In our first "post-newsletter" interview, we've aimed for a slightly different style of performer. As many have likely noticed, most of our interviews over the course of the newsletter were with independent and unsigned performers. This time out, we turn our attention to dance artist Rockell. Since 1996, she's released two albums and seven singles on the Robbins Entertainment label. Since her last single, 2002's "Tears", she's maintained a fairly low profile. Now, in 2005, Rockell is coming back to the business with a new single, "L.O.V.E.", on a new record label. We had a brief conversation with her, talking a little bit about her recording history, remixing, and the future....
AeschTunes: Where did the name "Rockell" come from?
Rockell: Well my first name is Rachel, and we just kinda went from there.
AT: Your first single, "I Fell In Love", was released in 1996. Looking back at the experience of making that song, how does it compare to the work you've done on your new single, "L.O.V.E."?
Rockell: I was so nervous recording “I Fell in Love”. It was my first time even in a studio. Now even though I still get nervous I feel more at home. It may take me a few to warm up behind the mic, but I somehow find my groove and let loose. LOL!
AT: "I Fell In Love" not only kickstarted your music career, but it also seems to have set a theme for many of your singles. Is there a certain appeal to songs about failed relationships?
Rockell: I don’t know where that came from. Yeah I have been pissed off about the many failed relationships that I have been in, and I think that I can just relate, if you know what I mean. I think that my vocals give off the sense of strength that I have finally found in me, so I hope that it comes off that way to the listeners.
AT: Your two previous albums (1998's What Are You Lookin' At? and 2000's Instant Pleasure) both contained some interesting cover tracks. How did songs get selected for you to cover?
Rockell: I never selected any of the tracks, but I really enjoyed recording and performing them. Some of them I had always listened to already and thought that it was kinda cool that I could put my own little twist on them.
![[Rockell]](rockell.gif)
AT: On the subject of covers, your version of "The Dance" is significantly different sonically than Garth Brooks' rendition. How did this uptempo version of the song come about?
Rockell: Hex Hector made it happen. He is the man when it comes to remixing. That record was at that time the most vocally challenging, but very rewarding. The original writer was asked about what he thought about my version, and he said that he was impressed with my rendition and really liked how I made it my own.
AT: On your first album, you worked almost exclusively with Adam Marano (also known as Collage), while your second album featured a much wider range of producers. Who did you work with for your new single, and who are you planning on working with for your next album?
Rockell: Already with just this first single, "L.O.V.E.", I got to work with Mickey Bono, and Hurley Constantine who actually wrote the record. Also Russ Castella, Mickey Bono, Lenny Linus, Randy Taylor Webber all did remixes on the record. I hope to continue to work with these guys throughout the album.
AT: As a dance artist, your singles are frequently subjected to a wide array of remixes. Are there any remixes that you find yourself particularly partial to?
Rockell: The ones that make me feel it all over when I am performing them. I really love the power mixes of all the remixes that have been done for me. I like a whole lotta track with a whole lotta vocals.
AT: "L.O.V.E." is your first release since ending your contract with Robbins Entertainment. How has this changed your approach to how you create your music?
AT: I have the freedom to pick and choose whatever the hell I want to. That is the bestest part of it all. Being able to put more of me into my records, and pick the ones that best fit me as a person, singer and performer.
AT: What can you tell us about the new single?
Rockell: IT IS HOT! I am so excited about it. I really think that this was a good record for my first release back. I wanted my fans to be able to relate to the record. That I think is so important. I did a lot of remixes on it so it can please anyone. We did trance, dance, breaks and of course freestyle mixes. I just really like it, and hope that everyone else does too!
AT: A "free" question - what would you like to tell the readers of this newsletter, about yourself, life in general...?
Rockell: Well, wow, I have no idea. Me, my life, there is really nothing to tell. I do know that retirement has been really boring compared to life on the road. As much as I enjoyed being able to do absolutely nothing, I am really excited to get back on the road again. Thanks to all my fans who through it all has stuck by me. It’s good to be back.