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The Place To Find The Best Indie Artists

Res The Artist

Res is a powerful soul rock singer whose single, They Say Vision, was a Top 40 hit with the remix going to number 1 on the dance charts. Other singles from her debut album, How I Do, include Golden Boys and Ice King both which received radio play and struck a chord with music lovers from all walks of life. This album has paved the way for her cult following today.
RES
Res’ live show is incredibly engaging and entertaining. Her dynamic vocals pull all of the attention to the stage and the audience is in awe of her energy and stage presence. Many of her fans profess that her live performance is one not to miss and that she often sounds better than her records. A Res performance can consist of a few different band configurations. She can do everything from a DJ set to an acoustic guitar format and all the way to a full band.

Res completed work on her second album (Black Girls Rock!) and planned for a 2006 release. After some label shakeups the album would ultimately be shelved and Res would eventually break away from her label. While fans were looking for Res and her follow up album, instead she popped up singing supporting vocals for Cee Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley on his St. Elsewhere World Tour for the smash hit “Crazy”. Following the tour, Res decided to follow the path of an independent artist and released Black Girls Rock! all on her own. This decision was in direct response to the overwhelming demand from fans thru her social media touch points.

While steadily working on new music, Res found a ying to her yang, with Brooklyn rapper, Talib Kweli. This musical connection morphed into their side project, a group called Idle Warship. The group’s debut album, Habits of the Heart, was released in November of 2011.

Also during this time, Res teamed up with director, Steve Zegans, to tell her story in the form of a documentary titled, “The Res Documentary: An Industry Diary”. Res is the main subject of the film but within her story, you will relate to the challenges of most indie artists today as well as see her as a dedicated lover of music and entrepreneur. Res gives you the insiders view on the pros and cons of being both a major label artist and an indie artist. She lets you into her life thru her family, daily work activities, intimate acoustic performances, her achievements and harsh realities of being a DIY artist.

Res’ latest EP, ReFried Mac, is a dedication to Fleetwood Mac’s vocalist Stevie Nicks. Res respectfully transforms five of her favorite Fleetwood Mac songs into her own. The first single is Dreams and was released in the Fall of 2013.

Res Refried

Res is presently finishing up a new album of original songs entitled, RESET, to be released in 2016.

To finish RESET, she is asking her fans for help. There’s just about 2 weeks left to make your contribution for some great perks. Check them out here.

Signup for #Reset Mondays on her website, Follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and check out the interview below.

Florence Champagne

Florence Champagne is an accomplished author, artist, and advocate for the underserved. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Howard University. As an advocate, she has served as the Director of Social Services at nursing homes in the Washington DC area, as well as working in Public Housing, with Senior Citizens, and individuals with mental disabilities. Currently she provides constituent services for the United States House of Representatives for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, covering most of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties.

Florence Champagne

She has demonstrated contributions to an organization’s success through bridging the gap of government, community and public service as she makes a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged and underserved. She has legislative and Capital Hill experience, and maintains established relationships with various government agencies to effectively service the community. Her background includes collaborations with congressional staff, elected and appointed officials, agency administrators at the federal, state, and county levels such as USCIS, The Department of Veterans Affairs, just to name a few.

In addition to her advocacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, Florence also advocates for women with heart disease. She is a sought after speaker for health fairs, churches, employers, and health care administrators. She holds a top security clearance, and has a pushed book entitled “Inez’s Granddaughter”. As an artist, her works have shown throughout the Washington, DC area. Her current body of work is exhibited at Lybensons Gallery in Beaufort, SC.

Inez's Granddaughter

When she visited Conversations, she discussed here book, based on her own Family. Inez’s Grand Daughter is available on Amazon as well as other book sites. Connect with Florence Champagne on Facebook.

The Keynote Reality Show

It is always a pleasure to talk with Sir Charles Cary. He always has some knowledge and enlightenment to share with us. October 31st was no exception.

Sir Charles Cary

Mr. Cary has been an motivational speaker and coach for quite awhile. He speaks openly and honestly about his pass and all he has overcome. He is creative and artistic, having written and recorded several albums and even trying his hand at acting and with three best sellers under his belt, we say he is a very well rounded individual
Sir Charles speaking

For his latest project, he delves into the area of Reality TV, though certainly not your usual Reality TV. The Keynote definitely is coming from a positive place. We would expect nothing less if Sir Charles is involved. The show has 2 seasons completed and has been shopped to the networks. It has gotten great reviews but Networks want to change the show. Why you may ask, perhaps you have an educated guess based on what happens on most Reality shows. It is too positive, there is no drama! Well the team has decided to go another way and use crowdfunding to get the show aired.

Listen to the interview to find out more and get some discount codes to use for purchases from Sir Charles Cary’s website, where you will find some great gifts and stocking stuffers of a positive nature. Thanks to Sir Charles for always being true to himself. As he says, “You can’t keep it if your not willing to give it away.”  Check out The Keynote Campaign for more information about the project, donors perks and more.

Douye’

Douye'

 

Douyé (pronounced Doe-Yay) pays homage to the mellow blend of silk and soul made iconic by artists such as Sade, Dianne Reeves, Chanté Moore, Regina Belle, and Rachelle Ferrell. Featuring the musical prowess of fellow Nigerian and multi-platinum producer Dapo Torimiro (John Legend, Justin Bieber, Toni Braxton), Grammy-nominated multi-platinum British songwriter Terry Shaddick (Pointer Sisters, Diana Ross), guitarist/ producer Chris Sholar (Beyoncè, Mariah Carey, Kanye West), JR Hutson (Jill Scott, Musiq, Lalah Hathaway)  and Grammy-nominated jazz keyboardist/ producer Philippe Saisse (Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau), So Much Love is a breathtaking tour de force that adeptly revisits the sound of early 90s Urban Adult Contemporary radio with a unique spin. Laced with Douyé’s smoldering vocals and seasoned with elements of jazz, R&B, and a dash of spicy Afrobeat, it goes without saying that So Much Love is destined to be one of the more feted independent releases of 2013.

The Nigerian  born singing Princess joined me on Conversations almost 2 years after I heard her sultry soulful voice.  (WDGP apoligizes for the substandard audio at the beginning of the interview. It seems that night we had gremlins in the machine) The conversation was so much better than I imagined. She is thoughtful and funny and a whole lot fun. Best of all she is so talented and humble. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did. I am such a “fan” of this beautiful lady. If you haven’t heard her, or if your a long time fan, you will enjoy this program. When your done listening keep up with Douye’ via her website, Facebook and Twitter and more importantly, add her music to your personal library.

 

Yolanda R

Yolanda R is a classically trained vocalist, who started off like many great singers, singing in the choir.

Yolanda R. #2 She perfected her instrument at LaGuardia H.S. of Music & the Arts and  Harlem School for the Arts. Despite her  love of, and passion for singing , she strayed from her calling on more than one occasion. After meeting with many failures and internal fears, she decided that she wasn’t “cut out” to be a singer. It took many years for her to understand the words of motivational speaker Les Brown “I will fail my way to success.”

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We have to make A LOT of mistakes before we get it right. And Dion Jordan is a motivational speaker who has impacted her the most in her life. He said ” I may not be the best __ [singer] , but I have the potential to get better.” In 2011, she resolved that before her lifetime was over, she would give her dream all she had. Yolanda’s burning desire to leave a musical legacy reflective of who SHE REALLY is in this world moved her to record and release her own music. It was such a pleasure to speak with Yalonda. Listen as she shares herself and her music with me on Conversations, then check her out on ReverbNation, Facebook, Twitter and her site, Yolanda’s Voice. Most importantly, add her music to your personal collection.

Gwendolyn Collins

I first met Ms. Collins in October of 2013. She was supporting other Indie Artists at a showcase in Washington, DC. I became aware of her because of a friend who was visiting. He heard her voice and said to me that he would love to have her do a drop for his Radio station in the UK. I convinced him to ask her and we found out that she was also an Indie Artist in her own right. Carl had offered her his phone to record on. She said that she would do the drops for him and for me and send them to our respective email addresses, which she did as well as a few of her tracks. Once I heard her sing, I was an instant fan. Gwendolyn is sweet, talented and down to earth.

gwendolyn-collins

It is incredulous to me that she she has only been a solo Artist since August 2013. She is a generous performer, who happily shares the stage with her talented friends. If she ever comes to your town, be sure to get your ticket. It  was such a pleasure speaking with Gwendolyn on Conversations. The interview below is from January 11, 2014. She has been on the show since then and I can hardly wait to share the second one with you, but for now, enjoy this one and then visit her website, Befriend her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and most importantly, add her music to your personal music library.

Chris Jasper

Chris JasperWe couldn’t think of a better person to spend time with on the show of Conversation 2015. We had the pleasure of speaking with and getting to know R&B Icon Chris Jasper.

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you have heard the music of CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY, and topped the charts singing lead vocals on “Caravan of Love” (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. “Caravan” was also used in commercials as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music for that commercial formed the basis for “Brother to Brother” from the “Different Drummer” album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at that time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, most recently “Who’s That Lady” (Swiffer) and “Between The Sheets” (L’Oreal).

When ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY disbanded (1987), CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” to his own solo projects, topping the charts with “SuperBad,” a song promoting the value of education. CHRIS JASPER has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B/Gospel music, as well as other artists, for his independent record label, Gold City Records (www.goldcitymusic.com).

Chris Jasper collage

It was a treat t discuss his music and music in general. We can’t wait to hear music from is son, Mike Jasper. Enjoy the interview and then go buy the music. You can find out more by liking his Facebook page. or visiting the Gold City Music Website.

Meet Frank McComb

Frank McComb

It was such a pleasure to welcome Frank McComb to Conversations, It was like seeing an old friend after a long absence, even though we’d never met. That’s the personality of the Man. He is a people person. He has been on stage and in studio with some of the Musical Elite, yet, he’s just Frank McComb. Take a listen to the interview, then check out more Frank McComb via these links,

FaceBook
Twitter
You Tube 

 

 

 

 

Kathy Yolanda Rice

header-101096 Kathy Yolanda Rice

 

Kathy Yolanda Rice hails from Huntsville, Alabama, where her passion for music and art was recognized at an early age. Kathy writes her own lyrics and musical compositions. Most of her original tunes are based on real life experiences and emotions, from childhood throughout her adult years. Kathy is a gifted vocalist with a style of her own while she captures the hearts of many with her precious voice and original compositions.

Kathy Yolanda Rice tells real-life stories of love, faith and hope in musical compositions. Her debut CD, “After All These Years” released in 2004, is seasoned with a flavor of jazz and consists of 10 timeless contemporary tunes.

Kathy Rice

Through her networking with other women musicians, Rice was a featured artist on the Women in Jazz South Florida Volume III compilation CD, released in December 2012. Her classic jazz piece, Cloak and Dagger Affair, heads the lineup of this eclectic mix of jazzy tunes. In 2011, Rice performed her mellow vocals on Marc Lacy’s Narcoleptic CD on the track entitled, “Exodus.” In December 2010, Rice collaborated on a Soulful House project entitled, “Feeling the Heat” with world renown Dance/House music record producers Fabio Tosti and Francesco Tarantini on Music Plan Records out of Bari, Italy.

August 2012 marked the release of a beautiful gospel project…the recording of the Walter Hawkins remake of Jesus Christ is the Way, by Nuove Mystique. Rice is the lyric soprano in the group. The jazzy rendition was released on Audio State 55 and is distributed by the Warner Music Group.

Kathy Yolanda Rice

Kathy’s latest 2013 release is a collaborative smooth jazz project with songwriter Gary Swann. The tune, Love is Like a Sunny Day, features Kelley O’Neal on Saxophone. Rice joined several other women musicians on the Bobby Pin Diaries movie soundtrack, which features her up-tempo tune, I’ve Gotta Find a Love for the February 2013 release.

We became aware of Kathy after hearing her duet with Phillip Michael Thomas, Flesh Of My Flesh.

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Flesh of My Flesh is a powerful duet, written by Philip Michael Thomas. Kathy Yolanda Rice and Philip Michael Thomas capture the essence of true love with the magical blending of their voices, beckoning the listener to make an emotional connection to each romantic note. Accompanied by Kelvin Wooten’s Cool Jazz/Gospel/R&B track, their unique sound excites the soul and spirit! This anointed love song will cause you to fall in love over and over again, and renew your vows, and keep your commitment to your significant other.

If you missed the Conversation with Ms. Rice, or you would just like to hear it again, Enjoy it now. Then connect with Kathy and keep up with her goings on via her website.  Purchase her music at most online music sites like CDbaby, or  iTunes

 

Alison Crockett

 

Alison CrockettAlison Crockett has paid her musical “dues” in full… She is perhaps the quintessential nu jazz/progressive soul singer of her generation and yet you may not have heard of her – – but you’ve no doubt heard her voice… On seminal recordings by King Britt, Blue Six, Us3, Landslide, John Wicks, Mathematics and a whole host of others, Alison’s voice has provided the velvety, sensual sound of tomorrow’s yesterday’s…a captivating tone which evokes both the music of the past and that yet to come. A voice dripping soul with generous helpings of jazz, gospel and blue, Alison has taken the baton from divas of the present and past such as Lizz Wright, Rachelle Farrelle, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Donna Summer, Diana Ross and Sarah Vaughn and forged a uniquely personal and singular musical vision.

 

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Here are a few quotes about Alison:

Mix Nina Simone’s urgency, Betty Carter’s chops and Jill Scott’s sass, and you’ll get the bold and bravura vocalist and Temple University alum Alison Crockett. Her songs about the system feature Philly’s Ursula Rucker, first on the Badu-bounced “Depression” and on a haunting solo rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Come Back as a Flower.” Crockett’s jazz cred comes through loud and clear on the midtempo Shirley Horn favorite “The Old Country” and a futuristic take on Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy.” Simply put: She’s the real deal. – Eugene Holley, Philadelphia Weekly

Alison Crockett is serious. – Howard Dukes, Soul Tracks.com

Crockett’s musical ideas find a wide range of expression. To call her an R&B vocalist would be too limiting; to call her a Soul artist is too conjure a tradition she is indebted to, but not defined by. On Mommy, What’s a Depression? Crockett’s gestures to Go-Go, Jazz, Santigold-styled Funk, gut-bucket Blues, Trip-Hop, Tin-Pan Alley, and what I like to refer to as “Cosmopolitan Soul” – Mark Anthony Neal, New Black Man(inExile)

 

Alison Crockett

 

Sat back, relax and enjoy the conversation between Alison Crockett and host Diana Broomfield, and met the Woman behind the music.

Connect with Alison on Facebook, Twitter, and Reverbnation. Check out her website for more information.

 

 

 

 

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