Archive for the Memphis Music News Category
Skewby, “Proving You Wrong Since 1988 – The Mixtape”
Hip-hop heads, Skewby is in the house and he’s letting you know right up-front: this ain’t what you’re used to. Proving You Wrong Since 1988 is a warning filled with shots fired at the status quo of Memphis’s traditional style of rap. I’ve had this sitting in my queue for a couple of months now, and to say I slept on it would be an understatement. Don’t you be a sleeper, too — if you do not have this mixtape, you are sleeping on one of the illest mixtapes I’ve heard come out of Memphis in my life.
If you’re looking for another gangsta rap mixtape, you’re in the wrong place — this is straight original styles mixtape with the love and respect to the masters I have never seen the likes of here. Shouts to DJ Crumbz and DJ Charlie White. Wake up and download it here now now now gooo.
Skewby – “I’m Here Now”
Skewby – “No Critics Allowed”
(You can find out more about Skewby over at his blog, Something About Skewby or follow him on Twitter)
Is the world ready for Total Savage? Fresh off an opening bid with the Mashter of Ceremonies Girl Talk, Memphis rapper Total Savage is about as next as it gets. I think this video, directed by Brad Phelan, speaks for itself — so let there be no question. Tonight, he’ll be blowing up the stage at Hi-Tone with the grand masters of Aristocrunk, Lord T and Eloise. Get ready to get it bumping out the frame, Memphis.
She’s the star of the new web-based series from MTV and director Craig Brewer entitled Five Dollar Cover. She can “triple-slap the upright bass like Willie Dixon on Steroids” (according to Jim Dickinson). She can sing like a siren. She’s been on tour the world around, playing packed-out shows at places like the Royal Albert Hall. And tonight, Memphis-based upright bass player, vocalist and film engeneue Amy LaVere, will be the musical guest on Late Night with Conan O’Brien tonight, Monday night (Feb. 2).
According to the Archer Records website, this will mark Amy’s late night debut here in the US, having just played in the UK on Later…with Jools Holland a few months ago. Be sure to tune in tonight. If you live in Memphis, join me and the nice folks from Archer Records at the Hi-Tone Cafe on Poplar for a viewing party.
To tide you over, enjoy this video of Amy performing her song “Killing Him” from the lastest Sun Studio Sessions. It’s recommended that you watch it in HQ (you can choose HQ from the player and you’ll be glad you did).
Memphis, get ready to stand up. $5 Cover, the highly-anticipated new web series from director Craig Brewer has already made its introductory splash to audiences at the Sundance Film Festival this past weekend.
In the weeks and months to come, the rest of the world will have an opportunity to find out what those of us in Memphis have long known and understood: the richness and depth of our tightly-knit music scene and those involved. For now, take a minute to check out the trailer, and keep your eyes peeled to http://fivedollarcover.com for new information as it becomes available.
Happy New Year to everyone & what better way to start the new year than with a free publishing workshop? The Memphis Music Foundation is sponsoring “Publishing + The PRO’s 101″ on January 10, 2009 at the Musicians Resource Center, 431 S. Main #201 in Memphis.
The seating for this event is *strictly limited* so please RSVP if you would like to attend: info@memphismeansmusic.com
If we can agree that the legacy built by Stax Records christened Memphis “Soulsville U.S.A.”, how fitting that in 2008 a new generation is breathing life into (and giving birth to) a new legacy in soul music, re-christening our fair city as Neosoulville. There are so many names that are a part of this important movement in music, and none are more dynamic or gifted than Tonya Dyson. A performer who exudes passion with every note, Tonya has shared the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Eric Roberson, Calvin Richardson, Algebra Blessett, Kindred, and Jaguar Wright. In other words, people, Tonya don’t play.
This coming Tuesday night, December 9th, be sure and tune in to VH1’s Soul Cities when host Nelson George goes deep, showcasing the best of Memphis’s culture, food and music, in particular the deeply soulful strains of Tonya Dyson herself.
VH1’s Soul Cities will premiere on VH1 Soul Tuesday, December 9 at 9PM ET/PT. “Find My Way” will be available 12/16/08 from iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other music retailers. Check back for complete details on how to purchase.
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Winner of the 2008 Indie Memphis Music Video Showcase Jury Prize, this video is as beautiful and inspiring as the woman who is singing in it — the inimitable soulful strains of Miss Valencia Robinson. This song is deeply inspirational and it’s a very simple, down-to-earth tune. Definitely turn this up and watch in full screen mode.
…and really just about anything at all. Amy Lavere is always a breath of fresh air and she wows everyone who gets to see and hear her. She’ll soon be appearing in a new show from producer/director Craig Brewer entitled 5 Dollar Cover along with a number of very talented Memphis musicians and performers.
Here’s her video for the song “Pointless Drinking”. If you were one of the lucky ones who got to see her across the pond recently, hang onto your soul because it’s obviously filled with good fortune.
Ok, Memphis artists: here’s your chance to get a cut-rate band registration for the 2009 International Folk Alliance Conference. If you can high-tail it downtown on November 12th to the Memphis Music Resource Center on South Main, you can get a special discount. And let me tell you — it’s so worth it? You’ve been hearing for the past couple of years about this amazing conference. Now you have an opportunity to participate at this special rate. More info is where? After the jump!
