Showing posts with label MUSIC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MUSIC. Show all posts

Thursday, October 15, 2020

A3C Conference 2020

 I stumbled upon the A3C conference on instagram. 

It is a conference that features various artist, producers, executives, and managers in the industry. 

If you are an independent artist, industry artist or just wanting more information, this conference is for you. Oct 15-16, 2020 @ 11:00 am

You can pick up a free ticket below: 

https://www.universe.com/events/a3c2020-for-the-culture-virtual-experience-tickets-C09SX6?ref=uniiverse-transactional_emailer-ticket_reply

Saturday, September 2, 2017

AFROPUNK Brooklyn 2017

AFROPUNK Brooklyn, what an experience to behold. AFROPUNK put on a plethora of performances from Up and coming to well known artist. Vendors provided everything from clothing to food to hair braiding. There was so much love at this festival! Anyone who attended could have felt right at home. One of the largest Themes at AFROPUNK was NO HATE. Basically all are accepted and welcome as uniquely as they are. The environment was as welcoming, pleasant and just love.


The festival was slated to open at 12:00 but most people weren’t let in until close to 1:30ish. Being as though it was a bit late on the let in, I strongly suggest grabbing some food or a drink or two beforehand. The first performance attended for me was Leikeli47. I had heard her music before on SoundCloud and loved it. Seeing her live performance at AFROPUNK solidified my fandom for her and her artistic style. Other artist such as Sampha and Sza performance electrified the crowds. Soul II Soul and Macy Gray performed beautiful sets of familiar music. Jorja Smith brought some of her UK sound to swoon us.


The larger performances where the highlights of the nights. Solange (Saturday)  and Raphael Saadiq (Sunday) performed notable songs from their hit albums, (not together, although that would have been dope). Solange performed a few songs from her album ‘Seat at the table’. The area was simply put, packed to the brim with people wanting to get a glimpse of her beautiful performance. Solange performance was captivating and enthralling  Saadiq has written/composed/performed on quite a few of our favorite R&B hits on various artist including Solange’s albums. By the way Saadiq’s career has spanned over 30 years over 100s of records. During his set he did a wonderful medley with his band often going from vocals to various instruments and often stopping to appreciate the sea of bodies cheering him on.  Everyone who turned up to perform was by far all dope, other sprises included special guest who we were just as stoked to see were Talib Kweli performing ‘Get By’ and Miguel (although didn’t perform but was definitely a pleasant surprise.)


AFROPUNK was just the right type of setting, with the right type of music, art and love we expected and needed Over the weekend. Definitely looking forward to the next event!


Check out some of the pictures at the event at:

AFROPUNK



Tech Me Something

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Afropunk 2017

My favorites for "Afropunk 2017" are: Saturday, Aug. 26 • Macy Gray (5:45 PM - 6:30 PM) • Soul II Soul (7:15 PM - 8:00 PM) • SZA (7:30 PM - 8:30 PM) • Solange (8:30 PM - 9:45 PM) Sunday, Aug. 27 • Raphael Saadiq (8:30 PM - 9:45 PM) Favorites generated from the mobile app available here: http://essaie.ca/app/afropunk-2017

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Chris Cornell

Today we lost a great musician. He was one of the first rock albums I listened to that I could relate to. He also was one of the best vocalist I have heard in my life time. Soundgarden brought me closer to many of the friends I have today! Seeing various concerts and just rocking out to some good music. Chris Cornell is a legend and will be missed!
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/18/entertainment/chris-cornell-dead/index.html

Friday, January 29, 2016

FRIDAY MUSIC FEATURE: A.F.R.O. All flows Run Outward

I have to say this kid is an ode to the Hip Hop/Rap Flow of old. I know he isn't the first in the game to have an awesome flow but definitely something you can dig on. His vocabulary is phenomenal and his flow goes on and on. I saw a clip of him on Queen Latifah's show where he did a of the top random object freestyle. I thought he was good so of course I took to google with my interest and checked out his songs on SoundCloud. I can say I would honestly buy his album. I kind of got the Wu-Tang flow off of some of his songs and of course Wu is still my shit.

With a few more years under his belt he could be one of the top Hip Hop/Rap artist. I can't wait to see what else is coming from him he definitely has my dollar. One of my favorite checks that showcases some of the skill A.F.R.O.has is Code #829. The beat switches up right in the middle of the track and so does his flow.

He is definitely worth a check out.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

MID-WEEK MIX UP:Brace Saga - #RetroFuture

#RetroFutureEP has official dropped. This is an 8 track EP that gives you the ability to visualize the musical component worthy of recognition. (if you pre-order the cd you received 3 bonus tracks)
Check out the interview with the Artist.



Dion: Alright let’s kick this off with your first track, Badder, Now this song to me is a statement out the break. "Who wants it badder?" I can say you clearly want it. With this EP what was your goal, the end game for you?



Brace: First off thank you for having me. The goal for the #retrofutureEP was to make a hood musical like the Wiz, but in a hip-hop format. I’d got to thinking to myself, “ I would love the visuals to be this elaborate cabaret look, but still hood enough to bump down the street.



Dion: So you have a track entitled RetroFuture same as the EPs title, was it your intent to make this your single for the album?



Brace: I wanted to make Police State the single. I’d already had the name idea for a bit there. I had been looking into a form of art called retrofuturism, and I wanted to hear it. The more research I did, I eventually came up with Wild West motif for the song, and I just ran with it.



Dion: On the same track you have a line, “If you think Kanye a dick, you ain’t seen nothing yet." I had to laugh at this line by the way it just catches you off guard. Kayne is known for doing and saying crazy things but he is very intelligent. He makes great points sometimes. But what did you mean by these lyric?



Brace: I admire Kanye West’s intellect seeing how he can use practical logic opposite mad genius and get these working products out of that. It’s impressive. I studied that to figure out how to turn my level of genius or creativity into something else. I mean why not? Innovation is often held back by the fear of similarity, but similarity can bring progress if it’s worked with enough.



Dion: Ok so I definitely have to point out my favorite song at this point! SpaceTime! I think this is your single, the hit. The beat is laid back but in-depth at the same time. The lyrics just push the song over the edge. Plus I noticed the switch towards the end. The trumpets and the back ground "tick tock" set the song on a perfect visual. It has so many layers. What inspired this song?



Brace: I had this idea of 1945 Roswell New Mexico. It’s shot in black and white. There’s a colored only nightclub, and this space-ship crashes through the roof, and green women get out. I really wrote this one for the visual. I was sitting there thinking that would look so cool if I could shoot it.



Dion: I want to turn our attention to 2 songs on this EP that address issues that are going on now. You have 'Police State' and 'Primary Colors'. Let's talk about 'Police State' which I believe depicts a vivid encounter with a police officer tell me about this scenario, what was your basis from your perspective?



Brace: I was thinking of the mechanics of how songs work. People tend to shy away from the truth, especially when they can’t form a solution that works. But this is still something we need to talk about in terms of where our country is going as far as social maturity. People like love songs and certain vibes because they feel like this environment where things happen. I put the idea together thinking to myself “If I do a love song about police brutality, people might accidentally listen before they fight the truth off.” It’s a different approach, and maybe not the best, but it’s too early to call.



Dion: And 'Primary Colors'? You really went in on this track. You address many issue that are going on in the Black and Brown communities that are effected literal lives. You stated "America's more like Apartheid" and “Community leaders they reneged, and then side with our oppressors", this is very evident in what's going on today and the Medias' portrayal of black and brown communities. Can you give me your views on what's going on?



Brace: We hit terminal velocity. Essentially the wealth gap established by the business practices of the 20th century have lead to a relapse. We should be space age, but we can’t even trust skin color. It’s a cruel trick of those in power…. They have the poor fight each other for what’s left after they take their cut. The rest breeds resentment, hostility, ignorance. Our growth has been effectively halted in our communities because we lack purchasing power and localized stability. In the case of blacks in America, it doesn’t help that we aren’t responsible for our own publicity. I would love to hear more about young people graduating college, pursuing their dreams, but we hear about murders so often now. It’s not because there are more murders necessarily, but there are more cameras than ever, so nothing goes unseen. I just wish that was enough.



Dion: Now to round it out, 'Let the Beat Go' this is a happy upbeat song. Kind of Loungy, right? I dig the flow on this. Is this your laid back party joint?



Brace: I wanted to write the ultimate last call song where everybody hooks up and leaves on a good note. The night I met my fiancĂ©, this song played on the radio called Love Ballad by LTD. It was so beautiful. I want somebody else to meet the love of their life while my song is playing. That’s like a moment that I wish I could be there for, but you know….



Dion: Brace this EP is legit! I enjoyed listening to it from front to back then back to front again. It's on repeat. What can we expect from you in the future?



Brace: I’d like to do a follow-up on this project. I’m thinking it would be nice to put together a nice lounge jazz joint. Something with a Sinatra Nancy Wilson feel to it. But more modernized.


Braces' music can be found:

Amazon & iTunes Store - Brace Saga
or
https://bracesaga.bandcamp.com/album/retrofuture-ep






Friday, July 31, 2015

FRIDAY MUSIC FEATURE: BRACE SAGA (Brace Washington)


Ever wonder what would happen if you had a genius writing music you could actually listen to? Ever wonder why the music today has no point and or substance to it?

I have pondered these questions more times than I can imagine. As far as I am concerned the music we have today doesn't have anything to offer except repetitive beats, "Cat in the Hat" lyrics, and everyone trying to sound different but sounding the same. There are a few artist that I will absolutely listen to on a regular basis to get out of the contrite "music" that we hear today on the Radio.

One of the best in my opinion is Brace Washington. There are several things you can definitely get out of his music. We have the witty & intelligent banter of the Lyrics, imperialistic beats, and diversity of topics. Braces' current LP Retrofuture is a delight for the ears. When you listen to it you can visualize the music or the story that the music tells rather. Braces' other projects are exceptional. BWI: the Travelers Mixtape & Before Heaven, After Suicide in my opinion of course, is a description of a way out into an prominent future.

Some of my favorite tracks by Brace are:

Baggage - Traveler's Mixtape
Dollhouse the remix - Before Heaven, After Suicide
Broke Boy Blues - Before Heaven, After Suicide
Police State - RetroFuture
SPACETIME - RetroFuture (This one is my favorite!!!!, It’s the HIT!)



RetroFuture official drops August 18th and Pre-Orders on iTunes on August 4th. Braces' music will be downloadable on music streaming medias such as Amazon, iTunes, Jango, & Soundcloud (except for Spotify). You can get your physical copies by clicking below to buy! There are only a limited amount. This album is worth the purchase.




Brace talents are not limited to just music. He has ventured into the realm of scripts, directing and acting. If you want to find out more, Check out his site or on facebook (Brace is also on other media platforms as well):

http://bracewashington.wix.com/bracesage
www.facebook.com/bracewashington.

Friday, May 29, 2015

FRIDAY MUSIC FEATURE: CMD (CJ Wills)

I get very excited when I hear good music. Now a days we have artist that sound exactly the same and I can't tell there music apart from the next guy. Imagine my surprise when I came across CJ Wills or CMD if you will. He is an Arizona artist (way of Baltimore).

I had heard a few of his songs before but didn't REALLY listen to the music.So when I happen to be scrolling my Facebook page, I saw one of his other songs he had done "Way Out". I clicked and LISTENED. Really Listened. As I listened I could only think, "this is different and fresh.". At that point I listened to all the music he had posted on SoundCloud. I enjoyed it! It wasn't your run of the meal artist.

My curiosity was peaked and I reached out to CMD:

(Conversation has been edited to reflect more of an Interview Style)

Dion: First I want to say I really enjoyed listen to your songs that you have up on SoundCloud. Positive, up beat and refreshing Honestly. I didn't really expect that I am not saying that as a slight or anything but seriously I have listened to a ton of local artist and it all sounds the same to be quite frank. I didn't get that with your music. So its appreciated to hear something that's worth listening to!

CMD: Thank you very VERY much! My goal has always been to push myself to make enjoyable and relatable music for all ages. As a christian and a father there's a limit to what I'll release.

Dion: Your write and record all your own music correct?

CMD: I do, I make all of my own instrumentals and compose my own beats, write, arrange, sing, rap, and edit all on my own.

Dion: What type of equipment ( just a general description will do) are you currently using?

CMD:  I actually have a program I found years ago called Fruity Loops, I'm currently using version 12. I record all of the music on a free downloaded program call Audacity, then I edit all vocals there, export it as a wav file, and I'm done! Then I make my own artwork for each song as well, sometimes I just post a simple pic, but I draw and do Photoshop as well.

Dion: Can you play any instruments?

CMD: I can't play any instruments confidently lol I am in the beginning stages of guitar (acoustic) but its rough to find time to focus on learning with having a full time job, a family, and many artistic endeavors already.

Dion: What music are you listening to now?

CMD: My biggest inspirations right now come from bands Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon, and Ed Sheeran. As far as hip hop, I love Lupe Fiasco, Childish Gambino, and with soul music I all over Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, and Lauren Hill

There is a certain level of appreciation for an Artist who is doing it all by themselves. There is a level of dedication that has to come with the artistry. While most just sit back and enjoy the music, there are the few whose grind hasn't stopped. CMD has definitely been working in this realm.

Now to my favorite picks:

Arizona Girl
Way Out
Hatin' On Me
I Am the greatest
TEN Feat. Layah Sade
Check CMD out on SoundCloud and the Newly Released Stamp of Approval Mixtape:




Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJWillsFlow?fref=ts

Friday, May 15, 2015

FRIDAY MUSIC FEATURE: Face Music

Music is the universal language.

Everyone loves some form of music, whether it be rap, gospel, hip hop, neo-soul, country or hard core Rock. Every once and a while I like to talk about some of our local artist trying to make a name for themselves. Anybody who has listened to any type of hip hop or rap knows it originates from your environment and from your experiences. With that being said, I want to showcase one young man that has a mind to make it in the industry that already has lots of heavyweights reining supreme.

I have history with this artist, actually family history, and have watched him grown from goofy kid to an evolved young man Working 2 jobs, going to school, and working on his full time passion. It takes a lot for a person to stay true to their first love. I believe Jay aka FACE has done this very well. Despite many who doubted what he was capable of, he has overcame the critics from this city and beyond.

Growing up in Baltimore wasn't and isn't easy. There are tremendous factors that are stacked against you from poverty to lack of guidance. Well Jay aka FACE has decided to take those factors and turn them into motivations. Being an Artist was an early goal that seemed like a distant dream. At this point it has become a reality that could rival some of our industry counterparts.

Nothing comes easy to a person who wants to succeed.

Now the mixtape that he has put together is pretty straight forward. It gives you what any mixtape you want to bump on your way to the club, work or home. Definitely "BALDUMORE" music that we know and love. Word play in each song is variable and on par with what we like to see in mixtapes. He has plenty of features from other artist on this mixtape such as Tattedupleo, Smitty da general, 1General Beatz, Jay NewTron, and 3-D. Each artist brings their own style to the songs they are featured on. ( please forgive me if I leave anyone out that worked on this project) The beats are indicative of a true mixtape anthem.



Each song has a different feel to it. Personally I like a few of a the songs on there that I play on repeat. A couple to watch out for and listen to in my opinion is:

No Way ft. 1General Beatz

Talkin Bout ft. TattedupLeo & Jay NewTron

Never Fold ft. 3-D

Still Love me ft. TattedupLeo 


For this young man I see collaborations and success.

Check out the entire mixtape on SoundCloud:




or on datpiff:
http:/c36bc96/piff.me/