In a heartfelt journey bridging generations, «Next Generation» unfolds as a pivotal project for Santonio Echols and his sons, Emanuel and Manuel. This collaboration delves deep into the family’s roots in Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Techno, inspired by the rich musical legacy of Detroit. The project signifies more than just music; it’s a celebration of legacy, family bonds, and the evolution of sound. Through the reinterpretation of classics like «Bad for Me» and innovative original work, the Echols family sets a new standard for collaborative creativity. As they share their experiences, challenges, and visions, «Next Generation» emerges as a beacon of inspiration, signaling the enduring power of music to connect, transform, and transcend. Join us in exploring the stories, inspirations, and aspirations behind this project.
«Your upcoming release, ‘Next Generation,’ represents a significant collaboration with your sons. Can you share the story behind the inception of this project and what it means to you personally and professionally?»
Santonio: I wanted to do a project that was meaningful with my son’s… Emanuel played the sax since the 6th grade and has been a jazz musician all through high school. But Manuel was to be a professional baseball player he had been playing since the age of six. And somehow found his way into the hip hop music scene.
After the debut of the documentary “GOD SAID GIVE EM DRUM MACHINES” they became more curious how the Detroit scene came about. I’m so proud of this project as a father and a artist. My son’s continuing the legacy.
Emanuell: This is a Monumental released record with my dad. I think this is a start of something huge as we continue to grow and do more music together. It’s a family business, my younger brother Manuel aka Mannywya is also working on projects with us and it feels like the right thing to do. Techno and house music is something we heard growing up, my dad always worked on his music for hours. But my appreciation did not evolve into what it is until the documentary as my dad mentioned above. When I realized the importance and significance of this music to the culture. Not only is it something I’m born into but its something black culture created and I’m excited to continue on building on that legacy with other amazing creators who are doing amazing things in this space.
«‘Bad for Me’ is a classic track that you’ve decided to recreate and reinterpret. What drew you to this particular song, and how did you approach making it your own while respecting the original’s essence?»
Santonio:I was at the airport one day during the jazz festival in Detroit. While I was talking to my younger brother Duane, Dee Dee Bridgewater walked by me and I said Ms. Bridgewater it’s a pleasure to meet you… and my brother said you know she had a big disco record? I said what is the name of it. “Bad for me” I said I’m googling it right now… I said this is it! I’m doing a cover version with the boys for our first record together. But my biggest concern was respecting the original creativity and essence of the song. Finding the right vocalist was my biggest concern. And Makeda Rose knocked it out the park.
Emanuell: My dad told me he had a record for me and my brother to help him with. He said this would be the start of building our legacy. And leaving a mark in the dance music scene. Immediately I knew I had to be apart of this project and dropped everything and picked back up my production software. And got to working extremely hard.
«Working closely with family, especially in a creative capacity, can be uniquely rewarding and challenging. How has the experience of collaborating with your sons, E. Echols and M. Echols, influenced the creative process and the final outcome of the project?»
Santonio: Working with the boy’s wasn’t challenging at all… it was like they had been training for this moment for years. Both had been working on their craft independently throughout the years. We have different styles, and it shows in each of our mixes. Helping with the Drum programing by both sons to adding the arrangement of the sax by DJ Emanuell.
https://soundcloud.com/moskalus/premiere-next-generation-bad-for-me-ron-carroll-club-mix-ncm-label-detroit/
«The release features an array of remixes from notable producers. How did you select these artists for the remixes, and what direction or guidance did you provide to align their versions with your vision for ‘Bad for Me’?»
Santonio: They were selected according to there style of music they produced as an artist/remixer. Each and all producers are notable and creditable at there craft and skills as an artist. There was no guidance necessary because each producer is incredible.
«This project is described as a narrative of passing down knowledge and experience to the next generation. How do you perceive your role in your family’s musical legacy, and what lessons do you hope to impart to your sons and the wider music community through your work?»
Santonio: As a father from day one I watched them closely at a young age to help them find their gifts. The oldest Emanuell to be a musician and Manuel a baseball player… but I didn’t notice until later they had multiple talents. The lesson is never give up on your dreams and believe in yourself when know else does.
«Your music has been compared to iconic tracks in the genre. Can you talk about your influences and how they’ve shaped your sound over the years, including how they resonate in the ‘Next Generation’ project?»
Santonio: My influences are the Motown sound, James Brown, George Clinton, Juan Atkins etc. the soulfulness and funkiness of each artist and the creativity of Juan Atkins earlier projects stayed with me through out the years. Just trying to stay one step above each track that I do and elevate the sound or song to different levels never trying to sound like the last project.
«Over the years, you’ve contributed significantly to the music scene, evolving alongside it. How has your sound transformed from your early days with Kevin Saunderson and contributions to documentaries to your current work on ‘Next Generation’?»
Santonio: My early projects with Kevin under Reese and Santonio were learning tools that let me evolve into the producer/artist I am today. And to be able to pass on knowledge and my experiences to my 2 sons is a blessing.
«As someone who has witnessed and contributed to various phases of music’s evolution, where do you see the future of music heading? How do you believe projects like ‘Next Generation’ contribute to shaping that future?»
Santonio: hopefully in a good place… the music scene has changed so much with technology. The music most likely follows the same trends we are seeing today in technology. But vinyl sales has been slowly increasing.
Emanuell: I see dance music coming back home. All over the place you see new events popping up with young artist ready to celebrate the genre and that’s exciting. I once felt that the genre and the culture was left behind. But see so many amazing young artists doing amazing their thing and it inspires me daily.as I continue to create and grow in the space my hope is to collaborate with all these individuals and artists and create a strong community that is welcoming and supportive of each other. I look forward to what’s next.
«With your wealth of experience, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?»
Santonio: follow your dreams and never give up…
Emanuell: Work hard, even when you don’t feel like it. Put the work in and dedicate the hours to your craft. Its tough but, consistency is everything and it will get you to the places you want to be.
«After the release of ‘Next Generation,’ what can your fans and the music community expect next from you and N.C.M Label Detroit? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?»
Santonio: For the N.C.M label Detroit which is a tribute to my mom/grandmother (Nora Carline Miller) who was so instrumental in all my family’s life. We are working on individual projects now, and we will remix each track among the 3 of us. Working with vocalist Kelly who did “Key to heaven” in the early 90’s and vocalist Makeda rose. There is also a new project for Next Generation in the works. We are planning a vinyl release party for “Bad for me” around the month of June. the vinyl is be pressed at Archer Records and distribution by Norm Talley. I will be playing at the Tec-Troit Festival in June, and we are looking for bookings for tour dates please contact SantoniioEchols@gmail.com
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