SPOTLIGHT
Rage: Being in the recording industry for a good time now, were there any changes you noticed since creating your last record just a few years ago?
TB: No real changes in the last five years but I do remem-
ber on the Heat album, the whole “Napster” thing. All the record companies were trying to stop Napster! (laughter) I remember that. I remember thinking, “What’s the big deal. I mean it would be great to get music immediately.” Sometimes, you have to go to record stores and you have to find it. Most of the artists didn’t have any qualms with it being online. I think it was just making sure we got our royalties that was the big stink, I should say. That’s the only big thing. Now, everything’s automated. You can go on iTunes or wherever and hear music instantaneously and that part’s great.
Rage: Now, are you actually filming a reality show for Bravo
called Braxton’s Family Values?
TB: We are, my sisters and I. It’s me and my four siblings
and my mom and my dad. It’s very animated without even trying. Our show is not scripted at all because all they have to do is roll the camera. I’m the oldest one and I’m the one in my family sibling-wise whose dream really came true. My other sisters got a record deal and it didn’t happen for them. We talk about how they feel and I feel. My parents are divorced and how that affects family. My family is very proper and traditional. But, when they come together…they forget all of that and they start fussing like they’re 15 years old in high school. It’s just about family coming together because you come from divorced parents. Every social gathering is compromised from graduations to barbeques to holidays…it’s just how family is affected. It’s very animated!
Rage: You’re so lucky to still have your parents. My mom and dad have both passed on. I think of them every day.
TB: I’m so sorry about that. I know that’s right. I know
that’s right. We talk about that a little bit. At least we’re all here together. So, does all this arguing and stuff really matter and couldn’t we just let it go for a moment? It’s really heartfelt and I feel good about it.
Rage: Do you know yet when the show will air?
TB: It comes out this summer! It was originally six episodes and now we’re doing eight…so that’s good.
Rage: What recordings of other artists do you have that you never tire of listening to?
TB: Gosh…there are so many good ones. You know
what? One of my favorite artists of all time, my absolute favorite is Eartha Kitt [Toni precedes to do an excellent imitation of Eartha and sings “I’m Still Here” and “C’est Si Bon”…] I love her! I just turn her on and life gets better. Yeah. Okay…I’m a little corny so I love boy bands. (laugh- ter) I can listen to N’Sync or Backstreet Boys. I love boy band music. I’ll listen to that anytime. If it comes on the radio channel, I am tuned in for at least that 3:30 minutes that the song plays.
Rage: Well, the best of luck with this album and have an exciting May!
TB: Okay sugarlips. You too!
46
RAGE monthly | MAY 2010
photography by Markus Klinko and Indrani
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