 01/06/2006
PLACE OF BIRTH: Bronx, New York USA
PERSONAL MOTTO: If you want something in life you have to go out and get it, because you can’t expect it to come over and kiss you on the lips.
STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): Dance, funk, percussion, rhythmatic soul.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): Kind, caring, serious, creative, dependable.
The story of ESG begins in the South Bronx where they grew up in the tenements. Four sisters – Renee, Valerie, Marie and Deborah Scroggins, encouraged by their mother, began playing music together as teenagers as a way to keep themselves out of trouble with neighbourhood gang life. Taking their name from their birthstones – emerald, sapphire and gold – this was soon shortened to ESG Thirty years on and ESG remains a family affair with sisters Renee, Valerie and Marie along with Renee’s daughter Nicole and Valerie’s daughter Chistelle. In 2000, Soul Jazz Records released ‘A South Bronx Story’ which brought their classic music to a new audience. This was followed by the critically acclaimed ‘Step Off’. Since then they have continued to headline events and their music has been featured in numerous adverts and films. Their forthcoming new album ‘Keep on Moving’ (featuring the single ‘Insane’) retains the classic ESG sound whilst sounding completely contemporary. ‘Insane’ is their first new release in nearly five years. Featuring their trademark stripped down punk/funk style that has spawned a whole generation of fans and bands 30 years on from their release ‘Moody/UFO’ EP on Factory Records (and the infamous 99 Records in America), ESG return to the fold with this awesome piece of minimal dance, which is followed by a new album ‘Keep On Moving’ in the summer.
Questions answered by Renee
What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing?
Go back to the hotel and take a shower, call up my sisters and discuss any changes for the next show. Then go to sleep and get ready for the next day’s interviews, travel and performance.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Making my mother proud that she invested in the instruments she bought us when we were kids.
Who are your musical heroes?
James Brown, Queen, The Supremes and Etta James.
Tell us about your new projects...
‘Keep On Moving’ is our new album that is being released on Soul Jazz Records. It’s about life, relationships and getting on with your life no matter what the obstacles are in your way.
What are your plans for the future?
We are currently getting ready for a tour of Europe and Japan. We are also working on some new songs and doing production with some new artists.
What is catching your ear at the moment?
The Killers, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, Fall Out Boy and Mary J. Blige.
What is your recipe for success? Believing in our music, staying true to our sound and the support of our fans throughout the years.
What makes you happy?
Our music, life, love and performing.
What makes you angry?
Inconsiderate people and abuse.
What was the last CD/record you bought?
It was actually one of those ‘Now’ compilation CDs. It had a great assortment of music on it.
What is your favourite song?
‘Step in to my World’ (It’s a major oldie, but I love it!)
If not a DJ/producer/artist then what?
I was studying psychology in college, and was seriously considering a career in it. I have also written a series of short stories that maybe someday I’ll try and get published. So I guess I would have been a fiction or novel writer. The single ‘Insane’ by ESG will be available on Soul Jazz Records. |
