Monthly Archives: May 2010

Foals “Miami”

Keeping up with the Miami theme, I came across this video called Miami by a UK pop group called Foals, on Fader that I thought was kinda crazy just because you rarely see anyone use body builders as the main models in their videos…especially transgendered ones and the song on top of that doesn’t really paint this kinda image in your mind but it somehow works. Besides the fact the song is called Miami, it reminded me of how image conscious everyone here is…I mean the damn mannequins have fake implants! There are gyms on just about every corner and everyone is either in impeccable shape or the complete opposite. Anyways, check out the video and check out more of Foals music here.

Elijah & Skilliam

I am currently on a much needed weekend getaway to MIA (out of all times I am here during memorial day weekend. stories to come later!) but that doesn’t mean I am not getting any work done. I wanted to share with you all some music I have come across while relaxing here. This duo is not ambassadors of down-south music or even American music…it’s actually grime music. But the tempo and sound of grime music fits so well with the excitement and heat of this trip so I wanted to share this new find with you guys. Check out the duo’s music here.

THIRD MONDAYS-05172010

THE ECLECTIC EIGHT

1) TANYA AUCLAIR is a UK born and bred k-pop singer-musician. She has a pretty solid following abroad and I’m she’ll make her rounds here soon enough and generate more buzz here. For check her out here and take a listen here.

_______________________________________________________________________

2)NIA ANDREWS is a singer-songwriter based out of LA. She is unsigned talent who somehow along the way in her journey to be a writer for Common (rapper yes) and worked with few other artists as well. Check out her music here.

_______________________________________________________________________

3)JASON YARDE I came across him while surfing online and he is actually done more work for other artists, composing and arranging tracks, but recently he began working on his own music. It’s playful jazz. Take a listen here.

_______________________________________________________________________

4)TWO BANKS OF FOUR is a neo-jazz band from UK. Another group I came across surfing for music. I am fusion-obsessed as of late if you couldn’t tell and their music makes me happy. I think it’ll have same effect on you soooo go check it out here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

5)EDITORS is British rock band that is apparently signed to The FADER’s label ( I had no clue FADER even had a label). They have the whole 80′s new-wave band sound but more polished modern sound. Check them out here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

6)TAME IMPALA is a an Australian pop-ish band. They apparently have teamed up with MGMT to go on a tour so you can imagine what type of sound their music has and that it probably will be a show worth catching. Check out the group’s music here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

7)COLECO is a UK based musician. He has done more producing work over the years but he does have his own personal material. Sounds like a fusion of reggae, hip/hop and electronica with a dab of latin. Definitely interesting music and probably best for the 9-5 grind listening time. Take a listen here for yourself.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

8)FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS is an unsigned band based out of NYC led by a real Francis and he has quite the voice. Something about his voice reminds me of Little Richard and Prince. Pretty good music, on the pop/rock side. Check them out here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks for checking out this month’s Third Mondays THE ECLECTIC EIGHT. Feel free to drop comment below and let me know what you think!

-Selamawit

EVENT: DRINKS FOR DREAMS– FRIDAY, MAY 7TH

DC Area Young Professionals Are Invited To Drink for Dreams

Washington, DC- May 7, 2010- If empowering the most isolated children on earth is a goal for DC area young professionals, then attending “Drinks for Dreams,” a fundraiser sponsored by non-profit Dreams for Kids, DC, will be the best way for them to do so. District Lounge in Adams Morgan is the venue. Friday, May 7, 2010 is the night. Dozens of DC area young professionals are expected to gather from 6-10pm to enjoy an ingenious blend of hip hop, soul, funk and rock from DJ Jahsonic (of Marvin Mondays), live art from local artists, signature cocktails, and of course each other, all while raising funds for the implementation of the second DC area Dream Leaders conference scheduled to take place in June. Although the title is “Drinks for Dreams,” this is definitely NOT an event you want to sleep on.

Dreams for Kids empowers youth living in poverty and those with disabilities, by uniting them with their peers, recognizing their abilities, and allowing their voices to be heard. Through dynamic service oriented programming, the most isolated young people from every community are reminded they have something to give. While fearlessly pursing their dreams, Dreams for Kids youth are leading others and compassionately changing the world.

Dreams for Kids provides one principle program designed for youth empowerment: Dream Leaders. Through this program, greatly diverse youth are united with each other and given opportunities to serve others both domestically and abroad. At the core of the program is the empowerment of what amounts to 60 % of the children alive today – those who live in poverty or with a disability throughout the world (1.2 billion.). The intention of the program is to remind each young person that they have something to give as well as giving them opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds from “Drinks for Dreams” will go toward the next Dream Leaders conference in DC. Although this event is intended to raise funds, Dreams for Kids hopes that all of the attendees leave inspired to do more for their community. As past Dream Leader, Carrie articulates, “…to me being a Dream Leader means so much more than just raising money. In my eyes, it’s more about giving someone another person to talk to, giving them hope, and letting them know they CAN.”

For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.dreamsforkids.org/donatedc

I’ll be there, will you?

Selamawit