Wyclef Jean Talks Music Influences, Songwriting Process, and The Hamptons

Wyclef Jean returned to the Hamptons for a one-night-only performance at Calissa in Water Mill on Thursday, August 1st. Calissa’s Calissa Sounds series brings world-class performers to the East End every summer, and this year marks Wyclef’s fourth year performing at the venue.

Wyclef first took the music industry by storm in the 90s with the hip-hop trio Fugees, alongside Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, releasing one of the most iconic albums ever, The Score. Since then, he has released solo albums with chart-topping singles, written songs for artists like Whitney Houston and Santana, and collaborated with Destiny’s Child, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter, Wyclef’s extraordinary talent is undeniable.

Hamptons.com sat down with Wyclef Jean to discuss his musical influences, songwriting process, and The Hamptons.

Let’s go back to the beginning. What inspired you to pursue a music career?

Coming from Haiti at a very young age and living in the Marlboro Projects in Brooklyn, music was just one of the ways I picked up on learning the language of this new world. I was never pursuing a career in music; it was more like a natural part of the process. Being a preacher’s son meant I grew up in the church, and my mom would always tell me I would get much further with a guitar than a gun.

How did the New Jersey and Haiti music scene influence your music?

Growing up in NJ meant that I had the best of both worlds. My uncle’s basement is where *The Score* was made. Haitian music runs through my blood. But it really comes down to the culture, and that’s the true universal language that brings people together.

Who has been your favorite artist to collaborate with?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite artist I’ve worked with because I love discovering talent and bringing out the best in anyone I work with. But I can say I’ve worked with some of the greatest.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process?

It’s all about the vibrations. As a producer and a composer, music is my refuge and my escape. The songwriting process is like art meeting science. I’m working with the music, but I’m also trying to deliver a vibe. I’ll add something from different genres and create a musical gumbo, so to speak.

It’s safe to say that you are one of the most sought-after performers in the Hamptons. What is your favorite part of performing live, and what are some of your favorite Hamptons hot spots?

There are so many great places I have performed in the Hamptons. The Hamptons has great energy for live performances. I am next looking forward to performing at Calissa Sounds for the fourth year in a row on August 1st. Shoutout to James Mallios’ Civetta Hospitality and Bettie Levy’s BCL Entertainment.