Exclusive interview with Music Man Ph. D.

Artist Spotlight: Music Man Ph. D.

Dr. LaMotta Roundtree, aka Music Man Ph.D, is a busy man. But he is not too busy to give back.

Dr. Roundtree is a true Renaissance man. He holds two doctorates, in philosophy and humanitarianism. He studied drums in a music conservatory. As a working drummer in Chicago in the 1970s and 1980s, he drummed and programmed drums for greats from James Brown to George Benson. He owns a TV station and a radio station, Heartbeat Radio. He is a pastor.

In this exclusive Q&A, Music Man Ph. D. opens up about the stories behind the music, lessons learned along the way, and what keeps their passion alive.

BH Review: Who are your biggest musical influences?

Music Man Ph. D.: Musical influencer Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Issac Hayes, and Elton John. These songwriters sent a spiritual messenger with a story. Theirs so many others, but I found myself connected to their songs.

BH Review: How do your personal experiences shape your music?

Music Man Ph. D.: Music for me is more than sound—it is the voice of my life experiences. Every song I write carries pieces of my journey, my struggles, my faith, and the lessons I have learned along the way. My personal experiences shape my music because they give my lyrics truth and emotion that cannot be manufactured.

BH Review: How do you incorporate your cultural background into your music?

Music Man Ph. D.:  Weaving audio with lyrics together. Stories based on love, inspiration, words of encouragement, through various traditions, and values from different heritages into the songwriting process. I learned that cultures will add depth, identity, and authenticity to my writing music that connects listeners to my songwriting on a deeper level. For me, this is an important way as a songwriter.

BH Review: What was the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?

Music Man Ph. D.: My first song I wrote was based on my first time falling in love, yet I did not know what a male and female forever meant. The song is called "Pay'in my Dues", a blues tune. From a broken family, as an adult, this was something so important to me for a man and a woman to grow together forever.

BH Review: Are there any causes or charities you’re passionate about?

Music Man Ph. D.: My passion as a man is all about Love, Faith, respect, and belief. For over 35 years in what is called the labor field, my heart is in helping those out there working to help those in need. So any Charities working outside their 4 walls can receive from the Just Righteousness Foundation, "People helping People."

BH Review: What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?

Music Man Ph. D.: Well, I'm an author, President of an all-natural coffee and dietary supplements that can help our bodies for a better, healthier life. Kisime.com. I'm also president of jrf.info, Just Righteousness Foundation, director, editor, scriptwriter, and most importantly, a Pastor.

BH Review: When people listen to your music years from now, what kind of legacy do you hope it leaves?

Music Man Ph. D.: Agape love for all life, and as a writer/creator/developer.

BH Review: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?

Music Man Ph. D.: My typical songwriting process is the good and the bad things we face throughout life. I've learn how any song can become a #1 hit. With great sound of music and real lyrics is the key. Wherever anyone is going through, good or bad, there are millions of others who have that same issue or have been through one point in their life.

BH Review: Where do you usually find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?

Music Man Ph. D.: 30 years in the Labor field as a minister. I look at all the problems many are suffering the same issues, and that's what started me to figure out how to help them. I'll see some wisdom in creating a story of emotions in audio or video.

BH Review: How do you decide what story or theme a song should tell?

Music Man Ph. D.:  When I decide what story or theme a song or video should tell is a life answer of love and encouragement that turns emotions off and takes a second look at. Meaning, I never thought about that, the answer. Have you ever done something and it didn't work out? Saying to yourself I'll never do that again? If yes is your answer, what happens is that you took the test first and the lessons last. When I write and create, this will help the listener see clearly, now understanding to take another look. lessons on what not to do, and then the test. Everything in life is a game; no matter what field you're studying, learn the rules/lessons first, and then play that game in life. You may not be the top winner, but I guarantee you won't be a loser. This is how I create what stores a theme in lyrics, audio, and videos.