Nile Rodgers will release a new single on March 20 called I’ll Be There.
Recorded with Chic, the song came about when Rodgers listened to some old analog demo tapes from the early days of the group. One of the songs, Love Somebody Today, was the stub for a song that was eventually recorded by Sister Sledge. Rodgers says in his blog that listening to those unfinished works allowed him to “play” again with his original bandmates including the late Bernard Edwards.
According to Rodgers, it also gave him a chance to reflect back on Edwards who he found dead in a Tokyo hotel room on April 18, 1996. “The last time I heard Bernard’s voice alive was after our last show together. I called his room and our short call ended with me asking, “Are you sure you don’t need anything?” He replied, “Everything’s alright, I just have to rest.””
Rodgers also reflected on others with whom he had worked that are now gone including Luther Vandross, Tony Thompson and Raymond Jones, saying that he has music on the upcoming Chic album that pay tribute to each.
I never reveal a song’s DHM (deep-hidden meaning) before its release because I want people to interpret the work themselves – art is supposed to have secrets. But, in this case I’m telling you before hand so you’ll understand what I’m doing as a part of this project’s overall spirit.
I’m releasing the new record on March 20, 2015… on the vernal equinox. There will be a lot going on in the heavens that day, along with the total solar eclipse.
The name of the song is I’ll Be There. The reason is: after I found Bernard’s body, I said to him “Now, I can be there for you in death, the way you were There For Me in Life.”
Nile Rodgers, the Noise11.com interview
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