The legendary House music sensation, Barbara Tucker unveils a treasure trove of fresh insights into her upcoming gem, “Grace.” In this interview, she explains the inspiration, creation, and enduring significance of this brand-new track.
1 – Congratulations on your new single “Grace”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this track?
I was sitting in my room and was inspired by a Sunday afternoon church service and was thinking about the creator’s mercy and “Grace” upon my life… I was in a grateful state of mind.
2 – For those who might be unfamiliar, could you delve into the origins and concept of The BCrew project?
The BCrew was a concept inspired by Gladys Pizarro formerly of Strictly Rhythm Records, who thought I should do a girl group record. At that time the first BCrew was Ultra Nate, Moné, and Dajae… and we recorded “Party Feelin’”… Years later, after I retired from the label, I started over with my soul sistas… Charlotte Small, Dawn Tallman, and the late Sabrynaah Pope (may she Rest in Peace). Years later, after doing my tours and events, I started my label and went forth with my vision to regroup and bring out the BCrew on my label.
3 – “Grace” appears to strike a balance between your signature sound and innovative new elements. How did you achieve this fusion?
With age, I think your ears open to all sounds, Gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, and some Jazz… I’m not an instrumental musician, but my ear is no joke LOL, and I team up with producers or remixers that have that respect for live-on tracks and their music makes ME dance (being a dancer in the past).
4 – What genre of music would define its rhythm to perfection?
Funk, Gospel, (like Donald Lawrence, David Bratton style) Neo Soul (like Ledisi) for starters…
5 – Why is creating a memorable hook like ‘If it wasn’t for your grace’ so crucial for leaving a lasting impact on listeners?
For me, it’s all about the message the creator gives me… so the message, the chant, is the affirmation. The Affirmation of lyrics, and words, that touch, move and inspire them to reach high in life, being the best they can be on every level.
6 – In the process of working with fellow producers on this tune, what are some of the fresh insights that you found particularly enlightening?
First, I’d like to thank KYLE SMALL for the track and for trusting my idea and vision, for and with The BCrew. His original was different and I loved it… I’d like to thank YOUNG PULSE, he did a mix on a SAM KARLSON track I wrote and I loved it… and I had to have him on my project. He took that word “Grace” to church and brought it back and rocked it!… and he can sing! Then EMMACULATE… I told him what I wanted and he understood the assignment as we say… I wanted that word to stand out… he rocked it.
7 – How do you feel the remixes align with the spirit of the original composition?
The remixes didn’t align with the original and that’s what I wanted, that’s what I love. I wanted different… I’m old school like that. It should be you, Mr. remixer, your version should represent you. I don’t even like the remixers to hear the originals…. no influence, just bring your gift, your feeling to the project.
8 – Starting out in the 80s, your musical journey spans decades. Is there something you miss from the past?
I have been doing House Music for 38 years. The first recording was December ’85, “Set It Off” by Harlequin Fours, on Jus Borne records.
9 – What are your current plans for the rest of the year?
1. Continuing to work on The BCrew projects.
2. Complete my album “Ascension.”
3. Complete my book. “I Have a Melody, your song is your Calling”… (Still playing with the title — hehe).
4. Working with the Bookbank Foundation, as their “Global Ambassador”… fundraising and being a servant.
5. And most important, building my MENTORSHIP COACHING… “ARTIST FOR ARTIST.”
I’m very excited about what the creator has in store for me… I am blessed to do House Music for 38 years, I understand my assignment.
10 – If you had to sum up Barbara Tucker as an artist in just three words, what would they be?
Captivating, Iconic, Trailblazer.
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
