The dynamic pop duo Matt and Kim are coming to a venue near you as they tour in support of their second full-length LP, Sidewalks. The Brooklyn-based pair, known for their uppity tracks and seemingly bottomless pit of performance energy, have graduated from the tiny clubs of their youth to midsize spots like DC’s 9:30 Club, The Vic in Chicago, and Oakland’s Fox Theater. Still, if you liked what you saw on their last tour, you shouldn’t be disappointed with a less intimate space.

“We just keep doing what we always do, which is essentially embarrassing ourselves,” Matt Johnson, the group’s singer, told me. “We talk to the audience and jump around. Whether it’s a smaller venue show or a big festival, we do a similar thing, and it seems to work.”

For the audience, it does work—Matt and Kim’s live shows are ultra-entertaining, despite the elementary nature of the music. Johnson, who plays the keyboard, and Kim Schifino, the band’s drummer, are self-taught musicians who pride themselves on keeping it simple. Basic melodies, pleasant vocals, and bold percussion are what the Matt and Kim brand is all about, and Johnson and Schifino want to keep it that way.

Within seconds of meeting Beth Ditto, I’ve been pulled into a generous embrace, my head yanked down a foot or so and planted between her astonishing bosoms. It’s quite nice, actually, and not what I was expecting. There’s always that slight worry that fat people are going to be a bit whiffy — especially fat punk rockers — but Ditto, who’s 28 (both in age and dress size), is extremely fragrant. The chalky white arms squeezing my back are as delicious and comforting as slabs of freshly baked ciabatta.

Then, after we adjourn to a side room at the photo studio in west London for some peace and quiet, as an extra treat she whips off her top. Wowzers! Of course, I’ve seen it all before (she has appeared naked on the covers of both Love magazine and NME), but the nudie mag shoots scarcely do her justice. Her body is mesmeric. Rolls and folds topped with an adorable heart-shaped face. Having never had the least desire to paint, I’m suddenly overcome with an urge to take up oils and have a bash at capturing the play of light across her love handles. No wonder she’s a muse to just about every designer going.

Looking at her up close, you no longer think she became fashion’s latest darling in spite of her size. It’s because of it. Not that there hasn’t been debate — or, as a headline in Australian Grazia pondered, “Beth Ditto: fabulous or just fat?” Clearly, the journo had never met her. She is — if you’ll pardon the lovey speak — fabulous. Upbeat, sharp as a tack and — unlike most of the punk lot — allergic to boring rants. Thanks to her semi-impoverished upbringing in the American South, she is also extremely hard-working and polite. And boy, is she funny. “In case you were wondering, these are real,” she says, cupping her boobs. “But this,” she continues, grabbing a shelf of tummy flab, “is implants.” She honks with laughter and pulls her top back on.

Introducing…TESLA BOY! Tesla Boy is the hottest band to come out of Russia since…well, probably ever! Although the band was formed in late 2008, they have yet to be labeled by anyone as “newcomers” to the electro-pop scene. It’s all here – dreamy melodies, Moroder-esque basslines, melancholic sleazy vocals, and glittering synth hooks that are to die for. Yes, fans of that 80s Synthpop/New Wave sound are in for a real treat – but Tesla Boy isn’t purely retro…oh no! Lovers of contemporary bands such as Cut Copy, Zoot Woman, Empire Of The Sun and Junior Boys won’t be able to resist Tesla Boy’s incredible modernistic style. This is what modern-day pop music should be all about; combining the vibes of your favorite 80s pop songs with the sounds of today. Here, the result is mind-blowingly good.

In 2010, Tesla Boy collaborated in a live-only project with Poko Cox for many live performances, which included some of Poko’s tracks. Their first live performance together was in Kiev, Russia, followed by shows in the country.
Their songs “Fire,” “Electric Lady” and “It’s Not Loving” have been in heavy rotation at Radio Maximum since 2009, as well as the track Spirit of the Night starting in 2010. “Electric Lady” and “Fire” entered Radio Maximum’s 2009 Top 100. The music video for “Electric Lady” has been featured on Muz-TV Russina since 2010. “Electric Lady” was featured on the Nu Disco compilation released by Hed Kandi Records, and an extended mix of the song was featured on the A Blues From The Gutter compilation mixed by Blackstrobe.
The band has remixed tracks by Anoraak, Manicure, Sally Shapiro and Alla Pugacheva.
All music and lyrics are written by the band members; all stylistic decisions, regarding the concept, the direction of music and production, are made by the band.

Members

Anton Sevidov:
Anton is the vocalist, keyboardist, and the principal writer of music. He is also in charge of sound production and contributes songwriting. He collects vintage analog synthesizers and uses them during live performances and music production. One of his favourite synthesizers is the Roland JUNO-60, which has been also used by popular New Wave acts such as The Cure, Depeche Mode and Eurythmics.
Anton’s music career began in his childhood. He was featured on the popular Russian television programme, “Morning Star”, and performed as a teenager on the show “Russian Talents”. He was awarded with the grand prize at the international music festival “Crystal Note”. Later, he worked with Chris Corner from IAMX and Sue Denim of Robots in Disguise for his project Neonavt. During the mid-2000s, he became an in-demand producer, working on tracks by artists such as Brazzavile, Esthetic Education, Bi-2 and Punk TV. Anton also composed music for various fashion shows, theatrical productions, and films. Anton has a partially completed degree in jazz piano from studying with Michael Okun at State Musical College Named After Gnessins (now State Music College of Jazz and Pop).

Dima Midborn:
Dima is the bassist and provides backing vocals. He contributes in writing the music and is the main songwriter.
He was in the bands Banana Princess from 2004 to 2007, and Big City Bastards during 2007 to 2008.
Dima went to music school and graduated from a university with a degree in linguistics.

Poko Cox:
Poko Cox provides prominent backing vocals and plays guitar for live shows.

Boris Lifshits:
Boris was the drummer. He has a partially completed degree in drums from State Musical College Named After Gnessins (now State Music College of Jazz and Pop).
He was in bands with Nike Borzov (2002–2005), Neonavt (2001–2003), Zemfira (2005–2006), Lakmus (2006–2009) and “Art Ceilidh” (2002–2007). In 2003, he played a single gig with Damo Suzuki, and in 2009, he participated in two live shows with Rubies (US). Currently, he is in the following bands: Bi-2 (since 2006), Zvonok Hip Rock (since 2009), also collaborates with Big Black Boots (since 2003). In 2010 Boris has left the band.

THE WHITE GIRL MOB MEMBERS IN ORDER: KREAYSHAWN // LIL DEBBIE // V-NASTY

In March FemaleRappers.NET reported that rapper KreayShawn was “A REAL artist” to watch. That does not even matter because I was LATE myself, but some people have the message / talent/ spark / creativity/ brains.. It isn’t hard to spot, but considering how the music industry is.. Okay anyway by now you have watched the ” Gucci Gucci ” music video.. If not go watch it. PERFECT! So rumors started flying around all over the internet that KreayShawn signed a $1 million dollar deal with Sony Music and everyone is riding her dick like she is the new best thing since swisher sweets! Make sure you are following White Girl Mob on Twitter because I think KreayShawn will be unleashing them in a furry once she REALLY gets things goin! So originally I think KreayShawn had plans to do another mixtape, but it looks like the deal with Sony is OFFICIAL and maybe a major label debut by the end of this year? FemaleRappers.NET soon will be covering everything KreayShawn is up 2!

Straight out of Jersey comes a fresh group of talented MCs driven to make a name for themselves in the game of hip-hop. Its members include MoFus, Loony, Spitty, and FrankMic. They plan on making their name by using their unique songwriting abilities to create an unparalleled sound. Recently the group has become more focused on taking its music to the next level. True hip hop fans will find it easy to see why DE cannot be compared to any of today’s artists. With a bright future ahead of them, it’s clear that Diverse Elegance is bound to make an impact.

Where are you guys from?

Were all from Pemberton Nj lived out here basically our whole lives.. all the members of the group literally lived like right down the street from each other.

How did you get into making Music?

Actually Mizzy(frank Harvey) Spitty(Chris Krampitz) and Mofus(Donald Scott) were rapping together first at a real young age like 7th 8th grade jus playing around with it and then when Loony(Timothy Potter) started hanging out with their group of friends around freshman year of high school he joined the group when he showed a lot of skill. Then as we got a little older like senior year for Loony and first year out of high school for everyone else we started taking it a little more serious.

What makes you different from other Groups?

First of all were probably one of the only groups who have more than 2 talented members and we all really grew up together.. We didn’t get put together were really all friends for like over a decade that all just so happen to be really good at music. Our name explains a lot to.. were very Diverse.. we all rap in different ways rap about different stuff and have different point of view on certain topics.

How did you guys end up with your current label or squad?

The label were on now is actually our label. It’s officially owned by Mizzy(Frank Harvey) who is the president of capital grind ent, llc, and Dj Intel(Brian Raffuel) who is the vice president. It got started in the summer of 07 to prepare us for either our independent grind or if we were to get a deal they would have to sign our label and not just us as individual rappers.

Who do you have in your CD player right now?

J,cole, Drake , Lupe, Joe budden.. really feeling them right now

Who influenced your music growing up?

Everyone from the jay-z and nas’s.. to the wu tang clan busta rhymes.. all those guys were getting big while we were young… more recently like high school years it was definitely like Lloyd banks fab Cassidy.. they were big underground and we always loved underground hip-hop.

How would you define your sound? East Coast? Midwest or Down South?

Definitely east coast at heart but we make all different sound music.. but at the end of the day were going to sound like we have that east coast jersey Philly new York swag.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Either fully independent having tons of success or signing a deal because we got so big the record labels had to give us an amazing deal to get us..

What projects do you have out right now and what can we look for in the coming months?

Right now we have out Courtesy of Jersey which was released in 08 hosted by Dj On Point.. And more recently we have Cold Sweats Hosted by Dj Intel it’s our street album and what were putting the money and effort behind.. and soon you can look out for the REBEL MUZIK mixtape serious.. just killing it over other artist beats.. and sometime next year we plan on releasing our first official LP.

What do you think about the current state of the hip hop game today?

It’s bigger than it’s probably ever been which can be either a good or bad thing.. good because you can have a lot of success doing hip hop music because it’s the most popular music out.. and bad because success and money can ruin anything and that’s why a lot of hip hop sounds commercial nowadays.

Where can we find out more about you?

www.de-music.net

www.facebook.com/diverseelegance

We keep them posted so check us out!!!

Take the soulful sound of John Legend, sprinkle in the fantastically funky legendary Roots and you got yourself one amazing groove to vibe out to.  Take this for a spin and let me know what you think.

Public Enemy is back at it with the new single “Say it like it is” an homage to the rebels, the thinkers, the civil rights leaders.  Be they black, white, blue, or brown.  I was shocked to see them change their mind on Elvis as well.  Like many folks in the 80′s we thought Elvis was racist and it turns out he was anything but.  It’s nice to see them come to the same conclusion.

DOWNLOAD THE TRACK NOW!!!

DOWNLOAD THE TRACK NOW!!

Come here rude boy, boy, can you get it up? Come here rude boy, boy, is you big enough? Take it, take it, baby, baby Take it, take it, love me, …

The new version, “We Are the World – 25 for Haiti,” and its video, which just premiered in advance of the broadcast of the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, successfully takes on a new meaning.

It only took forever, ,but she’s finally back and looking as good as ever.  The only person I’ve ever heard about getting banned from Jamaica for smoking too much ganja (that must be a rumor).  However, at 51, she’s looking damn good and sounding a good as ever.  Enjoy.

]]> http://www.never2funky.com/urbanalex/2010/01/sades-soldier-of-love/feed/ 0 http://www.never2funky.com/urbanalex/2009/10/sierra-leones-refugee-all-stars/ http://www.never2funky.com/urbanalex/2009/10/sierra-leones-refugee-all-stars/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:30:05 +0000 Alex http://www.never2funky.com/urbanalex/?p=2598

Near the turn of the 21st century, rebel forces attacked Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, forcing a panicked mass exodus to neighboring countries. Among the thousands who fled were musicians and future band mates Reuben Koroma and Francis Lamgba (Franco) who connected in a refugee camp in Guinea, West Africa. Along with Reuben’s wife Grace they began making music for their fellow refugees, providing a welcome distraction to life in the camps. Safety in the Kalia camp quickly disintegrated, however, when it came under attack from the Guinean army and citizenry. The refugees in this camp were evacuated and relocated to a camp set deep in the remote Guinean countryside. It was here that, thanks to a Canadian refugee aid organization, the developing band was able to acquire the rusted-out sound system and beat up electric guitars that helped officially launch the group.

It was also in this camp that American documentary filmmakers Banker White and Zach Niles along with Canadian singer-songwriter Chris Velan encountered the group, which by that point also included Black Nature, a teenaged orphan with a gift for rap, as well as Abdulrahim Kamara (Arahim) and Mohamed Bangura (Medo), both of whom had had limbs amputated by the rebels. The first-time filmmakers followed the band for three years as they moved from camp to camp. While filming, the United Nations sponsored a trip for the group to return to Freetown so they could see for themselves that the war was indeed over and safe for thousands of refugees to return home. As part of the trip, the UNHCR offered the band the opportunity to make their first studio recordings, which led to leader Reuben Koroma uniting the core group from the refugee camp with his former band mates, The Emperors, many of whom had remained in Freetown during the war. Together they recorded their debut album as Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars. The current touring lineup features members of both entities.

Now Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars tour the world spreading their message of peace and love in a “can’t help but dance” show that fans from all musical backgrounds can enjoy. With a spirited fusion of traditional West African music, roots reggae and rhythmic traditional folk, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars craft music that transforms and uplifts.

ALBUM – Living Like A Refugee

Produced by Chris Velan, Living Like A Refugee was recorded throughout the production of the Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars film, between August 2002 and October 2005. Each song is an original composition written during their years in exile and taken as a whole the album serves as a musical document of the band’s incredible journey. The album features field recordings from the refugee camps in Guinea as well as studio efforts at Sam Jones‘ Island Studios in Freetown. While each of the stories in these songs is told from the band’s personal experience, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars’ messages of hope, healing and peace are truly universal.

FILM – Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Backed by the likes of Keith Richards, Sir Paul McCartney, Ice Cube, Angelina Jolie and executive producers Steve Bing and Shelley Lazar – the resulting documentary film, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, has won thirteen major awards as of this writing, including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the AFI Film Festival 2005, the Audience Favorite Award at the Miami Film Festival 2006, the Filmmaker’s Award for Social Change and the Emerging Pictures Audience Award (bestowed on the winner by voting audiences in eleven cities) at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival 2006, Best of the Fest at the Human Rights Watch Film Fest and the Impact of Music Award at the Nashville Film Fest. Sustaining hope in a landscape dominated by rage and loss is at the core of this heartbreaking yet life-affirming story. The documentary recently aired on PBS nationwide on the Independent Documentary Film Series, Point of View (P.O.V.) and was officially released on DVD via Netflix and its distribution arm Red Envelope Entertainment.

And while the film has conquered the hearts of festival goers (including Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, who told Billboard, “I was just so overwhelmed by the movie and the message of hope they’re carrying. Their music is so buoyant and joyful.”), it is the music and live performances of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars that are now winning over legions of new fans. Lauded for their infectious sound and engaging concerts, the All Stars are, as Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times says, “establishing an identity based as much on skill, imagination and charisma as on their undeniably touching story.”

TOURING HIGHLIGHTS & COLLABORATIONS

Only recently having emerged from refugee status themselves, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have already begun helping others still in need through their work with Amnesty International, the United Nations ninemillion.org campaign, the ONE campaign, Witness and numerous others in the U.S. and internationally, speaking out for peace and against the insanity of war while calling attention to issues in Africa and the plight of refugees throughout the world.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have now played on five continents since their documentary began screening at film festivals last year and the release of their ANTI- debut CD, Living Like A Refugee in September 2006. Their touring highlights range from performances at The Kennedy Center, Save the Children’s 75th Anniversary Benefit (honoring former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush as well as Melinda Gates), the Hollywood Bowl, headlining at Central Park Summerstage, a post screening Q&A in New York City with fellow Sierra Leonean and best selling author Ishmael Beah, to stand-out appearances at festivals as diverse as the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, Chicago’s African Festival of the Arts, Transmusicales Festival in France, theWinnipeg Folk Festival, Scotland’s T in the Park, Bonnaroo and the Oxegen Festival in Ireland. Their most recent summer tour follows a successful cross-country tour of Australia, playing the country’s famed East & West Coast Blues & Roots Festivals and two performances at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

In the past year, the group has appeared on Oprah Winfrey, CBS’ Sunday Morning, CNN, andNPR’s “Talk of the Nation.” Their music was featured in the five-time Academy Award-nominated filmBlood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and they were joined onstage in Nashville by new friends Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who later asked Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars to open for them at the Mohegan Sun Arena in CT. The All Stars are included along with R.E.M., U2, Green Day and others on the hit CD, Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur released in June. This double disc benefit compilation of John Lennon songs features Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars collaborating with Aerosmith on “Give Peace A Chance.” The All Stars are also joined by Joe Perry on a cover version of U2’s “Seconds” for the compilation CD, In The Name Of Love: Africa Celebrates U2, set for release April 1st, 2008. A portion of the album’s proceeds will directly benefit The Global Fund and features 12 artists each representing a different region of Africa.

Championed by The New York Times, critic Stephen Holden wrote, “As harrowing as these personal tales may be, the music buoying them is uplifting. The cliché bears repeating: music heals and creates community.” Born in the midst of a violent, decade-long civil war, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have found a place of refuge through music, a sense of purpose and a source of power. The band has seen the worst that this world can offer – yet, through their unflinching spirit and joyful sound they celebrate the best in all of us, and thankfully, they are now sharing their message and uplifting music throughout the world.

Biography
Nylon Pink is an edgy pop-rock band formed in Hollywood California in 2007. United by a mutual love for Guns N Roses, fashion, and all things pink, the electro rock embody the Hollywood lifestyle, blended with a dose of anime and rock and roll.

With Kaila singing lead vocals and Kitt.E.Kat on bass guitar, Jonathan Cathey on drums, Samuel Bluck on guitar and DJ Shy on the turntables,  Nylon Pink just launched their new single “Hello Drama” which is a fitting lead single as it is also the brand name for their newly launched jewelry line. The song “Hello Drama” captures the essence of the girl’s lifestyle and personalities. It is a pop-rock song with a hard driving guitar riff and angst filled chorus mixed with a dash of girlish hope.

Prior to Nylon Pink, Kaila was a seasoned solo artist and a Myspace celebrity. She is a triple threat, an actress/model/singer and one of the top girls on Myspace with over 9 million hits and 440K friends. She was picked by Rolling Stone Magazine in their annual HOT LIST as an artist to watch out for in 2007. She was picked by Stuff Magazine as one of the 100 sexiest women online and has appeared on countless magazine covers, and appeared in Stuff, FHM Magazine, House of Roses, and many others.

DJ Shy is the newest addition to Nylon Pink and was the first and only female mixer at the No. 1 top 40 radio station in America, 102.7 KIIS FM in Los Angeles.

Instrumentation
Kaila: singer
Kit.E.Katt: bass
Theresa Houston: guitars
DJ Shy: turntables
Tj Mcdonnell: drums

Discography
Hello Drama- single
Crack- single
Lipstick- single

I can’t take it.  This performance makes me wanna jump on a plane this second and get back to New York.  Damn Alicia RIPPED IT!!!!  I was felling this performance race through my veins.  Just hearing Alicia just light it up.