This Detroit native grew up listening to such Motown artists as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as well as jazz artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Dwele spent a year studying music at Wayne State but then opted for an informal education, making music at his home while living in Dearborn, MI and working for Triple AAA. His demo tape, 1998’s The Rize, made waves around Motor City, and he spent time collaborating with Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village and Philadelphia rapper Bahamadia. Scheme had an opportunity to speak with the soulful artist, about his views on the state of R&B as well as his most recent project Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind, & Fire.

Scheme: How does it feel to be a part of Stax’s 50th Anniversary celebration of Concord Records, which is such a legendary record label for black music?

Dwele: It felt good you know, I was truly honored. I mean Earth, Wind, & Fire is one of my favorite groups of all time. So I was definitely excited about the opportunity.

Scheme: The album is filled with many major artists, from the legendary Chaka Khan, Lela Hathaway, Mint Condition and Musiq. Did this make the experience that much more overwhelming?

Dwele: (laughs)Actually, I didn’t know at the time about any of the other artists. After I cut the record I heard about all the big names on that album, so that was definitely cool. It’s probably good I didn’t know before hand.

Scheme: After listening to your interpretation of “That’s the Way of the World,” I sincerely felt like you were meant to be a part of the album. You managed to blend in your sound without taking away from the original, was that difficult?

Dwele: Thanks, I appreciate that, but yeah, it was actually hard because I had 2 remixes before that final version made it. I mean there were so many special elements in the original that I wanted to make sure not to leave any out. So I just had to find the balance.

Scheme: How exactly did this project come about?

Dwele:Concord reached out to my manager, and it basically was a go.

Scheme: Have you had the opportunity to meet with Earth, Wind, & Fire and discuss your version of their song?

Dwele: Not yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to the opportunity in the near future.

Scheme: From your first album, Subject, to your sophomore album, Some Kinda, your music and sound has been very consistent and soulful. On Some Kinda, you not only displayed more of your songwriting skills, you also produced nine tracks for the album, is this something we can expect more of in the future?

Dwele: Most definitely, I’m actually in the studio now working on my next album. So I’m just continuing to focus on production and songwriting.

Scheme: And when exactly can we be expecting that next album from Dwele?

Dwele: I mean right now I’m just searching for the direction of the album, so no exact date, but it should be coming out sometime around June or July.

Scheme: With so much discussion on hip-hop being “dead,” what do you think about the state of R&B?

Dwele: I think R&B is wearing a lot of different hats right now. To me it really can’t be classified in just one category, you have your R&B and then like you might have Neo-soul on the other side. I’m appreciating the way it is evolving. Like depending on what your listening to its expanded to a more youthful sound.

Scheme: In your opinion is there a difference between Neo-Soul and R&B?

Dwele: It depends, I mean all are one in the same, but to me Neo-Soul is a more soulful, natural sound that embodies more interpretation.

Scheme: Why do you think so many R&B artists are so quick to feature a rapper on a remix to their song as opposed to another R&B artist?

Dwele: Hmmm, I don’t know, it’s probably just because it’s easier to use a rapper as oppose to finding another R&B artist that meshes with your sound.

Scheme: We mentioned your sound earlier, who currently and in the past, has either influenced or inspired your sound?

Dwele: A lot of artist from the past I mean from Stevie(Wonder) to Miles Davis, but I’m also inspired by many of today’s artist from Musiq, Bilal, D’Angelo, Jay-Z to even Paul Wall (laughs), but seriously I’m just a fan of good music.

Scheme: You have worked with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest to Slum Village, are there any artists out there that you would like to work with?

Dwele: Too many to name. I have put in work with a lot of different artist, but so many I have yet to work with. I love Jill’s vocals. I actually spoke with Erykah Badu about hooking up and also with Raheem Devaughn and Bilal.

Scheme: Okay, we’re going to do a little word association. When I say a word, you let me know what comes to mind first. Detroit.

Dwele: Soul.

Scheme: J Dilla.

Dwele: Damn, wow, umm classic, yeah just classic.

Scheme: Dwele.

Dwele: Uh, how do I answer that, me(laughs). I don’t know about that one, I will have to think about that.

Scheme: I know you mentioned that you have no exact date for the release of your next album, however, where else can we hear you right now?

Dwele: Well I just finished this song with Common for his new album, so hopefully that goes through. And I also am working with this group Soulive based out of NY.

Scheme: Your name Andwele, translated from Swahili means “God has brought me.” Are you what the games been missing?

Dwele: I mean I hope. I’m just trying to bring my sound to the world and hopefully they can appreciate it.