(New York, NY) Singer/Songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Melanie Charles was inspired to create a vehicle for singers to express, workshop their material and improve their musicianship.”Stripped” is a platform where all egoes get left at the door. Singers can jam and improve upon their vocal style and technical abilities, all while engaging and networking with other musicians.

Stripped’ is a weekly jam session hosted by Melanie Charles and produced by The Bloom Effect and Revive Da Live.

For more information:
http://www.nublu.net

http://www.thebloomeffect.com

“Tradition is a guide, not a jailer. We play in an older tradition but we are modern musicians.” —Justin Robinson

http://www.vimeo.com/10260318

Expanding today’s boundaries of “Black music”; the Carolina Chocolate Drops are re-introducing listeners to the roots of music. Musicians Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens, and Justin Robinson founded the Acoustic/Folk/Bluegrass group because they were dedicated to learning the musical history of the past. The group is sharing that learned knowledge around the world, all the while paying homage to the shoulders they stand on.

FOR MORE MUSIC AND TOUR DATES:

http://www.myspace.com/carolinachocolatedrops

Electronic duo Onili wants you! The group announced they are looking for submissions for their International Remix Contest. Participants need to download the acapella version of Onili’s “Why Did you Go”, make a remix for it in any genre and submit by August 15. Winners will receive a free linktone for the remix, a full PR campaign to Israeli music media and in U.S by The Bloom Effect; and complimentary registration to attend the CMJ Music Marathon worth $495.00.

SEND YOUR SUBMISSION TO: iwantyou@onili.com

For information on Onili music and shows:

http://www.onili.com

http://www.onili.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/laroz

LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION is the perfect name  for Dev Hynes who is  currently working hard with Solange Knowles and Theophilus London on their upcoming albums,  while  performing around the world on a mini-tour of his own.

Lightspeed Champion is an artist not afraid to go beyond musical boundaries and evlove into something new. He was first introduced to the music scene with a Dance-Punk band, Test Icicles. His arrangements and vocals have appeared on songs by The Chemical Brothers and Basement Jaxx.  His work has been featured on soundtracks, festivals and various music outlets around the world. Read the rest of this entry »

M.I.A. is back with her third album called  MAYA.    This album is a mix of thematics (politics and social consciousness) and amazing beats from producers Rusko, Blaqstarr, Switch, Diplo, John Hill, Derek Miller, Sugu, and the Sri-Lankan born artist herself. The video for the albums first single, “Born Free” was met with controversy over its violent  and graphic display—leading to banning on several stations and media outlets. Either way we are always thrilled to see, hear and experience M.I.A.

M.I.A. will perform at Hard Fest in NYC at South Island Field, Governors Island on July 24!

Read the rest of this entry »

“1 U Run 2″ is the second music video from Singer/Songwriter Russell Taylor’s sophomore album, Confessional. The track features Grammy Award Nominee Lalah Hathaway. Get into it.

http://www.vimeo.com/13136030

For more Music, Tours and Events:

http://russelltaylor.net/

http://lalahhathaway.com

A Breast Cancer benefit concert featuring the Voices of Incognito is being held in Brooklyn, New York on July 14th. This is will be an evening of live music that will feature the talents of Kellie Sae, Maysa Leak and Karen Bernod all of the famous Nu-Soul group INCOGNITO. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Comen For the Cure Foundation.

For more information, facts and tickets: Click HERE

Nostalgia is about to heat up the summer, thanks to Mick Boogie and the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. The SUMMERTIME mixtape features everyone from James Brown, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, The Roots,  Jay-Z, Will Smith (naturally), The Pharcyde and many more. With a 49 songs track listing you will no doubt keep your cool during these hot months.

DOWNLOAD HERE: http://www.undrcrwn.com/summertime

FOR MORE MUSIC, EVENTS AND UPDATES:  HTTP://WWW.MICKBOOGIE.COM

Who is Tai Allen? Try a man of many slashes. The poet/producer/singer is back with his latest project called “ FOR EASY READING.” His latest offering is an amazing arrangement of singing, poetry and live music.

FREE DOWNLOAD new single “LOVE IS”:     http://vicelounge.com/taiallen_loveis.zip  

“BEAUTIFUL DAYE”

http://www.vimeo.com/12172922

“COMPLEXION PROTECTION”

http://www.vimeo.com/12173167

For more music and updates:

http://www.vicelounge.com

Photo Credit: Sara Hart

Signed to the legendary Stax Records, singer N’Dambi is back with a new video (and new look) from her latest project “PINK ELEPHANT.” .

http://www.vimeo.com/12888313

Directed / Edited / Filmed by Alex Magaña

For more information, music and tour dates:

http://www.ndambionline.com/

http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/labels/Stax/