The Red Sneaker Diaries →{India Shawn} @hernameisEL
#153 ↔ Magic After The Drum-Roll
In the last year or so I have been introduced to a number of talented musicians from various musical genres. Some of which I like, some I loathe and some I love. The young lady being mentioned in this article is an amazing singer/songwriter from Atlanta by way of the City of Angels. And for the record, I dig her music. I’ve seen India Shawn perform a number of times around Atlanta and highly recommend her shows. She has a genuine quality about her, an energy that says, “I just wrote down what I was feeling.” I won’t say that manufactured images and personae aren’t appealing or entertaining, but every now and again it is nice to find a talented person who is comfortable in their own skin.
I hate being boxed in. That was the cause of a lot of internal conflict for me, so I stay away from words like genre and category. Those are bad words. Lol. Back in the day people just let the music speak for itself, and I want to bring that aspect back. -India Shawn
India Shawn is signed as a songwriter to Polow Da Don’s Zone 4 Inc. (Polow is a producer responsible for the careers of Rich Boy and Keri Hilson). Currently back in her home state of California, India is in the lab working on her debut album as well as new music for other artists. (Her resume already includes working with some heavy hitters like Dr. Dre. Where is that Detox album anyway?)
Not only is she a very talented artist, she is also a humble and enlightening individual. Her musical style and capability will be a refreshing addition to mainstream pop/soul/r&b/alternative music scene. We live outside of boxes around these parts. Of course, if I am posting about it, it means I believe in it. I support good music and good musicians.
If you’re up on India Shawn, then this post will serve as a collection of India Shawn’s awesomeness. If you are new to her work then this post will serve as an introduction (interview, media) to India Shawn’s awesomeness. It is a win-win situation and this guy thinks so too.
Check her out after the jump.
The Red Sneaker Diaries →{treehouse talk.} @hernameisEL
#152 ↔ Mister, What Have You To Say?
After hearing the music this band produces it was hard for me to understand why they are still college students when it’s clear they should be somewhere opening on the European leg of a Radiohead tour. They are just too big to be unknown. Period. The music is soulful and fulfilling, thoughtful and organic, planned and improvised. Alex Smith, Bryan Carey, Kyle Dobbs, and Grant Wallace, (the latter two band mates are also members of BABY BABY) have discovered the method to tame the madness, gave it harmony and became Treehouse Talk, the musical movement.
The inaugural 5 track EP Nightmare Balloon was released in November of 2009, written and arranged by Treehouse Talk and produced by Nick Spezia of Ocean Way Studios (Nasheville, TN). As far as I am concerned Nightmare Balloon could have been realeased as a debut album. Tracks like “Bloom” and “O Child” offer an unforeseen depth while “White Flag Out The Window (smile)” rounds out the album with an upbeat joy about letting go of the drama and perhaps even the past.
Happenstance or divine design? I am not sure why I came across Treehouse Talk, all I know is one day I logged in to the glorious book of faces and saw on my homepage that my new friend Grant Wallace posted something to a fan page that goes by the name of Treehouse Talk. Needless to say I clicked. Four clicks and a bottle of Parrot Bay later I was stretched out on the floor of my apartment listening to Treehouse Talk’s myspace page and pondering the meaning of the universe. (Sidenote: The drunken stupor never actually happened… to me…)
“[Treehouse Talk is] Mind blowing, skin bumping goodness.”
-Grant Wallace, Treehouse Talk
Below the jump is your (re)introduction (interview, pics, media, EP download) to the melodies of Treehouse Talk, an unknown gem.
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Nightmare Balloon EP
DOWNLOAD EP HERE
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Look out for the next entry into the RED SNEAKER DIARIES…
Read More…
The Red Sneaker Diaries →{BABY BABY} @hernameisEL
#142 ↔ Watch My Spirits Fly
Let me begin by stating “I dig.” It’s important for me to mention this because I was blown away by the richness of this music. It is a pleasant blend. Past, present and future fun-rock, a genre of music coined by BABY BABY themselves.
“I could only describe it as Fun-Rock. In the vein of Weezer and Cobra Starship, not in the music by any means, but in the idea that when we step on stage we immediately start having a blast and the people in the crowd are having fun as well. That’s just what we’re about.” -Fontez brooks, BABY BABY
And it is fun. I can admit that I laughed the first time I heard “We Do This All Night Long.” I listen to BABY BABY and hear remnants of the 90s; trickles of WAR (one of my ALL TIME favorites); and bits and pieces of everything else (including band-hugs, can’t forget the band-hugs).
Yes, the tracks are a little grainy. They’re indie (in the true sense of the word)! But the audio quality takes absolutely nothing away from the musical quality. Anyone who has an ear for music can envision what “Take Me To The River” would sound like if recorded inside of a better studio. Although, I like it right now. I find myself singing these songs walking down the street. BABY BABY is infectious.
BABY BABY released their first EP, Drinking Drama Dance, a few months ago. Hailing from Carrollton, GA (Small Town/ College Town, USA); good music is good music and BABY BABY’s ever-growing popularity is proof of that. #RedSneakerDiaries recommend.
If your are new to the music, then you heard it here first. Hit the jump to meet BABY BABY the men and the music. And don’t forget BABY BABY ♥s U!
Look out for the next entry into the RED SNEAKER DIARIES…
Product (RED) Leather Jacket Chuck Taylor All-Star
On World AIDS Day, Converse launches its (PRODUCT) RED by releasing these Leather Jacket Chuck Taylor All Star. Made with motorcycle jacket-inspired leather, the limited edition sneakers will hit (RED) retailers in NYC, San Francisco and London, as well as www.converse.com. The shoes cost $200, and ten percent of the wholesale price of the sneakers will benefit The Global Fund that helps to eliminate AIDS in Africa.
Hit the jump for more pics.
The Red Sneaker Diaries →{MUSE} @hernameisEL
#140 – About A Song
The name of the album is Resistance. The title of the single is “Uprising.” More than anything this track is a call to action. I wish I could list everything that exists in this world that should be risen up against, but the details would run on incessantly. And well, that’s not what we are here for.
We are here to partake in not only the lyricism of this song, but also the musicality. Frankly, it goes hard. It’s eerie and it’s dark. The type of dark that is only succeeded by fire and mayhem, and then… finally… dawn. I believe that is what the sharp guitar sound is; the ignition of the flame.
My suggestion is listen to the track first. Then read and listen simultaneously. Hit the jump for more.
Look out for the next entry into the RED SNEAKER DIARIES…
