WOOOP! If you've been rocking with me for awhile you know how excited I get to share music. So, today I released a playlist called, "MIA, but STILL Hear". It has all the selections I've been rocking with lately. I've been sharing music through various forms of media all my life really, but in 2006 I started with a mixtape (cd), the baby Stace Volumes (1-54). I was also on IMEEM heavy sharing playlists then it progressed to the Really Not Radio show where I released a monthly mix from 2012 to 2015ish. And now the new wave seems to be sharing music through playlists on music streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music. Curating playlists are much easier than producing a radio show, so I'm down with this new wave because it does save time lol. However, I am going to miss discussing the music and sharing all my favorite details about each song, but I'll come up with another way to keep in touch with you all to give you a first class listening experience as before. "MIA, but STILL HEAR" will be the only playlist found on Apple Music at this time, but please check out my past shows to catch the vibe and catch up on Mixcloud page.
Alrighty, here's the direct link to my APPLE MUSIC profile here !!!
Really Not Radio presents "overHear" where we come together with other music enthusiasts to discuss the Music. In this debut show we hang with LeBishop (vaschon_Dragon), DJ/Illustrator, and we share our thoughts on the Black Panther soundtrack curated by Kendrick Lamar of Top Dawg Entertainment. Come chill, over here. Golden ears overHear ;-) Please enjoy a first class listening experience below where you can either be present and watch the visual presentation or listen to just the audio of the show. Stay tuned...
I'm so excited to present to you my first official music video for, "Pain Killers" performed by Dawn Gun and song produced by Donald XL Robertson. This is the video that Dawn Gun and I were discussing in the "Cookin' With Really Not Radio" debut show you can watch in my previous post. Everything came together so well and organically, which is so important to me as a creative. It blows me away as to how far I've come, and I'm really proud of this video because I was able to wear many different hats, and practice all the skills I've acquired this far. I wrote the treatment for it. I was the cinematographer, the editor and the colorist. I'm a happy camper. Thank you all for hanging and sticking with me through all my adventures. Here's to many MORE! CHEERS!
Cookin' With Really Not Radio captures the moments of the creative process between creators. This episode features Dawn Gun, the CEO of Pretty Ill Entertainment, an emcee from Harlem whose charisma is felt through her storytelling. We had a festive time cooking tacos, sipping gin martini's, cookin' up ideas for our recent music video collaboration of Dawn Gun's latest release "Pain Killers" all while the 60th Grammy Award's show plays in the background. Come chill and see what we're cookin'. Below you will find the visual and audio presentation.
Happy New Year! I've brought back my Really Not Radio Conversations InPlaces show where I get together with independent artists that I've come across that are exceptional. We come together because of the Music and explore various topics through conversation InPlaces in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. What I really enjoy about this show is that the artist sends me the artist and title of songs that have made an impact or influenced them to-date. Then, I arrange them throughout our conversation to give you the music where art imitates life. It never fails that the artist selects displays the depth of their artistry. It's a truly remarkable phenomenon. I love it. True artists are dope selectors period.
I'm launching this segment off with Tree Of Lyfe of Brilliance Limted. He's an artist with a great passion to provoke thought. As an emcee, illustrator and designer he gives you his perspective through his gift of creating. We discuss evolving as an artist, lifestyle, his influences, faith, business and personal development and more.
Really Not Radio has always been about giving you a first class listening experience, but we've progressed. We are now able to give you a visual experience through video. Woo hoo! Below, you will find the visual conversation as well as the listening experience through the audio podcast with the artists musical selections. Enjoy and make sure to hit me us up on Instagram to keep in touch @reallynotradio and @TreeOfLyfe.
Audio Podcast with Tree Of Lyfe musical selections on Mixcloud...
Here's the visual presentation of our conversation...
I've lived in Los Angeles, CA since 2011 and I haven't met too many people who I share common interests with that truly care about the well being of humans and the progression of the world to make it a better more inclusive place. However, I have come across and got to know an afro-futuristic, women's liberation art collective called Snatch Power. After I hung out with them on several occasions to create or to party I learned that there are other people who care about, and wish to bring awareness to the social injustices black people and more specifically what black women face in America.
Snatch Power was founded by The Uhuruverse. Many would consider they are radical in their views and representation of self, but what's so radical about love and allowing others the opportunity to live equally and freely to be completely themselves? It just makes too much sense I guess, during this period in America where leadership wants to, "Make America Great Again" by returning to conservative values. How does the fashion in which an individual lives their life effect someone else? It really doesn't, and you can't pass your values or beliefs on others who don't believe like you, and then to take it one-step further, HATE others because of it. It's just not civil, liberating or the American Dream "melting pot" we were instilled to believe in. We need to be more open-minded as this world progresses and RESISTS the current Administration in an overwhelming response in regards to so many demographics. Many ideals are being exposed, and all the oppression is being brought to light. As painful as it may be for all of us. It's necessary. The only way for change is to reveal the problem(s), find common ground, and move forward together. We truly need to leave the judgment to God not man/woman. God says we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Below you will find a few brief remarks from The Uhuruverse as to where they believe many of the problems lie, and how they are creating change everyday through their art. I'm grateful for the art and work that Snatch Power engages in on a daily basis. True warriors. They are always on the frontline fighting for civil rights and justice even when it's not trending or popular. I've been exposed to new ideals and schools of thought because of Snatch Power, and for that I am forever grateful.
The other day I posted a clip from Dreezy'sLA Leakers Freestyle on my Instagram page, but I had to archive it here. During a time when "mumble" or swag rap (side bar: do they write their raps or is it freestyled? Real question) is the wave it gives me an unexplainable amount of joy when I come across a dope, articulate freestyle. Freestyling shows how witty, and quick an emcee's brain works, and you just can't deny it. In my opinion, freestyling is one attribute necessary to be considered in hip hop one of the "Greatest of All Time" if you can't hit us with BARS. And Dreezy hits us with BAR after BAR after BAR after BAR after BAR in the video above. Check it out and let me know what your favorite line is here.
Malia's 'Late Bloomer' EP, so eloquently puts in words what we feel when we share our personal space and time with someone. It's sacred. It's real, and it should be enjoyed just being while being completely authentic with one another. Intellectual, swagged out, solid, accepting, delicate love. Malia delivers game ever-so-softly from song to song. I want to say who she reminds me of, but I won't say that here. You will have to contact me on Instagram @reallynotradio to find out. Hint: They are both two great entertainers from my 80's/90's baby generation.
To note, Malia has the best break downs of life. I promise you. Who is the drummer? The bassist? Is that Malia playing the electric guitar? I have questions. We need answers lol. She takes you on an exploration of sound with smooth bass lines, crisp drums, warm percussive sounds, and I DO believe she is playing ALL the guitar parts. She's killin', on her song "Dirty Laundry" featuring @Syd. Crazy. @nicky_nickydavey@nickydaveymusic produced and @rosegold helped wrist out these songs on 'Late Bloomer', which can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify and Soundcloud. Fun fact: I discovered Malia through an Instagram video clip. I will have to look for it. Then, my next introduction to her musical magic was when she dropped "Satisfaction" on Soundcloud a few years back. A must listen. Malia turned out to be all that I was hoping for and more. I love EVERY song, NO LIE #OnRepeat. Support independent artists when they come to your city to hang out with us. Follow them to stay in the loop of all the action. ENGAGE!
Here's a lil sumthin'. Clearly, I was completely inspired by this project. Stream her album below and add it to your collection for sure.
There are so many aspects to the business of music that it takes away from just being able to create as an artist. There is a lot to learn to successfully navigate the music industry. Micah Powell of MuseCon and Brittney Boston of Musicology have created a platform to give guidance and inspire the next generation of artists through their workshops such as "The Creative Experience of Songwriting" held at The Art Institute of California in North Hollywood.
This interactive workshop featured songwriters were Brian A. Morgan, JDoe and DelMar Powell. Brian Morgan is a producer and songwriter who has been involved in the music industry from the mid 80s. He has worked with SWV (he shared the "Weak" and "Rain" demo with us btw), Lalah Hathaway, Aloe Blacc, Drake and more. JDoe, James Smith, is a songwriter, producer and rapper who has worked with Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Kelly Rowland and Jennifer Lopez to name several. DelMar Powell is a director of A&R who has worked with some of the biggest labels from Jive to Republic Records. They all shared their perspectives covering collaboration, splits, trends and pivotal moments of their careers. They presented their experiences to us in a straight up fashion, and their insights sparked the minds of those in attendance. The biggest takeaway for me from this workshop is that you have to appreciate and nurture those relationships of those you come up with because that's who you will rise and work with in the future. It's so important to surround yourself with like minded individuals that have the same or GREATER drive, ability and work ethic as you. It just makes the creative process that much more efficient and enjoyable!
Here's a brief video of some of the gems shared below! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
@mrhooperraps never disappoints when it comes to #hiphop! I listened to his latest album #AutoReverse back to back today, and then made the mistake of listening to the radio. Today's mainstream "hip hop" needs more diversity. EVERY SINGLE SONG was about, "let's get lit, let's pop pills, I'll take yo b$&?@ with all this money while wearing my diamond chains and rings while holding my Draco I'll shoot you in the brain. Tater tot it don't stop". There's zero substance. If we rapped like this back in the day you would get boo'd and joked forever. Today's pop rap is destructive to self, to the culture and doesn't even make sense if you decipher it concept wise besides the mumble wave argument. There's no storytelling....nada. It gives nothing to the younger generation to aspire to. Anyone can party every single night, but it's temporal and gives no guidance or knowledge on how to secure the future for yourself, family or community. Plus, the lifestyle portrayed in these songs are expensive and a waste of money. I never understood why someone would buy a $150-$300 bottle of whatever when you can get it at the grocery store for $29.99 at most. Trust me I've partied with the best of them in some great places, but it just doesn't make sense. I don't know I guess I'm officially old. Virgo season is coming I'll be 37. Anyways, I got wayyyyyyy off topic, but make sure to check out Auto Reverse by @mrhooperraps. Support #indieartists and actively engage with artists who push truth, social awareness and self love if not for yourself for the youth. They deserve a chance to be exposed to different opportunities. Diversify hip hop on the radio - signed REALLY NOT RADIO‼️ They are capitalizing on our children's future which will end in prison or death if nothing changes. Life Imitates art in some cases. #ICareTooMuch. Thank you @mrhooperraps for this album you have #purpose!
Lately, the major headlines all over the world are bleak, dark in nature and uninspiring. It makes you question what is this world coming to? Arielle Deem's recent performance at the Blue Whale, a highly respected, intimate jazz and creative arts venue, provided the stage to share a message of hope and constant growth. Many point the finger and choose to blame others for the ills of the world, but as Arielle suggests in her live performance of "Change", we need to take a look within ourselves. What is our purpose? What can we as individuals contribute to this world with each passing season? The universe has the capacity for all of us to evolve collectively because everyone's one-of-a-kind life offers something necessary to further the human experience. We are ALL here for a reason.
Arielle's reason is to make a positive impact by spreading her message through music as a vocalist, composer and artist blending sounds of jazz, soul, electro-soul and other world rhythms with popular song structure. She is not an artist you can easily fit into a particular genre, and that's what we are in search for here at Really Not Radio. Please enjoy the live performance video of "Change" below. Arielle was accompanied by a handful of musicians. Bobby Grigas brought the vibe with the vibraphone, Julian Karahalios was felt on the bass, Evan Montgomery picked at the strings of our heart on guitar and Joshua Linsky tapped into our joy on drums.
Per usual, make sure to support indie artists by following them on their social networks and providing them with feedback. Not just likes all the time. Make sure to attend shows when they're in a city near you and purchase their music. Arielle Deem's latest project, "Evolving" was released April 22, 2017. It's a MUST listen and the recording and mix are TOP NOTCH!
Enjoy a first class listening experience from some dope indie artists with sprinkles of some of the biggest hits of RIGHT NOW! This is something to ride to. Press play...
Cover art: @ashleybankslife
Show love, "LIKE" us on Facebook Come as you are, "FOLLOW" us on Twitter Stay in the loop, "JOIN" us on Google+ And "LIVE" art through music with us on Instagram
Much love and blessings to @snatchpower for creating such an impactful platform to empower women ‼️✨🚀 Click on over to Snatch Power's #Soundcloud page to listen to the #lituation!
In a new segment, @theuhuruverse sails through the galaxy of Monet's music catalogue on soundcloud.com (https://soundcloud.com/chelseamonet), selecting from the plethora of music Monet has recorded over the years! ☄☄☄Following a quick listen, Miss Monet discusses the song/album/time/place of recording! 🎧
Next, the snatches preview Monet's newest video F.A.N. directed by @ReallyNotRadio! "Baby Stace" is also the producer of #SelfHelpRaps EP by Monet! Stace is a producer, recording engineer, and blogger. She describes herself as a sharer of music through a variety of mediums. @ReallyNotRadio was started by Baby Stace in 2012 and has four years of musical history documented by Baby Stace. 🎬 The show closes with a live performance by Miss Chelsea Mone't!!! #PRESSPLAY 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Brandi Kane of The Sistem Crew and Pretty Ill Ent. headlined the Reflect show held at Que Sera in Long Beach March 1, 2016. She performed her latest single, "Shots Fired". Many were impacted by this thought provoking song, and Brandi Kane's entire set that night. Check out what the people had to say. Videography and editing by @reallynotradio
Check out Dawn Gun's live performance at Snatch Power's Rumble in the Jungle where only the illest, queen emcees rock the mic. Dawn Gun isn't new to this, but true to her art. No games played over here as you will see from the video. Video shot and edited by Really Not Radio, Made You Look.
Hey guys! The year is already in full swing, and it's starting out pretty wonderful. New year, new things, and Chelsea Monet and I came together to bring you our video, "F.A.N (Feliz Año Nuevo)" , the single off of Chelsea's #SELFHELPRAPS project. Check out the music and watch the video below. It's extra special to me because it's the first music video I've directed and edited!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As of today, there is only one instance where I can actually say, "art imitates life". Imagine a new, fearless and judgement-free world that defines it's own culture not by what is learned, but what is felt and artistically expressed. A place where you know and accept exactly who you were created to be, and live it to the max in a fantastic, colorful way. Women are phenomenal on their own, but when united with other talented, supportive women great things will be accomplished. Snatch Power is this world.
Snatch Power is a post-apocalyptic, anarchist, afrofuturistic, lgbt, kawaii, feminist artist collective founded in Los Angeles, CA in 2014 by Uhura Moor and Flannery Kennedy. Their desire was to create a sisterhood of artists. They themselves are artists, radio personalities and dancers. The members of Snatch Power are emcees, writers, poets, photographers, musicians, models, designers, songstresses, publicists, etc who are actively flourishing in their crafts. The few Snatch Power events I've been able to attend have always been just what I needed. I want to be impressed, I want all my senses to be stimulated. I find there are so many interesting aspects to life. You will miss out on some exciting experiences if you stay in your little, plain, dull, square, cardboard box. Man, I was bored just typing that. Anywho, you should attend a Snatch Power event if you're in the LA area. I guarantee it will be action-packed with visual arts, dope DJs, burlesque, fashion and of course my favorite live music performances from raw artists on the LA underground music scene. All the while being amongst other chill, down- to-venus people who also enjoy being uniquely themselves. If you aren't in the Los Angeles area you can get a taste of Snatch Power by listening to SnatchPower Radio on www.radiotitans.com every Thursday night from 9:30-10:30pm PDT. Support all things Snatch and follow the sisterhood on InstagramTwitter.
On any given day in Los Angeles, CA there's at least 3-5 dope music-centered events to attend. Every blue moon you will come across a concept event like Beats & Brunch LA that creates something to be experienced. Dizon Dreams and The LA Mixer hosted a celebration exploring west coast sound in true Los Angeles fashion with a chic, backyard boogie. The beats selected by DJ Erok carried the vibe allowing people to mix and mingle while enjoying the hip hop inspired brunch menu. At the bar, you could grab tasty cocktail from Robb Roy called Rum D.M.C, Thug Passion or Wu-Tang Forever or menu choices like Eggs Gonna Give It To Ya, breakfast dessert or Craig Mac 'n Cheese curated by Chef Lovely were a nice touch.
As the drinks were flowing and people were connecting awaiting the featured guest panel curated by Brittney Boston of Musicology. Miracle, the violinist/producer/singer/lyricist and aspiring author, commanded our attention with her violin, singing and dancing over the instrumentals for Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre's "Ain't Nothing But A G Thang" and Ice Cube's "Today Was A Good Day". She further set the tone ushering in a pleasant atmosphere to receive the diverse in thought, and well versed panel of artists and influencers that have been working and making waves on the west coast in music culture and industry for quite some time.
Allow me to introduce Curtiss King, rap artist, producer and engineer who brings a fun, funky, charismatic 90's flavor to everything he creates. He has worked with a variety of high-profile and emerging artists such as: Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, MURS, Hit-Boy, Glasses Malone and Noa James to name several. Chris Alfaro of Free The Robots also shared knowledge with us about the rise of the "collective" from his direct experience with Low End Theory and Soulection. He is signed to Alpha Pup Records and designs psyche, jazz, electronic, hip hop sounds. Ervin "EP" Pope has made at least 5 of your favorite records. No lie. He's worked with Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Janet Jackson and the list goes on for quite awhile. Not only is he your producer's favorite producer, but he's a mentor and the creator of a new platform showcasing emerging talent called, The Art of Hip Hop Live here in Los Angeles. The last panel member was Besidone Amoruwa, She currently works with Revolt TV, and has worked with Aftermath/Interscope, BET, Hidden Beach Recordings and Larrabee Recording Studios. It's safe to say she's an influencer of music culture.
All of those involved with this event from the creators, moderators, panelists, chefs, mixologists and attendees I felt there was an authentic love and support for music. The preservation of the music that has paved the way, and the yearning to be uniquely true to themselves to discover and mold what's next for the west coast sound and music in general. This is a great environment to explore music from various perspectives and I look forward to the next Beats & Brunch LA!
