Funk Soul Sister - Chaka Khan

While some of today’s youngsters may not know who you are, especially in physical form, you allowed Kanye West, who at the time was trying to get his music heard, to sample your hit ‘Through The Fire’. It was definitely an important moment in music. You effectively helped kick start the career of one of today’s most credible hip-hop artists. How did this come about? Did you think it would help him?
“I thought it would help him. I really did. I did for a whole different reason though. He called me and asked me if he could use the song because he had been in an amazing accident and my song helped him to recover. So how could I say no? That was my primary reason for agreeing to it. Of course I didn’t expect him to speed it up and make me sound like a chipmunk. It wasn’t until later I found out that his trademark was in fact speeding up older records and using them on his tracks. I’m just glad I was of some assistance in helping him get better. However, I do believe there should be a lot more legislation when it comes to using other people’s music. If you can’t play the music, then why bother? Be a DJ. That’s how I feel personally. If you’re going to be a musician, be a musician. Play it. Play the instrument or get somebody that can to play it, because I think that things like Pro Tools and other electronic recording equipment are made to enhance music that’s already been done. It’s used to freak it, tweak it, whatever…”

Music has changed a lot since you first burst on to the scene. So who is it that you listen to?
“Through the years I’ve gone through five year patches where I’ll be in to five or six CD’s. That’s it. And I don’t really listen to music at home. I like to listen to it in the car. So in my car right now I think there is Joni (Mitchell), Miles (Davis) – ‘Tutu’ is probably in there, Kim Burrell, Rahsaan Patterson, Mica Paris. Oh, and I love Anthony Hamilton. He’s not in my car though. I need to get him in my car. I’m really particular when it comes to what I’m listening to. I don’t listen to the radio. Even satellite stuff I don’t deal with. I hate being at the mercy of someone else’s selection. I have to have my own. I can’t trash out my ears otherwise it messes with me. I need music equilibrium.”

You’re currently promoting the new album in the UK, including a show at the O2 Arena. What is it about touring that you love so much?
“That’s what it’s all about. At the end of the day it’s about communicating person to person. It’s about the giving of yourself, the offering of yourself, and then getting back whatever is given back to you. There’s nothing like it. If you want to talk about something that’s addictive then performing is it. Just that feeling once you step on stage is enough to drive you to do it over and over again.”

What’s next for you?
“Well… working this CD to death, to the limit, working it to the rafters, and doing all that I can to make a success of it. Then it’s back in to the studio I go. I also have a Foundation, which I’m going to hook up with a few key people here in the UK to help further it. It’s a Foundation that helps children and women in crisis. We have an education initiative that we’re working on right now. We also work with autism.”

Finally, any message for the UK fans?
“Yes! Of course. I’ve maintained a residence here for many years. I love England. I love my UK fans. This is my second home. I just wanna thank everybody for hanging in there with me all these years. It’s been phenomenal. Everybody’s been so good to me. They’ve been kind and really supportive even though I’ve stayed under the radar a bit. I feel so blessed to have been given so much love.” 

'Funk This' is out now.