Latest Updates
Monday, April 28, 2008
Calvin Richardson Bio
THE SOUL PRINCE CALVIN RICHARDSON DELIVERS SEX, SOUL AND ROMANCE WITH SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT DEBUT WHEN LOVE COMES
You know you're in for something different the moment you hear "Sang No More," the catchy, provocative lead single from Calvin Richardson's new album, When Love Comes. Over a Fifties-style doo-wop ballad pulse, Calvin sings frankly about the hard choices a singer must make given the trade-offs between being an artist, a star, and an authentic human being. His choice? If fame and fortune means forgetting what's important—love and the core values of life—then he doesn't want to sing anymore, doesn't want to be "successful." The price would be too high. Spoken like a true soul man, which is what Calvin Richardson is—a contemporary, hip-hop generation version of a classic soul singer. Richardson, who grew up with K-Ci and Jo-Jo, sang alongside fellow soul crooners Angie Stone and Raphael Saddiq and appeared on numerous soundtracks including "Bringing Down the House" starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin, demonstrates why he is one of the best singers to emerge in R&B in years on his new Shanachie recording When Love Comes to be released May 27, 2008. Affectionately known as ‘The New Prince of Soul', Calvin Richardson demonstrates that he is a worthy heir to the tradition of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.
With When Love Comes Calvin had a vision of embracing the essence of classic soul. To achieve that vision, he wrote and produced all the tracks himself. "I wanted to highlight the vintage soul sound and reconnect with the Curtis Mayfield sound, the Betty Wright sound and put it into a contemporary context," Calvin explains. "I had done that before but this time I wanted to try to make it a more coherent statement than previously when different producers were bringing me tracks. A lot of the songs were inspired by samples, digging in the crates and listening to old music that put me in the mood to create this album. It helped me to take a sample and build off of that. When I hear that music it speaks to me in a way that just having some musicians sitting around trying ideas does not. It's sort of a road map back to the way things used to be. I took it to another level."
When Love Comes is notable for its wide-ranging lyrical themes. Tracks such as "Fire In The Attic," "Nobody's Gonna Love You" and "When Love Comes" are sure to become classic love anthems suitable to set the mood for any late-night rendezvous. Then there are the songs with a more subtle message, such as "Daddy To My Kids," in which Calvin sings of a man's simple desire for a strong, positive relationship with his children, or "She's Hurtin'," a sensitive portrait of a lonely woman looking for love in the midst of the party atmosphere of a club.
The songs highlighted on When Love Comes are personal to Calvin, who explains the story behind "Daddy To My Kids." "I'm really, really close with my kids but I'm not with any of the mothers…and it's tough sometimes when others are controlling the situation. The overall desire is just to be there without the restraints of the mother in the way. A lot of guys deal with that. A lot of guys could be great dads if the situation let them."
""She's Hurting" was inspired by a real situation. I was with a friend of mine and she had just gotten out of a relationship. We were talking and I recognized her pain. A lot of women when they break up become vulnerable and guys prey on that. I'm letting some guys know maybe that's not the best thing." At the same time, he's not afraid to celebrate a woman's sexuality on the booty bumping "Give It To Me," which is one of several tracks that reinforce Calvin's image as a "ladies man. "I don't have a problem with that. I'm not a one-dimensional guy. I'm somewhat of a ladies man. I like women. I love whatever they bring to the table and I can match whatever they bring to the table."
-OVER-
The variety of lyrical themes is matched by the variety of the grooves. The fresh conga-driven groove of "Give It To Me" is miles away from the intimate, acoustic textures of "Make Friends With Love" or the lush textures of "Fire In The Attic." Most impressive is the fact that Calvin wrote or co-wrote all the tunes. The centrality of finger-picked or strummed guitar, often acoustic, reflects the fact that Calvin plays the instrument, writes with it and can go into a radio station and accompany himself for an impromptu performance if need be. It's all held together by Calvin's impressive vocalizing—an ability that is all-too-rare these days. He can move from the guttural growls of a Bobby Womack to the joyous arpeggios of Sam Cooke. He can sing hard, sweet, rough or tender. He's not a copyist though; he has absorbed his influences and delivers an authentic rooted soul voice with a contemporary sensibility.
Calvin Richardson came by his soulful style honestly. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, the first of nine children, Calvin had a strong musical upbringing. His mother sang in the local gospel group, The Willing Wonders, and he sang with them as a youth. But he was able to listen to secular soul music and funk and was particularly inspired by Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway. Singing on the gospel circuit he met and became friends with Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey and Joel "Jo Jo" Hailey, who went on to form the hit-making group Jodeci in the early Nineties and later as K-Ci and JoJo scored numerous hits. Calvin was encouraged by their success to form the urban contemporary vocal group, Undacova, whose song "Love Slave" was included in the New Jersey Drive soundtrack in 1995. When Undacova folded, Calvin launched a solo career that resulted in his debut solo album Country Boy on Uptown/Universal Records in 1999. Despite strong material, including a great cover of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much," the album failed to sell, despite notable guests such as Chico DeBarge, Monifah and K-Ci, possibly due to confusion occasioned by the album title. While Calvin was working on his follow-up, Angie Stone heard a demo of his song "More Than A Woman" and invited him to duet with her on a version of the song for her album Mahogany Soul. A second album for Universal was shelved before release but Calvin's second album release 2:35, named after the time one of his children was born, was released by Hollywood Records in 2003. The album went on to sell more than 250,000 copies and generated significant adult urban radio play. Though lumped in with the rising crop of new-soul singers, 2:35PM revealed Calvin as an authentic soul singer bringing a classic vocal style to a contemporary production sound. With When Love Comes, Calvin Richardson delivers at last an unfettered musical vision, a compelling statement of his true artistic identity.
"Working on this album before I got a new label deal was an opportunity to express myself, to let my voice be heard without hearing too many opinions about what the music was," Calvin says. "Sometimes it takes you a while to discover your voice and your soul. I had found my way before but sometimes it can be hard when there's a lot of people with opinions. So that was the great part for me this time around. I was able to just do me without any pressure."
www.myspace.com/calvinrichardson
You know you're in for something different the moment you hear "Sang No More," the catchy, provocative lead single from Calvin Richardson's new album, When Love Comes. Over a Fifties-style doo-wop ballad pulse, Calvin sings frankly about the hard choices a singer must make given the trade-offs between being an artist, a star, and an authentic human being. His choice? If fame and fortune means forgetting what's important—love and the core values of life—then he doesn't want to sing anymore, doesn't want to be "successful." The price would be too high. Spoken like a true soul man, which is what Calvin Richardson is—a contemporary, hip-hop generation version of a classic soul singer. Richardson, who grew up with K-Ci and Jo-Jo, sang alongside fellow soul crooners Angie Stone and Raphael Saddiq and appeared on numerous soundtracks including "Bringing Down the House" starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin, demonstrates why he is one of the best singers to emerge in R&B in years on his new Shanachie recording When Love Comes to be released May 27, 2008. Affectionately known as ‘The New Prince of Soul', Calvin Richardson demonstrates that he is a worthy heir to the tradition of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.With When Love Comes Calvin had a vision of embracing the essence of classic soul. To achieve that vision, he wrote and produced all the tracks himself. "I wanted to highlight the vintage soul sound and reconnect with the Curtis Mayfield sound, the Betty Wright sound and put it into a contemporary context," Calvin explains. "I had done that before but this time I wanted to try to make it a more coherent statement than previously when different producers were bringing me tracks. A lot of the songs were inspired by samples, digging in the crates and listening to old music that put me in the mood to create this album. It helped me to take a sample and build off of that. When I hear that music it speaks to me in a way that just having some musicians sitting around trying ideas does not. It's sort of a road map back to the way things used to be. I took it to another level."
When Love Comes is notable for its wide-ranging lyrical themes. Tracks such as "Fire In The Attic," "Nobody's Gonna Love You" and "When Love Comes" are sure to become classic love anthems suitable to set the mood for any late-night rendezvous. Then there are the songs with a more subtle message, such as "Daddy To My Kids," in which Calvin sings of a man's simple desire for a strong, positive relationship with his children, or "She's Hurtin'," a sensitive portrait of a lonely woman looking for love in the midst of the party atmosphere of a club.
The songs highlighted on When Love Comes are personal to Calvin, who explains the story behind "Daddy To My Kids." "I'm really, really close with my kids but I'm not with any of the mothers…and it's tough sometimes when others are controlling the situation. The overall desire is just to be there without the restraints of the mother in the way. A lot of guys deal with that. A lot of guys could be great dads if the situation let them."
""She's Hurting" was inspired by a real situation. I was with a friend of mine and she had just gotten out of a relationship. We were talking and I recognized her pain. A lot of women when they break up become vulnerable and guys prey on that. I'm letting some guys know maybe that's not the best thing." At the same time, he's not afraid to celebrate a woman's sexuality on the booty bumping "Give It To Me," which is one of several tracks that reinforce Calvin's image as a "ladies man. "I don't have a problem with that. I'm not a one-dimensional guy. I'm somewhat of a ladies man. I like women. I love whatever they bring to the table and I can match whatever they bring to the table."
-OVER-
The variety of lyrical themes is matched by the variety of the grooves. The fresh conga-driven groove of "Give It To Me" is miles away from the intimate, acoustic textures of "Make Friends With Love" or the lush textures of "Fire In The Attic." Most impressive is the fact that Calvin wrote or co-wrote all the tunes. The centrality of finger-picked or strummed guitar, often acoustic, reflects the fact that Calvin plays the instrument, writes with it and can go into a radio station and accompany himself for an impromptu performance if need be. It's all held together by Calvin's impressive vocalizing—an ability that is all-too-rare these days. He can move from the guttural growls of a Bobby Womack to the joyous arpeggios of Sam Cooke. He can sing hard, sweet, rough or tender. He's not a copyist though; he has absorbed his influences and delivers an authentic rooted soul voice with a contemporary sensibility.
Calvin Richardson came by his soulful style honestly. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, the first of nine children, Calvin had a strong musical upbringing. His mother sang in the local gospel group, The Willing Wonders, and he sang with them as a youth. But he was able to listen to secular soul music and funk and was particularly inspired by Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway. Singing on the gospel circuit he met and became friends with Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey and Joel "Jo Jo" Hailey, who went on to form the hit-making group Jodeci in the early Nineties and later as K-Ci and JoJo scored numerous hits. Calvin was encouraged by their success to form the urban contemporary vocal group, Undacova, whose song "Love Slave" was included in the New Jersey Drive soundtrack in 1995. When Undacova folded, Calvin launched a solo career that resulted in his debut solo album Country Boy on Uptown/Universal Records in 1999. Despite strong material, including a great cover of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much," the album failed to sell, despite notable guests such as Chico DeBarge, Monifah and K-Ci, possibly due to confusion occasioned by the album title. While Calvin was working on his follow-up, Angie Stone heard a demo of his song "More Than A Woman" and invited him to duet with her on a version of the song for her album Mahogany Soul. A second album for Universal was shelved before release but Calvin's second album release 2:35, named after the time one of his children was born, was released by Hollywood Records in 2003. The album went on to sell more than 250,000 copies and generated significant adult urban radio play. Though lumped in with the rising crop of new-soul singers, 2:35PM revealed Calvin as an authentic soul singer bringing a classic vocal style to a contemporary production sound. With When Love Comes, Calvin Richardson delivers at last an unfettered musical vision, a compelling statement of his true artistic identity.
"Working on this album before I got a new label deal was an opportunity to express myself, to let my voice be heard without hearing too many opinions about what the music was," Calvin says. "Sometimes it takes you a while to discover your voice and your soul. I had found my way before but sometimes it can be hard when there's a lot of people with opinions. So that was the great part for me this time around. I was able to just do me without any pressure."
www.myspace.com/calvinrichardson
Labels: calvin richardson, press release, soul
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Calvin Richardson - Album Preview Widget
Simply click on Copy Me (visible when you rollover the widget with your mouse)to get the embed code for your blog/myspace/facebook etc.
This widget will be updated with new tracks in the coming weeks. If you have the widget posted on your site, it will automatically update with the new track - you don't have to do a thing!
This widget will be updated with new tracks in the coming weeks. If you have the widget posted on your site, it will automatically update with the new track - you don't have to do a thing!
Labels: calvin richardson, soul, widget
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Strictly Social, April 30th Hosted By Lina
Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union Present another evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion!
Strictly Social
Wednesday April 30
The Last Wednesday Of Every Month
This month we present The Moodstar Recordings Special Edition
Hosted by Lina
myspace.com/linamusic
With performances from
D'Cheri
myspace.com/dcherimusic
Ki Johnson
myspace.com/kijohnson
The Berriz
myspace.com/theberriz
Resident DJs
Destroyer
Milky Wayne
& Myxzlplix
Vintage Artwork & Fashion from VIP Upscale Urban Apparel
myspace.com/vipstyle101
Come early for an exclusive listen to Swedish sensation Kissey Asplund's Plethora
myspace.com/kisseyasplund
Also come celebrate Nu-Soul founder Norman's 30th birthday!
Free with RSVP b4 10pm, $5 after
RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
Shows begins at 10:30pm
Strictly Social
Wednesday April 30
Skinny's Lounge
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-763-6581
9pm-2am
21+
myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.moodstarrecordings.com
Labels: lina, live, soul, strictly social
Friday, March 21, 2008
Calvin Richardson Returns!
"Sang No More" from the upcoming album "When Love Comes" (May 24th on Shanachie):
Calvin Richardson, well known to his legions as "The Prince Of R&B," is one of the finest true soul singers to emerge during the past decade. His last album, "2:35 AM," easily debuted on the Top Ten of the Billboard R&B albums chart cementing his place as one of the genre's leading men. Calvin also scored with "More Than A Woman," his duet with Angie Stone from her acclaimed "Mahogany Soul" album, as well as his guest vocals on Raphael Saddiq's "Instant Vintage" album and Pieces Of A Dream's "Ahead To The Past." He also appeared on the soundtracks of such films as "Bringing Down The House" and "Go To The Club," further exposing his unique sound and delivery to a widespread audience.Calvin's Shanachie debut "When Love Comes" is Calvin's follow-up album to "2:35 AM" and is clearly his finest artistic statement yet as a recording artist. He displays his deep-soul roots on an original set of sexy and romantic tracks aimed squarely at his sizable, largely female fan-base. Standout cuts include "Sang No More," "Sexy Love" and his ode to fatherhood "Daddy To My Kids."
"Sang No More," the first single, will be worked to Urban AC radio nationally creating surefire exposure for this dynamic project. There will also be a video for "Sang No More" that will be serviced and worked to BET, BET-J,VH-1 Soul and all appropriate video outlets nationally, including You Tube, iTunes etc.
Calvin has established a national touring profile, playing with such artists as Reuben Studdard, Raphael Saddiq, Angie Stone and many others. He will be supporting the release of "When Love Comes" with live performances nationwide.
Labels: calvin richardson, soul
Friday, March 14, 2008
Strictly Social Mixed Volume 1
Strictly Social Mixed Volume 1
By DJ Destroyer
Click image to download
Strictly Social has emerged as one of the Los Angeles soul scene's most significant new monthly events thanks to a commitment to the concept of "Eclectic Soul Fusion." Resident DJ and founder DJ Destroyer has been working diligently to fuse many styles of soul music into one cohesive night and with Strictly Social he has succeeded. Out of the desire to spread the Strictly Social sound even further, this first exclusive mix was born. The Strictly Social mix recreates the vibe found at the event itself by championing both established and new artists in genres such as neo-soul, progressive hip-hop, and soulful electronica. Acclaimed artists such as Jill Scott, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, and Amp Fiddler share the spotlight with up and comers like Rogiers, Jon Bibbs, Jimi James, and Michelle Amador. Mixed live in one take, the Strictly Social mix will give you a taste of what this very special event is all about.
STRICTLY SOCIAL MIX CD VOLUME 1 TRACKLIST
1.CONTEMPLATING- COLOSSUS FEAT. FLASH
2.LOVE THIRST-JEAN GRAE & 9TH WONDER
3.TOUCH ME WIT UR HANDZ-DJ JAZZY JEFF FEAT. CHINA BLAC
4.TIGHT EYES FEAT. OH NO AND THE LUV BUGS- NICOLAY & KAY
5.I CHOOSE YOU-JON BIBBS
6.LET IT BANG-9TH WONDER
7.RIGHTNESS-JILLSCOTT
8.SEX GOD FEAT.PHONTE-BRAND NEW HEAVIES
9.LET THE DOLLAR CIRCULATE-J DILLA AKA JAY DEE
10.DOLLAR-STEVE SPACEK
11.BEEN IN LOVE-ERIC ROBERSON
12.TRUE FRIENDS-BLACK SPADE
13.LIFE AND MUSIC-ROGIERS
14.CUZ I'M JAZZY-GURU FEAT.SLUM VILLAGE
15.RECKONERZ FEAT. CHARLI2NA-AMPLIVE
16.FLY...SHINE-YOLANDA JOHNSON
17.SCARED-AMP FIDDLER
18.CAN YOU RELATE-SOULSTICE
19.THE LIGHTS-NICOLAY & KAY
20.TRON-WAJEED
21.ENERGY-RAHEEM DEVAUGN FEAT. BIG BOI
22.TASTE-RICK JAMES
23.LUV' YA-UNKLE JAM
24.BECAUSE OF YOU-MICHELLE AMADOR
25.CHECK YOUR COAT-O'NEAL McKNIGHT
26.EVERYTHING-JIMI JAMES
27.VIDEO TAPEZ FEAT DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN-AMPLIVE
28.SPECIAL (ORIGINAL)-9TH WONDER
29.SO GONE-BLACK MILK
30.ANYTHING-WAJEED
31.STEP YA GAME UP (REMIX)-LITTLE BROTHER & HI TEK
32.THE HEALER/HIP HOP-ERYKAH BADU
About Strictly Social
Held on the last Wednesday night of every month in the North Hollywood Arts District of Los Angeles, Strictly Social is fast becoming one of LA's most unique monthly events incorporating listening parties for major releases, guest DJs, visual artist exhibitions and intimate performances from rising stars in the soul community. Organized by DJ Destroyer of Soul Union, Norman Mayers of Nu-Soul Magazine, and Lucy Beer of Elemental Consulting, this night if "Eclectic Soul Fusion" takes place at the gorgeous Skinny's Lounge, a charming venue with a speakeasy vibe. Each month Strictly Social aims to provide a non-traditional perspective on soul by fusing genres and styles. Artists that have performed at Strictly Social include Gina Rene, Peter Hadar, Jimi James, Rozzi Daime, and Jamal.
myspace.com/djdestroyer
By DJ Destroyer
Click image to download
Strictly Social has emerged as one of the Los Angeles soul scene's most significant new monthly events thanks to a commitment to the concept of "Eclectic Soul Fusion." Resident DJ and founder DJ Destroyer has been working diligently to fuse many styles of soul music into one cohesive night and with Strictly Social he has succeeded. Out of the desire to spread the Strictly Social sound even further, this first exclusive mix was born. The Strictly Social mix recreates the vibe found at the event itself by championing both established and new artists in genres such as neo-soul, progressive hip-hop, and soulful electronica. Acclaimed artists such as Jill Scott, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, and Amp Fiddler share the spotlight with up and comers like Rogiers, Jon Bibbs, Jimi James, and Michelle Amador. Mixed live in one take, the Strictly Social mix will give you a taste of what this very special event is all about.
STRICTLY SOCIAL MIX CD VOLUME 1 TRACKLIST
1.CONTEMPLATING- COLOSSUS FEAT. FLASH
2.LOVE THIRST-JEAN GRAE & 9TH WONDER
3.TOUCH ME WIT UR HANDZ-DJ JAZZY JEFF FEAT. CHINA BLAC
4.TIGHT EYES FEAT. OH NO AND THE LUV BUGS- NICOLAY & KAY
5.I CHOOSE YOU-JON BIBBS
6.LET IT BANG-9TH WONDER
7.RIGHTNESS-JILLSCOTT
8.SEX GOD FEAT.PHONTE-BRAND NEW HEAVIES
9.LET THE DOLLAR CIRCULATE-J DILLA AKA JAY DEE
10.DOLLAR-STEVE SPACEK
11.BEEN IN LOVE-ERIC ROBERSON
12.TRUE FRIENDS-BLACK SPADE
13.LIFE AND MUSIC-ROGIERS
14.CUZ I'M JAZZY-GURU FEAT.SLUM VILLAGE
15.RECKONERZ FEAT. CHARLI2NA-AMPLIVE
16.FLY...SHINE-YOLANDA JOHNSON
17.SCARED-AMP FIDDLER
18.CAN YOU RELATE-SOULSTICE
19.THE LIGHTS-NICOLAY & KAY
20.TRON-WAJEED
21.ENERGY-RAHEEM DEVAUGN FEAT. BIG BOI
22.TASTE-RICK JAMES
23.LUV' YA-UNKLE JAM
24.BECAUSE OF YOU-MICHELLE AMADOR
25.CHECK YOUR COAT-O'NEAL McKNIGHT
26.EVERYTHING-JIMI JAMES
27.VIDEO TAPEZ FEAT DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN-AMPLIVE
28.SPECIAL (ORIGINAL)-9TH WONDER
29.SO GONE-BLACK MILK
30.ANYTHING-WAJEED
31.STEP YA GAME UP (REMIX)-LITTLE BROTHER & HI TEK
32.THE HEALER/HIP HOP-ERYKAH BADU
About Strictly Social
Held on the last Wednesday night of every month in the North Hollywood Arts District of Los Angeles, Strictly Social is fast becoming one of LA's most unique monthly events incorporating listening parties for major releases, guest DJs, visual artist exhibitions and intimate performances from rising stars in the soul community. Organized by DJ Destroyer of Soul Union, Norman Mayers of Nu-Soul Magazine, and Lucy Beer of Elemental Consulting, this night if "Eclectic Soul Fusion" takes place at the gorgeous Skinny's Lounge, a charming venue with a speakeasy vibe. Each month Strictly Social aims to provide a non-traditional perspective on soul by fusing genres and styles. Artists that have performed at Strictly Social include Gina Rene, Peter Hadar, Jimi James, Rozzi Daime, and Jamal.
myspace.com/djdestroyer
Labels: dj mix, download, soul, strictlysocial
Strictly Social Blends Music And Art For A Monthly Evening Of Eclectic Soul Fusion
Strictly Social Blends Music And Art For A Monthly Evening Of Eclectic Soul Fusion - Artist/Designer Ritzy Periwinkle is featured at the March 26th event
Strictly Social has emerged as one of the Los Angeles soul scene's most significant new monthly events thanks to a commitment to the concept of "Eclectic Soul Fusion." Held on the last Wednesday night of every month in the North Hollywood Arts District of Los Angeles, Strictly Social is fast becoming one of LA's most unique monthly events incorporating listening parties for major releases, guest DJs, visual artist exhibitions and intimate performances from rising stars in the soul community. A collaboration between Soul Union, Nu-Soul Magazine and Elemental Consulting, this night of "Eclectic Soul Fusion" takes place at the gorgeous Skinny's Lounge, a charming venue with a speakeasy vibe. Each month Strictly Social aims to provide a non-traditional perspective on soul by fusing genres and styles. Artists that have performed at Strictly Social include Gina Rene, Peter Hadar, Jimi James, Rozzi Daime, and Jamal. Photographers Kawai of Air Philosophy and Gregory Prescott have displayed their work at previous events.
On March 26th Strictly Social is proud to present the visual art of LA's Ritzy Periwinkle, aka Marisa Estrada - a Los Angeles artist and designer with deep roots in urban art and music culture. The name Ritzy Periwinkle, a pseudonym that started among her and her crew, stems from "Maritza" (the way her birth name was originally supposed to be spelled) and the Crayola color, "Periwinkle". The tight beats and poetic lyrics of Hip Hop fuel her artistic creativity. Graffiti is one art form of many which Ritzy proudly incorporates into her work. Graduating from California State University Long Beach with a fine art degree with an emphasis in graphic design, Ritzy has created designs and artwork for Dilated Peoples, Aterciopelados, Sonic Youth, Calle 13, "I Am Legend", Slick Rick and many more. With art exhibitions in art and music hubs such as Los Angeles, Detroit and New York, Ritzy communicates a beautiful energy and respect for her community of women and people of color. Working in photography, illustrations, graphics, collage and creating a flourishing boutique t-shirt line, Ritzy compliments her gritty stylistic tendencies with a positive vibe that is attributed to her eclectic influences and unique background. Ritzy Periwinkle happily mixes music and art to her own beat, bringing pure harmony to her creativity.
Musical performances on March 26th will be provided by Mike The Poet, Taniq, guest DJ Seven57 and there will be an album listening party for Lina's Morning Star.
Artists interested in displaying their work, or performing at future events should contact: lucy@elemental-consulting.com
Labels: art, events, soul, strictlysocial
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Strictly Social - March 26th
Soul Union and Nu-Soul Magazine present another evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion!
STRICTLY SOCIAL
Wednesday March 26, 2008
Featuring performances from
Mike The Poet
www.myspace.com/mikethepoet
Taniq
www.myspace.com/taniq
and Guest DJ Seven57
www.myspace.com/emayday
Show begins at 10:30
Join us for a special pre-show listening session of Lina’s new album "Morning Star" available on Moodstar Recordings with plenty of giveaways!
www.myspace.com/linamusic
The night will also feature the fresh artwork of Ritzy Periwinkle!
ritzyperiwinkle.com
FREE B4 10:30pm with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com
$5 without
@ Skinny’s
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
www.skinnyslounge.com
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
Labels: soul, strictlysocial
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Rozzi Daime, Jesse Saunders - Strictly Social Feb 27th
Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union once again bring you a night of eclectic soul fusion with Strictly Social.
On Wednesday February 27 prepare for the most eclectic lineup yet!
FEATURING APPEARANCES BY:
House legend JESSE SAUNDERS will be performing a special DJ set in support of his new book House Music: The Real Story
www.myspace.com/jessesaunders
Purchase the book at Amazon
ROZZI DAIME
Featured artist on Sa-Ra Creative Partners' Hollywood Recordings
www.myspace.com/rozzidaime
We will also be celebrating the release of the highly anticipated release of Erykah Badu's New Amerykah with a special listening party at 9pm and lots of cool goodies for the early birds
Setting the vibe will be the amazing photography of Gregory Prescott
www.myspace.com/prescottphotography
Resident DJs Milky Wayne & Destroyer will be providing the musical cocktails
Admission is free with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com b4 10:30pm and just $5 after so get there early!
Strictly Social
Wednesday February 27
@ Skinny's Lounge
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Plenty of FREE parking!
Free with RSVP b4 10:30
$5 after
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
Labels: events, house, jesse saunders, rozzi daime, soul, strictlysocial
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Strictly Social Returns Jan 30th
Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union return with the first edition of Strictly Social in 2008.
On Wednesday January 30, 2008 come experience LA's top night for eclectic soul fusion featuring a diverse lineup of up and coming soul pioneers, DJs and visual artists.
This edition will feature LIVE PERFORMANCES by:
JIMI JAMES
myspace.com/rahrahgirl
and
AMBER OJEDA
myspace.com/amberojeda
PLUS a special DJ set from LA's own DJ Moonbaby (myspace.com/djmoonbabysplanet)
Come early for a special listening event for future soul act HEAVy's new album JAZZMONEY$$ available now on BBE Records
myspace.com/whoisheavy
The night will also feature the photography of Air Philosophy's Kawai Matthews on display.
AirPhilosophy.com
Resident DJs Milky Wayne & Destroyer will be bringing the hottest nu-soul grooves for you to dance to.
Admission is $5 or Free with RSVP to info@nu-soulmag.com or at Going.com/ssjanuary
Strictly Social
Wednesday January 30
@ Skinny's
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
$5 admission
FREE with RSVP:
info@nu-soulmag.com
9pm-2am
21+
myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
Labels: event, soul, strictlysocial
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Nov 28 - Strictly Social - Peter Hadar, Jimmie Reign, Jon Bibbs
Nu-soul Magazine presents another edition of Strictly Social on Wednesday November 28. Join us for a night of eclectic soul fusion at the beautiful Skinny's Lounge in North Hollywood.
This month we have live performances from some of the brightest stars in progressive future soul:
PETER HADAR
www.myspace.com/peterhadar
Read the Nu-Soul Interview with Peter Hadar
JON BIBBS
www.myspace.com/jonbibbsmusic
JIMMIE REIGN
www.myspace.com/jimmiereign1
Come early for a special listening party for Amp Fiddler's new album Afro Strut!
www.myspace.com/ampfiddler
Musical cocktails are always provided by our residents DJs Milky Wayne & Destroyer.
Nu-Soul Presents Strictly Social
Wednesday November 28
Skinny's
4923 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
NO COVER!
21+
9pm-2am
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
Nu-SoulMag.com
Nextaid.org
LondonUndergroundShoes.com
Labels: club, events, losangeles, music, soul, strictlysocial
Monday, May 21, 2007
2Tall Presents Dudley Perkins & Georgia Anne Muldrow "Beautiful Mindz" - June 12th
Download the "Beautiful Mindz" Promo Sampler Mega Mix (mixed by Dj 2-Tall) MP3:
http://www.dj2tall.com/BM/2tall_beautifulmindz_promomix.mp3
2 TALL PRESENTS DUDLEY PERKINS & GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW "BEAUTIFUL MINDZ" IN STORES JUNE 12th 2007
Recognized for releasing the Pro X Fade advanced cross fader technology (http://www.eclecticbreaks.com/proxfade) and promoting one of the largest club nights in the UK, the Eclectic Breaks label strikes once again forming an alliance with the independent hiphop distribution powerhouse, boutique label, & digital retailer; Amalgam Entertainment to unleash a new LP entirely produced by DJ 2tall featuring Dudley Perkins (aka Declaime) and Georgia Anne Muldrow on vocal duties. This is a unique UK/USA collaboration project that combines intelligent lyrics, free thinking, poetic verse and skilled studio productions, to result in an incredibly fresh, poignant and positive album.
The album's title 'Beautiful Mindz' is a message to the listeners that we are capable of much more than we think, and the project itself reflects that it's not difficult to put together a unique album of music with people from other parts of the planet. From their initial acquaintance to the albums completion, the whole experience was natural and organic as all great partnerships are.
Dudley Perkins is best known for his releases on US label Stones Throw Records, where he lends his unique voice to many of Madlib's productions. Highlights from his releases include the single 'Flowers' and album 'Expressions (2012 A.U.)', plus the album 'Illmindmuzik' as Declaime on Good Vibe Recordings. Georgia Anne Muldrow is also associated with Stones Throw, and is their only female signing. Noticed early on by fellow LA hip hop trendsetters Sa Ra, as well as Detroit's Platinum Pied Pipers, the buzz created saw her sound reach the airwaves of Worldwide with Gilles Peterson on the BBC, and to Peanut Butter Wolf, who signed her to a two-album deal on Stones Throw, where she recently released 'Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth'. Originally known for his accolades in the DJ championship world, where he took home the title of UK DMC Team Champions in 2003 with his crew the Trusicians, 2tall has been making a name for himself as a producer over the past few years. 'Beautiful Mindz' is the first ever project from these three combined talents.
Beautiful Mindz is Available Worldwide June 12th 2007 (Eclectic Breaks/Amalgam)
TRACKLISTING:
01. Introduction
02. ATall
03. Time
04. Mic Check
05. A Beautiful Mind
06. Coils
07. Interlude
08. Newniss
09. The Fonk Will Set You Free
10. Fonkwitme
11. Holy Skit
12. Poet Past The Weak
13. Ain't That Strange
14. Wakin Up
15. Messagez
16. U R
17. Outro
2 tall / Dudley & Georgia are available for booking, interviews, & general press inquiries
www.AmalgamDigital.com
www.EclecticBreaks.com
www.dj2tall.com
Labels: hiphop, press release, soul
Saturday, March 17, 2007
CrystalTop Music Presents...
Street Date ::: 4/17/07
Brooklyn-based CrystalTop Music reached out to its extended network and brought together eleven beautiful gems from eleven different artists for CrystalTop Music Presents. But drawing a line through the sounds collected under the banner of CrystalTop Music is an exercise that’s more likely to result in beautiful scribbles and loops than in a legible graph. “Diverse” barely begins to sketch the range. In fact, the common element shared by these artists may be the absence of a stylistic bag that can comfortably hold them; all the songs seem to reach for some sound that doesn't fit into easy black and white categories.
This is partly an act of curation, so that Pyeng Threadgill’s soul-jazz take on Bill Withers and The Dang-it Bobbys' country-rock joint, “Say Goodbye” talk to each other in ways they might not if you encountered them separately. But mostly it’s something that happens within the songs themselves. The heart of “Say Goodbye” is a soaring southern rock chorus worthy of The Allman Brothers, yet restless enough to wander off into Stevie Wonder-ish chord changes that speak of doo-wop. “Foreign Country” is the lyrical conceit of Christina Courtin’s sharp but melancholy love song — but also a subliminal self-description of grass a slightly different shade of blue, a moody ballad that finds its down-home abroad. Even the afrobeat of Martín Perna’s Ocote Soul Sounds has a Deep Purple heaviness, and elsewhere on this collection the spirits of Norah Jones, Pink Floyd, Carlos Santana and Radiohead are all channeled in unexpected ways.
Some of this is the natural eclecticism of well-crafted music, the ease with which serious players have always traded licks in spite of genre boundaries. But if phrases and ideas seem to jump more freely, over greater divides, on CTM Presents it’s because CrystalTop is not a studio-generated fiction but a clique of artists sharing six degrees of connection on stage and on record — in some cases the spokes on this wheel have known each other from school days, maybe even ran together as graffiti artists hitting up crystal-top buses. The music they make with each other reflects a generation who have come up with the self-segregated logic of rap and rock and ultimately rejected or outgrown it. It’s a new approach, but also a throwback in some ways to a certain moment of 70s utopianism, not because it’s self-consciously "retro," but because it’s the sound of a generation of 70s harmony babies and 80s zebraheads coming of age with a boom. The result is a brand new bag.
The label on the side reads: Can’t we all just get it on?
-- Edwin STATS Houghton February, 2007
TRACKLISTING:
01 - Momma's Boy (Elizabeth & The Catapult) :: jazzy bluegrass-rock-funk
02 - Blind (Mega Bass) :: electronically-altered indie-rock
03 - Harmony (Ryan Scott) :: soulful rock
04 - Foreign Country (Christina Courtin's Running Kicks) :: bluesy-soul-rock
05 - Let's Make When Right Now (Oddlogik) :: sweet organic soul
06 - Cariño (Ocote Soul Sounds) :: cosmopolitan, jazz-infused afrobeat
07 - Say Goodbye (The Dang-It Bobbys) :: country-rock
08 - Late Night With Christina (Aidan Hawken) :: stripped-down storyteller
09 - Can We Pretend (Pyeng Threadgill) :: folk-soul-funk
10 - El Buena Gente (Los Electrics) :: latin-funk
11 - Tabaco Y Ron (Luz Mob) :: caliente cumbia
www.crystaltop.com/presents
www.myspace.com/crystaltop
Labels: album, crystaltop, electronic, pop, rock, soul
