Last night saw the launch of ARALE.tv, a brand new label and music platform which highlights exclusive music from key producers and musicians worldwide. Hosted by the ever talented home-grown songstress Tawiah, the night saw liveperformances from UK based producer Ben Jones and DC soul singer Muhsinah. The evening, which went down at the Lexington in Islington was an intimate affair, with not only good music, but also an extremely great vibe.
Ben Jones, who I hadn’t personally heard of before, performed with a 3-piece band but also brought up a couple guest singers including Basement Jaxx singer Vula – who by all accounts, totally blew me away!! Jones’ production style is real cool, his snyth sounds, combined with a certain…funk and Hip Hop influence pumped through the Lexington brilliantly. It seemed like everyone was diggin’ his vibe. Having no preconception of what he was about, I was definitely one of those impressed. I got some real cool footage of this guy doing his thing. Watch for that in the next hour or so!
After a short interval, it was Muhsinah’s turn. Her The Oscillations: Sine album has been in heavy rotation for the past 12 months, and I’m still yet to bore of it. Her mellow, eclectic style is fresh and unique and her voice? Her voice is simply sublime. Muhsinah is one of those singers who actually sound very different live than she does on record. Her voice last night (despite suffering from a cold this past week, which she rightly blamed on the British weather) was strong, sincere and well…Damn sexy!
The singer, songwriter, producer, composer and all round musician played along side a 6 piece band (keyboard, guitar, violinist and 3 back up singers *toot, toot to Rahel & Layla!*) – which she admitted was a rarity for her. The venue, perfect for such an event, was filled to the brim with enthusiastic and happy people, who came to admire the talents of this DC native. Tracks including “A.M”, “Construction”, “Wonders” and the song that appears on the exclusive ARALE EP “Are In Be” (which she had never performed to a live crowd before) were all performed. I got everything I expected from Mushinah. Her voice, her words, her quirky but real personality and above all her obvious love for making music and making people who she plays for happy. From DC to LDN Muhsinah translated perfectly. Can’t wait till her next visit
Photography by Shan Phearon
All in all, last nights launch was amazing. I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed it. These types of events are exactly what this city needs more of. An intimate gig, with a live band and live music celebrating real talent – what more can you ask for?
Mucho love to Layla, Rahel and the entire ARALE team (big up Zayns) for putting such a beautiful night together! YOU DID IT! Can’t wait for the next one! And of course, crazy love to Muhsinah for the interview and…Everything! ‘Twas a pleasure. And to everyone else who performed: Ben Jones, the band etc!
…Footage of the evening coming in the next hour or so!
Peace, Love & ARALE
Speeakz
Shouts to the PMOI, Tribe & Soulcuture family! And standadly, Pal Mal & Mr Fantastic**t!
[...] can check out a full review over at Pinboard and while your there check out their exclusive interview with Musinah. Sadly it looks like we [...]
[...] the recap of the show on pinboard along with an exclusive [...]
Thanks for posting this for those who couldn't attend.
http://www.myspace.com/outabodies