Goapele or Gwa-puh-LAY

I can't help myself but to stare in awe. The music, talent and beauty of Goapele are just insane. Girl crush. This native California girl, sings with the rarest type of confidence that's hard to resist and the rawest of emotions that makes your heart break in pieces for her.

Goapele Mohlabane is a soul and R & B singer songwriter who's name is starting to appear in places. Many places. She is not(unfortunately) an overnight sensation. Goapele debuted her first album, Closer, back in 2001. Ever since then, she's spent her time working, refining and growing her musical talents and career. She built her base not with radio play, but with her fantastic live performances. Goapele's the real deal.



Here's Goapele's discography, and some of my favs from them. Hope you enjoy them as much or even more than I do.

Closer (2001) - Closer
Even Closer (2002) - Closer (again), Too Much the Same
Change It All (2005) - First Love
Break of Dawn (2011) - Undertow, Play, Tears On My Pillow, Milk & Honey, Right Here

You can see how Goapele grows throughout her music. From her first album to her latest, she changed from a girl who is just realizing who she is, to a woman who already found herself. By Break of Dawn, she was full fledged adventurous in her music and lyrics. Break of Dawn is my favorite album of her discography...which will be a true statement until the next one.

SPIN-ning it

I've been greeted by many weird things on my way home before. Lost animals, people and things. This one found its way into my mailbox. And then it got ME lost.

I was wondering what happened to this month's SPIN magazine. SPIN has doled out its last PRINT publication last month! Settle down, now. It's not gone. They just moved the publication entirely online. Apparently, to fulfill my passion for music, in print, the parent company thoughtfully sent a magazine that would transfer that same passion for cars! In print.

"I know we can't replace the insight and passion that SPIN delivered to new-music lovers. But we can promise that Car and Driver will provide that same passion and insight for cars."

I definitely appreciate the effort but...I...I don't know.

Well, I guess don't knock it til you've tried it.

Friday nights at Rubin

It's not exactly "Night at the Museum"...but it's probably just as (or even more) fun!

Rubin Musuem of Art hosts K2 Lounge nights featuring live DJs. I'm mostly intrigued by the background experience the DJs have. The range includes jazz, Afro-beat, Brazilian, Arabic and classical music. And it's free cover for the Lounge and Museum at that time!

Rubin Museum of Art of the Himalayas
150 W. 17th Street
New York, NY 10011

Rubin Museum K2 Nights

Free Admission on Friday nights from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Hurricane Sandy

Hi all,

I haven't written in AGES, I know. I kept saying, "Tomorrow, I'll have time. Tomorrow." A few months later, here we are. Today is not only Halloween, but it is also a day of recovery for us folks in the Northeast. There was flooding, downed trees, damaged homes, downed wires, lost power, cars that swept away, work that can't be done, but these things are nothing compared to the fact that my friends and family have escaped unscathed by the vicious and unforgiving Hurricane Sandy. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors weren't as lucky. Atlantic City is basically gone. Breezy Point, Queens have been burnt down. Houses have been blown away on Staten Island.  And at a time like this...LOOTING in Coney Island. Disgusting. The list goes on. In all my life, I've never seen NYC like this.

What if there isn't a tomorrow? Please recognize the happiness this world has to offer and how quickly it can be taken away. Don't waste it.

If you're in the area, please take your time to volunteer and or donate. If you need help, please reach out!

Here's a few contacts and information that might help. Please stay safe everyone!

American Red Cross -  Provides disaster relief
www.redcross.org

New York City Service - NYC Government collecting donations and volunteers. Email your name and which borough you can help in, to: nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov.
https://www.facebook.com/nycservice

The Salvation Army - Provides disaster relief
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/category/eds/

New York Blood Center - donate blood and platelets
 http://www.nybc.org/index.jsp

New York Cares - New York's largest volunteer organization
http://newyorkcares.org/volunteer/disaster/

Food Bank for New York City - volunteer to help serve and distribute food or donate!

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/


New Jersey 211 - links to NJ Hurricane response information
http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm

Federal Emergency Managing Agency
http://www.fema.gov/

Rainy Day

Hello old friends!! We've been apart for far too long.
Here's to a great Friday and a fun rain day!


Mint Royale - Singin' In The Rain

NLX ... is back! Catch her at Rockwood~

People come and go in our lives. It's not bad or good, just inevitable. And then they come back! I figured NLX was working on something big. That's why she's been m.i.a. for some time. Since then, we've had to overload on  "Find Love." Not that we're complaining.

NLX will be performing new songs at Rockwood Music Hall, this Friday! Don't miss it.

NLX
@
Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002
Friday, 6/29/2012 @ 7PM

Jackson Tyler Hunt in NYC!

How long have we waited for this moment? One of our favorites, Jackson Tyler Hunt, will be performing in NYC this weekend. Catch him while you can! This Missouri native has traveled far and wide to share his love of music and his piano. There's been many comparisons to Billy Joel and Ben Folds, but soon enough, Jackson will be able to make his own road that others will want to learn and be inspired from.

Jackson will be performing at The Shrine in Harlem on May 28th @ 8PM. Let's go!

HoneyHoney

Almost forgot that I had tickets to go watch James Morrison, a week ago. Who does that? Luckily, someone from my crew remembered it. Calendars are useful...if you use it. As always, James is an amazing performer and much better to watch in person. Brought the house down. But you all know who he is so I'm just going to do a skip and a hop to his opening act, HoneyHoney.

A banjo and a tambourine. Violins and guitars. I wasn't sure what to expect, considering that we were at a pop rock concert. The banjo threw most of my fellow concert goers off.

From the first song on, Honeyhoney gripped the crowd with their words and music whether it was a slow or fast tempo song. They're a modern pop(I use this word loosely) version of bluegrass, country and blues without sacrificing the heart of it. Please thank Suzanne Santo (vocals/banjo/violin) and Ben Jaffe (vocals/guitar) for your entertainment.

"Little Toy Gun" was released in November of 2008 on their first album, First Rodeo. And yes, that is Jack Baur...I mean Kiefer Sutherland, in the video.



This is another favorite. Honeyhoney's songs are very pure and unique from one another. Which is hard to say for many (MANY) musicians/bands. Honeyhoney released "Thin Line", on their second album, Billy Jack, in October 2011.

So, I've been slacking lately. But for good reasons. Like the fact that I was here (rainbow!):

And here:

Dropped by here for a while and was pleasantly surprised by this lovely sight:

And then passed by the Oslo Opera House before calling it a "day":

Now...back to work!

Song of the Day - Too Close

Song of the day? Thank you, IE9 commercial with Hunger Games being played to Alex Clare's Too Close.



Name: Alex Clare
Hometown: London
Genre: Soul and dubstep
Album: The Lateness of the Hour (2011)
Current Billboard Top 100 rank: 68

Emeli Sande and Yuna - Tickets on Sale Today!

Tickets ($15) for Emelie Sande will be on sale as of noon time today! AND her opening act is Yuna.

Emelie Sande is an up and coming British R&B songwriter and female crooner who has been making a splash in her home country. This young musician released her debut album, Our Version of Events, earlier this year (yes, it's only March) and her work has already won her the Critics' Choice from the Brit Awards. Emeli's songs and style reflects of a modern Nina Simone. Her voice and music sounds great on the album, so I can only imagine how she is live.

So now is your chance to see her on a nitty gritty NYC night before she blows up and gets whisked away by the major labels for good. Spare the $15 that you were going to use to drink the night away for this moment. Well, in NYC that's about the price of one drink, anyway.

Now about Yuna. If you have Facebook, you might've seen people post her cover of Nirvana's "Come As You Are." Her interpretation of this song establishes her vocal ability to be just as soft and hauntingly beautiful. Yuna is a Malaysian singer songwriter (of the Fiona Apple sort) who's self-titled album is due out in April.

I must reiterate...$15!!! They will perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (don't be lazy), on Tuesday, April 24th at 8PM. Now THIS will certainly be a night of great music. Due to previous made plans, I won't be able to go... Trust me, if I could cancel those plans, I would in a hot second.

Emeli Sande's "Next To Me."



Yuna's new single, "Live Your Life."

Honor by August @ Mercury Lounge

Do you ever get that feeling where you are the only one there, wherever you are. Just there. No alcohol or substances involved! I was standing in the middle of Mercury Lounge watching Honor by August and just soaked in their music. There were the hard core fanatics who danced and sang their way through the gig, the socializers in the back by the bar and amateur paparazzi floating around the Lounge, while I stood undisturbed. I snapped out of it when my friend JT jumped in my face and went,"I LOVE THEM!!"

Honor by August is an indie modern rock band from D.C. who's been making their way through popular music venues and collecting fans, like JT, along the way. So far, they've released 4 albums, Photographs (2005), Drowning Out the Television (2006), Found (2009) and On Our Own (2010). One of the most significant awards they've received is the Grand Prize in Billboard's World Song Contest, for "Only in Photographs."

Honor By August is Michael Pearsall (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Evan Field (Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals), Chris Rafetto (Bass, Backing Vocals, Piano) and Brian Shanley (Drums, Percussion).

Their next scheduled show will be at the Shamrock Fest in D.C. on March 24th. Have fun!

Not For Sale Benefit Concert @ Avalon Hollywood

On March 21st, a few of our West coast based musicians will be performing together for a special cause. "Not for Sale" is a non-profit organization that aims to abolish human trafficking. It's shocking how lively human trafficking exists around the world and even in our own backyard.

The benefit concert will be at Avalon(Hollywood) and will also be hosted by the undeniably lovable and hysterical Youtube comedian, David So!

Performers for the event will include Joseph Vincent, Clara C, Jayesslee, Boyce Avenue, Satellite and Tournament of Hearts. If you happen to be in L.A. on March 21st, get your tickets here, and stop by for a night of inspiring music and a great cause. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go towards anti-trafficking movements.

Aziatix @ Highline Ballroom Tonight!

Aziatix will be performing TONIGHT @ Highline Ballroom. Tickets are still available at the door. International awards have started to sweep in for Aziatix's 2011 album release, "Nocturnal." The group is currently on a U.S. tour and will be hitting up their own hometowns as well. Flowsik (Queens, NY), Eddie Shin (Boston) and Nicky Lee (Los Angeles) are returning to perform in New York for the second time in 2 years.

Ready to run with the Postelles?

I first saw The Postelles open for the Wombats a few months ago. After their performance, the Postelles made their way to the merchandise table. I didn't know who they were then, but walked up to them and said, "Yo, you're pretty good. So can I take this match book?"

The Postelles, who also grew up in NYC, sound like a garage band version of the Beach Boys from Grease (yes, the movie). Their songs bring up the spiffy nostalgic all-American feel good mood you have in you. The Postelles are Daniel Balk (Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar), David Dargahi (Vocals/ Lead Guitar), John Speyer (Bass) and Billy Cadden (Percussion).

After a few years of back and forth with the big wig music companies, the Postelles eventually chose to combine forces with +1 Music Group and their producer/mentor, Albert Hammond, Jr. from the Strokes. This also meant, finally, a release date for their self-titled debut album on June 7th, 2011.

They'll be back in NYC in October for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon! This marathon series has tour stops around the world and also supports a number of charities. So if you're feeling up for the challenge (specifically, a 10K challenge), then sign up! The Postelles will meet you at the finish line.

The post-race festival will begin at 9:30 AM @ Prospect Park. Whether it's on October 13th or the 22nd is still being disputed by the site. But we still have some time to figure that out. The Postelles will be headlining the festival and it will also be open to the public. Free!

You know what is also free? The songs for download from "Summer Undercovers" on their website.

New York, New York

I'm not going to deny that I've been slacking. I've been busy with another sort of love. I am a New York fan. I was born in New York, bred in New York and bleed New York. So, naturally, I've been very occupied as of late. This is due to the names, Manning, Lundqvist and LIN! Thank goodness one of them is done(on the top!) for the season. I need my sleep.



Still can't believe Jay-Z is a NETS fan...sigh.

PS 22 at it again! This time on a Target ad

I had tears waiting to bust out after I saw this Target ad. Those were tears of joy! This ad features our hometown girl Denise, from P.S. 22 in Staten Island, belting out Rolling in the Deep. Simply beautiful. I'm so proud!

Thanks, Mr. B. For being such an amazing inspiration to all your kids. Your picture should be right next to Webster's definition of "teacher." The difference that you have made in this world will never be forgotten.

Watch the ad below.



Here's the "original" rendition from the halls of P.S. 22!

Jackson Hunt @ The Other Door

If you so happen to be in Los Angeles (and I know some of you are!), make a visit to see our piano man, Jackson Hunt!

Jackson just spent last week in Miami gearing up for his performance at a jazzfest in Wellington, Florida. I'm sure his performance made some new fans before he even returned to his newly adopted home in the City of Angels. Fresh off of this trip, Jackson will be playing at the Open Door in NoHo (who knew there's one outside of NY) this coming Wendesday. It'll be a treat if you get to see him sing, "Dance Dance."

The Other Door @ 8pm on Wedenesday, 2/15
10437 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA

Hear an update from the man himself =)

Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012

Another one lost too young and too tragically to her own demons. Here's to one of the best and here's hoping that she is finally in a better place.

Celebrate! Superbowl XLVI

Where have I been the last 2 weeks? Just trotting around town with this on...

And singing this...



<3 NY Giants <3

Awesome game played by both teams!

Ellie Goulding on David Letterman Tonight!

Catch Ellie Goulding performing on David Letterman tonight (11:30PM EST on CBS)! Click here for my review of one of her amazing live performances from last year.

This will be Ellie's first performance of the new year. She will also be performing at Terminal 5 at JFK tomrrow night. Drop by if you're in the area. It'll be worth it.

Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians

Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians is a fairly new indie ska pop band. Stephie's Pedestrians are bassist John F. Hebert and drummer Shane Considine. Their music is practically Lily Allen's roommate. Or as described in Stephie's bio, their music "creates characters ranging from hipster snobs to wild-child hippies to sadistic flight attendants." They have to be from NYC.

Fortunately, these "characters" got them placed in NY Deli Magazine as December's Artist of the Month. They also recieved the People's Choice Award at Hoboken Music Awards. Not bad for a band that haven't even released an album yet.

Drop by Rockwood Music Hall on Jan. 21st at 8 PM for their debut album release party!

Here's Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians' latest video, Jerk.

New Heights

Why aren't these guys popular yet? I saw New Heights open for Clara C back in November and I'm just wondering why aren't they popular yet. The songs are catchy of the alternative pop/rock kind. The music and lyrics are like candy to your ears. Sensitive like Nickelback (yes, I think Nickelback is sensitive), but rock-y and distinct like 3 Doors Down. They're even ready for some prime-time TV!

This Washington state based band started 7 years ago. With a few changes along the way, they've steadied it to 4 members made up of lead singer Travis Graham, guitarist Chris Kwak, bassist Tyler Carroll, and drummer Bobby Walker. Their third album, Something to Believe In was released in September 2011. And it's pretty freaking good.

Their touring schedule ends at the end of the month in Seattle. Hopefully, they'll get to make plenty more stops soon.

Take Me On is the second song of the new album, which also features Clara C. As much as I love the fact that there's a music video for this, I gotta say, the taking down of the bad guys AK-47 style were a bit overdoing it. Especially with Clara C's hair staying PERFECT the whole time! I still replayed it a few times, though.



Here's one of my favorite songs, Love Found Me from their last album, Starting Again.

Anjulie - Love Songs vs. Stand Behind the Music

Whoa, Anjulie. Anjulie busted out from the suburbs of Toronto and pitched her self-titled debut album in Canada and the U.S. during the summer of 2009.

Her first album showcased her strong and beautiful voice with jazzy and soul steeped songs such as Boom, Crazy That Way and Rain. Talking about Rain, that song tears your heart out. Slowly.

After making an impressive momentum with her first album, Anjulie went back to the studio and drew up her next move in the music world.

2011 proved to be a very different move. Anjulie introduced her new single, Brand New Bitch, with a very different attitude. It quickly made it onto the pop/dance club scene. And I totally danced my heart out to it. It took a while, but her next single Stand Behind the Music finally debuted in December. This new direction caught a lot of her fans off guard and some were not too happy. But this "new move" is just another platform used to display her talent in that she can be any type of singer whenever she wants to be. Because she can do it, successfully. Like a chameleon. Madonna, anybody?

No you don't stand a chance/For a second in my world/The same old song/You won't last long/If you don't stand behind the music ~ Stand Behind the Music

Even though her style has changed (or is continuously changing), her hooks are always the same. In the sense that it will take you in and not let go. I do warn you that her beautiful voice paired with the arresting hooks that she writes will stay latched onto you for a while.

Love Songs from her debut album, Anjulie.



Anjulie's newest single, Stand Behind the Music (12/20/2011).

Ximena Sariñana @ Mercury Lounge on 1/25

Have you heard? Ximena Sariñana, the Latin Grammy nominated, MTV award winning, Mexican singer songwriter actress(that was a mouthful) will be performing at Mercury Lounge on January 25th. Ximena's 2008 debut album, Mediocre, quickly climbed up to the top of the charts with her jazz infused contemporary indie songs. The first and very succesful single off of the album was, "Vidas paralelas" ("Parallel Lives"). I could only feel what she's singing...because I haven't got a clue on how to speak Spanish. Except amigo, como esta, por que and el bano! Well, sometimes you don't even need words to understand.

The very first time I heard Ximena was on the Spanish version of Jason Mraz's song, Lucky. Then one song led to another and the rest was history.

Ximena released her second album, Ximena Sariñana, in August of 2011. The whole album is in English with the exception of "Tu Y Yo." This album walks a bit of a different line from her first album. It is more alternative and synthpop based. Talking about different, Different is the name of the first single from Ximena Sariñana. Looking forward to see her live performing new and old songs!



Wait, I lied. I also know serrano jamon, pulpo, chorizo, champiñones al ajillo, paella...and of that sort.

NLX - on a card

I love how I find some of our favorite artists popping up in random places. NLX, in this case. For you love birds who want to say something special in writing, check out www.soundsentiments.com for a card based on NLX's song, "Find Love." Hopefully, we'll get to catch her next performance soon!

Happy holidays!

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays filled with family, friends, laughter and great food! Cheers to a wonderful 2012 =)