Artist: Livin' Out Loud
Interviewer: Todd Davis

Meet Livin Out Loud, a musically diverse entity, comprised of members; siblings, Reuben & Sylvia MacCalla, Lisa LaShawn, J. Martini, and Dminor...

First things first, please introduce for me the members of Livin Out Loud...

Livin Out Loud is a family business. Reuben and Sylvia, founding members, are brother and sister. Thomas, the oldest brother, is the business manager. Lisa LaShawn & J. Martini [Jason] are long time family friends, and round out performing artists of the group.

How did you all come together to form the group?

Reuben: Sylvia has known all of us for a while, though she's known me the longest. We are brother and sister. Sylvia and Lisa had worked at gigs. Sylvia had also worked with Jason at Universal Studios.

Lisa: Sylvia said to me, "You know what? We could be a group together." So, Reuben, Sylvia and Jason & I, all got together. We put it together ourselves.

J Martini: We've all known each other for years. In the beginning, we would bounce song ideas off each other, and that naturally evolved into writing songs together. It's an interesting dynamic. Sylvia and Lisa write melodies in their head, I'll sometimes put the chords to it, and Reuben produces it. Sometimes Reuben writes the melody, and comes to me for chords. Sometimes I have a melody and chords, and I'll go to Reuben for feel, or Sylvia for help with lyrics, and so on and so on.

Sylvia: We took our music to other people to produce, but no one could catch the vibe that we were trying to convey. So, my brother took it, and finally just did it himself.

Where do you all hail from? And, individually, who influenced your sound & style?

Reuben: Sylvia was born in L.A., but I was born in San Diego. J. Martini was born in Los Angeles, but Lisa is from Davenport, Iowa. In terms of musical influences, I would say that Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye influenced me.

Lisa: My mom was my first inspiration. She played Gospel music everyday, and taught me how to harmonize. Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Jackson Five -- Also, Terence Trent D'Arby.

Jason: My father is my biggest musical influence. He was a jazz singer and musician back in the day. So, I was raised listening to old jazz and R&B like; Nat King Cole, (Frank) Sinatra, Oscar Peterson, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, even a little B.B. King and Buddy Guy.

Sylvia: Sarah Vaughan, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Donna Summer and Chaka Khan.

Was it always in the plans to pursue music as a profession?

Sylvia: When I started writing jingles in Japan, they asked me if I could write a whole album. I was able to do that when I wasn't sure I could. That's when I started my pursuit. After that I got into a girl group, and my interest grew from there.

Reuben: I had no idea that it would lead to this until I made the decision to come to Los Angeles to become a certified sound engineer. That's when everything changed for me.

Lisa: I've always wanted to pursue music since I was a child, but I really wanted to pursue it professionally right after high school.

Tell me how the group first made it big over in the UK? And, how has the whole transition over here to the states been for you all?

Reuben: We have been working in the UK for a while. We first hit the airwaves in 2003 with 'More Than a Fantasy,' supported by BBC1 DJ, Trevor Nelson. In 2004, we made the Music Week Club chart for nearly a month with 'Why U Gotta Lie,' followed by 'Cuz I Gotta Know,' two versions, in Blues & Soul Magazine. UK DJ, Steve Sutherland, on Galaxy radio, launched our follow on singles 'Where's The Love' and 'What About Us.' 'What About Us' made it to #4 on the DMC Urban Chart. The biggest UK success came with the track 'All That Really Matters.' 'All That Really Matters' was #1 on the UK DJ charts for most of December 2006 and January 2007. We were loved abroad, but nobody at home knew who we were. This year we felt it was time to bring our sound back to the USA. We have a distribution deal with Fontana Distribution, a Universal Music Group company. Our first single is 'Lately' which has gone to #31, and climbing in the Urban Adult Contemporary charts here in the USA. We have just been picked up by several more radio stations in Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, etcetera, and we are working on a tour of public appearances now. We're just starting to get people saying they heard of us, and we expect that to continue to grow. It feels good to be home.

Where does your moniker Livin Out Loud originate from?

Reuben: Sylvia is the one who came up with the name. She also created the name for our company, Kin Productions. We all thought the name "Livin Out Loud" expressed what we were about.

Sylvia: I felt the name spoke to how we tell stories about life in our music, as well as symbolize our journey in following our dreams as artists and individuals -- Hence Livin (without the g) Out Loud.

You titled your new album, What About Us -- Tell me why?

Sylvia: What About Us is the title of one of our singles that was released in the UK. It also speaks to our journey as independents in the music business. We are a real group, original songwriters, and performers. What About Us; why not give us a chance?

Lyrically, where do you find your inspiration?

Reuben: All of us draw our inspiration for the lyrics based upon life experiences. It might come from our own experiences or somebody we know. In all cases, the lyrics have to match the mood of the music to be expressed accurately.

Who all did you work with production-wise?

Thomas: Reuben is the creative producer for all of Livin Out Loud's work. Reuben works with all the members to create a true creative process. He uses technology, in conjunction with world-class musicians, to create a New School vibe with Old School roots. The group writes all their own materials to insure their sound is distinctive and original. To further illustrate, when the group wants to create a track with an older vibe, they get assistance from musicians who have played with some of music's greatest, including; Ray Charles and Miles Davis. Reuben continually collaborates with producers, in both New York and London, to give a broader ear, and better ensure a sound.

Reuben: We use our personal perspectives, blending, and authenticity to create our music. The music is an amalgam of live musicians, production and a combination of unique voices, to generate a signature sound. Our songs are rooted in storytelling, expressing feelings, and experiences. We choose the style of music, R 'n' B, Hip-Hop, Dance, or other, based on the feeling we want to express. All of the music stays authentic to the story and the genre.

What has been your biggest career moment to date?

Sylvia: The Wayne Brady Show was a highlight. Doing the song 'So Amazing' for the Katrina documentary was special. Also, writing 'I Wanted You to Know' was a very heartfelt and therapeutic moment for us together.

Reuben: I would also say the Wayne Brady Show was my favorite highlight. Performing in front of a live audience for TV is a different kind of rush. My other highlight was driving around all over London, going from club to club performing until 3am. That experience was not that fun, but the Jerk Chicken outside the club was the best I've ever had.

Lisa: I would have to say my highlight was performing at The Canary in Las Vegas. That was interesting because I was on stage 8 months pregnant, and singing 'Come on Baby.' I look back at that and think about how funny that was.

Success, what has been the key to yours?

Reuben: It is very important not (to) write music based on trends. Music is ever changing, and it's important to write music that is timeless. That's what makes it possible to continue to stay fresh with your sound, and sustain momentum.

Do any of you have any other outside, future aspirations?

Sylvia: Pursuing my acting career. Which is what I actually started doing in the beginning. I've talked about writing a book with my mom for a very long time. Also, I want get into writing for television or screenplays.

Reuben: I would say teaching. I enjoy teaching people, and seeing how they progress. It's exciting to see the looks on their faces when they finally get it. It's like cracking the code, and seeing them tap into their creativity.

Lisa: I love music and that's my passion, but I feel like I need balance. I've always wanted to get a business degree. I want to know how business actually works. I'm more of a creative person, and think it would really balance out my life.

How do you feel about the state of today's music?

Sylvia: I'm a fan of the music out there. I like to see trends come and go. The business part of music continues to confuse me on how you make it. There is so much good music out there that will never be heard. I'm always confused on what's acceptable, because there are so many talented people out there.

Reuben: I think music is starting to get its' identity for this decade. When you're living in the present decade, it is hard to hear what the current decade will be known for. For some reason, it always works itself out. It's amazing that you can do a track from anywhere, and make a hit song. That's the best part. You can take music wherever you go. That's true for the people who make, and the people who buy it.

Lisa: I think music is definitely evolving to a different place. It has a lot to do with the world changing. I think technology is influencing how music is created. But no matter how much things change, music always comes back to its' roots.

Tell me something that everyone won't automatically know about you all just from listening to your records?

Sylvia: Well, hopefully they get that we're real. We are just your everyday people. Our lives are just as exciting and complicated as the next person. We don't really withhold the bad parts. We wear our hearts on our sleeves. That's how I go through life, and you are meeting me when you hear our music.

Reuben: The music has a lot of continuity, but we are all so different. Some of us are laid back, and others are very outgoing. I don't think we take things too seriously, but we also enjoy a deep conversation. There are certain people in the group that we don't know what they're going to say next. I'm (not) naming anyone in particular. That's what makes us exciting, and keeps it interesting.

Lisa: I'm not sure if people realize that even though we're in a group, we're like a family. We care about each other. If someone is down or someone is going through something, there is always a member that's always there. We are all like brothers and sisters. I know it's not blood, but it's in our hearts. I'm not sure if the music tells how much of a family we are.

How do you spend your time away from music?

Reuben: We like to hang out, and do a barbecue. It's fun, and we get along so well when all have a full stomach. We also like to go to a movie, or get together and watch some reality show and talk about it. Obviously our conversation can't be too serious. It's Reality TV!

Earlier you all spoke on your biggest career moment(s), but, as individuals, what have been some other big highlights?

Sylvia: Landing the show Rent. They did a countrywide search of over 25,000 people auditioning for the show that won a Tony. 20/20 or 60 minutes did a piece on us during the audition process. It was almost like American Idol, where they went from city to city to find new people. So, it was definitely cool.

Reuben: The biggest highlight would be going #1 on the DMJ charts, in 4 different genres, on the same song; 'All That Really Matters.' It was a great accomplishment, not just for Livin Out Loud, but also for me personally.

Lisa: I would say being able to perform at the Viper Room. Everything was perfect that night. The sound was perfect, the audience was perfect, and the band was perfect. Everything when it came out was amazing. I didn't have to work hard to sing on the mic, because it was the most perfect blend of everything.

Looking ahead, where do you see Livin Out Loud?

Sylvia: Hopefully, enjoying life the way I currently am. Just being able to have the money and time to keep pursuing what I'm pursuing, (and) being more successful.

Reuben: I see myself continuing to evolve in the music industry. Absorbing everything around me and using my experiences to create more music. I also see Kin Productions continuing to grow, not only producing more music for Livin out Loud, but other artists as well.

Lisa: I think I will be a certified studio engineer/producer. I'll be able to produce my own music, and other people. Also, with my husband, I'll be working on a foundation called The Motherland Beckons. So, I'll probably be doing a lot of traveling back and forth to Africa.

What's next for you all?

Sylvia: We are pleased with how people have received our first single 'Lately.' It went to number 1 on a couple of radio stations in New Orleans and Little Rock, and it is generally building across the US. The original version is a soulful, down tempo track, that describes a woman rebuilding her life after a break-up of a serious relationship. It shows growth, self-reliance, and hope for the future. The remix version that is at the end of the album, takes it one step further; it shows triumph, dancing, and a full-life after the break-up. It is in the spirit of 'I Will Survive,' but with today's rhythms.

Reuben: The album, as a whole, shows various life experiences; from being broke 'Brokeazz,' having affairs, 'Hey Yo,' falling out of love, 'Where's The Love,' & 'What About Us,' falling in love, 'All That Really Matters,' and 'You Are My Sunshine,' to having a good time, 'Do Your Thing,' 'Make Me Move,' and 'What You Came Here For,' as well as other various stories that happen in real life.

Lisa: The style covers R 'n' B, Hip-Hop, and Dance sounds, all in concert, with the various stories being told.

Thomas: What About Us has been available online at Amazon.com, CD Baby, and the single is available on iTunes off the UK version of the album. The success of 'Lately' is appearing in stores primarily in Florida and Georgia. Stores are just beginning to put them on shelves, so it should be in a store near you soon. If it's not there, ask for it and they will order it for you.

Any plans to take the Livin Out Loud show out on the road anytime soon?

Thomas: We are putting together a tour of public performances in Florida and Georgia now. We are working on other performances for later this summer. Check out our website for details, www.Kinproductions.com.

For someone who hasn't experienced you all live, what's to be expected?

Reuben: I would expect our personalities to come out more than what you get from the record. Everything comes to life, from vocals, to musicians, to the actual songs themselves. I think we all thrive on stage. The energy is different and exciting.