A FREE-SPIRITED, TALENTED PERFORMER LETS LOOSE

Philadelphia is truly the city of brotherly love. During my many visits to the city, I've met several cool, down to earth and talented people, including Da Quan J. Motley, a talented performer and artist, who has been making an impact on the Out music scene with his talent, activism, spirit and his cooking. (The brother can throw down in the kitchen and Da-Professor is determined to taste his cuisine this year.) I first met and spoke to Da Quan after his performance at Philly Black Pride in 2012 and whenever rapper I.K.P. would hang out with us, he would always recommend that we needed to link up to talk about music and life. We finally did connect in the summer of 2013, and found out that we both loved music while I found him to be out going, down to earth, intelligent and really into the arts. I was so impressed that I knew I had to interview him for my blog which was done via email where he spoke about his career, life, the importance of artists supporting each other.

Da-Professor: This is Da-Professor interviewing singer/songwriter Da Quan Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going with you?

Da Quan: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you, things are well, staying busy, remaining focused.

Da-Professor: That's great to hear and know. Can you please let the viewers know who DaQuan is?

DaQuan: DaQuan is a performing artist , at least that's a label I'm comfortable owning. Singer, MC, songwriter, composer, actor, writer, painter, etc... would just be too long would you agree? I enjoy all mediums of art, and try to think of new ways to present them in an entertaining way .

Da-Professor: Great. So tell me how did you become interested in music?

DaQuan: I was young, 6 or so. Got involved in a inner city youth music program, that's where I received classical training in an instrument of my choice. I chose the clarinet , because of my Grandmothers love of Benny Goodman. 

Da-Professor: Which performers influenced you and what was about them that made you take notice?

DaQuan: I am deeply influenced by entertainers, I could name a list that would take up most of the interview to be honest. But people like Cab Calloway , Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, The Rat Pack,Fats Waller, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, All of The Jacksons,Patti LaBelle, Fela Kuti , Celia Cruz . . .just to get started. These are all people that captured their audience in many ways. Yes they all have made a great record... but they were even better when they performed. That "You Had To Be There" experience is priceless.

Da-Professor: Interesting choices. How long have you performing and do you remember the first time you performed live?

DaQuan: I've been performing since I was 7 , recitals, school bands, plays mostly . At 9 I had my first public speaking experience in front of 500 people or so, I remembered not being afraid, and enjoying that I was being given full attention. I guess you could say that's when I knew I wanted to perform.

Da-Professor: You're happen to be an Out performer. What inspired you to be on out performer and have you had any challenges being true to who you are?

DaQuan: I never aspired to be an "Out performer". I'm open about my sexuality, and I guess that considers  me to be "Out" of some metaphorical closet .  I chose to be involved with the "Out Music" community because I believe in building, and promoting unity in a community that I believe in. It is my way of not forgetting where I have come from.

I have had many challenges, but they never have exceeded my successes. I don't conform to trends, and that has put damper on how I am received as an artist , weather it be Out , or Mainstream. But, these things still have not made me question my personal artistic integrity.

Da-Professor: OK cool. In addition to recording and performing, you're also involved with coordinating show cases and shows for many LGBT singers and rappers to perform. What inspired you to become involved and how important is it for LGBT to have avenues, venues and opportunities to perform and display their talent?

DaQuan: I was that kid in high school that was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. I can't help but to get involved. If I want to have a safe place where I can display my talents, then I would have to create that space. Luckily I have found many like-minded individuals on the way. It is very important for the community's morale  to have venues, and safe spaces for the  LGBTQ artist to perform , and showcase their talents.

Da-Professor: I've listen to your music and it you mixed various genres of music including Soul, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop and Spoken word and Neo-Soul. What influenced you to mix all those genres of music together?

Da-Professor: Those would all be types of mediums that I consider myself good at . I grew up listening to all those genres. I saw Mya Angelou speak when I was young, and she was very entertaining ,she didn't just read a poem , she acted them out, sang , moved about the stage like a dancer at times. The male figures in my family would listen to a lot of The Last Poets , These  were both a major Spoken Word Influence. My mom listened to Parliament, Funkadelics, WAR, E W & Fire , Chic. . .and on and on ... these records helped shaped what I consider my sound . 

Da-Professor: I love your song  Molly Ringwald . What was the inspiration for that song?

DaQuan: Molly Ringwald was the inspiration of course , lol. I love 80's films. She was my first girl crush growing up . As a child I knew I wanted to make a song about her, so when I had the opportunity I did. It seems to be a crowd pleaser as well.

Da-Professor: You and I.K.P. teamed with Out Rap Legend Tim' M West for your latest single. How did you get together and what was it like working with those two talented artists?

DaQuan: Tim M hit me up and told me he wanted to do a track with I.K.P. and myself , called The News. I've worked with I.K.P. before, and am very familiar with Tim M West music , so I knew I was in good talented company . I was really excited to finally be able to get to work with Tim . I appreciate the work he has done, and the doors he has opened for other LGBTQ artist. 

Da-Professor: You and I.K.P. also linked up with Baron and remade your version of the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gain"  Who came up with the idea to redo that classic, and why do you feel that song is still a classic after many decades?

DaQuan: WOW ... is the first thing I think of every time I hear or think about that record. It was such a collaborative effort . I.K.P. hit me up with the track with another concept at the time I don't remember to be honest . But months later sends me the track with him and Baron's verse on it. Baron Singing the famous line from Sam Cooke's classic "Chain Gang" and both of them delivering two very solid verses. Needless to say I was intimidated to even get on the track. But, I love Sam Cooke so much, and I couldn't think of a better way then honoring him by singing the verse from the song  with my own little twist.   

Da-Professor: Interesting interesting. If you had the opportunity to work with any performer mainstream, and LGBT, who would it be? Name as many as you like.

DaQuan: Where do I begin , I honestly want to work with anyone that would like to work with me. That's just not a safe answer either. If another artist really is receptive, and gets what I'm doing. . . then I believe we should collaborate. My dream would to do a track with Erykah Badu , I'd think that would change me forever ! I'd love to cut an ep with Bootsy Collins. I've even thought of camping on his lawn with a sign asking him to collaborate with me. I'm crazy enough to do it .Stay tuned .

Da-Professor: In addition to recording and performing do you plan on doing an modeling and acting in the near future?

DaQuan: I'm can take a good photo , but I am NO model . . lol. . . I would really be happy if I got involved in acting. I would love to do theater.

Da-Professor: You live in Philly. The city that gave birth to Philly International Records, Patti LaBelle, Eve, Boyz II Men, Joan Jett, Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Jill Scott and The Roots. How does it feel to be from a city that gave birth to these legends and how do you feel that you're going to add to their musical legacy?

DaQuan: I feel like it's an artistic privilege to be apart of this city. I'd be honored to continue and reshape the legacy of the "Philadelphia Sound' , what hard working artist wouldn't want to represent for their "Hometown" .

Da-Professor: From your perspective, what is it about Philly guys that makes people wanna holla at them?

DaQuan: LOL. . .who knows, maybe be it's the beards.lol.  I think there are attractive people in every city. But , I can honestly tell you there is something different about a "Guy From Philly"  a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi .

Da-Professor: When you're not performing, writing and coordinating shows, what do you do in your spare time to relax?

DaQuan: I like to burn lavender oil, and listen to what ever music or sounds soothes me, preferably nude. That's my happy place. I also enjoy going to the movies, having drinks at my  favorite bar and and talking with my favorite bartender (Shout Outs to Philadelphia's Legendary Venture Inn). I really cherish time with my very small group of close friends. and of course . . . cooking !  

Da-Professor: I heard that you know how to throw down in the kitchen like Miss Patti lol. You must let me sample some of your cooking bro.

DaQuan: I don't want to brag. . .  but I will ! I really enjoy it. . .the best part is watching others eat so you can sample whenever you'd like .

Da-Professor: We can make it happen. For the past year many entertainers and athletes such as Frank Ocean, Jason Collins and Rayven-Symone have come out the closet. Tell me how do you feel about them deciding to live in their truth and how do you feel it's gonna help many especially Blacks cope with their sexuality.

DaQuan: Welcome to the club, we've been expecting you . . . lol... but honestly it is good when people decide not to live anyone's truth but their own. It's a good way to give other people some encouragement to come out as well. It is especially important to have good representation of people of color who make this step, we have a lot deep rooted  issues when it comes to sexual identity. 

Da-Professor: I also remember when Frank Ocean revealed his bi-sexuality, many were giving him props because of him being an R&B singer and songwriter, while many were saying it's great that he came out, but we have to also support the Out artists who's been making music and representing the community years before many knew of his existence. How important is it for the community to support their own artists?

DaQuan: Support is very important within the community. Support in general of anything worthwhile is key in general. I show my support to good music, and artist. People that have a talent, skill, and undying spirit to keep creating. I honestly don't care what there sexuality is. I just want to see art happen !

Da-Professor:True because I'm so over the kids complaining about the Prides hiring the Disco/Dance artists, yet not showing love to the openly 

Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Singers and Rappers. Many people are upset at the verdict involving the Trayvon Martin trial. How did it affect you personally and how important is it for Blacks to know that no matter where they live, how they dress and their sexual orientation that they can be the target for racial profiling?

Da-Quan: I don't even frequent the news , and I was fully informed of the Trayvon Martin case. I was affected deeply, the nation was affected deeply. We all have some things to work on when it comes to race issues in this world. This unfortunately showed us we have much more work to do . Sad. 

Da-Professor: We lost many musical legends. How did the death of Michael Jackson affected you and the world?

DaQuan: How could I even answer that without carrying on for at least an hour. MJ was special! What more can I say . His early demise only leaves a legacy that will haunt the WORLD for the rest of it's existence !

Da-Professor: Philly also lost their hometown heroes Lisa Left-Eye Lopes of TLC and Romantic Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass. How do you feel their deaths affected the music industry, and the city of Philadelphia? 

DaQuan: Any lost affects  people in many ways, a person passing always reminds me of how precious , and short life can be. I encourages me to keep working, and creating .

Da-Professor: What did you think of the TLC movie and if there was a movie to be made about Teddy Pendergrass, who would you like to play the late romantic Teddy Bear?
DaQuan: I really enjoyed the TLC movie , I think they really stuck it to Pebbles, and maybe rightfully so . But I will say they picked an amazing cast to portray the group. Speaking of good picks for a cast I couldn't even think of anyone to play Teddy P , maybe some unknown .

Da-Professor: We also lost Ivory Soul Queen Teena Marie who was and still is loved and embraced by the Black community. How did her unexpected death affected the music industry and her fans and what made her connection with the Black community tight and pure?

DaQuan: My Mother Barbara , loved, loved ,loved Teena Marie , and has a very link to her and her music. So when I heard about her passing, Portuguese Lover started to play in my head, and I immediately thought of my Momma Barb! She said she was in the car when she heard the news and had to pull the car off the side of the road and have a cry . I felt her pain. As far as her connection to the Black community let's not forget we gave her a hard time before we embraced her fully. The record label even gave her a hard time . . . but a talent such as hers overcame all that! 

Da-Professor:The Fugees sampled her classic Ooh La La La for their hit Fugeela. What do you think of the Fugees sampling her classic number one hit?

DaQuan: That's Hip Hop at it's finest. It was a great way to keep a legend alive . 

Da-Professor: Many fans were shocked at Disco Empress/Songwriter Donna Summer's death. How did her death affected her fans as well as the LGBT community and how important is it for her legacy to be honored?

DaQuan: Again another sad lost, it's important as fans to honor the legacy. To keep playing those records , sharing , and talking about their music. It's the only way to pass the "knowledge",  if you will .

Da-Professor: Both TLC and Beyonce Knowles each sampled Donna's classic debut single "Love To Love You Baby" for their hits "I'm Good At Being Bad" and "Naughty Girl" what do you think about those acts sampling her classic song for their hits?

DaQuan: Just as I feel about The Teena sample, these were both good ways to introduce an entire generation to the classics. I'm sure both of those artist were fans of Donna's classic.

Da-Professor: How do you feel you're making an impact on the music industry and in the LGBT Community?

DaQuan: I still have more work to do , but I believe I will make an impact by being an "original" . I respect, and appreciate my craft. My hopes is that others recognize that as well. 

Da-Professor: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

DaQuan: Still creating, doing more extensive forms of performance art outside of music. And,  I hope married, and working on a beautiful family. 

Da-Professor: What type of guys do you like and what do they have to bring to the table besides their looks and body?

DaQuan: I am attracted to a good spirit , male, female, whatever they may identify as. What keeps me is their ability of making me feel safe, appreciated, and how well they reflect the love I give. 

Da-Professor: What advice would you give to a LGBT person who wants to pursue a career as an Out performer?

DaQuan: Quitting is for the dead. . .  so don't give up on your passion !

Da-Professor: Ok Thanks for allowing me to interviewing you bro. Looking forward to seeing great things from you and looking forward to tasting your cooking. Shall I bring some Tupperware? Lol.

DaQuan: Thanks for the opportunity , and no Tupperware needed . . .  I have plenty I will send you home with , just bring your appetite !

On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Ra SHAWN CHISOLM <bksgldevo@hotmail.com> wrote:

This is Da-Professor interviewing singer/songwriter Da Quan Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going with you?

That's great to hear and know. Can you please let the viewers know who Da Quan is?

Great. So tell me how did you become interested in music?

Which performers influenced you and what was about them that made you take notice?

Interesting choices. How long have you performing and do you remember the first time you performed live?

You're happen to be an Out performer. What inspired you to be on out performer and have you had any challenges being true to who you are?

OK cool. In addition to recording and performing, you're also involved with coordinating show cases and shows for many GLBT singers and rappers to perform. What inspired you to become involved and how important is it for GLBT to have avenues, venues and opportunities to perform and display their talent?

I've listen to your music and it you mixed various genres of music including Soul, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop and Spoken word and Neo-Soul. What influenced you to mix all those genres of music together?

I love your song Miss Molly. What was the inspiration for that song?

You and I.K.P. teamed with Out Rap Legend Tim' M West for your latest single. How did you get together and what was it like working with those two talented artists?

You and I.K.P. also linked up with Baron and remade your version of the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gain"  Who came up with the idea to redo that classic, and why do you feel that song is still a classic after many decades?

Interesting interesting. If you had the opportunity to work with any performer mainstream, and GLBT, who would it be? Name as many as you like.

In addition to recording and performing do you plan on doing an modeling and acting in the near future?

You live in Philly. The city that gave birth to Philly International Records, Patti LaBelle, Eve, Boyz II Men, Joan Jett, Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Jill Scott and The Roots. How does it feel to be from a city that gave birth to these legends and how do you feel that you're going to add to their musical legacy?

From your prespective, what is it about Philly guys that makes people wanna holla at them?

When you're not performing, writing and coordinating shows, what do you do in your spare time to relax?

I heard that you know how to throw down in the kitchen like Miss Patti lol. You must let me sample some of your cooking bro.

We can make it happen.

For the past year many entertainers and athletes such as Frank Ocean, Jason Collins and Rayven-Symone have come out the closet. Tell me how do you feel about them deciding to live in their truth and how do you feel it's gonna help many especially Blacks cope with their sexuality.

I also remember when Frank Ocean revealed his bi-sexuality, many were giving him props because of him being an R&B singer and songwriter, while many were saying it's great that he came out, but we have to also support the Out artists who's been making music and representing the community years before many knew of his existance. How important is it for the community to support their own artists?

True because I'm so over the kids complaining about the Prides hiring the Disco/Dance artists, yet not showing love to the openly 

Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Singers and Rappers.

Many people are upset at the verdict involving the Trayvon Martin trial. How did it affect you personally and how important is it for Blacks to know that no matter where they live, how they dress and their sexual orientation that they can be the target for racial profiling?

We lost many musical legends. How did the death of Michael Jackson affected you and the world?

Philly also lost their hometown heroes Lisa Left-Eye Lopes of TLC and Romantic Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass. How do you feel their deaths affected the music industry, and the city of Philadelphia? What did you think of the TLC movie and if there was a movie to be made about Teddy Pendergrass, who would you like to play the late romantic Teddy Bear?

We also lost Ivory Soul Queen Teena Marie who was and still is loved and embraced by the Black community. How did her unexpected death affected the music industry and her fans and what made her connection with the Black community tight and pure?

The Fugees sampled her classic Ooh La La La for their hit Fugeela. What do you think of the Fugees sampling her classic number one hit?

Many fans were shocked at Disco Emperess/Songwriter Donna Summer's death. How did her death affected her fans as well as the GLBT community and how important is it for her legacy to be honored?

Both TLC and Beyonce Knowles each sampled Donna's classic debut single "Love To Love You Baby" for their hits "I'm Good At Being Bad" and "Naughty Girl" what do you think about those acts sampling her classic song for their hits?

How do you feel you're making an impact on the music industry and in the GLBT Community?

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

What type of guys do you like and what do they have to bring to the table besides their looks and body?

What advice would you give to a GLBT person who wants to pursue a career as an Out performer?

Ok Thanks for allowing me to interviewing you bro. Looking forward to seeing great things from you and looking forward to tasting your cooking. Shall I bring some tupperware? Lol.