Sixty seconds with Robert Owens

Sixty seconds with Robert Owens

11 June, 2010 | 3.07PM

• Written by: Justin Jack
• Filed under: Music News:

Robert Owens is the voice of house music. He honed his distinctive style singing gospel in downtrodden neighborhoods in Chicago and L.A., and, as a member of the group Fingers Inc., he helped define the sound of Chicago in the mid ‘80s. He’s given voice to house music ever since, in collaborations with everyone from Frankie Knuckles to Satoshi Tomiie to Photek.

He appears on Soneec, Lauer & Canard‘s new single, ‘The Making of You’. As we announced last week, Seamless Recordings is holding a DJ mix competition based on the track; click here for full details.

In recognition of Owens’ influence, we asked him to take a deep breath and give us the low-down on a life lived according to his own terms.

What inspires you to write music?

People I meet every day inspire me to write. I’ve always felt if I can help someone with my music, I’ve done some good in this world.

What is the message behind ‘The Making Of You’?

Whatever you go through in life, no matter how far situations bring you down, you can rise above them—stronger and better than before—if you learn from your mistakes.

How did you meet up with Soneec, Lauer & Canard?

Online! Still waiting for a face to face.

Where do you call home?

I’m from Chicago, but I also lived in New York and LA. I have family in all three places.

Where will you spend your summer?

Europe, Asia, England—maybe ten different cities in each place!

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Surviving life’s system.

Which artists would you like to work with in the future?

I’m open to working with anyone that would like to work with me.

Being in the business for over 20 years, you’ve seen many artists come and go. How have you been able to maintain such longevity?

I think life can feel the love in me and the forces that be have kept the door open for me.

What advice do you have for an aspiring artist?

Be yourself and give you to the world.

Any legendary moments in your career you would like to share?

Every moment I live is a legendary moment for me.

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