29 July 2007
Gordon Chambers
Gordon Chambers is our number one advisor to Strive. His credits
extend past the music business into publishing and just “plain ol’
positivity”. And its so contagious that anyone around Gordon is
most likely destined for greatness: from entertainment editor at
Essence Magazine to songwriter for some of the biggest hits
heard over the airwaves and seen on BET: Beyonce, Whitney,
Anita Baker, Marc Anthony, etc.
We interviewed Gordon last year about his premier album
"Introducing Gordon Chambers.” This year we follow-up with
Gordon on his new album, “Love Stories.” Below is an account of
our interview with songwriter. To get up-close and personal with
Mr. Chambers, email gordon@strivemagazine.com this Thursday
at 1pm and he will be fielding questions til 2pm.
STRIVE: Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
GChambers: I was raised in Teaneck, NJ. Still single, Christian, the eldest of two, no kids, one niece, one nephew.
STRIVE: How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from?
GChambers: My journey into the music business began with my parents Friday night parties during the 70's when Dad bought new soul and reggae records and Mom cooked huge pots of curry goat. Later on, my Dad bought me a trumpet and a piano which led to school music lessons, copycatting Stevie Wonder chords and writing my own songs. I began singing publicly at Brown University. My first job after college was at Essence magazine in midtown, which allowed me to attend listening parties for artists and take A&R meetings to play songs during lunch time.
STRIVE: What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
GChambers: I was promoted to Entertainment Editor in 1992. On an interview with Queen Latifah, I presented her a demotape, which led to my first album credit as an arranger. I soon met Phyllis Hyman at a gig (at Essence I was invited to everything) who introduced me to producer Barry Eastmond, who asked me to cowrite 'I Apologize' with him for Anita Baker. The song won a Grammy in 1994, and I've written fror 60 other artists since, including Whitney, Aretha, Usher, Beyonce, Marc Anthony, Gladys, Chaka, Angie Stone, Carl Thomas, and many others. Bottom Line: I learned to network and hustle at ESSENCE!
STRIVE: Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
GChambers: My parents are my heroes. They are still working hard. My Dad's an enterpreneur. He has an ALLSTATE franchise in the Bronx and buys and flips real estate. My mom is a recently retired bank manager. My folks taught me how to invest, save, hold my head high, operate with integrity, remain humble and live a fulfulling lifestyle that doesn't revolve around hype.
I also greatly admire Stevie Wonder, Oprah, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and people who use their voice and power as instruments of social change. Words have healing power!
The STRIVER in You
STRIVE: What signifies a STRIVER to you?
GChambers: Someone committed to excellence and creating new challenges for themselves without having to put others down!
STRIVE: What makes you original or sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game?
GChambers: I am not caught up in the 'new' and 'trendy', but rather music that lasts, endures and becomes classic. Songs that folks will use for weddings, anniversaries, graduations: the major events of their lives.
STRIVE: How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", butt when will you consider yourself as having made it?
GChambers: I am hard on myself, so I'm not ready to 'rest on my laurels' so to speak. But I realize that folks admire me, and I carry myself as a role model. Right now, I'd like to become as well known and respected as a recording artist and performer as I've been as a writer and producer, if not more. That's an immediate goal, and I believe it will happen, in God's time.
To Our Readers
STRIVE: Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
GChambers: The industry is largely focusing on easy-to-market youth-oriented music. Hip-hop runs the show for the most part. But there's a huge underground soul music movement that adults are starting to seek out to hear new artists like myself, Anthony David, Eric Roberson and Ledisi. Check out cdbaby and soulmusicstore.com and soultracks.com. There is a ton of amazing indie music being made all over the world!
STRIVE: What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
GChambers: Be vigilant, be willing to be humbled, be always perfecting of craft
Last Words
STRIVE: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
GChambers: How to make a great day. Was it a great day? What did I accomplish?
STRIVE: What do you know for sure?
GChambers: That I am talented, that I am loved, that I am God's child, and that dreams come true if you believe.
STRIVE: Any last overall advice?
GChambers: Be yourself, be prepared and wait for the Lord to work his wonders. I'll quote one of the songs on my new album Love Stories called IF IT WASN'T FOR YOUR LOVE
"At last my chance to shine
And all in perfect time
I live the life I once dreamed of
Who'd have thought, if it wasn't for love..."
That's life in nutshell. Live with an attitude of gratitude.
WWW.GORDONCHAMBERS.COM
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