Recent Posts
- You Should Know: Andreya Triana (Video Interview/Soul Bounce)
- Black Cab Sessions: Solange performing “Bad Girls”
- New Album Releases: May 7, 2013
- You Should Know: Onra (Video Interview/The Daily Motive)
- New Video: Janelle Monae & Erykah Badu – “Q.U.E.E.N.”
- New Album Release: April 23, 2013
- New Video: Leonard Friend – “Every Woman”
- New Album Releases: April 9, 2013
- New Music: The Hood Internet – “Suit and Commercial” (Justin Timberlake x Daft Punk)
- NYC: Alt-soul singer Maiysha performs at The Living Room, Mar. 29
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You Should Know: Andreya Triana (Video Interview/Soul Bounce)
British soul singer Andreya Triana is an artist I’ve been following since 2009; the following year, I interviewed her for Nu-Soul Magazine. She’s really humble and down to earth. Here, the songstress speaks on new music, her writing, tour plans and then she shares a new tune “Everything You Never Had,” the first single from her forthcoming EP (due out soon).
I agree with Soul UK, the writer at Soul Bounce who says, “Andreya sounds best when everything is stripped right back and you can really focus on her gorgeous tone, and “Everything You Never Had” is a perfect example, as she sings a deeply emotional tribute to her mother.”
It’s a beautiful song, but I didn’t expect anything less.
Though featured on several music releases over the years, from Flying Lotus’ “Tea Leaf Dancers” in 2007, Mr. Scruff’s “Hold On” in 2009, as well as many tracks with fellow Ninja Tune artist Bonobo, Triana released her debut LP Lost Where I Belong in 2010.
Black Cab Sessions: Solange performing “Bad Girls”
Back in February, indie singer Solange visited London’s Black Cab Sessions, where musicians perform one song in one take in a big ol’ London cab. The Houston native sang an acoustic version of “Bad Girls,” a single from her True EP, a seven-track electro-pop R&B set released in November last year. The sometime DJ and model really impressed me with the cohesiveness that still makes True a good listen.
New Album Releases: May 7, 2013
Noteworthy releases for today:
Fitz and The Tantrums, MORE THAN JUST A DREAM (soul-influenced indie pop) [Elektra Records]
Little Boots, NOCTURNES (pop-disco-house) [On Repeat Records]
You Should Know: Onra (Video Interview/The Daily Motive)
You Should Know is my latest segment on showcasing new artists, musicians, bands, duos, singer-songwriters, emcees and DJs. Mostly independent artists, yet good music all around. So sit back and read all about them.
I first heard of Parisian beatmaker Onra in early 2011, while living in Brooklyn, New York. He had released his newest LP Long Distance the previous summer via All City Records. The album is a mix of electronic music, “vintage funk and R&B, all filtered through hip-hop’s rhythmic, lyrical bounce;” it features tracks with Oliver DaySoul, fellow French beatmaker Walter Mecca, and T3 from Slum Village, as well as soul singer Reggie B and keyboard player Buddy Sativa (whom Onra recently completed a free form jazz-electro project with called Yatha Bhuta Jazz Combo).
In 2007 and 2011, respectively, Onra (born Arnaud Bernard) released Chinoiseries and Chinoiseries Pt.2 on All City Records, instrumental LPs created from Chinese music records he found in China, Thailand and Viet Nam. The producer is French with Vietnamese ancestry. In 2012, Onra released his newest EP Deep In The Night – a five-track electro-hip hop mix via Fool’s Gold Records; the EP also appeared on my Top 30 Music Releases of 2012.
Below peep the video interview The Daily Motive conducted a few months ago, where Onra speaks on music, DJing, his J Dilla influence and a whole lot more.
ONRA INTERVIEW | The Daily Motive from Mateo Vega on Vimeo.
Onra’s discography:
- Deep In The Night (EP) Fool’s Gold Records 2012
- Chinoiseries 2 (CD, 2LP) All City Records 2011
- Long Distance (12″, CD, 2LP) All City Records 2010
- 1.0.8 (LP) Favorite Recordings 2009
- Byron & Onra -The Big Payback (12″, CD) Just Like Vibes 2007
- Chinoiseries (7”, CD, 2LP) Favorite Recordings 2007
- Onra & Quetzal Present “Tribute” Bo Bun Records 2006
New Video: Janelle Monae & Erykah Badu – “Q.U.E.E.N.”
“Welcome to the living museum where legendary rebels throughout history have been frozen in suspended animation,“that’s the intro to Janelle Monaé’s latest video for her new single “Q.U.E.E.N.” featuring Erykah Badu (aka Badula Oblongata). The jazz-funk-hip-hop mash is the lead track from Monaé’s upcoming sophomore release The Electric Lady due out this summer via Atlantic Records.
Directed by Alan Ferguson, the visual stars Monáe and Badu as thawed-out rebels who throw a dance-party in a futuristic museum, where she and the rest of her ‘Wondaland’ crew show off their latest dance moves. Such a dope video! Watch it below and be sure to cop “Q.U.E.E.N.” via iTunes.
New Album Release: April 23, 2013
Noteworthy release for today.
BRIT Award winner and soul singer Emeli Sandé shares first-ever iTunes Session via Virgin Records. The eight-song EP was recorded live at the historic Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California. See track list below.
Track listing:
1. Heaven
2. Where I Sleep
3. Suitcase
4. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)
5. My Kind of Love
6. Next to Me
7. Clown
8. Read All About It
New Video: Leonard Friend – “Every Woman”
Artist: Singer-songwriter Leonard Friend | Song: “Every Woman” | Album: LXLF (available for free download here) | Genre: Pop/R&B
NYC: Alt-soul singer Maiysha performs at The Living Room, Mar. 29
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maiysha will hit the stage at The Living Room in New York City on Friday, March 29 at 9pm. She will share the spotlight with musician Matt Singer.
The Minneapolis-bred, Brooklyn-based artist mixes the genres of R&B, rock, blues and jazz to create a sound that garnered her a 2009 Grammy nomination for her first single “Wanna Be” in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance category. The song is from her debut LP, This Much Is True: (2008) released via Eusonia Records.
In 2010, Maiysha delivered her live album entitled UnderCover, which featured cover versions of songs that inspired the singer. Guided by her signature version of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” on This Much Is True, tracks re-worked on Undercover included Nancy Sinantra’s “Bang Bang,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Chris Isaac’s “Wicked Game.” Undercover was recorded live at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC.
New Video: DJ Day – “Land of 1000 Chances”
Artist: California producer and musician DJ Day | Song: “Land of 1000 Chances” | Genre: Nu-Jazz/Hip-Hop | Synopsis: “First of a 3 part series taking the viewer on a surreal visual journey through California, starting in iconic San Francisco.” | Album: Land of 1000 Chances, released Feb. 6 — now available on iTunes
New Music: India.Arie – “Cocoa Butter”
Always the lovely storyteller, neo-soul singer India.Arie returns with “Cocoa Butter,” the new single from her upcoming studio album, Open Door. The song seems to be an ode to the healing power of a new love. Open Door is a follow-up to Arie’s 2009 LP, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics. Expect new project this summer.
[Via The Singersroom]
Watch Justin Timberlake on Fallon performing “Strawberry Bubblegum”
Justin Timberlake continued his week-long run on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night (March 14), as the pop singer performed “Strawberry Bubblegum,” the newest live-previewed track from his upcoming LP, The 20/20 Experience (out March 19). Check it out!
[Via Spin]
Live Review: Bruno Mars at Reliant Stadium (3.7.13)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Pop-soul singer Bruno Mars is the total package. He plays the guitar, drums and piano. He’s an accomplished songwriter, co-penning hits like Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” to B.o.B’s “Nothing on You,” and he can dance, too. Last Thursday night he packed Reliant Stadium, bringing in 75,000 screaming fans — a record attendance, according to Rodeo Houston.
Mars carries a casual and comfortable stage persona and exudes self confidence. Dressed in a checkered flannel shirt, lime-green t-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers, the Hawaii-born singer immediately got down to the singles from his current LP Unorthodox Jukebox, released last December via Atlantic Records. He began with “Moonshine,” then moved to “Natalie” and “Treasure,” onto “Show Me,” mashing it with “Our First Time,” another R&B-reggae tune from his debut Doo-Wops & Hooligans.
Honestly, it was a short set. Thirteen songs in a bit over an hour. But ask me if it mattered? Mars danced and hammed it up the entire time. Fans ate it up (including me!). Performing “Billionaire,” mixing it with an oldie “Money (That’s What I Want),” the talented artist segued into “Marry You” from Doo-Wop and back to his recent with “If I Knew,” blending it with Boyz II Men’s 1992 hit “End of the Road.” Bringing the romance full circle, Mars, of course, sang “When I Was Your Man,” the vulnerable ballad that’s as beautiful live as it is on the radio. He closed out the night with chart-toppers “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Just the Way You Are.” It was the fastest hour of great music I’ve ever witnessed at the rodeo. Total package indeed.
Nelson George-directed film “Finding The Funk” premieres at SXSW, Mar. 13
Finding the Funk is a new music documentary by author and music critic Nelson George. Premiering at SXSW in Austin next week, the film — narrated by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, follows the journey of Funk music — past, present and future. Traveling from Georgia to California, onward to Dayton and Detroit, the director will showcase the sounds of Motown as well as the P-Funk era. Interviews will feature a who’s who of music legends, including Sly Stone, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Nona Hendryx, Maceo Parker, Bernie Worrell, and Steve Arrington, as well as “their descendants Mike D, D’Angelo, Sheila E and Shock G.” If you’re going to be in Austin, there will be a funk panel on Saturday, March 16, featuring Collins and Worrell, among others.
Finding the Funk was funded via Kickstarter, and according to Nelson George, there will be a forthcoming premiere for backers in Brooklyn sometime this spring or summer. A shorter version of the doc will air on VH1 in the fall. Check out the SXSW trailer below.
New Video: Charlie Winston – “Speak To Me”
Growing up with folk-musician parents in a musical theatre environment, English singer-songwriter Charlie Winston brings a dance-pop quirkiness ala Jamie Lidell to the visual of his latest song, “Speak to Me.” Included in the clip: beatboxing, drumming on a toilet and Winston in a straightjacket. Any questions? Genre: Electro-Pop-Soul | Album: Running Still (released in the U.S. on Jan. 28, 2013)
Album Review: UK producer Positive Flow shares FLOW LINES, Tokyo Dawn debut
UK based musician and producer Positive Flow released his latest LP Flow Lines in November of last year, his first for Tokyo Dawn Records. Dropping six years after 2006′s Positivity, this album is a “rich tapestry” of future soul and nu-jazz, with elements of funk and electronica as well. Featuring guest vocalists like British soulster Omar, to Cinematic Orchestra’s Heidi Vogel, to artists like Vanessa Freeman, Stacy Epps, Colonel Red and more, one can enjoy organic beats, smooth blends and an array of musical influences. Jesse Reuben Wilson is the multi-instrumentalist behind Positive Flow.
Recommended spins: “Hold On,” “Children of the Sun,” “My Prediction,” “Orange & Brown” and “In the Garden of Your Life.” Preview “Hold On” below or listen to it on Tokyo Dawn’s website or purchase it all on iTunes.
Flow Lines Tracklist:
01. “Children Of The Sun” feat. Heidi Vogel
02. “My Prediction” feat. Omar
03. “Orange & Brown”
04. Hold On feat. Colonel Red
05.” Tapestries Of My Mind” feat. Andre Espeut
06. “Phaedra’s Flight”
07. “Push” feat. Stacy Epps
08. “Do What I Do” feat. Omar
09. “In The Garden Of Your Life” feat. Vanessa Freeman
10. “Axis”
11. “Stronger Than A Mountain” feat. Heidi Vogel
12. “Look Around Any Corner” feat. Sharlene Hector
13. “The Quest Parts 1 & 2″ feat. Tesia Rolle
14. “Capoeira”
15. “Universal Truth” feat. Andre Espeut & Heidi Vogel
New Music: RoseMary Fiki – “It’s Official” [prod. Benny Blanco]
Philly-based singer-songwriter RoseMary Fiki delivers a sound that embraces Philly soul, but isn’t afraid to leap into other genres like rock and pop as well. “It’s Official,” a mid-tempo tune showcases her vocals, while “Ooh” gives the grittier side of the Nigerian artist. If you’re into Janelle Monae or Yahzarah or Alice Smith or VV Brown or Santigold, you’re on the right track to digging Rosemary Fiki. Both songs are from her self-titled RoseMary Fiki EP, released last summer and is available on iTunes. However, both tracks can be downloaded for free HERE via Soundcloud.
Day 28 of 28 Days: Donell Jones, WHERE I WANNA BE (1999)
Chicago-bred singer Donell Jones released his second LP Where I Wanna Be on June 15, 1999. And I think I played this entire album around the clock, everyday, all day, for the better part of a year. It was an interesting time in my life, no doubt. Either way, Where I Wanna Be is by far Jones’ most successful LP to date, going certified platinum; and spawning several top 10 tunes like “U Know What’s Up” featuring Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me),” “This Luv” and the title track, “Where I Wanna Be.” [Untouchables/LaFace]
Day 23 of 28 Days: Jay-Z feat. BLACKstreet – “The City Is Mine” (1998)
![Jay Z feat. Blackstreet - "The City Is Mine" [Def Jam:1998]](http://www.uncloudedbyambition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Jay-Z-feat-Blackstreet-The-City-Is-Mine-Def-Jam1998.jpg)
Featuring vocals from R&B group BLACKstreet, “The City Is Mine” was the third single released from Jay-Z’s second LP In My Lifetime, V.1. Teddy Riley produced the track, using a sample of “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” by R&B trio The Jones Girl, as well as the melody from “You Belong to The City” by rock singer Glenn Fry (of The Eagles).
Day 22 of 28 Days: Davina, BEST OF BOTH WORLDS (1998)
Blending classic soul with neo soul, Davina appeared on the music scene in 1998 with her debut LP Best of Both Worlds through Loud Records.
The songtress wrote and self-produced the entire project. But unfortunately, it peaked at 180 on the Billboard 200 charts, resulting in her being released from her label. Though ”So Good” and “Come Over to My Place” were the biggest hits on urban radio, several album cuts stand out as well, including “Give Me Love,” “Mercy,” “Getz No Where,” and “After the Rain.” Either way “Come Over To My Place” is a fan favorite.
BROOKLYN: Party with cultural critic Touré at Greenlight Bookstore, Mar. 29
![Pop culture critic Toure takes on Prince in new book, "I Would Did 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon" [Atria]](http://www.uncloudedbyambition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pop-culture-critic-Toure-takes-on-Prince-in-new-tome-I-Would-Did-4-U_-Why-Prince-Became-an-Icon.jpg){kind=icon}
Though mastering the worlds of pop, soul, funk, R&B and rock music, Prince has always been an enigma. From overtly sexual lyrics in the 80′s and 90′s to pop-up concerts and a more toned down image in the new millennium, the producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has influenced artists and musicians alike in his near 35-year career.
Now author and pop culture critic Touré takes on the music legend in new tome, I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon (Atria, $14.00), out March 19.
Drawing upon “in-depth interviews with Prince’s band members, former girlfriends, musicologists, and even Bible scholars to deconstruct the artist’s life and work,” Touré weaves a tale of deep analysis and cultural perspective that has many ringing its praise.
“I’m a Prince scholar and this is the ultimate Prince book.” — Questlove
“Based on his Du Bois Lectures at Harvard, Touré has written a thoughtful and compelling book that is both a full and sensitive explication of the genius of Prince’s music, as well as his exemplary role as an seminal figure in contemporary American culture. It is must reading for any student of popular culture. – Henry Louis Gates
I, for one, cannot wait to read I Would Die 4 U.
That being said, if you are in Brooklyn, there will be a book signing as well as a dance party held on Friday, March 29 from 7 PM to 9 PM at Greenlight Bookstore (686 Fulton St.) in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. Touré will sign copies of I Would Die 4 U and a guest DJ will spin popular Prince tunes. Below is a short bio of the author.
Touré is a co-host of MSNBC’s The Cycle and his writings have appeared in Rolling Stones, The New York Times Magazine, The Village Voice and Time.com. He is the author of four books: Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness? (2011), Never Drank the Kool-Aid (2006), Soul City (2004) and The Portable Promised Land (2003). He lives in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Day 21 of 28 Days: Various Artists, EARGASMS: CRUCIAL POETICS, VOL. 1 (1997)
Eargasms: Crucial Poetics, Volume 1 released March of 1997, and included music in the vein of spoken word and conscious rap. The artists featured are a diverse list of poets, singers, actors, activists, playwrights, authors and I believe, one professor. It includes Saul Williams, Mos Def, Jessica Care Moore, Mike Ladd, Sarah Jones, Rha Goddess, Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Latasha Natasha Diggs and Kymbali Craig, to name a few.
Recommended spins: “My Pen,” “Twice The First Time,” “Metaphorplay,” “My Caged Bird Don’t Sing,” “Gunsmoke,” Last Days” and “Bladerunners.”
Sarah Jones – “Metaphorplay” [mp3]
Day 19 of 28 Days: Joe, ALL THAT I AM (1997)
![Soul singer Joe's sophomore LP, All That I Am [Jive/1997]](http://www.uncloudedbyambition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Joe_All-That-I-Am.jpg)
“First-class urban soul” is what AllMusic.com calls Joe Thomas’ sophomore LP, All That I Am. It’s an album that includes popular singles “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do),” “Love Scene,” “Don’t Wanna Be A Player,” title track “All That I Am” and my most favorite, “Good Girls.”
