::BEHIND THE SCENES:: WITH MALI MUSIC

::BEHIND THE SCENES:: WITH MALI MUSIC

Interview & Post by Kike Aluko
Video by Mansa J.

The Soulcialista team was lucky to have the opportunity to sit down with Mali Music before his show at The Howard Theatre on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 to learn more about the journey of this talented musician. In support of his latest and first major album release, Mali Is..., released in June of this year, it was a real pleasure to witness him in his element on the stage.

The show kicked off with several opening acts, including the DMV's own rising star Mannywellz, who gave a great supporting performance. As Mali came on to the stage to start the show, it was evident that he has an amazing love for what he does, as he poured everything he had into both the show and his interactions with the audience. In addition to performing crowd favorites from his new album including "Ready Aim," "Heavy Love," "Beautiful," "Fight for You," "No Fun Alone," and his charming and endearing "Johnny & Donna," he also took it back to his gospel roots and gave all the glory to God with "Yahweh." He also took time out of the show for a moment of silence and prayer for several black men who have been killed as victims of police brutality, appropriately placed against a backdrop of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues":

1. Kimani Gray, NYC (2013)
2. Kendrec McDade, Pasadena, CA (2012)
3. Ervin Jefferson, Atlanta, GA (2012)
4. Sean Bell, Queens, NY (2006)
5. Oscar Grant, Oakland, CA (2009)
6. Trayvon Martin, Sanford, FL (2012)
7. Michael Brown, Ferguson, MO (2014)
8. Charles Smith, Savannah, GA (2014)
9. Eric Garner, Staten Island, NY (2014)

Mali Music carried that same passion and enthusiasm for his craft into the interview, full of energy and ready to share his story. Check out the interview video below to hear about Mali's expansion into mainstream music, how Ephesians 6:12 made its way into one of his songs, and what he wants his legacy to be.

Background music: "Ready Aim" & "Beautiful" from Mali Is... -- Available now!

Special thanks to The Howard Theatre and Mali Music's team for the access!

Read more »

::RECAP:: HOLLIE COOK, ALICE RUSSELL AND YUNA ROCK WASHINGTON, DC

::RECAP:: HOLLIE COOK, ALICE RUSSELL AND YUNA ROCK WASHINGTON, DC
by Daniel Harris

In the midst of a hectic Friday afternoon, three talented women prepared for what would turn out to be one of the most amazing nights of music. While many rushed to put the busy Washington, DC atmosphere behind them (for a couple days, at least) Hollie Cook, Alice Russell and Yuna were all setting up to give concert goers a very memorable evening.

The Lisner Auditorium, located on the campus of The George Washington University, was a great oasis in the middle of a problematic Washington, DC evening rush hour. As the start of the concert got closer, the lobby began to fill with fans of the performers and people looking for a good way to start their weekend.

The auditorium doors opened, the people filed in, took their seats and shortly after, Hollie Cook took the stage. The self proclaimed "tropical soul" artist successfully blends pop with classic reggae to create a very unique and intoxicating sound. During her performance of hits like "Tiger Balm," "Milk and Honey" and "Postman," it was difficult not to sway back and forth to this one of a kind blend. Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of Cook's performance was watching as her own music took her away to a heady and sensuous trance. Hollie Cook was a wonderful start for this amazing night of music.

Just before the end of a brief intermission to set up for the Alice Russell, a fellow concert goer leaned over and whispered to her friend, "You're going to LOVE Alice!" As the lights dimmed once more and people returned to their seats, Alice and her four piece band took the stage. How could anyone NOT love Alice? She is such a powerhouse! Her strong vocal abilities and her deep soulful lyrics are matched only by her strong desire to connect with her audience. Her performance of "To Dust," "Heartbreaker," "I Loved You" and "Hard and Strong" all seemed to be amplified and charged as she fed off the crowd's energy.

During the evening's final intermission, I was asked, "Have you heard of this next artist?" "Yes" I replied, "She is amazing!" As the lights dimmed for the final time, Yuna graced the stage and showed my neighbor that I was not merely speaking in general terms or sharing a cliché sentiment. Yuna is actually amazing. The way she blends the "pop" music sound with her thought provoking and complex lyrics is sheer genius. Her sweet, whimsical personality kept those new to her artistry very well engaged and intrigued. Those of us familiar with Yuna, cheered and danced in our seats when she went into favorites like "Lullabies," "Lights And Camera" and "Decorate." An interesting transition into the performance of"Decorate", saw Yuna taking a brief moment to explain the origins of this song. She used the experience of a good friend and his" on again, off again" relationship as her muse to create a sad and oddly beautiful song.

The evening's final performance capped off a truly unforgettable evening with three talented artists.

Our special thanks to Ashley Di Buduo for providing us with access!

Read more »

::GET FAMILIAR:: ANNABETH MCNAMARA

::GET FAMILIAR:: ANNABETH MCNAMARA
by Daniel Harris

A few weeks back, we got you familiar with the House Artist Grant. This initiative provides up and coming artists with a vast array of resources and opportunities to help take their careers to the next level. While this program helps to get these talented in front of a wider audience, the program cannot make them talented; this is an element that artists must already possess. It is very clear that Annabeth McNamara is an amazing talent poised to fully benefit from this opportunity.

A 2014 House Artist Grant recipient, this singer, songwriter, musician and self proclaimed "creatrix" provides a refreshing blend of Pop and Folk . Annabeth creates whimsical and adventurous lyrics that are a true reflection of her spontaneous, free spirited nature.

Her latest release Surprise was conceptualized in just one week. However, the complexity in the lyrics and her very skillful musicianship, this album gives the sense of a lifetime of conception. Drawing from such inspirations as Fiest and Regina Spektor, Surprise showcases Annabeth's rich and unique sound.

While The House Music Grant is a great opportunity for emerging artists to expose their music to a wider audience, there needs to be a high level of talent for this program to work. Annabeth McNamara level of talent shows that House Studio selects only the best artists to participate.

Get even more familiar with Annabeth McNamara by liking her on Facebook and following her on Twitter. Support Annabeth by purchasing her latest release Surprise, available now!

Read more »

::GET FAMILIAR:: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUCK BROWN

::GET FAMILIAR:: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUCK BROWN
by Daniel Harris

 

Considered by many to be the "undisputed" creator of Go-Go, Chuck Brown's legacy extends far beyond the Washington, DC city limits. Fusing elements of funk, R&B, soul and Latin sounds, Chuck Brown pioneered a genre that will forever be synonymous with the DC area.

 

Chuck Brown was a very talented musician who's work over the years have garnered the respect of artists like Thievery Connection, Jill Scott and Kindred The Family Soul. At the start of his musical career, Chuck didn't just want to be known for being a great musician in a preexisting genre.

 

Like a true legend, he drew inspiration from James Brown and genres like gospel, jazz and African rhythms and created his own, unique sound. As he continued to develop his sound, Chuck Brown covered popular songs in clubs and would leave room for heavy percussion break downs and call and response with the crowd. This no doubt kept the dance floors packed and the people moving!

 

On May 16, 2012, Chuck Brown passed away and while he is no longer here physically, his memory will live on through the sounds of Go-Go. Today, TheSoulcialista.com takes time out to remember the person of Chuck Brown and the amazing impact he left on music. Happy birthday Chuck Brown.

 

Get even more familiar with Chuck Brown and purchase his latest album Beautiful Life, release posthumously on August 19th. Beautiful Life is available on iTunes and Amazon.

 

 

Read more »

::GET FAMILIAR:: MANNYWELLZ

::GET FAMILIAR:: MANNYWELLZ
by Daniel Harris

The House Artist Grant provides free recording, visual and marketing plan for a select group of artists. Each artist is also given access to workshops that teach everything from financial management to putting together a strong team. One artist to benefit from this type of development is Mannywellz.

This talented musician, singer and songwriter brings "something to the table that a lot of artists don't or can't offer." He describes himself as a "Son of God" and "musical Storyteller" who "promotes truth" through his music.

With the help of The House Artist Grant, Mannywellz is currently promoting his EP, Wellz. This 5 song offering puts his sincere lyrics, imaginative product and superb vocal abilities on full display. Wellz is a great opportunity to understand Mannywellz' deep spiritual connection and his capability to craft meaningful and uplifting content.

Artist development is a lost art in today's music scene. Music is inundated with one hit wonders and ringtone stars. Through the efforts of The House Artist Grant, artists like Mannywellz have to opportunity to make a profound and lasting impression in music.

Get even more familiar with Mannywellz by following him on Twitter and liking him on Facebook. Wellz is available now on iTunes and Google Play.

Read more »

::BEHIND THE SCENES:: DC LOVES DILLA 2014

::BEHIND THE SCENES:: DC LOVES DILLA 2014

Post by Soulcialista
Photos by Nick Fullen
Video by Mansa Johnson

The annual production of DC Loves Dilla supported by Heineken is something that music lovers in the DMV look forward to every year. On the 9th Anniversary of the event several artists hit the stage to celebrate the life of J. Dilla. This year's features included Bahamadia, N'Dea Davenport, Pharoahe Monch and Phife.

Several other musical favorites were also tapped to honor J. Dilla's legacy including GRAMMY nominated artist and arts educator Kokayi, artist and arts educator Asheru, hip hop artist RAtheMC and Gods'illa, GRAMMY nominated singer and MC Maimouna Youssef, and MANY more.

Gypsy Soul was able to catch up with several of the artists to get their impressions on J.Dilla's life, music, and legacy.




             

If you haven't heard by now, there was a MAJOR announcement made on stage that J. Dilla will have his beat equipment added to the Smithsonian's new museum of African American History & Culture. Ma Dukes (J. Dilla's mother) along with our friend Timothy Anne Burnside of the Smithsonian made the emotional and incredible announcement.

Make sure that the first thing on your to-do list next summer is attending the 10th Annual DC Loves Dilla event. We can't even imagine the incredible production that is being dreamed up!


To view more photos of DC Loves Dilla 2014 please click HERE.

Read more »

::GET FAMILIAR:: B.JAMELLE

::GET FAMILIAR:: B.JAMELLE
by Daniel Harris

In last week's Get Familiar installment, TheSoulcialista's Kike Aluko sat down with Columbia Nights for an amazing interview. During her sit down, the group suggested some artists that we all should be familiar with. Challenge accepted!

Often times in a search for talent, one's own backyard is the last place to be checked. Some of the best talent can be found in your very own backyard and the Washington, DC Metro area is no exception. With artists like Wale and Raheem DeVaughn finding mainstream success, it won't be long before B.Jamelle finds her way into the rotation of music lovers everywhere.

B.Jamelle describes herself as a "writer first and singer third and dreamer in between." Based in our nation's capital, B.Jamelle displays an amazing talent to tell moving stories through song. Her beautiful, sultry voice floats effortlessly over riffs, runs and key changes creating a new, gleaming take on soul music.

In October of 2012, B.Jamelle introduced her fans to what she describes as her "random journal entries put to music." Memoirs From The Thick Of It perfectly showcases her abilities as a singer/songwriter and arranger. It is an open and genuine peek into her life. B.Jamelle says this EP was, "a labor of love written with the listener at heart." Since that time, B.Jamelle has continued to deliver captivating lyrics with stunning vocal ability and a ton of dreamy musical arrangements in between.

Get even more familiar with B.Jamelle and follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook. Support good music and visit B.Jamelle's Bandcamp page.

Read more »