New Album Spotlight – Time Machine, by J. Baylor

Posted by tagdmv on April 9, 2014
Posted in: Album Review, Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

The sounds of the future of R&B have just been released on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Those sounds have been encapsulated in the indie album Time Machine, by J. Baylor.

20140409-065132.jpg
Baylor is a DMV native, hailing from Prince George’s County, MD. His initial endeavors into music came through mastering the percussive sounds of the drum sticks and snare kicks. He has also proven himself as a singer/songwriter that has an ear for vocal arrangement. Whom has he proven himself to? Try his previous creation of the dynamic Christian band, Vertical Band, as well as other successful artists, such as Chrisette Michele, Brian Courtney Wilson, Trinitee 5:7, Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and more, with whom he has had the privilege to work with, thus far!

20140409-065504.jpg
Now, J. Baylor has released his debut EP project on indie label, GMG World Media Entertainment, which will establish his career going forward. Here’s what we heard from the album:

TRACK 1- “Walking On Air”: This was his first single, which was released Aug. 6, 2013; this production combines light and airy futuristic sounds with hard hitting base and smooth harmonies of R&B.
TRACK 2 – “Better Off”: This overall arrangement is similar to the previous track in terms of the feel, but also makes good use of his falsetto range during his transitions into the hook.
TRACK 3 – “Time Machine”: Baylor makes the best use of futuristic sounds to drive the overall theme of the track; the percussive rhythm merges R&B and Hip-Hop sounds seamlessly, while his falsetto use in the hook keeps you grounded into the true R&B feel.
TRACK 4 – “Love Die”: This track is a smooth, straight ballad, with only piano accompaniment, which provides for a very intimate feel.
TRACK 5 – “Push It”: This is our personal favorite track! This is the most uptempo, Neo-retro-soul, led by a funky electric guitar rift, and smooth electric bass accompaniment; the melodic and percussive transitions within the hook is everything, and can definitely be a party favorite!

20140409-065656.jpg
Go now to iTunes and download the Time Machine album! You can also keep up with J. Baylor on his site (www.iamjbaylor.com), your nearest social networking site, including ReverbNation, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (IAMJBAYLOR is the handle on all sites). You can also find him on YouTube, where he also covers hit songs, including “Without You” by Usher, “Thinking About You” by Frank Ocean, and even “Pure Imagination” from the classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie. This young artist is just getting started, and we want to follow this “time machine” all the way into the future!

– EMW
>

Advertisement

Event Spotlight – Super Thursday: In Full Bloom

Posted by tagdmv on April 4, 2014
Posted in: Art, Events, Fashion, Uncategorized. Leave a comment

20140404-080227.jpgLana Rae, Fashion Show Producer & Ean Williams, Corjor International Couture

On a cloudy and slightly rainy, the atmosphere in the Walters Art Museum in Downtown Baltimore was plenty vibrant and spring-like. The theme of this free Super Thursday event: In Full Bloom. Considering that this is still the beginning of Spring, In Full Bloom is an appropriate title…’Tis the season!

However, there is more to this theme than just the obvious seasonal correlation. All aspects of this event took to the theme in true form. The first couple of hours of the event were dedicated to artistic lovers, seekers, observers and networkers. Guests of the event were treated with the pleasure of being able to observe their latest exhibit, “Designed for Flowers: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics“, free of charge. Filled with various colorful and unique ceramic pieces, from multiple artists all over Japan, each piece takes you on a descriptive journey of the piece and how it was constructed. This exhibit will continue to be open to the public until May 11, 2014.

20140404-071421.jpg

Outside of that exhibit, guests were also treated to unique displays of floral arrangements interpreting works of art pieces, which were organized by the Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Gallery. The pieces were particularly placed throughout the gallery, and ranged in size from small 3-4 roses to large, colorful bouquets of artistic arrangements. For the social aspect of the event, multiple halls were set up in the museum’s 2nd floor, filled with standing tables to couches with coffee tables (depending on how your social vibe was at that moment). All the while, Mix It Up, expert mixologists, provided the spring-like, floral-inspired drink options for guests to enjoy, and DJ Jus-Spin played the lively, uptemp tunes to keep the party going.

20140404-071632.jpg

Around 7pm, the real excitement began, as the In Full Bloom fashion show began. The production was created and arranged by none other than the top notch producer of the infamous Fashion Awards MD brand, Lana Rae (www.fashionawardsmd.com). First up were the designs of STUDIO D’MAXSI (www.studiodmaxsi.com). The collection was vibrant, yet sophisticated, starting with looks in shades of white, and ending with a bold red and gold theme for the last several looks. The floral inspirations shined through the use of ruffles, pleats, and floral headwear on several of the models. Next up was the Naomi Davidoff (www.naomidavidoff.com) collection, which dove in head-first into the “Full Bloom” theme. Although this collection featured the least number of looks (only 3), each told a story in being inspired by floral masquerade ball gowns of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries silhouettes. Needless to say, the collection was very colorful, dramatic and took the floral arrangements into a literal aspect. The final looks were from the Corjor International Couture collection, by Ean Williams (www.corjor.com), who is also the organizer and producer for DC Fashion Week (www.dcfashionweek.org). This collection takes the In Full Bloom aspect to the next level in abstract couture. The theme is lived out and realized through a few aspects: lace, sheer and free-flowing materials, the use of eye-catching designs as floral-esque type silhouettes, and the pops of color that spurts throughout the collection. By the last round of looks in the collection, you are submersed into an outdoor spring wedding, full with the dress and vail. You also couldn’t help but to sing along to your favorite popular songs during the collection’s debut! The production ended with a round of applause and many thanks to Ms. Lana Rae, who also glowed in her blue, multi-layer feathered, ball gown inspired dress…also, a Corjor International original.

20140404-075404.jpgTop: STUDIO D’MAXSI; Bottom: Naomi Davidoff

20140404-075438.jpg Corjor International Couture

Nevertheless, this event was a great way for art, fashion and spring enthusiasts to co-mingle together and kick-off what is sure to be a great season of warmth, growth, and artistic paradise for all!

All of the artists, and venue, listed above can be found on your nearby social media site, and stay tuned for more info on the next Super Thursday event.

– EMW

>

Event Spotlight – OYIN Handmade (03/30/14)

Posted by tagdmv on March 31, 2014
Posted in: Events, Hair Care, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

It was a rather unseasonably cold, rainy, even snowy, Sunday evening in the Baltimore Inner Harbor…and they say that this is supposed to be spring! Nevertheless, this unusual, Debbie Downer weather did not keep loyal supporters from coming out to an evening of fun and celebration at the Hilton Baltimore. The cause for celebration…OYIN Handmade products have made the shelves of Target stores (as well as their online site) for nationwide access!

20140331-010103.jpg

In case you are unaware of this brand, OYIN Handmade specializes in natural hair and skin care products that use natural products (as opposed to chemical products) in its creation. The products are versatile, and they have something for everyone (woman, man and child). And like the name says, these products are actually “Handmade”, to ensure the consistency and quality in each batch! Since it’s origin in 2001, to the launch of it’s website in 2003, and now infiltrating the national Target brand as carriers of the OYIN brand, the OYIN HoneyBees (as their team is affectionately called) have a good deal to celebrate about!

When speaking with one of the event’s attendees, and loyal OYIN supporter, Kori Montague, she notes that OYIN Handmade products have contributed to the successful transition of her haircare from chemical to natural. “OYIN hair products have been with me from the beginning of my natural transition [a few years ago], until this present day,” says Montague. “I’ve tried everything…starting with the shampoo & conditioner…even the body butter.”

20140331-010354.jpg

In many cases, a business celebration can be still a business function, suited and stiff. This event, on the other hand, was just…a celebration! The spirit of positivity and support filled the air with people from all over conversing and taking pictures left and right (including inside of the free photo booth, filled with fun trinkets to use during the wacky photo shoots). Smiles and joy filled the room with the good music that was spun (which ranged in everything from 60s soul, to current pop songs – such as “Happy” & “Blurred Lines”, to late 80s & early 90s hip hop, R&B, and club/house). Guests also enjoyed a feast of crafty foods and sweets, that we’re unique, but still linked to some of our everyday favorites, such as Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, Crab Cakes, and M&Ms (with the OYIN logo).

20140331-010545.jpg

In all of this fun and good times, there were other perks for the guests and supporters to explore. One of those perks were hairstyle makeovers using OYIN products, by Camille E. Reed (natural hairstylist and salon owner of Noire Salon, in Silver Spring, MD – www.noiredesignconcepts.com). Another perk was experiencing the creativity or henna tattoos, by Henna Sooq, which is based in the Baltimore area (www.HennaSooq.com).

20140331-010825.jpg

The night capped off with a toast from the founders of the brand, Jamyla Bennu, and her husband, Pierre, as well as the current General Manager, Airic Jerrod. As Pierre Bennu stated his remarks to the numerous supporters who turned out to help him celebrate, “this is a collection of not coincidences, but a lot of hard work, and love.” When asked how he felt about the brand’s successes, Bennu was so excited and honored, and was looking forward to seeing “what’s next?!” One thing is certain, we can safely say that OYIN Handmade‘s supporters share in Mr. Bennu’s sentiments of “what’s next”, and we’re sure that there will be more reasons to celebrate in the future! Continue to follow their successes at www.oyinhandmade.com, and on your local social media sites.

20140331-011014.jpgPictured: Airic Jerrod, GM of OYIN Handmade

20140331-012921.jpgPictured: Jamyla & Pierre Bennu, Founders of OYIN Handmade

Artist Spotlight: Thea Washington, Styled by Thea

Posted by tagdmv on March 18, 2014
Posted in: Fashion, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

There’s a style that has EMERGEd from the runway, magazines, websites, and streets of Baltimore, that is sure to influence the fashionistas of the world. These looks are none other than Styled by Thea!

20140318-003713.jpg
Thea Washington is a Baltimore-native, who is a published wardrobe stylist, whose work focuses on high fashion editorials to everyday ready to wear.

As the daughter of an accomplished Music Industry executive, Thea’s childhood was full of culture, music, travel and fashion. As a graduate of the Baltimore City College High School, she landed a dream job with Sony Music at the tender age of 19. Granting her formal and hands on experience to successfully marketing a brand, as well as exposure to groundbreaking fashion. Thea has attained several positions for respected companies in the music industry such as Habakkuk Music/Universal Christian Group, Ikon Entertainment and more.

20140318-004416.jpg
After a great run in the music industry, Thea accepted an opportunity for a marketing position at the top brokerage firm in the beauty industry. Although she loved her job, it did not take her long to realize fashion is her true passion.

20140318-004537.jpg
Since launching her brand, Styled by Thea, Thea’s work has been featured in Vogue Italia (website), The Linen Magazine, Estella Magazine, various album covers for national recording artist, featured segments on FOX 45 Baltimore, national look-book campaigns and more. She was most recently named “Emerging Wardrobe Stylist of the Year” by the Fashion Awards MD for 2014!

20140318-004637.jpg
Let’s hear more about Thea’s journey to today from the lady herself:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I’m reppin’ “ova east”…Home of the Wire…lol! I’m born and raised in Baltimore, MD.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts, and how has your community influenced you?
A: Recently I was trying to promote my vintage line, Thrift Society, and hair stylist Ericka Cherrie allowed my clothes to be in her fashion show for her Salon. After the show a few models asked me to style them which lead to photographers booking me. I organically fell in love with styling and my fiancé encouraged me to quit my job in the beauty industry to pursue my passion! Over the years I would have to say a collection of things. My mom recently showed me my fashion sketch book from the 7th grade. I remember her taking me to visit fashion schools like F.I.T., Parsons and LIM. My dad taking me to fashion shows and my grandmother helping me make outfits so I could be fly for school. Lol!

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: My 5 year old goddaughter, Maddy, is waiting on a donor for a new heart, and she’s one of the coolest kids I know & I try to bring awareness to her campaign every chance I get! http://www.gofundme.com/5wyi18

Q: What’s next?!
A: I hope to do wardrobe styling for movies, commercials in the near future! I also plan on opening a Thrift Society boutique.

Thea also enjoys speaking to women and teens on how they can look amazing on a budget. We say that this advice will be priceless!

20140318-004849.jpg
Catch up with Styled by Thea on your latest social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, and on the website at www.styledbythea.com.

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Kenton Dunson, Dunson

Posted by tagdmv on March 7, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

What do you get when you combine wicked rhymes with “Beats & Bourbon”? Everyone, let’s meet the DMV indie hip hop artist who has already made his own path onto the national scene, Kenton Dunson!

20140307-091920.jpgPhoto Credit: Mark Petinga

Kenton is a graduate of Hammond High School, and McDaniel College. When he left McDaniel and became a financial advisor for T. Rowe Price, he had aspirations to obtain his MBA from Loyola College of Maryland. However, as fate would have it, Kenton made the decision to have his childhood passions and developed gifts for music to take the forefront in his professional career. Thus, Dunson was born!

20140307-092556.jpgPhoto Credit: Andrew Mangum

Since emerging as a hip hop artist, Dunson has used is gifts as a multi-talented musician to make a pathway that has gotten him not just local, but national, recognition and collaboration along the way. His ability to play multiple instruments, coupled with skills as a lyricist, has separated Dunson from your average artist and solidified him as a sought out producer also. He even won the national lyrical contest sponsored by XXL Magazine in 2012, called Ready or Not Rap Battle: Singles Challenge, for his “production, concept, wordplay and originality” (jaeki, XXLMag.com). As a result, he had his first featured article in the magazine also.

20140307-092852.jpg
Dunson has, thus far, released a successful mixtape, Creative Destruction, and his 2012 release, The Investment, which was an appropriately titled play on words, considering his previous career in the banking industry. The Investment album was a collection of songs that explored the traditional hip hop foundation of using, and embellishing, samples. However, samples and influences pulled from all over the musical map, including Ginuwine, The System, Gotye, Madeon and Sesame Street! Dunson’s powerful and meaningful (yet slick and smooth) wordplay content, coupled with his production pairing with the team, Phatboiz, has taken this album to the next level in the hip hop game. He even has an original collaboration with R&B superstar, John Legend, on his latest single from the project, “Cross Town Lovers”.

20140307-093002.jpg
Hear what Dunson has to say about his experiences thus far:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: As a child I moved around. From North East D.C. to Capitol Heights to Rockville and Silver Spring. My Mother and I moved around a bunch, I also spent summers in D.C. with my Father. I ultimately ended up going to High School in Columbia, MD. So I know a good range of the DMV.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I was one of those kids who found an instrument at a very young age and was immediately fascinated. Music in itself became some sort of infinite world I wanted to explore. Fortunately I had family that willingly supplied me with instruments and recording gear in my early years. After building my skill, it became a way of life. So a combination of the fascination of sound along with my story and the support I’ve always been surrounded by was a great recipe for takeoff.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I’ve been a part of multiple communities and experienced a number of cultural atmospheres. From living on section 8 housing to attending a top notch college to working in the investments world. It all influences me and I’m fortunate to have seen the polar differences, it makes for a more well-rounded view of the world which translates directly through my artistic existence. What I say and how I say it.

I’ve been able to use those experiences to do everything from going to speak to children about the importance of literacy regardless of profession…to even having fans tell me a certain song has changed their life. I plan on continuously soaking in the world and giving back. It’s a very reciprocal relationship, ha!

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I lay everything out in my lyrics..I really do but if someone is not familiar with my work or may only listen to a song or two. Know that I represent progression. Know that I represent knocking down creative and social barriers that still stand. I make music for people who know themselves.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I’m rounding out my new project, Outlier…which is based on being a standout or exceptional in whatever you do. I’m releasing the video to the 1st song from this project, “Circles” on March 11th. I also have production work for some major artists releasing soon as well as some international tour dates this Spring/Summer.

20140307-093644.jpgArtwork by: Adahn Westart

Continue to follow Dunson along his journey to the top of the hip hop game through his website (www.dunsonmusic.com), and you can also find him on the following social media outlets: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and YouTube. You can also check out his “Beats & Bourbon” episodes on YouTube, and his first contribution to the Grammy nominated album, Better, by Chrisette Michele, on the track “Can the Cool Be Loved?”, also featuring Bilal. Our answer, if Dunson is the “cool”, yes it can!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Amber Levy, AmJaLe

Posted by tagdmv on March 3, 2014
Posted in: Art, Fashion. Tagged: , , , , , . 2 Comments

There’s a new pride in the DMV, and it has been sparked from an unlikely source…love! Meet Amber Levy!

20140303-000645.jpg
Amber is a graduate of Suitland High School, and a veteran of the US Air Force, serving on the Security Forces at the Barksdale AFB, in Louisiana. Once she returned home from service, Amber indulged in her artistic gifts through her paintings and body art. Her abstract artistic expressions put her in high demand to showcase her work throughout the DMV, and nationally.

20140303-000922.jpg
In 2013, she decided to create a brand extended from her own name, Amber Jade Levy, and built AmJaLe. This brand, in addition to her visual arts gifts, expanded more on her gifts for fashion. For the fashion brand, Amber wanted something that everyone can take pride in…something local…and something that filled her supporters with positivity, and love. Thus, the LoveDC brand was created.

Just like her visual arts, the LoveDC logo was created abstractly, as the the “E” in “LOVE” is constructed using the DC flag! Starting with cutting-edge designs and color schemes on the trendy and popular SnapBack style hats, the LoveDC motto started to spread around the DMV like wildfire…especially with the local favorite of the NFL’s Washington Redskins’ color schemes! Soon after, Amber expanded her LoveDC fashion brand into beenie hats, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and even motorcycle jackets!

20140303-001248.jpg
We had a chance to catch up with Amber, and learn more about herself and her brands:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Maryland for the most part because I was raised there, but DC is my birth place so I can still claim the city sparingly.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Hard times really. Didn’t like the circumstances I grew up in. God allowed me to use various outlets to release anger & I discovered I was actually talented in many areas.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I’ve always looked at the community like family. It’s like you’d rather be elsewhere but at the end of the day they’re all you’ve really got. Some you like some you don’t but they’ve helped to shape me in both positive and negative aspects. Negatives, however, turning to positives as I aged.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I’m not as mean as ppl think lol… I’m just very serious about the caliber and quality of my craft, and what/whom I choose to support should reflect nothing less than what I produce. Right now I’m a full time care giver for my grandmother and it consumes about 90 hours a week, so I ask that my audience and supporters to please be patient with me, because I am only inching along with my projects due to my schedule.

Q: What’s next?!
A: Geeez where to begin?! But immediately up next on the list is to drop my couture line…Ajlevy8 (Alleviate). Not sure how I want to spell it yet though, abstractly or in plain English. But, hopefully I’ll be dropping that before spring. I’m going to try and eventually turn LoveDC into a non profit organization, where local designers can collab with the brand, and high school/college students can get internship hours by helping out with designs, manufacturing, and marketing the products. I really want the proceeds to help dc communities and programs. But that’s the ultimate goal for LoveDC. Websites are coming soon also. I don’t have a physical team quite yet, but I do have loyal supporters, such as yourself, who actually keep me motivated during times when I want to throw in the towel. Just knowing I have supporters literally keep me moving forward!

20140303-002018.jpgAlleviate Logo

As the LoveDC brand is still making its way through the DMV, we’re definitely looking forward to the new Alleviate brand also! In the time being, while her site is still under construction, you can follow Amber and her latest products on Instagram & Twitter (AmJaLe). You can also reach out to her, via email, for any products that you would like to purchase, at amjale.designs@gmail.com.

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Jessica Watson, JWatson Creative

Posted by tagdmv on February 21, 2014
Posted in: Art. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

Think of art in a format that is sleek & conservative, yet abstract & fun. Now, imagine someone giving you all of that for your professional branding or for your social entertainment…AND doing it all while sharing random acts of kindness nationally, and internationally!

20140220-214024.jpg
Meet Jessica Watson! Jessica is a DMV native, who is also a graduate of Central High School and McDaniel College. She began to express her gifts as an artist while at McDaniel, as her dorm room often became her art studio. During this time, Jessica branded her art as ArtEscape (not to be confused with the annual Baltimore showcase/festival for all things artistic, Artscape). She quickly became a campus favorite, as her pieces included young and fun abstract (yet thoughtful) acrylic paintings, both on canvases and t-shirts.

20140220-214147.jpg
Her artistic capabilities, and down-to-earth personality, quickly set her apart and spiraled her to create and establish her own breakout firm, called JWatson Creative, which shifts her gifts into more of graphic design and branding efforts.

Being CEO and Creative Director of her own creative design and consulting studio has given Jessica the creative freedom to find her inspirations from anywhere and everywhere! So much so that she spent much of 2013 traveling, working and networking, all around the US, which (coupled with her extraordinary talents and personality) garnered her much acclaim and recognition, especially in the Baltimore area. Jessica has been featured in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Magazine and Baltimore Business Journal, and has earned such honors as the Sun’s 10 to Watch Under 30 (2013), the Magazine’s 40 Under Forty (2013), and Spirited Woman Rising in Baltimore (2011).

20140220-214258.jpg
Here is more that we can learn from Ms. Watson herself:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I am a graphic designer and business owner (JWatson Creative) in Baltimore MD.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I think I’ve always walked to the beat of my own drum, not knowing exactly in the early stages of my life what impact that would have on me. My mom is my earliest influence, being a designer herself as well as an artist. I was always happy to be painting or drawing under her direction and guidance. I also remember going through college knowing that I would eventually break out and do my own thing, but not being exactly sure what that was. Throughout my time as a teenager and young adult, I always had or sought out mentors, advisors, and those who could point me in the right direction. That, and, I’m fortunate to have friends and family who believe in me. As I matured into the person I am today, I can tell you that my life would be different if I didn’t have the support network I have around me. Now my mindset is always one of finding creative solutions, working with people and projects that I love, and living the life I used to only imagine.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: My community has influenced me by providing an environment where I can easily connect with others, as well as have a positive impact through networking and volunteering. I have influenced my community by being a visible force of positive energy. I love inspiring others and letting them know that they can pursue and obtain their dreams. I also enjoy finding creative ways to give back and make a difference, as well as volunteering with local organizations.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: Words to live by: “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond.” -Lou Holtz, and “You must be willing to get rid of the life you planned so as to have the life that is waiting for you.” -Joseph Campbell. Both of these quotes ring true and have carried me through. Every experience is one to learn and grow from, even if you don’t see it at that very moment. And sometimes things aren’t going as you planned for all the right reasons, so a shift in perspective is all you need.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I just got back from doing a year of working remotely around the country, spending a month in a different city. For the longest time, my mind was heavily focused on that. Now that I’m back in Baltimore, I’m gearing up to plan some unique events and gatherings that bring people together. I’m also in the process of working on a new website for my company, and have a few more adventures lined up throughout the country. Truthfully, the sky is the limit, and I intend to enjoy each day.

20140220-214422.jpg
And with that, we will continue to stay connected with Jessica as she takes us all along for the rides throughout her journey. If you would like to stay connected with Jessica, visit her website at jwatsoncreative.com, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn. Be sure to catch Jessica on Facebook before the end of February, as she celebrates the 28 Days of Kindness! Share the love…it works!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Jocelyn “iNDIGO” Saunders

Posted by tagdmv on February 14, 2014
Posted in: Music, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

In 2009, there was a new style of gospel music to hit the streets. Not only was it fresh and new, but it was also “Saved & Fly”!

20140214-001417.jpg
Indie artist, writer, consultant and DMV native, Jocelyn Saunders, is a graduate of Suitland High School and Bowie State University. In the 90s, she honed her talents as a singer and formed an R&B girl group, called 4Bidn, which was signed to Elektra Records. Around 2006, Jocelyn decided to dedicate her life to Christ. After that, her life would soar to new heights!

Not only does this woman have musical talents, but she has a keen eye for fashion also! In the mid-2000s, she established a fashion brand entitled Jesus Groupie. The brand brought everyday, urban fashion with a message and purpose. One of the standout mottos became “Saved & Fly”, which seemed to define Jocelyn, and her endeavors, perfectly.

20140214-001620.jpg
Going by the stage name, Jocelyn AKA iNDIGO, she released her debut solo album, The iNDI1st Project…Breakthrough, initially as an indie project. Overall, the album provided a young and fun platform to bridge the gap between traditional gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, which was influenced, in great part, by iNDIGO’s smooth groove vocals.

The album was so well received that not only was it picked up by Universal Records for mass distribution, but it received constant radio airplay on top gospel stations in the nation, including DC’s own Praise 104.1, for singles such as “Search My Heart” and, the anthem, “Saved & Fly”. This spawned other opportunities, such as numerous interviews, including The Yolanda Adams Morning Show, and performances, including the One Love Gospel Cruise (sponsored by Radio One). You can check out the video for “Search My Heart” on this link: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i6qXN55CZEE

20140214-002035.jpg
Let’s check out how “iNDIGO Inspires” others lately, and learn a little more about this gifted artist:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: Although I was born in Charlottesville, VA, I’m reppin’ the “M” in DMV. I currently reside in Capitol Heights, Maryland but have lived in Bowie, Lanham, & Upper Marlboro.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: I’ve always has an artistic spirit, even before I was actively engaged in music as a profession. I believe in some way, shape, or form, engaging my gift(s) was simply my path and was going to happen whether I wanted it to or not. God’s plan is unavoidable.

Q: How has your community influenced you, and vice versa?
A: I hate to say this, but I don’t feel my community has influenced me much on the music side. The DMV is saturated in Go-Go music, which I’ve always hated {don’t judge me}. Sure, I would beg to attend go-go’s as a teenager, but it’s only b/c it’s what everyone was doing. lol. I never connected to the music of my community. In general…outside of music, my community influenced me to look upon Black culture in adoration; the strength of my people amazes me. There was a lot of crime in my neighborhood growing up, but most of us were not in that statistic. Although there was crime and poverty, the majority of people were kind, family-oriented, hard-working folks who were proactive about a better life for themselves and their children, despite the odds. There was a sense of community in that neighborhood…of people who looked out for one another and cared about their neighbor. Out of all the upgraded areas I’ve lived in since I left that community, I’ve never felt that level of camaraderie anywhere else. So much so, that just last year, my husband and I moved less than 5-mins from that community. We purchased our new home, in the old hood. Sure, it has changed a lot since I was young, but I wanted to invest in the area that helped to make me into the person I am today.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: I’d want my supporters and peers to know that I blog with ‘The Bold & The Fabulous’ on Wednesdays. The link to that is www.boldandfab.wordpress.com. I also offer vocal coaching services. They can check out my website for more info www.indigoinspires.com or email me at indigoinspires@gmail.com.

Q: What’s next?!
A: I am working on my sophomore album, which I am planning to release independently before the end of this year.

20140214-002303.jpg
There are no limits to where iNDIGO’s gifts will take her. So far, they’ve taken her international, not only via her Bold and Fab blog, but also through song, which landed her in places such as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As this renaissance woman is not one to boxed in, or categorized, look out for projects and performances that explore other genres outside of gospel also. After all, it’s not about witnessing to those that are already “Saved & Fly”, but more so about meeting and inspiring others where they are!

– EMW

Artist Spotlight: Carolyn Malachi

Posted by tagdmv on February 5, 2014
Posted in: Music. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments

Have you ever heard the timeless feel of Esperanza Spaulding, singer vs flow like Lauryn Hill, the versatility of Jill Scott, and the intellectual/empowering content of all 3 combined into one artist?! Well, you have now…meet Carolyn Malachi!

20140206-234304.jpg
Malachi is a native of the DMV, and is a graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School. She emerged into the spotlight during her college years, and gigged with her band, aptly named, Malachi. Post graduation, Carolyn came back to the DMV and started to pursue her musical career as a solo indie artist. In 2010, she dropped her EP, Lions, Fires, and Squares, which spun out the 2011 Grammy nominated track, “Orion”, in the category of Best Urban/Alternative Performance.

20140206-235112.jpg
In the summer of 2013, her album, Gold, hit the streets, and it hit hard! Not only has the hit single, “All Right”, flooded the airwaves of top stations, such as DC’s own, 96.3 WHUR, Sirius/XM Satellite, and Pandora radio…but, the album has spun into a national and international sensation, garnering sales and requests from countries such as Japan & Taiwan! Other singles, such as “Beautiful Dreamer”, “Free Your Mind” and “Fall Winter Spring Summer”, have also become critical successes amongst various magazines, websites and blogs. She’s currently nominated for 6 WAMMIE Awards from the Washington Area Music Association for GOLDen contributions!

20140206-234330.jpg
Once you’ve taken a listen to her work, you will notice that Malachi’s musical style is not one to necessarily be categorized or boxed in, and her musical flexibility is just as fluid as the tracks on her album.

Now, don’t get it twisted because she is the great-granddaughter of the legendary jazz pianist, John Malachi! This young lady makes her own strides in her own light! In fact, above her abundance of talent, her philanthropic works are something to admire also. For example, her video for the single, “Free Your Mind”, has helped to benefit The School Fund, which is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunity for poor students around the world through educational scholarships” (theschoolfund.org). This is only one of the many things that she does to give back to not just the community, but the world. Click the link to check out the video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zWjZefKHZFU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzWjZefKHZFU.

20140206-233747.jpg
We were able to catch up with the artist herself. Check out what else Carolyn had to share with us:

Q: What part of the DMV are you reppin’?
A: I grew up in a quiet NE, DC neighborhood called Brookland.

Q: What influenced you to engage in your talents/gifts?
A: Quietly, while attending Shepherd University, I transitioned into the arts. Access to a digital audio workstation gave me the tools I needed to produce music for myself.

Q: How has your community influenced you?
A: I grew up in a predominantly African-American community. We are a vastly diverse, strong and gifted people. This cultural awareness has always dictated to me strict maintenance of high standards.

Q: If there’s anything that you would want your peers & supporters to know about you (assuming that they don’t already), what would it be?
A: Keep your head up. Every now and then, I climb trees.

Q: What’s next?!
A: My next DMV performance is February 21 at Everlasting Life in Capitol Heights, MD at 7 PM. This will be an intimate set: poetic, quiet and personal.

20140206-234358.jpg
Since there’s so much more to learn more about Carolyn’s endeavors, you can follow her along her journey by visiting her website at http://www.CarolynMalachi.com, or you can catch her at your nearest social media site, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. You’re going to want to follow this one…there’s a great feeling, that this is just the beginning!

– EMW

Feb 2, 2014: Super Highs & Dramatic Lows

Posted by tagdmv on February 3, 2014
Posted in: Acting, Music. Tagged: , , . 2 Comments

Yesterday, was a day to definitely remember in the world of entertainment.

20140203-135112.jpg
Earlier in the afternoon, came the news that Oscar-winning dramatic actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, had passed. The suspected cause is of an apparent drug overdose. Hoffman’s dramatic career has been very respectable from the time that we saw him in Twister as the lovable, free-bird, Dusty, to the serious game-changer roles in movies such as The Talented Mr. Ripley & Capote, to his current act in the blockbuster series, The Hunger Games.

If the cause is true (according to the autopsy), this will be one in the VERY many unfortunate deaths of tragic geniuses in the world of the arts. Like his counterparts, Mr. Hoffman’s gifts will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through his pre-existing bodies of work.

20140203-135137.jpg
Later that evening, the sad news continued, only it was in a different realm. An event that millions of people worldwide have been awaiting to see on this day, was none other than Super Bowl XLVIII! The matchup was destined for greatness as the #1 offense, Denver Broncos, and the #1 defense, Seattle Seahawks, faced off head-to-head. The high anticipation quickly fizzled, as the Seahawks showed up and showed out, and the Broncos, well…were really nowhere to be found.

However, there was a very bright side to this evening (aside from, yet positive weather spin). There was a trending social media post that said it best…”Apparently, there’s a football game at the Bruno Mars concert”! A good play on words, yet truer words were never spoken. For those whom were unaware of Bruno Mars, or were not convinced that he was “Super Bowl Halftime Show” worthy, they were a believer by the end of this show. Mars captivated his audience (in-person & via television) from the opening of his rockin’ drum kit solo, through his up-tempo, hit tunes (which included a very James Brown-esque dance break), to performing with his special guests (the always hip and rockin’ Red Hot Chili Peppers) on their classic hit, “Give It Away”, and finally ending with a heart-warming tribute to America’s military soldiers with his first hit single, “Just the Way You Are”.

20140203-135151.jpg
The timing could not have been more perfect (or calculated), as Mars had just released dates a couple of weeks ago for his second round of tours, called the “Moonshine Jungle Tour”. Great news for the DMV, he will be back on July 11th at Jiffy Lube Live, and will be joined by rising soul singer, turned pop/commercial success, Aloe Blacc! Tickets have gone on sale today, and are now available on Ticketmaster.

– EMW