Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas has gained worldwide acclaim as a dance music producer, remixer, and promoter. DJ. Skip hails from Chicago, where he contributed to the Chicago House music genre that quickly spread to the rest of the world and remains a vibrant sector of the dance music scene on every continent.

Go Bang Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House Music, what influence, if any, do you feel you have brought to House music and how has House music influenced you?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: I brought my own flavor to the table. I said what I had to say and drummed to my own beat because of my personality. I did what I had to do and was unapologetic about it. I’ve never taken a common approach to much of anything, so to get an opportunity to express myself authentically, whole-heartedly and creatively was/is special.

Chicago is a part of me, home grown. When you’re from there, you’re FROM there. You live and die that place. That’s what makes Chicago DJs special, gives us our sound, our edge. We’re just cut a bit differently. You can just TELL when a Chicago DJ walks into a room. It’s about vibe and flavor.

House Music gave me a sense of hope. House Music allowed me to see beyond my circumstances and surroundings and dream bigger. When I heard it, it was infectious. Listening to it made me feel happy. It gave me positive vibes, presented the right kind of energy. That was exciting to me. In turn, I just wanted to provide that same influence to everyone else I crossed paths with.

Go Bang Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world, in the name of House. How would you describe House’s acceptance in other countries, in comparison to here in the States?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: I started at a time when dance music didn’t enjoy wide appeal in the US. There were no festivals, the marketplace was still all underground. Think of rave parties back then. Clubs weren’t accepting of the music. But over in Europe, throughout the world, that was the predominant sound. We had to go other places just to get a look—to be appreciated. London had U.K Garage, France had the French touch with disco dub filters; Italy had Vocal House. It was fly. Spain was real groovy vocally with a Latin feel. So all of those areas embraced it because of the authenticity we were bringing to it. But that’s not to say that any country I don’t mention now doesn’t mean that they didn’t have a significant role. I’m not trying to exclude anyone, anywhere.

We can travel anywhere in Europe and turn on the radio and hear House Music all day and all night. Top 40 artists are doing House Music. It’s on the television: it’s the backdrops to the commercials, even some soap operas and sitcoms. Dance music is the predominant genre of music. It’s what the people want to listen to. It makes you feel good, feel happy. That’s good for business. That provides a fantastic atmosphere.

But here, House Music is treated like it only belongs in clubs or Friday night sets on the radio. It’s disappointing that corporate interest never really caught on in the US the way it has outside of the US until recently. It’s the number one grossing genre in the world. But there was/is more weight given to perceived character and personality than the music and the artistry. Truthfully it may not be so much lack of corporate interest as much as corporate control issues. How could House Music be controlled, monopolized, rebranded, and sold back to the very people they took it from? So House Music remains a niche in the US.

Go Bang Magazine: As a DJ, producer, remixer and promoter, you’ve performed or worked with several legendary artists, from various genres of music. What was it like working with them?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: It was FANTASTIC working with them. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible, creative minds from all around the world. To be able to sit in a room full of geniuses and ideas, experience that type of energy and force, you get to see what people really bring to the table. Everyone’s idea adds value.

Imagine sitting in a room and I hand you a bunch of puzzle pieces and Steve gets puzzle pieces, I have puzzle pieces. We’re all putting our pieces of the puzzle together until we come together to see if our pieces fit. By time we figure out the puzzle, some of the pieces may not fit. But that’s how music is really created in a group setting. It’s an honor and a pleasure. I’m blessed in abundance to be in a position to say that I’ve worked with some living legends and iconic figures who have passed away. I’m still here, able to share the memories and state, “I was in the room.”

Go Bang Magazine: After working with so many artists, is there anyone that you have yet to work with, but would love to?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: It’s SO many fly people that I respect on different levels, in different genres. Everyone adds something different. If I started naming people I’d be here all day, all night and well into the next day. Just thinking about all the dope talent out here makes me excited.

Go Bang Magazine: You are known to have an inspiring personality, always motivating others. Where does that come from and why is that important to you?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: It comes from LIFE. Positive thinking leads to a positive outcome. What defines people is how they process life’s challenges and push it back out. Sometimes just the acts of stopping and being still helps a whole lot in determining how to be the change you want to see — in the world, in the room, in your own life.

It starts with self, but it’s important to pay it forward, to be a light, give peace of mind to people. Hopefully they will pay it forward and influence someone else in return. You just get more out of life being happy. There’s no substitute for it and you should never sacrifice your happiness for NOTHIN’!

The moment I ain’t happy, I’m out.

Go Bang Magazine: S&S Records consists of two international DJs, you and Steve “Silk” Hurley. How did you guys meet and why did you decide to form a company?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: We started hanging out because of a chance connection in a grocery store, but we weren’t strangers. We’d run in the same circle for years. We knew each other. We knew OF each other. We’d followed each other’s career and were well familiar with each other’s work. We’d purchased each other’s music. We’d performed on the same platforms. We’d pass each other in the airport, him going when I’m coming or vice versa. We had each other’s number, but never had a reason to call.

The universe moves you in the direction you’re supposed to go. We were supposed to be in the frozen food section at that grocery store on that day at that time to connect. It wasn’t about the groceries, but what came after the groceries.

We share a love of basketball. He invited me to his crib to shoot. We had a vibe.We started playing ball together almost every day and still do. We became genuine friends, not having anything to do with the music or the industry, for over a year. We did music for a living. We did basketball to get AWAY from the music. Those neighborhood games in the suburbs took us back to our youth in the city.

But we realized that we both add something fresh and real value to one another and a collaboration could and would be BIG! Both of us were doing big things in our respective businesses, traveling, making money. We were together every day, but traveling every weekend. We decided to put out an album for Chicago, for our city, with every willing producer from Chicago. It was a labor of love. From that S&S was born.

Go Bang Magazine: What is the mission statement and goal of S&S Records?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: Truthfully, we’ve never had a mission statement. We knew what we wanted to do and be and bring to the music industry, House Music, in particular. And we’ve been faithful to an unwritten mission. But you asking this now means that we need to put pen to paper and solidify for the world what our inherent vision has always been, who we are, what we believe. We created a record company with professional integrity and leadership, to market quality talent on a greater platform, with no strings attached. We help other artists and producers expose their talent to a wider audience of tastemakers and consumers. It’s never been about blowing up Silk and Skip.

Go Bang Magazine: Having two international music industry moguls working together has got to be an exciting venture. How does the individual notoriety of each of you complement each other and enhance your business.

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: I think it’s fly because we both bring cool things to the table. It goes back to the puzzle. We’d been putting our own puzzles together forever. But being able to focus on the parts that speak to your individual strengths brings all the pieces together faster.

Go Bang Magazine: Are you currently working on anything or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas:
Our new initiative is S&S Brand Apparel. We want people to feel like they are a part of who we are and what we do, wear the same clothes that we wear—the ones you see us wearing in pictures. We’re not selling anything we don’t support ourselves.

It’s sporty and sexy, high quality merchandise that we are proud to have the S&S Chicago name on. The line is still growing but offers a lot in the way of variety.

https://sns-chicago.myshopify.com

S&S Records still consistently puts out fantastic music, on a day-to-day basis

S&S Chicago

We encourage our supporters, fans and customers to join our Facebook group, S&S Records Inc. Global Family, an entertaining and interactive platform to highlight S&S Records, Inc. artists and producers associated with S&S Records, Inc. music, as well as foster open communication between artists, producers and supporters from around the world.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/snschi/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snschi

On Twitter: @snschi

On Instagram: @snschi and @snschibrand

Go Bang Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Shannon DJ Skip Syas: I can’t really tell how I’m dealing, but I am. My family and I are adhering to the social distancing mandate and encourage everyone to do the same. Developments change rapidly, but we’re doing our best to stay on top of it and act responsibly toward our fellow human beings. I definitely feel moved to express more love and compassion, though I am profoundly disappointed by political divisions that seem to negate the fact that we, the world, are more connected than we EVER knew or admitted. People need people. And S&S plans to B+ (be positive) in the face of this ongoing tragedy.

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Gene Hunt is truly one of Chicago’s pioneers in the House music industry since the early 80s. He has been one of the top jocks moving and educating crowds and music lovers for the past 25 years of his career. Playing at the hottest venues around the world, such as The Music Box, Medusas, Green Dolphin, Smart Bar, Metro, the Mid, XOXO – UK, Hectors Lounge – Scotland, Dimensions Festival – Croatia, Field Maneuvers – Oxford UK, 212 – Leeds, and many more. This legend has worked with some of the heaviest hitters in the game, such as Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Farley Jack Master Funk, and Kenny Dope of M.A.W. Gene’s first EP in 1987, Living In The Land, was released on an old classic label where Chicago House music was exposed, called Traxx. He then moved on to several UK labels such as Djax, Hybrid, Mc Projects, Step 2 House, Svek and Rush Hour, where he made his mark abroad. Mr. Hunt has released his albums In Sound on Little Angel Recording – Harley & Muscle, and Seasoned on Unified Records. He’s recently joined the Aria team for Roland, sat on a panel and was interviewed for his opinion on their Pro-Audio Studio Gear for Music Production products.

Gene has appeared as headliner at many festivals such as Outside Lands, Glastonbury, Firefly, and Coachella in the Heineken Dome and performed at Chicago’s own Summer Dance, downtown. Nominated in 2016 and 2 times back to back winner of the NBC Chicago Music Award, Gene was listed as number one in 2011 for top dance album in the United Kingdom, with his Dance Track Volume One album. He’s performed at Boiler Room London and Boiler Room Chicago. He won the Global Mix Award, and performed at the Congress Theater, where he was interviewed for the release of the History of House Music Chicago LP, CD and DVD. Gene also has a custom line of headphones designed by his very self for some of the top house & hip hop legends in the industry. He was also the apprentice of the late legendary Ron Hardy of US Studio!

On any given night in Chicago, it’s more likely than not that Gene Hunt is somewhere, crouched over the decks and working his magic. One of the true representatives of Chicago House music, Gene is one of the top artists to emerge from the city, with a career spanning back to the initial wave in the early 1980s. As a teenager, he played at many of the key touchstones of the first generation of House music spots including the Warehouse, The Playground and The Music Box. He’s been best known in the last few years for a series of tracks made then with the legendary Ron Hardy.

As a producer, Gene Hunt’s first EP was Living in a Land, released on Chicago’s Trax Records and co-produced and shepherded by Armando Gallop. From an early age, Gene imprinted his stamp on his musical style with an alteration between soulful, vocal recordings and harder, rough “techy” tracks. (And sometimes both in the same release – see, for instance, “Twilight People” featuring Robert Owens on vocals). By 1999 he had more than enough releases on his belt for a Greatest Hits” double LP (Gene Hunt Classics, Dust Traxx).

In the years following, Gene Hunt released some of his best records on labels including Dope Wax, Track Mode, Got Soul and Unified, and delivered a tour de force in 2011 when noted Dutch label Rush Hour released Gene Hunt Presents Chicago Dance Tracks, a collection of some 16 unreleased records from the likes of Larry Heard & Marshall Jefferson, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Lil Louis and Ron Hardy. As a follow up, in early 2012 Gene released an original two track EP, May The Funk Be With You, also on Rush Hour, with a remix from Theo Parrish.

Go Bang Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House Music, you are recognized as one of the pioneers. What influence, if any, do you feel you have brought to House music and how has House music influenced you?

Gene Hunt: I fell in love with house music the first time I heard it, but my mom and grandma told me I would not leave the house without taking records with me, so I guess it was in my blood from the start.

Go Bang Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world, in the name of House. How would you describe House’s acceptance in other countries, in comparison to here in the States?

Gene Hunt: Honestly, to me it has the same impact. That’s how strong the sound is. In general, they embrace it all over and they appreciate your talent in a major way.

Go Bang Magazine: Over the years, you morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve accomplished great success as an artist and producer. You’ve worked with many icons in the House music industry as well, including Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Farley Jack Master Funk, and Kenny Dope of M.A.W. What was it like to work with EACH one of those individuals?

Gene Hunt: There is nothing in the world greater than working with people that you’ve always admired and respected, and to find out that they feel the same way as you do, is an amazing feeling for sure!

Go Bang Magazine: After working with such high ranking DJs over the years, are there any DJs that you would love to work with now?

Gene Hunt: Of course! Louie Vega, Joe Clausell, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Terry Hunter, and Ron Trent.

Go Bang Magazine: Over the years, you’ve morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve accomplished great success as a recording artist, remixer, and producer. You’ve had great success and was even nominated in 2016, and won two years in a row, the NBC Chicago Music Award. Are you currently working on any new music?

Gene Hunt: Yes, I’m working on two albums, I won back to back awards, and I just won another in 2018.

Go Bang Magazine: You’ve traveled the world, but you’re still down to earth, humble and a considerate person. When others in the entertainment industry reach the level of success that you have, some of them go “Hollywood” and become arrogant and cold-hearted. You seem to have not gone down that path. How have you maintained your level-headedness and why is that important to you?

Gene Hunt: Being humble, it’s not that serious. Ego blocks your true nature of talent and there are some “Hollywoods” out there, but I don’t believe in that concept. Not to mention, it shows weakness, and they hide behind that. I’m not going to mention anyone, (lol) but you get my drift.

Go Bang Magazine: In addition to being a creative, you are a business man. Your single-ear custom DJ headphone, G Stick, has really taken off. What inspired you to design that unique headphone?

Gene Hunt: Being unique has it perks. The G Stick was something that took time to develop. Once I found my comfort zone, I just started to create. Hopefully, I can get with a major (manufacturer) and get them mass produced. (You) never know. But I do know this, that without goals and dreams… If it happens cool, if not cool. At least you tried and you didn’t quit!

Go Bang Magazine: Would you agree that House music has been commercially embraced in other countries, and not so much here in the USA? Why do you think that is?

Gene Hunt: Hmmmm, (it’s a) totally different vibe. They respect you more abroad. They embrace your more. Don’t get me wrong, they show love in the States as well, but over there you feel the vibe across the pond for sure!

Go Bang Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Gene Hunt: Go to my site mrgenehunt.com. I’m still working on uploading things to buy, but it should be fun to venture (on the site) once it is complete. Also be on  the look out for these two albums, Daddy ‘s Tool Box and Renaissance.

Go Bang Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Gene Hunt: Coronavirus has put a damper in everything around us. This pandemic has totally saddened our entire planet, so we have to learn how to adjust to this world order that is being put in front of us. (We must) continue to find ways to adjust and get thought this trying time we are facing.

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Harry Dennis is a House music producer and lyricist from Chicago, United States, who was part of the original generation of house music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Dennis is a native Chicagoan who completed his elementary and high school education in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). While attending Illinois State University (ISU), he incorporated drama and music into his core studies and became interested in songwriting and lyric development. In 1982, Dennis graduated from ISU, returned to Chicago to work, and began his music career. A frequent party-goer, he met Robert Williams, owner of a The Warehouse, a local nightclub that catered to House music enthusiasts, where Dennis met and became friends with DJ Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and other leading members of the House music scene. Through these connections Dennis became a lyricist in the House scene.

Dennis began his recording career in 1983, releasing the single “Donnie” in 1985. He formed a group named The It with Larry Heard and Robert Owens. “Donnie” was launched on the Chicago underground House scene (with Chip E. as producer) in 1985, quickly spreading to the east coast, and was distributed worldwide by DJ International in 1986. During 1986–1989, Dennis was recruited to Trax Records by Marshall Jefferson. Together, they formed the group Jungle Wonz, recording the house hits “Time Marches On” and “Jungle”.

In 1988, Fingers Inc., a group formed by Larry Heard,  released “Distant Planet” with Dennis as writer and vocalist. The single was released under the Indigo Music/Jack Trax label. Dennis also collaborated as a lyricist and vocalist with Owens and Heard to record the single “Gallimaufry Gallery”, released on the Black Market International label.

During 1990–1991, Dennis penned other House tracks in collaboration with Larry Heard. They recorded an album in London on the Big Life Records label, featuring “In This Place Called Nowhere”, “Endless Journey”, “Brazilian Love Dance”, “Rain Forest Serenade”, “When Will We Learn”, “Endless Flight”, “Living For The Man”, and “Brazilian Love Dance (Interlude)”.

In 1993, Dennis collaborated with Marshall Jefferson again to release “Bird In a Gilded Cage” on Trax.

Dennis returned from a sabbatical in 2005 with new material. While working on a new album, Dennis appeared on Chicago House Radio, WHPK 88.5 FM, and Triton College. He provided voiceover on tracks for DJs. Dennis also performed live at various Chicago venues, including the Regal Theater, and often appeared with fellow House music performer Curtis McClain.

Dennis’ business affiliations include House music executives such as Marshall Jefferson, Chauncey Alexander, and David Dee of Openhouse Recordings. Dennis and Jefferson released a new album on Openhouse in June, 2011 entitled Jungle Wonz: The Jungle Sky EP, produced by Marshall Jefferson. This album included an updated version of the original “The Jungle” recording, along with several renditions of a new single, “Kiss the Sky”, written by Dennis, McClain and Jefferson.

Following the 2012 release of his album, The Jungle Wonz: Deliverance, Dennis was featured on Chicago’s Black Business Network, interviewed by founder and host, Sonja Perdue.

In 2013, Dennis wrote and released a new single, “No Matter”, produced by Ricard Perez on the Epoque Music label.

In September 2014, Alleviated Records released an EP entitled The IT, another collaboration between Dennis and Larry Heard. The EP contains two tracks by Dennis entitled “Beauty in a Picture” and “Somebody Somewhere”.

Dennis performed at the 2016 Chosen Few Picnic held July 2–3 in Chicago, IL.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you know that you had a talent in music?

HARRY DENNIS: Well Mr. Evans, I first found out about me having musical talent when I attended Illinois State University in Normal, Bloomington, Illinois. I was in this Drama class one day, and the teacher gave us an assignment. He gave us each a word to do a poem about. It’s been so long now, that I have forgotten what word he gave me. But whatever word it was, I aced it, and he wanted to see me after class. He told me about how he loved my poem, and the way I wrote it. He said that it was so elegant, etc. etc.. He asked me to let him send it off to a friend of his in California that I guess had some ties in poetry, big time. My reply was no! I don’t know why I told him that at the time, but it was no. I never looked back after that. I knew I had something special in the poetry field, and that was my talent. I was a writer that could put songs in my own style, with my own Lyrics, and this has been my style from day one in this “Business of Music.” No one can do it the way that I do… Fact 🙂

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in House music?

HARRY DENNIS: I got involved in House music back in 1980 something, when I ran across my “brother in crime” Ron Hardy. This guy named Marvin Wilson introduced me and Ron. Marvin knew Chip E, who had made “Time to Jack” and “It’s House” and he introduced me to Chip. In the meantime, “Your Love” was out by Frankie (Knuckles) and Jamie (Principle). So, I asked Ron to go with me over to Frankie’s house to find out how he was getting them sounds to make them fine tunes of his. He told me and Ron that he was using a Roland 707. Me and Ron asked my mother for a loan to get the machine and we told her we would pay her back, which we did. But the funny thing about this machine was that it already had that drum beat for Donnie, my first tune I ever made on it, already. I had always been a part of the (House) scene ever since the Den One days in the 70’s, while in high school at Senn up north, the Warehouse, of course the Music Box and the Powerplant. So, while out one night, I ran across my good friend Robert Owens, who also had a project going on with Larry Heard. I asked him and Larry to come on board as the group called THE IT and they did. THE IT was Chip E, Larry Heard, Ron Hardy, Robert Owens and myself. We went to a place called Soto Studio in Evanston (IL), did what we needed to do, and the rest is history… Donnie is a classic!

Robert Williams is also a Sigma brother of mine.  He and his family have always been there for me.  He was also an awesome part of me becoming Harry Dennis.  They showed me love by letting me and friends experience new sounds back in the 70s with Ron (Hardy) and Frankie (Knuckles.)  Robert would let us in free, but we would pay sometimes, and it has always been a love thang for one another, ever since they let us into their world.  Robert Williams will always be a part of the “Blue & White” family, as will I, and I will always thank him for teaching me how to get along in the “House Music World.”

GO BANG! Magazine: You are a lyricist, songwriter and vocalist. Of those talents, which do you love the best?

HARRY DENNIS: I can’t say that I love one better than the other, because all of these combined is what makes my style different than anyone else’s. I need them all to be present, whenever I go to the studio.

GO BANG! Magazine: Do you have natural talent, or have you received professional training in music, or both?

HARRY DENNIS: Natural talent I do have, when it comes to writing some of the best thought provoking lyrics, and I never had training. Everything I have learned came from schooling and my mother introducing me to different styles of music and vocalists like Howling Wolf, BB King, and Albert King. When I got older, I started listening to other people’s vocals like Donald Fagan of Steely Dan fame, Ric Osack of The Cars and many, many more. All of this, was to get me a style that no one else had, and after years and years of listening, it all came together for me.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve worked with some major players in the House genre, including Larry Heard, Robert Owens, Curtis McClain and Marshall Jefferson. Each of those individuals, including you, have created or been involved with groundbreaking House music. How would you describe each of these individuals?

HARRY DENNIS: Well Pierre, let’s make the list a little longer to keep it up to date. Larry Heard is a natural musician that does it all. He produced some of the best music you will ever hear anywhere…a genius in my opinion. Robert Owens can wobble with the best of them. He has a great voice, one of a kind style wise, and a great writer. Marshall Jefferson, my Jungle Wonz Brother, was not a trained musician, but can program, produce and write some of the greatest music. Move Your Body is only one, and he has brought a lot of people along in the game, including Curtis McClain, Byron Stingly, Hercules, Sleezy D (rest in peace), and many others. In other words, he’s genius. Curtis McClain, one of my best friends, also has a knack for performing and stage presence. He can sing his butt off. He’s loyal to the end and truthful to the point that it might hurt, but it’s the truth…another genius. He’s the “Bad Boy” of the bunch, that’s kept the torch burning. Ron Trent is a part of the “new” THE IT. He’s genius, with bold new music that will ensure that our Chicago flavor will always be on top of the game. I call him the “Young Gun” ‘cause he is always loaded with some hot ass tunes. He’s a DJ, one of the top producers, and one of the best musicians, who in my book can hang with Larry (Heard), note for note. Joe Clausell, another genius, who I’ve long admired, is now a part of Harry Dennis folklore. He is one of the best producers, DJs, and one of the best persons you can call a friend.

GO BANG! Magazine: One of your legendary songs “Donnie,” was a megahit. Describe how that song was born, and was Donnie a real or a fictional character?

HARRY DENNIS: Donnie was one of my first classics. It came from my college days. It was about a real woman named Donnie. She was a Zeta at Illinois State, and I was a Sigma. Hell, I can say that we loved each other, but I was a player at the time. Donnie knew it, and didn’t want to be a part of the Harry Dennis movement. So, she left me for another man, who happened to be an Omega, thus the song “Donnie.” We still talk, til this day.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world, in the name of House. How would you describe House’s acceptance in other countries, in comparison to here in the States?

HARRY DENNIS: House Music overseas is great and always will be. The people and the places overseas accept American things with their whole hearts. They love new stuff and different things, and they appreciate new and bold. So when we went over there, they loved us… still do. They pay for what they love, pay to see acts, and the whole nine yards. They keep the arts alive and well. While here in America, we have this notion that we should get things free or pay less. That’s why I do believe that Josephine Baker and other Americans went overseas and stayed, to get paid. Most people pay for what they want, and if they think that they can get away without paying, why not try. But as for me, the buck stops here. I want and need to get paid for what I do. My free days are all gone. If I chose to come out to a party, I’m willing to pay, if I’m not on a guess list. Acts and performers need to get paid, to keep up the Arts and the art form. Pierre, I know you, of all people, know this.

GO BANG! Magazine: How does it make you feel to see the pure joy and excitement that you bring to people with your live performances?

HARRY DENNIS: When I was a little tyke, never knowing what GOD had instore for me, I use to be afraid of big crowds. But, from doing shows in different states and countries, I have learned to look into the crowd and enjoy that they are enjoying what I do, so now the more the merrier. I enjoy what I do. I hope everyone else does too.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

HARRY DENNIS: I’m currently working on some new thangs with Ron Trent, Roy Davis Jr., Mike Huckaby, Don Carlos, and Miles Atmospheric. If some of my fans and supporters over the years would like to checkout some new stuff, go to YouTube and checkout Joe Clausell Boiler Room x piknic Electronik Montreal and Joe Clausell Atlas Electronic 2019. Then checkout his mix of another classic “Black Magic Woman” also check out Ron Trent & Harry Dennis’ “Black Magic Woman” all on You Tube. Also, checkout any of the Ron Trent / Harry Dennis joints, or you can just go to Harry Dennis on You Tube baby!

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

HARRY DENNIS: The COVID-19 pandemic is the worst thing to come along in years and in my lifetime. The way I’m coping with it is just by minding my business. No cure, but it can be killed with this little secret. Since the virus is airborne, if you’ve been out getting food, or going to Walmarts, most likely you have come in contact with someone. So since we know it’s airborne, then when you breathe, it goes through the nasal passage and can live there, because it’s cool, not like the rest of the body. So it can travel through the respiratory (system.) That’s why you may get a sore throat. From there, if you are old and got pre-existing conditions, and it gets into the lungs, that’s when the fight for life begins. Once on the lungs, it’s like pneumonia. So a sure-fire way to kill the virus is to heat some water, put orange peel and sea salt in the boiling water. When it gets hot, turn it off and breathe in that steam, let it go through the nasal passage and your mouth. If you got the virus anywhere in your respiratory system, it will die. If you go out, when you come back in, repeat. So far, if you think you’ve got the flu, do what we do. Drink plenty of fluids, chicken soup and tea. But, if you can avoid going out, stay in and self-medicate, if nothing is seriously affecting you. Peace out and thanks!

 

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram.