I’ve seen Alicia Keys in concert a bunch of times, but this show – I have to be at.
To commemorate the 10 year anniversary of her debut album Songs in A Minor, Keys will play a special one-off show at the historic Royal Albert Hall accompanied only by her piano.
The ‘Piano & I: A One Night Only Event with Alicia Keys’ will see the Grammy winner performing the album in it’s entirety, while sharing personal stories about the process behind making it.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Songs in A Minor than by holding a special, intimate concert for my fans…It’s my absolute favorite way to perform. There is something so special about just me on my piano connecting with the audience. It brings me back to the very beginning when I could only perform with a keyboard and to now be able take it back to the essence of who I am with this show, it is so exciting”
To coincide Alicia will also release a 10th Anniversary Deluxe and Collector’s Edition of her debut album on June 27th.
… I could write a dissertation on this album and what it means to me. I remember the day I discovered it (in Our Price!), I remember the first time I played it, I remember telling everyone who would listen about it – without question an important album to me. So for me, this event cannot be missed. Looking forward to it immensely.
‘So In Love’ is Jill Scott’s official radio single off her forthcoming album The Light of the Sun and features Soul-man Anthony Hamilton.
The track is nice. It’s not fantastic though. I was (kinda, almost) down with her first single ‘Shame’ (featuring Eve) but I must admit, I do need to hear something a little extra from Jilly this time around. I love her, always have, always will – but I do feel she needs to inject a little left-field-ness into her sonics. Progression is key, no?
That said both Hamilton and Scott sound great together and… I still cannot wait for that album!
London born Jessie J performs her single ‘Mama Knows Best’ live on BET’s 106 & Park – marking the singers first appearance on the show. The performed like she always does – vocal gymnastics ablaze. Can’t knock that voice.
Two brand new tracks from UK songstress Szjerdene, who has just inked a deal with Plug Research – a massive congratulations!
Szjerdene performed ‘Lead the Way’, her debut single, for us exclusively last year; The feel good track (co-written by Robin Hanibal of Quadron), along with it’s B-Side ‘If 6 Was 8′ marks Szjerdene’s first official U.S release. Both feature airy flotations, live instrumentation and naturally, Szjedene’s angelic vocals.
We’re extremely proud of this young lady, signing with Plug Research is a huge look. She’s been grindin’ for a minute now and deserves all the success that is undoubtedly coming her way.
Looking forward to seeing how this all develops. Congrats again!
Buy both ‘Lead the Way’ & ‘If 6 was 8′ via iTunes now.
Star Slinger just put out this new mixtape featuring songs from the likes of Hudson Mohawke, 213, Sa-Ra, J.Dilla, Daedelus, Kindred the Family Soul and more.
…Tell me that list doesn’t wet your appetite? R&B/Soul/Hip Hop heads – get involved. Listen & download via the player below.
After Monday’s album release, the experimental pseudo alt-rock band accompany the music from their Nine Types Of Light LP with a feature length film to reinforce the new material.
Frontman, Tunde Adebimpe alongside friends and other filmmakers direct the music videos within the film which gives an opportunity to hear the entire record. A “visual re-imagining” of each song together with quirky interview inserts from the band, conversing about topics including fame, dreams and the future – all makes for good viewing.
Kudos for producing a variation to the typical three and a half minutes worth. I could think of worse ways to spend a hour. Watch with me.
Brand new track and first offering from the Chicago duo’s forthcoming album When Fish Ride Bicycle. Peep the funny mock-umentary for ‘Bundle Up’ above.
SKoA posted up two new tracks from Will.I.Am & Justin Timberlake – I’m only posting one, the other isn’t too hot.
Some of you will know this track as ‘The Nature’ off of Talib Kweli’s 2007 album Eardrum (shouts to Spatel1305 for the remind).
I’m astounded that the Black Eyed Peas front man was able to remember what a soulful beat sounds like, let alone produce one Well, I guess that statement was a little too good to be true to begin with.
‘Nature of the World’ isn’t the greatest track you’re going to hear, but it’s decent enough. Think we’re all a little desperate to hear some new JT music anyhow, so it’s cool for that reason alone (even though the hook he sings is a little weak). It’s just strange hearing Will.I.Am on a Hip Hop track. Rapping. With decent lyrics. Who knew.
I can not will not hide my disdain for Will.I.Am and the way he completely sold out. I don’t ‘go in’ on many people on here – it’s not what we’re about – but having brought the Black Eyed Peas’ first two albums when I was a kid, to then have to witness their subsequent (de)evolution – is not something I’m cool with. I’ve heard every side of the argument: “they needed to go commercial to make money”, “everyone needs to evolve”, “they’re making great pop records” – none of the aforementioned is false (well, except for the last one) but those facts don’t take away from the real issue – the issue of giving up, of not pushing forward, of generally bending over to the demands of the mainstream. And again, to stress – even despite all this – the music they make actually sucks (IMO).
Canadian producer/singer D’Eon brings forth this post-2step, R&B leaning, ultra groove/dance track called ‘Transparency’ to our ears.
Beginning with soft melodic keys, it is soon joined by the usual range of claps, dance shuffle and the airy voice of D’Eon. Not the strongest vocal, but D’Eon maintains a dreamic sound, ultimately what the laidback vibe is reliant upon. Admittedly, you have to have your alt-ears pinned up for this one, but when that double time kicks in around the 3 mins mark (all (video) distractions aside) my ears are fully involved.
This track is taken from the forthcoming Darkbloom album, not sure if the whole project will be to my taste, but as a standalone song, I like the sound of this one.
If you missed out on this gem the first time around, lucky for you Onra’s decided to re-release it as a free download, available to all.
Escape to 2007 and revisit the sounds of Byron on the synths and Onra on the beats. The slight downside of this gift, is that like a lot of talented musicians out there, Onra did not make any money off this LP and thought heck – might as well give it away for free, officially.
Silkie recently dropped a preview mix of his forthcoming City Limits 1.6 – 1.8 EP out April 25th via Deep Medi. This extended player is the third and final in a series.
City Limits 1.6 – 1.8 features four new songs: ‘It’s Late’, ‘Float’, ‘Murky’ & ‘Techfunk’ – all of which can be sampled in this mix.
Full Crate put together this 45 minute mix called Subs, Dust & Synths for VageGasten. The mix pretty much does what it says on the tin – expect “beats, subs, dubs and more dusty, yet energetic tunes!”.
Got some HudMo, Salva, Lunice & Onra in here – full track list after the jump…
The 2011 Red Bull Music Academy was originally planned to be held in Japan – however, after the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami that recently hit the country, it was decided that the host city would change.
Red Bull have just announced that this years music academy will be held in Madrid – “set in one of the most remarkable architecture sites of early 20th century Madrid, the industrial complex is currently being transformed into the Spanish capital’s biggest centre for contemporary creation”.
… “While we are happy to announce that we have found an exceptional location for this year’s edition of the Red Bull Music Academy, we would also like to emphasize again how difficult the decision was not to hold the Academy main event in Japan.”
For info on how to apply (extended deadline: April 28th 2011) and for general FAQ’s – head over to the RBMA website.
