Before streaming became the standard, Prince was already rethinking how artists connect directly with fans.

In this rare archive interview, the designers behind his Lotusflow3r website — Scott Addison Clay and Anthony Malzone — share what it was like working directly with Prince to create one of the most ambitious digital music experiences of its time.

Originally recorded in 2009, this conversation explores how the Lotusflow3r platform blended music, storytelling, and interactivity into something far beyond a traditional artist website.

They discuss:

• How they were personally recruited by Prince

• The creative vision behind the “interactive world” concept

• Launch night and overwhelming global traffic

• The balance between art, technology, and user experience

• Prince’s forward-thinking approach to digital music

• Early ideas around exclusive content and direct fan access

This is a fascinating look at an artist who consistently pushed boundaries — not just musically, but technologically.

About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:

On air since 1982 — long before podcasts — Musicians Reveal brings you real conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry voices behind the music.

In this early 2000s radio archive interview, legendary drummer Frankie “Kash” Waddy of Parliament-Funkadelic shares insights into life on the road, the discipline behind the groove, and what it takes to sustain a career at the highest level.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member with P-Funk, Waddy discusses touring up to 250 days a year, developing his own sound, and stepping into the spotlight with his solo project Kash Up Front.

From funk to rock to hip-hop influences, this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look inside the mindset of one of the most respected drummers in the game.

On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, multi-instrumentalist and producer John Wesley Payne shares his journey through funk, rock, R&B, and the Bay Area music scene—including his experiences around Prince and Paisley Park.

Payne reflects on the moment Prince heard his playing, what it was like stepping into that creative environment, and how quickly ideas moved inside Prince’s world. He also discusses working alongside artists connected to Larry Graham, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and the extended Minneapolis scene.

Beyond the Prince stories, this conversation dives into musicianship, independence, and the realities of building a career across decades in a constantly changing music industry.

This is a firsthand perspective from a working musician—focused on craft, creativity, and the discipline behind the music.

• Growing up across gospel, funk, rock, and R&B
• The Bay Area music scene and key collaborations
• The call that led to Paisley Park
• Studio insights and creative process
• Gear, sound, and musical versatility
• Life as an independent artist

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

More interviews and archives:

MusiciansReveal.com

In April 2016, just days after Prince passed, we spoke with the artists who knew him best — his inner circle.

These are real conversations — raw, emotional, and happening in real time.

This special features voices from Prince’s world including John Blackwell, Matt “Doctor” Fink, Tommy Barbarella, Taja Sevelle, Elisa Fiorillo, St. Paul Peterson, Jacqui Thompson, and Tamar Davis — sharing memories, grief, insight, and the legacy of one of music’s greatest artists.

This is not a retrospective.

This is how it felt… in the moment.

00:00 Intro — Days After Prince Passed

00:30 Taja Sevelle — Grief

00:50 John Blackwell — Loss

01:20 Elisa Fiorillo — Processing the Loss

02:10 Dr. Matt Fink — Spirituality & Music

03:45 Tamar Davis — Prince’s Spirit

04:25 Elisa Fiorillo — Teacher & Influence

05:05 St. Paul Peterson — Mentor

06:30 Jacqui Thompson — Business Independence

07:20 John Blackwell — The Vault

07:55 John Blackwell — Rainbow Children Era

08:30 Tommy Barbarella — Recording with Prince

10:00 Tommy Barbarella — Legacy

11:30 Elisa Fiorillo — Gratefulness

12:00 Taja Sevelle — Charity & Giving

12:50 Taja Sevelle — Legacy

13:10 Closing Thoughts

From Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. The first radio show ever featured on Prince’s official NPG Music Club in 2004.

After more than 50 years, three lifelong friends and seasoned musicians reunite.

Eddie M (Prince & The Revolution / Sheila E), John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire / Patti LaBelle), and Tim Larkin—whose career includes time with James Brown and Natalie Cole—come together to reflect on their journey and create new music.

They discuss their new release Back 2 Basics with Tim Larkin single “You’re The Biggest Part Of Me,” and share stories from decades in the music industry—including time around Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire.

This is a powerful full-circle moment—friendship, legacy, and the bond that brought them back together after 50 years.

Hosted by Joe Kelley, Musicians Reveal has been on the air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with legendary artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.

Keywords:

Prince, Sheila E, Earth Wind and Fire, Eddie M interview, John Paris interview, funk music podcast, R&B legends, Musicians Reveal, Tim Larkin

Morris Hayes and Meia Santiago join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their new music project recorded in Spain.

Morris shares powerful lessons he learned working with Prince—including the three essential elements of great vocal recording—while Meia opens up about her upcoming EP Foreigner, inspired by identity, migration, and global connection.

They also break down their songwriting process, remote collaboration, and how technology has changed music production forever.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.

Dwayne Kerr, flutist with Erykah Badu, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share his journey through music, touring, and artistic growth.

From recording in London to performing at Paisley Park and major international festivals, Dwayne reflects on the experiences that shaped his sound and career. He also discusses writing deeply personal music, including a piece dedicated to a friend battling cancer, and how those moments influence his creative process.

This is an insightful conversation about discipline, independence, and building a musical identity in today’s world.

Music meets purpose in this powerful conversation with Greg Chastain, founder and president of Voices of Hope Boston—a nonprofit using live performance and community to raise funds for cancer research and patient care.

Greg shares the deeply personal story behind the organization, inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer, and how a one-night show turned into a movement that has raised over $1 million for life-saving research.

We also dive into:

• How music and theater bring hope during difficult times
• Performing national anthems for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics & more
• The impact of funding real cancer treatments and patient programs
• The power of volunteers, community, and purpose-driven art

This is a conversation about resilience, music, and making a real difference.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Featuring legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists, Musicians Reveal has been on the air since 1982 and now spans five decades. The show was personally recognized by Prince and continues to spotlight the stories behind the music.