AleanElston.com

Category: Music

  • [Throwback Interview] Ms. Lola, Kimberly Lola that is…

    This is a re-post of an interview that I did with singer Kimberly Lola (based in Cali) for Vehem Magazine. Enjoy! 🙂

     

    I was able to catch up with the talented Miss Kimberly Lola after her performance this weekend to see what the songstress would like to share with Vehem Magazine. She’s so bright, ambitious, and full of life, I got a boost of inspiration and motivation just speaking with her. See exactly what it is that she had to say…

     

    Vehem Mag: So in your own words, who is Kimberly Lola?

     

    Kimberly Lola: Ha! That’s actually a good question! Well, I’m a lot of different things. I’m a model, a

    dancer, an artist, and a business woman, I do a lot! I was brought up on old school R&B but in the future

    I intend to diversify with a little bit of pop.

     

    I see! You seem to keep very busy! How long have you been singing professionally?

     

    I began singing since I was a child. My first paying gig was at 2 years old.

     

    WOW! 2 years old?! That is amazing!

    Being that you have been singing for so long, are you signed with a label or are you an independent

    artist?

     

    I’m an INDIE! I write my own material, get the producers together, photo shoots together, and book gigs

    all without the backing of a label.

     

    Is your goal to be signed to a label or would you rather stay independent?

     

    Being with a label would be nice, especially to have that financial backing and other support that comes

    along with it, but I feel like sometimes the labels try to control what is put out and I wouldn’t want to

    have to choose between my music and the label if it came down to it. But if a label was interested I

    wouldn’t be objected to it, it depends on the label and how they are willing to work with me.

     

    Being that you are in different aspects of entertainment with your music, dancing, and modeling, have

    you met any people along the way who have assisted in your music career? And what lessons have

    you learned along the journey?

     

    Well, I’ve learned a lot along my journey. I’ve met and learned from a lot of different industry insiders.

    Most important thing I’ve learned is quality over quantity. It used to be that I would work on a bunch

    of songs and have a lot of songs ready to go but they weren’t all of the best of quality. I’ve learned to

    take my time crafting my music and working with people who will help me to produce the best quality.

    Currently I am working with a producer who is more like my mentor now, and I’m creating some really

    great work.

     

    I’ve listened to “Like This” on your website and I read in your bio that your music is inspired by life

    lessons, be it lessons learned by you or people you know. For anyone listening to your music for the

    first time, or just learning about you, what would be your advice or key life lesson that you want

    people to get from your music?

     

    I would want them to learn the number one thing that I have learned, throughout all of my

    relationships, good or bad, I’ve learned that you have to be happy with yourself first, because then you’ll

    attract happiness. It’s like negative attracts negativity ya know, it best to stay happy then good will come

    to you.

     

    That is excellent advice. With that, I wanna know when the album is coming out! Do you have a date

    set?

     

    At the moment there is no set date, but it will be out in 2011. My reason for that is I am making sure I

    put out only my best work and I want it to be well received so I have to keep the fans on edge for a little

    longer. But once I have a date I will be sure to make it known!

     

    Ok, I’ll definitely be on the watch for it! In the meantime, let’s dig into a little about Kimberly Lola.

    What do you like to do to relax?

     

    I used to pride myself on not watching TV, but lately I find myself up late watching comedies like “The

    Office” on my laptop as I wind down. I know comedies wouldn’t seem like something to watch when

    going to bed but it’s relaxing for me!

     

    When you’re not relaxing, what is your work ethic like? Are you the work-a-holic or are you the type

    that needs to be motivated to get things done?

     

    I’m definitely the work-a-holic! Once I start something, I don’t finish until it’s done. I start writing a song;

    I don’t stop until it’s to perfection. Everything I have produced is a result of my work, my website, my

    calendar, everything!

     

    Wait you did your website too?! It looks great!

     

    Yes, I do a lot of things on my own, not necessarily because I want to, but because it has to be done and

    I’m not wealthy so I can’t afford to pay for everything, so I make it a point to get it done. Plus with all the

    design skills that I have learned through doing it myself, it just adds to my assets and my professional

    value!

     

    That is so true! You are truly a renaissance woman! I hope you continue with your drive and

    persistence to be successful! Before we finish, is there anything that you want readers to know that

    we haven’t talked about?

     

    They can definitely check me out on www.KimberlyLola.com and follow me on twitter @KimberlyLola

    and they can like me on Facebook by searching Kimberly Lola. My 2011 calendar will be coming out in

    January and right now they can still get the 2010 calendar at a discounted price, aaaand I am working on putting together a few pop and acoustic selections of my current music they should be on the lookout for.

     

  • A Conversation with Mr. Over Time Grind

    It’s funny how social media can put you in contact with people you would least expect to meet. The connections that you can make, the things that you can get done in business and in life can all come about within the instance of a tweet or a Facebook comment on a post. That’s exactly how it came about that I met Mr. Over Time Grind, Mr. OTG if you will. When I came across his Twitter account I checked out his website and saw that he was a producer and fell in love with the grind and the business model of his site http://www.idoublel.com/. (Check it out you’ll see what I’m talking about) I thought why aren’t all producers/artists doing something like this and being about the business of music instead of expecting everything to be for free? I reached out to him and asked if I would pick his brain with an interview for the site and he agreed and below is a synopsis of what we talked about as, he had a lot of knowledge and experience to give. I decided to share with you all of the note worthy information, especially what is most useful for all of us who are looking to get up and get out there and make it.

    For this interview, I started it out a little differently. Instead of diving into my questions I decided to start out with questions that I had asked my Facebook friends to give me for Mr. OTG and this was his response.

    Steph W. Asks the following questions:

    What are the top 3 adversities that you have had to face in order to get to where you are today?

    Go Crazy Remix

    Well the top 3, I’d have to say would be Confidence, you know getting my confidence up in order to take some of the feedback that the industry can bring your way. As an artist you wear your creativity and your heart on your sleeve and you have to be strong to be able to accept that people may not like everything that you put out. With that I’d say that my second one is learning how to take criticism. I’ve had to come to understand that the things that people say aren’t because they don’t like what you do, it’s because they have their opinion and they just want to help to make what you are doing better. The last thing that I’ve had to overcome is learning not to dis-count anyone. I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t have the money or connections that you are looking for doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give then a listen or a chance to hear what they have got to say. I’ve looked over a lot of quality people in the beginning who are not doing it big in the industry and realized that I’ve missed out on making a connection with them when I had the chance. So if there is anything that I really want people to know is that I’m open to talking with people and hearing what they have, you never know where it may go.

    The saying goes, “It’s not what you know it’s who you know.” Does that account for the minority or majority of your success in the industry?

    Crown +Dro

    I would say it’s definitely what you know. There are things that I didn’t know and in the industry a lot of people aren’t willing to share information about how to protect themselves and how to really make money and to continue to be a success in this industry. When I first started, I didn’t know too much about copyrighting my music, and joining ASCAP and all of that stuff on how to protect yourself and really profit from your music. There are still things I’m still learning about the business like the promotional photos, and things like that, that artists and producers need to promote themselves.

    After all you have achieved…What is your primary inspiration that allows you to continue what you do and come up with fresh concepts?

    Postman (Dirty)

    My primary inspiration comes from life. I’m a regular blue collar dude, I work with my hands and working with my music for me it’s a release. I draw inspiration from things that are going on in life around me. Like the other day I was walking towards South St. and I saw the bums on the street and I went home and worked on a song about that and how they looked to me and the struggles and the life they must go through. I’m not the type of artist that raps about the 8 cars or the huge mansion that I don’t have, that’s not who I am and that’s not what I aspire to be, I just want a good car, place to live and the things that I need to take care of, to be taken care of, and I don’t have problem working in order to get that.

    What was your most rewarding experience as a producer?

    I 2 L’s

    My most rewarding experience would have to be when my girlfriend at the time told me that she just heard one of my beats on TV, on a promo for the Tiny and Toya 2 show. I didn’t believe her when she said it then I told her to rewind it, and then I heard it! I was like WOW, and I wasn’t excited because it was playing on TV I was happy because the feedback I got from my friends and family was so positive and it was rewarding to me that people would be able to share in my music.

    Luis Y. asks:

    If the eight year old version of him was to walk up to you today, what would the eight year old version of you have to say to you today?

    84 More

    Well the 8 year old me, would probably be like, why didn’t I end up like the dudes in Hoop Dreams lol! But based on how I grew up it was kinda like that, except I got hurt and it ended my ball playing. As it turned out I had to find something else that I was good at to occupy my time and eventually it brings me to where I am today. But I think the 8 year old me would be proud of me.

    After we finished the Facebook questions I asked a few of my own, mainly about the business of his music. I started off asking how he got the name Mr. Over Time Grind.

    SO when I checked out your website, I was thoroughly impressed how you have your beats up and ready to go either for sale or for lease and you even give bundle details on the beats! When I saw that I was like he truly is Mr. OTG, this dude is not playin! [laughs] Where does that name come from and where did you get the concept for that site?!

    Novacane Remix

    Well I used to work my job all day and spend all night at home working on my website and my music to the point where when I would come into work I would have bags under my eyes and be super tired and people stated calling me Mr. Over Time Grind and the name just stuck and if been focused ever since. For the site the site came about as a way for me to promote my music and have it available for anyone who was interested. Similar to the blogs that I have, that is more about the promotional aspect and networking for my music and to give others a way to have their work out there and get attention to their music.

    What kind of success have you seen with your music being on those sites?

    Well I have been fortunate enough to now be working with Philly artist Tone Trump, I’ve had my site talked about on the Star and Buckwild show and with my own music I’ve had over 55,000 downloads of my mixtape.

    I think that I have covered everything; I know that we have covered a lot! Is there anything that you would like to mention that I may have missed?

    To Buy beats my website is www.Idoublel.com Check out my music company is www.over-time-grind.com where We do a lot of things, from Television Composition, Promotion for Tone Trump (Philly artist), Production, music, and out 3 blogs http://www.So-Stadium-Status.com, http://www.Indytrackhustle.com, and http://www.Gimmie-dat.com. And follow on twitter at @MrOTG and @idubl

     

  • New Music Favorite: Princess Guyana – “The Broke B*tch Slayer”


    Download Mixtape here

    Ok so, I was up late last night trying to get some work done when I veered off track (as usual) and I came across this artist. Apparently she is working with well known producer B. Major and has a project out called THE BROKE BITCH SLAYER (yaaaaaas to that title! I LIVE). So being that the title of the mixtape peaked my interest and I like what I heard! (only way it was going to make it on my blog any way lol) Through a little more of my digging, this woman has the backing of the industry behind her and seems like the next female rapper to blow. Even Lil Kim says so (check the video below).

    Listen to the mixtape here and let me know what you think below:

    1. Intro (Start It Up)

    2. WUTS MY NAME


    3. BODY SHOP


    4. AIN’T BOUT MONEY


    5. HANDS HIGH (FEAT. SEAN KINGSTON)


    6. PULL OUT THE STICK


    7. JOHN (REMIX)


    8. FIRST CLASS BITCH (FEAT. ALISHA NICOLE)


    9. HARD IN DA PAINT (REMIX)


    10. HUSTLE HARD (REMIX)

    11. THROW IT ALL AWAY (FEAT. FREDDY P)

    12. GUCCI LOUIS (FEAT. YUNG BERG)

    13. GOOD ENOUGH

    14. NOT THE SAME GIRL (FEAT. CHADILLAC)

    15. ASS ON THE FLOOR (REMIX)

    16. BROKE BITCHES

    17. BREAK A BITCH DOWN (REMIX)

    18. OUTRO

  • Introducing the Music of Andrew Cunningham

    In my search of music to share with you all that doesn’t compare to what the other blogs are sharing I finally found some NEW music. I had to reach across “the pond” to get it but none the less its here! I would like to introduce to you the music of Andrew Cunningham!

    Photo Credit: James Kilcoin – www.northnorfolkphotography.co.uk

    Andrew was gracious enough to do a brief interview with AleanElston.com and I am soo grateful! Check out what he had to say about his music:


    Where are you from and what is your music background?

    I was born in South Shields which is a small town in the north-east of England up near the border. I’ve moved around a lot though, so wherever I happen to be at that moment is my home I guess. At the moment it’s London. I started playing guitar when I was 12 though I had been singing and tapping on school desks from an early age. It often resulted in me getting sent out of the classroom, which I was happy with as it meant there were no distractions from the music in my head lol

    What are your songs about?

    My songs cover a variety of different themes. Some are the old classic themes such as love lost, love gained, feeling alone or whatever. Some are about life, some are political and some have other meanings. Over and Over’s instrumental intro is a dedication to two people who killed themselves a few years ago (they didn’t know each other, but the second happened not long after the first and it was pretty upsetting). Another of my songs is about me getting struck by lightning when I was 17 and as a result suffering from Epilepsy which has been the cause of many injuries (some quite severe) for me. So, lots of topics. I write about what I know.

    Do you write your own songs?

    I write all of my own songs. I don’t tend to write with others, but I have done so a couple of times in previous bands. Process? There is none. Sometimes I will write an entire song in my head and it will be just a case of working it out on guitar and finalising lyrics. Other times it might be me playing guitar and I have a melody but no words, so I’ll bumble some inane drivel down the mic until I come up with something better. Then there are the times when I get a plethora of lyrics bombarded from my brain to notepad and I have to try and make sense of them to sculpt a song. It depends on what I’m doing I guess! In bands I find that jamming is a good way to start the writing process though.

    Who are your musical influences?

    My musical influences are so broad that I could literally be here all day! I guess my earliest influences come from my parents. They listened to The Beatles, Motown, Bob Dylan, Smallfaces, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Marmalade, Steeler’s Wheel, Bowie and that sort of thing. When I got to about the age of 8-9 I started to discover heavy metal and rock through my older brother. So I got into Iron Maiden (the first album I ever bought was ‘Live After Death’. I was also really into Marillion who were a local band back then for us. From there I’ve just tried to listen to everything I can. Some I will dismiss as tripe, but most I take on board in some form or another. Recently I’ve really been enjoying playing afrobeat!

    What image do you think your music conveys?

    I’d like to think that my music ignores image to a certain extent. Music is too deep to be easily portrayed as a fixed image. I guess there is a certain amount of independence and solidarity in it though. Call me pretentious, but it really doesn’t mean that much to me, though I do recognise it’s importance with certain styles of music and in certain walks of life.

    Name 3 artists you’d like to be compared to.

    I wouldn’t really want to be compared to anyone as I’m not them. I guess if there are three writers/bands that I would have loved to have been or been part of it would be The Beatles, Bowie and Bon Jovi (yes I know! – like I said… I got into rock when I was young lol)

    What are your immediate music career goals?

    Worldwide domination of the music market? Nah. I’d like to be touring the globe, and able to earn a decent enough living that I can buy a house and all that palava. So long as I’m doing what I love doing I will be happy!

    Photo Credit: James Kilcoin – www.northnorfolkphotography.co.uk

    How would you define the word “success”?

    Doing what you want to do, and doing it well.

    Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal?

    I’m self-releasing my first album because I don’t feel the need for any backing at this moment. If it does well enough I will license it out to the best bidder. I’ve had lots of offers coming through recently so we shall see what happens. I’m not ruling out anything, nor am I kidding myself that I will become an overnight star. Either way I’m prepared to work my arse off to achieve what I want to achieve.

    Where can people by your music?

    At the moment, the only places to buy my music are iTunes and Amazon (digital downloads). You can buy my single ‘Dignity’ through those:
    http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/dignity-single/id434279766?uo=4
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dignity-Single/dp/B004Y2B1O4/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305375811&sr=301-1
    Also, you can buy the album previews from http://andrewcunningham.bandcamp.com , but as they are previews I’ve allowed a free stream of those for now. Once the album is finished it will be available on limited press cd’s through my main domain which is under construction (www.andrewcunningham.me).
    Coming soon is another digital release under the name Andrew Cunningham & MotherBlackCap which is of material I wrote and recorded with a full band rather than me playing as much as I can myself (which is how I’ve done my debut album).

    Where can people find out more about you?

    Well, I’m on:
    Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/glam_andy
    Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Cunningham/135796893119136
    Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/acunninghammusic
    Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/glamandy

    Facebook is currently the best place to keep up tabs on what I’m upto. Once the main site goes live that will be the best source of information and snippets etc.

     

    Thank you so much Andrew for your time, I wish you much success! ~Alean

  • Warner Music Group to be sold by Week’s End…Maybe

    According to www.FMQB.com:

    The final bids are due for Warner Music Group today, and the company could reportedly be sold by week’s end. Sources tell Reuters WMG is expected to go for at least $3 billion to one of two competing groups: Len Blavatnik‘s Access Industry and a joint bid by Tom and Alec Gores‘Platinum Equity and Gores Group.

    One source tells Reuters that Ron Burkle‘s Yucaipa Co dropped out of the bidding late last week, while bids from two major competing music industry companies “fell short of what Warner’s board was looking for in the second round.” Digital Music News notes that Yucaipa was the group that included Napster co-founder Sean Parker.There is still the chance that music companies such as BMG could be involved down the road by purchasing some of WMG’s assets from its new owner. Even though bids are due this week, there is no guarantee a deal will close in the coming days, according to one of Reuters‘ sources.Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday night that Blavantnik is frustrated by the decision process and has threatened to drop out of the bidding if WMG’s board takes too long to make up its mind.


     

    In casue you don’t understand what this means… WMG is the world’s third-largest record label behind Universal and Sony. In recent years, the company has overhauled its business model and made significant inroads in the digital music market. Digital revenue represented 40% of its recorded music revenue in the U.S., WMG said in its most recent earnings call. I wonder how this will change the way they do business after it’s sold…

  • VIDEO: “SLEEP IS 4 SUCKERS” – FRONTLINE

    This week’s selection comes from a phrase that myself and associates, friends, and cowokers live by. Not to mention that FRONTLINE did their thing on this track and it doesn’t hurt that I have a bit of a South Jersey bias! lol Check out the video below and leave your feedback in the comments!

     

  • GET FAMILIAR: NEW ARTIST – Mz. Tina Perez

    Christina Perez, professionally known as Ms. Tina Perez, is an independent underground recording artist hailing from New Jersey.

    Fresh off the release of her first mix tape, Skitzo, Ms. Tina Perez presents her latest project, The Throwback. A new sound from this Hip-Hop/R&B/Pop artist, The Throwback represents a combination of music genres she grew up listening to that inspires and has shaped her style. The Throwback features NJ Hip-Hop artists, Nino, Miz Mudi and Damian Johnson, who lends his lyrical presence on the remake of J. Cole’s, In The Mornin’.

    “Freak Music“, is the mixtape’s first single released exclusively to YouTube on April 12, 2011.

    The Throwback is available for download by clicking here.

    For more info check follow the talented artist at @MsTinaPerez on Twitter!

    [cincopa AEPAUmauakjg]

     

    Want to be the next artist featured on AleanElston.com? Send us your music submission to submissions@aleanelston.com for consideration!

  • Ryan Leslie – “Glory”

    R. Les is back, and switched up his style so he can get the “Glory.”

    And He’s not singing, he’s rapping….

     

    Yes, Rapping in this song.

    What you think about it? Personally,  I like it.

  • Olivia’s “December” How Do You Feel About It?

    Looks like the Love and Hip Hop Star is has perfect timing. Just as her buzz starts to grow with the popular VH1 Hit, Olivia releases this song, “December” taking advantage of her time back in the spotlight.

    I’m glad to see her getting back to the music and doing it aside from being linked from G-Unit. I think she wasn’t able to shine with them as she does with this track. We get to hear what Olivia can really do, a taste of her vocal range and she gives us a glimpse into a woman’s emotion as she sings about a relationship situation I’m sure we have all been through at one point in our lives.

    So how do I feel about Olivia’s “December”? I like it, Love that she is showing us “Olivia” with her voice and attempting a come back with a song that people can relate to which I’m sure is going to appeal to the people in the Mary J, Keyshia Cole Fan Demographic. While this isn’t a song that I’m crazy about, I can rock with it.

    Check out the song below!!!

    Go Olivia, can’t wait to hear what’s next!

     


    How do you feel about the new song December? Leave your thoughts on the song below!

  • Sade to Release “The Ultimate Collection”

    Sade are back with The Ultimate Collection to be released on May 3, just in time to make it the essential Mother’s Day gift. The must-have, 29-track, two-disc album will include four new, never-before heard songs including a remix to “The Moon And The Sky” (featuring Jay-Z). The Ultimate Collection also features 15 tracks that were not included on Sade’s 1994 “Best Of” album.  Here for the first time, fans can find all of their favorite Sade classics including songs Lover’s Rock and Soldier Of Love.

    Disc 1

    1. Your Love Is King
    2. Smooth Operator
    3. Hang On To Your Love
    4. The Sweetest Taboo
    5. Is It A Crime
    6. Never As Good As The First Time
    7. Jezebel
    8. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
    9. Paradise
    10. Nothing Can Come Between Us
    11. No Ordinary Love
    12. Kiss Of Life
    13. Feel No Pain+
    14. Bullet Proof Soul+

     

    Disc 2

    1. Cherish The Day
    2. Pearls
    3. By Your Side+
    4. Immigrant+
    5. Flow+
    6. King Of Sorrow+
    7. The Sweetest Gift+
    8. Solider Of Love+
    9. The Moon And The Sky+
    10. Babyfather+
    11. Still In Love With You**
    12. Love Is Found**
    13. I Would Never Have Guessed**
    14. The Moon And The Sky (Remix Featuring Jay-Z)**
    15. By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)+

     

    + Not on Best Of

    ** Never Released Before

    Sade recently announced, the second leg of their ultimate summer tour kicking off on June 16th, marking their highly anticipated return to the world stage in ten years. Fans who pre-order The Ultimate Collection will have exclusive early access to tickets in select markets. For complete presale and ticket on sale information, visit Sade.com.  Tickets for the newly announced dates go on sale to the public beginning April 2nd at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

    Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-seven year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They’ve been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won four Grammy Awards – first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “No Ordinary Love”, again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock and most recently in 2011 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “Soldier Of Love.”

     

    SOURCE Epic Records