In June we shared the exciting news about modern jazz singer José James signing to and recording for the legendary Blue Note Records label. While preparing to release his Blue Note records debut No Beginning, No End, later this year, José James teamed with renowned DJ/Producer, DJ Spinna to cook up a little pre-release refresher mix. DJ Spinna Presents: The Eccentric Movements Of José James is a 19-track musical journey thru José James' earlier work with sprinklings of music from his Blue Note Records debut. A couple of familiar favorites are blended effortlessly with the crooner’s eclectic mix of jazz, funk and soul making this a sweet end of summer treat. For those not familiar with the music of José James this mix is a great place to start! Download it now for FREE! Enjoy and Spread the word!
The Flip the Script book is an unparalleled collection of photographs taken by UK photographer Kingsley Davis, documenting some of the most talented artists, musicians, Dj’s and producers from both sides of the Atlantic to have emerged over recent times. The book with a special preface by Norman Jay MBE, is a who’s who of genre-defying artists from the last ten years. Some of the artists featured in the book are Estelle (cover), Omar, Marc Mac, Pharrell, Guru, Bashy, Jonzi D, N'Dea Davenport, Ms. Dynamite, John Legend, Flying Lotus, KRS-One and many more.
Flip the Script provides a unique insight into how the music scene is changing, driven by technological innovations but also by the creativity, individuality and experimentation of the artists themselves. The title of the book reflects this change,
as the artists featured have achieved success on their own terms, with or without stylists, A&R reps or publicists. And access to digital media has given them the opportunity to be heard and recognized overnight.
Many of the artists featured in Flip the Script have come through underground cultures or sub-cultures and have emerged without comprising their authentic credentials. This adds to their appeal among discerning audiences, and so the book is finding a market among music buyers, youth and urban culture enthusiasts as well as those with a professional interest in music, lifestyle and fashion.
Seattle-based singer/songwriter CHOKLATE announced the title of her upcoming third album this week. FLY is the title of the new album and before CHOKLATE introduces FLY to the world she will give her Seattle fans and supporters a live preview on Sunday September 16, 2012 at The Triple Door.
What: An Evening With CHOKLATE: Introducing FLY - Album Preview Party
We recently caught up with CHOKLATE to ask her 5 Quick Questions about her highly anticipated third album FLY.
ON THE VERGE: What was the focus and inspiration for your upcoming album?
CHOKLATE: I just wanted to write songs and sing...I just wanted to be in the booth again and keep growing and learning. Each song is a snapshot of a moment in time in either my life or someones life very close to me. My focus was just to stay creative and my inspiration was real life.
ON THE VERGE: Who are some of your producers/collabs on the new album?
CHOKLATE: As it stands: Illmind, DJ Kemit, Tha Bizness, Musiq Soulchild, Kuddie Fresh, Vitamin D, Wajeed from PPP, Slop Funk Dust, Marcus D, Illoquint and there are one or two more that we're still finalizing.
ON THE VERGE: What can we expect from the album?
CHOKLATE: Pure unadulterated ME. Lots of truth. Harmonies galore. Honesty. Dope beats. Some "hip hop makin' whoopie with soul type R&B ish" tunes that all have real stories attached to them. An ode to my brother who I lost at the end of 2009 and a cool duet or two.
ON THE VERGE: Do you have an official release date yet?
CHOKLATE: OCT 16th (!!!!!! aaaaaah! I cant' believe it)
ON THE VERGE: With this being your third album what is different about the artist CHOKLATE?
CHOKLATE: What's different? I'm not entirely sure I'm the best one to answer that question. I think the people that support and give the music a shot and have the backstory from the other albums will be best equipped to answer that one...I'm just in my skin...living everyday and singin' songs along the way...trying to learn the lessons that life is trying to teach me and be open to all the goodness simultaneously. I know one thing, I love it a little more with each offering and I love my supporters more and more every day. They are my creative blood, my heartbeat. I LOVE THEM. whew...you have no idea...
Aretha Franklin is not only one of the giants of soul music; she is one of the giants of American pop. In a career spanning more than forty years, she continues to find ways to inspire and amaze. Aretha Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and on August 14, 2012 The "Queen of Soul" was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Below is the link to the full 45 minute documentary about the multi-Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin that first aired on PBS August 22, 1988 and is now featured on biography.com. The documentary follows the career of Aretha Franklin from her early years as a gospel singer to her rise to fame.
Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.Aretha Franklin
Last December our partner in music, DJ Rhinobee, created a very inspiring podcast featuring the best in contemporary inspirational music. We have shared this podcast with many offline, but today we were inspired to share it on our blog and with our social network. Please do yourself a favor and download this amazing and meaningful podcast loaded with Blessings and Gems! Share it with friends, family and the World! It is truly a musical Blessing that is sure to uplift, encourage and inspire all who hear it. Please enjoy these Crate Blessings!
This past June we fell head over heals in love with a new album by indie soul crooner and Richmond, VA native Jarrard Anthony. This week Jarrard Anthony released his new video to accompany the first single Lucky Day from his album READY TO LIVE. Once again he delivers the goods and we have every reason to continue to be head over heals about Jarrard Anthony!
The album READY TO LIVE is available at your favorite retail outlet so be sure to grab a copy or two!
