SOB’s – ayminor

J Events: Sevyn Streeter and Mateo at SOBs

April 2, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

Long overdue. smh

Last Monday, I finally got the chance to see a live performance by up-and-coming artist Sevyn Streeter. Though you may only associate her name with the hit single “It Won’t Stop,” Sevyn has been in the game for years after getting her start with girl groups TG4 and RichGirl. (Yes, TG4 that every B2k fan hated on the low…)

I could talk about how Sevyn didn’t come on until 10 after 10 p.m. on a Monday (I blame the venue more than anything), but I’ll just skip to my thoughts on her performance — I think she’s talented! She’s not a “sanger,” but she puts on a good performance nonetheless and I loved her choreography. She performed songs from her Dec. 2013 release Call Me Crazy, But… (including the most talked-about performance of the night), and a number of covers, among them “Stay,” and “Drunk In Love.” She didn’t immediately hit me as a superstar, but that sentiment may change as she finds her niche as a solo artist.

Sevyn’s opener for the night was one of my favorite underdogs, Mateo! Though very few people in the crowd were familiar with his music, his performance was well received. A crowd favorite — a song personalized for a fan he picked out of the audience, “Rina.”

J Music: 3 Upcoming NY Shows for $35 or Less!

March 22, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

Sevyn Streeter

Monday, March 24, 2014
Where | SOB’s
Doors | 7:30 PM
Showtime | 9:00 PM
$15 (age 21+)

Though Sevyn has had a few less than stellar performances in the last 6 months, I’m still holding out on a live performance to make a decision for myself. I know she can write, and the choreo’s on point, but what about the vocals?

Mack Wilds Ft. Mateo, GIZ

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Where | Highline Ballroom NY, NY
Doors | 7:30 PM
Showtime | 8:30 PM
$15 in advance, $20 day of show
As a former 90210 fan, I was so happy for Tristan “Mack” Wilds following the release of his first album New York: A Love Story. Further incentive to attend the show? I may finally be able to see Mateo perform for the first time in 3 years!

Gavin Degraw Ft. Rozzi Crane, Parachute

Monday, April 7, 2014
Where | The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
Doors | 7:00 PM
Showtime | 8:00 PM

$35

Not gonna lie, as much as I dabble in Gavin Degraw’s music, the main draw to the concert was the chance to see opening act, and up-and-coming artist Rozzi Crane do her thing! When I first came across Rozzi on YouTube, I instantly loved her tone, but questioned some of her song choices; I’m interested to see what she does with her set.

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

January 21, 2013January 18, 2024ayminor

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.

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

January 21, 2013January 18, 2024ayminor

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.

“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

January 21, 2013January 18, 2024ayminor

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.

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.