MUSIC DISCOVERY: Toronto Hip-Hop & RnB/Soul Spotify Playlist

Compiled in collaboration with our resident Toronto contributor and emerging artist Ekelle, is our "MUSIC DISCOVERY: Toronto Hip-Hop & RnB/Soul" curated Spotify playlist, featuring some very dope artists that you need to hear right now.

The artists featured in the playlist include: 209 Crizzy, Faiza, Haley Smalls, Psych, Desiire, Ekelle, 88 Gram, Prime Boys, Cmdwn, Layla Hendryx, Mezziah, Faduma, Pvrx, KILLY, Hard to Kill, dvsn, Witch Prophet, anders, River Tiber, Allie and PLAZA. 

London-Based Artist Sharlene-Monique Releases Her Debut EP "Destiny"

Sharlene-Monique's newly released debut EP "Destiny" combines emotive, soulful-tinged vocals with inspiring songs of empowerment, love and self-acceptance. Her soothing vocal tones have been compared to the likes of Lianne La Havas & Tweet. 

Sharlene-Monique is an award-winning singer-songwriter, who began singing in church aged 4. Her debut single ‘YOU’ has been streamed over 135,000 times on Spotify, with 12,000 monthly listeners and won Best Solo, Best Inspirational and Music Video Of The Year at the Jump Music Video Awards 2017. 

A Media Performance graduate, Identity Drama School attendee and founder of award nominated empowerment blog Be Uniquely You (http://beuniquelyyou.co.uk), Sharlene-Monique is now successfully tackling a new creative challenge; sharing her personal message of self-acceptance, self-love and self-empowerment to all who will lend their ear to her first release/debut single. 

The multi-skilled musician hails from a past of singing dancing and teaching across the UK and Europe, and has successfully earned her stripes in the lead up to a timely decision to begin practicing what she had so confidently shared to others for a number of years.  

Speaking of her debut EP ‘Destiny', Sharlene-Monique says, “It feels amazing to finally release my songs. I’ve had messages from people all over the world who heard ‘You’ and have asked for more music. I feel proud and passionate about every song and I hope people can connect to them.” 

Destiny is a combination of self penned songs written by Sharlene and collaborations with the likes of Jake Isaac and her husband (and producer) Chris Morris (chrismorrismusic.com). All songs have been mixed by Grammy award winning mix engineer Alan Branch.

Stream/Download "Destiny" EP on Spotify

Connect with Sharlene-Monique: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Review: "Transition" EP by Sonny Dumarsais

New Jersey’s Sonny Dumarsais is aiming to slap a fresh new face on Neo-Soul/RnB - but by bringing the genre back to its roots. As with many RnB EPs, this one was birthed from a bad breakup and an aching heart. Fortunately, music was there to act as his catharsis and truly bolster his voice and sound as a musician. It’s just the beginning for Sonny, as he’s already working on a follow-up album for 2019, but things look promising for the Neo-Soul newbie, who can articulate the language of heartbreak as well as delving into his own sound through the rich history of his genre of choice.

Almost all the tracks on this EP feature an old school RnB guitar (namely 80’s, but the eras meander), instead of the eye-roll worthy, manufactured Tory Lanez artists that seem to be churned out every day. In that sense, we appreciate Sonny for his lack of autotune and overly showy production chops. 

He does need to work on his production and mixing quality, but that goes for every indie artist starting out with their first EP. And to be honest, we prefer that raw and unfiltered version of an artist as opposed to an overly edited and bedazzled version that’s not nearly as organic.

Even in his intro “Transitions”, we can weed out some gorgeous harmonizing that almost reminds us of Bon Iver vibe gone RnB, with a richly luxurious bass-line added in. The haunting harmonizing (courtesy of Candi Blue), and slightly sped up beat on days and nights almost makes us think of a male remix of SWV or Destiny’s Child, breaking up the guitar-heavy tracks with some dynamic lightness.

Sonny Dumarsais’s instrumentals are addictive, and with the right innovations, we have faith that this emerging artist can soar to new heights for his 2019 album that’ll soon be on the horizon.

Stream/Download "Transition" 

Connect with Sonny Dumarsais: Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Stream "Transition", the Debut EP by RnB/Neo Soul Artist Sonny Dumarsais

Sonny Dumarsais is an accomplished singer/songwriter/producer and musician from New Jersey who just dropped his first EP, ”Transition”, a project that's a reflection of his life experiences starting with his major adjustment, moving from musician to solo artist. During this time of transition, Sonny’s girlfriend decided she did not want to continue their relationship. He was immediately faced with writer’s block triggered by an aching heart. Sonny was down and out about the end his relationship, which made it difficult for him to find words of hope. In time, the miraculous work of Sonny’s faith unplugged his writer’s block, to forge his musical journey forward, which ultimately made his musical sound take root. Thus, the journey of the EP, “Transition,” began.

The EP compilation exposes Sonny’s signature RnB/neo soul sound, which reflects the heart and soul of his life’s journey. “Transition” has one song in which Sonny expresses feelings of love, hope, and joy, praying his relationship with his girlfriend would last forever. In another song, Sonny articulates his raw feelings of heartache after his girlfriend stopped speaking to him because his musical aspirations caused him to travel and not be home. Sonny uses another song to examine his damaged heart through the eyes of the rearview mirror to witness a love that use to be. “Transition” will serve as the backdrop for Sonny’s follow-up 2019 album.

Stream/Download "Transition" on iTunes

Connect with Sonny Dumarsais: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Interview: London Based Band Mama Moonshine

Mama Moonshine is a London based rock, soul, and blues band who has been tearing down the stage since 2013. They recently released an incredible animated video for their single "Mr Shy", directed by French illustrator and animator Louis Grosperrin. We connected with both the band and Louis for exclusive interviews and here is the first, featuring Mama Moonshine. 

After reading our Q&A with the band, be sure to follow them on Facebook and go see them perform live in they pop up in your city; tell them DCWS sent you!

How did you all come together to form Mama Moonshine? 

We met in a hazy London house party through friends, where I convinced the 4 of us to get together by singing in their ears and promising great things! Phil (lead guitarist) and I have been writing and performing together for years. We met the boys when we flew the nest and moved down south to London.

Tell us about the name "Mama Moonshine". How did that originate?

Finding a band name was the HARDEST thing. We had a lot of gigs booked when we were ready to perform live and had no name to give the venues! The pressure was building. We had one idea which is so bad I can't repeat it ... but after a lot of whiskey it did lead us to 'Mama Moonshine' The week before our first gig in Camden.

How did you connect with Louis for him to create the animated video for "Mr Shy"?

Louis and I connected through a mutual friend, which is one of the reasons I love working and collaborating with lots of different people. Louis's work is amazing and his video was the most phedellic and creative take on Mr Shy - which was exactly what we wanted. and it was a great experience and project for us both. 

What can you tell us about the live album that is in development? Will "Mr Shy" be on it?

Mr Shy is most definitely on it! It is one of our core most well received tracks that we love. We are releasing a new song every 2 months from the live album and the next song to come is 'Me Me Mind'. A tale about a very self involved friend and this track introduces our new saxophonist!

What do you enjoy most about performing live for an audience and do you have a favorite cover song to play live?

I have always loved covering Moloko 'sing it back'. We make it super funky and really thicken up the bass line. It has such a good groove and gets people dancing. I've loved that tune for so long - I remember loving it when I went to my first disco! Does that show my age? Probably!!

If i could perform all day every day - I would. My favourite thing about singing live is putting on a cat suit, dancing like a crazy bitch and having my boys behind me giving it their all. 

Connect with Mama Moonshine: Website | Facebook | Soundcloud

Stream/Download "Hyde Street EP" by Evan & the Live Oaks

Americana-Soul-Rock & Roll troubadours Evan & the Live Oaks have recently released their latest project entitled "Hyde Street EP". In the band's own words, "This album and its purpose touches on the hardships artists and people of diversity face not only in the San Francisco Bay Area but around the world. The struggle is real, and we need the arts to bring us back together."

The band has been touring relentlessly, mostly west coast, played SXSW, have done a few tours with Tommy Alexander (opens for Michael McDonald), opened for Lindi Ortega, Willie T. Taylor and many more Bay Area bands. Be sure to stream/download the three song "Hyde Street EP" and follow the band on their social media streams below.

Stream/Download "Hyde Street EP" on Bandcamp

Connect with Evan & the Live Oaks: Facebook

Interview: Kali Ma Discusses Her Latest Single/Video "Winter" and EP "Shameful"

Our next exclusive interview is with Austin based soul artist and producer Kali Ma. She just dropped her single/video "Winter" and a few weeks ago released her EP "Shameful", which is a hella DOPE six song project that you need to hear for yourself. Luckily we have you covered because after you read our Q&A with Kali Ma, you can listen to it below.

Be sure to follow Kali Ma on her social media streams and stay tuned because our bets are on her having a breakout year in 2018; you saw and heard it here first!

I really enjoyed listening to your new EP "Shameful"; it really left me wanting to hear more music from you. Tell us about your creative process for it.

"Shameful" actually took almost a year to make. I was learning how to produce and use the software as I was making it so it took quite a while. I honestly had no intention in making a full EP until I made the song 'Reality'. That song really inspired the whole thing. I only picked the songs that I felt described a shameful past. It's my way of trying to make myself and other people comfortable with the fact that we've all done things we're not proud of.

Congratulation on your latest single/video "Winter". Who directed the visuals and was the song self-produced? 

My song/video 'Winter' was directed by Cypher the Avatar (CxA). He also produced the song! He is crazy talented and is like a mentor to me.

Being based in Austin, do you get the opportunity to perform live very often? 

I actually haven't preformed live yet. I have a few places already lined up to perform at this year and will be constantly looking for more!

How did you get your start producing music? What software and/or instruments do you use?

FL Studio was downloaded onto my laptop about a year ago, and that where it all started. I love the program! I have a keyboard that I've used for a couple beats but honestly, the program alone is enough.

What do you enjoy most about being an artist/producer and what do you hate the most?

I love being an artist because I'm able to put all my thoughts and energy into something that I enjoy doing. It's like therapy for me. I think what I hate the most is something all artists deal with. That's the negativity you can get from all the pressure you put on yourself as well as the fixation you have on other's opinions (which aren't always positive). I have to remind myself that I do this because it's fun and I love it.

Connect with Kali Ma: Twitter | Instagram

Interview: Salvatore Manalo Discusses His New Self-Titled EP "Salvatore Manalo" Dropping This Friday, January 12th

Salvatore Manalo is a Portland based soul artist and guitarist whose self-titled five song EP "Salvatore Manalo" will be released on January 12th. We connected with Salvatore for exclusive interview to discuss the EP, his experience as a military brat and student at the Berklee College of Music, his successful Kickstarter and much more.

Enjoy our Q&A with Salvatore and be sure to stream/download his EP this Friday, January 12th. In the meantime, follow him on his social media streams and check out his website below.

As a former military brat, how did your travels around the world impact you as a songwriter?

Traveling allowed me to meet some pretty incredible people and musicians. It also taught me how to adapt in a short period of time so inspiration was always a matter of just searching for it as opposed to waiting for it to come around. Having to leave friends behind every couple of years also gave me a lot of free time to write and reflect too.

Believe it or not, we've had at least five other artists who have attended the Berklee College of Music appear on our website. Though you left after several semesters, what was your experience like there?

Berklee was definitely an insane experience. Every corner you turned there was a prodigy level musician. To be honest, I appreciated the community of musicians there more than I did the curriculum in a way. Everybody was just really motivating to be around and the instructors were next level chill. 

Congratulations on the release of your self titled EP "Salvatore Manolo". Tell us about how the project came about and how important the Kickstarter campaign was to its completion.

Thank you so much! For "Salvatore," the Kickstarter campaign was vital to its completion. I was originally going to go the DIY route but after seeing the amazing support come through, I wanted to deliver on something that I could really be proud of. From the musicians to the mastering process, no corners were cut.

When someone listens to your EP for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?

More than anything, I just want people to be able to relate and be moved.

We really enjoy your single "Rain". Why did you select it to lead off the promotion of the EP and can we expect a visual for it soon?

Thanks! "Rain" is probably my favorite off of the EP and I've played it live so much this past year that it's pretty much second nature by now. I guess I just wanted to showcase all sides of the EP. "This Feeling" is the only song I wrote during the recording process so I feel that it represents the direction I want to go moving forward. Definitely! I've been in talks with some talented people to hopefully put out a video in the next couple of months. I did do a live session at the studio I recorded at in the meantime though.

Connect with Salvatore Manalo: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Moses Sumney performs "Plastic" on BBC's Later... With Jools Holland and Releases European Tour Dates

Following the release of his debut album Aromanticism, Moses Sumney took to BBC's Later... with Jools Holland for a live performance of his song "Plastic." Having just wrapped up a North American tour, on Monday, 10/30, Moses will embark on a European tour.

Aromanticism is a concept album about lovelessness as a sonic dreamscape. It seeks to interrogate social constructions around romance. The debut includes the recently released singles "Quarrel" and "Doomed," as well as new versions of standouts "Lonely World" and "Plastic."

LISTEN: Aromanticism -
Apple Music - http://apple.co/aromanticism
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/30WjNaR79shSTGB52IJTw0
Purchase - https://mosessumney.lnk.to/aromanticism

Watch Moses Sumney perform "Plastic" on Later... with Jools Holland, and see below for all upcoming Moses Sumney tour dates.

 

Moses Sumney European Tour Dates

Little Dragon's High Tour - Our Favorite Little Dragon Music Videos to Date

You know that type of music that just nourishes your soul? Little Dragon manages to manifest that feeling in every one of their tracks, and their music videos are no different. The Swedish electro-soul/r&b group came out with a hypnotizing, percussion-rooted single called “high”, and are following it up with their first North American tour in two years. The tickets go on sale February 17, and to celebrate, we compiled a list of our favorite Little Dragon music videos (because they’re somehow as aesthetically creative as they are sonically.)

Strobe Light

Strobe Light’s video matches it’s strident beat. Using South Africa as her inspiration with beautiful voguing men in sombreros, pastel capes and septum rings, this is a fever dream that we never want to wake up from. Pure fashion and a thing of art. 

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Peace Of Mind

This soulful hit came out less than a month ago, and the video is a moodily lit story of the song’s recording, in-studio, with Faith and Yukimi (the band’s front woman) pouring their hearts out into the mic. Raw, flawless  talent doesn’t need overly fancy talent sometimes. 

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High

And of course, the highlight track of the year and the reason for Little Dragon’s kick-off tour! This mesmerizing single and video have us so hype for the rest o the album - we love the hazy harem/ayahuasca vibes.

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Crystalfilm

This anthem is one of the best LD beats in our opinion. It’s more profound than effervescent, and we can easily say the same for the music video. A little girl goes through an intense journey only to realize that you can’t run from your demons. You will probably cry after making it through this vid. 

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Paris

The vocals and strong, bouncy beat almost remind us of Pat Benatar, in the best way possible. And we love that the cam is mostly focused on Little Dragon’s gorgeous heroine Yukimi, and the band’s Scooby Doo van. One of their quirkier, more playful pieces - to cheer up from all their sad pensive music. 

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Sunshine

The mountain landscape against the low afternoon sun fits the track “Sunshine” perfectly. Graceful tango dancers make some rogue appearances in the arid, dirt-filled surroundings. When will a nature vid ever be bad?

Top 10 Emerging Female RnB\Soul Singers To Watch Out For

Forget the pre-packaged Kehlanis and Tinashes of the world - we’re ready for something fresh and innovative! And fortunately, these women artists rep what they stand for hard, and provide exactly that for us lucky listeners. These swaggy females should be on your radar immediately, if they’re not already.

Rochelle Jordan

This artist hails from the east side of Toronto and has Jamaican roots. She frequently works with talented producer Machinedrum, and her tracks are a clean, crisp, and contemporary representation of R&B, rather than the tired stuff that’s always recycled nowadays. No whiny ballads here!

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Ravyn Lenae

Our favorite work by Ravyn is her album Midnight Moonlight, which was released six months ago. Her tracks have vibey, spaced out energy - the perfect booty music to pair with some dimmed lights and a good glass of red. Well-curated radio shows like Soulection have given her love, so why haven’t you?

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Gavin Turek

Gavin Turek’s aesthetic brings us back to the 80s, with a a punchy, synthy sound to match. Her voice reminds us of Abra and Alunageorge, seductive and juxtaposing with the beat like a retro dream (check out her most recent single, The Distance). She brings the joyful funk that is more rare amongst a sea of  R&B songstresses and makes it hard not to break out in dance

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Bonzai

Bonzai will unite Alt Rock and R&B fans, and that’s no easy feat. Her dance-guitar track I Feel Alright is our choice track - it’s bound to get a rooftop party bouncing, but also laid back enough to Swiffer your room to. She classifies herself more as electronica, and we’d agree, but she has more unexpected production than standard members of the genre, While some of her tracks might sound a bit underwhelming on headphones, do Bonzai justice with bassy speakers turned up to 100 or do yourself a favor and just go see her live! 

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Ella Mai

Ok, this 22-year-old is pushing the “emerging artist” line, since she’s already been featured on a track with Ty Dolla Sign. Interscope scrambled to sign the South London raised artist who reminds many of Tinashe and Kehlani, and for good reason. Her voice is syrupy smooth, and lies in the sweet spot of that R&B/soul bridge - we can’t wait to hear more from her.

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Jorja Smith

Jorja garnered a lot of attention this year after releasing the addictively catchy “Tyrant” with Kali Uchis, a genre-breaking song that somehow seemed to merge Latin inspiration with surf rock. She gives us that elusive “it” girl vibe while still seeming like a homegirl that would be fun to slumber party with. Her voice has been compared to Amy Winehouse, which is a bold statement - would you agree?

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Liana Banks

Singer and songwriter Liana Banks is not about genre, and it shows in her tracks. You might recognize her for her wild green hair and alternative style, but her voice is just as memorable. She’s worked with Lilly Allen and PnB Rock before, and to have equal vocal and writing talent in her world is a rare but winning combination 

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Rachel Foxx

Rachel Foxx is just 23, and you wouldn’t guess it from her voice. Her relatable lyrical reflections sound like pages were ripped out of our own diaries. But instead of only filling the predictable R&B sphere, her jazz-electro infused beats stand out as unconventional, and you can still have a chill blaze sesh to them. 

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Joyce Wrice

People a calling Joyce a realer version of Jehne Aiko, and after seeing the latter perform a disappointingly autotuned set last year, we would have to agree. Joyce’s #1 inspiration is Tamia, and we can hear it in her silky, nostalgic songs that bring us back to a simpler time. 

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Sampa the Great

This poet doubles as a boundary-pushing singer-songwriter and rapper. Talk about a quadruple threat! Her following hasn’t exploded yet, but we get a feeling that it soon will. Her provocative lyrics indicate her political passions, and her voice melts like butter in our ears. What did the universe do to be blessed with such evocative and conscious work, reminiscent of Talib and Mos?

Hannah Williams & The Affirmations Drop The Visual For "Late Nights & Heartbreak", The Sample Behind Jay-Z's 4:44 Song

Originally from Britain, Hannah William's main goal is to change the shape of popular music for the better. Her BandCamp page describes her as Soul's Funkiest New Diva who was immersed in soulful music from the day she was born. Over the past 4 years, she has demonstrated a raw, edgy and authentic vocal prowess to the world of music, and these days she’s backed by an outstanding crew of the finest musicians the UK has to offer: "The Affirmations".  

Hannah has been in the spotlight recently due to her song "Late Nights & Heartbreak", which is the stunning single that inspired Jay-Z to write "4:44"; a heart-wrenching and brutally honest response to Beyonce's Lemonade. "4:44" is the 5th track and main single on Mr. Carter's brand new album 4:44.  According to an interview Hannah did with Mass Appeal, Jay-Z's producer No-I.D. found "Late Nights & Heartbreak" and showed it to the rapper knowing it was the exact inspiration he had been needing, and Jay-Z instantly fell in love. William's explains how Jay-Z gave her a call and asked her to come record a few vocals and wanted to know if it would be okay to use her track as the main sample behind "4:44", to which she (obviously) agreed. Hannah managed to keep the whole ordeal a secret until 4:44 dropped on June 30, but is now proudly speaking out.

The music video for "Late Nights & Heartbreak" is a modest and simple production in which Hannah can be seen mouthing the words in various locations, while mostly focusing on a distraught blonde woman. The overall ambiance is ominous and dark, occasionally sporting black and white shots throughout. Hannah sings of being unfaithful to her lover and wanting so badly to treat them better, but knowing she never will. Her vocals are insanely powerful and the lyrics to the track are enough to make your heart hurt. We can see and hear her anguish in this video, and it's no wonder it spoke to Jay-Z so intensely that he decided to create an entire project around it. 

With the British soul sensation's recent success and insane talents, the world can expect to hear many more great things coming from Hannah Williams and the Affirmations. In the meantime, check out her newest music video "Late Nights & Heartbreaks" below.

Connect with Hannah & The Affirmations: Website | Bandcamp | Twitter | Facebook

Thoughts About Dvsn's New Single "Think About Me"

On Friday, May 5th OVO duo dvsn dropped the alluring track “Think About Me.” Daniel Daly and Nineteen85 paired up once again to deliver a sensual track that creates imagery and evokes emotion. The sound of falling droplets in the production’s undertone and the string-like loops just adds to what Daley is trying to convey. Here he isn’t asking any questions he’s making statements, he knows that he still crosses this girl’s mind and he let’s her know it. 

The track opens with him proclaiming “I don’t think that we could ever be friends again cause are history seems like it never ends.” He goes on to ask who can treat her better than him both in and outside of the bedroom, at one point passionately singing, “Who’s gonna make sure you come first in everything they do? I want you to tell the f**king truth.” 

“Think About Me” is definitely a raw and real offering from dvsn, just like their album SEPT.5th and their short film The Choir. Enjoy “Think About Me” below and try not to end up the next #HURTBAE.

Ginger Root Discusses His New EP "Spotlight People"

Ginger Root aka Cameron Lew is a Huntington Beach, California based indie soul singer-songwriter whose EP "Spotlight People" is one of our favorite releases of the year.  We connected with Ginger Root to discuss the "Spotlight People" EP, find out how his unique name originated, how he would describe his music to a stranger and much more.

After reading this exclusive Q&A with Ginger Root, be sure to follow him on Facebook and IG, and stream/download the very DOPE "Spotlight People" EP below. 

Tell us about the name "Ginger Root"; how did it come about and does it have a special significance?

I watch an obscene amount of live clips from bands I listen to. One late night I was watching a clip of Vulfpeck playing “It Gets Funkier” and Jack Stratton chanted “uh, uh, ginger root”. This, along with the rest of his mid-breakdown chant threw myself into a laughing fit. The rest of the week, I would chant that to myself for some reason? (I’m not crazy I swear). I was working on demos that didn’t really work for the band I was in at the time and just slapped the name “Ginger Root” onto them because that phrase was all I could think about at the time haha. And it kinda stuck and now that’s my pseudonym I guess?

After being a part of several musical projects around Southern Cali, what motivated you to start focusing on your solo music?

I think after sharing the stage, backing people up, and seeing/being a part of other’s creative processes, I thought it was time to see how I’d tackle it myself. I write way too many songs and so originally, I wanted to write a batch of stuff that was out of my indie rock/power pop comfort zone.

What do you enjoy most about performing live? 

Oh man, when Anthony (bass), Matt (drums), and I all lock into a groove, I can see it both on their faces, as well as the audience’s. That’s such a rewarding feeling. Seeing both your bandmates and the crowd bobbing their heads kills me every time. There’s not really a cohesive music scene where I live and so a lot of the time, I’m booked on a bill where my sound really doesn’t fit. So coming in, and playing a set while being the most “you” you can be, is super rad. I played this backyard show once and in the middle of the set, this guy yelled “what the f#$k is happening?”. I’d like to think that’s a personal victory. 

How would you describe your music to a stranger who has never heard a Ginger Root song?

Hmm… The short answer that I have only recently been saying is “an indie soul sound”. Though, I have a hard time describing music in general to people haha. I would say I attempt to channel the words of Feist, the vibe of Toro Y Moi, the groove of Vulfpeck and a very slight homage to the days of Motown and Stax. This is as far as the record goes. When I play live, it’s just me really wanting to be Reggie Watts. 

What's the most important thing you have learned about yourself as an artist and musician from when you started working on the "Spotlight People" EP to now?

I think what I learned, and what I am constantly learning, is nothing has to be perfect. A lot of what happened during the recording of the album is using the first take when tracking, or keeping not as polished parts from the demo in the finished song.  “I Might Just” on the LP was tracked entirely outside and the vocals were actually recorded on my iPhone. The raw and in the moment parts of the record are what will always stand out to me.

How long did it take for you to put the EP together? Do you have a favorite song from the EP to perform?

Originally this was supposed to be a 5 track EP. I recorded most of the parts in 5 days in Kentfield up north in my Aunt and Uncle’s house. (Shout out to Uncle Rob and Auntie Donna). But upon returning home, I wanted to bring some of my friends to help sprinkle their talents on the project. (Shout out to Kira, Emily, Nick, Antwon and my Latin Music Professor!). So I ended up writing more songs and now the 5 track EP expanded into what is now the finished 9 song LP. So after writing 4 more songs and mixing during the school year, it took about 9 months. I think my favorite song to play live is “Emulous”. Anthony, Matt and I kinda rearranged the song to be more dynamic live. Matt does this thing where he waits as long as he can during the break before we go into the last chorus and I crack up every time. When we played a small outdoor festival at Chapman University he set down his sticks, sprayed sunblock on his arms, and then led us back into the song. I die every time I watch the video.

Connect with Ginger Root: Instagram   Facebook   Bandcamp

Review: "Spotlight People" by Ginger Root

The album starts out with some angelic harmonies—courtesy of Kira Magoon—and when the keyboards, drum machine, and Cameron Lew’s whispery-but-strong vocals enter, you know you’re in for something intimate. “Emulous,” the first track, is not only perhaps the most gorgeous piece on the album, but, if there is a stand out single, this is it. It sounds a bit like falling asleep next to your lover.

Track two of this 9-song LP is “In My Dreams,” a more upbeat, dance-able, groovy tune that has a Fitz and the Tantrums feel, followed by “Belleza,” which harkens back to Motown, sung as a call and response between Lew and Emily Iverson, and which like the two tracks before it, has the feeling of falling in love imbued all throughout it.

Right in the middle of the LP is “The Classic,” which takes on a more experimental spin—it’s a super funky tune that lasts just over three minutes, during which people talk about seemingly random stuff over top of the instruments. It’s a fun listen and a nice insertion into the center of the album, a little intermission from the straight pop tunes that surround it. 

“Thx,” the album closer, is another standout track, with its soft/loud dynamics, a catchy wistful chorus, and some organ thrown into the mix.

Spotlight People is, overall, a strong offering from Ginger Root, with the most memorable moments taking place when male and female vocals come together to tell a story, but from beginning to end every song is worth a spin. 

Connect with Ginger Root: Facebook   Instagram   Bandcamp   

L.M. Alder is a writer and musician from New Jersey. He is the co-author of A Cathedral in a Mason Jar (tNY.Press, 2016) and is in the band The Deafening Colors. 

Jae Franklin Releases "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication" Hip-Hop Soul Mash Up

To celebrate what would have been J Dilla's 43rd birthday, RnB/Soul singer-songwriter Jae Franklin has released "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication", a Hip-Hop/Soul mash-up created to celebrate the life and art of J Dilla.  Jae sings her favorite Soul and Hip-Hop songs over her favorite Dilla beat, which is called "Flowers" (check out the instrumental here). The medley of songs covered in "Flowers - A J Dilla Dedication" include: 

1. Angel - Anita Baker
2. Just Wanna Be Your Girl - Teedra Moses
3. Love of My Life (A Ode to Hip-Hop) - Erykah Bade ft. Common
4. Turnin Me Up - BJ The Chicago Kid
5. All the Way Up ft. French Montana, Infared - Fat Joe, Remy Ma
6. Love Don't Live Here Anymore - Rose Royce
7. Keep Ya Head Up - Tupac
8. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) - Nas
9. Don't Touch My Hair - Solange
10. Golden - Jill Scott
11. Alright - Ledisi
12. Joy and Pain - Maze & Frankie Beverly
13. It Never Rains - Tony! Toni! Tone!
14. Happy Feelin's - Maze & Frankie Beverly

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