01/2017

It’s been well over a decade since En Vogue released their last album (2004’s Soul Flower).

In 2016, the ‘Funky Divas’ (Original members Cindy Heron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and newcomer Rhona Bennett) made their return to the spotlight with the new single, ‘Déjà Vu,‘ and planned album, ‘Electric Cafe.’ With this return, old and new fans will feel a sense of nostalgia while experiencing the group’s growth and maturity.

In our sit down with the iconic group, they touched on their sound and new album, their inclusion in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, withstanding time and sticking together as a female group, and much more.

So, tell us what you guys have been up to? What’s the status on Electric Cafe?

Cindy Heron-Braggs: We’ve never stopped performing; we’re always doing shows. We are getting ready to release our first album since 2004, and this new album will be coming out in the first quarter of 2017, and the title of the album is called ‘Electric Cafe.’ We have released the single, ‘Déjà Vu,’ that is available everywhere.

What were your personal feelings when you found out that your music will withstand history after dresses were selected for placement in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture?

Terry Ellis: It’s an honor to be inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Our red dresses from the ‘Giving Him Something He Can Feel’ video and also the silver dresses are in the Smithsonian. When we were first approached about the curation of our dresses, we were really excited.

Once we actually saw the dresses in the museum, for me, it was just surreal. I don’t think I’ve processed that moment yet. It’s a blessing, and we’re so grateful and really excited about that.

Cindy Heron-Braggs: It’s a wonderful feeling to know that those dresses will be there forever. Like Terry said, it’s still so surreal because we remember wearing the dresses, we remember giving the dresses to the Smithsonian and seeing it, but this is all in our lifetime. To think that possibly or grandchildren or great grandchildren will go to see these dresses; there’s nothing like it.

You joined forces with your pass producers.

What was the creative approach for this project and what should new and old fans expect?

Cindy Heron-Braggs: It’s going to still have the signature En Vogue sound and harmonies but the music has evolved, as we evolved, and it reflects that. It has an international feel to it.

Terry Ellis: It’s a little more eclectic for us in that all of our other records were more thematic whereas this one isn’t as structured, but there’s still a consistency in the vibe and its got a very global or international flare to it.

You guys appeared on Kelly Rowland’s show ‘Chasing Destiny’ earlier this year. What was that experience like and do you all have any plans for your own reality show?

Cindy Heron-Braggs: As far as Kelly Rowland’s show, it was a great experience for us because we love and adore Kelly Rowland. We loved June’s Diary; they were a sweet group of girls, and they can sing their faces off. We had a lot of fun just hanging out with them and interacting with them. As for us doing a reality show one day, there’s nothing in the works right now, but we’re certainly open to that idea.

In this day and age, R&B girl groups are very slim. What kind of advice can you give to new groups on how to stick together?

Terry Ellis: That’s a hard one. For us, for Cindy and I especially, this is what we love to do. It’s our passion; it’s a driving force for us. To have made the decision to continue is because we respect the craft and we respect each other. I would give that advice to any other girl groups.

Cindy Heron-Braggs: One of the ways to keep the bond within female groups is to set your sight on the bigger picture. You can always be in the micro-moment, leave because there’s a disagreement.

Members at times may feel that their talent and what they have to contribute to the group, and to the creative process, isn’t always fully appreciated. You have to understand that there are multiple talents there and you must respect each other’s contribution.

If you continue to nurture your base, which is the group, there will always be open doors for individuals to do their own thing, and then always for the group to come back together and continue to do what they do. Often times, there may be lures that may pull a member away. Those are often short-lived, and I think those opportunities come because of the group and because of your base.

Terry Ellis: Also, you must understand that your individuals that came together so you must respect the differences. This will make it easier to navigate with each other.

Do you foresee the resurgence of female groups?

Rhona Bennett: It would seem that that’s happening based on what I’m seeing. The Good Girl group that came out, I think they were on the X Factor or one of those shows; they sand ‘Don’t Let Go,’ which sounded great. June’s Diary of course; Fifth Harmony is out there. I think that a resurgence may be happening.

Coming from the Golden Era (Best music ever), What artists do you guys like today and how do you feel about the landscape of R&B?

Rhona Bennett: We were just talking about this. I think that there’s a beauty to every era of music. It’s the saying, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I think great music is in the era of the beholder.

One of the good things about today’s music is they are finding a way to marry the electronics to the human aspect of being on an instrument. That’s the gift that we get in the evolution of it all.

There’s plenty of artists out there that we all dig. There’s a lot of good music out there; it may not be on mainstream radio, but with satellite radio, streaming services, and social media, you can always find something new out there.

What can artists do to help improve the popularity of R&B?

Cindy Heron-Braggs: I think that the artists that are doing R&B are doing their part already by just doing great music. A lot of it rest on radio and DJs to help get that music out there. They have to be willing to play that music.

Terry Ellis: Good music is timeless so that it will come back around.

Along with the new album, what’s in the works for En Vogue?

Cindy Heron-Braggs: We have a tour set up for 2017 here in America and abroad. We will also promote the album in South Africa; we’re especially excited about that because we’ve never been there.

What’s the reception like when you travel overseas; Are you appreciated more?

Terry Ellis: They have a different level of respect for R&B music; a whole nother level of appreciation for it. It’s really humbling when we go over there, and we’re just grateful for it.

As we sign off, what do you want to say to the world?

Terry Ellis: We understand and appreciate the fact that we’re still able to make our music 26 years later because of our fans appreciating our music and asking for more. We don’t take that for granted; we know it’s because of them that we’re still standing. We want to say THANK YOU.

Link

[Edited 1/6/17 5:03am]

Yea, they really fucked up.

Scorp said:

This is one group that should have never broken up One of the greatest song debuts of all with Hold On

Let me be blunt for a few: Dawn Robinson is a wuss. She is also spoiled, and a coward.

Dawn is what threw En Vogue into nonsense and a C-list career after two or three stellar albums. Funky Divas, their sophomore effort was even 100x better than their debut Born To Sing, which wasn't shabby by any means. EV3 was not that great.

Now I've talked to Dawn in an interview or two that I was part of in the past. She's always talked about money, money, money, and how they weren't getting enough, and not signing this or that or whatever. These women have been at it 20 years. They know what they're doing, and aren't stupid. But somehow, Dawn has it figured out. She has figured out how to jump from group to group like a hired hand, instead of a member of the group. She's figured out how to cheapen her talent, and become a crybaby.

Her character showed through more on R&B Divas: LA when she didn't even finish out the show, sidestepped her commitment to production, and left the cast one short. She couldn't face anyone challenging her, but yet her history shows she wanted everyone in the past to follow her steps as alleged defacto leader of the group telling people what to sign and what not to sign. Oh, sound familiar? Ask Terry and Cindy.

En Vogue is a husk of themselves at this point. I get that Terry and Cindy want to work, and if they can carry the EV name, then do so. But to me, and this isn't about their talent, they're a cheap version of every other broken up-reformed-retro act touring. Klymaxx had issues with Cheryl "I can't speak on that" Cooley, and I think it's down to just Bernadette & Joyce at this point. Lynn has family issues she wanted to keep up with, and I think Loretta wasn't in it for the long haul after the Bands Reunited thing (but I forget how long she stayed on). Robin was facing some tougher at-home issues. Cheryl is playing Sheila E. tunes now to fill her gigs.

I don't dismiss the need to work, the talent, or Rhonda's addition to the group. I do challenge Dawn's bullshit. The thing is, it's so typical. There's always one in every group that fucks up, breaks things up, and forever changes the success of themselves and the band. Geri left Spice Girls. Cheryl left Klymaxx. Dawn left En Vogue. Justin left Nsync. Kevin left Backstreet Boys. Ashley Parker Angel left O-Town. John Lennon left The Beatles. Michael left Boyz II Men. Jason left Metallica. Robbie Williams left Take That. Zayn left One Direction. One of the girls in Fifth Harmony recently left. I'm like - y'all should have seen it coming! It doesn't matter the type of band, someone always leaves, and things forever change. Usually for the worst, but sometimes there's an upswing as well.

EV never recovered from being a trio, and a shift in the music industry as a whole. I remember when EV3 came out. I was working in a record store in Minneapolis. We couldn't give that thing away. Yet we couldn't keep damn "Butterfly Kisses" in stock long enough.

Scorp said:

This is one group that should have never broken up One of the greatest song debuts of all with Hold On

Yes, love these ladies, they can all really sing! Glad they are still making music.

TrivialPursuit said:

Scorp said:

This is one group that should have never broken up One of the greatest song debuts of all with Hold On

Let me be blunt for a few: Dawn Robinson is a wuss. She is also spoiled, and a coward.

Dawn is what threw En Vogue into nonsense and a C-list career after two or three stellar albums. Funky Divas, their sophomore effort was even 100x better than their debut Born To Sing, which wasn't shabby by any means. EV3 was not that great.

Now I've talked to Dawn in an interview or two that I was part of in the past. She's always talked about money, money, money, and how they weren't getting enough, and not signing this or that or whatever. These women have been at it 20 years. They know what they're doing, and aren't stupid. But somehow, Dawn has it figured out. She has figured out how to jump from group to group like a hired hand, instead of a member of the group. She's figured out how to cheapen her talent, and become a crybaby.

Her character showed through more on R&B Divas: LA when she didn't even finish out the show, sidestepped her commitment to production, and left the cast one short. She couldn't face anyone challenging her, but yet her history shows she wanted everyone in the past to follow her steps as alleged defacto leader of the group telling people what to sign and what not to sign. Oh, sound familiar? Ask Terry and Cindy.

En Vogue is a husk of themselves at this point. I get that Terry and Cindy want to work, and if they can carry the EV name, then do so. But to me, and this isn't about their talent, they're a cheap version of every other broken up-reformed-retro act touring. Klymaxx had issues with Cheryl "I can't speak on that" Cooley, and I think it's down to just Bernadette & Joyce at this point. Lynn has family issues she wanted to keep up with, and I think Loretta wasn't in it for the long haul after the Bands Reunited thing (but I forget how long she stayed on). Robin was facing some tougher at-home issues. Cheryl is playing Sheila E. tunes now to fill her gigs.

I don't dismiss the need to work, the talent, or Rhonda's addition to the group. I do challenge Dawn's bullshit. The thing is, it's so typical. There's always one in every group that fucks up, breaks things up, and forever changes the success of themselves and the band. Geri left Spice Girls. Cheryl left Klymaxx. Dawn left En Vogue. Justin left Nsync. Kevin left Backstreet Boys. Ashley Parker Angel left O-Town. John Lennon left The Beatles. Michael left Boyz II Men. Jason left Metallica. Robbie Williams left Take That. Zayn left One Direction. One of the girls in Fifth Harmony recently left. I'm like - y'all should have seen it coming! It doesn't matter the type of band, someone always leaves, and things forever change. Usually for the worst, but sometimes there's an upswing as well.

EV never recovered from being a trio, and a shift in the music industry as a whole. I remember when EV3 came out. I was working in a record store in Minneapolis. We couldn't give that thing away. Yet we couldn't keep damn "Butterfly Kisses" in stock long enough.

It's not even Bernadette and Joyce anymore. Bernadette was doing it on her own 2 or 3

years ago billing her Klymaxx shows as a Diva and A Turntable. Now recently Joyce has

formed her own version of Klymaxx called Klymaxx FM(Femme Mafia) and her version toured

last summer and has a new song and video out.

TrivialPursuit said:

SoulAlive said:

TrivialPursuit said:

Let me be blunt for a few: Dawn Robinson is a wuss. She is also spoiled, and a coward.

Dawn is what threw En Vogue into nonsense and a C-list career after two or three stellar albums.

Dawn is a total drama queen.She was always causing drama and being really bitchy with the other members.I remember in the late 90s,in a Vibe magazine article,she seemed ecstatic that EnVogue's latest album (recorded without her) had flopped.But karma has a way of catching up with people.A short time later,her own solo album was released and it was an even bigger flop.

It damn sure was(sales wise). I was probably one of 500 people who bought it. I sent her an email and was surprised she replied. She was my heart in the group then but even I could admit she wasn't professional with the other girls at all particularly Cindy and Terry whom always seemed to remain classy throughout the drama. . I remember they reunited in 2010 for a reunion and did a show at a club in Charlotte during the CIAA tournament. One of my friends went and they were charging 200 dollars backstage for a meet and greet. He said there were only about 12-15 people who paid and the girls were like damn nobody love us. Not for 200 dollars for a meet and greet and they weren't even allowed to take photos of them. At least they were served food for that price.

SoulAlive said:

Dawn also had "issues" when she was in that group Lucy Pearl...more drama,as usual.It seems like she's a very difficult person to work with.

You know Raphael wasn't having it.

missfee said:

SoulAlive said:

Dawn also had "issues" when she was in that group Lucy Pearl...more drama,as usual.It seems like she's a very difficult person to work with.

You know Raphael wasn't having it.

Damn right

paisleypark4 said:

SoulAlive said:

TrivialPursuit said:

Let me be blunt for a few: Dawn Robinson is a wuss. She is also spoiled, and a coward.

Dawn is what threw En Vogue into nonsense and a C-list career after two or three stellar albums.

Dawn is a total drama queen. She was always causing drama and being really bitchy with the other members. I remember in the late 90s,in a Vibe magazine article, she seemed ecstatic that EnVogue's latest album (recorded without her) had flopped. But karma has a way of catching up with people. A short time later, her own solo album was released and it was an even bigger flop.

And it's gotten her nowhere except in the outlands with a bad reputation. But if you confront her on her own album flopping she'll do two things: 1) tell you it was a success for her because her vision came to fruition and she full expressed herself (blah blah); and 2) she'll storm out of the room and rant about "negativity" and she "can't be around that". Bitch, you are that.

The heifer blocked me on twitter when I said something about her boolshit on R&B Divas. "OMG People are still going on about that? It was so long ago." I'm like "Yeah, bitch. It's on TV right now. and it ain't a rerun." Her foolishness was taped 6 months ago and now we're seeing it... again. All those girls had careers and some needed a reboot. They made the gig work for them. Dawn diva'd her way right back into oblivion. Bye Felicia.

I'm not trying to be mean but at first I did not recognize Cindy becuz of that Big forehead....She need to cover it up with bangs...She sorta looks like Brandy in that pic....I have a Big Forehead and a Big head so I can call it out....

The three of them look like they about to eat Bar-B-Q at a Black Family reunion....

TrivialPursuit said:

SoulAlive said:

TrivialPursuit said: Dawn is a total drama queen. She was always causing drama and being really bitchy with the other members. I remember in the late 90s,in a Vibe magazine article, she seemed ecstatic that EnVogue's latest album (recorded without her) had flopped. But karma has a way of catching up with people. A short time later, her own solo album was released and it was an even bigger flop.

And it's gotten her nowhere except in the outlands with a bad reputation. But if you confront her on her own album flopping she'll do two things: 1) tell you it was a success for her because her vision came to fruition and she full expressed herself (blah blah); and 2) she'll storm out of the room and rant about "negativity" and she "can't be around that". Bitch, you are that.

The heifer blocked me on twitter when I said something about her boolshit on R&B Divas. "OMG People are still going on about that? It was so long ago." I'm like "Yeah, bitch. It's on TV right now. and it ain't a rerun." Her foolishness was taped 6 months ago and now we're seeing it... again. All those girls had careers and some needed a reboot. They made the gig work for them. Dawn diva'd her way right back into oblivion. Bye Felicia.

I recall,several years ago,there was some legal drama going on with the group.Can't remember who sued who,but even after all that drama,the other members said that "The door is always open for Dawn to return to the group".That shows you how classy the other members are.Dawn treated them like crap and yet,they are nice enough to let her re-join the group anytime she likes.

I liked Soul Flower



Since its release, the album has sold over 300,000 copies within the U.S. to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan and gold status by the US RIAA[2]

[Edited 1/10/17 14:06pm]

phunkdaddy said:

TrivialPursuit said:

Klymaxx had issues with Cheryl "I can't speak on that" Cooley, and I think it's down to just Bernadette & Joyce at this point. Lynn has family issues she wanted to keep up with, and I think Loretta wasn't in it for the long haul after the Bands Reunited thing (but I forget how long she stayed on). Robin was facing some tougher at-home issues. Cheryl is playing Sheila E. tunes now to fill her gigs.

It's not even Bernadette and Joyce anymore. Bernadette was doing it on her own 2 or 3

years ago billing her Klymaxx shows as a Diva and A Turntable. Now recently Joyce has

formed her own version of Klymaxx called Klymaxx FM(Femme Mafia) and her version toured

last summer and has a new song and video out.

Wow,so that means that there are now three different versions of Klymaxx.Cheryl's version seems to be very active...I always see flyers with them on it.....

SoulAlive said:

Wow,so that means that there are now three different versions of Klymaxx.Cheryl's version seems to be very active...I always see flyers with them on it.....

Yeah, and Cheryl is breaking the agreement they had, because she has zero class. They agreed to let her be "Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley" or something to that effect. But she flat out cops the name. On Bands Reunited this was a major bone between the girls, and Cheryl said she'd follow that if the others let her. She's obviously pissed on it all. Bernadette is Klymaxx. Not to dismiss the other originals, but she had the vision of the sass, the attitude, the look, the sound. Of course you add great talent in there to support that, and it became a beast. Cheryl is that one weird branch on a tree that simply needs to be pruned every year.

SoulAlive said:

TrivialPursuit said:

Let me be blunt for a few: Dawn Robinson is a wuss. She is also spoiled, and a coward.

Dawn is what threw En Vogue into nonsense and a C-list career after two or three stellar albums.

Dawn is a total drama queen.She was always causing drama and being really bitchy with the other members.I remember in the late 90s,in a Vibe magazine article,she seemed ecstatic that EnVogue's latest album (recorded without her) had flopped.But karma has a way of catching up with people.A short time later,her own solo album was released and it was an even bigger flop.

She always looked snobbish to me. But I did have this song on repeat recently https://www.youtube.com/w...2RKb1R7jM0

New Interview With Cindy Herron

Interview

[Edited 2/8/17 13:49pm]

It's done. Yay.