We just lately had a possibility to interview tremendous songwriter Sean Garrett. He’s chargeable for a few of the greatest songs over the past 20 years together with “Yeah” by Usher, “Goodies” by Ciara and “Run It” by Chris Brown. Throughout our dialog, we talked with him about his Verzuz battle with The-Dream, his early work early on with Chris Brown and creating hits like “Break Up” by Mario. We additionally discuss his upcoming album and what we will count on from that.
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YouKnowIGotSoul:You had an epic Verzuz battle with The-Dream not too way back. One of many issues that folks could not have factored in is that your songs have been worldwide hits. If you happen to journey
to locations in Asia, it’s very seemingly you’ll hear these data taking part in within the streets.
Sean Garrett: To not be redundant, I simply really feel like we’re not in the identical class. It’s not even a disrespect factor. I grew up overseas and I’ve traveled overseas too. My music has traveled overseas and I simply convey that totally different power to the sport. I really feel like he has some extra hits to place out to be in my class.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Hits like “Yeah!” and “Goodies” weren’t conventional R&B songs on the time. Did you ever hesitate when presenting these data to labels simply in case they didn’t perceive these songs?
Sean Garrett: I used to be actually blessed that the whole lot panned out, nevertheless it was positively a problem. “Yeah” was a type of songs no person preferred. They thought I used to be tripping, however I don’t suppose it was simply the report. I believe it was the timing of the report too as a result of it was the final music recorded. It wasn’t like I used to be somebody all people knew. They have been like “We have already got a plan for this album” however I used to be like “This music goes to alter your life”. I wasn’t aiming for a triple, I used to be making an attempt to knock it out of the stadium. That must be the attitude if you wish to win.
YouKnowIGotSoul:Discuss your mindset whenever you labored with Chris Brown early on. You and Johnta Austin gave him his sound on his first two albums.
Sean Garrett: I like Chris and his power. I’ll be sincere although, if he gave me an opportnity to suppose with him proper now, we might have the largest album on this planet. Chris doesn’t want me or Johnta, however he does want us. He doesn’t want us to earn money or be a star, however to make one thing higher than “Thriller”? We might do it. We might make individuals acknowledge why he’s such a tremendous famous person. Some persons are simply placed on this earth to do wonderful issues and I really feel like we may very well be what Quincy was for Michael or what JD is for Usher. Chris desires to be the best of all time and he has the flexibility to do it. Chris is usually in his personal world and he deserves to be. After I first met him, he was 15 years outdated. He was only a cool child. He’s not only a nice performer, individuals like Chris. It was simple for me to write down for him as a result of he was cool. These type of individuals make it simple so that you can articulate.
YouKnowIGotSoul: We’re nonetheless ready on Chris Brown’s “Thiller” album. If you happen to and Scott Storch work along with him for a full album, I believe Chris might do it.
Sean Garrett: If you happen to lock me, Chris and Scott Storch collectively within the studio, be careful. Chris can write too now and he’s simply actual. I’d in all probability piss him off and be like “Sufficient of this, let’s discuss to the women and let’s do it over an uptempo report”. It’d piss him off as a result of Chris likes to maintain it shifting. You may’t try this on a regular basis although, typically you need to gradual it down and give it some thought to raise it. Chris is my little brother although, I might like to make “Thriller 2” album with him.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Discuss your new music that you just’re engaged on.
Sean Garrett: My new album is coming and I’m actually enthusiastic about it. I’m making an album that I believe girls are actually going to love and guys are going to understand. I’m simply doing sizzling music. I really feel just like the power I used to be giving, we’re nonetheless lacking it. I’m making an attempt to provide it. I would like you guys to talk louder. If we voice our opinions louder, it’ll be heard. I do know followers need it. I really feel after I work with individuals like Beyonce and Chris Brown, it by no means took lengthy. I don’t really feel like I’ve to make these bizarre ass preparations. I simply wish to do it with out the additional stuff as a result of it was by no means like that earlier than.
YouKnowIGotSoul: Once we hearken to a few of the songs that you just did for individuals like Joe and Donell Jones, one factor that all the time stood out was your background vocals. Discuss your method with these songs.
Sean Garrett: I similar to making nice music. If it wants some salt and pepper, I’m placing it in there. After I would work with Joe and Donell Jones, these are the fellows I regarded as much as as a child. I by no means thought I might work with them. I might take a look at creating these data like duets. I might create data that they’d sound good on. I might allow them to dominate the leads and I might add these lush vibes within the again. It was freedom. Individuals are simply not free now of their thoughts and coronary heart. They’re making an attempt to flex on Instagram, nevertheless it’s corny. I simply need the liberty to have the ability to create.
YouKnowIGotSoul: You’ve all the time been keen to take dangers like “Break Up” by Mario and “Diva” by Beyonce. If you happen to didn’t do these songs appropriately, they’d have come out horrible however you’ve all the time been capable of put the items collectively.
Sean Garrett: I’m fairly cautious about what elements I select to work with. Like for “Break Up”, I informed Bangladesh I wished that beat as a result of I knew what I wished to do with that. I keep in mind listening to that beat for an hour straight and I saved combating with myself. The beat was so exhausting, however I wanted to provide you with a dialog that was vital. I knew as soon as I created that dialog, there was no turning again. I knew it was a smash. Even with a music like “Diva”, anyone else wished the music they usually began questioning it, so I known as Jay-Z and gave the music to Beyonce. They liked that music.