Glasser: An American Treasure

Artist like Glasser don’t come everyday. She takes listeners on a journey to the past, present, and future. The ethereal electronic artist doesn’t cater to Top 40 radio. Call her music Unrestrained Art, because she’s not following any guidelines. Incessant evolution takes place on each of her records with the instrumentation.  The chord changes alone are enough to make you hallucinate about  a utopian society where pain doesn’t exist. Glasser’s Ring album gives you an opportunity to experience the same  sounds her blood cells get to hear as they move throughout their living vessel. Yes, her music is that personal.

What makes her special is her ability to make universal music. It has nothing to do with worldly sounds, it’s because she understands the human experience. The messages in her songs tap into your psyche, not just your heart. Thoughts of the unknown, our existence, possibilities, failures, and successes are all heard throughout Glasser’s music.   As expressed through her songs; she’s a fragile being that can reassemble its self if broken. We’ve not had many artist quite as special, therefore handle with care and appreciate her audible art.

All doubts can be erased once you press play.

Explore India Shawn

Organic is the first word that comes to mind when describing her sound. She carries an essence of honesty in her music reminiscent of  Amel Larrieux, Sade, and, Dido. The singer-songwriter has gained notoriety behind the scenes penning songs for Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, and Monica . India’s 1/3 of talented songwriters from  the writing camp Full Circle.  With the growing trend of Alternative R&B , many artist are purposely neglecting soulful records to gain exposure from young urban listeners. There’s nothing contrived about India’s sound. Her melodic melismas and haunting harmonies can be found on her debut album Origin. 

The genesis of greatness

The Los Angeles songbird manages to blur genre lines, while still crafting a signature sound. Lyrically she reveals vulnerability, exposes flaws, and tackles inner demons. Some may think I’m ludicrous to label her an R&B artist, but I don’t see the genre as one-dimensional.  To me she represents the purest form of it , she’s not trying to be hip- hop or gain street cred. This is music that touches the heart, nurtures the spirit, and challenges the mind.

Do the world a favor and spread the word about her talent.

Odd Future’s Best Kept Secret: The Internet

There’s been lots of buzz about Tyler the Creator and Frank Ocean, but more of the spotlight needs to be shared with trip-hop group The Internet.

Matt Martians and Syd Tha Kyd

Androgynous front woman Syd Tha Kyd  is indeed a lesbian, however don’t expect her to be a feminist. The LA born singer uses just as much misogyny in her lyrics as her label mates. The eccentric singer also serves as Odd Future’s main producer, and she has no problems with their usage of “homophobia” in their lyrics.  Matt Martians is the producer of the project who infuses his influences from The Neptunes, chill wave, and old school hip hop.

Their artfully designed debut album Purple Naked Ladies was released in 2011. The album’s topics aren’t typical, sappy, love-making bullsh*t. The lyrics are well written metaphors that glide through your eardrums like dandelion seeds.    Self-righteous idiots have attempted to brand the duo as supporters of rape, drug addiction, and criminal activity, however I think the sensitive conservatives should just relax and enjoy the music.  Check out my favorite record by them called “fastlane”  The visual for this ear candy was directed by Matt Alonzo.

I’m a fan for life, and I have been for a while. Even though they haven’t reached mainstream success, they’ve still managed to make an impact on the indie scene. Increased awareness of these audible artists is well deserved.

What are your thoughts? Are you interested to hear more music from them?

Kelly Rowland: The Ultimate Doormat

I wish it wasn’t true, but Kelendria Trene Rowland epitomizes a doormat and a lackey. Kelly has made a career out of being a sidekick. Before I go any further let me say some positive things. Kelly Rowland is smart, beautiful, and talented. She’s also an insecure woman looking for validation whose afraid of her greatness. I am not a hater, I say these things out of love. I have been following her career from the beginning. I’ve watched every performance, read and watched every interview, and listened to every record.

Kelly Rowland thinks that she needs Beyonce. She’s always at her best vocally, and performance wise when she’s next to her sister. Even today she still seems to fall into place when around Beyonce, as if she’s the peasant girl. Kelly Rowland doesn’t see Kelly Rowland as amazing, she’s at her best when next to Beyonce because she believes more in the DC brand more than herself. The accomplishments of DC provide Kelly with an ego boost that can be seen and heard from her on stage. Kelly the solo artist lacks the assurance that Kelly of DC3 has.

Watch any interview with Kelly Rowland pre 2010 and notice how giddy Kelly gets when there’s an opportunity to praise and worship Beyonce. She’s also ran to her defense in several interviews as well. Kelly’s never been that passionate about herself. Let’s not forget how Kelly revealed that she was playing all her tracks for Beyonce looking for her approval. *sighs*

Kelly Stanning Out

Growing up in the Knowles household definitely played a role in this inferiority complex.  She’s learned to accept playing 2nd fiddle. Kelly saw herself as blessed to be living in the home of  her friend who was the ideal. Kelly had a single mother with financial issues and daddy issues, while Beyonce was a princess growing up in a privileged two parent home. Because Kelly saw Beyonce as an amazing entity she had validation, therefore when anyone tries to come at Beyonce, Kelly becomes defensive because you’re insinuating her validator is flawed. By saying her validator is flawed you’re also insinuating that she may have a bad judge of character when it comes to kelly, and since Beyonce is her source of validation, Kelly sees that as unacceptable. I know that might seem confusing but it’s a sick psychological issue going on. Kelly sees Beyonce as her God.

Tagging Along

Kelly has struggled with coming out of her shadow so she’s attempted to befriend other women that she doesn’t see as a threat like Serena Williams, Brandy, and now LaLa.

Kelly tries to steer clear of being a sidekick, but in all of these situations she’s put their by the media. Honestly, she’s improved a lot recently, now she might  be looking for a man to give her validation.  it’s become quite exhausting watching this. I’m tired of writing about this. It’s sad. My advice to Kelly is seek counseling,  and realize that she  should determine her own self-worth.

Mastering Cinematography

Cinematography is an art form. Any schmuck can record video footage on their smart phone, but few understand how essential aesthetics are to a quality film. Cinematography is key to any silent film, without dialogue your audience depends on the visuals to speak the unspoken.  An example of exceptional cinematography can be found in Ava DuVernay’s “The Door” . Take a look for yourself.

Cinematographer Bradford Young managed to reveal moods, narrate, and highlight the clothes all through strategic use of color and lighting. These shots were porn for me. The talent was allowed to shine through their understated and nuanced performances, but the artistic shots allowed their characters to say so much more.  This is a technique I plan to master.  Hype Williams also mastered this in his 1998 film Belly. I’m so mesmerized by the shots that I can’t quote a single line from the film. Sorry Hype, but you do what you do oh so well.

Any great examples of beautiful cinematography you’d love to share?

Clear Channel Killed The Radio Star

The media company Clear Channel Communications owns and operates over 1200 radio stations, and influences the masses to reject diversity. There was a time when you heard songs that weren’t  just “radio friendly”  microwaveable singles. That time was before the 1996 telecommunications act signed by former president Bill Clinton.  1996 was a historic time in the American entertainment industry for all the wrong reasons. The act made it possible for media conglomerates to monopolize all forms of media. That’s why you hear the same songs and artist in heavy rotation. Clear Channel has created a “cool kids table” in the high school cafeteria that is the music industry. Chances are your favorite artist isn’t welcome to sit there, which means they’re silenced. Some of the most talented musicians no longer have a voice.

Radio jockeys and station managers have been robbed of their powers. Once upon a time people looked to their local DJ’s to provide them with the best quality records they approved of. Don’t blame your local DJ, he’s only a pawn, blame Clear Channel. Everything is digital now including radio. Understand that your favorite dj is sent a playlist of songs approved by the big brothers of Clear Channel. They’re not really DJ’s anymore, simply radio personalities pressing the play button. You have to understand that politics play a huge role in what artist are successful. Decisions are made at the top before the song is even released. Most artist aren’t given the opportunity to see Top 40 success, because their records aren’t sent for “adds” at pop radio.  Adele is the same Adele when she released the album 19, but the album 21 saw much greater success than its predecessor because of exposure not quality.

Clear Channel Communications

Everything is a business. Radio isn’t here for your entertainment, it’s here to collect your dollars. The music industry sends songs to radio to promote records that they sell. Radio plays the records for you to listen for free so that you will be exposed to ads. Advertisers pay for commercial time so you will buy their products. It’s all about money.  It’s always been about money, however Clear Channel has robbed you of diversity. They avoid certain artist like the plague simply because they assume you will turn the station, which means less listeners for their paid advertisers. I’m aware that marketability plays a role, but it’s wrong to rob listeners of quality diverse records. There are still stations that stay true to music lovers, but every day Clear Channel buys them and forces them to conform.  Sadly, I don’t see any of this changing soon. Until it does I’ll continue to steer clear of radio.

Remembering Alori Joh

You may not be familiar with her, but she’s an artist gone way too soon. I discovered her through my love of West Coast Rapper Ab-Soul. His 2011 Control System album  featured Alori Joh’s vocals on several records.  Those records caught my attention and I was curious to know more about Miss Joh. I did a quick google search and I discovered sad news that she’s no longer with us.  Instantly it all made sense,  I now had a better understanding of lyrics from the Control System album . I don’t want to focus on how she left this world, but rather celebrate the art she left behind.

Alori Joh (1985-2012)

I discovered The Love Religion EP and I’m amazed at the genuine beauty of the project. Alori’s music is pure with quality lyrical content. Her speaking voice on the interludes sound like cotton candy bliss. I’m choosing to honor her legacy by bringing awareness to her amazing talent.  Aside from her EP, the TDE affiliate can be found on several records with Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and Schoolboy Q.  Her friends and family knew how special she was and now I do too.  Help honor her legacy  and recognize her greatness by familiarizing yourself with her music.

The Vocal Bible

The R&B Bible

That’s right I’m referring to Brandy! She’s an immense talent! Brandy’s your favorite artist’s favorite artist. Her tone is unmatched! I can talk about Brandy’s instrument all day because it has so many textures to it. You’re a fan of Brandy, but you don’t even know it. Artist attempt to duplicate her vocal stylings on their records and these poor attempts can be heard all over the radio.

I’m sure that I’m coming across a tad bit fanatical, but I’m justified in my praising. Before I say anything else that annoys you I’ll just let the music speak for itself. Please enjoy this wonderful melodic record!

Let me know what you think, who’s your favorite vocalist?

Understanding Confidentiality

Silent partner

The mass media industry has a veil of glamour surrounding it, which attracts a lot of the wrong people to its workforce. There are many fame hungry social climbers looking to use their entry-level job as a stepping-stone to becoming a celebrity, or for the bragging rights to say they know a public figure on a first name basis. If you’re one of these delusional wannabes, you might want to consider confidentiality becoming an obstacle.

Confidentiality plays a large part of any media related profession. The staff has privy knowledge before the rest of the world does, and you’re expected to keep your mouth closed about these details if you want to keep your job and avoid a lawsuit.  You need to understand that you won’t be able to discuss the ad campaign you shot for L’Oreal Cosmetics starring Beyoncé. You won’t be able to discuss who won the new season of Survivor. You won’t be able to discuss how First Lady Michelle Obama criticized one of the production members for having “bad lighting”.  All of these are hypothetical scenarios, but they are indeed realistic!

Confidentiality agreements you sign will hinder you from admitting you’re the real “genius writer” of that oscar winning film, or  the author of that “amazing speech” given by a politician, therefore don’t enter the industry looking for fame. Ghostwriters aren’t famous, but they can cash checks!  Your job might allow you to witness or be informed of some amazing details, but you’re not able to discuss them. For those of you that think you’ll have this glamorous job you can go home and gab about, think again! Don’t leak information on social media, record conversations that should remain private, or snap pictures with your iPhone of a female celeb without her wig. Those actions reflect that you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Your employer hired you to do your intended job, not to be an informant for the National Enquirer .  All I’m trying to say is, love your craft, do outstanding work, and enjoy the perks along the way!

What are your thoughts about confidentiality agreements in media? Do you see them as a form of censorship?

Christina Kissed Madonna Too

Flashback to the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards when this infamous kiss took place.

Britney kissing Madge

This image made its rounds all around the world. The two lip locking was shocking and considered sexy enough to bond fathers and sons by watching both of their teenage dreams sucking face. Reportedly Ms. Aguilera was angered with all of the publicity Britney got because she too kissed Madonna. In case you didn’t know here’s physical proof.

Xtina Kissing Madge (The image they didn’t want you to see)

Christina’s shining controversial moment was stolen from her when the cameras cut away to Justin Timberlake’s reaction.  Here’s the video so you can see for yourself. Please excuse the grainy quality

As you can see viewers only got to see the end of the lip-locking between Christina and Madonna. Aguilera had every right to be upset, because producers could have warned her that her “moment” wouldn’t be televised. Christina was a victim of scripted television. Yes, the kiss was real and it took place live, but this is an example of producers following a script. They were aware the kiss would take place during the performance, therefore they strategically placed a camera in front of Justin Timberlake to get a reaction shot, since he and Britney dated. Producers obviously felt that would be more interesting to viewers than showing Madonna kiss Christina as well. Maybe  producers thought since X-tina already had the bad girl image it wasn’t as shocking to audiences at home. Well executed  multi-camera productions generally have a well written script. Scripts are used for more than dialogue. Producers took a chance to get a great reaction shot from Timberlake  and they failed, because of his stoic facial expression.  Were you satisfied with the finished product? Can you think of any great examples of perfect shots captured during live tapings?