074: J Q&A

As Q’s off gallivanting around Europe with The Hubs, Jamon takes the reigns for his first ever solo Q&A episode. With a record-breaking 47 questions to get through, topics range from the state of the Estate, to unreleased Michael Jackson material, to Quincy Jones recent defamatory comments on Michael Jackson. Thank-you to all those listeners who submitted questions. It won’t be long until The MJCast kicks off Season Four, but until then, we hope this episode tides you over!

Lachlan Bradbury (email)
1) What inspired you to pursue a career in education as a history teacher?
2) What were your impressions and/or memories of Moonwalker when you first saw it?
3) What do you think is the best part about being a Michael Jackson fan?
4) How optimistic are you about the future of Michael Jackson product releases? That is to say, on the recent developments on Thriller 3D, the prospect of Ghosts and other Jackson films receiving restorations and high-definition releases etc.
5) How did you ‘break into’ the Michael Jackson fan community, and what advice would you give new fans who wish to engage with local fan communities?

Louis La Roche (email)
6) If Michael was still alive today, what would he make of the scandals surrounding two of his former ‘friends’ Donald Trump and R Kelly?

Carley Swan (email)
7) If The MJCast had started while MJ was still here, which year would you have started it and why?
8) How long does it take you to edit a show?
9) What are you most proud of about The MJCast?

Michael Wilson (email)
10) Any chance you guys will get Rodney Jerkins on the show? Invincible is the only album we barely know anything about. Would love his insight into those sessions.

Ashley White (email)
11) What is your favourite MJ interview(s)?
12) What is your favourite 3T song(s)?

Chris Lacy (email)
13) Name an artist/band/producer you wish Michael Jackson collaborated with in his lifetime. What would that song or album sound and feel like?
14) If the Estate were to construct a proper 30th anniversary tribute to Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album, what features should they include?
15) What, if anything, can the fans do to build a healthier relationship with the Estate to ensure we collectively present Michael’s artistry in the best way possible?

Rachael Tyler (email)
16) Justin Timberlake has been announced as the performer for the halftime show of Super Bowl LII. How do you think this will play out? Do you think Janet will be a surprise guest? If she is, what will that be like? I’m torn because I want her to return triumphant in front of the Super Bowl audience (AKA most of America), but honestly, that’s what the State of the World Tour was; her triumphant return. Performing with JT at the Super Bowl again, in my opinion, may just cement that 2004 event as the entirety of her legacy, especially for a new generation of young people. I would respect it if her decision is to not give JT or the NFL her time/attention. Maybe his set will just begin with a public apology from him to Janet. What are your opinions/predictions on this matter?

Magiel Jenen (email)
17) I have read that Michael was in the process of composing a classical piece of music at the final stage of his life. I understand he even had discussions with a composer on how t o improve, or compose the piece. Is anything known about this work? Like, how did he compose this, considering Michael did not write musical notes. Was anything ever recorded? Were other people involved? I’m really curious about this side of MJ we don’t know much about. I hope you have, or can find, a bit more info on this.

Madison Mariah Jones
18) Have you tried or are you planning on getting Teddy Riley as a guest? I’d really love to hear about he making of the Dangerous album. Thank-you in advance.

Felipe Hilario (Facebook)
19) I wanna know if you have any idea who owns the rights to the Triumph and Victory Tour footage and if there’s a chance that it’s actually released one day. The restoration they did of the Triumph Tour footage for the Journey from Motown to Off The Wall documentary looks stunning!

Adrien Prosen (Facebook)
20) With Michael’s 10th death anniversary approaching in the next 18 months, how, if at all, do you think the Estate should commemorate it? E.g. A re-release/repackage of currently released material? Unreleased stuff?

Sylvie Lefevre (Facebook)
21) When people ask you “what’s your favourite MJ song and why?”, can you actually answer that question?
22) If you had had the unbelievable opportunity to interview MJ and ask him just one question what would you have asked him?

J.D. (@MixingHistory on Twitter)
23) What do you think is Michael’s biggest missed opportunity?

Sharon Kistner (@Seylahvee on Twitter)
24) Do you think that in 20 or more years the world will look at Michael the way we fans do now as the genius that he was?

Liam (@wceliam on Twitter)
25) If you could, would you rather watch Michael sing Billie Jean with live vocals, with no dancing at all, or Billie Jean lip synced with his peak dancing?
26) Favourite and least favourite song off each solo album by Michael?
27) You’re walking down a street in LA and bump into John Branca. What do you say?

Bruce Aguilar (@yensid98 on Twitter)
28) Do you have a favourite piece of MJ memorabilia? Either something you own or not.

Travois! (@Travois_yt on Twitter)
29) How did you first hear about MJ, if you can remember.

Austin Ernst (@CreativeArtAPE on Twitter)
30) Predictions on the Estate moving forward? Will we see unreleased music like Get Your Weight Off Me & unreleased concerts finally released? This year? If not, when?

June Astford (@Jastford on Twitter)
31) Would like your opinion on Stranger in Moscow and Whatever Happens; two of my favourites that never seem to get much attention. I feel they’re constructed so beautifully.

Michael Clarke (@LoveSoul81 on Twitter)
32) Which producer would you like to have seen MJ work with and why?

Merita Simmons (@meritaapplehead on Instagram)
33) If Michael was still here, do you think Michael would use social media like Prince & Madonna or just let a team run official accounts? If so, which do you think would be his favourite social media platform?

Alexa (@sweetalexalove on Instagram)
35) If you had the chance to stay at Neverland for 24 hours, what would you do?
36) If Michael was alive, what would you say to him?

Slave to the Rhythm (@mjjhsavha on Instagram)
37) How do you think Michael would react to how fandom has adapted to recent developments in terms of establishing many layers of fan support through social media and different platforms? Do you think he would feel transparent through access that fans have to many aspects of his life or would he embrace the overwhelming support and dedication?

Hasa (@hasa81 on Instagram)
38) As Michael wanted to act more, what role do you think would have suited him?
39) What’s your earliest memory on MJ when he blew you away with his magic?
40) Other than singing live more, what would you have liked to see MJ do more in concert?
41) What singles would you replace with a non released album track/b-side?

Nathan. (@yougotnathan on Instagram)
42) What are songs released by other artists that you wish were MJ’s? For example, a lot of the Pharrell tracks that went to Justin Timberlake and Usher, etc. Also, do you think Invincible would have been more well received if MJ had taken those songs?
43) Will The MJCast ever do an Invincible album/era roundtable? Or although a stretch maybe reach our to Rodney, Dr. Freeze and others how worked on it? Loved the Michael Prince episode for that reason.

nat (@emxncipation on Instagram)
44) Your thoughts on Prince and Michael’s relationship?

Sammy (@sami.n.b.y on Instagram)
45) What happened with the rumours of an interview with Mr. Cupeta?

Joe Keegans (@joekeegans on Instagram)
46) If you were commissioned Chairman of the MJ Estate what would be the first thing/things you would change?

Jason Garcia of MJRadio
47) Hey Jamon, I think you should do at least a stream of Q’s declarations. It’s a hot topic now.

Additional Links
• 
The MJCast – Episode 063: Q Q&A
• The MJCast – Episode 069: C Q&A
• The MJCast – Episode 072: Season Three Christmas Special
• Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
• Donald Trump and Michael Jackson: The full story behind a mysterious friendship
• Damien Shields’ Xscape Origins book
• Michael Jackson’s 2005 interview with Geraldo Rivera
• Michael Jackson’s 2007 interview with Ebony Magazine
• 3T – Anything
• 3T – I Appreciate
• 3T – Heaven
• The Soulquarians Wikipedia page
• Michael Jackson – Butterflies
• A Truth Untold’s Twitter page
• Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker – Sega Genesis (Angry Video Game Nerd Episode 63)
• Michael Jackson – Stranger in Moscow
• Michael Jackson – Whatever Happens
• Michael Jackson in Men in Black 2
• The Way You Make Me Feel live at Madison Square Garden in 2001
• John Cameron’s #JCsMusicology – Michael Jackson (1988 – 1993)
• John Cameron’s Janet, Jam and Lewis: Deconstructing 30 Years of Music [Broadcast Version]
• The MJCast – Episode 041: Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 1)
• The MJCast – Episode 042: Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 2)
• Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast
• MJRadio podcast
• Donna Summer – State of Independence
• Heal The World’s melody in the Jaws credits

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Lover Never Felt So Good (Master Chic Remix)
• 3T – Anything (Acoustic Mix)
• Janet Jackson – LUV (Nick* Remix)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

048: Season Two Christmas Special

Merry Christmas, listeners. Here’s our Season Two Christmas Special. What a year it’s been for all of us here at The MJCast! We can barely believe that we’re at the end of our second season. After two years of podcasting, it’s still shocking to us that our little news and discussion show on Michael Jackson and the Jacksons has been received so well. Thank-you so much to everyone who has made what we do possible. We recently put together this Season Two Christmas Special for MJ fans to enjoy over their holidays. Q and Jamon kick the show off with a year in review discussion around all things 2016 and Q shares his recent experiences at the Dangerous 25 celebrations in Melbourne, Australia. Following this, the boys discuss the major MJ headlines including MJ Beats’ leak of the HIStory World Tour concert in Basel, a new MJ101 book, Janet Jackson’s baby and finally new photos from the You Are Not Alone shoot.

After the news, Jamon and Q then reminisce on the special episodes of Season Two, making sure to play some of their favourite highlight clips. To round the show off, a special audio montage is played which features special guest’s answers to the question how should Michael Jackson be remembered? Next up, our Season Two blooper reel! Finally, Jamon and Q discuss their hopes and dreams for Season Three of The MJCast and give a few special shout outs and thank-yous.

Listeners, have a happy holidays with family and friends. Share love on Christmas Day and be safe. Following this final show for 2016 and Season Two of The MJCast, we look forward to returning in February 2017 with Season Three. Until then, have yourself a merry little Christmas…

Follow Up
• Year in review
• 
Q’s Dangerous 25 experiences in Melbourne

News
• MJ Beats has shared never-before-seen HIStory World Tour footage from Basel, Switzerland.
• Andy Healy’s new book in the MJ101 series; Dangerous 101 is out soon.
• 
Has Janet Jackson had her baby yet?
• New photos of Michael Jackson from the You Are Not Alone shoot have leaked.

Special Highlights
• Episode 026 – Diana Walczak Special
• Episode 030 – Rob Hoffman Special
• Episode 031 – Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe
• Episode 033 – Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross
• Episode 034 – June 25th Special feat. Kevin Stea
• Episode 035 – MJ101 Special: The Performances
• Episode 044 – World Music Awards 2006 10th Anniversary Special
• Episode 047 – The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Special with Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx

Additional Links
• Q’s footage from the Dangerous 25 celebration in Melbourne, Australia
• Jackson 5’s Christmas Album
• Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast web page and iTunes page
• Moonwalk Talks’ websiteTwitter and iTunes pages
• MJ Book Club’s Facebook and Twitter pages
• Michael Jackson Australia’s Facebook page
• Kingvention’s website and Facebook page
• Michael: The Last Photoshoots’ Facebook page
• Kerry Anderson’s Facebook page
• The MJCast’s Cascio Case court documents page
• Daily Michael’s page on the Estate vs. IRS lawsuit
• Pierre et Gilles Wikipedia page
• Michael Jackson – Blood On The Dance Floor (8mm Version)
• Michael Jackson – Blood On The Dance Floor (Refugee Camp Mix)

Music Breaks & Ads
• Disneyland Paris – Magic Everywhere (Christmas Version)
• Michael Jackson – Remember The Time (Funk LeBlanc Remix)
• Jackson 5 – Christmas Medley
• Jackson Source
• Jackson 5 – Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Stripped Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Give Love On Christmas Day (Group A Capella Version)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael On!

047: The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Special with Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx

On this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview academics Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx on Elizabeth’s new book The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona and His Artistic Afterlife. Topics include their own histories, their roles in The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies and Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast, Elizabeth’s writing and publication process, Karin’s artistic process in creating the book’s cover (The Michael Jackson Respect Portrait) and of course many topics on Michael Jackson himself.

As explained on Elizabeth’s website, The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson is “the essential companion to Michael Jackson’s music, films and books, this work offers 21 original, academic essays on all things Jackson – from film, music and dance to fashion, culture and literature. It is the ultimate collector’s item for every Michael Jackson fan, student, researcher and academic.”

Overall, Dangerous Philosophies is a phenomenal work on the depth of Michael’s art and person, and a brilliant achievement by Amisu. Whether you’re an academic yourself wishing to enrich your knowledge of Michael Jackson, or perhaps a casual MJ fan wanting to open your mind to the depth of Michael’s work, you can’t go past Dangerous Philosophies. Pick up a copy today!

Links
• The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies website and FacebookTwitter pages
• The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona and His Artistic Afterlife on Online Arts Education (signed copies), Amazon and Apple iBooks
• Elizabeth Amisu’s website and Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages
• Karin Merx’ website and Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages
• Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast web page and iTunes page
• Yuko Watanabe – Smooth Criminal
• Youngest String Quartet Ever – Smooth Criminal
• Patrick Matthias – Smooth Criminal
• 2 Cellos – They Don’t Care About Us
• Peter Bence – Bad
• Elizabeth Amisu’s ‘Throwing Stones to Hide Your Hands’: The Mortal Persona of Michael Jackson article
• Michael Jackson & Prince: Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation
• Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies Online Course: 6-Lesson Online Course with Elizabeth Amisu
• The MJCast’s online repository of Cascio Case court docs
• Joseph Vogel’s Man in the Music, Featuring Michael Jackson and Earth Song books
• Susan Fast’s Michael Jackson’s Dangerous book
• Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk book
• Michael Jackson’s 2001 Oxford Speech
• Margo Jefferson’s On Michael Jackson book
• Armond White’s Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles book
• Michael Bush’s The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson book
• Damien Shields’ website and his Xscape Origins: The Songs and Stories Michael Jackson Left Behind book
• Karin Merx’ article on her Michael Jackson Respect portrait
• Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio) Wikipedia article
• Complete work of William Shakespeare book
• The Journal Of Michael Jackson Academic Studies’ interview with Isabelle Petijean
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It film

Music Breaks & Ads
• Maati Baani – Heal The World (Child Prodigy Cover)
• Boyce Avenue – Will You Be There
• Accent – Keep The Faith

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!