My guy Haydn aka Phantom Lover (if you didnt get his free EP, its here), recently put me on to the lovely Mara Hruby, from Oakland. Her voice is like the velvet you long to touch. Definitely an artist to follow... Check out her BANDCAMP to listen to more.. From her bandcamp:Introducing the new and fast rising twenty-two year old artist, Mara Hruby, from Oakland, CA. She burst onto the scene in the beginning of 2010 playing shows all around the Bay Area and is now releasing her debut EP “From Her Eyes”. This is her first release of music to the world and it will say a lot about her character and vision as an artist. Mara Hruby worked on this album for a total of nine months and even went as far as recording and arranging/engineering her own vocals. As a true artist, she jumps right into her dreams and doesn’t emerge until a full, final, conceptualized, and complete project has risen. “From Her Eyes” is an EP of cover songs originally recorded by male artists, and each song has represented a moment in her life. She is covering artists such and Mos Def, Andre 3000, Jamiroquai, even D’Angelo and a few others. She is a mesmerizing artist that puts on a show with poise and grace, and she’ll bring you into her heart like no other.
Watching BFRESHwork is like watching a fire ignite. This woman is one of the most passionate and driven ladies I have come across, and she is known to work around the clock until she gets the job done! Her work speaks for itself, and her photos tell a story that needs to be heard. Recently transplanting from the Twin Cities to Brooklyn, she is HUNGRY and steady on the grind. Perfect match for HEY LADIES! Rebecca “B FRESH” McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? Currently, I call Brooklyn my home. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I am from a quick-witted-headstrong-mother and a frugal-biker-environmentalist father. The city is the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul). WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a multimedia artist/journalist working in arts/entertainment/politics in the mediums of photography/video/written word. The work I produce focuses on community power development and telling stories of creation, empowerment and revolution. The common thread throughout all I do is storytelling, which is my ultimate passion in life. TRUE BEAUTY IS…honest grittiness | colorful textures BEATS…fuel my energy. I am always listening to music, and I create to the beat. TRUE SEXY IS…confident | humorous. MUSIC IS MY…soundtrack to life. I always use lyrics to reflect on life, to escape, or to use it as a tool to connect. That is the same way I use my camera! For example, in a crowd, you can use a camera to isolate yourself, or to connect with people. I typically choose the connection, even though I am an introvert. I love spending time home alone creating, relaxation and rejuvenation. after a long day being super-social. Music helps me find that balance. ART DOES...not need to follow rules. You must know the rules of your craft, so you can break them. The premise of my work is to always think outside of the box, in terms of creativity, content and technical skills. I aim to represent a missing element in mainstream media- those voices of youth, women and people of color in a unique and bold way. MY NIGHTS ARE…LONG. I create and am the most inspired in the evening. THESE 3 TURN ME ON… Passion | Dancing | Happiness SELF-KNOWLEDGE…is constantly evolving. ENOUGH OF…the mediocrity! I want excitement in the art/entertainment/political worlds. We have fallen into a trap, and need some excitement in our lives! Who’s with me?! MY CREATIVITY IS…on fire! I can't stop creating and thinking of things to create. i wish I had more hands! TRUE POWER IS…self-honesty, and the ability to harness life’s passions while motivating others and staying true to one’s core values. LIFE CAN BE THE...pits, and drag you down sometimes. We must get back up, and keep moving, stronger and smarter than before. There have been many times when I have considered ending my full-time commitment to the arts. When I am close to giving up, something always happens, to reassure me that I am on the right path. TO LOVE IS TO…live, as living is to love. It’s not the same as the rush from eating chocolate though- sorry. I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE…I can be versatile. I can lead and create in any environment. I can navigate covering a museum opening with millionaires, to a rally on the capitol, to a Snoop Dog show, all in one day. WORDS YOU LIVE BY: “The revolution is ourselves, our lives.” -Audre Lorde NEW PROJECTS FOR 2011? I am currently working on developing a distribution strategy for my database of over 500,000 images, similar to that of Getty Images, but for the community. Grassroots and progressive websites and blogs are being sued right and left for using copy-written materials. I want to provide a service where the community can obtain creative and quality assets (photos, video, audio etc) without having to worry about legal issues. I am studying for the LSATs, so you may see me at NYU in the Entertainment Law program in the next few years, to pursue my passion for protecting the rights of artists. I also am working on a book, and developing other merchandise. WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? You can reach me at 917.727.2013 or bfreshsphotography@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED: Facebook Twitter Flickr
My lady, the one and only Eagle Nebula, will be dropping an EP early next month. The single, produced by Daru, is already on steady rotation, so I'm amped to hear the rest. This song has been stuck in my head all week, get it free HERE:
I'm so excited for my girl Caits Meissner, who is dropping an EP -- The Wolf & Me on MAY 1st! I feel honored to build and grow with amazing ladies like this a phone call away. Keeps me inspired to keep pushing myself and in return, pushing others. Once I get my copy, I'll be sure to give our Wronglips friends a nice review of it, but until then grab the single for free! Get Blackest BloodHERE!
Also check out the EPK by the Love Bomb dropstress Eagle Nebula:
Dont sleep on IYADEDE! I was able to catch up with this Diva on twitter, and we are so excited to introduce you to the lovely vocalist, taking the scene by force. Perfect fit for HEY LADIES! This Queen was born in Rwanda > escaped a genocide, landing her in Belgium > and now has finally made her way to Brooklyn. She has toured the world, sharing stages with big talents and is continuing to wow crowds with her eclectic style and diverse sound. Check her out!
IYADEDE
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? My mother and father's desire. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? A floating cloud that rains black diamonds once every 2211 years over the Easter Island. WHAT DO YOU DO? Sweet things when they come to my mind. TRUE BEAUTY IS... all or nothing BEATS... Heart TRUE SEXY IS... Unaware MUSIC IS MY... Wealth ART DOES NOT ... no such thing as " art does not...", art Does... MY NIGHTS ARE... Dark silent and content THESE 3 TURN ME ON... sea sun and coconut rum SELF-KNOWLEDGE... is a box ENOUGH OF... ruthless talking MY CREATIVITY IS... mine TRUE POWER IS... generous LIFE CAN BE THE... fastest thing ever
TO LOVE IS TO... see I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE... I am part of it WORDS YOU LIVE BY: "Don't believe your mind" NEW PROJECTS FOR 2010? ooh yes! Keep an eye on www.myspace.com/iyadede WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? in the heart and sometime on www.twitter.com/iyadede :) SHOUTOUTS? to the Creator, to you who initiated this, and to you who is reading this :)
So, this HEY LADIES is shedding some light on one of the most talented stylist in the area. I gave her a little mention before, while jockin' some of Kwesi's pics (see the post here) but you KNOW we have to give ma some personal love. She really works it, and I cant wait until I can afford to hire her. Much love to this lovely lady making moves.. Check her here!
PAMELA SHEPARD
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? brooklyn, ny WHERE ARE YOU FROM? a perfect coming of age city...silver spring, maryland. WHAT DO YOU DO? i am a stylist. i have the pleasure of dressing people for a living. i am rooted in editorial styling (telling stories through photography and fashion bring me joy), but i am also segueing into commercial and advertising. i am really working to create a balance in my work. art and commerce go hand in hand (in my world). TRUE BEAUTY IS…truth. (my mama and john keats taught me that) BEATS…jam? good beats at least. i have sat here for a while trying to fill this line in. sigh... TRUE SEXY IS…honestly? well...cigarettes. smoking is way too cool for me to be a 26 year old woman. i was that child that was always in awe of the high school kids with ripped up jeans, cars, and cigarettes. i only smoked once. i found it on the ground on my way home from school, got matches, and ran behind the house to light it up. for about seven minutes i felt soooo chic. i even applied more lipsmackers lip gloss so that i could at least pretend that i was wearing red danger lipstick. ...i really do think that folks that smoke often times lend towards looking sexy. (say what u want). (my serious adult answer): self-assuredness. MUSIC IS MY…companion. i expect a great deal from the music that i seek and love. ART DOES NOT…NOT keep my mind active. (double negative...gotcha!) MY NIGHTS ARE…when i dig... most editing, planning, emails, website updates, research...take place after the midnight hour. i find a lot of comfort, big ideas, and a rhythm during late night. i do think that this behavior is new york specific. i have never worked like this anywhere else (granted i have only lived in two other cities, atlanta and silver spring) but i genuinely enjoy the quiet with random surges of blasting, clicking heels, blaring car radios, screaming, helicopters, laughing, cats...those noises help me to briefly come up for air... THESE 3 TURN ME ON…violins, electric blue store signs, and being guided by the very top of my waist. honorable mention: general greene salted pretzel caramel ice cream SELF-KNOWLEDGE …is world changing...everyone is effected. ENOUGH OF …winter. the bright sun and freezing wind confuse me. MY CREATIVITY IS...divine. it gets way too good at times,.. and then there are days where the end result is a miserable disappointment. the satisfying part is that i can always rely on getting it out. I'm generally pleased with myself for attempting the transition of pushing an idea into something tangible. i learn what works. my sister bought me a moleskine so that i can write everything down...i am understanding that my ideas are important, and not meant to be fleeting. TRUE POWER IS…self awareness...then u know how to act. and that information is priceless, for both you and them. LIFE CAN BE THE..perfect opportunity to do something, and to do it well. (or not...its up to you). TO LOVE IS TO…give. I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE…i try. and i try again. and i try differently. at some point trying ascends into doing. WORDS YOU LIVE BY: "Beauty is truth, truth beauty, - that is all/Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." - john keats. NEW PROJECTS FOR 2010? nothing to speak of justtt yet. WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? www.pamelashepard.com SHOUTOUTS? kwes (http://kwesiabbensetts.carbonmade.com/). he's a big part of my safe creative space. More of her work:
What better way for WRONGLIPS to get rollin' in 2010, then to start out with a new wave of HEY LADIES, featuring some of the ladies who make the world go round! It only makes since to start out with Maya Azucenaand Caits Meissner. These too women not only are familiar with each other, but are like "sisters" building together and inspiring each other for years. Very excited to feature the 2 of them back to back.... First, lets start with Maya Azucena. This name is no newbie on the block. She was been making serious moves in the music scene for years, as her own boss, and has even won a Grammy (from the track Let Her Dance on Stephan Marley's "Mind Control"). This woman means business. I recently met her at a MVMT Brunch (more on that later) and her aura filled the room with good vibes. Excited to see more of her live.. Check her out!
MAYA AZUCENA
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? Brooklyn, NY (all the way, Baybeee!) WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Flatbush Brooklyn, did I say BROOKLYN? WHAT DO YOU DO? I am an entrepreneur, humanitarian artist. A singer songwriter, manager of affairs, producer of events. A survivor. TRUE BEAUTY IS… what emanates from within. It is the glow in one’s eyes. It is that gentle yet confident sense of self. It is embracing who you really are. BEATS… move me TRUE SEXY … also emanates from within. Sexy is a swagger more than a surface thing. I’ve seen a lot of good looking dudes and scantily clad women who are not sexy AT ALL. Give me someone who knows who they are and has a fire in the eye, and gives off that sexual confidence without trying. MUSIC IS MY… Calling ART DOES NOT… keep within boundaries MY NIGHTS ARE… endless...or should I say, my DAYS are endless. They keep rolling one into the other. Sleep is for suckas (haha, I’m just kiddin, sort of) THESE 3 TURN ME ON… Deep eyes, Strong forearms (on a man), Chocolate skin, Warrior spirit, a good dancer, spiritual confidence (just three?) SELF-KNOWLEDGE …is very important. If you are not aware of who you are, and what you are doing, you WILL stumble until you figure that out. ENOUGH OF … reality TV and Auto tune. Word. MY CREATIVITY IS… openminded TRUE POWER IS… from above LIFE CAN BE ... Hard sometimes but these struggles pass when we stick with it, have a little faith, and stay in tune with the big picture. TO LOVE IS TO… hold someone down. To believe in someone and help them to believe in themselves. To love is not just an emotion, it is an ACTION. I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE… I go with it and not against it. WORDS YOU LIVE BY: Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 NEW PROJECTS FOR 2010? My new CD is nearly done – CRY LOVE. I also have various singles coming soon with folks like Stephen Marley, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Hasan Salaam, Mazzi, Eleven, Complex, Gibonni and more and more and more.
I am also producing an amazing event on FEB 5TH named “Dance for Brooklyn with Grammy winner Maya Azucena.” It will feature my live concert in collaboration with three dance troupes: Afro Mosaic Soul; L-Touch Tap Phonics; and Zifadanz Group. Check out our first promo video here: DANCE FOR BROOKLYN with Maya Azucena starring Afro Mosaic Soul; L-Touch Tap Phonics; and Zifadanz GroupAt Galapagos Art Space16 Main Street, Dumbo Brooklyn10:00PM / $12.00 WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? www.MayaAzucena.com SHOUTOUTS? I like to shout out my baby mama. Psych! Sarah White for this blog, My Mom, Pilar Newton, Dad, Eugene Robinson, Caitlin Meissner, Vanessa Hidary, Pete Miser, Luquantumleap, Supa Nova Slom, Honey Larochelle, Chris Rob, Maurice Brown, Big Brooklyn Red, Spokinn Movement, Dujeous...this list is too long...I give up.
--Now next, we have Caitlin Meissner aka Caits. She is one of those women that you vibe with and know you've got a homie for life. In a world of bullshit, she is bringing something real and in the flesh. She is an amazing poet, community worker, performer, designer and also known to give you a kick in your ass if you need to get to work. I love this girl, and I'm glad to finally feature her. Aslo be sure to peep her livingroom sessions! CAITS MEISSNER
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME? Brooknam, heart of the city, Crown Heights, buk buk! WHERE ARE YOU FROM? A small town outside of Albany, New York. Which pretty much negates all of that fanfare above and the truth is, my heart is often in the mountains, anyway. WHAT DO YOU DO? storyTeller/magicMaker... which is a fancy way of saying a lot at once: poet, writer, performer, music-maker, teaching artist, graphic designer. Lover of mankind and red wine. Extreme day dreamer. TRUE BEAUTY IS… Embracing your unique being, full of flaws and imperfections and sometimes wearing face paint and big ol' fake eyelashes or just out of a bath naked, with those stubborn dry skin patches but my how fly you pull them off! Shining from the inside, didn't yo' mama tell you that one? BEATS… are what I put words to, what I stream through my headphones, what I geek out with my friends to and make the ugly face and clutch at my chest, what makes life all red and hot and sweaty and puts the bounce in my step and flips up my heart on a bad day. TRUE SEXY IS… confidence, talent and owning your bad self 'cuz that self is pretty bad, boy. MUSIC IS MY… pulse, thanks to Dad's record collection and schooling me from the time I was a baby on why sound can be more crucial than food. ART DOES NOT… leave you empty or unchanged. It incites, encourages, moves, pushes you past the edge, fills you with love or hate or anger. It gets you. Or it does not get you. But it gets someone, or else it's doing a lousy job. MY NIGHTS ARE… extended into the morning, most days. Filled with solo creation sessions, dancing 'till my back breaks, laughing with my friends who's smiles damn near fill up their entire face, having spiritual revelations, being under the fire of a warm mouth, being an insomniac. To be truthful, sometimes wasting time on the internet. But there is always a discovery. THESE 3 TURN ME ON… being magnificent at what you do. Having a record collection that rivals my own and puts me on to some new thing that makes my belly turn 'cause its THAT good. And good rhythm. SELF-KNOWLEDGE … is a never-ending journey and shape shifts just when you think you've got a good handle on the sucker and shouts, "aha! Tricked ya." Other days, however, I think we are the very same people we were at age five. I made a lot of little arts and crafts gifts for everyone. I still do that. ENOUGH OF … having haters being something to brag about. War. Greed. Jealousy. Bring on the light! MY CREATIVITY IS… a tricky little kitten. Where is she hiding today? Under the bed? In the back closet? She do what she please and fancies herself the most beautiful muse, and the truth is, she is and I follow her all around the world and make myself all sick from airplane germs and not enough sleep but those red lips, ohhh how they pull the poems outta my deepest caves.... TRUE POWER IS… being able to say, "I was wrong, but I am committed to being right." And not right, like, I got the answer to the math problem right, but like Tiny Tim right. Like good heart right. LIFE CAN BE THE... sweetest song, if you slow down long enough to put your ears against its hum. TO LOVE IS TO… be in your most creative essence, wide open. To feel where the blood pumps to and put that into your pen, your lips, your dance. Why are there so many songs and poems and paintings and films about love. What else do we live for? I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE… I grew up dancing to James Brown in my parent's living room. Cause, in inspired moments, I can be a fish. The ocean lives in my mouth and speaks for me. WORDS YOU LIVE BY: "Well, that's one for the memoir." NEW PROJECTS FOR 2010? Writing for a short film / Collaborating on music (still secret!) / Meditations / More Living Room Sessions / Getting published / Love
SHOUTOUTS? The MVMT team, who've put the fire under me for 2010 Always & forever my cousin Alec & lil' Sis, Lins Sarah & Lichi for this inspiring blog, of course! And y'all who know me, know I love you and we can do shout outs for days, but I hope I say "I appreciate you" enough for you to know who See for yourself:
another taste:
Kissing
when I say you remind me of a book's broken back, pages half-sewn and a coffee ring on it's face or that moment in half-morning where the sun is hesitant or after the ground's been cried upon and everything is soft and open or holding the earth's guts in palm just to feel alive amidst all this concrete, my god, what I mean to say is this song is an off strum and I like the way it hits my ears sideways and how I might be cold and you'll put your coat around my shoulders like the movies and I'll show my teeth and say, who spilled molasses over the window, making the day golden? You'll say, beautiful is a dead word and I'll say, so let's invent, they tell us that star up there blew out ages ago and you'll say, but it still holds 10,000 wishes tonight alone and we'll want to sing with our voices turned on backwards, we'll want to laugh so hard we forget to ask why and then lose any use for that word, too.
It's been a while that we had a chance to feature one of our favorite ladies. We've been both in the lab, working on new projects, but we do try to keep on supporting badass artists & artistas. This month, I'm pleased to introduce you to the multitalented Leah Hamilton aka Lili Happi, a Brooklyn-based documentary maker, art buyer, creative producer, art director and overall dope woman. Bohemian at heart, Lili's got her eye on the global art scene and has been running a blog where she features some of the hottest New York artists via short documentaries she produces. In her own words, "15 years in the business as an Art Buyer, a few years as a Creative Producer and a lifetime of artistic inclinations, collections,artsy friends, associates and dreams have molded me into this stage of life I call LiLi Happi. Through my quest to share my own personal experience with art and the artists who make it, I created a viral show and mag-vlog for people "who are what they art"" Check it out here!
LEAH HAMILTON aka LILI HAPPI
WHERE DO YOU CALL IT HOME? home = mind = heart. and then there is Venus WHAT DO YOU DO? I do for self so I can do for others TRUE BEAUTY IS…false unless you embrace the flaws. for they are the seeds that will bloom into the beauty you'll be. BEATS…life can't exists without the throbber. heart beats... best break ever. TRUE SEXY IS…sexy is in the mind of the beholder MUSIC IS MY…heaven. when i die. let me go to jazz. ART DOES NOT…apologize. there is nothing that art can't do. MY NIGHTS ARE…where my creativity grows THESE 3 TURN ME ON…gentle eyes // peaceful confidence // free spirits SELF-KNOWLEDGE …indeed we like that ! ... knowledge of self is the most important thing my mom ever taught me to learn and accept. ENOUGH OF …the organic hype. if you believe it you got deep pockets. MY CREATIVITY IS…unleashed daily TRUE POWER IS…preservation and control of ones mind. LIFE CAN BE THE...best work of art if you share the canvas TO LOVE IS TO…let go. there are so many things in the world to touch. I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE…I'm not afraid of failure NEW PROJECTS FOR 2009? I'm already in 2010. doc launch, t-shirt launch, art basel 2010 and moving some important works into the homes of some very important people WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? lilihappi@gmail.com but you have to create your best happy face art and send it or you won't hear back from me. SHOUTOUTS? on Venus we don't shout we smile.
CHECK OUT ONE OF her projects featured on Current TV
Brooklyn songstress Raye 6, the visionary behind this project got something sexy for you for the whole next year... House of Dolls mgmt. presents The Bubble Girls 2010 calendar.
Within 1 week's time this 12 month calendar was completed. Four women, 3 looks and 3 photographers later.... The Bubble Girls represent fantasy and sophistication. They are Goddess beings who bring light and life into the world around them.The overall vision of this calendar is colorful and sexy with dramatic over the top designs and locations. Shot in Brooklyn, NY the calendar features The Bubble Girls Akira, Diamond and Crownandhonorary Bubble Girl Khay.
This 12 month spread showcases the photography of Amir Ebrahimi, House Van Helsing and Josie Zetina. Clothing and Jewelry for the calendar provided Brooklyn based designers Idallyic Couture, Chay The Great, Dutty Geisha, Anu Jewelry, Kristi Voss Couture and Raye 6. AVAILABLE FOR SALE HERE.
After my recent trip to Budapest, where I visited an amazing reflexologist /nutritionist, I decided to reevaluate my diet and try to pay closer attention to what I eat. I admit, even though I know healthy food and I love to cook, I am not a big fan of cooking for myself alone and I often sacrifice healthy food for an unhealthy take-out to gain some extra time for painting.
As they say, "seek and you shall find"...so it happens that I recently met the beautiful Sabine Blaizin at the DUMBO Fleemarket, who turned out to be just the person I was looking for. She kindly offered me some of her delicious carob-smoothie... I was completely sold. I since receive her health newsletters; something I am looking forward to reading every month to inspire and keep me on track with my focus on healthier eating. Thank you, Sabine!
FROM HER BIO & APPROACH "I received my training to practice Health Counseling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods.
I practice a holistic approach to nutrition, which means that I look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we look at how all parts of your life affect the whole."
Find out more and contact her for consultation on her site, and don't forget to sign up for her monthly newsletters on www.sabineforyourhealth.com
Sabine is also a DJ, widely known in New York City as DJ Sabine throwing parties from Target's First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum to the monthly afrosoul getdown party RHYTHM & ROOTS. Download her podcast on her podomatic site.
Check out my girl, Amanda Diva's hot new video for "NEON" feat. Johnny Polygon (produced by: DroopE) the 1st single off of Amanda Diva's latest release Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul!
I had a chance recently to catch Simone "ease" Banks & Carrie Y. T. Kholi, the founders of AUTHENTIC collective for women of color in aural and visual arts, and two of the hardest working female community-builders-movers-and-shakers in Philadelphia for an interview. Humanitarians at heart, these ladies have been shaping Illadelph's cultural landscape for years shining light on the feminine wing of the creative force.
Your name? There are two ladies under AUTHENTIC...Simone "ease" Banks & Carrie Y. T. Kholi
What do you do for a living? Simone: I'm a gallery assistant and will be pursuing my Masters in Art Administration @ Drexel University this fall. Carrie: is currently working towards her PhD. in English at Rutgers University ... and we live and breathe AUTHENTIC. We're basically trying to get as many women participating and networking so that one day AUTHENTIC will run itself.
Where do you live? Simone: I live in Philadelphia/illadelph/city of
brotherly love...whatever works! :) Kholi: lives in New Brunswick, NJ ... okkk ... really Highland Park.
How is the Philly art scene? Is live art as big as it's been in New York City? Simone: The Philly art scene is interesting. So far I haven't seen much live art displayed during events until we, AUTHENTIC incorporated it at our events. People really liked the idea...because it displayed the practice of raw talent right before your eyes. There are relevant galleries that hold gatherings fusing visual art and music, but live art is not as well known (without actively searching) unless you are in the art community. AUTHENTIC really wants to challenge this with events that feature music and art; both live! We make events for all sub-communities to not only attend, but participate and learn something new. AUTHENTIC wants to create a live art scene in some ways similar to New York City, but also bring what's real and raw about Philadelphia to the forefront. We want to do this by working and featuring artists like yourself (whom many in Philadelphia don't know) side-by-side with some of Philadelphia's greats! We're into energy ... potential and kinetic. We're into new energy most of all...and thinking outside of, next to, above and beyond the box is how we cultivate it. I believe that there is an artistic renaissance going on, and there are more and more female artists getting out there, making things happen. It is like a creative liberation process...would you agree? Simone:YES! that's the reason why I started AUTHENTIC. It was more than necessary, it was vital to establish a platform for female artists to expose their skills and network with other artists. The idea of creating AUTHENTIC stemmed from writing for an online magazine that covered mostly males and after pitching the idea of doing an all female issue, AUTHENTIC was born. Kholi's love for art/music and the advancement of women is why she's my partner...working together and executing the events we've done so far is liberating! We're two powerful women, i have to say. :) We're aiming to take over Philly's art/music scene...one event at a time and bring new artistry in the process. We see the need and AUTHENTIC is how we're going to do it.
Kholi: I would have to say I absolutely see the renaissance ... I mean I feel it. I think we're living it right now. As far as the work we are doing with AUTHENTIC ... these women have been at their hustle for a very long time. We are simply providing them with new resources, new means of marketing themselves, and CONSTANTLY trying to present them to new audiences. I think the art is often our activism. The art is what we provide to the revolution because it is incredibly personal ... and often incredibly political ... and incredibly necessary.
What made you decide to found Authentic, a female creative collective and networking site? When did it launch? Simone: Well, AUTHENTIC started early 2008...our social networking site was launched this past summer. It was a great find for us because all of our members could see each other. We have artists from across the country and some in different countries. We are really growing! At first we focused on only visual artists and musicians...but now we work with and feature any female "artist" and most recently have been working with poets and writers. As women, we need to come together and I know that's cliche, but it's true. It's empowering to host all female events from visual artists to DJs...you just don't see it often in Philly, so we're really presenting a new wave of thought when it comes to art/music. What makes Authentic stand apart from other similar networking sites?Simone: everyone wants to be an AUTHENTIC chick!! ;) Nah, seriously...we're different because we have an online presence, and a physical presence. We see an artist, invite her to join, feature her on our blog; http://onlyauthentic.blogspot.com and figure out how we can work with her during an event! We want to provide exposure and not just the kind people read about. That's how we are different.
Projects for 2009? Simone: We are currently promoting an event called De Leche, it's an all female mixer to promote resources in Philadelphia regarding domestic violence. We are also working with a venue to schedule an Art for AIDS event featuring live artists; YOU! and many others. Both events will be an all female show and fuse visual art and music.
Who are your favorite contemporary artists you follow? Simone: I love the work of Fahamu Pecou, Lorna Williams who uses wood and paper as her medium to create portraits, Flyygirl who paints images of women and I follow your [Lichiban] work as well! I remember coming across your page and saying to myself, I have to work with her!! :)
Kholi: Most of my favorite artists are my friends honestly. I love your work. I, too, love Flygirrl's work. I love Yacira of Cocolah's sketches ... I love the work of Dayna Marie Hood, Corey Whitehead (awesome artist who knows the female body well) ... and honestly there are SO many more, I'm sure I'm forgetting people who are gonna be spicy with me later. lol. [art by Lorna Williams]
3 favorite art/music spots you would recommend for someone visiting Philly? Simone: Well, as you know Philly is known for its underground music scene..if you find yourself in Philly on a Monday, I'd say stop by Silk City for Back to Basics featuring King Britt, Friday night (2nd and 4th of the month) make your way to the Social Club to experience The F.I.X. which features underground artists of all sorts. Saturday...FLUID! ?uestlove, sometimes Rich Medina and others spin here. Otherwise, Old City has a First Friday event every month and there are lots of galleries to frequent in walking distance of each other...and of course free wine! ;)
Kholi: I completely agree with Simone. Right now The F*I*X is my favorite spot because Selina Carrera and Jovi Baby are really making awesome things happen as far as underground art and music go. But I'm also a poetry fiend ... so I dig Queen of Sheba, Just Words at Dowling's, The Fuze on Fridays, even the open Mics at Pearl of Africa. They are just cool down to earth places to catch music, poetry, anything representative of artistry at its finest.
I first met Nikki Ntu back in October when Mega of Audio Aesthetics invited me to her and the album's producer Melo-X 's exclusive listening party for Nikki's debut album The History of Dreams (check my post on it here). My first impression of the album then "beautifully soothing and gently stimulating with the truth" couldn't be more fitting now that I had a chance to get more familiar with it...it is an amazing piece of music and Nikki, who was mentored by hip-hop ambassador Tony Blackman rides through Melo's beats with a flow at times gentle at times hard but always on point. I usually write these intros myself but her artist statement is so dope that I decided to not even try to do something better."As the debut artist from Melo-X’s imprint Galax; we are proud to present Nikki Ntu. Her undeniable Hip-Hop style is infused with political fervor and a spiritual self -expression heard from very few artists today. Nikki’s music is the reflection of a creative and ambitious generation of artists coming out of the Brooklyn renaissance. Working with longtime friend and fellow Brooklyn native Melo-X as her producer, Nikki hopes to deliver a new sound imbued with a new feeling to the people. With strong themes of healing, revolution and love, Nikki is birthing new concepts of female empowerment but moreover people empowerment. “My music breaks down a lot of barriers in people. The rhythms bring out emotion and the lyrics stimulate the mind as well as the heart. Those simple things have a great impact on inspiring and informing folks. And when you have a safe space to put everything on the table, healing is the only outcome.” Her debut EP “A History of Dreams” will drop in the spring of this year. A conceptual project entirely produced by Melo-X, it features 7 cinematic tracks of futuristic, yet nostalgic, rhythm and lyricism coupled in powerful emotions. Her songs take listeners on a voyage into the soul of Nikki Ntu.”
WHAT DO YOU DO? Unveil the unknown. WHERE DO YOU CALL IT HOME? Buck Town baby! TRUE BEAUTY IS… balance and bliss. BEATS…tell me what to do. TRUE SEXY IS… a sense of humor and the ability to laugh. MUSIC IS MY…craft, my freedom, my strength, my weakness. ART DOES NOT…lie. MY NIGHTS ARE…eye-openers. THESE 3 TURN ME ON…good conversation, atmosphere, and chocolate! SELF-KNOWLEDGE …will free us all. ENOUGH OF…living in the past and running away from the present. MY CREATIVITY IS…so weird I don’t even understand it yet. It’s 2 parts pressure, 3 parts fun, and a splash of inspiration. TRUE POWER IS…the power to master one’s self. LIFE CAN BE THE... best reality. I DREAM OF… a) Signs and symbols. Subconscious secrets played out through cryptic scenarios. b) Messages coming from who knows where. Sometimes voices sometimes visions. Angels so vivid I could see the cracks and creases in their dark skin. c) Strong feelings that last far beyond the night. TO LOVE IS TO… let go. I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE….I ride the beat like a pony. THE WOMAN OF THE FUTURE… is made with old molds. WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? Nikkintu.blogspot.com / myspace.com/nikkintu / twitter.com/nikkintu, shout me a holla! LATEST PROJECT...A History of Dreams- both literally and figuratively. It’s a magical piece of work. WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009? The music, the shows, the ideas, the process. SHOUTOUTS? To my nomads, artists, creators, conscious cats, and everyday conquerors. Big ups to Brooklyn!
DOWNLOAD HER EP "BIRTH OF VENUS" FREE. Title: Birth of Venus Album: A History of Dreams Featuring: Nikki NTU. Produced by MeLo-X http://www.myspace.com/nikkintu http://nikkintu.blogspot.com/ I am very exited to work as the art director for debut full-length album. Stay tuned, it's dropping soon!
From her untitled novel… She was somewhere between sand and dirt, grass and cold concrete. As she stooped down to the ground grabbing the earth, panting, like a panther prepared to pounce; her belly bulged. She was pregnant with Time, both past and future. She was the millisecond.Eyes smoldering, her lips parted to let the heat in her chest cool off. But it only cooled for so long. She looked out at times to come and the heat grew so hot it wrapped around the molars in her mouth, attached to her tongue, and sparked her taste buds to call forth saliva. But the burning didn’t stop. Fire huffed out of her nose and she became inflamed. Her purpose was realized, her butterflies flew free, and her fears became God in practice.
It's that time of the year...as you may know, I'm part of a NYC-based female art collective, YOUNITY, founded by super talented artists Toofly and Alice Mizrahi. WE've been working on planning this year's show, which will focus on MOTHER EARTH. Check out the call for entries and don't hesitate to submit your work! Younity Presents FRESHER! Re-Create, Re-Design, Re-Shape a new YOU! DEADLINE: June 1st, 2009
This year Younity’s 3rd exhibition entitled FRESHER! will host 40 female urban artists who will participate on an exhibition indoors and outdoors dedicated to bringing community awareness to environmental issues like; recycling, consumerism, global warming, pollution, health and renewable energy. Along with the exhibit YOUNITY will self publish it’s second collectors book series that will help keep the message alive. Throughout the exhibit YOUNITY will host youth workshops, mural projects, and panel discussions to help educate the community about the importance of living GREEN.
FRESHER! CALL FOR ENTRIES - ( WORLDWIDE )
10 -15 new artists will be chosen to showcase their work at the Younity FRESHER exhibition in the fall of 09′. Each artist is asked to create a piece based on one or more of the environmental issues listed below.
* Please note that if your work is chosen each artist will be responsible for shipping to and from YOUNITY NYC studio. Zip Code: 11104 * Please be conscious of size, weight, and fragile artwork. - recycling - consumerism - global warming - pollution - health - renewable energy
REQUIREMENTS - Entry Fee: $10.00 per submission ( limit 3 submissions per artist ) - Paypal: contribute@theyounity.com - For Checks or Money order payments please email us at: info@theyounity.com - e-mail your JPG submission to: info@theyounity.com with the subject heading: FRESHER SUBMISSION - Please include the following: Artist Name // City // Website link and/or myspace link // Size // Title // Medium // Short Bio DEADLINE JUNE 1st
RE-FRESH THE STREETS! - ( WORLDWIDE )
Artists / crews worldwide are asked to participate in a street art/mural project entitled “RE-FRESH THE STREETS” using one or more of the following environmental issues below. The street art/mural created must include Younity’s FRESHER! stencil logo provided (download it here) to be able to unite and identify the project worldwide. We will select 10-15 images from various cities/ streets/ communities which will be included in the 2009 “FRESHER!” exhibit. - recycling - consumerism - global warming - pollution - health - renewable energy
REQUIREMENTS - ENTRY FEE: $10.00 per street art/mural submission ( limit 3 submissions per artist ) - Paypal: contribute@theyounity.com - For Checks or Money order payments please email us at: info@theyounity.com - e-mail a JPG submission to: info@theyounity.com with the subject heading: RE-FRESH THE STREETS SUBMISSION - Please include the following: Artist or Crew Name // City // Website link and/or myspace link // Size // Title // Short Bio
I met Cecilia last year at one of her live shows at our friends' parties in New York City (e.g. Raw Fusion and Mobius Collective), where I finally had a chance to experience her amazing vocal talent live. As a big fan of her collabo track "Waltz for Koop" with KOOP, I was exited to find out that she was collaborating with our homie, Dhundee. Born and raised in Falsterbo, a small village in the south of Sweden, Cecilia Stalin found her way to absorb music in ways she could find-from sleeping under her father's grand piano to writing song with her friends as early as 10 year sold. Her passion for music and jazz in particular led her to study singing at Stockholm's Royal College of Music and then later to the New School University's Jazz and Contemporary Music Program in New York City. Since her studies back in 2003, Cecilia came back to the big apple several times, where she got a chance to play with some great musicians like Harry Withaker, Charles Tolliver, Reggie Workman, and Buster Williams. Since 2004, Cecilia's life has been about music 24/7. When she's not singing, composing, arranging, recording, or teaching, you'll find her passing on her talent as a vocal coach. Make sure to check out her website to listen to her numerous collaborations and give her a shout on her myspace page.
Listen her jazzy collabo track with Dhundee while reading
CECILIA STALIN WHAT DO YOU DO? I'm a singer and composer and vocal coach WHERE DO YOU CALL IT HOME? Where I feel comfortable (right now London) TRUE BEAUTY IS… Life BEATS…makes me go crazy!! There is something fundamental about a good beat that I cannot describe - It makes me wanna dance, laugh, shout and make my music. TRUE SEXY IS…confidence MUSIC IS MY…sanity. keeps me on the ground and vents all my emotions in a amazing way. ART DOES NOT…have any limits. we put limits on it. what we need to do is challenge it! MY NIGHTS ARE…my days THESE 3 TURN ME ON…passion about your craft, eyes, coffe SELF-KNOWLEDGE …is something I strive to know more about. I would love to meet myself thru someone else's eyes. ENOUGH OF …'eye for an eye' mentality - I truly hate it! One of my favorite poets said it best - 'An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind' - Kahlil Gibran. (I'm gonna stop here or you'll have me blabbering on for hoooours...lol) MY CREATIVITY IS…moody, loving, constant, amazing, melodic, strong, funny, entertaining, silly, sexy, empowering, relaxing, meditative and very very giving. TRUE POWER IS…to know and love yourself! LIFE CAN BE...haaaaaaard but fucking amazing at the same time TO LOVE IS TO…live! Isn't love the key to everything we do? ; ) I'VE GOT FLOW BECAUSE….i do me! Not trying to be someone else. WHERE CAN WE REACH YOU? on www.ceciliastalin.com, www.myspace.com/ceciliastalin or come thru to one of my gigs and talk to me personally... (NYC in march 2009-check myspace for dates) WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009? I got a single EP called 'Afro Blue' coming out in February where I have worked with people like Daz-I-Kue (Bugz in the Attic) and Soul Parlour. It's part of a full length album 'In the spirit of Coltrane' due to be released later this year.
Cecilia singing Walts for Koop live at Jazz Re:freshed in London 2/10-08
