::GET FAMILIAR:: ALLEN STONE

::GET FAMILIAR:: ALLEN STONE
by Daniel Harris

Though his career is just getting started, Allen Stone has shown that he is relentless in his quest to create serious soul music. In this age of "one hit wonders," and corporate driven artists, Allen Stone's commitment to music is extremely refreshing.

A native of Washington state (a region most known for its grunge and punk rock scene), Stone had a very traditional soul musician's start: in church. Stone began singing in his father's church as a young boy. By the time he was 14, Stone was leading worship and playing guitar.

Allen Stone cites some of the greatest soul singers as his influences, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin. Like his influences, Stone delivers a wide spectrum of thought and feelings from deep levels of consciousness to the ultimate joys and highs of love.

That is what makes Allen Stone a wonderful artist to be familiar with. An amazing songwriter and musician, Stone's music is full. While many artists today opt out of creating music that reaches listeners on a more personal level, Stone's approach to writing and performing is much different that any of today's pop artists.

To get even more familiar with Allen Stone, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Baltimore! You have an opportunity to see this incredible artist on Nov. 11 at Baltimore Soundstage! You seriously don't want to miss it. Be sure to check Allen Stone's tour dates to see when he will be in YOUR area!

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::RECAP::THE UNPLUGGED TOUR STARRING DALEY

::RECAP:: THE UNPLUGGED TOUR STARRING DALEY 

Post by: Nakera Lee
Photos by: Leo Wilson & Daria Johnson 

The much-anticipated show of the season made its way to Baltimore, MD on November 17, 2014 with an artist that is not stranger to the music industry. Housed in the epic venue, Rams Head Live, Daley reintroduced himself and artistry to a host of on looking fans. This go round, Daley brought along two up and coming artists who did not take long to capture the attention of the audience with their velvet smooth voices and unparalleled talents. The Unplugged Tour featured Conner Youngblood and Travis McClung, both of which brought a unique sense of artistry and talent to the stage.

Travis McClung opened up the show and from the first note he sang, he quickly melted the hearts of all who stood in awe of the new talent brewing. Taking the audience down memory lane with a few of his renditions of #1 hits such as Best You Ever Had by John Legend and Thinking About You by Frank Ocean, while mixing in a few of his own records such as his new single LosingYou; Travis left many wondering where this hidden gem once lied. The audience quickly grew attached to his style and the melodic tones in his voice tend to set the tone for the evening.

Following Travis McClung’s performance, the audience was introduced to Conner Youngblood and ‘WOW’ is the only expression that comes to mind. Hitting the stage with his guitar, banjo, and a collection of various percussion instruments; Conner grasped the attention of the audience quickly. For those who were not familiar with his artistry, they expeditiously caught on. Maybe it was his style or the 1 man band he created without moving to far from one instrument to the next, needless to say his music certainly resonated across the audience.

Now let’s create a mental image. The year is 1990 and the music is raw and uncut. All you get is the artist and their acoustic instruments. No background singers, no auto tune, the track is more spaced out and the scene is intimate. Sounds familiar? If your wondering what it is that we’re speaking of it’s the classic series MTV Unplugged.

Similar to this style, Daley hit the stage of Rams Head with nothing but his silky smooth vocals, impeccable range and versatility in sound to an audience of loyal fans, followers, and onlookers. The roar of excitement could be heard from the front to back of the arena as fans were serenated to the tracks of Those Who Wait, Good News, She Fades, and Blame the World. The icing on the cake, topping off the show came when Daley blended a Jill Scott hit He Loves Me with his Spent record from his EP ThoseWho Wait and the crowd went wild. This show pulled back Daley’s layers and gave his fans a more intimate and up close and personal seat into his musical abilities.

It’s certainly safe to say, if someone walked in not too familiar with Daley, then they most definitely left with a new sense of appreciation for his artistry, talents, and music. With so much more on the horizon for Daley, this Unplugged Tour certainly opened up the door to let the fans into his world and as an onlooker and lover of music it is safe to say that Daley aimed to please. Gypsy Soul was more than elated that we could help you #GetFamiliar with Daley and his music and we look forward to bring you more soul and talented artists in the near future. Stay tuned!   

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::RECAP:: Dom Kennedy Live At Baltimore Soundstage

::RECAP:: Dom Kennedy Live At Baltimore Soundstage
by Daniel Harris

Besides displaying skill and talent, one element that seems to have been taken out of Hip Hop today is "hunger." In its early days, the hunger to be heard, the hunger to be received and the hunger to be respected as an art form was present in every Hip Hop artist. Last Thursday, that sense of hunger was brought back as Dom Kennedy kicked off his "Get Home Safely" tour at Baltimore Soundstage.

Baltimore was the first stop for the Dom Kennedy's tour. Before Kennedy took the stage, Inglewood native, Skeme kicked off the tour and got the crowd ready for the main show. Being the first act of the first show of the tour isn't an easy thing to do but Skeme made it look effortless.

The energy he brought to the stage was a great way to set the tone for the rest of the evening. Skeme, like Dom Kennedy, brought a hunger that has really been missing from hip hop. If Skeme's performance was any indication for the rest of the evening, it was going to be a good night.

Baltimore's appreciation for Dom Kennedy, as he hit the stage, was almost like the LA rapper was doing a show in his hometown; But listening to him, the honesty of his flow, the love shown at the Baltimore Soundstage was understandable. Songs like "My Type of Party", "Let's Be Friends" and "Dominic" were void of mainstream jargon or cliches. In a recent interview with The Baltimore Sun, Kennedy says, "My mindset going into Get Home Safely was making a project that I could be happy with for the rest of my life and something that will stand the time."

Not only can Dom Kennedy rest assured knowing that his music stands the test of time, he can continue to rock stages knowing that he is contributing to real hip hop.

Our special thanks to Baltimore Soundstage for the media access.

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