J Music

J Music: Dawn Richard at S.O.B.s

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A huge fan of Making the Band and Danity Kane, I have seen Dawn’s career blossom from the beginning.  When it was announced that Dirty Money was no more and Dawn had been release from Bad Boy to begin her solo career, I wondered what direction she would take her music.

Fast forward to this week, Dawn would headline the night’s show as she celebrates her new EP GoldenHeart.  The EP would go on to be #1 on iTunes following its release, although Dawn is now an independent artist and the EP does not have any features. All the reviews I have seen have been extremely positive, noting the electronic, progressive, “medieval meets modern” (MuMuse) sound that is unique to Dawn’s music.

I was able to get a preview of the EP before the performance (thanks to Spotify).  Though her sound is not exactly my cup of tea, I could watch her perform anything and I would have enjoyed it.

Dawn Richard at S.O.B.s

She killed her performance!!!! *two snaps* Dawn opened her set with hard hitting choreography and her upbeat tracks. This is where she really shined.  As a performer, one of the hardest things to learn is performing with your face — you could see the years of training as every move and facial expression was purposeful.  Her dancers matched her energy 150%.

Set List

  • “Faith”
  • “Bombs”

(I love the choreography in this video. Watch it here.)

  • “Northern Lights”
  • “Heaven”
  • “Scripture”
  • “B****, Don’t Kill My Vibe” Cover
  • “Damage”
  • “Gleaux”
  • “86”

Find Dawn’s website here.

J Music: Bridget Kelly at S.O.B.s

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Bridget Kelly has been featured on my blog several times this year as she works toward the release of her debut album.  If you’re not familiar with Bridget, she’s a new artist signed to Roc Nation.  You most likely know her as “the girl who stands in for Alicia Keys on ‘Empire State of Mind.’”  I am hoping by the end of 2013, she will be known primarily for her solo endeavors.

Bridget’s new single “Special Delivery” was most recently featured on my blog. Bridget would close her set with the song, but it was far from the only highlight of the night.

When I first listened to Bridget’s EP Every Girl, I was a bit shocked by how aggressive many of the tracks were in contrast to the more mellow “Special Delivery” and “Thinking About You.” After seeing Bridget in an intimate setting, however, I get it. Her fiesty, yet gentle-hearted demeanor was reflected throughout her performance and in her music.

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“I’m not mad, a little scorned” – Bridget Kelly

Set List 

  • Empire State of Mind 
  • In the Morning
I loved the live performance of “In The Morning” even more than the subdued vocals on the original track. 
  • Seek and Destroy
  • Thinking About You
  • Say Yes
  • Ex-Factor
  • White Lies
  • Stay (Ft. Ro Johnson)
  • Special Delivery

Download Bridget Kelly’s EP Every Girl here.

Check out Bridget’s website here.

See my post about “Special Delivery” here.

P.S. Bridget just recieved her commemorative plaque as she serve as a writer on Kelly Clarkson’s smash record “Stronger” — Congrats Bridget!

J Music: Ro James at S.O.B.s

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Another great night at S.O.B.s! Ronnie “Ro” James opened up the night with a short set that included a cover of “Creep,” by Radiohead, and his original tracks “Neon” and “Pledge Allegiance.” Although Ro had trouble hearing himself in the monitors, he did his best to work through the technical difficulties and put on a good performance for the crowd.

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A New York native (amongst other infuences), Ro was dressed in a Fedora hat and leather overalls with two sleeves of tattoos and a gleaming gold tooth. I was a bit thrown off by Ro’s appearance —in a good way (I think).  His demeanor, dress, and direct lyrics seemed to contrast his smooth, sensual tone. I was curious to learn what influenced his image and sound.

Find “Introducing Ro James” below.

Check out Ro’s website here.

J Music: Treat Me Like Fire – Lion Babe

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I saw someone mention this track in the comments section of my favorite blog so I decided to check it out.

Due to my often short attention span, I typically give new music from an unknown artist 10-15 seconds to impress me (30 seconds tops).  As the video opens with a drawn out (though fierce) framed shot of a human lion(ess), the visual really tested my patience.  Had I not given the track a chance, I would have missed a great track accompanied by a beautiful visual.

After watching the video you may think that the track is by a solo artist, however, Lion Babe is actually a duo, Jillian Hervey (vocals) and Lucas Goodman (production).   Jillian’s name may sound familiar as she is the 23-year-old daughter of Vanessa Williams. Despite the connection, by taking on a stage name it seems she wants to build her career on her own merit.   This is the first release from Lion Babe. 

Download “Treat Me Like Fire” here.

Find more information about Lion Babe here.

J Music: “Should Be You,” a Better Preview of Ne-Yo’s Latest Album, R.E.D.

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I heard this song a few weeks ago and I have been playing it non-stop ever since. Everything about it screams classic 90s R&B (the Puff Daddy Diddy verse is the icing on the cake).

The song has gotten a few spins on New York radio, but has not been released as a single.  A mistake in my opinion because had he released this in conjunction with the dance/pop tracks (“Let Me Love You,” “Let’s Go”) I would have considered buying the album.

In response to criticism he has received regarding his shift in genre Ne-Yo always responded:

When people get the album they’ll know what it is, I’ma put it that way.  When people get the album they’ll understand what it is… I’m going to let the album speak for itself, I feel like good music needs no explanation…

Anybody who feels like I’m not R&B no more, listen to this album and shut your face. (Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club)

I decided to give R.E.D (Realizing Every Dream), Ne-Yo’s fifth studio album a listen on Spotify (largely due to “Should Be You”)  and to my surprise it reminded me why I loved Ne-Yo in the first place. I understand his frustration, but he can not blame fans for being confused as to which direction he is taking his music.  I believe in room for creativity, but it must be done tactfully when you are in the stage of your career that Ne-Yo is in.

R.E.D. is worth a listen — check it out!