More Or Less: Talking with Skewby

Skewby D Listening Session 12.17.10. Photo Courtesy of Young Fly Richy

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of going to fellow Memphian Skewby’s private listening session for his latest release, More Or Less.  He’s had quite a busy year since the release of last year’s Proving You  Wrong since '88 (he’s been featured in the Source’s Unsigned Hype column (April/May 2010), performed on MTV, and opened for Lil Wayne’s Farewell tour). Based on the positive responses he received at the listening session, he won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Skewby is definitely an artist to keep on your radar.

He took some time out yesterday to answer a few questions for me. Check it.

It's the eve of the release for More Or Less; How do you feel?

I feel good. Just chill really. Ready to advance and to give my people something new.

 How did you decide on the title?

It came from a conversation with a friend. We were talking about life, and I said "life is more or less what you make it." That just stuck with me. It described the period in my life perfectly.

The sound of this record is different from Proving You Wrong Since '88, which had a really fun, cool kid retro vibe. More Or Less is sleeker, a little more mature. Natural growth or strategically planned?

Just natural growth really. Nothing was planned. It was all organic. I just went in the studio and did what felt true to me.

Which song are you most looking forward to performing live? Why?

Probably LALA. Ready to see what the crowd does with that song.

 What's one thing you hope people take away from your music?

Mostly the positive energy that it comes with.

 Any videos in the works?

Not yet, we'll see what the most talked about tracks are and just go from there.

 Are there any upcoming shows** that our readers need to know about?

Definitely. January 21st at the Hi-Tone Cafe in Memphis. Good times ahead.

 We're living in a digital world: where can people download More or Less?

They can download it at http://www.djbooth.net/*

 Where can people learn and hear more about Skewby?

They can follow me at twitter.com/skewby or peep my blog somethingaboutskewby.com.

*Download will be available on DJ Booth at (you guessed it!) 12:21 p.m.  Gotta love the marketing! Until then, here's the tracklisting for More Or Less, and video from the listening session:

** Skewby will also be headed to the Sundance Film Festival the follow day, and has plans to perform at SXSW in March. Good times ahead indeed!

~KT

Strange Fruit Vintage Presents: Everyday People





Petey is the spitting image of her mother.
How dope is this flyer!



 The weekend is here and while I'm looking forward to some rest (finally! this has been a crazy busy week), I'm also looking forward to The Everyday People Fall and Winter Fashion Show, produced and hosted by Shalishah "Petey" Franklin, owner of Strange Fruit Productions. One of the hardest working women I know, I was able to get her to take a few moments away from her work (the show is tonight at AIM Co-Op Studios (287 Madison Ave.) and give the NDLoop readers a little more insight into Strange Fruit Vintage.

Tell us a little about SFV.
Strange Fruit Vintage is an online urban vintage clothing boutique that specializes in offering quality clothes and accessories from the 1980s to the present. Since launching in the spring of 2010, SFV has held three pop-up shops in Memphis and has been featured in various publications including the Memphis Flyer, and on the popular ilovememphisblog.com. SFV was also featured on “Flipside Memphis,” a documentary produced by the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with Live from Memphis that highlighted all things unique to Memphis.

Vintage (in the fashion world) is classified as anything over 10 yrs old. What made you choose the 80s-90s as Strange Fruit's niche?
I am a 80s baby and I am consistently inspired by hip hop, art and popular culture from this time-period. I began throwing events under the moniker Strange Fruit Productions a few years ago and at one event in particular, I projected the movie Breakin’ on the wall to play silently during the party.  Some of my younger crowd marveled at the movie…just stared and watched it. It was at that time that I had an epiphany…there is a new generation or two, who have only heard about the 1980s. So, I decided to begin SFV to introduce the original clothes to younger generations and to re-introduce the original clothes to people who already know and love the era. 

What was your inspiration behind hosting an "every day people" fashion show (which I hear is sold out, by the way. Kudos! That's a huge accomplishment).
Thank you. The Everyday People Fall and Winter Fashion Show is indeed sold out and that is a huge honor and accomplishment for me. I’m humbled by it honestly.  Selecting “everyday people” for the fashion show all goes back to Strange Fruit Productions, my original party company. Being an artist, living in Memphis, not necessarily fitting comfortably into the club scene or typical entertainment experience here, I created SFP to offer an artistic experience where people could just be themselves. I’m a firm believer in diversity on so many levels and I think we as a society have to get to a point where we appreciate people not for their similarities but for their differences.

How did you select your models?
My models in the upcoming show are dancers, artists, rappers, social workers, epidemiologists, actors and many other things. They are tall, short, thin, curvy, various races, various ages….they are me…they are you.  And that’s the point. They are everyday people and damn beautiful for it. Some of them I’ve known. Some of them I’ve met randomly over the past month and awkwardly asked them to model in my show.  Some of them responded to a model call a month ago.

I know that you're a big proponent of individual style; are the model's looks a collaborative effort or where there certain looks already set but you needed the right person to rock them?
For the most part, the person makes the clothes and not vice versa. I have over 400 vintage pieces in the SFV studio and I gathered my 25 models and began styling their outfits for the show based around who they are as people. Some of my girls are really really sassy and you will know exactly why they are wearing the items they are!

What can those lucky enough to score a seat expect from the show?
This is a culmination of what intense creativity, love, and faith look like in action. 70 straight up and down fabulous looks, 25 beautifully diverse models, 5 performances including beatboxers and violinists, in an artistic and collaborative space, set to great 80s and 90s music on a fantastically warm night in downtown Memphis. For those who will be there, thank you in advance. For those who didn’t score a ticket to this show, I hope that you join us for the pop up shop immediately to follow and open to the public, 8-10p.  And most importantly, I hope you all stay “NDLoop” with SFV….there’s so much more.

Where can people shop & find out more Strange Fruit Vintage?
Each week we offer the “seven on sale” on www.strangefruitvintage.com featuring hot and rare finds for men and women.  We also do events in the Memphis area and will be expanding to other cities very soon.  Follow us on twitter @iamstrangefruit. Grow where you’re planted.

It's always a pleasure talking to someone so dedicated to their craft. She's proof positive that hardwork really pays off!

So dear readers, who scored tickets to the Fashion Show? Who's going to shop? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

Sean Padilla brings the heat to Java Cabana

When used correctly, social media is a wonderful thing. New people, new things, and new music come across your timeline daily (if you know where to look) and if you're lucky, you might make some super cool connects.

A few months ago I started following one of the most inspiring, funny, and impressive musicians that I've yet to meet: Sean Padilla (aka The Cocker Spaniels). Also affectionately known as "The Cookie Man" (he's also a baker; I ordered some of the best macadamia nut cookies I've EVER had and got to sample his music), Padilla is one of those people that you can't help but root for.

An über talented musician (he plays all of the instruments on his album), Padilla writes and sings about his every day struggles and triumphs with ease. His  lyrics are relatable (how many people do we know fall into the category of the Overeducated Underclass?), and usually injected with humor (my favorite "Touch My Hair" is an hilarious recollection of strangers feeble attempts to (you guessed it) touch his hair).

Tonight, Memphis gets to see him in action.

On a cross country tour to promote his newest release "Sometimes You've Gotta Fight To Get A Bit Of Peace" (Hornbuckle Records), this Austinite will bring his live fusion of Funk and Indie Rock for a rousing set at Cooper Young's Java Cabana (2170 Young Avenue). The show starts at 8:00 p.m and it's one you don't want to miss. If you follow Sean, come out and support; he'll have music and *fingers crossed* some of his delicious cookies on deck.

To learn more about The Cocker Spaniels, the tour, and cookies, click here and here.

The Trilluminati Chuuuch of Ackrite will be in effect!

~KT

"Road to 106 & Park" Dancer Auditions for Porcelan Chalet

CALLING ALL DANCERS:

Face Management is looking for female background dancers for upcoming performances for R&B vocalist, Porcelan Chalet. Fresh off her performance at Rising Star’s One Year Anniversary Showcase, Porcelan is poised to blaze the stage on B.E.T's 106 & Park- "Wild'n Out Wednesday” December 15, 2010. As Porcelan prepares for her 106 & Park debut, she’s ready to take her performance to the next level and that’s where YOU come in!

REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be 18 +, with previous experience/training in Hip Hop & Jazz, and be able to commit to scheduled practices and performances. Candidates must bring photo ID, and provide a 5x7 headshot and dance resume at time of sign-in. Most importantly, candidates must bring creativity and energy to the stage!

There will be 2 rounds of auditions. For the first round, each dancer must come prepared with a 90-second performance. If chosen for the second round, a choreographed routine will be taught, with the final 3 (2 leads and an alternate) selected that day.

These positions are initially unpaid however, this is a great opportunity for exposure, with additional perks to follow. Airfare, makeup, and clothing WILL be covered for the 106 & Park performance.

Audition Day: Sunday, October 24, 2010
Audition Time: 3:00pm-7:30pm

Location:
409 S. Main Street

Memphis, TN 38103

****Please come early to sign in. Auditions will start at 3:00pm on the dot!

****For inquiries, please contact us at facesbyseven@gmail.com

You can learn more about Porcelan at http://www.reverbnation.com/porcelanchalet 

 You are now NDLOOP!

Sketchbooks, The Wiz, Karoke, Hip-Hop, Oh My!

The weekend is here and I have to say, I’m pretty stoked. It’s jam-packed with festivities so I have to find a way to fit in all in but I have to say, I love when my weekends are like this. I’m still waiting to get the word on Saturday’s activities but based on all there is to do Friday, Saturday may just have to be a day of rest!

First up we have the Project Sketchbook: 2010 Exhibition at the Adam Shaw Studio (2547 Broad Avenue).

Hosted by the Rozell Artists Guild, this is the opening reception for the exhibit. On display will be dozens of the 12 page completed sketchbooks (all filled with various forms of artwork) submitted from both amateurs and professionals. I’m excited to see the finished products. Who knows, next year I may submit one myself.

To find out more about Project Sketchbook, click here. The reception will be from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; the exhibit will be up for 2 weeks.

If you can’t make it to the exhibit but still want to get out for a bit, mosey in over to Marshall Arts Gallery (639 Marshall Ave) for Neosoulville presents…Soul Cinema.

Starting tonight, Neosoulville will be hosting a series of vintage African American film screenings while offering entertaining renditions of songs from the featured movie’s soundtrack during the breaks. Following the movie, DJ Manus will be spinning a set for those who want to mingle a little while longer.
 

If you were fortunate enough to go to the DVD screening of Timeless: The Composer/Arranger series (which featured an amazing tributeto J. DIlla) earlier this year,  you know that this is an experience like no other.

The show starts at 7:00 p.m.; this week’s feature is ‘The Wiz”. Advanced tickets are $20 (includes popcorn and beverage). Click here to purchase online.

If a movie isn’t your thing, you can go and get your laugh on at Comedy & Karaoke Fridays at 2 for 1 Bar & Grill (7144 Winchester Road). Hosted by funnyman Prescott & Karaoke King Time Bachus, admission is free before 9:00 p.m. with drink and food specials all night. Tonight’s comedian will be Big Sean Larkin (click here to check him out). His set will start at 10:00 p.m.

Finally, if you're a fan of hip-hop and Dubstep, swing by Odessa (2613 Broad Avenue) to check out performances by Oz Alone, Youre_Strooly, and Walks of Life as they celebrate their Daytime Nightmares EP release.

Doors open at 10:00 p.m.; admission is only $5. Click here for more info.

So dear readers, how will you be spending your Friday? Comment below and keep us NDLoop! ~KT

1st Annual All Pink Gala

October 16, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM- 12:00 AM

Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

It’s time to party with a purpose!

Partikingz Inc., in association with TMalone Promotions & Marketing Mix & Mingle Ent., is proud to present the 1st Annual All Pink Gala, an entertaining and fashionable social event held to benefit breast cancer awareness. Come and enjoy a fun night of mingling with your fellow Memphians at the historic Pink Palace Museum as we do our part to help raise money for breast cancer research.

There will be live entertainment provided by the soulful sounds of Main Focus, as well as a DJ for your dancing pleasure. In addition to live musical entertainment, there will be a silent auction of original artwork submitted by nationally & locally known artists. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the American Cancer Society. There will also be free food and a cash bar. This will be a semi-formal event and we are asking all attendees to incorporate pink into their attire. Let’s come together for good music, good times, and a wonderful cause!

Advanced tickets are $20; $25 at the door. VIP Access (includes valet parking and a goodie bag) is $50.

Sponsorship opportunities are available; inquiries should be made by phone to 901.213.8551.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.allpinkgala.org/

Hope to see you there! ~KT

Loyals Forever: SP Finale

Now it's time to say goodbye to one of the hottest stores to ever come to Memphis.

This Saturday, make your way to Aquarious Creative Studio (688 S. Cox, Memphis, TN 38104) for the Finale Sale and Party.

From 12p-12a, enjoy 50% discount shopping (everything has to go), then spend some time catching up with other Loyals while enjoying live music and performances. Wear your favorite SP fit for a chance to win a cash prize; there will also be a 5for$5 Photobooth.

Admission is only $3, which also gives you a chance to win over $300 in prizes for all loyals in attendance.

If you ever visited the store, you know that Sneak Peek was more than just a sneaker boutique; it was a movement. Not only a place for the latest kicks and urban gear, Sneak Peek was a place that encompassed the true meaning of hip-hop: artistic culture, music, political knowledge, and most importantly, individuality.

 Celebrate the good times with the #SPFAM as they say goodbye. It's an end of an era!