all sing it with you. Yyes, but beyond that, it's the love you bring to it, everything in your life that you cherish - like your face. You paid attention to your eye-lashes and your red lips today, so when you come out you're a hit, which you are.

AV: How do you know how to make so many great music arrangements?

NMW: I think what it is - there are some of us who are born and who are perfectionists. Although there's no such thing as perfection, we try to make the details good on something. We make details kind of line up. It's the small things that make a hit production like: the right tempo (from 120 to 122), like the right key (from A flat to A), or just half steps. Small things make a big difference.

AV: So, it can be as easy as just a key change?

NMW: For example: if I heard you sing, I would say, "No Honey, we have to change the key for a better chest range or a better head range for you". So, those things we have to kind of look into so you are able to sing it and shine at your best. You might be fighting it, it might be hard for you perhaps.
AV: So, you are dissecting the song pretty much?

NMW: You have to because the songwriting is one hat and the production is another hat.
AV: How do you usually write your own songs?

NMW: Like this usually. I come to the piano like this - Give me a song title, any song title, something new.

AV: What you said earlier sounded like a great title - "It's The Love You Bring" Narada, that's your next song.

NMW: I like to start with the 'punch line' first. That chorus that's going to go on top of the music chords. I don't start with any verses or bridges, none of that crap. What's the thing that people are going to ask for when they walk into a record shop?

AV: You've had a lot of Gold albums in your career.

NMW: Yes, Gold albums - a million and platinum - a million.

AV: Which ones are your top-favorites that you produced?

NMW: 1) Platinum is Aretha Franklin's "Who's Zoomin' Who". 2) Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know", ,that was all around the world - 40 million copies. 3) Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". 4) Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman" (from the film, "The Body Guard"). I am proud of all my babies, but those are HUGE. I'm proud of my Jeff Beck's album (my first Gold) "Wired", wow, it's 2006. I've been around.

AV: I think music keeps you young.

NMW: That's what it is!

AV: Out of all your number #1 hits, which one(s) are you most proud of production-wise?

NMW: The Olympic song "One Moment in Time" with Whitney Houston. That album was done with the London Symphony Orchestra, recorded in London. Whitney just sang it like there was no tomorrow. Everyone was at their best that day. I won an Emmy for television.

AV: Are you going to do another album with Whitney Houston coming up shortly?

NMW: I am demoing music right now for her new album - whether or not they'll use it - I don't know? I think it will be a great new sound for her.

AV: Talk about anything you would like to talk about something close to your heart.
NMW: Well, there are a couple of things that I would like to talk about 1) The main thing I would like to talk about is the heartfelt giving of friendship. How important it is to have one friend in this world. You don't need 2, 3 or 4 you just need one good friend. In this world as we are spinning so fast with emails, phone calls and with technology, that we don't forget the importance of just one really good friend in our world and in our lives. You should cherish that friend. 2) I want to say something about spirituality. It's okay to do anything as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, you see what I mean, mindful of not hurting anyone. I make a prayer called, "The Jebez Prayer" - Oh! Lord, that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that your hand be with me and keep me from evil that I may not cause pain. And God granted Jebeze his prayer.

NMW: You wanna go outside?

AV: Wherever you wanna go, I'm going with you, Narada. Do you amaze yourself when you look back on all of your success?

NMW: I never look back, but yes, it's a blessing. I couldn't have done this!

AV: Did you do most of your recordings at Tarpan Studios?

NMW: Yes, since 1985 I've been living here and working here. I've been rocking and rolling at Tarpan Studios. Most of my hits were done here, at least portions of them - the trackings, the vocals or the mixing. I can say that in the Bay Area "Tarpan Studios" has had more hits than any other studio (not like the "Plant" where they have had more albums done), but as far as number #1 singles and Top #10 singles, it's our studio.

AV: That's because of you, right?

NMW: No, that's because God blessed us.

AV: What was your first hit?

NMW: "Let Me Be Your Angel" with Stacey Lattisaw, let me be the one for you.

AV: How many songs do you think you've written?

NMW: Thousands!

AV: Tell me about your album coming out in February 2007 and how would you describe the musical style?

NMW: My new album started off being more a rock album. I have a partner in Canada named Steven Nowack and he loves the rock aspect, so I started doing that. Then, my soul started coming out, which does all kinds of different things. I started doing some Adult Contemporary style because I want my adults to be able to hear me. They like more of a cool sound, so I have it in me. So, it's a mixture of things really! I started recording it and Steve said, "That's cool!" Because I play drums I want music that I can really rock out on! You see, so it's a mixture.

AV: Since you play drums, I'm sure you know who Louie Bellson is.

NMW: Louie Bellson is the first guy I have ever heard who killed two bass drums - That's his strength. Louie Bellson is phenomenal. On my refrigerator, I have a picture of Louie and me together with his wife, Francine.

AV: Tell me about your record label "Tarpan Records".

NMW: We're just getting started with that. First of all, I want to find the money to promote the artists. There are artists everywhere, but the investors are hard to find. I want to take it slow, so I can have partnerships that I can have a long life with. I'm looking for people with a deep pocket who have a passion for the arts, people who want to raise the next Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey - the next whoever is great. To also keep alive the artist who they l've who doesn't have a recording contract anymore. There are many artists who I adore who have nowhere to go. So, I want to have a place where they can have shelter and then rub elbows with these young kids we're gonna find, it's kind of a mixture.

AV: So, how much money do you think you'll need?

NMW: It will be easy for me to say a minimum of a million dollars, but I'd like to raise 5 million dollars. This way I will have enough to last the long haul. It takes time. Sting, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen will be happy to be on my board if they knew I would sign three of their favorite artists who have no home. Then we can sign 3 brand new kids (3 legendary and 3 young) - Some kind of combination like that.

AV: Which Album took you the longest to finish?

NMW: First of all, I can't say that I've done the whole album. I've just done a half of an album or the hit single. It's rare that I do the whole album. My solo albums are whole albums - Al Jarreau did a whole album and I did a whole album with a brand new artist by the name of Naomi Striemer. That took about 9 months to a year. My new album is 9 months, like a baby, which by album standards, is pretty fast.

AV: Please tell me what it was like to work on the song, "We're Not Making Love Anymore" with Barbra Streisand.

NMW: When she came to the studio I heard she was very difficult to work with, so what I did is I put 100 candles in the studio. So, when she first walked in, all is she saw was 100 flickering lights. That disarmed her and made her kind of relax for a moment. Then, I went to the piano with her to kind of go over the song and that was really comforting for her.that we could go to the piano to work things out. This also helped her relax. By the time we were ready to sing, she was fine. Then, you go to the microphones and you hear her voice coming over the speakers, then you know - It's BARBRA STREISAND, which is always fantastic. She has a great tone and a great presence. The one thing I found I could really help her with was her phrasing and rhythm cause there's a lot of rhythm in that song, even though it seems subtle. It's not loose like the song, "People" it's "We're Not Making Love Anymore" you know what I mean, put it in the pocket. She was sad because she was going through a big break up with Don Johnson at the time.

AV: How do you work with some artists who are moody or sad?

NMW: You massage them. Give them a hug, a gift, a stuffed animal. You do something sweet. You bring them flowers, massage their head, neck or feet. Most people are professional, they know how to switch a gear, but I help them. I give them love, touch their heart and make them happy again. Small things go a long way!

AV: How was it working with Whitney Houston?

NMW: Whitney is a DYNAMO as we all know. I was first very amazed at how powerful she was to be so thin a BIG SOUND coming from such a thin girl; all muscle, tight muscle like a sprinter. You can tell that God really blessed he, she is very holy. She is a genius and when she walks in the room you feel it! She's contributed much to music and much to humanity, so we all must be mindful of that. She is fantastic at believing in herself. For example: after her first album was multi million in sales people could get insecure. After the first album Whitney said, "If they loved me the first time, they will love me a second time." She was so oblivious to anything negative - you see, that's WHITNEY - "If you love me, you love me, If you don't love me, don't love me." That's really how she is, bottom line. She loves her parents. When her father passed away it was a big deal for her. Her mother Cissy Houston is another genius lady. She taught Whitney. I used Cissy on my first solo album in 1976 and Whitney would be in the corner watching. I didn't know that she was gonna be the next BIG STAR, but she was. I will say that we broke the Beatle's record with 7 number #1's in a row with Whitney, and I am part of that streak with a song called, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?"

AV: So, you said earlier that you never look back.

NMW: Well, I have Grammy's and I have things, but I just don't wanna get 'soft'. I wanna feel like I am still a fighter, like I am still in the Ring. As long as I am in the Ring, I don't want to start reminiscing and then get knocked out!

AV: Please tell me about the Rainforest Concert at Carnegie Hall put on by the Rainforest Foundation.

NMW: I've done 6 in a row. Trudie Styler (Stings wife) called me and asked me if I'd be the Music Director for the Rainforest Concert at Carnegie Hall. Bruce Springsteen asked her to call me and so, the shows that we put on at the Carnegie just keep getting better and better. They are built around the five principles: Sting, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel and James Taylor. This last one, we had Lenny Kravitz, Will Ferrell (comedian) and Jimmy Webb (the composer). We have a killer band - Will Lee on bass, Nile Rodgers on guitar, Larry Carlton on guitar, Jim Horn on horns and the baddest background singers. Some people pay $2,000 a chair. It raises more money than some other charities. It's in the Guinness World Book of Records, you should look it up there. I am really proud of it. If you want to come to my house I will show you some of the backing footage of the thing. I also believe in helping animals and preserving our planet.

AV: How did you manage to maintain an extremely successful career in music while staying in the Bay Area?

NMW: I've lived in the Bay Area since 1978. We had success in the Bay Area. The Bay Area opened its arms to me, which I love the Bay Area for that. It's only recently that I was told that I better go to Los Angeles or get a house there. That was like in the year 2002 and I tried it. I had tons of meetings and it didn't improve anything. Nothing really came of it and I was driving back and forth 'cause my studio is here and I got tired of driving so much. I felt like this is stupid. It was affecting my marriage and everything. Yea, this is my home and I found that I can be just as successful here. It's nice to have connections in LA, New York and different places.

AV: Has it kept you real?

NMW: This place keeps you real. I feel like Los Angeles is very Hollywood: what you got, what kind of car do you drive - that ain't got nothing to do with nothing. It's a bunch of B.S. really, so I prefer to keep it real.

AV: So, you made it from here while some people are still waiting on tables in LA?

NMW: When I was first discovered I went from being a Bus-boy in a restaurant to joining the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Jumping out from spaghetti dishes to working with the Beatle's producer, George Martin, so I'm really happy on how that transition happened. Now my life is like being surrounded by all this beauty, this water, these mountains and you. So, you know what I mean, so it's nice.

AV: Narada, talk about anything else you would like to talk about.

NMW: On my own album all I wanna say to people out there who have a lot of love for me and those who don't even know who I am.
If you see my name "Narada Michael Walden" is playing around, please come support us. Give us your love 'cause I am there to give love. I'm there to be like a 'spiritual-light'. I wanna be musically an inspiration to people. I'd much appreciate if you support us, so we can grow in the future. I'd like to be like 'Bob Hope'. You know Bob Hope would go play great concerts for our troops, he would bring Marilyn Monroe with him. Hey, I like all that, so I'm hoping I can keep a good feeling in this 'Live Arena' as well as making records, both. I'm down for playing the sweat! I wanna play live to keep that spirit going while I can.

AV: Thank you for today.

NMW: I want to say thank you for coming today. Thank you for interviewing me and for being persistent as you've been to make it happen. It is very nice to have met you again. God shines in your eyes, thank you.

Contact information:
Website: www.naradamichaelwalden.com
My Space website: www.myspace.com/naradamichaelwalden.com
Management Website: www.leftcoastmusicgroup.com (www.primetimeentertainment.com)