Indie soul finally has a place to call home in Los Angeles thanks to Nu-Soul Magazine and The Little Temple. Starting Thursday February 10th, music lovers can catch the best in independent soul music and beyond at Nu-Thursdays—the new weekly event at the cozy Silverlake venue Little Temple. Things are kicking off in a big way for Grammy weekend with an outstanding showcase of some of the biggest names in soul right now including 2011 Grammy nominees Eric Roberson and Carolyn Malachi, who are serving as the hosts for the evening. Performances by Yahzarah, Sy Smith, and Avery*Sunshine are on tap. This event rocks until 2am so you know it’s gonna be a party.

Tickets are on sale for just $15 via http://templebarconcepts.tickets.musictoday.com/

Upcoming artists performing at Nu-Thursdays include Choklate, Jaguar Wright, Lady Alma, Taylor McFerrin and Nikko Gray.

Sy Smith and Mark deClive-Lowe (MdCL) recently recorded a re-imagined version of  the late R&B legend Teena Marie’s 1984 hit ’Lovergirl”. Check out the download.  Also, stay tuned for Sy Smith’s new full length album produced by Mark deClive-Lowe and their upcoming tour dates below:

Jan 20 – Seattle @ Nectar Lounge

Jan 22-Oakland @ New Parrish

Jan 26-Los Angeles @ Zanzibar

For More Info:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook| Youtube

Washington native and renaissance man, Wes Ellington Felton (a.k.a W. Ellington Felton, Wes Felton, and Dub Ell)—releases “Land of Sheep, Ran by Pigs, Ruled by Wolves“, his 13 track canvas featuring mesmerizing guest appearances from musicians and scholars such as Sy Smith, Michael Eric Dyson, Yahzarah, Kenny Wesley, Marshall Keys, Lysette Titi, King Pen Slim, and more. 

For More Info
http://wesfelton.com

Los Angeles is in for an aural treat. On September 15th, Sa-Ra Creative Partners and Muhsinah—two well known acts on the indie music scene—will share the stage at Nu-Soul Magazine’s monthly “Strictly Social” soiree.

If that wasn’t enough, singer Sy Smith will be the host for the evening and Hennessy Artistry will be hosting a special of Bilal’s new album, Airtight’s Revenge. Read the rest of this entry »

Los Angeles’ underground talent showed their love for fallen R&B icon Aaliyah on August 24 at Aaliyah Revisited—a special tribute event organized by Nu-Soul Magazine, Redlight Promotions, and SoulCulture. Hosted by singer Sy Smith, the event was inspired by the spirit of SoulCulture’s amazing Aaliyah Revisted EP—a collection of progressive soul takes of classic tracks from the late singer.

Sy opened the show with her atmospheric take on “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Each performer added their own twist to songs we have all come to love. Afta-1 and Nikko Gray (who appear on the EP) performed their impeccably produced and gorgeous “ESP (A Four Page Suite)”, essentially a mashup of “4 Page Letter” and “One In A Million” with the signature production vibe that only Afta-1 can create. Jimetta Rose brought down the house with her Ella Fitzgerald flavored version of “Hot Like Fire”, while Rogiérs got hips swaying with his rendition of “Rock the Boat.” Blues belter Gedina Jean gave a completely different spin on “If Your Girl Only Knew”, bringing in a guitar and rocking out.

The event was truly a loving and creative tribute to a timeless talent that will hopefully become an annual event. Be sure to download Aaliyah Revisted HERE and check out pics of the artists who participated after the break. Read the rest of this entry »

Nine years after her passing Aaliyah’s music has remained as relevant as ever—predicting the current synthesis of soul/R&B with electronica by more than a decade. In celebration, Nu-Soul Magazine has teamed up with SoulCulture to present Aaliyah Revisited, a very special tribute to the fallen singer by the independent soul community on Tuesday August 24 in Los Angeles.

This event will feature DJ sets incorporating classic tracks, remixes, and covers as well as performances from some of the indie soul world’s best rising talents.

The event supports SoulCulture’s Aaliyah Revisited EP, which features the likes of Sy Smith, Marsha Ambrosius, Jesse Boykins III, and Nikko Gray interpreting the music of Aaliyah.

Admission is absolutely FREE with an RSVP

Be sure to grab the AALIYAH REVISITED EP for Free HERE

Medusa Lounge
3211 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90057

Indie soul star Sy Smith and international producer/remixer Mark de Clive-Lowe shut it down at the Little Temple in Los Angeles on May 19, previewing new material from their forthcoming project. Sy Smith adds her signature flavor all over Mark’s delicious broken beat, house, and nu-jazz arrangements. Check out the video for snippets of the performance and interviews with the artists. This is definitely a project to look out for in the coming months.

Sy Smith on Twitter: http://twitter.com/syberspace

Mark de Clive-Lowe on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mashibeats

Those with their ear to ground know that LA-based vocalist Sy Smith has been in the studio with international artist/producer/musician Mark de Clive-Lowe working on a special collaboration. While this project has remained fairly hush hush with only a few snippets appearing online, the pair have decided to bless Los Angeles with a very special show to debut the new material. As if Sy Smith and Mark de Clive-Lowe weren’t enough, Erik Rico is also on the bill, rounding out a night of incredible progressive talent!

Grab tickets for this event HERE

Follow Sy Smith on twitter http://twitter.com/syberspace

Follow Mark de Clive-Lowe on twitter http://twitter.com/mashibeats

Yahzarah – The Ballad of Purple St. James

If you listen to indie soul, chances are you’ve heard of Yahzarah. She is one of the hardest working women in the business and next to Sy Smith is one of indie soul’s most recognizable figures, touring constantly with the Foreign Exchange and as a solo artist. She is also one of the scene’s most dynamic performers, consistently delivering assured vocals and a mesmerizing stage show. It’s no surprise that Yahzarah’s latest offering, the compellingly diverse The Ballad of Purple St. James, reflects the singer’s relentless work ethic and professionalism. Overseen by Nicolay and Phonte of the Foreign Exchange, the album hits all the right notes, showcasing Yahzarah’s considerable artistry with a set of tracks that stands above and beyond the pack.

There is a vintage feel to The Ballad of Purple St. James yet somehow the album sounds fresh and new. Yahzarah was obviously inspired by the depth of R&B from the 80s and 90s but nothing on the album feels dated. First single “Why Dontcha Call Me No More” is proof enough of this; the pop/soul kiss-off is a surprisingly potent track that is as fresh and bubbly as it is unexpected. The 80s synthesized vibe is all over tracks like “Cry Over You” featuring Phonte and the seductive “Change Your Mind”, but Nicolay’s talent as a producer prevents things from sounding cheesy. Instead the music soars, mirroring Yahzarah’s effervescent energy. But the slower songs are the true standouts here as they both shine light on Yahzarah’s ability to emote and display her incredible range. A duet with fellow FE member Darien Brockington will immediately appeal to fans yet it’s “Last To Leave”, a lengthy emotional saga of a ballad, that truly casts a spell. The track encaspulates everything we’ve come to love about the talented diva. This sexy gal can SANG with the best of them and delivers a truth through her music that very few artists can attest to. With The Ballad of Purple St. James it appears that Yahzarah is ready to take things to the next level and we anxiously watch as she soars to higher heights.

- Reviewed by Norman Mayers

Listen to and purchase this album

Ms. Sy Smith has been called “the hardest working woman in the music business!” With 3 CDs, 1 EP, and 1 DVD released independently, she is the driving force behind the underground soul scene in Los Angeles. She is known widely as the singer who duets with Al Green on the “Soul Food” show and for her TV work as a backing vocalist on American Idol. Sy has also written songs for Macy Gray, Carlos Santana, Ronny Jordan, Brand New Heavies, Gerald Albright and Mya among others. She has toured with Whitney Houston, Usher, Meshell Ndegeocello and currently Chris Botti. But what Sy truly loves to do is attack the stage with her feminine fervor and bring the house down with her style of funk. Born in NY and raised in DC/MD, Sy shows off her knowledge of jazz, go-go, with a tinge of classical training without disturbing the groove!