CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!
Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from Yuna’s set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.
CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!
CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!
Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from KING’s set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.
CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
Hosted by the former Rap City and 106 & Park host Big Tigger, perhaps my favorite part of the BET Experience FREE Fan Fest was the intimate afternoon of performances at the Acoustically Speaking showcase. Taped live in front of an audience of not more than 300, the performances and interviews gave me an opportunity to “Experience” the sounds of some seriously talented, developing and established recording artists.
Each artist performed a short set of 4-5 songs. Each performance was followed by a one-on-one interview with Big Tigger. The performances and the interviews gave audience members an opportunity to really connect with each of the artists. It was truly a one of a kind performance experience.
The first artist to perform was Stacy Barthe. Though you may not know much about her, you certainly know her music. She co-wrote “Hummingbird Heartbeat” for Katy Perry. She wrote “Everywhere You Go” for Kelly Rowland. She co-wrote “Cheers (Drink to That)” for Rihanna. Yeah, you’ve heard her music.
This was my first time listening to her music, and based on what I learned of her through her interview with Big Tigger, I could really feel how much emotional capital was invested into her music. Her struggles, her triumphs … her life … was all on display, and it was a revelation. Hopefully, BET will air the entire performance and interview at some point, but in the meantime, CLICK HERE to check out what video clips have been posted on BET’s website.
Her album is scheduled to be released on October 28th. Follow her on Facebook [StacyBartheOfficial] to get further updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
On Thursday, July 17th the second concert of Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Concert Series features the Malaysian singer/songwriter Yuna. Having released her third studio album in 2013, Nocturnal, Yuna uses her light and airy vocal stylings to deliver soulful, melodic pop music that has been appealing to the masses worldwide.
I remember seeing Yuna perform live, opening up for Allen Stone (if my memory serves me right) at the Fonda, and I recall that her performance was highlighted by her emotionally sensitive acoustic confessionals about love. Her music may have evolved and developed over the past couple years with more sophisticated production (she’s had tracks produced by both Pharell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes), but the core of her music, that passion that she emotes, is still there. I’m looking forward to seeing her perform live, and you should too.
Follow Yuna on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Also performing on the pier, opening for Yuna, is the band KING. A trio of singers consising of twin sisters Paris and Amber Strother and musical compadre Anita Bias, KING released their first EP in 2011 to critical praise and they are currently supporting their follow up EP, The Afternoon EP.
Their future-soul brand of music, is nothing short of smooth, ethereal and beautiful. Opening for Yuna may be a match made in heaven.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
Similar to Centric TV’s “Centric Certified” initiative, the flagship BET channel “Music Matters” spotlight also aims to highlight the next BET superstars through music, bios, music videos, photos and intimate interviews where the artists explain who they are and what music means to them.
Each artist performed a short set of around 4-5 songs. It was a great opportunity to discover (or rediscover) a number of both up-and-coming and established recording artists do their thing within an afternoon.
Being up close to the artist while they performed gave me the opportunity to take some really good pictures. Please follow me so you can get notified when they get posted.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES/EVENTS THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
When retro-soul is done right, I love it. Last year, I was unable to catch Nick Waterhouse’s concert on the Santa Monica Pier. When I heard that he was scheduled to perform at Ink-N-Iron, I was thrilled. Some may argue that a “kid” in his mid-twenties, couldn’t possibly know about retro-soul. I’d have to disagree with them.
Dressed in a dapper suit, and his trademark Buddy Holly glasses, Nick Waterhouse and his full band took to the stage and the anxious crowd roared. They had waited eagerly to hear some music that harkened back vintage 50 and 60s soul, and they got it
Accompanied by backing vocalists, horns, drum, keys and bass, Nick managed and conducted his band through a set of music that really breathed a new kind of funk into the retro-soul genre. The only thing “modern” about the set were the iPads that the horns used for their setlist and (I’m assuming) score.
The band was terrific. Obviously a tightly knit group of players, each instrumentalist played off each other with the kind of synchronicity you would expect from a seasoned Motown band. Hidden in the not so apparent details, Nick Waterhouse’s musicality was on full display. His orchestration, and his musical arrangements, was proof positive to me that his retro-soul sound is no fluke. He may be young, but he’s got it, and he’s got it in spades.
I loved the set. I was grooving in my spot the entire time, and looking around to see how others were reacting, everyone… and I mean everyone … was doing the same. Towards the end of the set, uninvited concert goers even snuck their way onstage to dance and groove to the music. I seriously look forward to hearing- and seeing- more music from him.
I couldn’t find a setlist of his set online, so if you attended the event and know what his setlist was, please post it in the comments, and I’ll add it to the post.
I’m particularly proud of some of the photos I took during Nick’s set. I hope you enjoy them too.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
Similar to Centric TV’s “Centric Certified” initiative, the flagship BET channel “Music Matters” spotlight also aims to highlight the next BET superstars through music, bios, music videos, photos and intimate interviews where the artists explain who they are and what music means to them.
Each artist performed a short set of around 4-5 songs. It was a great opportunity to discover (or rediscover) a number of both up-and-coming and established recording artists do their thing within an afternoon.
Being up close to the artist while they performed gave me the opportunity to take some really good pictures. Please follow me so you can get notified when they get posted.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES/EVENTS THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
One of the BET channels is Centric TV. Musicians who are “Centric Certified” are promoted as music’s next superstars through album streams, music videos, photos and intimate interviews where the artists share who they are and what music means to them. Though I was only able to catch one of their selections of the day, it was definitely one that I high on catching perform live: LiV Warfield.
Being up close to the artist while they performed gave me the opportunity to take some really good pictures. Please follow me so you can get notified when they get posted.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES/EVENTS THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
One of the BET Experience Fan Fest events that I was given permission to cover was the Acoustically Speaking series. I had absolutely no problem with that. Scheduled from 2pm – 6:30, various artists performed a short set of songs “unplugged” followed by an interview with the host, Big Tigger. It was a taped event, so I’m sure that these episodes will be edited for broadcast. Based on who I saw perform, I can affirmatively say that each artist is worth tuning in for.
Being up close to the artist while they performed gave me the opportunity to take some really good pictures. Please follow me so you can get notified when they get posted.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES/EVENTS THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Christina Milian
http://instagram.com/p/p5hMBzsWiL/?modal=true
Christina Milian is an R&B/hip-hop/pop artist who released her first album in 2001. A multitalented performer, she not only sings, but also has starred in various feature films like “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Be Cool”. Though there are rumors that she may be dating Lil Wayne, as far as I’m concerned, until she says so, she’s single (wishful thinking, I know). Follow her on instagram: @christinamilian
KILLER COVER: Iron Horse Bluegrass covers Metallica
A bluegrass band covering Metallica? I never though it could have been possible … until now. Covering Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, Iron Horse Bluegrass proves that virtually any well written song, can cross genres. Such a terrifically fun cover.
If You Haven’t Seen It Already
Music journalist Zane Lowe had a rare opportunity to interview Rick Rubin, and it is a terrific interview that any music enthusiast should take the time and watch. The interview runs just short of an hour, but trust me … the hour is well worth your time.
Music In Movies
Any motion picture worth its salt needs to have have killer soundtrack. The soundtrack for “Reality Bites” (a motion pictures that every young adult related to during the mid-90s) has one of the best. Perhaps it’s most iconic scene is the one where (most of) the main characters bust out in dance to the Knack’s “My Sharona”. You’re welcome.
Speaking of Music In Movies ….
The official trailer for the new Jimi Hendrix biopic “Jimi: All is By My Side” starring Outkast’s Andre 3000 was released this week. I must say, Andre 3000’s portrayal of Jimi Hendrix is amazingly good. Definitely a movie that I plan on catching when it hits the theaters. Check it out.
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Afrika Bambaataa and The Universal Zulu nation calls out World Star Hip Hop as being not hip-hop at all. In an open letter, he sets forth the negative impact the globally popular website has had on the hip-hop community at large. I’ve always felt the same way. I’m glad someone is speaking out about it now.
Are you fan of punk or heavy metal? Do you venture into the mosh pit at shows? Do you have “Mosh Pit Etiquette”. The Village Voice wrote a great article. You should check it out. Speaking of heavy metal, does anybody else find it interesting that countries where heavy metal is popular are more wealthy and content with life?
You hear about Google buying Songza? Though Songza isn’t as popular as Pandora, iHeartRadio, iTunes Radio … basically every other streaming services, Google bought Songza because of their technology. Trust me … Google can pick up music catalogues down the road. They are doing the smart thing.
In a Facebook post to their fans, Death Grips have apparently called it quits (a copy of their handwritten note is below). I’ve had the chance to see them two times … and I ended up not going to see them perform. D’Oh! Add that to my list of things to regret.
#DKLPHOTOS 