The Soulcialista: Roman Gianarthur

::GET FAMILIAR:: WONDALAND RECORDS
by Daniel Harris

From left to right: Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, Jidenna, Janelle Monáe and Deep Cotton

Something wonderful is happening in music. A renaissance of sorts. The people are speaking and they are calling for an overhaul of what has long been accepted as the norm. With the recent release and acclaim of albums like "Black Messiah," "To Pimp A Butterfly," and "2014 Forrest Hill Drive," music lovers are declaring that the Top 40 sound and celebrity worship isn't enough. Artists are almost required to be just that: artists!

When she hit the scene in 2007, Janelle Monáe's statement was loud and clear; She was here to make her music, her way. She would not let the industry or the public determine the direction of her art or her person. (as one Twitter user recently found out the hard way!) Since that time, she has enjoyed much success in her career. Additionally, she has become an inspiration, specifically to little girls, the world over.

Janelle's global success has afforded her the opportunity to reach back and help a community of artists who share her determination and drive to produce art and not succumb to the pressures and rigors of industry. What started as a gathering of minds and talent, The Wondaland Arts Society brought together artists with immense musical and visionary strengths. As a record label, Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Records seek to revolutionize the future of music, art and culture.

Although Wondaland Records' roster is small, it does not reflect their abilities. Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, Jidenna and Deep Cotton each bring a high level of personal style, a unique sound and a genius approach to music. When these individual elements are brought together, the Wondaland collective is set to change how music, art and creativity are viewed in pop culture.

In February of this year, Wondaland Records began what is hoped to be a long standing partnership with music legend LA Reid and Epic Records. Reid says of Wondaland Records, "The collective talent of the Wondaland artists is awe-inspiring. I haven't personally witnessed a collective that sounds and looks this special in quite a while."

Want to get even MORE familiar with Wondaland Records? Check out the videos for "Yoga," and "Classic Man." Also, be on the look out for Wondaland's compilation EP, Eephus, which will be released this May.

::RECAP:: 2014 Summer Spirit Festival

post by Gypsy
photos by Leo Wilson

The Summer Spirit Festival (SFF) has become known as the August concert kick off and is anticipated each year. This year, the level of anticipation rose like the heat index when headliner Lauryn Hill was announced. Most of the music lovers we know expressed relief that the headliner was not Erykah Badu yet again and to tell the truth, so were we. We love Erykah, but as music enthusiasts, we know that there is so much more out there to be highlighted by a premier event like SFF.

George Tandy, Jr

Since its inceptions, SFF, has been introducing up and comers to the faithful audience and this year was no different. George Tandy, Jr and Roman Gianarthur played great set and provided guests with an opportunity to get to know them better.

Junk Yard Band & Backyard Band

A particular reason why SFF is so beloved is because you can find a great mix of genres being presented on stage. This year Junk Yard Band and Backyard Band brought that go-go swing, hip hop vet Talib Kweli represented for the MCs, new comers RDGLDGRN added a lil rock to the sonic stew, while native Washingtonian Me'Shell Ndegeocello easily funked it all the way up!

Talib Kweli

Raheem DeVaughn

Hometown hero Raheem DeVaughn with his painter Demont Pinder captivated the ladies and mellowed out the stage just enough for the Electric Lady, Janelle Monae, to light it right back up again with an amazing and energetic set. Which really isn't surprising...does Janelle ever really disappoint?

Janelle Monae

Finally, headliner Lauryn Hill took the stage and exited with mixed reviews. I actually enjoyed her show. I would have loved for her to start the songs they way we all know and enjoy them and then transition into a remix of sorts but that wasnt the case. I did appreciate her energy and enthusiasm. It seemed as if she and her band were having a great time on stage. From past shows of lecturing the audience to never showing up...I thought this was a lot better.

The Summer Spirit Festival is usually the first Saturday of August so make sure to mark your calendar now and dont miss out on a great time to soulcialize and enjoy awesome live music. Thank you to CDE for another year of access and great hospitality.