::GET FAMILIAR:: PRO ERA

::GET FAMILIAR:: PRO ERA
by Nicole Queen

I guess you can agree when I say “all the greats come from Brooklyn?” Yes or no? Either way you cannot deny the noise being made by the collective Pro Era. Founded in 2011 by Capital STEEZ (RIP), Pro Era consist of a group of young, talented individuals who seek to challenge how people think about modern Hip Hop.

During the 1900s, the United States saw widespread social and political reform. It was during this "Progressive Era" that many of the more traditional and socially accepted ideals of the country were questioned by groups brave enough to challenge the system. The members focus on progression and growing in everyday life. For four years now, Pro Era has been a breakthrough voice for the up and coming youth in not only the borough of Brooklyn but all over the world.

Malia Obama was pictured wearing a Pro Era T-shirt early January. Now, why should this be a topic of discussion? Well, every teenager wears a t-shirt, right? However, because of Malia Obama's status and the somewhat controversial nature of Pro Era, many conservatives took it as, "support for a very 'shady' group." 

Very far from a shady group, Pro Era is a group that embraces all of the creative arts. Within the group you will find graphic designers, clothing designers, visual artists, and comedians. In total, there are 47 members of Pro Era with Joey Bada$$ being thought of as the group's "de facto leader."

Joey Bada$$, who recently released his album B4.DA.$$, is known for keeping his music raw and original while other rappers may take more subtle approaches. His album sold an impressive 56,000 units opening week making it the #1 Rap and #1 independent album in the country at that time. Once again, this is a major stepping stool for not only Pro Era but Joey Bada$$, who is gaining praise from some of Hip Hop elites.

There is an awakening happening in Hip Hop. Fans all over are beginning to understand its roots. Many artists are beginning to understand the full power and potential of Hip Hop as a tool for change. Among them, Pro Era is a collective that is doing their part to draw more and more people to conscious levels of awareness and causing them to think beyond 808s and traps.

Get even more familiar with Pro Era by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

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::GET FAMILIAR:: SAUN AND STARR

::GET FAMILIAR:: SAUN & STARR
Written by George Kilpatrick 

Timeless vocals and a fresh take on soul/funk music have made for the very fruitful career of Saun & Starr. This week’s get familiar Friday goes out to two vocalists, each with decades of experience in the music industry. 

Saun & Starr had been performing vocalists for many years but struggled to find consistent work. Their performance credits respectively included work with The Victor Wooten Band, Mel’isa Morgan, and most notably Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. 

Through their work with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, they began to get opportunities to open for shows and eventually decided to formally become a group of their own. The genesis of their growth with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings helped them to refine their sound and prepare for their solo career.

Saun & Starr’s sound can be described as old school funk & soul that leaves with a smile on your face. Recently, the soulful duo released their debut album LookCloser on Daptone Records. One listen to their music will have you dancing around your house reminiscing about the hey day of funk music when artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and Aretha Franklin were regularly serenading your ears on the radio waves. On their debut record, tunes like “Hot Shot” and “Big Wheel” are both memorable and timeless.  

Overall Saun & Starr are not new to the industry but embarking on a journey of affirming their talent and sharing good music with us. Saun & Starr are actively performing throughout the country and around the world. Their live shows are high energy and packed with feel good music. 

We are glad to feature Suan & Starr this week on #GetFamiliarFriday. We encourage you to give their music a listen and get even more familiar with Saun & Starr: follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook and be sure to check out their tour, in a city near you!

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::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTHONY DAVID

::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTHONY DAVID
by Dereck Rodriguez 

Photo by Daria Johnson for Gypsy Soul

Since 2004, soulful and tantalizing Anthony David carved his place in Soul music with perceptive lyrics and a traditional sound. Hailing from Savannah Georgia, singer/songwriter Anthony David, would find his voice in music in Atlanta, Georgia.

 Upon arriving to Atlanta, Anthony David met India Arie where they would produce music for India’s critically acclaimed album, Acoustic Soul. This friendship cultivated the talents of Anthony David and allowed for 3Chords & the Truth to be produced. 

Like red clay buried under heavy sun to be molded into something beautiful, Anthony David’s messages endures with compelling narratives about the everyday day. Lively lyrics coupled with a rustic voice create a classic sound of  R&B. Popular single Anthony David posses a vintage yet playful sound that creates a familiar feeling. Each song sounds like home and entangles the listener in a warm comfortable sensation.

Photo from Gypsy Soul's listening party for Anthony David's album As Above So Below

Photo by Leo Wilson for Gypsy Soul

Gypsy Soul has been a supporter of Anthony David for years and we are excited to see him grow more and more into the spotlight. Get even more familiar with Anthony David by following him on Twitter and Facebook. Also, be sure to get a ticket to his upcoming show at The Baltimore Soundstage on August 22nd.

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::GET FAMILIAR:: MICHELLE THOMPSON & HENRY LEE

::GET FAMILIAR:: MICHELLE THOMPSON & HENRY LEE
Interview by: Dereck Rodriguez
Over the past few months, we have seen countless stories of black and brown lives lost at the hand of vigilantes (both police officers and civilians.) From Travyon Martin to Freddie Gray, the nation watches and communities of color and those in solidarity fight over pockets of ignorance and insensitivity, to voice their concerns about their treatment by government officials and civilians. Helping to make those voices standout from the heartless and obtuse chatter are musicians who understand the cause and calls for justice.

Singer/songwriter/musician Michelle Thompson and composer Henry Lee have teamed up to create a piece called, "Black Lives Matter," that perfectly reflects the recent events and the overall cry for justice. Recently, TheSoulcialista's Dereck Rodriguez had an opportunity to speak with Michelle and Henry about their song, their roles as artists in social matters and the role we can ALL play to impact the #BlackLivesMatter discussion.

Dereck: Hey guys I just want to say I love the song and ask what compelled you to write this piece?

Michelle Thompson:  We have been a duo for two years now. I graduated from Seminary in 2014 and I’ve been involved in activism, and songwriting for some time. A former professor of mine Dr. Yolanda Pierce asked if I would share a song at a service that she was hosting, along with classmates of mine, called “7 Last Words: Strange Fruit Speaks in Trenton, NJ.” Basically the service was an adaptation of a 7 Last Words Service that typically happens in the Black Church on Good Friday (the 7 last words of Christ), but my colleague Nyle Fort, came up with the idea to have 7 preachers share the 7 last words of black men, women and children who have been killed by the police or vigilantes. So they focused on the 7 last words of people like Renisha McBride, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and others. Usually when I go to events and share, I like to share an original piece. I feel like my singing/songwriting is my contribution. Through writing songs, I find a way to reflect what is going on in society…and try to give voice to it. 

I came up with the lyrics while I was driving. I parked and pulled out my guitar and started strumming. It was a kind of haunting experience, but in that kind of revering way. The melody was very clear, although the lyrics really came out as gibberish at first. What stuck was “for her life mattered, black lives mattered.” I later spent some more time with it, and I was able to finish the verse. I showed it to Henry, and he started to add piano to it. We both were really emotional the first time we ran through the song. It resonated so deeply for us. It’s of course a deeply personal song; I don’t think I’ve written anything as meaningful to me as “Black Lives Matter.”

Dereck: Wow, Henry do you have anything to say?

Henry Lee: After hearing the first half of the song Michelle wrote, I started playing these four chords which she thought were very pretty.  She decided to use the chords for the refrain. I thought it was very nice for me to be involved in this. Unlike Michelle, I was not always involved in social justice. I’m aware of things but I’ve never been an activist. Through the song I was able to get more plugged in to what’s going on from a music and arts perspective.

"...it’s important to say black lives matter because our society shows us that our lives don’t matter."

Dereck: So I wanted to ask why is it necessary to state black lives matter.  Why do you believe black lives don’t matter?  Is it just a symptom of American culture or does this serve a function within America to keep us in a subordinate position in society. When people are saying that all lives matter now. 

Michelle: When folks say “all lives matter,”  I honestly try to hear them out, to hear what’s beyond the surface of what they’re articulating, although the first time I heard someone say, “all lives matter,” it was initially off-putting to say the least. I try to listen for why people are so threatened by us declaring that “Black Lives Matter,”  and why they feel the need to so quickly rebut. Saying “Black Lives Matter,” and truly living out the sentiment triggers something in many people. 

What we’re experiencing today is a systemic issue. This is not anything new.  And it’s important to say “Black Lives Matter” because our society shows us that our lives don’t matter and that the lives of countless minorities, poor people, LGBTQ folk, all who have been oppressed in our society, don’t count for much. It’s obvious some people's lives are disposable, some people's lives are not worthy of humanizing press and media, when they are getting shot down in the street.  I believe it's systemic, it has to do with white supremacy that is deeply embedded in our culture. We’ve progressed in some ways, but the regression is so staunchly evident.

"People need to come together. This is not a segregated movement and it doesn’t have to be a segregated movement."

Dereck:  How do you feel art and music is necessary and essential to create a consciousness to change our world?

Henry: Wow these are some big topics you guys are talking about. I don’t know if I should say something because I don’t want to go in the wrong direction but I’ll tell how I feel from my perspective. Well obviously, I’m not black. You can tell that right from the video.  Oh there’s this Asian guy right there and I think that’s important, that’s interesting because in the US a lot of times we think of this black and white thing. It’s always a binary of black and white or black brown and white, but what about us Asian people, meaning people like me what do we feel

about it and what are we doing about it. Ok. I might be generalizing I don’t feel the Asian voice has been very loud. There’s been an absence of an Asian-American response to these social issues and that’s where I’m coming from. Something like this affirms that yes I also care and yes we can come together and through the video you cannot just only hear the song but see the image and maybe that’s what people are gonna think. I haven’t really got any comments about why are you Asian and involved in the black lives movement but I take this as a very positive thing. I think It shows that we’re here together.  People need to come together. This is not a segregated movement and it doesn’t have to be a segregated movement. It can be a movement obviously talking about a specific issue but its very integrated in the kind of people and the kind of ways people are using to get involved. 

Michelle: When we sent out the video to our network of friends and family, we wrote a blurb on the role of the artist. I’m really a big lover of Nina Simone and Harry Belafonte and listening to my artists-elders, for wisdom. I scourer YouTube for interviews of folks like Nina Simone, Betty Carter, James Baldwin, Amiri Baraka, people who were thoughtful and productive artists, but also involved in the Civil Rights Movement or the Black Arts Movement, for example.

I truly believe that the artist is integral in shifting culture. Harry Belafonte for example has been an artist-activist, organizing creative types to participate in the movement, rallies and gatherings for justice. The role of the artist can be used to break through all of the divisiveness and touch a deeper place in folks. You’re really taping into a person’s spirit, their interior, tapping into their emotion, stirring up their humanity. The role of the artist

is to broaden the conversation and I believe that we are very important in this movement. There is a video of Nina Simone on YouTube and she talks about the artist’s role being to reflect the times. Being empathic, creatives reflect what we’re experiencing as a society. I think we innately do that. So while I’m not saying every artist has to be out in the streets going to rallies and protesting, I think that it’s important to speak to these larger issues through our art, both implicitly and explicitly. To contribute to the lifting of our human spirit, bringing beauty and truth to the world. 

"I think it’s important to understand our common struggle, that we’re all fighting a similar fight." 

Dereck:  So do you guys have any last words?

Michelle: I believe there is a lot of commonality that we as people share, and we need to find a way to tap into it. Solidarity is important. I think as people of color, it’s important to understand our common struggle, and that we are in many ways fighting a similar fight.

 So much can happen when we get educated and organized…when we have an ethic of love and compassion working in our midst. If our music can some how forge a way forward, bring truth and comfort, affirm the humanity of black folks and subsequently all who are oppressed…then I think we are moving towards something beautiful as artists. 

Dereck: Henry do you have any last words?

Henry: What you guys are talking about is right up my alley.  When I went to UC Berkeley, I doubled majored in political economy and music. But eventually, I became more of a believer in music than in political economy.  This might be just me, but when you guys talked about the macro and institutional changes, I thought those were going to be tough.  However, through music we can come together on a micro level, and break down discriminations, and create harmony with one another.  Maybe that is one way we can achieve this revolution, one from the bottom up instead of from the top down.

Dereck: Wow well It was wonderful talking to you both and we’re on the lookout for great music.

Follow Michelle and Henry on Facebook to get even more familiar!

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::GET FAMILIAR:: WONDALAND RECORDS

::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.

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::GET FAMILIAR:: CHARLES BRADLEY

::GET FAMILIAR:: CHARLES BRADLEY
by Daniel Harris

My love for Daptone Records and what they do for music is neither a secret nor does it know an end. Co-founders Gabriel Roth and Neil Sugarman have taken an almost extinct genre and breathed life into music and the artists making the music. Charles Bradley's emergence on the music scene is a testament to Roth and Sugarman's ability to spot raw and untapped talent.

Charles Bradley's career in music reads much like a novel or screenplay. As a teen, Bradley ran away from home in search of a better life for himself. After many cold nights sleeping on the streets and subways of New York, Bradley joined Job Corp and trained to become a chef. It was here where

Charles overcame a fear to discover his true calling.

Co-workers often mentioned that Charles favored the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Through encouragement (and being literally pushed onto the stage) Charles began performing with friends and fellow co-workers. However, at the onset of the war in Vietnam, Charles' band was drafted and his hopes of stardom seemed to have vanished.

After living in places like upstate New York, Seattle, Alaska and Canada, Bradley moved to California in a continued search for a better life. He worked odd-jobs and took small singing gigs to support himself, never finding his break. For the next 20 years, Charles continued searching in California until he was asked to return to New York. Fate, it seemed, would finally intervene to give Charles his chance.

 

While in New York, Charles performed as a James Brown impersonator in local Brooklyn nightclubs under the moniker "Black Velvet." During one fateful performance, Daptone Records co-founder Gabriel Roth discovered the talent that is Charles Bradley. Finally, Mr. Bradley had found his big break.

Charles' raspy voice, incomparable style and no nonsense, straightforward lyrics are a true reflection of who he is. He is a man with lots of pain, love and life experiences. Daptone Records' analog recording style and deep appreciation for the Soul genre and sound make this label the perfect medium for Charles Bradley.

 

His latest offering, Victim of Love, finds Bradley moving past "heartache and pain" and moving toward "the promise of hope." A good message to have considering he is now a soul sensation and finally living his dream.

 

Charles Bradley's story is not uncommon. Many artists struggle when trying to find their moment. However, at 66 and having struggled for most of his life, Charles is a true testament of never giving up, no matter the odds.

 

Get even more familiar with Charles Bradley, follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook

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::GET FAMILIAR:: #HAPPYSOUNDSLIKE THESE 10 SONGS

::GET FAMILIAR:: #HAPPYSOUNDSLIKE THESE 10 SONGS
by Daniel Harris

Today (March 20th) is International Day of Happiness. This day was started by the United Nations to show that "progress should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy." You may remember during last year's celebration, Pharrell Williams' smash hit, "Happy" was played for 24hrs straight.

To celebrate this year, the UN is inviting people to take part in the #HappySoundsLike campaign. This campaign uses the power of music to inspire people and hopes for a better tomorrow. Artists like John Legend and James Blunt have joined in this effort.

Naturally, we had to hit you with a list of what #HappySoundsLike to us. Check out these 10 songs:




Now it's your turn! Hit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and let us know what #HappySoundsLike to you!

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::GET FAMILIAR:: 5 ARTISTS THAT COULD HELP SAVE JAZZ

::GET FAMILIAR:: 5 ARTISTS THAT COULD HELP SAVE JAZZ
by Daniel Harris

Jazz is declining in popularity among American listeners, according to Nielsen's 2014 Year-End Report. In fact, Jazz albums on all formats fell to an all time low of 2%. That equals to 5.2 million jazz albums sold by all jazz artists.

"5.2 million? What's the problem" some of you are probably saying. Well, consider this: The Jazz Line reports that in the last two months of 2014, Taylor Swift sold nearly 4 million copies of her album 1989. 4 MILLION! Therein lies the problem. One popular artist has sold almost the equivalent of an entire genre.

Jazz is, without a doubt, America's genre. So the news of its decline in popularity should be troubling.   Music discovery is at the core of what we do here at TheSoulcialista. Often times, it takes finding one great artist to spawn finding other artists. Here are five Jazz artists who we feel are great starting points to discovering Jazz and helping to save it from obscurity.

Derrick Hodge
Best known for his work with Common and Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge is a widely respected bassist, producer and composer. While the elements of Jazz are ever present in his own work, Derrick Hodge brings a refreshing and innovative approach to the genre. His album, Live Today, brings together all of his experience in multiple genres and fuses them together, turning them into a masterful offering that both embodies the spirit of Jazz artists who have come before him and embraces a new wave of sound without boarders.

Vertical Current
Individually, the members of Vertical Current have performed with artists ranging from Tye Tribbett to Earth, Wind and Fire. Collectively, they bring together the appeal of Pop, the soul and movement of Gospel and the charm of Jazz to create a truly unique experience. Their most recent album, Bright Side of Midnight, is a perfect example of their distinctive blend. Much more than a collection of Jazz songs, Bright Side of Midnight seeks to inspire listeners to "outlast the darkness" and "race toward the light."

Gregory Porter

With is unmistakable baritone voice, Gregory Porter represents an element of Jazz not traditionally recognized, the vocal element. As a singer, songwriter and actor, Porter brings to the genre an overwhelming sense of vitality, life and honesty. His latest album, Liquid Spirit, showcases his mastery of the Jazz genre while adding elements of Gospel, Blues and R&B into the mix.

Christian Scott
Scott is a gifted and talented young musician who fuses the traditional elements of Jazz with some very impeccable new school flavor. A product of New Orleans, Christian is described as being very driven and "Jazz's young style god." His passion for his culture, his heritage and his craft are very evident on each of his 8 studio albums.

One of his most recent albums, Christian aTunde Adjuah is an album with deep meaning for Christian. This album represents the artist in his most complete state. Christian went on a journey that would see him add "aTunde Adjuah," connecting him to his African heritage and beginning a legacy of his own. The 2 disc album captures the emotion, trials and joys of Christian's journey.

Joel Holmes
Baltimore may not be the first city you think of when it comes to Jazz. However, legends like Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday have called The Charm City home at one point.

Joel Holmes is an accomplished pianist, composer and product of both the Baltimore School for The Performing Arts and the Peabody Conservatory, two of Baltimore's most prestigious performing arts schools. As a result of his education and his raw talent, Holmes has literally traveled the world becoming an ambassador for Jazz. His traditional approach demonstrates his classical training. However, there is an undeniable since of soul and passion that comes from a deep love and appreciation for the genre when listening to his music.

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::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTIBALAS

::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTIBALAS
by Daniel Harris

Widely regarded as the creator and originator of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti's fusion of funk, Nigerian and Ghanian music, jazz, highlife and vocals, has led the genre to become one of the most creative and original forms of music. More than just good music to get the people moving, Fela's Afrobeat was charged with spiritual and political messages that challenged European imperialism, colonialism and a corrupt Nigerian government.

Today, being a group that recreates the Afrobeat sound is a tall order. Unlike most genres, Afrobeat is a powerful weapon that challenges the status quo. It is not enough to just stop short of reproducing Afrobeat's sound, artists must also carry its message. Antibalas' recreation of Afrobeat carries both its unique, unforgettable sound and its powerful message.

New York isn't probably the first place that comes to mind when it comes to Afrobeat. However, in 1998, Martín Perna put together a group of likeminded musicians who all shared a love and passion for Afrobeat. With his group now solidified to 11 members, Perna and Antibalas began playing at clubs, street festivals, block parties and public parks.

Over the years, this group has proven that they are much more than a cover band. Rightfully so, with its heavy hitting rhythms, masterful horn arrangements and thought provoking lyrics, Afrobeat should not be covered or used merely to entertain. Antibalas has worked to be seen more as disciples of the genre.

Using the structure of the genre as a foundation, Antibalas adds elements of dub, Afro-Cuban and improvisation to create something that is truly there own. What they haven't changed about the genre is its power to affect change and cause listeners to think deeper about the world around them. Songs like "Dirty Money" and "Si, Se Puede" showcase Antibalas' socially conscious side.

Most recently, Antibalas is the band behind Broadway's "Fela," a musical that dives deep into the life of Fela Kuti. Antibalas has established itself as a band that respects the tradition of Afrobeat while bringing their own flavor to the genre. This is a band that people should definitely be familiar with.


Get even more familiar with Antibalas and see them live on tour with Zap Mama!

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::GET FAMILIAR:: MIDIAN

::GET FAMILIAR:: MIDIAN
By: Nakera Lee

 

Powerful, Rhythmic, Diverse, and Simply Breathtaking is a modest array of characteristics to describe groundbreaking artists such as Midian. It is not often you find an artist which the ability and skill to transcend the masses with such a relatable appeal. 

Over the years, the music industry has lost its spark and the quality of artistic expression has become heavily contrived. The industry has created a false reality of what music really is and has forced many artists to follow the trend. What the music industry lacks today is a LEADER and here it stands with Midian. As the saying goes: 

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."- John Maxwell

Music began for Midian earlier than she recognized and soon became the niche of her life. Oftentimes as a little girl imagining herself as one of the greats; Etta James one day and the incomparable Aretha Franklin the next, Midian most certainly set forth down a path destined for musical longevity. Battling back and forth with herself, Midian convinced herself that she was not a singer. I think many others would beg to differ. 

Much to her surprise, when she vocally trumped a professionally-trained friend dropping vocals that left many breathless, it was that waking moment as Midian recalls that she realized she was in fact a singer. 

Just a few short years later, the industry is introduced to a new music leader, Midian, through her new singles "Bitter" and "Too Bad" from her new EP Midian. With a Joss Stone feel meshed with the rustic vibrato of her robust tone captivating the ear, you are instantly hauled in craving more. Midian's single instantly took success landing placement in VH1's Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. 

"I think music has evolved over the years; anything goes now. People just appreciate good music."- Midian 

Grateful and very appreciative for the success of her lasted EP, Midian continues to record and has promised to take her time and nurture her music. Passionate about the artistic work that she produces Midian states, "I want to take my time with my work. That's something that's really important to me and something that we're lacking; the artist that really focuses on the integrity of the music and make a cohesive project that makes sense."  

To categorize or place Midian into one bracket or genre would simply be unwarranted. Its obvious through her intense vocal ability and trained craft that her artistry will most certainly be the talk of the industry for a while now. No better time than the present to #GetFamiliar. 

Be sure to Soucialize with Midian on Twitter and be sure to Get Familiar with her new EP Midian. 

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::GET FAMILIAR 2015 ARTIST WATCH

::GET FAMILIAR:: 2015 ARTIST WATCH
List Compiled by Gypsy Soul Team Members: Nakera Lee and Daniel Harris




#GetFamiliar is much more than a headline to us. We see it as a duty. With so much of today's music being relegated to Top 40 playlists and flavor of the month tunes, our goal is to get you familiar with artists who may not fit the Pop mold but are just as, if not more, deserving of you attention.


                                                                                                        1. Kelela

When it comes the core of music, many of us music lovers tend to dissect more than just the body of work that an artist produces. In 2013, this Washington, D.C. native Kelela scratched the surface of the industry with her EP Cut For Me. In 2014, tracks such as “Bank Head,” “Cut For Me,” and “The High” allowed Kelela to emerge in the industry with her soulful and sultry vocals impacting the entertainment industry and introducing a new melodic sound.

Singer-songwriter, Kelela, began singing Jazz standards at local cafes after transferring from Montgomery College to American University. With many years of musical experience under her belt, Kelela has traveled coast to coast to strengthen her craft and build a name for artistry. With countless tour dates, international and local, Kelela has kept the music coming; being featured on a track with Bok Bok entitled “Melba’s Call” from his new EP. With more music in the works, 2015 will definitely see more of Kelela in tour and through musical production. The industry has just caught a glimpse of Kelela and her music and with tracks such as Enemy and Go All Night, this is most certainly just the beginning.

Website| Twitter|Soundcloud

                               2. Sampha

Oftentimes, we listen to artists that have been in the industry for quite sometime and we do not realize that the great body of work that is created comes from a team of creative minds. After following an artist for quite sometime and just recently realizing that one of his pieces of work was aided by the amazing Sampha the only reaction that I had was ‘AMAZING.’ Many music-mavens may have heard of Sampha as he was featured on the track “Too Much” with Drake and this was not the beginning of his artistry. Sampha released his singles, “Too Much,” and “Happens” in November 2013. Following the release of those tracks, Sampha released his debut EP Dual in July 2013.

Playing the behind the scenes role for quite some time, Sampha was instrumental in the musical works “What You Won’t Do for Love,” by Jessie Ward and Lil Silva’s “Salient Sarah.”  His most recent EP Sundanza released in early 2014 helped to catch the attention of many and helped to land him as one of the featured Coachella artists of 2015.

With more music scheduled for release in 2015, Sampha is most certainly one of the talented artists to watch.

Website| Facebook | Soundcloud

3. Brittney Wright
When her first album, The Beginning, was released 5 years ago, those who listened immediately knew that Brittney Wright was beginning an incredible career. Not just a Gospel artist, Brittney's voice and skill transcends being put in such a box. Though her music is filled with soul stirring, uplifting lyrics and melodies, Brittney shows amazing depth in her style and delivery. The Beginning was not only a great way to showcase her talent, it also sent a clear message that Gospel, as we know it, has changed for the better.

In her latest offering, Fight 4 U,which was released on New Year's Day, Brittney combines incredible introspective lyrics with her unique style. From its onset, Fight 4 U proves to be much more than just another album. It's an album that is transparent, honest, hopeful and sincere. 

With this amazing release and shows to follow, Brittney Wright is definitely an artist to watch in 2015.

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4. Tuxedo
Tuxedo is Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One. Two Grammy nominated artists who have collaborated to bring some serious funk back to music. Think Prince, Morris Day, Zapp and Roger and Shalamar. Yes, THAT serious! What started off as an exchange of mixtapes in 2006 morphed into a virtually mysterious Internet release in 2013. The Tuxedo EP is just three songs but each song is proof positive that Tuxedo brings the funk. Let's not be fooled, the "Tuxedo EP" is much more than a trip down memory lane. While they may borrow the 80s Funk and R&B vibe, Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One are still able to give listeners a true sense of who they are as artists.

This year, the duo will release their first full length album, Tuxedo. This album is shaping up to be one hell of an experience. With a March 3rd release, and a ton of tour dates to follow, Tuxedo (both the album and group) are set to take over summer. Tuxedo is available now for pre-order on iTunes.

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5. The Hue
This is no pet project. This is not an attempt by "the suits" to try and create the next big thing. The Hue is an organic and genuine collaboration between two of Houston's finest group, H.I.S.D. and Radio Galaxy. Both groups possess out of this world abilities and both groups seem to create on a cosmic plane far beyond comprehension. For these groups to join forces and share their immense talents with each other and the world is truly something special.

Gearing up for their debut release, Aurora, The Hue has released two hard hitting singles. Both "Drive" and "Slick" feature the classic "boom-bap," head nodding sound that every Hip Hop head will appreciate along side The Hue's signature smooth, laid back vibe. If these tracks are any indication of what we can expect from Aurora, it is safe to say that Aurora will be on definite repeat.

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6. brandon*

Imaginative and creative. Those are the two words that come to mind when thinking about the music and artistry of brandon*. A composer, musician and producer, brandon* does much more than "makes beats." There is art and precision to his approach. brandon* has a deep appreciation for music and successfully displays that appreciation in each and every production.

On May 18th, brandon* will release the third installment to his Dreamscape series. The first two installments have been nothing short of genius. Dreamscape is a perfect example of how free brandon* is. He masterfully blends elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and Bossa Nova, a combination that would come across very few minds and even fewer minds to execute.

With an extraordinary and ingenious approach to music and production, brandon* is definitely an artist to watch in 2015.

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