To celebrate the release of Bootsy Collins' first holiday album in his long career, 'Christmas Is 4 Ever', HMV.co.jp have teamed up with P Vine Records, his label in Japan, to present an exclusive interview with the funk pioneer.
'Christmas Is 4 Ever' is the follow-up to 2002's 'Play With Bootsy' and features guest appearances by his longtime P-funk friends as well as such stars as Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack and Sugarfoot of Ohio Players. On the album, Collins turned Christmas favorites into his trademark party funk tunes.
Often compared to another P-funk mogul George Clinton, Bootsy Collins now collaborates with a number of hip-hop artists, which helped bring his music over to younger listeners, as well as P-funk fans. We were so impressed by his recent activity, including this holiday album, that we offered him an exclusive e-mail interview, which he kindly accepted.
Interview with Bootsy Collins
First of all, what made you want to make a Christmas album?
I have always wanted to make a Christmas record. It’s been a childhood fantasy since I was a young pup.
There are some moments in the album where you talk about Christmas.Could you share with us again some of your childhood Christmas memories?
It was a time of mystery. A time of hope, giving and receiving. A time our family, my mom and brother and sister came together and really felt each other.
Are there any special Christmas memories/stories that you have since you started out as a musician? (e.g. P-Funk era)
Yeah, one gig we played my brother Catfish dressed as Santa Claus on stage and gave out joints while we played on stage.
Do you have a favorite Christmas album besides your new album?
“James Brown”Christmas In The Ghetto.
Moving on to your new album, "Christmas is 4 Ever"...Your past 2 albums were made with European staff, but this time around, was it all made in your hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio? Did you particularly make it with Ohio in mind?
It was 90% done in Cincy, at my 2 studios. “The Bootzilla Re-hab” and “The Ark P-Form School.” Charlie Daniels was on the road so he did his vocals and fiddle and sent me the Pro-Tools session.
There was an interview where you mentioned that you were not too good with picking guests, but is that true?
Yeah, I like guest that just happen to show up in my life at the right time instead of trying to go out and find someone to play with, they usually find me.
*Bootsy Collins - 'Christmas Is 4 Ever'
1 N-Yo City
2 Merry Christmas Baby
3 Jingle Belz (aka Jingle Bells)
4 Happy Holidaze
5 Chestnutz (aka The Christmas Song)
6 Winter Funkyland (aka Winter Wonderland)
7 Santa's Coming (aka Santa Claus is Coming To Town)
8 Boot-Off (aka Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
9 Silent Night
10 Sleigh Ride
11 Dis-Christmiss(aka This Christmas)
12 Be-With-You
13 Christmas Is 4 Ever
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Bootsy Collins
Executive Producer: Barry Benson
Bobby Womack and Snoop Dogg participated in your last album, and this time around, the guests are great, especially for fans.
I really like to expose the hero's of yesterday and tomorrow, young, old, youngest and oldest, the color is like a rainbow, the conductor is: The Universe.
We were pleasantly surprised with the pairing of Danny Ray and Bobby Byrd. Was that your idea?
Yes, they have been my big brother since I was a JB back in 1969. I’ve always wanted to do something for them. They have done so much for me back in the day.
On the songs like "Jingle Belz" and "Boot-Off", where your brother Catfish Collins also participates, the singing voices of the children are really cute. Are they your children? Or perhaps your grandchildren...?
No, on that song. I used 2 twin sisters, that go to our church. They sing and dance really good, plus I can’t tell which one is which.
Is the guitarist, Keith Cheatham, who has participated on many albums, the same Keith Cheatham who played in Sun? Have you known him for a long time?
Yes that is him and I met him back in the day but I’ve really gotten to know him and his family over the past 3 years. Bootzilla Productions manages his family group called, Icandi.
Like on the song, "Winterfunkyland", do you still meet regularly with the P-Funk members and jam with them?
We do hook up in the studio and do some recordings, some of the members like Bernie Worrell we hook up with more so than others.
After the message from Roger, the two members form Zapp, who you have a close connection with, play on "Be With You". Could you share with us a few memories you have with Roger?
Roger and I were the same age, we played in the same clubs being the young stars of the club scene. We said who ever makes it first would reach back and help the other. I made it first so I went back and got Roger exposed, with the help of the Mothership.
Are there any current plans on making a new album of original material?
Yes. I have recorded lots of material with a lot of different artist.
If you were Santa Claus, what present would you give yourself? Or if you could request a present to Santa, what would you ask for?
I would ask for sickness and disease to be removed from the planet
If you were going to a deserted island with a bass, an amp, and only 1 effect pedal/machine, what would you take?
The Mutron.
And why would you choose that one? (a question from a bass player in our company)
That was and still is my favorite sound and people who grew listening to us knew that was my sound.
Lastly, could you send out a message to the Japanese fans?
Thanks for the support of the Funk! Even when Funk use to be a bad word…Japanese Fans have always been up and down with the Funk.. All I can say is thank you for all your support!
Courtesy of P-Vine Records
Bootsy Collins Discography
From the left: Bootsys Rubber Band - 'Stretchin' Out In' (76), 'Name Is Bootsy' (77), 'Bootsy Player Of The Year' (78), 'This Boot Is Made For' (79), 'Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya', Bootsy Collins - 'Ultra Wave' (80)
From the lefr: 'One Giveth, The Count Taketh Away'(82), Zillatron - 'Lord Of The Harvest Feat.bootsy Collins'(93), Bootsys New Rubber Ban - 'Blasters Of The Universe'(93), 'Keepin Dah Funk Alive 4-1995'(95)
From the left: 'Play With Bootsy'(02), 'Live In Japan 1993'(DVD) (02)
