Herbie Hancock is one of the greatest musicians/ composers ever to bless the game of music… with his integration of jazz-funk, afro electronic beats. No I’m not living in the past, fusion is alive and kickin’, granted mostly in Europe and American underground. But the question is, with all of the talented well studied musicians that have an infinity for the electro grooves, why aren’t there more household names?
Few electro-beat artist get the fame and well deserved glory as a Stevie Wonder or a Kenny Rodgers. Two widely different genres, worlds apart in fact, but we know who they are because their music is great. In comparison there is a 10 to 1 margin of well known Country and R&B singers than there are Electro-Beat Artist. That’s a shame considering that we as music lovers should recognize great music when we hear it.
Recently, I heard of one such electro jazz funk artist who’s name should be rolling off the tongues of everyone in the country. I was lucky to have had a brief phone conversation with him and set up an online Q & A interview.
Maurice Oliver is a Julliard graduate and founder of Chill Factor 5, here’s what he had to say about Chill factor 5 and his record company Electronfarm:
Maurice, so your the founder and leader of Chill Factor 5?
“Yes I am, in fact Chill Factor 5 is really me. It’s an alias I came up with when I started Electronfarm. The 21st century was here and it was time to “flip the switch” I learned everything I could about graphic design I do all my own artwork, packaging, digital distribution, online marketing, social networking and went global on my own.”
How many members are in the group?
Strangely enough I’m working almost exclusively by myself, but I do use the talents of several musicians from around the globe for their unique talents.
Are you mostly recognized in the U.S. or Europe?
The West Cost is my largest fan base. But my most loyal, long-time listeners are in Holland and Germany.
Your music is so good, why do you think you’re bigger in Europe than U.S.?
So many people from everywhere flow through the major cities and fans are exposed to every kind of music available. Most artists have to go to Europe too really break out. You get a completely different perspective on what you create under unfamiliar circumstances. That is liberating.
How many albums does Chill Factor 5 have under the belt?
There are eight releases; A Heart Away, Sun Flower Jazz [Grammy nomination for album of the year dance/electronic 2008], Teh Venus Effect 2009, The Return of Dr. Dark released Oct. 2010, Spiritual Rhythm release date june 1, 2011, Coastal Vibrations EP coming july 2011 and Journey to Music Island Vol-3.
Two new albums coming out this year “Spiritual Rhythm and “Coastal Vibrations, any singles?
There will be singles from Coastal Vibrations, ‘Momo’ a hot jazzy house track that’s already getting some very nice comments and ’60 St. Marks Place’ a smokey nu-jazz track featuring my guitar playing.
Now, you’ve been described as… Electronica, Nu-jazz, House and Techno, how would you describe your sound best in one word?
Spiritual.
Your music seems to be rooted, it has such a strong spiritual connection.. where does that come from and do you practice meditation?
Music is my meditation, the beating of the drum is always with-in my heart. I draw strength and peace through listening to and creating music……. I Believe.
To this date where is your favorite place to play?
My favorite club is the Melkweg [Milkyway] in Amsterdam, great crowds, excellent sound, right in the middle of the club district.
Chill Factor 5 is based out of Chicago?
Right now I’m in Chicago, but you never know.
Maurice, you do all the producing, mixing, editing and remixing as well as play your own instruments?
I own my own studio this allows me time to experiment with many different concepts, I’m also a workaholic so I am always writing and producing.
And you worked with Director Quntine Taratino.., where else have we might have heard some of your work?
Rhythm Method [Steve Oliver, Maurice Oliver] worked on the soundtrack album for ‘Killing Zoe’, we were working with a production company and played some parts, we also helped on a piece for ‘Natural Born Killers’ no credit but its there. My music has also been on several airline music channels and Chicago Airports, some commercials in past and now my music is streamed to gyms and workout facilities.
Just a minute ago you mentioned ‘Rhythm Method’ a group you were in during the 90’s, can you break us down on that?
The group was my brother Steve and I, we performed at the Limelight, The Roxy, The Shelter and many clubs around NY. We traveled to Europe and performed in Holland and Germany.
Any tours coming up?
I’ll be working on that front once summer is over.
Well alright folks there ya have it, Maurice Oliver – Chill Factor 5 and Electronfarm records a one man “Dinamo”. Want to learn more about this one man wonder… check out Electronfarm.com.
Remember.. Rhythm Rotates the Earth
By Shawn Murphy
