Real Talk With Simply Phillip Brown

This was one of my favorite places to eat: “Café Boulud“, in New York’s Upper East Side, the rain outside the window next to my table created the perfect backdrop for this afternoon’s interview. I was in the early throes of a cold, but not even a simple cold would keep me from interviewing a woman whose music I have come to enjoy and admire.

Who is she; what, where? One of my friends kept asking me about her, my answer being very simple, let Google be your friend; her music is nothing short of phenomenal.

The rudest thing a person can do, is order food before your guest arrives, to me, I feel the whole ambiance of a dinner, or in my circumstance a interview conducted over dinner, was the joy of eating together, Witnessing what the person orders, cause contrary to many people’s beliefs, you can honestly tell a lot about a person, based off of the foods they eat. To eat around someone, you have to let your guard down, you have to be comfortable, that allows me the interviewer to see the real them, and conduct an interview that becomes not only real but that much more of an experience.

As I wait for my guest, I think, Dear God, I hope I don’t act like a screaming, uncontrollable fan! First impressions are everything, and sitting back, I summon a calmness that will allow me to conduct a professional interview. But, to satisfy the fan in me, I have every intention of getting an autograph!

We sat at the table, and at first, I felt like a school kid, afraid to look up. Talia Coles was the picture of beauty, and was everything I knew she would be, and then some.

Talia Coles: How long have you been writing?

Simply Phillip Brown: (laughing)

Talia Coles: What’s so funny?

Simply Phillip Brown: I’m supposed to be asking you the questions! I have been writing since I was 15. I’ve done other things in my life, but no matter what road I take, it was always my writing that opened doors. It was years after winning several short story awards that I realized that this is who I am and that it was in me.

As I begin to speak, I realize that this interview does not even feel like such. It feels more like two strangers making small talk at the airport while waiting for a flight, or two college friends who hadn’t seen each others in years.

Talia Coles: That was me: music, fashion, it was always a part of me, and I knew even at a young age, that would be the path I take later on.

Simply Phillip Brown: You seem to remain positive in things you do; we all know the burdens of life, and things don’t always go the way you want them to. When you’re unsure or stressed out, where do you summon the strength to continue?

Talia Coles: You know, I am a natural optimist. Anyone who knows me will say I am solution-driven: I don’t focus on the problem. So when the ego mind starts to believe negative thoughts, I acknowledge how I feel at that moment, take a breather, and say, being angry or stressed about it is not going to change the circumstance. So what now what!

Simply Phillip Brown: I agree; I am quite sure you have encountered your share of stress being that you’re on the brink of releasing your first studio album, “Clothes Minded”. Tell me a little about why you chose that title?

Talia Coles: As a writer, which I know you know a lot about…

Simply Phillip Brown: I know a little something! (Laughing)

Talia Coles: But I love to play with words! So having an “Open Mind” is what it takes to explore “Couture”, which means exclusive, and custom-fitted. Music is fashion: it’s tailor-made for the artist. Music sets a trend and evokes emotion. So I called the album “Clothes Minded”.

Simply Phillip Brown: I like that; very interesting. Now, is there anything else you can share in terms of what we can expect from the record, such as producers, features, etc.?

Talia Coles: Well, I am working with a new producer, his name is “Teetimus” who is so talented, and together we are bringing a Couture Sound I like to call it “SWAG ROCK”. The music is fun-loving and, what I’m noticing is, it has an empowered women’s point of view…

Simply Phillip Brown: Ooh..I can’t wait to hear some of what you two have cooked up in the studio; I bet it’s incredible.

Can you share anything about future singles? Fans are loving “Nikki Wine”, while my favorite has to be “This Little Thing”!

Talia Coles: “Nikki Wine”…I love it; it has a lot of energy thanks to the Energy God “Elephant Man“. “This Little Thing” is fun; I approached the record differently, with kind of a whisper. As the project unfolds, the substance will unravel.

Simply Phillip Brown: Was going with “Nikki Wine” a conscious effort? It has a completely different sound compared to your previously released single, “This Little Thing.”

Talia Coles: Definitely… my Label is called “Couture Music” ’cause depending on how I feel is the kind of song I will write. Just like when I dress: if I feel hard, I’ll throw on some jeans and my motorcycle boots. When I feel girly and sexy, I throw on my Louboutins or Antonio Berardis… So “Nikki Wine” just fit the moment!

Simply Phillip Brown: As for the moment, what do you think about the current crop of stars, such as Rihanna or Lady Gaga? What’s your take on them?

Talia Coles: I love women doing their thing. Rihanna has great style. Lady Gaga is a risk-taker and doesn’t care what people think. She’s talented… They are both trend setters. You trying to start some mess? (Laughing)

Simply Phillip Brown: No, no girl, not at all; you’re an artist and a songwriter – which would you honestly say you prefer the most?

Talia Coles: They come hand-in -hand. I love being able to express myself through melody and performing. But I also love contributing to others and being able to write their stories as well.

Simply Phillip Brown: In my last couple of interviews I always ask this question:

Where were you when you heard the news of Michael Jackson’s death?

Talia Coles: Oh wow …(Whispering, laying her fork down on her plate. There is a moment of silence, and then she looked at me.)

I was in Johnny Rockets, and my brother called me in tears to tell me MJ had passed. I broke down in tears, then I had a moment of “This is a terrible rumor, why would they say that?” I was sad and shocked at the same time, you know.

(She stops for a second, grabbing a napkin to wipe a tear from her eye)

I’m sorry…

My heart goes out to his family and everyone around the world. He
was our hero; he did the UNTHINKABLE.

Simply Phillip Brown: Yes he did.

After our meal, and after the laughs, we said our good-byes; and, as if reading my mind, she handed me a photo with her autograph. Many celebrities rely on a hit song, or a gimmick, to make them stars, but Talia Coles does not need any of those. A star is simply who she is, it is a part of her.

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did; it showcases the side of Talia Coles behind the bright lights and behind the stage; a woman who is purpose-driven walking the path towards a place that, even as a young girl, she always knew she would reach.