REDFOO
As part of the electro-hip-hop duo LMFAO, the rapper, DJ and record producer Stefan Gordy—more popularly known by his stage name, Redfoo—enjoyed worldwide success for some of the most ubiquitous dance floor bangers of the last five years, which include chart-toppers “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It.”
Now, as a solo recording artist, Redfoo, who is the youngest son of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., said he feels like an industry “baby” once more. “It’s a totally different game. At first, people call you ‘that guy from LMFAO.’ It took some time, but now they’re starting to know me by my name,” he told the Inquirer in a phone interview.
Seeking more creative freedom, Redfoo, 40, decided to work independently, and has never been more hands on when it comes to his music—artistic- and business-wise. In March this year, he released his debut solo studio album, “Party Rock Mansion” (distributed in the Philippines by Warner Music), which he described as being more “intimate” than his past efforts.
“I am currently funding everything myself—I’m in charge of everything. I work with a small team—the same one I had when I was with LMFAO. The difference is that, back then, we were backed by a big label. Now, we do what we want, when we want it … I’m in charge of booking shows, hooking up with partners, managing the payroll,” he said. “I consider it a family business of sorts. Some of my staff even live in my house!”
On May 27, Redfoo, also a former judge in “X Factor Australia,” will perform as a special guest in hip-hop-R&B singer Jason Derulo’s one-night show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. (Wilbros Live; call 4702222 or 3742222). Derulo, who previously visited Manila in 2010, combines smooth singing and explosive dance moves, and is behind such ditties as “Whatcha Say,” “In My Head” and “Ridin’
Solo.”
Excerpts from our interview with Redfoo:
What makes a great party?
When everyone’s having a great time—people are dancing, the music is loud and good, and the energy is high. Champagne showers are great, too!
How do you deal with an unresponsive crowd?
It was like that in the beginning for us; only a few people used to watch us. But eventually, you gain more fans and experience … You have to know how to get the people going—that is how you start a party.
You’re known for your eclectic fashion sense, too.
Fashion is just as important as the music. It has to match your passion. If I’m feeling fun, I am going to wear something colorful. When I want to feel sexy, I wear all-black.
Have you and Jason worked in the past?
I have not worked with Jason before, but I did see him in a gym once. I wanted to use the bench press and saw that he was benching double the weight of what I can handle. And I was like, nah, forget it! I also met him during an episode of “X Factor Australia.” We shook hands, and he almost crushed mine!
Will you be sharing the stage during the concert?
We have not planned anything yet, but that is a great idea. We will have separate sets, but who knows. Maybe I can whip up a remix of one of his songs … But what I know is that the show will be crazy, because Jason is a funky, powerful performer.
Can you tell us more about your new album, “Party Rock Mansion”?
I talk about love. I was in a relationship when I did the first half … and was single during the other half, so there are different dimensions to it … It’s all about me and my relationships.
Is there pressure to recapture the success you had with LMFAO?
There’s always pressure to come up with good things, in general. When I was a kid playing basketball, I always wanted to make that one more shot—it is just in my nature. But the world changes all the time, and for me to recreate my past successes, when there were not much electro-hip-hop on the radio … that would be hard, because there’s an entire industry focusing on that genre now.
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph