At 35, Printz Board has already had an illustrious career in the music industry. He has collaborated with artists like Justin Timberlake, Dr. Dre, Katy Perry, and even the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Printz, whose given name is Priese Prince Lamont Board, even won a couple of Grammys for his work with The Black Eyed Peas. Now one of the most sought after producer/songwriters in the industry, what’s left for Printz Board to do? Well, start a solo career, of course. He recently dropped a catchy single called “#1,” and he plans to release his first solo album in the near future. Printz made some time to sit down and answer some questions about this upcoming album, SXSW 2014, and whether or not he’s used his Grammy award as a cereal bowl.
VM: How does it feel to be embarking on a solo project after years of collaborating with several different artists and groups?
Printz Board: I LOVE doing my solo project! It’s not like I’m actually ‘solo,’ but its just my name on the marquee. I still work with all my friends that I have been, and a few new ones. …still family business.
VM: What can people expect from your upcoming album ‘Pre-Games?’
PB: My upcoming EP is called Pre-Games. It’s a sneak peek through the window of my house. It’s really just about my life, and being ‘real.’ I think that’s the most important thing in life – feel free to be free, and real.
VM: Do you feel like the album has a certain theme; if so, what is that theme?
PB: The theme of the album is ‘Boardgames,’ life games, a life party. Pre-Games is obviously the lead up to that. It’s about letting go and being yourself, right?
VM: What’s your writing process like?
PB: When I write, I don’t over-think it. I write what the beat, chords and energy around me says. When Will.I.Am and I wrote “Where Is The Love”, it took us 15 mins, and we had the concept. You just have to let the surrounding energy guide you.
VM: You have an incredible knack for writing catchy, meaningful hooks. What’s the most important thing to remember when writing a hook or a melody?
PB: Hooks and melodies are like math – it just makes sense. You always want to make something that people can relate to, as well. If you speak about real things, then people will reciprocate.
VM: You won a Grammy for your work with The Black Eyed Peas. Can you describe what winning that award meant to you?
PB: Winning awards is great! However, I just keep moving forward. There will always be accolades to be had, but I’m about the music.
VM: Exactly how heavy is a Grammy Award, and have you ever though about turning it on its side and eating cereal from the gramophone?
PB: Hahaha…well, the actual Grammys aren’t too heavy, and none of them are at my house. Some that I’ve won have been ‘shared’ Grammys between myself, Keith, Harris and Will. When you don’t produce more than 50 percent of an album, no one gets the physical Grammy.. stupid, right?
VM: How did your time with The Black Eyed Peas influence or shape you as an artist?
PB: The Peas are my family. I love all of them. I’ve grown up making, and being a part of that sound and movement. It’s completely shaped me into the person I am today.
VM: Who are some of your Hip-Hop and R&B influences?
PB: I have so many influences, and they span way beyond hip hop and R&B – De La Soul to Queen to Steely Dan to Mendellson to Gym Class Heroes to Prince to Lenny Kravitz to Alice In Chains to Chick Corea… haha.
VM: If you could perform with any artist today, who would it be?
PB: I’d love to do a show with my friends that I’ve grown up with that are doing it big now – Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, John Legend, Frank Ocean… and so on.
VM: You’ve collaborated with some of the greatest Pop and R&B artists of all time; do you ever get intimidated by some of the people you meet and work with?
PB: I never get intimidated. I just feel lucky.
VM: If you could only listen to one album for the rest of eternity, what would it be?
PB: One album for the rest of eternity would be Michaell Jackson – Off the Wall.
VM: You’re performing at SXSW this year. Other than getting the chance to perform, what are you most looking forward to about SXSW? Is there any performer or event that is at the top of your list?
PB: I’m really excited about the whole event! I’m excited to meet Rachel Ray; I’m excited to perform with JoJo and Travis Garland; I’m also excited to rock with Mary Lambert, and B.O.B.
VM: Your first single from the upcoming album is about finding the one. Do you feel like you’re ready to find your #1?
PB: Well, the first single is about holding onto the ‘1,’ and being dedicated. I’ve had the ‘1’ in my scopes for a long time; however, I’m really focused on bringing my music to world, so that may have to take a back seat for now.. Although, I am auditioning for the lead role in my play.. 😉
This guy is so cool.
Hailing from 'The Good Life City' of Albany, Georgia, Colby Pines is the middle child of five boys. While his family is primarily comprised of men, the Pines family did have a female dog once... unfortunately she died... God bless his poor mother. When Mr. Pines was in third grade the doctors discovered that he had an extra bone in his knee. The bone did not possess any magical powers or help Colby run faster/jump higher, so the doctors surgically removed the bone and refused to let Colby keep it as a souvenir. Colby recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in having cool friends and wearing great sweaters. Colby studied abroad at Oxford University's Trinity College where he was able to visit three of the four coasts, but was not able to bring back a baby with a British accent. Colby enjoys going to the movies, scotch, traveling, playing folk music with his band, BirdHead, eating good and bad food, writing, dabbling, playing Fantasy Football with his Pigskinz and Sundee Beerz League, reading a great book, and all sorts of music. While Colby has a bit of a bipolar taste in music, some of his favorite bands include: Band of Horses, Death Cab for Cutie, 2pac, Washed Out, Johnny Cash, Childish Gambino, Local Natives, The Beatles, Danny Brown, and Beach House. Colby is currently single and quite possibly ready to mingle. Colby has broken five bones, saved two children from drowning, been to Canada twice, and almost fallen into The Grand Canyon once. While he tends to miss things like Breaking Bad, eighth grade, Hey Arnold!, and Surge soda, Colby's excited for the future where he hopes to continue writing and doing the things that he loves.