Exclusive Interview with Chocolate Thunder

Chocolate Thunder is the stage name for Linda Rodney, the Greenville, South Carolina blues and soul singer. She started out impressing the clubs and festivals in South Carolina, and her music has taken her across the country even into Canada and Europe. I was able to catch up with her backstage at the first annual Brunswick Music Fest after witnessing her high energy set on a hot Brunswick, Maryland afternoon. The festival's website states "People notice Linda not just because of her sonic soulful voice, but for her incredible stage presence." The website quotes her as saying "every show I give 100% no matter what." After seeing her band's 90 minute concert and seeing her perform with the Kelly Bell Band who was the headliner, there is no doubt Linda Rodney will entertain you and give the performance everything she can give. Here is our interview:

Chocolate Thunder

I started the interview off asking, how she came up with the name Chocolate Thunder?

Linda Rodney: I'm voluptuous. I wanted people to know what they were getting. It is not the soft, sweet stuff and I prayed for it.

Influences and Highlights

Me: Your bio mentions you were influenced by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Etta James. Linda Rodney: yes and Koko (Taylor).

Me: Who was your biggest influence?

Linda Rodney: Aretha Franklin

Me: I could hear that influence on your song "555-Help" off of your CD "Ear Candy"

Linda Rodney: Oh, yes definitely.

Me: Who is the greatest musician you were able to share the stage with?

Linda Rodney: B.B. King by far is the greatest.

Me: The 2009 Montreal Jazz Festival sounds like a career highlight. What was the biggest show you have played?

Linda Rodney: That and I did Paris and Italy, but Montreal was the crème de la crème.

The Band, Ear Candy, and the future of Chocolate Thunder

Me: Who is your band?

Linda Rodney: Just a group of guys who love the old soul and blues. They take me back to my childhood, to what I remember with fondness.

Me: What can you tell me about your latest album "Ear Candy"?

Linda Rodney: It combines blues, jazz and soul. Some of the songs have been with me for a long time. The song "Just Gotta Tell Ya" started when I was five years old. The melodies were always in my head. The music is for the approval of the masses. That is it is not just the U.S. or the South but universal.

Me: What's next?

Linda Rodney: More music. The next album will be stone cold blues, music that won't stray to far from their roots.

Me: What do you want to tell your fans?

Linda Rodney: Thank you. I love them. I appreciate them appreciating the songs. My music is wearing my heart on my sleeve.

For more information on Chocolate Thunder check out their website here. Chocolate Thunder's music can be purchased at CD Baby.

Sources:

Interview with Linda Rodney and myself

Brunswickmusicfest.com