Where do you guys hail from?
Brian J.: I’m from Brooklyn. Most of the band lives here in Brooklyn. Black pearl, who is a collaborator on the album, is from New Orleans

How many people are in the band?
Brian J.: 5 people: Guitar, drums, bass, congas and sampler and three of us sing.

What kind of music background do you have?
Brian J.: My father was a big fan of early rock and roll, soul, blues, New Orleans Dixieland. He exposed me to a lot of great music that became the roots of what I would build my musicality on. My father turned me on to the 50's and some 60's. Then on my own I discovered more 60's and the 70's. I stuck around in those decades for a long time. Then, 5 years ago, I discovered the 80's.and 90's. Now, I have finally reached 2007.

I’ve been having or trying to have bands ever since I was 12 years old. In 2004, I began making what was to become High Stepping. I had been living in L.A. for a year then I came back to a loft I have in Brooklyn. I built up a studio and began recording all kinds of things. The funky sh** seemed to be where it’s at. About a year into the process, I started getting together with Black Pearl and he wound up singing harmony on most of the album.

You are breaking barriers with your music. Do you think that makes it easier to sell CDs?
Brian J.: I hope so

Which comes first: Playing in the studio or on stage?
Brian J.: I throw myself whole heartedly into whatever I’m doing, whether it's a live show or making tracks in the lab.

Isn't it difficult to write songs with so many influences such as latin, funk and soul?
Brian J.: It’s not difficult because those styles are in my soul. When I go to make music they just come out. Funk, soul, latin, afro beat, reggae, all got the same root. Living in Brooklyn it is not uncommon to go to a party where you’ll hear all these styles being blended by a DJ through out the night and it feels cohesive. I love that.

Interview By Chrisophe Augros