Neo-Soul/Rhythm and Blues

Catching Up With IAmDanielMoore

August 19th, 2010   1 Comment »

DM2As we’ve read and seen over the years, the artists who attain longevity in the music industry have a obvious level of excellence in their work. IAmDanielMoore is such an artist. He has worked with several soul and gospel greats including Anita Baker, Jennifer Holliday and Richard Smallwood and he earned a Grammy nomination for his production work on Sheri Jones-Moffett’s album Renewed. You may also recognize him from two BET shows, as he appeared on Sunday Best and is the keyboardist for Big Jim’s Penthouse Playas on the Mo’Nique show. He also released his self-titled EP earlier this year. I’d say that’s enough to make the argument that whether he is producing, directing or making music, IAmDanielMoore knows what it takes to be successful.

IAmDanielMoore states in his bio that “people STILL like good music”. He is certainly delivering it because I enjoyed the songs on his EP (Say Something, Half Way Love and Imagine), so much that I had to request an interview. We had a great conversation about his musical influences and experiences.

Mimi Soul: I’m sure people tell you often about how your music makes them feel. Could you tell us about your songwriting process?

IAmDanielMoore: With my music, I always say it’s therapeutic for me. I take personal experiences and create them in a song. I think the realness aspect is what people relate to.

Mimi Soul: Since we’re talking about making music, in terms of a song recipe, what would you say are the main ingredients of a good one?

IAmDanielMoore: (laughing) Well, I don’t cook but it would probably be the flavor. I would be making sure everything sounded authentic. So, that would be the seasoning.

Mimi Soul: Is there one part of being an artist that you enjoy more than another? For example, being in the studio versus on stage?

IAmDanielMoore: Not really. The studio is what gets us to the stage, you know. I was fortunate enough to do what I like to do in the studio. For me, it was one and the same.

Mimi Soul: I must admit that when I saw you on the Mo’Nique show, I was slapping my forehead and asking myself “Have I been under a rock or something?” (laughing)

IAmDanielMoore: (laughing) You know, I get that alot. I’ve been in the industry a long time. This is my first time stepping from behind the keyboard and showing the artistic side. It’s about connecting the dots.

Mimi Soul: How did you choose the three songs on your EP as your introduction to us as an artist?

IAmDanielMoore: Well, I’m always working for the people. Those three songs were really what the people loved in the show. So, we just wanted to give it back to them so that they would have a piece of the live show to take home with them.

Mimi Soul: In one of your blog posts, you said that “the way to find success in the music industry is to craft your art to where the average consumer will purchase what you put out”. What would you say is your target audience?

IAmDanielMoore: My target audience is definitely the females and it’s a wide range of ages from 21 up to about 45. Some of them remember Stevie Wonder and El DeBarge but for others it’s an introduction to that sound and that feeling. With that particular quote, I just found that in my own career, at first I was just recording things that I liked to hear and that I wanted to do. I had all these complex chords and all that kinda stuff and I noticed that the people couldn’t sing along with me. When I started playing for Anita Baker, I realized how many songs she had. I mean, the songs had wonderful changes, wonderful lyrics and everybody would sing along with her for 90 minutes straight. So, I said to myself, “We have to bridge that gap.”

We get so upset with the industry for not playing our music and we allow that to affect our songwriting. That’s unfair to the consumer because they wanna hear it but they have no idea how to find out about it because we sometimes won’t make those small changes for people who may not be singers and musicians but are doctors, lawyers and teachers that just like to hear good music. So, I’m always thinking with that in mind. read more »

Catching Up With Gloria Ry’ann

June 16th, 2010   No Comments »

Gloria Ry'ann1I was excited to receive a preview of Gloria Ry’ann’s music from Stevie Soul because as we music enthusiasts can attest, Stevie knows good music. And, Gloria Ry’ann is making it.

The Chicago native moved to New York to pursue her music career and it’s obvious that she made a very wise decision. Not only has Gloria brought her impressive four-octave vocal range to several national tv shows including the Today Show and the Mo’Nique Show, but she has also performed with such artists as Jennifer Hudson, Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson and the late Teddy Pendergrass. Gloria has released two singles, O.M.G. and Back With You.

Gloria Ry’ann says music is the “fabric of her soul”. I’d say that’s the perfect description for an artist who is quickly weaving her way into more of our iPods. She kindly answered a few questions about what inspires her music and her future plans.

Mimi Soul: What are some of the things that influence your music?

Gloria: My different experiences growing up and my desire to learn about the artists I appreciate and love and who they listened to and learned from.

Mimi Soul: Could you tell us more about your song Back With You?

Gloria: Back With You is my second release and is now available on CD Baby and will be available on iTunes, Amazon and everywhere else.  The inspiration for the song came from just realizing that sometimes we take people and loved ones for granted and we don’t tell how we feel until it’s too late.

Mimi Soul: You’ve worked with such legends as Ashford & Simpson, Patti Labelle and Teddy Pendergrass. How have those experiences influenced your sound?

Gloria: They changed the face of music and I was able to learn from being in their presence. The direct influence on my sound comes from the way they worked at their craft. Even though they are legends, they worked on their craft every day. I try to emulate that and maintain the same work ethic that they displayed when I’m working. They are all very unique and have distinct sounds and I think I am unique as well.

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ArinMaya

June 9th, 2010   No Comments »

ArinMayaNew York artist ArinMaya reminds me of why I enjoy bringing new artists to Finding the B-Side. It’s the same feeling I often have when I go to the grocery store. You’re probably wondering what connection music has to a grocery store, other than the soft tunes you hear playing as you stroll the aisles. Well, oftentimes while I’m looking for a certain type of food, I’ll find something new that looks so interesting that I simply have to try it. Sometimes is orange-mango-peach juice, other times it’s caramel-chocolate ice cream. ArinMaya’s music had that same effect. This week as I reviewed several other album submissions, I kept coming back to her newly released EP, The Sound of ArinMaya. The project had such an interesting mix of titles that I was eager to hear them all. Each offered a new vibe, unlike anything I’ve heard in a while.

ArinMaya’s music reflects a geniune love for her craft, which has taken her from singing as a youngster for her family to singing all over stages in New York City and Paris. She starts her EP, which she calls a formal introduction to herself as a singer and musician with I Will Sing, an acapella medley of spirituals and follows with an assortment of catchy, yet fulfilling songs.

When I find great food and music, I love to share it. So, here’s a sample from The Sound of ArinMaya entitled (I Want) To Be Beautiful.

(I Want) To Be Beautiful

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Follow ArinMaya
Website – http://www.arinmaya.com/
Video – http://vimeo.com/12274255
Twitter – http://twitter.com/arinmaya
EP – http://arinmaya.bandcamp.com/album/the-sound-of-arinmaya

Catching Up With Algebra

April 9th, 2010   3 Comments »

Algebra2This week I’m ecstatic to share my recent interview with Atlanta native, Algebra Blessett. Algebra has a wealth of experience in the music industry. She was nominated for a Grammy for her writing for India Arie, she has recorded with several soul artists including Eric Roberson and Anthony Hamilton and she has toured throughout the United States and abroad. Algebra also earned a SoulTracks award in 2008, the same year that she released her debut album, Purpose. Purpose is a definite must-have and if you still haven’t purchased it yet, you’re really missing something special.

Do you know how you can tell that you’ve found a great album? I sure do. You like it so much that you can’t stop talking about it. You find yourself humming verses randomly. You play it when you’ve had a great day. You even play it when you don’t feel like talking to anyone. You respond that way because it has more than just nice beats and arrangements. It has lyrics that hit home (as my older relatives say), and the artist’s depictions of life events are so relatable that you don’t get tired of listening. And, each time you do listen, you gain a different appreciation of the music. Such an effect doesn’t happen often with albums, but when it does, you definitely remember. Two years after purchasing Purpose, I’m still playing it, without skipping a song.

I was glad for the opportunity to interview Algebra because her sound is such a rare find. In fact, to compare her music to that of any other artist would discredit the value of her work. It took me several days to find the right word to describe her music, but I finally found it. Authentic. Webster defines authentic as “not counterfeit or copied” and adds that authentic things are “actually and exactly what they claim to be”. You need only to listen to Algebra’s album and watch an Algebra show to see that her music is indeed authentic. She brings an unduplicated realness that fills the void we have in music today. And she does it with a cool sincerity that makes you instantly like her style. After an absolutely wonderful interview with her, one that I admit felt more like a conversation with a friend than a question/answer session, I can say that Algebra’s album, live performances and conversation are equally authentic. She is the same relatable artist in any setting.

Here’s what she shared during the interview about her album, lessons learned and her favorite music.

Mimi Soul: First, I have to say that if it’s possible to play the words off a cd, I think I may have done it with yours.

Algebra: Thank you very very much.

Mimi Soul: You’re very welcome. What are some of the things that inspire and influence your music?

Algebra: Life. That’s about it. I just talk about things that I’ve gone through, that I wanna go through, or that I’m going through at the moment. And of course friends, family, roadside assistance, whatever happens in life. I’m an advocate of art imitating life and life imitating art. So, my biggest thing is to try to stay inspired by whatever it is that creates an emotion.

Mimi Soul: Now, did you just say roadside assistance?

Algebra: Yes I did (laughing)

Mimi Soul: I’m curious about how you could create a song about that.

Algebra: Man, it’s easy. (laughing) Things happen. That’s where the music comes from. That’s where the sanity comes from because I think in songs you can kinda put it all together and release it. You can put all the craziness and common things in your life there and just express it.

Mimi Soul: What do you want people to take from your music when they hear it?

Algebra: My biggest goal with this first album was to conjure up some type of emotion with every song. I’m on my first record and working on the second one and I always call that first record a rollercoaster ride. There were so many different emotions I was going through so if I could evoke that in somebody else, I felt like I accomplished something. That first record, Purpose was just what it was. I had a lot of things to say and to get out. I didn’t wanna be preachy about it. It was my way of letting people know about me and my life and my artistic way. A lot of people thought the record was pseudo-sad but it was such a happy time for me. I was singing about the love lost and about the things that don’t necessarily put a smile on your face but you best believe every time I sing those lyrics I’m smiling from ear to ear.

Mimi Soul: One of my favorite songs on the album is Now & Then. Using that concept, how would you say your music has evolved, meaning Algebra’s music now compared to Algebra’s music then, or years ago?

Algebra: I really like that question because one of my favorite songs on the album is Now & Then. That song came about because at the time and still now, I was being compared to so many other wonderful artists. It’s hard when you deem something your own and it’s so easy for someone that you don’t know to strip your title from it and tag somebody else’s name on it. I think a lot of people do that with their heart as well. So, the song came about and it was just me saying that I’m not gonna change. Whatever I was back then, I’m gonna stay that. I’m just gonna grow. At the end of the day, I’m evolving not because anyone else feels like I need to. I’m gonna do that regardless because that’s what we’re supposed to do as living beings. We’re supposed to grow, change and evolve. So, if there is a difference, it’s maintaining the integrity throughout the series of my life. So, the difference is really being the same but being the same differently. I have to stay me and stay true to myself. I know me, I know my heart and I know my worth. I’m worth a million bucks with five dollars and I’m worth a million bucks with a million bucks.

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The Very Best of Oleta Adams

March 31st, 2010   No Comments »

Oleta AdamsWhether she’s singing or playing gospel, soul or jazz, Oleta Adams always delivers good music. This week I’m suggesting the 1998 release The Very Best of Oleta Adams. The compilation includes songs from three of Oleta’s solo albums (Circle of One, Moving On and Evolution). Two of my favorites are My Heart Won’t Lie and her cover of Brenda Russell’s Get Here. Check them out below and stop by her website to catch up on her recent projects. The Very Best of Oleta Adams is available on Amazon.

My Heart Won’t Lie

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Get Here

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Catching Up With Malina Moye

March 26th, 2010   6 Comments »

malina-moye-yellow-dressIndependent artist Malina Moye has all of the characteristics of a successful entertainer. The left-handed guitarist has both a signature sound and look, as she typically plays r&b, rock, soul and funk infused music by flipping her guitar upside down. From the business side of things, Malina has cross-marketed herself in a number of diverse areas including projects with Victoria’s Secret and Steve Madden and she has endorsements deals with Fender Guitars, Foxx Pedals, Moody Leather Straps, DiMarzio and Ernie Ball Strings.

Malina’s unique style has landed her great opportunities including sharing the stage with such artists as Prince, Robin Thicke and Pinetop Perkins. She has also performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Robert Johnson Festival. Malina’s independent efforts are paying off, as her fan base is steadily increasing. Her first single, Girlfriend, reached the 43 slot on the R&B/Hip-Hop Billboard chart in 2003 and her second single, Alone reached the number 9 spot in 2004. She has also released her debut album, Diamonds & Guitars.

Malina made time during a very busy week to chat about her musical influences, her experiences and her unique playing style.

Mimi Soul: What are some of the things that inspire and influence your music?

Malina: That’s a really good question. There are so many facets to Malina Moye. As a singer, I would have to say my influences would be people like Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson and of course Michael Jackson. As a guitarist, I love Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King. And in general, I love real music. I love funk, soul and things where people think outside the box. So, I obviously love Prince.

My parents made sure that we had a plethora of artists to listen to and choose from – from Average White Band to Sly & the Family Stone to Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Joan Jett. So, there were always different types of music and I think that when you have those influences, you start to create a sound and it becomes something that’s inbred in you. Your sound is gonna be the product of who you are and I think that’s what’s going on with me. I do music that feels good to my soul. We wanted to obviously keep it mainstream but at the same time, I still think it’s important for people to step outside the genres and challenge the industry. For me, it’s about the longevity of it. This is what I’m planning to do with the rest of my life and I enjoy it.

Mimi Soul: How are you stepping outside of the box with your music?

Malina: That’s a great question. I really like fashion so one way that I’m stepping out of the box is that I’m tapping into fashion. Alot of fashion places have radios and videos in their stores. I think they’re looking to do some type of cross promotion. So, we surely did that with Steve Madden which was really great.  We’re trying to utilize every approach that we can that hasn’t been done.

Mimi Soul: How did you choose Diamonds & Guitars as the title of your album?

Malina: Oh, because I love fashion and I love diamonds. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. It’s really true; they’re my best friend (laughing). I included Guitars because I love to play and I really wanted to do something to help our young audience want to learn to play. I’m in love with my instrument and I just want other people to realize that it’s something fun. read more »

I’m Here for You by Ann Nesby

March 24th, 2010   1 Comment »

Ann NesbyI will always be a fan of Ann Nesby. From her time with Sounds of Blackness to her solo works, she always brings us soulful music. Ann has released several albums and this week, I’m suggesting you pick up her 1996 album, I’m Here for You. The album has a nice mix of r&b and gospel tracks, and my favorites include the popular song I’m Still Wearing Your Name, I’ll Do Anything for You and Lord How I Need You. Check out I’ll Do Anything for You below and look for I’m Here for You on Amazon.

I’ll Do Anything for You

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Catching Up With Aseelah

March 12th, 2010   10 Comments »

Aseelah3One of the reasons why I started this website (one year ago today) was to share good music. I can honestly say that it’s a task that I never get tired of, especially when I find an artist whose passion for music is so evident that I simply cannot stop listening. When a good friend sent me a YouTube clip of Aseelah, I watched the first minute and was convinced that she has the authenticity and passion in her work that we music enthusiasts crave. Her press kit includes the perfect explanation of her sound, and describes it as “honest lyrics presented with a voice that conveys a message of love through all its joy and pain with a passion that sends chills down your spine”. That’s the exact response I had when I heard Aseelah’s music. This North Carolina native has shared her gift with audiences around the world, as she has toured with such artists as Fantasia, Lauryn Hill, Rihanna and Diddy. As her biography alluded, her music really is a breath of fresh air.

Last week, Aseelah and I had a great conversation about her musical journey and future plans.

Mimi Soul: What are some of the things that inspire and influence your music?

Aseelah: I think a lot of times it’s something that I’ve gone through or something a friend is going through. I’ll start writing or humming something and then I’ll start creating a song. But, everything I write has something to do with somebody or myself. So, I’m really influenced by everyday life.

I also want to mention my brother Otis Battles, Jr. because he gave me my start with singing in the choir. He’s a gospel artist and just got signed to a label. To this day, my brother is always in the audience when I sing.

Mimi Soul: What is one of your earliest music memories?

Aseelah: Oh! One of my earliest memories is from when I was in 5th grade. My teacher told me I could no longer be in chorus because I was singing too loud.

Mimi Soul: Oh no.

Aseelah: I’m so serious. I grew up in church, where you have the tendency to sing loud. I didn’t know how to bring it down a little bit to fit in with everybody else. I loved to sing and in 5th grade I knew that was my thing. So, what my teacher said really just burst my lil ego. Needless to say, my mother had a talk with that teacher and the next day I was back in chorus. But, I always remember her because that could’ve crushed me as a young kid and now I’m making a career out of the very thing that she told me I couldn’t do.

Mimi Soul: If someone were about to hear your music for the first time, what three words would you give them to describe your sound?

Aseelah: love, soulful, pop

Mimi Soul: I noticed that you don’t shy away from talking about love in your music. An example of that is your song Morning. How did that song come together?

Aseelah: My cousin, Samar Newsome, is an awesome producer and he created the track. When I listened to it, I started thinking about what I wanted in a relationship and what I wanted in love. I thought about how most people have a cup of coffee in the morning to get their day going and I was like “all I need is love to get my day going.” So, that’s why I called it Morning.

Mimi Soul: I really like the song because I think you made it relatable for a lot of people. Even people who haven’t been in that situation before would be excited about the opportunity to feel that way about someone.

Aseelah: Exactly.

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Rahsaan Patterson

March 10th, 2010   No Comments »

Rahsaan PattersonAlthough many of you probably already know how good Rahsaan Patterson’s music is, this week I want to remind you about his 1997 debut album. Rahsaan has released several other albums since then (Love in Stereo in 1999, After Hours in 2004, Wines & Spirits in 2007 and The Ultimate Gift in 2008) and I enjoy them all. If you haven’t listened to him in a while, you can get started with two of my favorites below (Where You Are and Can’t We Wait a Minute). Just in case you’d like an extra opinion before you purchase the album, you can find 74 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s really that good.

Where You Are

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Can’t We Wait a Minute

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Eric Roberson performs Borrow You

February 24th, 2010   No Comments »

Have you all purchased Music Fan First yet? If not, here’s another reason why you should. This is a clip of Eric singing Borrow You for a Philadelphia morning show. He also talks about his Grammy nomination.