SLOMMO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Mo Sounds
Donnie unleashes ‘The American Mythology’ Plus: Fresh sounds from Latrese Bush, Cortney LaFloy + more
Cover Story Soul Preview 2016 Slo*Mo picks a bevy of new albums by ATL-dwelling artists that are sure to fill your earholes this year.
Mo Events
King reigns in Atlanta And: Daley, Meshell Ndegeocello + more live music
Brenda Nicole Moorer Even Mo Releases Page 6
SLOMMO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
Co-Publisher & Editor in Chief: Carlton Hargro | Co-Publisher & Creative Director: Larmarrous Shirley Contributors Shannon McCollum www.twitter.com/ShannonMcCollum Slo*Mo is published by Slo*Mo Media. | slomomedia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SloMoMagazine | www.twitter.com/slomomedia
Cover Photo by Shannon McCollum
M mo sounds
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Donnie unleashes ‘The American Mythology’
Plus: Fresh sounds from Latrese Bush, Cortney LaFloy + more Donnie — “The American Mythology”: At the tail end of 2015, Atlanta soul heavyweight Donnie released a fresh new album, “The American Mythology” — his first since 2007’s “The Daily News.” The project, however, marks a shift for the acclaimed vocalist; songs on the album were crafted more as ensemble pieces instead of vehicles for the singer’s solo expression. The end result is a sound that’s more akin to a Broadway musical’s soundtrack than a straight-up, radio-ready song … and, yo, that’s DOPE. At a time when the music industry needs an injection of creativity, “The American Mythology” is a courageous journey in a bold, new sonic direction. Honestly, it would be amazing if more independent artists did what Donnie has done here: Create a project that couldn’t be made if you were signed to a regular record label. So, let’s celebrate this truly artistic endeavor by snagging a copy or three. More info: www.iamdonnie.com.
Latrese Bush — “Because of You”: ATL’s own Latrese Bush has linked up with rising soul superstar Noel Gourdin to bring the world “Because of You,” the melodic, super-crisp new single that invokes the best of late-1990s, feelgood R&B (you know, like Joe). Let’s hope this tune (and the snazzy video that goes with it) means we’ll be hearing more new music from Bush in 2016 and beyond. More info: www.facebook.com/LatreseBushMusic. Kameron Corvet — “Leave It Like That (Remix)”: It probably seems like we write about Kameron Corvet in every issue of Slo*Mo … well that’s because the dude keeps on churning out fresh music. Case in point: The singer/ musician recently unveiled a hip-hopfueled remix to his latest single, “Leave It Like That,” featuring bona fide rap god Consequence. Just go ahead and snag the track — and then prepare for the next banger. More info: www. kameroncorvet.com.
IMPORTS
Cortney LaFloy — “One Kiss”: House music-flavored singer (and dancer) Cortney LaFloy has finally dropped a follow-up to her massive hit “Dance 4 You”; the new tune, titled “One Kiss,” teams LaFloy with producer Alex Millet for a tune that’s heavy on beat … and also melody. As a matter of fact, that may be the key to LaFloy’s music industry success. On top of that, we know for sure she has another song up her sleeve that could be released at any moment. Keep listening for more. More info: www.facebook.com/cortneylafloy.
Alex Isely — “Luxury”: A great many soul heads first heard singer Alex Isley, daughter of the iconic Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers, when she made a guest appearance on drummer Brandon Williams’ song “Leave Love Be.” The good news is, she’s taken the cozy, vibey sound she pumped out on Williams’ album and expanded on it for her new, full-length project, “Luxury.” Check out songs like “La Brea” and “string of Pearls” to get a full dose of her ethereal vocals painted across a sparse and airy bed of instrumentation. And although she’s Ron’s kid, her approach to songwriting and singing is totally her own. Take our word for it, and get your hands on “Luxury.” More info: lovealexisley.com. M
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Soul Preview 2016 A
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> butt-load of great soul music is on tap for 2016, and — as always — Atlanta is the epicenter for a big slice of what you’re going to be listening to over the course of this new year. To help you navigate the sonic waters, we (the homies at Slo*Mo) have compiled a guide to some of the most anticipated works coming soon from a gang of ATL’s best and brightest artists. So, turn the page and dive in. The next 365 days are sure to be super-soulful.
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Back in the house
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f you’re a music head who likes to go out and cut a rug in Atlanta, chances are you know the name DJ Kemit. The Milwaukee-born, ATL-based turntable legend is responsible for hosting some of the city’s top ongoing parties (e.g., Kickin’ Up Dust, Soul Makossa, Spread Love and, most recently, the ATL Dance Sessions). But his talent doesn’t just end in the club; Kemit has been building a rep over the years as a go-to music producer. In this role, he’s crafted hit songs for local heavyweights like Algebra, Anthony David and Heston. On top of those tracks, in 2012, he released his beat-heavy debut solo album — “Everlasting” — featuring Eric Roberson, N’Dambi and Frank McComb, among other vocalists. And in this brand-spanking-new year, he’s emerged from the studio once again with a collection of tunes — this time in the form of the house music-tinged EP “Together.” The project is dropping in early 2016 via singer/producer Josh Milan’s Honeycomb Music label and co-stars artists such as Terrance Downs, Tasha LaRae and Milan himself. But before “Together” hits the streets, Slo*Mo checked in with Kemit to get the ins and outs on his newest release.
Slo*Mo: So how did this project come together (no pun intended), and how did you link up with Josh? DJ Kemit: I had this song that I worked on some time ago — never placed it on an album or anything like that. It was one of those tunes I would secretly play [at parties] as an instrumental to get people’s response. But every time I heard it, [in my mind] I would hear Josh Milan’s voice on it. So … I sent him the song [on a Thursday] … and by Monday he hits me up with a text message, saying: “Hey brother we have a problem. … I’m working on my album, and I want this song on there.” And I was like: “What’s the problem?!” Then he said: “Well a lot of guys send me music and it’s already placed.” But I was like: “No man, I just want you on it.” So, that’s where it started back in June [2015]. After that, I kept sending him different tracks and stuff until he just said: “Man, why don’t you just do an EP?” I had already been thinking about how I would do my next project. I think a 12-song record, with people’s attention spans being so short, it’s not the best marketplace for that. But when he said EP, I was like, “Bet!” How are you planning to get “Together” into the hands of consumers? The original release date for this EP was the same day as House in the Park [on Labor Day], but we pulled back to maximize the life of the music by releasing it on vinyl. There’s been an uptick in vinyl sales since the 1990s … and no musician right now is supporting themselves off digital sales. So we wanted to maximize the potential of this EP by putting it out on vinyl first and then, four weeks after that, the digital copy will be available on Honeycomb Music.com. Did you have particular sound you were going for with your new EP? I wanted the work on this EP to be the best sounding songs I had done to date. I wanted it to be a project that competed with everything else out there. I wanted it to be a project I was just proud to play. And the talent is just a blessing. So, I definitely checked off all the boxes, as far as making sure I’m satisfied with this project. 2016 is shaping up very well. M
L I V E
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E D G E W O O D
8:00pm thursday � february 4, 2016
The Music Room
327 Edgewood Ave � Atlanta, GA
DJ Kemit returns with the dance-centric “Together”
By Carlton Hargro | Photo by Shannon McCullom
Soul Preview 2016 CONTINUES NEXT PAGE
every wednesday 10am & 6pm www.ablradio.com
Soul Preview 2016 MO UPCOMING RELEASES:
Jermaine Hardsoul Folks may recognize vocalist/musician Jermaine Hardsoul from his production work with artists like Eric Roberson, but now he’s finally taking the spotlight in a big way with “Lane” — his first full-length solo studio album. Taking a listen to “Lane” (available on all digital platforms January 22) you’d almost think it was a concept album — and that’s due to the 1980s/1990s-era R&B/soul influence that runs through almost every tune. The track “Oh Girl,” for example, channels the spirit of the Prince/Time Minneapolis sound, while songs like “The One Two” (featuring ATL expat singer Carmen Rodgers) is fueled by Chi-town stepper sounds. Look for this album to catapult Mr. Hardsoul deeper into the consciousness of music fans everywhere. More info: www.hardsoulsound.com. Waking Astronomer Experimental electronic/jazz solo artists Afua Richardson (vocals), Alexa Lima (keys) and Deku (drums/bass) combine their powers once again in the supergroup Waking Astronomer to unleash their new selftitled, eight-song EP. Making its way to stores February 5, the album — powered by the ethereal-yet-hard-driving single “Br’er Rabbit,” which is out now — will be available digitally and on cassette. More info: wakingastronomer.com. Maleke O’Ney Singer Maleke O’Ney teased us by unveiling a three-song EP (“The Mix Sessions Vol. 01”) in late 2015, but this year we can expect to get her full album, “Confessions of a Pentecostal Girl.” And if it’s anything like the EP, “Confessions” will use soul as a backdrop to present songs that are coated with gospel, jazz, funk, blues and other fresh stuff. As far as release dates go, the album’s first single is set to drop sometime in February, and the album will reportedly follow soon after. More info: www.malekeoney.com.
Even Mo Upcoming Releases: Daz-I-Kue + Khari Cabral Simmons: The production partners, housed over at the famed 800 East Studios, have a ton of projects lined up for 2016. A few you should keep your ears peeled for: a new solo album from Simmons, a new album from his acclaimed soul/bossa nova group Jiva, Daz’s long-awaited “BB Boogie” album, monthly single releases from his I-Kue Recordings label, and much more. More info: www.facebook.com/ilovedazikue / twitter.com/kharicabral. Love Shanti Om: Coming in late fall of this year, singer/performance artist Love Shanti Om plans to drop “Such is Life” — an EP designed to capture the feel of her a cappella live shows; however, a remixed version of the project featuring instrumentation will also be made available. More info: twitter.com/Shantiommusic.
The Dangerfeel Newbies The Atlanta soul/jazz/hip-hop/house trio The Dangerfeel Newbies (aka Jamal Ahmad, Mark Angel and Darren “DJ” Wagner) returns in the first quarter of 2016 with the EP “Southern Suns/Sons.” According to Ahmad, the project is: “inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s novel ‘Warmth Of Other Suns’ which chronicles the great migration of African-American’s to the North. [We] wanted to pay homage to the ‘reverse migration’ that saw countless African-Americans from the early 1990s to now traveling back to the South from the North and other places. So in keeping with the theme, every track on this EP is a song dedicated to the power of the sun.” The EP co-stars vocalists such as Kathleen Bertrand (a former Roy Ayers collaborator) and Brenda Nicole Moorer, and more, putting their spin on a gaggle of cover tunes. More info: www.facebook.com/dangerfeelnewbies. Heston It’s been nearly three years since the Caribbean-flavored vocalist Heston dropped his celebrated album “Love Junkie.” Luckily, in 2016 (exact release date is TBD as of press time) he’s gifting us with the follow-up, titled “Transparency.” According to Heston, he recorded the project in locales across the globe, and it features production by big dogs like DJ Kemit, among others. He also shared that he aims to make “Transparency” his most sonically perfect album yet. Well, we’ll be listening — and you should, too. More info: twitter.com/HestonSoulMusic. Chantae Cann After appearing on a gang of dope singles over the past few years — such as the Snarky Puppy-fueled “Free Your Dreams” and “It’s Your Time” via Lil’ John Roberts — lauded singer Chantae Cann is finally dropping a proper solo album: “Journey to Golden.” Coming your way March 11, courtesy of the Atlanta Records label, the album promises to give us a full-length dose of Cann’s super-sweet vocal style and ultra-optimistic lyrics. And for folks who just can’t wait until March, “Journey to Golden” is available for pre-order as we speak in a variety of cool formats. More info: www.atlantagotsoul.com. M
Cleveland Jones: Gospel-tinged singer/songwriter/producer Cleveland Jones says he’s hard at work on his sophomore album and that folks will be able to get their hands on it in 2016. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge. More info: twitter.com/ ClevelandPJones. Brenda Nicole Moorer: Vocalist Brenda Nicole Moorer is currently in the lab with her band, working on a collection of songs that add a dash of funk to her typically folk-soul sound (as heard on her past EP, “For Lovers and Dreamers”). More info: www. brendanicolemoorer.com. Michael Murani: We heard from the horses mouth that the producer/musician/vocalist behind the vibey “Meditative Funk” sound has a bevy of tracks that are set to hit our earholes soon. Check back in with Slo*Mo for firm release dates in the near future. More info: twitter.com/meditativefunk. M
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M mo events
King reigns in Atlanta And: Daley, Meshell Ndegeocello + more live music
Feb. 29: King — Fans of the ultra-melodic soul trio King should get an award for patiently awaiting the release of the band’s first full-length album, “We Are King.” I mean, it seems like it took the group — made up of sisters Paris and Amber Strother and “musical sister” Anita Bias — like, forever to get back on the scene with new music since they took the world by storm via their first EP, “The Story.” So we can all thank the creator for the chance to jump ear-deep into more of King’s dreamy harmonies and vibey soundscapes. And to celebrate the release of “We Are King,” the crew has hit the road once again, with plans to invade Atlanta tonight. Expect to hear plenty of that new-new, but I’m sure audience members who’ve been riding with them since 2011 will be treated to renditions of early cuts like “Hey” and “Supernatural.” Bring your rumps. $15-$20. 7 p.m. Vinyl, 1374 West Peachtree Street. www. centerstage-atlanta.com.
Jan. 21: Fernanda Noronha — Brazilian-born, Atlanta-based singer Fernanda Noronha is the living embodiment of the “soul bossa” sound, seamlessly mixing jazz with samba, R&B and more. And she’s bringing her award-winning original songs and select covers to Sandy Springs for a night she’s dubbing “Made in Brazil.” $10. 8 p.m. Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs. www. steveslivemusic.com.
TheyungMatthew and Divine Interface) in action at its album release party, going down tonight. $8. 9 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave SE. www.badearl.com.
Jan. 22: All Cows Eat Grass Dance Party: Bae Edition — According to event organizers, you’re invited to: “Come dance with us as the ladies of #BaeATL fill the air with sugar, spice, and everything nice” — featuring music by All Cows Eat Grass, Mikoteau (Mikkoh & Decoteau) and DJ Ohso. $10. 9 p.m. The Basement, 1245 Glenwood Avenue SE. www. basementatl.com.
Feb. 18: Morgan Heritage, Blackalicious — A lil’ reggae from Morgan Heritage mixed with a dash of hip-hop courtesy of Blackalicious equals one great night of music. $20-$25. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St., Studio C. www. terminalwestatl.com.
Jan. 23: Get Brunch — Dope DJs and mimosas collide at this weekly music-centric feast. Y’all know: Brunch is serious in Atlanta. Come get your eat on and shake your ass at the same damn time. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. BQE Restaurant & Lounge, 262 Edgewood Avenue, www.getbrunchatl.com. Feb. 5: Waking Astronomer — Check this month’s cover story for more on Waking Astronomer, and then check out the group (along with special guests RBTS WIN, Ancestor_,
Feb. 14: Meshell Ndegeocello — You don’t seriously need a reason to go see Meshell, do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so. $30. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St., Studio C. www.terminalwestatl.com.
Feb. 19: ATL Dance Sessions — Look, it’s the newest nightlife event from DJ Kemit (see the cover story for more on Kemit). This monthly soiree is all about house music, though — so show up ready to dance. Still: Go easy on the baby powder, please. $10. 10 p.m. The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Avenue. boomboxatl.com. Feb. 20: Daley — You don’t seriously need a reason to go see Daley, do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so. $20-$25. 8 p.m. Center Stage, 1374 West Peachtree Street. www.centerstageatlanta.com. M