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

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

Live at New Daisy: Corinne Bailey Rae

Photo courtesy of corinnebaileyrae.net

Grammy Award Winning and Platinum Recording Artist Corinne Bailey Rae will be performing at The New Daisy Theatre tonight. One of the last few stops on the North American leg of her tour, those in attendance will be blessed with the pleasure of hearing her soulful, honey-drenched voice.

Her debut single “Put Your Records On” brought her to fame in the US (she became only the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one on the Billboard Charts) but there are so many gems on that album (“Till It Happens To You” “Enchantment” “Breathless” and “I’d Like To” are standouts) you’re sure to be an instant fan after the first listen.

The Sea is more melancholy (it was recorded after the lost of her husband) but it has a very chill, reflective vibe ("Closer" is such a sexy song; your hips will sway as soon as the beat drops lol). Any person who says that they love soul music should have one if not both of these albums in their library.

I found out about this concert by accident a few months ago (I was researching something else and stumbled across it) and I’m SOOO excited! Upon the release of her sophomore album in January, I stated that she was one of the few artists that I wished to see perform live so imagine my surprise when I learned she’d be making her way to Memphis! Plus, New Daisy Theatre has a more intimate setting, so that will make the experience that more enjoyable.

Corinne Bailey Rae is an extremely talented singer-songwriter, so this show is sure to be memorable. Tickets can be purchased at Spin Street or by clicking here. Doors open at 7pm. You can also visit her website to learn more about her and her music. I also want ot send a special thank you to Neosoulville for making this concert happen. You guys rock!

So dear readers, who will be in attendance? What song(s) are you looking forward to her performing? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!~KT

Rising Star Spotlight: Porcelan Chalet

Courtesy of Regis Lawson Photography

Porcelan Chalet is one of the many talents performing tonight at Rising Star's Amped Up Indie Artist Concert at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Avenue).

A modelesque beauty with the talent and personality to match, Porcelan is already generating quite a buzz in the industry. A vocal powerhouse, her songs are R&B/Soul with a hip-hop edge; she’s poised to give many of these starlets a run for their money.

She took some time out to answer a few questions so that we could find out a little more about the girl behind the voice:


What made you decide to pursue a career professionally?
Music kinda runs in my family. Both my parents were performers and would also sing to us. In turn, music became my passion…I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.


Who influences you?
Aretha Franklin has to be one of my biggest inspirations. She wasn’t afraid to be original. She let her voice use her! I want my music to be hypnotizing and totally captivate my audience, like Ms. Franklin.


How would you describe your "musical" style?
I would say my music is R&B Soul with a chic Hip/Hop edge.


What makes you different from all the other up & coming singers?
Overall, my music makes me different. I like to embody different genres. I especially like to take different elements of Blues and Rock, stir them up in my beats, and make P’Rocker Pie! J (P’Rocker-nickname my manager gave me).


What project(s) are you working on?
Currently I’m working on my first studio album due to drop fall 2011. In addition, my mix tape will be available later this year.


Where can people find out more info on you and your music?
You can check me out on my FACEBOOK fan page @ Porcelan Chalet or at

www.twitter.com/porcelanchalet
www.reverbnation.com/porcelanchalet
www.youtube.com/Porcelan10
http://www.porcelanchaletmusic.com/  (coming soon)

Sunday Funday: Sunset Lounge x Rising Stars x Fashion Wonderland

While Sunday is a day of rest for many people, for others it's another chance to enjoy friends & have a little fun one last time before the week gets started. If you're looking to get out this Sunday, here are a few options for you:

First we have the 2nd Edition of Sunset Lounge at Café Soul (492 S. Main St) from 3p-8p (there will be complimentary drinks from 3p-5p so get there early). Hosted by BHall, JWhite, and G.L.O. Social Club, Sunset Lounge is a true networking event.

If you’re tired of yelling over music to answer simple questions or having to sift through “socialites” to get to the real movers and shakers of the city, this may be for you.

I spoke with BHall after the first set to find out what his motivation was behind this & he stated that he wanted to offer something that was more than just a club scene. The idea had been brewing for over a year & he finally felt like he was in the position where he could put his all into it.

Café Soul was familiar stomping ground for him (poetry nights and karaoke), so he wanted to familiarize people with the location while also getting more people to migrate downtown. His goal is to help people meet those that they may not regularly come into contact with. Sunset Lounge will be held ever 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. The first edition was Sponsored by Style Junkie; if interested in being a sponsor, click here to contact Mr. Hall.

If you still need more style in your life, Stylus-A Fashion Wonderland will be held at Brinson’s Lounge (341 Madison Avenue).

Benefiting Youth With Senior Citizens, this show will highlight fashion categories from vintage up to falls new trends. You must be 18+ to attend and have to RSVP by Sunday morning to attend so click here for more information.

Cocktails are at 5p, with the fashion unveiling at 6p. Donations are accepted at the door for admission so don’t miss out on seeing some wonderful trends while helping a good cause!

Finally, we have Rising Star's Amped Up Indie Artist Concert at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Avenue).

Hosted by Ty Sanders & Whitney Griffen, Amped Up is a showcase highlighting many of Memphis' talented musical artists.

Many have or are scheduled to appear on 106 & Park (Lou Writer, Jessica Ray, and C Cren just to name a few), so now's your chance to catch  a few before they cross over to the big leagues. A few other favorites listed on the performance roster are Ify, YoYo Picasso, & Porcelan Chalet.

Doors open at 6p. 18+, dress code is casual (but no T-Shirts allowed). Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information on tickets or to find out more about the artists that are performing, click here 

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

Wknd Update: Maroon 5 x Trolley Night x Fashion

So much is going on this weekend and I have to say, I love it! If you’re like me and always looking for fun things to do outside the norm, you get excited when you have multiple options.

First off, there’s a Maroon 5 Concert at Mud Island Amphitheater (I’ll be in attendance!). Maroon 5 has had SO many hits over the years (I still sing their debut single “Harder to Breathe” at the top of my lungs) so this is a highly anticipated show. There are concerts at the Amphitheater year round but this will be my first time going.

It’s also the last Friday of the month so South Main Street’s Trolley Night will be in effect. If you’ve never been, many of the galleries and boutiques along the trolley line open their doors for everyone to come inside and take a peak at what they have to offer.

Many offer free appetizers and wine to folks who pass through so if you’re looking for a low-key, early evening with friends, this may be for you.

Be sure to stop by Strange Fruit Vintage’s Pop Up Shop at 546 S. Main. At their last event I scored a CUTE oversized clutch and earrings. There are a lot of fashionable vintage pieces from the 80s & 90s so go before it’s gone!


Speaking of Fashion, Revolutionary Runway will be hosting a fashion show Saturday at Sense’s NightClub from 8p-10p.

Revolutionary Runway is a runway show of models who walk the runway with local artists' canvas art pieces. Saturday Night’s event is titled “The Revolution” . They've had  series of fashion shows this year, each one centering around a theme so this will be a change of pace for those use to standard shows. I'm always game for anything that incorporates art and fashion!
Click here for more info about the show.

 
 
 
 
This weekend is full so stay tuned for part 2!

Creative 4 Cause x Westham Records x Cool Sessions = Fun Times!

Peeps, this weekend is JAM PACKED with festivities! In addition to CGI's Can I Live Celebrity Weekend, you have, many, many other options to choose from. Here are a few that are standing out for me!

Tonight, Photographer/Graphic Designer Akeara Williams hosts her 1st showcase, Creative 4 Cause Charity Art Exhibit. A Digital Art Exhibit,  there will be 10 original pieces for viewing and silent auction.

Admission is only $5, and proceeds from the door & sale of the pieces will be donated to the Red Cross for Haiti Relief. It's only been 6 months since the devastation that struck Haiti, so if you can attend, please swing by to show support!

It's from 6:30p-9p at Aquarius Creative Studio (688 S. Cox, Memphis, TN 38104), and there will be food and drinks, with DJ Rocksteddy on the 1's and 2's!

Also tonight will be the label release of Westham Records. A record label with influences ranging from Hip-Hop, Soul, Electro, and Dub Reggae, tonight's launch will be for the true music lover.

Performances by Memphis' own Preaux, Ify, Cities Aviv, and Homework (he is such an amazing DJ.& Producer I once sat in on a studio session and got a chance to see him scratch on a beat he created. I was in awe!)

It starts at 9p, is only $5, and will be at Nocturnal (1588 Madison Ave.) 

I listen to both mainstream and underground artists so I 'm really excited for this label's launch in our city. They already have singles on Itunes so they are making moves!

Ok, so you've been to Saturday Sessions at Senses and Rumba Room. You've been to Cool Out at Round One. But have you been to Cool Out Sessions?

Tomorrow's edition promises to be EPIC. Moody Inc. and The Cool Out Crew are collaborating on the ultimate Day Party at Republic Nightclub. Both floors will be open, including the patio with Memphis' best kept secret, DJ Houston.

I'm usually out running errands but I plan on stopping by. Free admission, and it's from 2p-7p. Hope to see you there!

Dear readers? Will I see you at any of the other festivities? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

Big Boi Listening Session

A few weeks ago, I attended Big Boi’s Listening Session that was held at Round One during its Monday Night Mingle Set. Unless you’ve been sitting under a rock for the last few years, you know that Big Boi is ½ of one of the ultimate Hip-Hop duos, Outkast. On tomorrow, he will be his releasing much-anticipated solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot… the Son of Chico Dusty.

While I’m not the hugest Hip-Hop head, I know good music when I hear it, so please believe I will be copping it on tomorrow. One of the things that I’ve always respected about Outkast is that they never played it safe when it came to their music; Big Boi is continuing that tradition with his solo LP. While many of today’s established acts are content with churning out the same drab musical offerings, Sir Lucious Left Foot... is like a breath of fresh air. The production is SICK (I like the lead single Shutterbugg, but General Patton is the OBVIOUS standout) so this could be the soundtrack for the summer.

And let me add, Big Boi is an extremely down to earth artist. Although a VIP area was set up, I watched him take countless pictures, sign autographs, and do interviews all night (I even got a picture and a hug). You’d have thought he was with friends and not at a promotional event. He’s been in the game for a while but still appreciates his fans and grinds like a new artist (up & coming artists take note!) and that’s a pleasure to see. You can’t help by support an artist like that.

Anyhoo, below are a few pictures from the night, but go to NDLOOP.NET to see the rest!

So readers, where any of you at the listening session? What did you think of the album? Take a moment to comment and keep us N D Loop!