Click here to read Crossfade's Q&A with Judy Torres, here for the Q&A with David from Nice & Wild, and here for the Q&A with Johnny O.
Rockell's "In a Dream" came out a decade after the initial freestyle wave. It was the only new Freestyle song on the radio in 1997, and it instantly became a freestyle classic. I can spin Shannon's "Let the Music Play" right after Rockell's hit with a seamless transition. Whether it's 1986 or 1997, freestyle is still dance music from the future!
José el Rey: When I first heard "In A Dream" I just assumed it was an old song I had never heard before, but you did this song in '97. How did this happen?
Rockell: It was kind of funny. My brother is eight years older than me, and I grew up listening to Foreigner and Rush. I never said, "I wanna be a freestyle singer;" it fell into my lap. Some guy came up to me and said, "Do you wanna sing background on my album?"
Just like that?
I fell into it.
What are you up to now?
I'm in Texas, working on a top secret project. And am about to release my new single in Europe. It's "On the Radio," a Donna Summer cover.
Top secret project? What happens if you tell me about it? Do you get in legal troubles?
I can't say much, but I'll keep you posted, I'm so excited about it. Music progresses. Music changes. I'm changing with the times.
Fair enough, I won't make you break the code of silence. What new music is touching you?
Lady Gaga is one of my favorites right now. She's crossing over and topping the charts and making a breakthrough for dance artists.
How do you feel about Miami?
Miami? It's a hot spot to party and have a good time.
Freestyle Invasion II. Featuring Taylor Dayne, Debbie Deb, Johnny O, Judy Torres, Erotic Exotic, David of Nice & Wild, Company B, Reinaldo, Freestyle Evolution, Timmy T, Corina, Sa-fire, Rockell, Sequal, and Voice in Fashion. Saturday, May 30. BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Dr., Coral Gables. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets cost $28 to $58. 305-284-8244; bankunitedcenter.com
