Date of Interview: 07/08/2008
© 2008 Clayton Perry
When an artist achieves multi-platinum sales one would assume that a record label would learn to trust his or her artistic judgment – especially when the number is 13 million albums worldwide. Unfortunately, in this fickle world of music, where attention is fixed on first-week sales and Billboard formulas supersede reason, Craig David has consistently found himself battling to uphold his artistic integrity and secure an audience in the American market.
Although the U.S. has historically turned a “cold shoulder” to British R&B acts, over the past decade, Craig David’s music has consistently traveled across “the Pond” and landed him critical acclaim and commercial success. Since his 2000 debut, David has garnered four MOBOs, three Ivor Novello Awards, and two MTV Europe Awards.
In spite of Craig David’s numerous accolades, his musical exploits are often understated and go unacknowledged, even though his accomplishments surpass his British contemporaries and a host of American superstars. Thus, when all things are considered, there’s no denying that David was “born to do it.”
On November 24, 2008, Warner Music Group and Shire Records will release a compilation of Craig David’s greatest hits. For most artists, a collection of this sort would mark the end of a career and the completion of musical journey. For David, however, the set serves as a grand celebration of career that has weathered several trans-Atlantic storms and a musical passion that transcends continental boundaries.
Upon review of Trust Me, Craig David managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on David Bowie, Cuban influences and 2008’s “British Invasion.”
