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"Rock & Soul" and "Soul Teen" Magazine Interview

Date of first publication (“Soul Teen” magazine) confirmed in Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (“June 1981”)

“Rock & Soul” magazine (September 1981), from Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (article summary/quotes)

An interview conducted by Anthony Hill at the Jackson Encino home in 1981 over three weeks.

Hill talks briefly about Michael being in competition with himself since the success of his Off The Wall album, and now with brother Jermaine who was having success with his single ‘Let’s Get Serious.’ The account speaks of Hill’s third week with Michael in his newly built 16 track studio at the family home, another midnight rendezvous.

Michael had been working on some songs while waiting for some musicians to arrive to enhance them and jam along with him for new ideas. When they arrive everyone gathers around the console to hear his efforts. Michael commented:

“I don’t have anything for the break down yet. I’m gonna need some kind of solo thing here, maybe a keyboard riff. Could you do that James? Right here during this section. What do you think?”

Of which the reply came:

“Like Diana (Ross) did in Upside Down, you mean.”

“No. Not exactly. Nothing too close to her,” Michael said.

There is a conversation initiated by Michael about how technology was changing at the time, and gave readers an insight on how Michael was keeping up to date with what was developing in the way music was going to be heard.

“Pretty soon these electronics are going to replace not only musicians but the instruments themselves.”

Joking with drummer Chris Allen, Michael continued:

“Seriously it has over one hundred programmable drumbeats. I mean, buddy, you are obsolete. You push the right button and you get bass, snare, hi-hat, tambourine, congas, cowbell, and even handclaps. This session with me tonight might be your last job!”

Michael drinks herb tea during the session and he’s fairly pleased with one song he’s been recording, although he’s still insecure about it being a hit.

“Well, what do you think? Do you really like it? I mean I gotta have a hit out of all this stuff. Something, one of these tunes, has got to jump off the album and really score.”

“Soul Teen” magazine (June 1981), from Chris Cadman’s “Michael Jackson the Maestro” (article summary/quotes)

A similar article to the one written by Anthony Hill for Rock & Soul Magazine in September 1981. Ollie Jamison writes of his three weeks with Michael for Soul Teen. This story however, seems to follow the evening after, when they recorded a new song.

Bass player Carl speaks of the pressure Michael faces after the huge success of Off The Wall.

“How do you follow a multi-platinum album? With another one? And that’s why he’s feeling so pressured. Man, I wouldn’t want that hanging over my head. I mean, unless you come up with something pretty strong, it looks like your success was just some one shot fluke.”

Michael is flying around the studio, according to Jamison burning some nervous energy, setting up wires to the control board and checking the drums and microphones. He’s excited also that Pete, one of the session musicians is bringing in a synthesizer that Tom Oberheim built for Stevie Wonder.

“Yeah, tonight we’re gonna have violins, man. I mean like a whole violin section – and horns, too. I think the synthesizer will help with the tune we did last night.”

Jamison also offers an insight into Michael’s doubts and insecurities.

Speaking directly to him he said:

“Michael, you gotta stop this, man. I’m getting scared to leave you alone with a song after we’ve finished it. Your mood swings are just too vast!”

Michael agreed.

“Yeah I guess I am getting a little confused. I don’t remember, did I like the tunes on ‘Off The Wall’ when we were putting that trip together?