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Teddy Riley at Atlantis Music Conference & Festival
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Producer and artist Teddy Riley was the main attraction at the closing panel of the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival’s second of four days.
But for a few minutes, at least, unknown singer Mag Elliott was the star.
After a lengthy Q&A between Riley, producer-songwriter Russ-T Cobb and producer-songwriter Billy Hume, who served as moderator, it was time to hear what was on the large audience’s mind.
“People tell me my time has passed,” Elliott began.
People say she sounds like classic R&B singers Gladys Knight or Tina Turner, she continued.
And when Riley motioned for her to sing something, she let out a Turner-like ad lib that not only wowed the guest panelists, but producer Teddy Bishop (LeToya Luckett, Aaliyah) , who just happened to be sitting near her.
“We need that right away!” Riley said excitedly. “Give me all of your information!”
And she did. And then Hume summoned her in his direction. And Bishop took her numbers, written on ripped off pieces of paper, as well.
It was the kind of moment artists hope for at this ninth annual conference.
As well as tidbits like this from Riley, on:
Working with Bobby Brown — “He walked out of the studio on me,� during their recording of Brown’s signature R&B tune “My Prerogative.� “Because he’s Bobby Brown!�
“I was going to give that song to somebody else…He didn’t want to do it.�
The origin of one of his first hits, Johnny Kemp’s “Just Got Paidâ€? — “Me and [Atlanta R&B singer] Keith Sweat were in the hood, gambling with some money…We took their money…And went into a room, locked the door and wrote ‘Just Got Paid.’ â€?
Michael Jackson’s favorite key — F minor. The hit Riley production “Remember the Time” was written entirely in that key. And just in case your in the studio with the Gloved One, he uses the C-12, 87 and Sony microphones, Riley offered. “I’m telling y’all the secrets; but we never get anywhere unless we pass it down.â€?
The key to a good mix: “Use crappy speakers. Don’t use the beautiful speakers…If you can hear your bottoms, highs and mids [at a low volume in those speakers], your mix is finished.â€?
Balancing his personal relationships with his work— “Maaaan, I suck…Me and my wife — we’re working on it.”
And a new jack swing tour the recent Atlanta transplant is planning with Sweat, Blackstreet, BBD, SWV, Al B. Sure! and others.
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