I often write little notes to myself in the note section of my phone. Reminders, lyrics, or just nonsense. I came across one this morning that simply said 'Charles Bradley'. Within seconds of googling, I was at a website that presents a very well executed video introduction to this American Soul Singer. thecharlesbradley.com
Signed to Daptone Records in his 60's, this man truly sings from the heart as he expresses a painful past and shares his experiences living in America.
Charles is currently on tour and is playing Coachella! Almost makes me wish I was going. This will be the first in 9 years that I've missed it! Check him out for me and don't miss Marina and the Diamonds.
Check out his label mate and one of my all time favorites, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings!!!
I just love how when her cloak comes off the little demon fox runs away with glitter spilling out of his eyes.
Shortly after creating Steely Nash, I auditioned for a pop band in LA that was to be managed by Johnny Wright: superstar manager of NKOTB, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Britney, Pussy Cat Dolls, and Jonas Brothers. I was called back (!) and soon I was involved in a massive online competition sponsored by AT&T. Each week the contestants completed challenges in order to make the band. Cambio.com hooked us up with flip cams and AT&T phones and asked that we film ourselves during the entire process. This included filming our home towns, creating music videos and writing original songs. Grueling? Yes. Life changing? Hell yes. Fun? THE MOST FUN.
Here are some behind the scenes clips from one of my favorite challenges where we were asked to shoot our future Rolling Stone cover.
Long story short, I MADE THE BAND. So did 5 other amazing people (4 boys + 2 girls --> Y6) Check out this clip from ABC's Nightline. I'm the one in the disco pants with the crazy pinkish reddish whatever hair.
The six of us were then signed to a management deal and for 2 years we did our best to break out with Johnny by our side (see video above) With his connections, we worked with some incredible vocal coaches, producers and writers. There was even talk of us opening for Boyz II Men or Demi Lovato. Ultimately, though, our material wasn't of interest to the major labels that we were being pitched to. In the summer of 2013, (after so much excitement, time and commitment!!!) Y6 disbanded.
So, skip this part if you aren't sentimental because the cheese starts flowing near the end of this paragraph. During my time with Y6, I learned more than I could ever aptly communicate. For starters, I stepped into a professional recording studio for the first time EVER. It just so happened to be Jim Hensen Studios in LA. We recorded our first song in the same room that "We Are the World" was recorded (!) so that means I could have used the same mic as Dionne Warwick or Dianna Ross (okkklllrrr!) Also, while under development, the 6 of us stayed at "the compound" -aka- the same giant mansion that every 90's pop prodigy once rested their pretty unknown heads. (I once looked in my closet and found a box labeled "Christina Aguilera" and flipped the freak out). Most importantly, the things I learned about myself throughout the entire process and the relationships I fostered with the other singers were easily the best take aways from it all. Being thrown into the industry while having the support of fellow bandmates who were also caught up in the same whirlwind, was the best possible way to be introduced to the crazy world I so longed to be a part of. (If any former Y6 members are reading this, please know that YOU CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER and I love you and that's the gospel truth).
As the storm calmed, there were many emotions to navigate and, in all honesty, I had to hide away and heal. Rejection still feels like rejection even if you agree that the material did not best represent you..
Now here's the part where I tell you that "in the end it was all worth it and I am SO much better and smarter and please check out my new project..." But it's really not like that. It's more like I gave it my all, it was strange and wonderful and now I have like a terrible cramp in my side after a long run (having decided that I can totally run 5 miles even though I have not ran in months)... that cramp is MUSIC and it will forever poke at me. Ok ouch music, dang! I'm on it!!!
STEELY NASH is where I stash my most original ideas and I cannot wait to share them with you if you're down to listen. And unlike previous posts that promise demos and such, just do me a favor and tune into my social medias to see what happens next.
xoxoxoxox
I LOVE YOU Y6
Matt
Ben
Phil
KA
James
Jess
Johnny
Also a HUGE shout out to my friends and family for moving mountains.
Settle Down folks, contrary to popular belief Kimbra is not one half of Gotye! Nope, actually Gotye is a guy and Kimbra was a guest singer on that one song we all love to hear over and over...even hip-hop radio threw a beat under it...yikes!
This incredibly inventive and crazy talented singer/songwriter/beat boxer(?) was suggested to me by an old pal from high school choir last year (thanks Gabe!). I actually stumbled upon the video for the covered-to-death-by-people-in-their-living-rooms:"Somebody I Used To Know" after hours of delightful Kimbra stalking on YouTube. This sensation via New Zealand made her way onto the American music scene earlier this year with her album Vows. You can catch her video for "Settle Down" on VH1 during the 2.5 hours they play music videos but my personal favorite is this one from Billboard.com.
I started this blog last year to have a safe place to gather my thoughts on all the music I adore and now I'm getting selfish and taking it back as a way to deliver my very own music.
I've just spent some time recording my first original neo-soul/pop EP in Austin, TX. It only seemed fitting that my first musical baby be born and raised in the same city and state that I was. The boys over at Major Nation Productions are currently mixing and spraying and sprinkling and glossing over the tunes and we are very excited for what's to come..
Last night I had the pleasure of opening for a tiny hip hop superhero. Formally known as 'Hopie Spitshard', this bay area babe on the rise may look small but mama packs a BIG punch. The EMCEE currently goes by the short and sweet "Hopie" and that's exactly what she is.
Buzzing around the Bay since her self released debut album 'The Diamond Dame' in 2008, this gal has been spitting a rare breed of hip hop that local music kids have been oh so proud to put their stamp on. Fans can't get enough of her sick rhymes over sweet soul beats and warm and fuzzy samples from artists we love like Aaliyah. One of the highlights of last night's show was when Miss Hopie dropped a new tune on us featuring a sample of indie gold: The Knife. She got the Milk Bar crowd off of their bar stools, back from their smokes and packed up in the front with their hands up.
I credit my ability to imitate funny adult cartoon mom voices to my intense obsession with Barbra Streisand as a child. I could never hate either of you. xo
I can't remember how I got into Santigold a few years ago, probably a recommendation from my boy Shane but what's done is done. After hearing her debut album and catching her live at BFD, the producer turned singer has remained at the center of my musical world (and is currently at the top of my list for Coachella this year) !!!
Actually funny story, a few Coachellas ago she walked right past me in the Sahara tent and I was all "Oh. My. God Becky.." She was super cute rocking a blonde disguise but I saw you girl I saw you.
This spring SHE RETURNS with her second album and the timing couldn't be better. It's no secret that she's very open about her disenchantment with the current state of the music industry (and it's lack of goodness). I feel some of those things too which is why I'm on pins in needles waiting to see you Santi, you and your wild wild dancers.
Check out her new single "Disparate Youth" below and "Big Mouth" a video that leads me to believe she also grew up on a lot of good 'ol Sesame Street.
Lucky me! I have a wonderful friend named Stephanie who has been my go-to music gal since Missy Elliott made us lose control in the summer of 2005. Last summer, she introduced me to the electric soul duo QUADRON.
Steph and I got reeeal excited when we heard they'd be playing last September at San Francisco's Brick and Mortar Music Hall. Lead singer Coco was wonderful during their set and after the final song announced "Ok we are here to party, let's dance!" She joined the crowd as a DJ continued the soul theme of the night. Yay Coco! I just love nice people who are stupid talented.
Wow I really can't believe I haven't mentioned Little Dragon on this blog before, they are truly my one of FAVORITE bands!! Lead singer Yukimi is this little tiny thing with a crazy voice and a curiously endearing stage presence (hence her nickname and name of the band: Little Dragon. I've also heard it's because she's feisty like a dragon in the studio).
Photo taken by my friend Jason Ochs in Big Sur, CA (twitter: @ochfish)
I got really into her unique voice (that I can only describe as soulful with a touch of tribal), her style, and her music after a guest appearance with the Gorillaz at Coachella 2010. Immediately, I began digging up and listening to everything with her voice on it including her collaborations with SBTRKT, DJ Shadow and her run with the band 'Koop' (masters of sampling). Last year I made sure to see Little Dragon whenever they were in the bay area including a tiny chinese restaurant here in San Jose, CA (photos below) and this performance at Ameoba, San Francisco. Check it out:
These photos were taken by my boy Shane at Pagoda at the Fairmont in San Jose, CA. More cowbell!
This rocking diva can belt her face off and doesn't need a cool british accent to make you like her. A true musician, this classic rock lover has been a festival favorite for years and is finally getting mainstream love thanks to a few new band members, the right chemistry and a few new sparkly dresses. Get it girl.
If you spend five minutes on KING's website www.weareking.com you'll learn all there is to know about these 3 talented musical majesties. And if you're anything like me, you'll click the link entitled "See Our Music" and be moved to tears.
After releasing only 3 songs earlier this year, KING has become the most talked about and praised soul revival bands in a looong time. Let's just say Prince is a fan and Prince tours with 4 of the most amazing back-up divas out there (if that's even what you wanna call them) Not to mention, he's Prince.
These women, composed of 2 sisters and an epic friend, have found their sound by listening to the inner and outer voices they were blessed with! Their success has undoubtably come from their ability to trust themselves and proceed without question.
If you're like me you fall in love with one record at a time and blast your new obsession over and over until you find a new one. My new honey is a pair of Danish kids called Quadron. I have to comment on the sweet yet soulful vocals of Coco Hannibal. She reminds me immediately of another one of my dear favorites: Amel Larrieux with a sprinkle of Adele. Her sound rests unexpectedly on top of some quirky and unexpected chords created by partner Robin Hannibal. And how can you not love the incorporation of a brass section?
I'm in love with all of it. A new spin on soul gets me. Y'all know it does.
Back to Cali and the first thing I treated myself to was a fine show by the best band that has happened to garage rock melodies since The Strokes. Dirty Pillows.
When guitarist/lead singer Alex "Millhows" Villanueva, a polite but painfully awkward guy, gathers his shy self, folds it up, and packs it away neatly into a proper vintage suitcase (that one can only assume he owns); musical magic seems to stream from his face. With the right set (The Blank's silver streamers and red lights help) he morphs into a mad man and manages to master a talent that is both vulnerable and bad-ass.
This magic can only be accomplished with the help of rock star rhythm kid Jeff Jagged. Here is a true old skool drummer with a love for times past and a complete understanding of the progression of rock and roll (and every other genre you can think of). Together they give in to their inner 1960's rockstar with true style and a new dirty flavor.
Come see for yourself. TONIGHT Live @ The Blank Club Wednesday, July 13
Doors 9pm
Free!
LOCAL LEGENDS
*DIRTY PILLOWS TOWN CRIER
"Track in the Box" is a music newsletter meant to help you find music without having to 'trawl through the multitude of music blogs' (...)
Recently they have highlighted a timeless track chosen by rock duo, The Kills.
This is one of my favorite songs called "I Just Want to Make Love to You" off of Etta James's most successful album "At Last"
Now I see where Alison gets all her fantastic grit and stage presence.
It's SO comforting to know that rock goddesses take cues from SOUL.
Etta delivers these lyrics with a passion that can only be admired and imitated, never reproduced. She takes absolute control of this number and I continue to die for it every time. Ms. Mosshart agrees:
"What a voice! What a song. This one never gets old, it's too good sounding." (Alison)
Well mama, you already had me at 'Alphabet Pony' but now we must be soul sistahs.
Check out THE KILLS latest album titled Blood Pressures and see them live see them live see them live.
I can't remember how I got into Santigold a few years ago, probably a recommendation from my boy Shane but what's done is done. After hearing her debut album and catching her live at BFD, the producer turned singer has remained at the center of my musical world (and is currently at the top of my list for Coachella this year) !!!
When guitarist/lead singer Alex "Millhows" Villanueva, a polite but painfully awkward guy, gathers his shy self, folds it up, and packs it away neatly into a proper vintage suitcase (that one can only assume he owns); musical magic seems to stream from his face. With the right set (The Blank's silver streamers and red lights help) he morphs into a mad man and manages to master a talent that is both vulnerable and bad-ass. 
