Friday, December 21, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Joyce Washington !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

JOYCE WASHINGTON

With over 15 years of production experience under her belt, Joyce Washington is the company you most certainly keep when producing television projects, commercials, music videos or your next Independent Feature. Her resume reads like an award nominee roster. Joyce has produced music videos for Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J Blige, Will I Am, Joss Stone, Marc Anthony, Lil Wayne, Ciara, Westlife, Thalia, Toni Braxton, TI and Mary Mary just to name a few. Washington is clearly the hardest working producer in show business. Where you find platinum artists like the aforementioned you will also find some of the top auteurs in the game. Washington has produced for award winning directors Tim Story, Hype Williams, Jake Nava, Benny Boom, Ray Kay, Antti Jokinen, Bryan Barber, Paul Hunter, Billie Woodruff, Erik White, Marcus Raboy, Dave Meyers, Darren Grant and Jesse Dylan. Joyce Washington began her career in the mid ‘90’s as Director of Operations for Propaganda Films, a company that spearheaded the modern music video movement. As opportunities in the field grew Washington became an Independent Producer. Washington produced short film “Breakdown” which won top honors at the Acapulco Black Film Festival, feature film “Book of Love”, commercials, TV Shows (Soul Train Music Awards, VH-1 Awards Show, Lady of Soul Awards), Talk Shows (Keenan Ivory Wayans, Michael Baisden), Web Content for Gatorade Network (Variety Show “Leave it on the Floor”, hosted by Fonzworth Bentley and Quest for G Sports Series). One of her funniest and most memorable moments came when she produced the comedy short “Skank Robbers” starring Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx. She developed a relationship with Foxx/King and went on to produce Jamie Foxx Live Concert DVD for his 2009 “Blame It” tour. Washington has not only produced through out the U.S but has worked around the world, such places as Jamaica, Ireland, South Africa, Puerto Rico and Brazil. Currently, Washington continues making magic working in all forms of media. Starting her own Production Company, Eleven Seven Productions, Washington is developing TV Shows and reviewing feature length scripts. Joyce just recently wrapped the T-Boz reality series for the TLC network. She explains her success and consistency in a very competitive business this way, “Faith and hard work make anything possible.”

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Indie Review welcomes April Silver !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
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APRIL SILVER

April is the founder of Akila Worksongs a communications agency that specializes in arts and activism, a phrase popularized by founder April. The agency offers public and media relations; online marketing (email, social media, mobile); event planning, marketing, and production services. Its distinguished client and relationship rosters (individuals and groups) have included luminaries such as Sonia Sanchez, Amiri and Amina Baraka, Nana Camille Yarbrough, Ras Baraka, Sister Souljah, Doug E. Fresh, Sean Combs, Chuck D., asha bandele, Toni Blackman, UNIVERSES, Rosa Clemente, JLove Calderon, Erica Ford, Kevin Powell, Mo Beasley, Byron Hurt, Alex Bugnon, Tulani Kinard, Iyanla Vanzant, Marcella Runell Hall, Marc Lamont Hill, Adesola Osakalumi, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Talib Kweli, and many others. It has also serviced or collaborated with a number of highly respected community-based and non-profit organizations; cultural arts institutions; and corporate and philanthropic entities since 1993, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Museum of Natural History, Apollo Theater, Center for Black Literature, Center for Law and Social Justice, Comedy Central, Ford Foundation, Fort Greene Festival, HarlemStage/Aaron Davis Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Mott Foundation, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Playwrights Horizons, Public Theater, Romare Bearden Foundation, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and various others. A special 20th Anniversary celebration of Akila Worksongs featuring an afternoon of spoken word, live music, drama, and dance is coming up. This will be one of April's topics of discussion. 



"Elevating Artists" Feature: Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai from AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. on Vimeo.

Maya Azucena inspires at TEDxWomen 2012

Maya Azucena talks about her passion for creating music that inspires people to recognize their own power to change their lives and communities, and performs an original song, "Cry Love." She is an award-winning singer who has been awarded a Grammy certificate; a Proclamation from Congress for co-producing Hope Night, a concert for domestic-abuse awareness; and the prestigious "Top 40 Under 40" Award from The Network Journal. Maya also co-founded (along with Emmy-winning director Lisa Russell) the multimedia website MDGFive.com to raise awareness for better maternal health. Based on this work, Ms. Azucena was selected by the office of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to perform at his “Every Woman, Every Child” event during the 2010 UN Summit.


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Antonique Smith & LINA !



Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

LINA & ANTONIQUE SMITH

As an R&B artist, Lina's sound crosses several music genres including Jazz, Soul, Hip-hop, Gospel and Pop. A lyricist, Lina's depth puts you in the mind of Lauren Hill or Mos Def. A musician's musician, who sings in eight languages, Lina writes all of her songs, and her delivery is sometimes reminiscent of the great Billie Holiday. Her artsy, funky style reminds you of Erykah Badu or Jill Scott. Her out-of-the-box-hard-to-label persona is on the level of a Macy Gray. In spite of all of those comparisons, she’s an original. Her sound is fresh and in its own lane. . In 1998, Lina got her first big break as a songwriter by penning a tune for Tyrese's self-titled debut album. Lina proved herself to also be a solid songwriter, penning "Ain't Nothing Like a Jones" for Tyrese.
Lina's Stranger On Earth debut was released in 2001. The critically acclaimed album was named as one of "2001's Top 10 albums of the year" by Billboard magazine. The album turned out the US hit, “It’s Alright” and the hip-hoperatic UK hit, “Playa No More” plus “I’m Not The Enemy” which was featured in the 20th Century Fox Film, High Crimes. Critics praised the disc's bold theme, a syncopation of music past and present: with its combination of classic and modern sounds. Lina's sophomore album The Inner Beauty Movement was released on Hidden Beach/Moodstar/Universal in 2005 and produced such hits as "Smooth", the steppers anthem and "Leaving You." With rave reviews from UK’s The Sunday Times and Vibe Magazine, The Inner Beauty Movement showed Lina’s fans that she was committed to creating consistently good music.

Antonique is following the career path of Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston; pursuing a career in film while also continuing to make her dream of a Grammy-winning recording career into the most amazing of realities. Surprisingly, her love for Whitney would translate into a voice of her own. Therefore, it’s no shock that two of Smith’s most famous roles centered on music. She brought R&B songstress Faith Evans to the big screen in 2009’s Notorious. She conquered the role of Mimi Márquez in the iconic Broadway musical, Rent. But for Antonique’s next venture, the exotic beauty, isn’t playing a character; she is exposing her heart and soul in a ten-track album that she co-wrote. Versus co-opting a manufactured image from a music label, the New Jersey native is maintaining control over her sound and bringing supporters along for the ride. Through Kickstarter, fans can invest in the album with a donation of their choice and join the creative process. “We are putting the power in the hands of the people. It’s not a label saying, ‘This is what people are going to like,’” stresses Antonique. “It’s the people saying, ‘We are going to get behind this.’ We’re going grassroots!”  Antonique played CIA agent Sandra Burns in Abduction opposite Taylor Lautner and Alfred Molina and will be in theaters in late 2012 in Yelling To The Sky", playing the starring role of Ola O'Hara, opposite Zoe Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe.
Antonique had a featured role in the Golden Globe nominated "Across The Universe" and has also guest starred on numerous hit TV shows including Law & Order and HBO's Bored To Death and the Sidney Lumet directed "100 Centre Street".


LINA

ANTONIQUE

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

"War" by Yewande - Official Music Video


"War" (Written by Yewande and Co-Produced with Marc Baldwin) is a song about the inner chaos that lives inside of us. If those issues aren't resolved they often erupt in social conflict - bullying, violence, discrimination, war. The solution? We need LOVE!



Indie Review Radio Playlist - 12/1/2012



Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Twitter: @IndieRevue

SONG ARTIST
Lonely lovely Shae Fiol
Happiness Sam Sparo
Mampondomse Thuli Dumakude
Complete Margot B
My home Nneka
Love Revolution Darien
Cry love Maya Azucena
Cigarette wine Nina Vidal
War Yewande
Spinning around Paola Jean
Master plan 2012 Jamal Batiste
Sun's out Choklate

Friday, November 30, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Thuli Dumakude !



Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

THULI DUMAKUDE

Thuli is winner of the Sir Lawrence Olivier Award in London and the Obie in New York for her lead role in Poppie Nongena. She’s the winner of three (3) Audelco Awards in New York for writing, directing and performing her one woman show Buya Africa, she also won the FNB Vita Award when she performed Buya Africa at the Civic theatre in Johannesburg South Africa. Thuli played Rafiki in the Lion King on Broadway, Poppie Nongena in New York, London, Toronto, Australia and Chicago. She performed Bongi in Bongi’s Journey at Crossroads theatre in New Brunswick, Lost in the Stars on Broadway, Kamadonsela (Lady Macbeth) in Welcome Msomi’s Umabatha in South Africa and abroad. Sheila’s Day at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick and The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Madre in Juan Darien Off Broadway and many more. Thuli was the featured soloist in the movies Cry Freedom and Power of One and Serengeti for Imax Theatre. She also did a lot of commercials. Thuli has toured the world doing concert shows during the Apartheid time raising awareness about the plight of fellow South Africans. She has memorable moments when she was working with the late Miriam Makeba. She was the lead singer in a female group, Thokoza and was honoured when she participated in Mandela’s 80th birthday celebration. She was invited by the department of Education in New York to tour schools teaching young people about the role of Africa in the world through music and dance. Thuli was a vocal coach for Sarafina on Broadway and was vocal coach and musical director for Sheila’s Day. She was the choreographer for Umabatha, Muntu Dance Theatre in Chicago and Dinizulu Dance Company. Thuli was the Dance Director for IZulu Dance Theatre Company for 7 years. Thuli continues to work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lion King Companies in America, providing them with beaded merchandise to raise funds for HIV/AIDS.  She has a group of 20 rural women in the village of Galibasi in Muden KZN in South Africa that do beadwork and sell it abroad to theatre goers in New York. Part of the money raised goes to AIDS organizations in SA.


Friday, November 23, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Yusef Salaam !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
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YUSEF SALAAM


Yusef Salaam was one of five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem who in 1989 were arrested and later convicted of brutally beating and raping a white woman in New York City’s Central Park. New York Mayor Ed Koch called it the “crime of the century” and it remains to date one of the biggest media stories of our time. The five each spent between 6 and 13 years in prison before a shocking confession from a serial rapist and DNA evidence proved their innocence. Set against a backdrop of a decaying city beset by violence and racial tension, THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE documentary tells the story of how five lives were upended by the rush to judgment by police, a sensationalist media and a devastating miscarriage of justice. 


Friday, November 16, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Collette !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

COLLETTE

Bold, free and uncompromising; Collette represents a new breed of independent artistry. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding appetite for personal evolution, the girl who left her birth home of South Carolina to tackle New York on a wing and a prayer has emerged as one of the Big Apple’s freshest young talents. With the release of her third project, Juneteenth Revolution, Collette arrives, through intricate yet intimate songs of life, love, and liberation she solidifies her industry position as the talent to watch. Her first full-length pop, funk and soul album since her 2008 debut, Experience Collette, represents a high-watermark for a multi-instrumentalist singer who has worked tirelessly to achieve the evident growth in her craft, a polish to her live performances, and the rewards of hard-earned critical acclaim. Unshackled from the drains of negativity, a renewed Collette reaches back to transparently share powerful testimonies of toil and triumph with fans and listeners to both encourage and restore. It’s only fitting that the Juneteenth holiday, also known as Emancipation Day, is also Collette’s birthday. The title of Collette’s latest, greatest inspiration is born from the idea of people seizing the freedoms they already have, much like the American slaves of the antebellum South. This red clay granddaughter of a once rare female saxophonist and the daughter of a gospel singer who regularly gigged with The O’Jays, Collette was born into a long bloodline of unconventional women trailblazing unique paths in music. After years of honing her own three-octave alto in the choir rafters and studying piano, baritone and alto saxophone, Collette was determined to give voice to the melodies and chords playing in her head. Whether taking a leadership position as marching band drum major or crooning jazz standards in school recitals, Collette was mastering the tools needed to be more than a cliché R&B diva, she was becoming a consummate, all-around artist with an ever-expanding palette of genres with which to paint. Late to blossom into her spritely beauty, the self-proclaimed awkward “art nerd” was unfettered by the need to be a “cool kid,” freeing her to explore her creative passions and embark on a journey of learning to be her most authentic self. By the time the Howard U. grad took off for NYC, she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted: to claim her own Juneteenth freedoms from the city of dreams that never sleep. With only a used car and no promise of proper housing, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister industriously made her way onto the City’s independent and mainstream music scenes. Writing and arranging her debut album following a romantic break-up, in 2008 Collette released her calling card, Experience Collette, inviting newcomers into her world and letting them know they were not alone in experiencing the vulnerabilities and hardships of love. Soon, the in-demand starlet was sharing stages and opening for such national artists as Chrisette Michelle, Talib Kweli, Eric Roberson, Rachelle Ferrell and Noel Gourdin. Soon Gap, Inc. took notice and contracted Collette to participate in their “Born to Play” performance series for the company’s 75th anniversary. Her single “You Don’t Know” found its way onto Music Choice and became a regional hit in her beloved Carolinas. Early star-turning performances in small productions of Regina Taylor’s Crowns and Tony Kushner’s Caroline or Change lent a humor and theatricality to her entertainment repertoire. Soon, BET/Centric TV was also spotlighting the independent artist that was making her mark as a live performer in urban markets from Atlanta, Georgia to Springfield, Massachusetts. Collette closed out her pre-Juneteenth run with CoCo By Request in 2010, an EP of covers including celebrated takes on Erykah Badu’s “Orange Moon” and Richard Smallwood’s “Angels,” that served as a love letter to listeners, fans who picked the songs Collette recorded and supported her Kickstarter campaign for the project that would evolve into Juneteenth Revolution. Sponsored by fans, penned by Collette, and produced by new talents like Okayplayer artist Danny Swain, Terry “20” Poindexter (Raheem DeVaughn, Jazmine Sullivan) and Aaron Hardin (Ebrahim, Kenny Wesley), among others, Juneteenth Revolution boasts duets with such esteemed artists as Monet, Eric Roberson, and Akil Dasan. Following the lead of such motivational influences like Jill Scott, Amel Larrieux, Mary J. Blige and the incomparable Bill Withers, Collette encourages her listeners to start a revolution first with themselves before raising the banner of social revolution. 


Friday, November 2, 2012

Indie Review welcomes Karen "Kay Konnect" Hudson !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

KAREN "KAY KONNECT" HUDSON


 Karen Hudson, also recognized in entertainment industry circles as Kay Konnect is the Deputy Editor of MommyNoire.com, a parenting site dedicated to mature, multicultural women seeking organic dialogue about parenthood in the digital space. A unique place for critical and creative engagement, MommyNoire responds to the desire of this cosmopolitan community with tips and advice in every aspect of parenting, including marriage, relationships, sex, career mobility, education, finance, fitness, nutrition, community, and philanthropic work. Explorations of the jet-setting lifestyles of celebrity moms such as Beyonce, Nia Long, Monica, Tia Mowry- Hardrict, Kelis, Mel B, and Jada Pinkett fuel inspiration and aspiration. Coverage of front row fashion, eclectic beauty, makeup, exquisite food, modern home decor, entertainment, and travel help women realize the full aesthetic potential of their new lives as 
moms. Karen has worked in the fields of writing, media, marketing, advertising, fashion, the arts and education. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Mixtape Magazine, a print publication dedicated to mixtape DJs and emerging Hip Hop artists, as well as former freelance writer for Allhiphop.com. 
In 2005, she graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, with a focus on the Art and Structure of Storytelling. She also holds a degree in Advertising Sales and will soon graduate with a master's degree in Media Studies.  She is the mother of a 2 year old, busy toddler. Due to a high risk pregnancy, her son, Kannon, was born at 30 weeks. She spent two months in the hospital on bed rest and he spent an additional 8 weeks in the NICU. That experience shifted her priorities to pursuing a career that sheds light on the parenting journey. 

Collette ft. Akil Dasan - Material Star (Juneteenth Remix) - Official Video

Check out the new Official music video for "Material Star" featuring Akil Dasan, We've already put this one in our heavy rotation. It's the first single from Collette's new album Juneteenth Revolution. Juneteenth Revolution hits stores on Dec. 4th. 
Find out more at collettemusic.com



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Lili K. & Peter Cottontale Drop EP "Metal Petals"




A couple of our favorites on the show; Songstress Lili K and producer Peter Cottontale deliver their new EP, Metal Petals. We've been spinning some of these tunes on the show regularly already. 
The EP features seven new tracks, including two remixes. Chance The Rapper, The GTW and Sulaiman show up to assist. Enjoy !





Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Indie Review Radio playlist - 10/27/12



Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Twitter: @IndieRevue

SONG ARTIST
Shoulda loved me Tamika Love Jones
Material star Collette, Akil Dasan
Hurts like hell Angela Johnson
Come close Ishe, Daru Jones
Your love Krissy Krissy
Meet me in brazil Maimouna Youssef
Waiting for you Chris Rob
I would die for you SOUL
War Yewande
Relativity Paola Jean

Friday, October 26, 2012

Indie Review welcomes SOUL !


Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :)
Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth
12 pm to 1:30 pm
Call-in Number: (646) 478-5123
Tweet: @IndieRevue

SOUL

Born Malik Boyd, into a musical family nestled in the outskirts of Philadelphia, Soul was on a mission from the very start. As a young boy, Soul would sneak downstairs in the middle of the night to listen to his father’s 12” records. Although knowing this was forbidden by his mother, Soul spent countless nights soaking in the musical styles of Mandrill, WAR, Marvin Gaye, and Issac Hayes. Although these aural lessons did not immediate manifest anything in his life, it would become part of the foundation for his destiny. A small, family oriented church is where Soul would begin his journey. Soul got his music feet wet, singing on just about every choir his church had.  However, the church was very strict, opting not to use any other instruments than a piano and organ. But every Sunday, Soul could hear the beat... hear the bass line... hear the guitar... no matter how fundamental the structure, he could see the musical picture. And this would be the driving force for many of his encounters with music. High school years seemed to turn the tide, as Soul, going by his birth name at the time, was forced to use sports as a proving ground. However, there were glimpses of what was to become, as teachers and counselors, pushed and prodded for more, encouraging him to seek the next level. College began no different. But as the first semester passed, Soul felt something changing in his life. “I woke up one day, and realized that no sport compared to what I felt when I listened to or sang music”, says Soul. “It over took me in ways I couldn’t imagine. And I spent my days... every waking moment... in the rehearsal rooms with the piano, writing and creating.” The choice to listen to this inner voice would drive Soul from college, up to New York, with very little money and a quest to complete the dream of becoming a singer. Job after job, opportunity and opportunity, label meeting after label meeting... the quest showed signs of promise, but ultimately would lead to disappointment. One day... that luck changed. Soul met Kool (of Kool and the Gang fame), and after that meeting, Soul walked out with a new manager and a new vision. He began working with Kool and recording in the studio. While this union was short lived, it catapulted Soul into working and recording with some of the music industry’s top producers. Soul also started an open mic venue aptly named “Philly Unplugged”, which ran weekly for 7 years. That single vision gave way to opportunities that allowed unsigned artists to perform on the same stage as artists like Floetry, Jeff Bradshaw, and Teddy Riley, while creating a buzz that would allow Soul to perform on various stages across the country. Soul moved to LA to record with producers like Kenny & Charlie Bereal (Jamie Foxx, Mary Mary, Tweet). Through this pairing, records like “Choose Life”, The Morning After”, and “Jonz 4 U” were created. Soul began to hear more songs in his head. A notepad by his bed left him full of ideas and melodies. Not waiting to describe his visions to another, he went out and built a studio in his home. A quick study, Soul learned how to produce records and translate those melodies into song. With this studying, he not only fell back in love with playing the keys, but also learned the bass. From this, “Rollacoaster”, A Word From You”, “Never be That Way”, and “Toy Story” were created. Politically active, Soul was the first music artist to ever make a transition to become President of the Philadelphia Young Democrats, and lead youth in community service, advocacy, and quality of life issues…some of the very same things he writes about in his music.