"Entertainment Know-It-All"
SADE is BACK!
If you haven't heard yet, which I find hard to believe, legendary singer Sade is releasing her new album, Solider of Love, Febuary 8th, 2010. Singing about what she knows best, love, right in time for Valentine's Day. This is her first album to be released in the last ten years. Her last album was Lovers Rock that went multi-platinum in 2000.
Sade is known for her singles, "Smooth Operator, No Ordinary Love, and By Your Side." She has been MIA for quite some times leaving fans wondering where she has been. With the release of her first single "Solider of Love" fans no longer have to wait and Sade proves that she still has it with smooth and eclectic beats and sultry voice.
Tour dates have been announced starting in Europe sometime in April 2010 and then she will be heading to the United States. For more information about tour dates and her new album, check out her website sade.com
The event was held at a artsy local bar, featuring local artists, bands, djs, and fashion designers. The band playing on the 26th was a punk band called Dessert Diamonds, you can check them out at www.myspaceom/desertdiamonds, a mix of country, rock, and soul. Also my new friend Natalia was there with her jewelry collection, n.om. (pronounced gnome). All of her pieces are handmade by her, and can be custom made to order. Check her out at myspace.com/pieceofnatalia Make sure you check out Commune Wednesdays myspace for up to date information or the Go To Girls Calendar to find out where the next event will be at. First Friday
Commune Wednesdays
On a recent trip to San Diego for Thanksgiving, my friend took me to a cool event, Commune Wednesdays (Myspace.com/communewednesdays).
Culture, music, and art combine together once a month in the city of Las Vegas. A celebration that has turned into a must see event over the last five years. Located in downtown, also know as “Old Vegas,” this event covers over twenty city blocks and has anywhere from 5,000 up to 10,000 visitors. It starts early, 6pm on Main Street and after 10pm moves to Fremont Street for the after parties. Specific dates are not needed to know when to attend, just make sure it is Friday, the “First Friday” of every month.
First Friday started back in October 2002 by Whirlygig, Inc, a non-profit arts organization and has continued every month ever since. Three founders, Cindy Funkhouser, owner of Funk House; Julie Brewer, passed away in August 2007; and Naomi Arin, owner of Dust Gallery gathered together to develop the first event and ended up attracting 300 visitors to see the ten arts and entertainment participants. Cindy brought the idea to Las Vegas after she visited a similar event in Oregon.
Visitors can attend the event for a mere $2 donation where the proceeds go to help expand the event. The outdoor festival can be entered from three different locations: the south of California and Casino Center Blvd, Main on Colorado, or west on Third and Colorado. Parking is available at the newly renovated El Cortez Hotel and Casino where they have teamed up with First Friday to provide a trolley that will take visitors from the casino right to the center of the festival.
The outdoor festival consists of music, poetry, and artwork from various different genres and artists. The Land Rover Stage usually features a live local band starting around 6:30 which can vary from rock, funk, jazz, or a simple harmonic. If the music doesn’t get you moving the break dancers certainly will which perform across the street at the Funk House. Making a comeback for the Spring will be live poetry perform also in this area by poets from all over put on by SpitLasVegas, which is hosted by Mary L. Carter, a recognized poet in Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Along with the sound outside, is the visual as the art exhibition features sculptures, paintings, photography, and a modern piece separate from the norm.
Once the music dies down, guests may stroll along the streets and check out the indoor studios. Starting along Main Street there is the Dust Gallery, The Epicenter, and Atomic Todd. Heading south is the Commerce Street Studios that features more live music along with The Fallout Gallery, Henrik Yde Gallery, and MTZC- the edge of sin city. Continuing along the street people can create their own art at Naked City Tattoo to leave permanent memories from the monthly event. Also on Commerce is Circadian Studios, which features new and different art by Daniel Pearson along with special guest artists. Charleston Blvd holds the title in the most art studios since this street is graced with nine different studios and galleries. Starting off with Blue Sky Yoga/Art Gallery features a new group art show monthly and also provides “what you can pay” yoga classes. Performance art is also right next door at Contemporary Arts Collective in Suite 101. In Suite 203 is the Cricket Studio with works by Brian Swanson of mixed media, pastels, illustrations, and prints. For a modern twist there is Face Up Gallery that has 3D, aryricls on canvas, ink on paper, books, t-shirts, and more. Damned Ink Studios has orginal paintings by Danny Roberts and H. Stephen Jackson’s Gallery, an Artitectural Concept
Specialist shows off his Computer Manipulated Digital Photography. The Jennifer galleries is one of Jennifer Main, a figurative abstract artist, and the Jennifer Marie Gallery has featured works by Chris Waters. The Shannon Webb Gallery, featuring works of Shannon Webb, and the Trifecta Studio are the end to the visual enlightment of Chareston Blvd. However, it is not the end of the art. On Main Street there is the Gainsburg Studio, Inc, which has free stone carving; along with the Main Gallery and S2 Art Group which has S2 limited editions, hand-pulled on extremely rare, antique lithography presses. Lastly, there is the Holsum Design Center that has Mgriesgraber Studio Gallery and Art at Advanced Legal Systems. With all those options, it is no wonder why this event lasts four hours.
Naturally, First Friday also offers shopping having it being an art form within itself. Vintage clothing from the Attic (clothing from this store was featured in Vogue), unique shoes, antiques, and of course, artwork to take home with you. If you get hungry or thirsty with all that walking around, there are many little cafes and eatries to choose such as Mix Zone Café, Tinoco’s Bistro, Chicago Joe’s, Casa Don Juan, Bistro Divino, and Island Flavors Café.
Even though the main event ends at 10:30, Downtown Las Vegas continues to celebrate with after parties at Dino’s Lounge with karaoke, the Beauty Bar with “The Get Back,” a funky soul dance party, and the Downtown Cocktail Room with DJ Carlos Sanchez.
So if you decide to take a weekend trip to Vegas, make sure it is the weekend that has the “first Friday” of the month. For more information, check out their website at www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.
Mandi Perkins
Oh Mandi, how I have not heard of you yet?! Every go-to girl that has been scorned should
adore her songs listed on her myspace profile.
Reviewed as the next Alanis Morrisette, Mandi Perkins’ p
owerful lyrics
with an almost alternative/rock beat should be topping the charts with her
relatable music.
Mandi is from Toronto and relocated the states by herself
to attend college at UC Berkeley. After
graduation she moved to Los Angeles to attend law school and also pursue a
career in music. She formed her first
band and played at open mic nights throughout the city. She released her first EP and passed the bar
for law. She met a British producer
where she produced her first album “Bleeding the Line…” Bob Dylan’s manager/publisher got a hold of
it and she was signed with Sony not long after.
Unfortunately right before she was about to be released to radio the
label fell. Not one to let anything get
in her way she decided to go on tour this past summer to connect with her fan
base. She is still writing music and you
should expect to hear more from her soon!
We sure hope to.
If you understand what it is like to be through a
dysfunctional relationship her songs make it sound like she is singing your
story. Each song gives a little taste of
pain, bitterness, and the struggles of healing from the hurt. Here are a few of her lyrics from my favorite
songs.
Who
I Am:
Fear
my Independence
Feel paralyzed
So
you’re waiting for a bough to break and crush me?
Your
insecurity causes me to have to break away
Break away from you
don’t
think I can take anymore
Tomorrow
comes and we’ve been here before
Should
have seen the revolving door
This
is not
Who
I am. Who I am.
OR
Acid
Rain:
I wish
for you misfortune
I swear to g-d I wish you pain
I hope the sky caves down over you
rips you apart with acid rain
I wish
you didn’t matter
Sometimes wish I never cared
But most of all, I wish I could take back
Every single day of last year
Cause
I’m aware, I’m aware
I’m aware now
I’m aware, I know who you are
I’m aware , I’m aware, I’m aware now
I’m aware of who you’ve become
Check out more of her music and lyrics at www.myspace.com/mandiperkins
Hey MB! Thanks so much. The site looks great
Jessie James
Her album premieres today
and you better run to the store to grab it because it is fantastic! Jessie James’ debut album is a kick butt collaboration
of hot desires like Wanted, Bullet;
strong perseverance like Big Mouth, I
look So Good (Without You); and smooth serenades like Burnin’ Bridges, Inevitable.
The mixture of the country
twang with poppin’ beats gives Jessie’s music a whole new sound. She is a reminder of Sheryl Crow, Shania
Twain, and Leann Rimes along with her beauty she is sure to be a raising icon
with her name being unforgettable.
Jessica Rose James was born
April 12, 1988 in Italy on a military base, and supports the troops
proudly. She relocated to Georgia in the
1990s and after weekly trips to Nashville, she eventually signed with Def
Jam/Island Records. Her music is her
passion and life, but stays modest with not going after the dollar bill, just
respect.
I honestly don’t know what song
is my favorite. They are all really
good, but I find the Psycho Girlfriend
awesome sense that is the first thing a guy will call a girl when they can’t
handle it anymore. But Inevitable and Big Mouth is great too… eek I guess you will just have to buy the
album and choose for yourself.
Check out her video on youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQ6VS4B47w
16 Frames
There is nothing like finding a great band performing live…
unplugged. A little over a month ago
Twist Restaurant and Lounge in Fresno, CA had a free concert, put on by Y101FM
with 16 Frames, Vertical Horizon, and Better than Ezra. It was my first time hearing 16 Frames and I was
immediately impressed.
The band is made up of four members. Steve Sulikowski, bandleader and lead singer, created a vision and brought guitarist Josh Dunahoo, drummer Daniel James, and bass player Dylan Wilson to bring that vision to life. They recently released their first album, Where It Ends, and is available on Amazon, Rhapsody, and iTunes.
If you appreciate sounds of The Fray, Snow Patrol, or Dashboard Confessionals you will definitely enjoy the sounds of 16 Frames. You may have already heard their music if you watch The Hills. It Will Be Better When You’re Gone was featured on a recent episode. Not to mention the lyrics are just as powerful. Take for example their hit Back Again*:
When the fire is burned out in me,
and the tears start drowning me,
I’m with you.
Right here from the start,
is where we will fall apart.
And what you do is still not good enough,
And your sick cause you have had too much,
I’m with you.
Right here from the start,
is where we will fall apart.
We will back again,
Stay on track again,
Soon enough we’ll know.
See what you left behind,
Take his good advice,
but you and I can’t hold.
I had to listen to this song over and over to make the lyrics are right so forgive me if I missed something. However, you get the drift… pretty much fantastic! So make sure you check them out on http://www.myspace.com/16frames or their website, http://www.16framesmusic.com because I have a feeling you will love them!
"thanks for the write up. much appreciated!" ~ 16 Frames, 06-16-09
Josh Hoge
Pop/Soul/R&B
When things are meant to be, they always work out. Lucky for Josh Hoge he was meant to be an artist and has made it happen by sheer will with the new release of his debut album, Everything She Was.
Josh Hoge grew up in Nashville, TN around a family of musicians from his grandfather to his brother. At age 10 he discovered his appreciation for music, but didn’t decide he wanted to be singer until high school. He relocated to Los Angeles for a relationship and became friends with Ne-Yo. They started working on a few songs together. After
his relationship went south he headed back to Nashville and signed a
record deal with Epic Records, but due to management he was dropped. Undeterred, he started to promote himself by booking shows, corporate sponsorship, and selling his Bedroom Sessions EP. He received a new record deal with Indie label Blackledge Music.
At age 27, he has released Everything She Was where ten of the eleven songs were collaborated with Ne-Yo, Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, and Ashley Gorley. The album represents a really good and bad relationship so anyone that has experienced one, can relate. 360 was his debut song he presented Epic and it understandable why they signed him. With an acoustic guitar with a soft beat backup and lyrics such as:
So that’s the way it is.
You can just go find someone else and let me go
Like you don’t know owe me a thing
But I can handle this, I’ve been through it all before
And you get yours and im gonna bounce back again
You can tell someone, that you’ll be there
And then walk away, like you don’t care
I’m not saying this cause im mad
I just want you to understand,
One day, its gonna catch up with you
What goes around comes around
Baby I thought you knew
Do somebody wrong for too long,
its gonna get done to you
And you did me bad and got away
Play me like a fool
Thought you knew, 360 is coming right back to you
Really? Tell me that is not going to sky rocket off the charts and Stay Away is my second favorite. Josh’s rich southern with a little of bit edge voice and his charming good looks is going to make every go to girl a fan. For some reason he reminds me of a mix of Justin Timberlake and Gavin DeGraw when it comes to his voice and persona.
Everything She Was is out now and available on iTunes and Amazon.com. To get a preview, check out his myspace at www.myspace.com/joshhoge.
Melanie Fiona
I love music. I love finding new music. However, what I am obsessed with is the kind of music that will knock my socks off after the first beat. I came across Melanie Fiona when she was featured on myspace music. She is currently touring Europe right now with Kanye West as his opening act. Her album, The Bridge, is to be released in spring 2009. I just hope I can hold out that long because after hearing her single, “Give It To Me Right,” I am aching to hear more. The song itself has an old soul beat accompanying with a strong melodic voice and backed-up with lyrics such as:
“You want me baby here I am
Either you make the time
Or just forget me
Im not Im not
Tryin to run your life
that’s why that’s why
I’m nobody’s wife…
But when I get it
I better be satisfied
So give it to me right
Or don’t give it to me at all
I don’t think you understand
How real it is for me to fin a man who things he can.”
I guess it can kind of be compared to “Mercy” by Duffy in the sense of beat and style, but Melanie Fiona has her own great sound. In fact, The Bridge is named for crossing the barriers in genre, ethnicities, age groups, and gender; it’s undefined. Melanie Fiona grew up in Toronto, Canada. She was introduced to music at a young age with her mother playing various sounds and her father being a guitarist in his own band. “Give It To Me Right,” is not her first single released. She is featured on Reggae Gold 2008 with “Somebody Come Get Me,” showing her diverse ability to adapt to any sound. I can guarantee this artist is going to be big when her record hits the market. Don’t believe me? Check her out yourself at www.melaniefiona.com or www.myspace.com/melaniefiona.
"WOW Monroe!! Thank you sooo much! i just had the chance to read the article you wrote on me....thank you for your support and spreading the word to your dedicated followers.
Please keep in touch...and I will keep the music coming
Much love
MF
xo" -01-24-09
Plain White T's
Rock/Indie/Pop
“hey there Delilah you be good and don’t you miss me two more years and you’ll be done with school and I’ll be making history like I do you know its all because of you we can do whatever we want to hey there Delilah here’s to you this ones for you”
When I first the song I could feel every ounce of the strained loving lyrics that were being poured on strings of a guitar and I believe that through this song the Plain White T’s will be making history in the months to come. With their busy schedules on both radio and TV, you can bet that these five guys are more than just your average simple, basic and comfortable band; they are what music is all about in this generation.
Secondhand Serenade
Acoustic / Rock / Emo
So I heard a little rumor about my New Artist U Should Know, Secondhand Serenade, and about his name. Now if I am wrong please inform me but a friend of mine and I were talking and sitting around listening to his music and my friend asked me if I knew what Secondhand Serenade meant. Hesitantly, I thought about it and said, “No, I really have no idea.” Well, come to find out John Vesely, the one man wonder behind Secondhand Serenade goes by that name because he writes all of his song about his wife and he plays them for her and then plays them for other people so therefore our version is the “secondhand serenade,” well lets just say that was the one of the cutest thing I have ever heard. On his Myspace profile, Secondhand Serenade explains this, “It's everything I would want in a band name and more. It basically sums up what I do. I write my songs about events and feelings that occur in my life, and I sing the songs to my wife. Everyone else gets the Secondhand Serenade.” So, other than the great name, Secondhand Serenade has some amazing music that you should check out.
Songs You Should Check Out: What I love about S.S is that he isn’t afraid to be completely acoustic and rock out. Currently, there is a huge surge in everything instrumental, but one thing I love most is musicians who aren’t afraid to get back to the root of music which is one instrument and vocals. With songs like, “It’s Not Over,” “Maybe,” and a TRL favorite “Vulnerable,” Secondhand Serenade is on the fast track to a great future in music. My favorite song is “Your Call,” with lyrics like…
“I was born to tell you I love you and I am torn to do what I have to, to make you mine Stay with me tonight Stripped and polished, I am new, I am fresh I am feeling so ambitious, you and me, flesh to flesh Because every breath that you will take while you are sitting next to me will bring life into my deepest hopes, What's your fantasy?”
The song cuts right to my heart every time I hear it, because of the painful and truthful lyrics that you will understand once you listen. Need Some More? To check out Secondhand Serenade go to his Myspace profile at www.myspace.com/secondhandserenade or on his website at http://www.secondhandserenade.com/. For all of you Las Vegans, you can check him out when he hits Sin City on June 28th, 2007 at House of Blues at 5:00 p.m. Monroe herself will be making an appearance so come down and have a great time. See you there!
Slightly Stoopid
Rock/Punk
It's time for summer, a time for soaking up the sun, strolling on a beach, and above all else getting “stoopid.” I can’t think of a better way to kick off the summer than with the music and reggae beats of Slightly Stoopid. You can here their music at every hotel pool on the strip and also in Monroe’s car cascading down the Las Vegas Valley, and you should join the idiocy fan base of geniuses called Slightly Stoopid.
What They Sing: With reminiscences of Bob Marley, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Dr. Dre, Slightly Stoopid has a wide variety of rock, hip-hop, acoustic blues and of course reggae. This California based group sounds like a bunch of guys straight out of Jamaica, but that’s what makes them so immensely wonderful.
Songs You Should Check Out: You will be living in a “summer haze” after listening to the hydroponic sounds of Slightly Stoopid. Some great tunes you will definitely need to check out is one of my favorites, “Officer” that will not only have you laughing but will have you rolling down the windows and singing out loud. Another great song is “Closer to the Sun,” with lyrics like…
“If I think she beautiful, well that's for sure Give a little loving, but I still gonna need some more, I be stealing from the rich and then give it to the poor Telling everybody it don't matter anymore, she said All I really needed was a friend like you Help me through and together we can change, but If I was to stay it wasn't for too long People sing the same song everywhere I'm going Closer to the sun and far from the moon People screaming out they gonna see me real soon, they say oooo”
The acoustic vibe from the song will have you daydreaming of days on the sand glaring into the sunset. It’s a keeper…
Need Some More? Slightly Stoopid will be performing with G. Love and Ozomatli on their Summer Haze Tour 2007, which will be hitting Las Vegas on August 14th inside Pearl at the Palms Hotel and Casino. I, Monroe will be there but if you can’t wait till then you can check out Slightly Stoopid on their Myspace profile at www.myspace.com/stoopid or on their website at http://www.slightlystoopid.com/. And if you see a blonde chick strolling down the strip with her windows down blaring Stoopid, don’t be alarmed, just say “hi Monroe!” Peace out and stay stoopid!
Ingrid Michaelson
Indie / Pop / Folk Rock
When I first heard the corky and interesting sound of Ingrid Michaelson, I heard similarities to Regina Spektor saying hello to Fiona Apple meeting Merrill Bainbridge. No matter what she sounds like, she is the new and refreshing uninhibited folk rock indie chick who really has some amazing tunes that I think you might enjoy.
What She Sing: The airy sounds and solid lyrics of “Breakable,” the staccato realism of embracing independence in “Starting Now,” and my personal favorite “The Way I Am,” I love this song so much, not only was it featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, but it adorable and reminds me of a certain someone. With lyrics like,
“If you were falling, then I would catch you. You need a light, I'd find a match. Cuz I love the way you say good morning. And you take me the way I am. If you are chilly, here take my sweater. Your head is aching, I'll make it better. Cuz I love the way you call me baby. And you take me the way I am. I'd buy you Rogaine if you start losing all your hair. Sew on patches to all you tear. Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise. And you take me the way I am. You take me the way I am. You take me the way I am.”
When you listen to it, it really just brings a smile to your face and takes you away to a much better state of mind, and who doesn’t love a song about a girl loving a guy for taking her the way she is!?!
Rocco Deluca and The Burden
Indie
Uh oh, Monroe has a new fav; with a touch of John Mayer, a sprinkle of soul, an echo of Neil Young, a pinch of Pearl Jam and a modern day comparison to Jeff Buckley, you have baked up a new amazing group of gents, Rocco DeLuca and his band, The Burden.
What They Sing: Quickly getting some international recognition, some air play across radio stations, and their video on the V Spot Top 20 Video Countdown on Vh1 for their single, “Colorful,” you can be sure to get hooked on the unique sound of these guys. What I like most is that every song has a very distinct resonance and style. You get the southern blues in, “Swing Low,” the rock in, “Gift,” the acoustic heart in, “Bus Ride,” and a pop hit in “Colorful." What’s not to love?
Where To Hear: Their CD, “I trust you to kill me,” is available now and you can check out tour dates and the outstanding music of Rocco DeLuca and The Burden on Myspace at www.myspace.com/roccodeluca or at http://www.roccodeluca.com/. Enjoy it. Well, I don’t have to tell you because I know you will…
"Happy birthday, from the guys...RDB 07-27-07"
"Hey Monroe, thank you so much for the lovely writeup. It's very much appreciated. Much love...RDB 04-08- 07"
![[mozella.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J6Q-C4etFbs/SEE0hfbMz4I/AAAAAAAAAPI/qLLTKsO7eeg/s1600/mozella.jpg)
MoZella
Pop / Acoustic / Soul
What She Sings: According to her Myspace profile MoZella defines her sound as “Macy Gray meets Erykah Badu meets Fiona Apple meets Norah Jones meets Nelly Furtado meets Jill Scott meets Jeff Buckley meets what do you think?” That’s rightfully so. I am already a huge fan of her music with songs like “Killing Time,” “Amnesia,” “Love is Something,” and my favorite “Light Years Away,” with lyrics like:
“It’s almost like you had it planned It’s like you smiled and shook my handand said hey I’m about to screw you Over big time What was I supposed to do I was stuck in between you and a hard place We wont talk about the hard place But I don’t blame you anymore That’s too much pain to store It left me half deadinside my head And boy looking back I see I’m not the girl I used to beWhen I lost my mind It saved my life.”
Sometimes I wonder if she is writing a song or lyric about every bad relationship I have had, or every emotion I have felt about someone, or about a certain situation I have had. Wwhen I listen to her music I can pin point exactly a time in my life that something like that has happened or a way I have felt.
"MB- Thank you so much! I checked out the review. You're so nice!!! Thanks for the love. I'm so glad you enjoy the album. I'll pass the link along! MoZella 03-20-07"
Holly Brook
Alternative / Acoustic / Pop
This "New U Should Know," you might have already heard about or heard her angelic voice before on the song “Where’d You Go” with Fort Minor, but if you haven’t heard of her, you are in for a treat. Holly Brook is the name and you won’t be asking, “Where’d she go?” after you hear her music.
How She Got into “The Biz”: After corresponding with Holly she let me in on how she first got into the crazy world of music. "When I came to L.A. I didn't even know what a record deal was. I never had this goal that I had to put out a record. I just make music nonstop cuz it's all I know how to do and that seems to make things happen," Brook said.
What She Sings: With her inspirations ranging from nature and relationships to music and even chocolate (Anna Parks would approve!), Holly Brook is by far a new sound with talent! Even though she has no definition or way to describe her music Brook just “prefers people to just listen to it!" Some great songs that I really enjoy and I think ones that you will too are "Giving It Up For You," with my favorite lyrics,
“tell me what do you think of me nowthat I’ve traded all my armor for a crowncome on what do you do with me nowthat I’ve taken down the mirror on the walland the sweet rain is ready to fall giving it up for you”
Another great song to check out is “Saturdays,” which seems to paint a lyrical picture in my mind every time I hear it. Brook’s soft voice seems to dance as the words trickle out of her mouth.
Thx so much!-- xoxo holly-- glad u like the music 3-13-07"
Colbie Caillat
Acoustic/Soul/Folk
If you are looking for something a little fresh, a little relaxing and music that just makes you a little happier, well don’t look too far; Colbie Caillat is your prescription. Why She is Impressive : On Colbie’s Myspace profile, she describes her music simply as “sweet honey flowing over rocks,” and I could not put it better myself, except for maybe “smooth butter curving around river bends?” Oh, I am just kidding, but in all seriousness this girl is amazing. I first found the California bread Caillat as number ten on the myspace music’s top unsigned artist and now in just a miniscule amount of time she has shot up to number one!
Where to Hear: http://www.myspace.com/colbiecaillatShe will be performing on Last Call with Carson Daly, which airs on NBC, February 7th. Check your local listing for times and to see if she is coming to a town near you.
"Wow, thank you soooo much! i just read that and my eyes watered! that was so sweet of you for doing that. i must say this is still all new to me and very weird to read about myself, but much appreciated! so thank you. huge smile! ~Cc 01-31-07"
Ernie Halter
Acoustic/Soul/Folk
Artistic and poetic song writing, soul-infused music, “the new John Mayer,” no matter how you categorize him he is amazing. His name? Ernie Halter. What you should do? Listen. With his influences ranging from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Elton John there is nothing short of greatness to come for this up and coming artist.
Where to Hear: http://www.myspace.com/erniehalterLas Vegans should check him out on February 1st when he performs at the House of Blues (Crossroads Room) inside the Mandalay Bay at 8 p.m. Curtis Peoples and The Weight will also be performing so come out, you won’t be disappointed and an added bonus admission is free!
"Awesome. thanks monroe and everyone at thego-togirls.com -- you all rock!!! : ] -- ernie 1-25-07"
Laura Kimberlie
Funk/Soul/R&B
What She Sings: In honor of our Go-To Girls trip to Hollywood, what better track to listen to other than "Hollywood" that features a funk beat with a raw and soothing voice. Close your eyes as you are listening to it and try to imagine yourself on Hollywood Blvd with the busy people, speeding cars, and the infamous Hollywood sign in the back. I am thinking... opening song to a hit show featured in and about Los Angeles?
Where to Hear: http://www.myspace.com/laurakimberlie
Condomnation, a short film with Wanda Skyes, which Laura has a featured song, "This Love" on the soundtrack
"Thank you again and for your kind words as well. You rock! Best Regards, LK -- 01-18-07 "
8MM
Trip Hop / Down-tempo / Nu-Jazz
"And thank you for the extremely kind review...I'm so glad you caught the show. We had an amazing time on the road and can't wait to get back. Let me know if there's anything else you need. :) Cheers~ Juliette 8mm 01-04-07"
Returns of the Icon
Good music is popping everywhere lately. One big reason is the bringing back of the old with new. It is no wonder that icons such as Mariah Carey and Madonna would have new releases that top the charts within weeks.
Madonna teamed up with Timberland (we all know whatever he touches goes platinum) and Timberlake for her new single "4 minutes" that gets your booty shaking. Her new album, "Hard Candy" is released tomorrow. Expect an upbeat cover with a dash of electronic. Even her album cover is funky fab with her hot ass on the cover. Even in her 50's this legend has got it going on.
Mariah Carey's cd, "E=MC2," has already topped the charts as number one, just like every cd has. She too, teamed up with stars, like Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, to make her hits one step above the other. This cd follows like her others with some slow songs that touch the heart and dance songs with strong lyrics that make you want to move. I guarantee when "Side Effects" is released as a single, it will make anyone that has been in a relationship run to the store to buy a copy of their own.
"Drive" by Paul J. Watkins
Rarely does a cd come across your path that’s just too unique to put into any one category. However, Paul J. Watkins’ fourth recorded album Drive has placed itself ever so gracefully into that bin. With lyrics written by Watkins himself and music by Mark J. Dye this cd is for poetry and spoken word lovers everywhere. The music behind Watkins’ words of truth and “a mission” is the most eclectic mix ever placed onto one cd. Some tracks give you an old school metal vibe while others remind you of the old school punk days. Then Watkins’ throws a jazzy track or two in and you’re set to have your friends ask you “What the heck is this man?”
And what it is is in the eye of the artist. “I’ve never been one of the crowd/God as my witness I won’t start now,” croons Paul on the album’s second track “On a Mission.” And by this cd listeners can tell. The lyrics are cutthroat, raw, and laced with emotion that some of us can only begin to understand. Paul J. Watkins delivers a dose of originality that honestly can’t be compared to anything else. So if you’re down for something new and different (and change is always good!) definitely give this album a listen. Behind the madness there is a message and if you’re awake enough to understand it, then it’s for you. And if not, then “stay cool with your drool” as Paul J. Watkins would say. His “those who understand, understand and those who don’t, don’t” mentality will have you wanting to check out his music on that principle alone.
You can learn more about Paul and Drive by checking out www.cdbaby.com/cd/pauljwatkins
