VOL.3 NO.4
WWW.SLOMOATL.COM
With: Royal, Anthony David, St. Beauty, Stan Zeff + More
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
kameron corvet FREE
VOL.3 NO.4
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
WWW.SLOMOATL.COM
Royal
With: Kameron Corvet, Anthony David, St. Beauty, Stan Zeff + More
FREE
SLO✭MO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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The Summer of Soul
Slo*Mo presents the definitive guide to the season’s best soul-flavored music and events. Plus: ticket giveaways, exclusive mixtapes and a ton of other goodies.
Mo Events
Su CASA takes a ‘Layover’ in the A And: Rich Medina, Floetry, Adron, Love Bazaar and more
the
Photo courtesy of Adron
of
SLO✭MO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
Co-Publisher & Editor in Chief: Carlton Hargro | Co-Publisher & Creative Director: Larmarrous Shirley Contributors Jasiatic, Layla Bellows, Elvis Piedra, Kaya Faery, Marc Baptiste Slo*Mo is published by Slo*Mo Media. | slomomedia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SloMoMagazine | www.twitter.com/slomomedia
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INTRODUCING: THE SUMMER OF SOUL The first rule about summer in Atlanta is that it’s not over until, like, October. That’s partly due to the weather, which stays warm for a truly hot minute, and also because promoters and event organizers have must-do programming slated to pop off well into the fall. It’s that spirit of never-ending good times that inspired us at Slo*Mo to launch the Summer of Soul — a multi-month campaign designed spread the word about the season’s top local music, artists and events. The fun kicks off here with our Summer of Soul special issue (boasting two collectible covers, as pictured right), but it continues both on the Web and in the physical world. For the next few months, be sure to visit www.slomoatl.com for news about the latest soul-flavored goings-ons; we’ll not only be sharing info on upcoming live shows and more, but we’ll also be dropping SoS mixtapes and giving away tickets to dope happenings via our weekly podcast Mo Audio. On top of that, Slo*Mo will serve as a co-host to a number of shindigs, so keep your eyes peeled for us at venues around town. In the meantime, peruse the current edition of Slo*Mo … and stay tuned for one hot-ass time in the A. ✭
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Summer soundtrack A few of our favorite ATL-centric anthems By Carlton Hargro
Photo by Kaya Faery
One of the hallmarks of any great summer is the summer jam. You know what I’m saying: I’m talking about that song (or songs) that drops in or around the hot weather months and is so funky/fresh that it becomes your de facto soundtrack … at least until it starts getting chilly. Well, it turns out that a handful of Atlanta-dwelling (and/or ATL-affiliated) soul artists have stepped up to the plate this year to provide the city, the nation and the whole damn world with some seasonally dope anthems. Here’s a look at a few of the folks behind some of our favorite music of the moment:
interested in the clique’s duo St. Beauty. The sound pumped out by this pair of super-cool ladies (Alex Belle and Isis Valentino) is quieter than their labelmates, but it’s also more soulful, while still packing a thumping beat when necessary. Check out their single “Going Nowhere” when “The Eephus” drops, and then catch them live when they (and the rest of Wondaland) play ONE Musicfest September 12. More info: www.stbeautyband.com. Kameron Corvet: We’re still grooving to vocalist/musician Kameron Corvet’s last album “Darker Than Gray,” but he’s gearing up to release a brand-new EP titled “Due Process.” As we wait for that to drop, however, Corvet gifted listeners with the recently unveiled single “Nothing At All.” The cut marks a return to a more R&Bballad sound, and honestly, it’s real pretty. Get it now on iTunes. More info: kameroncorvet.com. Stan Zeff: The team behind the world famous house music party and growing record label Tambor is back with “Baka” — a brand-new track perfectly tailored for the dance floor. And this one, flavored with a driving African-inspired rhythm, is by Tambor co-founder/ DJ/producer Stan Zeff. More info: tamborparty.com/ music.
Royal
Royal: In the last issue of Slo*Mo, we covered the record release party for the hip-hop/rock duo Royal (which went down at Apache Café and was dope as fuck), but we’re back writing about the crew now that its self-titled EP is, as of July 7, in stores. Made up of singer/musician Devon Lee and DJ/MC Mikeflo, Royal channels heaping helpings of sexual energy and political commentary into this debut project — the result is a multilayered collection of songs custom made for unabashed rocking out and analytical dissection. Driven by the single “Crash,” which features drumming legend Lil’ John Roberts on the track and “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta” stars Ariane Davis and Mimi Faust in the video, the EP represents a true colliding of worlds … and that’s just what Mikeflo and Lee were going for. “It’s all connected to the culture,” says Lee. “It’s liberation. You have to be inclusive of everybody if you’re gonna reach anybody.” More info: allthewayroyal.com. St. Beauty: When it comes to Janelle Monae’s eclectic Wondaland crew of artists — and their upcoming album “The Eephus” (to be released Aug. 14) — it seems like most music fans are into singer/rapper Jidenna and his radioconquering tune “Classic Man.” But, we at Slo*Mo are more
Nicolay: In June, one-half of the N.C.-based hip-hop/ soul band The Foreign Exchange — Nicolay — unleashed his newest solo album, “City Lights Vol. 3: Soweto.” His latest work is keyboard-driven, bright and heavy on the instrumentals, with a peppering of vocals from his partner Phonte and Atlanta’s own Carmen Rodgers. The album sets the stage for the brand-new, full FE album, “Tales From the Land of Milk and Honey,” coming August 21. More info: www.theforeignexchangemusic.com. Tres Gilbert: Known as one of Atlanta’s top bassists, Tres Gilbert stepped out in May with his very own solo project: “Trichotomy.” The album is dipped in soul, jazz, rock, funk and all kinds of originals and covers. And, Gilbert has even decided to pop from behind his guitar to sing on a few songs. Dude’s got the chops! More info: www.tresgilbert.com.
Mo Summer Jams:
Bosco — “BOY.” More info: www.hellobosco.com. Julie Dexter & The HC3 — “The Smiling Hour.” More info: www.juliedexter.com. Alexa Lima — “Alexa Lima.” More info: alexalimamusic.com. The Internet (Playing at the 2015 edition of ONE Musicfest, September 12) — “Ego Death.” More info: www.internetband.com. Bilal (Performing July 18 at Center Stage) — “In Another Life.” More info: www.facebook.com/OfficialBilalPage. ✭
Oct. 3-4: Afropunk Atlanta — It seems like everyone has been waiting for the Brooklyn-birthed alternative urban music throwdown known as Afropunk to hit the A … and come October, we’ll finally get a chance to partake in the Southern version of the famed festival. If the talent roster — filled with musical dons D’Angelo, Public Enemy, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Santigold, and local hero RAHBI, among many others — is any indication of the general joy to come, then it’s gonna be fun on an orgasmic level. @: Central Park. More info: afropunkfest.com/atlanta
Sept. 12: ONE Musicfest — If you’re a fan of soul or hip-hop, you’re probably already aware of the dopeness (and massiveness) that is ONE Musicfest. Launched in 2010 by ATL-based Jay Carter, this year’s event features a lineup of legends and legends-in-the-making, including The Roots, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Janelle Monae and her Wondaland crew, Sza, The Internet and many more. Bought a ticket yet? Well, what the hell are you waiting for? @: Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More info: www.onemusicfest.com.
Sept. 3-6: The Atlanta Weekender — Paving the way for the previously mentioned House in the Park, The Atlanta Weekender gathers all four HITP DJs (the previously mentioned Salah, Kemit, Kai and Ramon) and a host of guest spinners and performers for a series of soul, Afrobeat and houseflavored shindigs all over the city. The Weekender offers music lovers of all stripes a chance to party and fellowship in the days leading up to the main event. @: Various venues. More info: www.atlantaweekender.com.
Sept. 6: House in the Park — For the past 11 years, Labor Day weekend in Atlanta has served to mark the return of House in the Park … and this year is no different. Founded and fueled by DJ Ramon Rawsoul — along with his comrades-in-arms DJ Kemit, Salah Ananse and Kai Alce — as a way to celebrate the Chicago-born art form, the event has grown into the largest gathering of house heads in the Southeast. And: It’s free. This is a can’t-miss joint y’all. @: Grant Park. More info: www.houseinthepark.org.
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July 17-Sept. 12: The Drawing Experiment — The work at most art shows has an ultimate goal to head into a private space and take on a life of its own, transcending possibly even the life of the artist. The Drawing Experiment (curated by Chastain Arts Center Director Karen Comer Lowe) is not that kind of exhibit. The artists in this exhibition, many of whom are Georgiabased, had two-and-a-half weeks to create a drawing on the gallery’s walls, and when the show is over, the drawings’ lives will come to an end. The idea is to examine the immediacy of drawing and the use of line within a composition. In a lot of ways, though, it also explores the temporary nature of creation, reminding us that even in the art world, nothing lasts forever. @: Chastain Arts Center. More info: www.facebook.com/ChastainArtsCenter. — Layla Bellows
Through Aug. 2: “Chasin’ Dem Blues” — A soul music vet straight outta the A, singer/musician Anthony David is temporarily trading in his vocalist role to serve as an actor in the newly opened stage production “Chasin’ Dem Blues.” The play tells the story of the birth of Paramount Records and is “is a foot-stomping, roofraising, musical celebration, which thrills audiences with storytellers’ account of how a small Midwest town changed the landscapes of American music, and ushered in the sound of the early 20th century, a sound that still reverberates today.” And, yo, this ain’t no Tyler Perry play; directed by Kevin Ramsey, it’s a production of Kenny Leon’s award-winning True Colors Theatre Company, so it’s of the highest quality. Get yourself a ticket. @: The Southwest Arts Center. More info: www.truecolorstheatre.org. — CH
SIGHTS
Oct. 7-11: A3C — Now, this one’s for my true hip-hop heads and, honestly, needs no introduction. A3C has cemented itself as one of the biggest and best rap-centric festivals/conferences in the nation. When we say there will be hundreds of artists performing at dozens of stages across Atlanta, we’re not being hyperbolic in the least. If you consume or represent the five elements, bring your ass. @: Various venues. More info: www.a3cfestival.com. — Carlton Hargro
ton of stuff’s happening in Atlanta this summer; of course, not all of it is worth your time or your cash — especially if you’re a lover of soul music and culture. So, yo, to help you navigate the next few months, the super-dope crew at Slo*Mo has curated a list of the season’s best events (we’re talking concerts, art exhibitions and more). Check it out:
Slo*Mo picks the season’s best events
Much to-do about summer
Janelle Monae & Wondaland
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Photo by Marc Baptiste
Much to-do about summer Slo*Mo picks the season’s best events
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Mo Nice-ness:
July 18: Bilal — @: Center Stage. More info: www.centerstage-atlanta.com. July 20: Emily King — @: Vinyl. More info: www.centerstage-atlanta.com. July 29: Miguel — @: The Tabernacle. More info: www.tabernacleatl.com. Aug. 1: Serenade Supper Club with Kameron Corvet — @: The Music Room. More info: www.boomboxatl.com. Aug. 3: Shuggie Otis — @: Terminal West. More info: www.terminalwestatl.com. Aug. 5: Kamasi Washington — @: Aisle 5. More info: aisle5atl.com. Aug. 7: PJ Morton — @: Center Stage. More info: www.centerstage-atlanta.com. Aug. 15: Doria Roberts & Friends Annual Birthday Party Show — @: Variety Playhouse. More info: www. variety-playhouse.com.
Aug. 21: Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles — @: Terminal West. More info: www.terminalwestatl.com. Sept. 4: CeCe Peniston — @: The Loft. More info: www.centerstage-atlanta.com. Sept. 4: Marcus Miller — @: Variety Playhouse. More info: www.varietyplayhouse.com. Sept. 5: Fool’s Gold Day Off — @: Turner Field Green Lot. More info: fgdayoff.com. Sept. 14: Snarky Puppy — @: Variety Playhouse. More info: www.varietyplayhouse.com. Sept. 19: Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton — @: Variety Playhouse. More info: www.variety-playhouse.com. Sept. 25: TomorrowWorld — @: Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. More info: www.tomorrowworld.com
Sept. 27: Ibeyi — @: Terminal West. More info: www.terminalwestatl.com. Sept. 26: Needle To The Record DJ Competition and WRAS Weekend Wrecking Crew’s 25th Anniversary Celebration — @: Vinyl. More info: www.centerstage-atlanta. com. Oct. 3: Flux Night 2015: Dream — @: Streets of Old Fourth Ward. More info: fluxprojects.org. Oct. 14: Leon Bridges — @: Variety Playhouse. More info: www.varietyplayhouse.com. Oct. 14-17: The Official Spread Love 8th Annual Felabration — @: Venue: TBA. More info: spreadlove.us. Oct. 25: Lianne Le Havas — @: Center Stage. More info: www. centerstage-atlanta.com. ✭
More Summer of Soul Goodness: Summer of Soul Vol. 1 Mixtape: Download the official Summer of Soul Vol. 1 Mixtape — mixed by Slo*Mo’s own DJ Larmarrous — featuring a mix of old and new tracks designed and packaged to pump up your summer. Visit www. slomoatl.com and click on the Summer of Soul Mixtape Vol. 1 link to get it free.
Win tickets: Get your hands on free tickets to two upcoming events: 1.) Su Casa presents: Layover ATL — which is also where we’ll celebrate Slo*Mo’s 2-Year Anniversary on July 24 and 2.) the sensual shopping/ music day party Love Bazaar on July 25. Email us at slomomedia@gmail.com for a chance of snagging tickets for your damn self. ✭
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✭ mo events Photo by Jasiatic
Su CASA takes a ‘Layover’ in the A Plus: Rich Medina, Floetry, Adron, Love Bazaar + more July 24: Su Casa presents: Layover ATL — Tonight, one of North Cack’s funkiest nightlife events (Su Casa) invades Atlanta under the moniker — Su Casa presents: Layover ATL. Like it’s Carolinian counterpart, the monthly Layover ATL event will present an evening of photography, live art, film and music via Slo*Mo’s own DJ Larmarrous and iconic DJ/producer Daz-I-Kue (of Bugz in the Attic). On top of that, the folks behind Slo*Mo Magazine will be in the house celebrating our 2-year anniversary; we’ll be on hand passing out mags and other merch … and just shaking our asses in general. Whatever you do, don’t miss the launch of this fresh new happening. Free before 11 p.m. $10 after 11 p.m. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Studio No. 7, 393 Marietta Street NW. www. slomoatl.com.
Jasiatic
July 18: House on a Boat — At this aptly named event, there’ll be (of course) house music sounds provided by DJs Kemit (Spread Love, House In The Park), Swift (DJN Project, Vega Records), 1derful (Celebrate, ATL Weekender) and Be (Celebrate, Tambor). And, yes, it takes place on a boat. Get your sail on! $57-$63. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, Georgia.
EVEN MO EVENTS:
July 25: Love Bazaar — (See this issue’s “Summer of Soul” cover package for more info and learn how to win tickets.) $15-$40. 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The B Complex, 1272 Murphy Avenue SW. lovebazaaratl2015. eventbrite.com.
July 25: 2nd Annual Queens Never Quit Walk: In honor & remembrance of Dee Dee Cocheta — Free-$20. 10 a.m. Riverdale Regional Park, 904 Wilson Road, Riverdale, Georgia. www.queensneverquitwalk2.eventbrite.com.
July 31: Floetry — If you missed the sold out show that went down in early July, bringing the soulpoetic duo Floetry back together for the first time in years, here’s your second shot. Don’t blow it. $32-$37. 8 p.m. Center Stage, 1374 West Peachtree Street. NW. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. Aug 1: The Gathering with Rich Medina — Whenever famed DJ Rich Medina, hits the A, it’s an occasion that demands you to drop everything you’re doing and have your face in the place. Expect to hear an ass-load of great house … with a little soul, Afrobeat and other good stuff sprinkled in for good measure. $10. 10 p.m. The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Avenue SE. www.boomboxatl.com.
July 24: Windows to Nowhere 2: Featuring New Works by Corey Davis & Miya Bailey — Free. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Notch8 Gallery, 1397 Blashfield Street. 404-913-3411.
Aug. 8: J. Dilla Foundation Book Bag Drive: Bag of Dreams — Free (but donate books, bags and supplies). 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Four Corners Park, 1080 Crew Street. jdillafoundation@gmail.com. Aug. 12: #IheARTandSOUL XVI — 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Kat’s Café, 970 Piedmont Avenue NE. ✭
Rich Medina
Photo coutesy of www.tucker-bloom.com
July 31: Adron, Kenosha Kid, Frosted Orange — Ultra-fresh “neotropical pop/soul/folk” singer/ musician Adron takes the stage again — this time at the legendary East Atlanta venue The EARL. $10. 9 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Avenue SE. www. badearl.com.
July 19: LeChic Mystique’s “It’s a Family Affair 2” — Free. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Piedmont Park at the Large Pavilion.