amillionsons & Taka Boom Talk New Single “Misti Blu Two”

UK based band amillionsons has returned to the music scene with a boom. After a lengthy hiatus, the trio have reemerged with an updated version of their hit single “Mist Blu” featuring Taka Boom (The Undisputed Truth, Prince, George Clinton), with 10 time Grammy Award Winning singer and Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Chaka Khan and their brother Mark Stevens. For “Misti Blu Two” the band has reinvented a Bob Montgomery classic record in harmonious fashion elevating their original sound like never before.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Andy Kulesza from amillionsons and Taka Boom for a candid conversation about the origins of Misti Blu Two, working with Chaka Khan and Mark Stevens (Taka’s siblings) and the importance of putting out good music that resonates with people. Check out the full conversation below.

Taka Boom & amillionsons Interview

How did this record come about and why did you guys decide to recreate Bob Montgomery’s classic?

Andy: My band mate Matt Shelton really loved the Dorothy More version of “Misty Blue” after hearing the song on the radio in the UK back in the 80’s. One day back in early 2001 he brought the record to our studio in Nottingham, UK and suggested we do our own version. We released a bootleg version on whitelabel which was picked up by DJ Mancuso and played at the Loft in NY. After that, the song got a lot of attention and was quickly picked up by industry aficionados Steve Lamacq, Mary Anne Hobbs and Pete Tong.

This led to us getting signed by Pete to FFRR which then became London Records/WMG but we still needed some original vocals as we couldn’t just use Dorothy’s. So our manager at the time introduced us to Mark Bell who is an incredible musician and former bass player of UK band “M People”, who was a friend of our then manager. He then connected us to Taka. Taka & Mark are really good friends and she was living in the UK at the time so Taka agreed to record the song with us. We released it in 2002. We released an album in 2005 called “The First One’s Free” and a bunch of other records but in 2010 the band decided to take a hiatus.

Taka: Yes I completely shut down musically due to personal reasons. We’ve stayed in touch on and off over the years but in 2021 I reached out to the guys after seeing our original music video for Misti Blu on youtube. The guys shared their idea with me and I jumped right on board. I think this new version is something we all needed.

Andy: Yes, Matt joked to Taka about bringing Chaka, and Mark to sing backgrounds for “Misti Blu” and sure enough that is what happened. The song is really unique as not only do we have all 3 siblings singing on this but Taka is lead vocalist with Chaka and Mark doing impeccable background vocals throughout the entire single. They are arguably one of the most talented vocal families in the music business. Together, we created something really special that we hope everyone enjoys and connects with.

Can you guys talk about your relationship between the band and Taka?

Andy: Taka is like family to us. We have always been good friends and it’s amazing that to this day, we are still working together 22 years later.

How did you know Taka Boom was the perfect vocalist to lead “Misti Blu Two”?

Andy: Have you heard her sing? It was a no brainer. She is one of the best female vocalists we have had the pleasure of working with. Her talent is unmatched and overall she is just a great person. It was an honor to have Taka as our lead vocalist for this single.

How did it feel being able to do this record with your siblings?

Taka: Any time you get a chance to work with your family members, it is always exciting. It was a life changing experience for me. It also helped to install and reinstate our relationships as we are all very close. Recording Misti Blu Two was very healing and spiritual.

As you all collaborated with FOMO in 2016, what made this collaboration different?

Taka: For me to write a song that my siblings enjoyed as much as I do was truly special. The fact that we were all able to be in the studio together and shoot a music video together was nothing short of amazing. You can see our joy and excitement and quite frankly this is a part of our family legacy. I am so proud to have the same DNA as my brother and sister.

When it comes to “House of Love” versus “Misti Blu Two”, one is upbeat and the other is more like a blues record. They have two completely different tempos and melodies. So far, the amillionsons version is my favorite as it is the most precious recording I have had the pleasure of being a part of.

You went from working with George Clinton and Parliament, to becoming the lead singer in Undisputed Truth to writing for Prince. Out of all of your musical experiences what would you say is the most meaningful?

Taka: I would definitely say working with FOMO was the most meaningful musical experience I have had in my life because I got to share this experience with my family. Chaka, Mark and I have all been musically inclined since we were kids but it’s not often that we get a chance to record together and have so much fun doing it. Working with my siblings again for the amillionsons collaboration is literally a dream come true.

As you are reigniting your music career what has been the most exciting part of this musical journey for you?

Taka: The most exciting part about this journey is the opportunity for me to record new music, connect more with fans, and a new audience. What I know how to do is sing, and I think I do that pretty well. I have never even had a vocal lesson but I know I have a gift and I am truly excited to keep sharing it with the world.

I believe I saw Chaka say you will be performing at Chaka Khan’s Meltdown festival with her in London? Can we expect to hear you performing Misti Blu Two?

Taka: Yes! I will most definitely be performing at the Meltdown Festival, amillionsons & Mark Bell will be joining me too! My sister, Chaka is due to join us for Misti Blu Two but we’ll have to see what happens on the day. Meltdown will take place in London from June 15th-24th and I am truly excited to be a part of the line up.

What is up next for Taka Boom?

Taka: What is up next for me is the Meltdown Festival!

What is up next for amillionsons?

Andy: Along with the release of “Misti Blu Two” we will be releasing five remixes of the song including a Chicago House mix by Mark Bell aka Blakkat. Outside of that, we are currently working with a stellar line up of super talented artists that we are excited to put music out with and hopefully we will be doing some more with Taka in the future!

Press play below to stream amillionsons highly anticipated single “Misti Blu Two” Featuring Taka Boom with Chaka Khan and Mark Stevens.