New Edition | Interview (2004)

Aries (T M H): What have you all been up to since the last release?
Michael Bivens (NE): Just basically getting the dust off and re-grouping. Once we did that we started rehearsing and getting back on the road. We've been on the road for the last three years. We've been doing a lot of work over seas and things of that nature. Other than that, when it came time to record this album. We had to find that right bland, that classic NE sound.

Aries (T M H): Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis once again contribute to this release, what makes you guys keep returning to them?
Michael Bivens (NE): We keep going because we know we're going to get hits. They have captured our signature sound and they always bring it to life unlike any other producers. They've worked with us for a long time and they bring out the adult NE, but without losing that sound. To not have them on an NE album is un heard of, there will always have to be a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis record on our album.

Aries (T M H): What do you think of your new music being compared to B2K's?
Michael Bivens (NE): Umm, well I really never heard that much. But you know what's crazy? B2K Making a statement in regards to the teachers now being the students, while speaking on us. Now that's just crazy. I mean the thing about it is you can't please everybody. We would like to cater to our fans that we've had but at the same time reach new fans with every release. We've been here for 20 years and have used a formula that has been successful, so with that we're not trying to change our sound to sound like anybody.

Aries (T M H): "Leave Me" is getting a lot of early buzz as being classic NE, what is the track about?
Michael Bivens (NE): Well it's a ballad written and produced by Mike Winans. It is a classic NE record. A guy is basically expressing his true feelings and being honest to his mate. He's saying you're better off leaving me because right now I can't be the man you want me to be, but if it's meant to be it will come back around.

Aries (T M H): If NE was to record with a female artists who would you guys pick?
Michael Bivens (NE): Not sure, from old school to new school. I would have to say Gladys Knight.
Ronnie DeVoe (NE): Beyonce, Janet, Alicia Keys, Destiny's Child and Mary J. Blige.

Aries (T M H): When will fans get new solo albums from you guys?
Ronnie DeVoe (NE): Well right now our main focus is just NE as a group. We will be touring and doing a lot in support of "One Love." After this project dies down we will start working on our solo albums and then the fans will get new albums from Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and BBD.

Aries (T M H): What has been NE's biggest challenge and the biggest reward through out the years?
Michael Bivens (NE): The challenges have been the right business deals and getting the respect we feel we deserve. We've never had an album sell over two million. Everyday has been a lot of hard work and us trying to make sure NE stays true to who we are. The reward is to still be here after 20 years and inspiring other groups who have came out. When they come up to us and tell us they look up to us and we inspired them.
Ronnie DeVoe (NE): Also being able to support our families has been a huge reward. We are able to put food in our families mouths and the respect that comes from that is a great reward.

Aries (T M H): What is your favorite track from One Love?
Michael Bivens (NE): Sexy Lady.
Ralph Tresvant (NE): One Love.
Johnny Gill (NE): All on You, Leave Me and Only Me.
Ronnie DeVoe (NE): One Love and Newness

Aries (T M H): VH-1 is finally doing a Behind The Music on NE, what will the fans see that maybe they didn't already know?
Ralph Tresvant (NE): They will learn a lot about NE. Like why it always feel like a reunion when we get back into the studio together. They got a lot of footage and it's very personal and in depth. A lot of things that were up in the air, the fans will finally get the answers.

Aries (T M H): Tell us about the up-coming tour?
Ralph Tresvant (NE): Well right now we have some dates in China. We're doing a tour soon with Guy, LL Cool J & Heavy D. They can expect NE to do what we do best. There will be the NE show, then the solo sets, then we'll come back on as NE to finish. The fans will get about 75 minutes of New Edition.

Aries (T M H): Any last words for your fans?
Michael Bivens (NE): But the new album on November 9th. We appreciate the love and support you've given us throughout the years. One Love!