Exclusive interview: DEALZ

In a few days you're releasing your first single to the radio. How do you feel?
I’m just truly anxious to see how the people will take me, because the music is just a part of an individual.

How do you feel to be the first artist on Jesco Records?
It’s a business, we’re all looking in the same direction.

We heard the single "In Town one night" and other songs. Can you tell us more about other songs and the whole album ?
Lately we’ve been working wit this cat name SimonSayz, who was right amongst us and stepped up to the plate. The song “When I Come Thru”, was about someone personal. And the second one, “Deal Wit It”, is an introduction to me, Dealz…because this is what I deal with. About the album, I’m letting the public know who Dealz is. There are not too many duets. A couple of voices you might have heard before, but mainly its me, it’s an introduction. Now I hope everybody has some ear space for me.

Are you involved in the whole music process? Writing, music, recording, mixing?
I do all my own writing. I collaborate with a few, if it works. I just want to sit behind the mic, till I decide to leave.

Can you describe us a traditional "Dealz-day" when you are in studio?
Pretty much just writing, recording…listening to tracks. And when I have extra time I’m riding my bike and messing with cars.

Your sound is a little bit different from the Jackson Style. Which are your influences? Who are your idols?
I don’t idolize anyone. I respect and watch the ones who do succeed, because the business isn’t easy. It’s the “grey” area. I listen to everything from Jay-Z. Biggie, Tupac, DMX, Run DMC, Mobb Deep, Linkin Park, Metallica, Bucket Head, Jimi Hendrix, Iron Maiden, ect. And there is something to learn from all of them.

You use "Dealz" as artist name. Is it a choice to do not use "Jackson", to keep your own identity?
You can’t hide you are, I’m just going by what I was given. I answer to both, because that’s me. I’m making my own place, I hope people will join.

What does your think family of your music ? Did you already have feedbacks about it?
We’re still getting feedback, and we’re waiting for your feedback. We’re a strong family.

What do you think of Internet ?
The Internet is a great thing. We hope we can get it to everybody via Internet.

What's your favorites songs at the moment, from other artists?
I really don’t have a favorite. I keep my CD changer on random.

Do you have some favorite Jackson songs?
Yeah, there’s a lot. Probably no different then anybody else’s. I like my family as a group, and their success when they broke off to their solo careers. In the new generation, we’re all grown men, and to our younger family members…we’re finding talent everyday.

Do you know Belgium and France ?
Yes, and would love to see all of them.

Any word for the fans?
Thank you everybody for keeping your ear to the side, now I’m gonna put it to the front…hope your eardrums can take it. Thanks to Christophe and MJB for their support. -Dealz

Interview made by Christophe Charlot - 2006