So I met Shantell Martin through a mutual friend in Japan Brandon Downer. Shantell’s a special talent….She’s a Brit living in Japan and she was over in the U.S for a few months. I hooked up with her and featured her ‘Hidden Ora’s that were a tremendous success everywhere she went. I am proud to say I was the first in America to debut ‘ Hidden Ora’. Will never forget it. I also connected Kissey Asplund and Shantell Martin together. That was a magical hook up and excellent match.

So peep this video link so you can get a feel of what these Ora’s are like. It will leave you yearning for your Ora drawing……Shantell will be back stateside in ‘09 for sure….. Looks like 2008 was a whirlwind for her and glad I was a part of it although……I never got my ORA drawn either…..What was I thinking…..I have nothing to hide….

I got hip to Fan Death from Dandi when she told me about her new project a few months back…  Dandi Wind is an amazing visual art/electro/industrial project- a duo.  Dandi Wind and her partner Szam Findlay. I first caught them at SXSW 2 years ago.  I was blown away….I remember Peaches being up front going crazy…..She jumped up on stage and said something like-  This chick is a hotter sexier younger version of me and she’s fu****ing wicked!!!

Anyway- I came up to them briefly after their show but they had tons of fans around them.  I contacted them  right after SXSW on their myspace and next thing you know……They come and do our MIXTAPE RIOT at Studio B……An amazing show but not an amazing turn-out….Think it was too early for Studio B— not everyone was coming out then to that venue…. Anyway- we stayed in touch……..Dandi- that whole project- just stunning- landscape period pieces, dark/industrial tones and just prolific back drops….Performance art at it’s finest…..

So a few months later-   fast forward-  and Dandi sends me ‘Veronica’s Veil’. Fan Death. What a glorious video….That veil–  damn!     So it’s a different project..Side project….You can see the connection and threads between both but they are quite different.       Dandi’s now in Vancouver…..Fan Death is residing there where Dandi Wind was based in Montreal.   Very different flavours.

Fan Death is definitely a more electro/dance/fashion runway modelesque sound…..I’m very curious to see how they perform as this unit.

They’ll be here Thursday, Feb 5th at Le Royale. Go if you can…Will definitely be a spectacle.

Ethiopian born, now living in D.C- Singer/Songwriter Wayna has just put the finishing touches on her debut video ‘My Love’.     This song is featured on her sophomore effort ‘ Higher Ground’ which is available online and in selected stores across the U.S.    “My Love” has a very strong message…  Not only did it peak at #2 on the Billboard Hip Hop /R&B Singles Sales chart but it was composed and inspired from a startling article in Essence Magazine about a suburb of her hometown Washington, DC.  Prince George’s county, it said, is the wealthiest black county in the country, but yet it has a higher rate of domestic violence than any other jurisdiction in Maryland.  So tragic Wayna thought -  Beyond their beautiful homes and high-powered jobs, these women were victims, hiding behind a mountain of lies that have to be re-told day after day.  So Wayna wrote this song in honor of them.  And, in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.   “One time might be all it takes.”

She will be in Norfolk, VA at Southern Star on Wednesday, Jan 14th and then readying for LA- Grammy Week.    She will be in LA from Feb 4-9th.  She’s been nominated for an ‘Urban Alternative’ Grammy for the song  ‘Lovin You’ featuring Kokayi.

She’s also at The Blue Note on Friday, April 3rd.

Now you can be the first to peak the brand spanking new video ‘  My Love’ here.

Here’s a little Holiday Cheer I wrote… For You and You and You…..
The Bloom Effect’s grateful for all your support
If possible would have sent you to a resort
Just to thank you and show you a wonderful time
On this holiday season- oh so festively fine…

Alas, resort it’s not- but my appreciation so strong
It’s allowed me this time to write you a song…

Expression, emotion, strong feelings of joy
Wonderful pleasures drinking chai latte with soy
Wishes, desires and all beautiful things
May 2009 treat us all like kings!

They tell us it’s tough and the next 6 months grim
However putting your best foot forward- I promise you’ll win.

So you’ll see as we toast to 2009
A New President- It’s Barack Obama time!

So with that said- The Bloom Effect reveals
This is the time to observe and make ready those deals

We are in this together- let’s all share the wealth
Here’s to a fruitful new year and to all in great health

Here’s to Blooming!

What I want for Christmas/Hanukkah

A new flat
Upgraded phone- preferably touchscreen
A boyfriend(he doesn’t have to come wrapped)
Lots of comments and diggs on my blog
1000 Twitterers following me including Craig Newmark which is impossible
More Money- Larger clients
Sexy boots
Diamond earrings
Zero Debt
1 year subscription to Business Plus Linkedin account

Ok so if we take off the diamond earrings and craigslist following me- the rest is attainable:-)

So I just heard that my boys Utkarsh, Chuck Wild and DJ O of The Beatards crew  got arrested this past weekend and spent the night in the slammer..   Here’s the lowdown….They were getting wreck- acting up- having fun in the holiday spirit and yes had a way bit too much to drink but nonetheless they weren’t exactly getting in trouble….They just saw a wall–  took advantage-  threw up as in inked/tagged their names.   Very minor small stuff but yet— Spent the night in the slammer–     Don’t they say you have to get arrested if you want fame and fortune….Well here you go…

So in honor of……Come celebrate with DJ O at his community service party.  He’ll be there in his orange vest get up sweeping, dusting, cleaning the tracks at the Broadway/Lafayette Station on Tuesday, Dec 23rd- 9PM-5PM.

I can’t wait to come through- camera in hand….I definitely want to capture this unforgettable moment….Plus DJ O says he’s bringing gifts for all his heads that come through to show support…

Look for Mixtape Riot to relaunch in March…Stay Tuned….

Having played piano/keyboards with everyone from John Legend, Kanye West, Black Moon, Black Eyed Peas and countless others- Chris Rob trained as a classical pianist which soon led to a ton of studio sessions, going on world tours and mastering his craft……Whilst doing this- his craft led him to becoming a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer…A world of talents in which the world is just recently getting introduced to…..Don’t sleep on Chris Rob… Soul Soldier Entertainment. .

Born and Raised in Chicago- Chris Rob has picked up and relocated to NY so he can be in the thick of the entertainment industry.. NY will get to witness his talents leading his own band- Chris Rob at The Blue Note featuring Chris on keys/vox, Jessie Fisher-keys, Nate Jones-bass, Shawn Banks-percussion, Joe Blaxx-drums, Shelton Garner-guitar. Saturday, December 27th....Late Night Series…

True music lovers always search for the connections between the new and the old, the fresh and the classic. Sometimes they’re fortunate enough to find both in one artist. For Chris Rob, a classically trained pianist featured on Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothin’, crossing genres is natural. “All music is connected and the audience can feel it, there really isn’t that much discrimination,” says Rob. This might explain why the singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer can’t be boxed in and audiences from New York to Tokyo have reveled in his genre fusion. His twist of jazz and cool funk can be witnessed firsthand on the new Leon Ware release “Moon Ride” with the lead single, ‘Smoovin’, which Chris produced for the industry heavyweight. Working with Leon Ware, the legendary artist who penned Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘I Want You’, was “a tremendous blessing for me,” says Rob. This is not the only example of Chris’ tendency to make soulful sounds with the greats. You can hear him playing on John Legend’s ‘Stereo’, Deborah Cox’s ‘Promise’, and forthcoming projects from Lauryn Hill and Macy Gray as well.

I met Detroit artist Monica Blaire at Urban Organic Music Festival a couple years ago…. Drake Phifer produces this festival….Happens every year….It’s fresh and delightful.     She was one of the artists rocking the stage that Saturday night with John Bibbs, Roy Ayers, Kloud Nine, Allison Crockett, Melissa Young and others… When Monica hit the stage I was blown away.   Such a dynamic performer- an incredible vocal range and extremely powerful - Oh and did I mention the energy she has-   She’s Fire!!!!

Roy Ayers really loved her as she did a few dates with him after that and they kept in touch.
So where does Monica’s style hail from?    From Mozart to Mainstream, eclectic is the way to describe Blaire. From early on this musical retro child has been singing and writing since before she could remember. As a child classical training in the arts helped her to develop skill and a true love for music and it’s influence. As time passed hip-hop became the love of her life and her many musical influences collided to make a truly unique MC/ Singer/ Songwriter. Working with Motown greats form Marcus Belgrave, Sylvia Moy, and Ortheia Barnes to modern day movers and shakers Carl Craig, PAJAM , Theo Parrish, PPP and Waajeed , and Bizarre (of D-12) this woman is poised for versatility and greatness. In addition to choreographing, styling, and staging for various artists, her writing credits include Ramiyah, The J Moss project, Vanessa Williams, numerous R&B up and comings and tons of Hip Hop All Stars. Firmly routed in the sound of early soul music and inspired by an unconventional sense of rhythm and melodies, Blaire is more than an artist. She is an experience.

I am proud to be bringing her to NY for her DEBUT.   Can’t believe it’s taken this long for Ms. Blaire to come Rock NY–  we are definitely ready!!!!     Friday, Jan 23rd….Joe’s Pub late night series.    Also on that bill is Kameron Corvet who I love as well……And…confirming a host and one more performer.

Monica’s done a holiday song…..Enjoy this…

someday-at-christmas

So Monica Blaire’s NY Debut—– Friday, Jan 23rd….11:30PM doors…..JOE’s PUB

Heroes of the Dancefloor release “Torch,” All Proceeds to Benefit the Homeless

As we are approaching the holiday season, please consider purchasing or helping to promote the forthcoming CD from Heroes of the Dancefloor, “Torch,” released on INgrooves November 24th. Fusing old, new, and swing jazz with soulful vocals and mixing hip hop and dub influences, there is a little something for everyone on this album. In addition, every dime made will be donated to two homeless charities in New York City: ‘Picture the Homeless’ and ‘Coalition for the Homeless’

“Torch,” is the second in a series by Heroes of the Dancefloor to benefit the homeless. The sophomore album follows up the acclaimed, “Momentum” which benefited two homeless charities in San Francisco.  The next album will benefit the homeless of New Orleans.

When the founder of Heroes of the Dancefloor witnessed a very pregnant and crying woman on the streets begging for money, he new he had to do something. With his music connections and shear compassion, he gathered an excellent group of artists willing to donate their time and art for this worthy cause.

Enjoy a free download remix of “Same Scandal” by Sam Dillon.

Same-Scandal-SAM-DILLON-REMIX.mp3

Buy Links:
Retail for remix singles
Retail for singles
Full album on Amazon
itunes