Rev. Wright’s speech: unifying or divisive?

Watch this speech: Rev. Wright Speech at NAACP

Despite your views on Rev. Jeremiah Wright, despite your political stance, despite your personal like or dislike of Wright’s religious or political views, one has to admit that his speech last night at the NAACP dinner delivered one, if not many powerful messages. Both directly and indirectly.

Wright’s speech attempted to illustrate the need for change, by revisiting the past, and illustrating what Blacks have endured, and have had to systematically overcome. To do this, he used the ‘writing for the ear techniques’ (rule of 3, repetition, anaphora, imagery, metaphor, hyperbole, balanced phrase) to grab your attention and give a very descriptive history lesson on Black history in America. Wright’s tactics definitely are memorable, and aim to entertain.

To get his point across, he sings classical, jazz, gospel, even beat-boxes at one point, he references and cites ALL Faiths, noted educators, linguists, and accounts in recent political history. His highly animated dancing, acting, yelling, joking around and sharp sarcastic remarks all work together to deliver quite a profound performance, despite how obvious the messages may be.

But…he’s been criticized for being divisive, among other things. And I think it’s worth examining. I mean, how can you honestly get away with saying, in the 21st Century, that “Black people learn differently from White people.” I take personal offense to that one. If that’s not divisive I don’t know what is. And the term “yellow” offends me too. Don’t use it again, Wright.

His his various bold and offensive remarks, may or may not detract from the overall tone of his speech, that’s for the individual to decide. However, I can honestly say that his reinforced key phrase, “Different, not deficient,” and the main theme, “I believe a change is going to come…” is still relevant and still very much needed in Black America today. This is sad, and true.

I really urge you to watch all parts of the video, you’ll definitely be entertained. After you’ve watched it, let me know your thoughts…

Thank you!

Staffeen

IN SPIN pt I | Andy Caldwell

“Warrior, show me the way…
show me how you got to be so strong…”

If you’ve been around me for the past while, you’d know I’m absolutely smitten with the song ‘Warrior’ by Andy Caldwell, with Lisa Shaw. It’s a beautiful song on so many levels. Musically, there’s an incredible balance between the edgy and melodic, and lyrically I believe it symbolizes what we all should be.

Surprisingly when I spoke to Caldwell, I learned that this too was a result of tragic circumstance, and is one that also speaks to him on many levels. Dark and mysterious, it offers an open-ended explanation about life – as do most of his songs.

But I can’t honestly admit to fully understanding Caldwell’s work. I almost wanted him to “show me the way,” and expand on all the mini-truths he was alluding to. But perhaps that was the flaw in my method. Most of his songs, and especially those on Universal Truth, tend to fall to extremes and trying to demystify and abstract meaning, well, sometimes one just needs to leave ones songs alone. The song is the meaning.

His new album, to be released either in Fall 2008 or Spring 2009 will be an expansion of the vibe of ‘Warrior,’ with the same sensibility to the song-writing.

I don’t know what you’re doing, but whatever it is, Andy, it’s working.

Visit: www.myspace.com/djandycaldwell

everybody’s going to miami!

Between March 25 and 29, 2008 – the Winter Music Conference will take place in Miami. If there’s one event that pulls it all together for musicians – it would be this one. This week-long event hosts a series of seminars, exhibits, award shows, networking events, night club showcases, and a must-have event - the DJ spin-off. It strives to bring music industry leaders, artists, participants and the media together in one venue, engaging in conversation.

In discussion are issues affecting the industry such as innovations in technology, online tools, distribution and retail, radio exposure, legal issues, the media, promotion, the labels and much more…

Scheduled to speak is artist and producer Erykah Badu, along with performances by world renowned DJs and live artists such as, Andy Caldwell, Armin Van Buuren, DJ Heather, Fred Everything, Mark Farina, Nick Holder, Quentin Harris…to name a few.

NEW debunkd. SERIES:
To usher in Spring, I’ll be launching a new interview series called, ‘IN SPIN’, that will highlight a few of my favourite Djs & Producers – many of whom will performing at the Winter Music Conference.

For more information visit: http://www.wintermusicconference.com/

Photo: Courtesy of Colin Burwell.

‘SOULFUL DIVA’ SERIES PT III: CHARLENE SMITH

A RESURGENCE

“…just feel the good times!”

Charlene Smith’s hit songs Feel The Good Times and Let It Slide topped the MuchMusic charts in the mid 1990’s and her album Feel The Good Times in my opinion – is an unrealized gem. With her signature mellow beats and her unmistakably sultry voice, Smith’s repertoire of songs is sincere and passionate. She went on to release a compilation CD called The Essence of Charlene Smith that was a mix of the first CD’s hits and their remixes, and a third CD entitled Life Is High.

Smith recounts performing at the weekly MuchMusic event Electric Circus with fondness, but describes her deliberate escape from the insanity of the music business as something she needed to do in order to evolve personally. She continues to work on projects independently with passion and dedication and now intends on a planned return.

I asked Smith about obtaining and sustaining balance in this business at this point in time and she describes, “Balance comes so easy now because the industry doesn’t have a hold on me. When you are able to contribute what you can when you can, and it still feels good - you found your balance.”

Planning a new album for a 2009 release, Smith is devoted to every element on her next project and is anticipating its reception.

Click here for a brief interview with Charlene Smith.

Visit Charlene at: www.myspace.com/charlenesmith77

push your voice

From February 5th to February 22nd, 2008, you can let the music industry know how you really feel. Now is your chance to be a part of ‘the process’ - The Independent Music Awards depends on you!

Cast your vote for your favourite indy artist, click here:
http://indiscover.net/indies

The 8th Annual Independent Music Awards will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at 8p.m. in the Canadian Ballroom at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in Toronto. For tickets visit: www.cmw.net.

Who’s your favourite indy artist?

‘SOULFUL DIVA’ SERIES PT II: LISA SHAW

UPDATE: Lisa Shaw will be performing at This Is London on April 18, 2008.

LOUD & CLEAR

“Pulling my love around, my mind says aloud…
but loud & clear’s unheard, guilty pleasures you’d say…”

This wouldn’t be a ‘soulful series’ without the presence of Lisa Shaw. Hers is the voice that revives the clubs, yet softens the scene. Her music, timeless. Her voice, haunting. Her song ‘Matter of Time’ still reveals nuances to me each time I listen to it, and continues to inspire me. Her unique sound draws from diverse range of styles, from Depeche Mode to Prince, but is truly unmistakable and becoming more and more refined. Her repertoire of songs is dynamic and fluid, passionate and introspective.

The last time I interviewed Shaw was after the release of her debut album Cherry, in 2005. Since then she’s been on tour for the album, on tour with Miguel Migs for his album Those Things, and is featured on Andy Caldwell’s album Universal Truth. Originally from Toronto, Shaw’s talent has graced us for years but like many things great, they are gradually recognized by the masses. I had a few simple ‘I wonder…’ questions for Shaw and was able to catch up with her amidst her hectic schedule.

A conversation with Lisa Shaw…

Staffeen Thompson: How has the success of your album ‘Cherry’, and touring for yours and Miguel Migs’ album ‘Those Things’, inspired your work?
Lisa Shaw: The response to both pieces of work has been really wonderful. It’s inspiring enough to go back into the studio and write more.

ST: You’ve collaborated with many creative DJ/producers, and are featured on many of their albums, how does the creative process work? Do you specify the tracks or do you both ‘go with the flow’?
LS: In most cases the producer will send me a track (or tracks), and I’ll listen and vibe them out. I usually can hear an idea/melody or concept right away and then we take it from there. I have a writing partner Dave Warrin who is the producer of my next album. We also write together for other producer albums.

ST: Which DJ/producers would you still like to work with?
LS: There are a few producers who I would love to work with. I really like LCD Sound System. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a while and love their new album.

Click here for the rest of my interview with Lisa Shaw…

Visit: www.myspace.com/lisashaw
and www.myspace.com/petalpushermusic

‘SOULFUL DIVA’ SERIES PT I: JOI CARDWELL

THE JOY OF JOI

“Life is imperfect, imperfect(is perfect)…”

Every so often I’m moved by a voice and impassioned by a song – and then I feel the need to share it with the world. “Imperfect,” by Joi Cardwell. It definitely has an infectious beat, but if you listen to it closely, it has incredibly intense nuances, that are haunting and infectious. The underlying message is to hold on to your faith and trust in life, amidst life’s adversities – a theme that can be found in many of Joi’s songs.

I wanted to know what her inspiration was for the song, and after communicating with Joi, learned that this song was written on the day her grandmother passed away, and suddenly it all made sense. I felt so awful for having chosen such an emotional song, but realized that it’s always the most powerful songs that are borne from a place of pain, sadness or suffering. She assured me, “She was blessed with 94 great years. And I with all her love and wisdom.”

After obtaining two degrees from University, Joi started her recording career at Arista Records in a girl group called ‘The Promise,’ and then began her career producing captivating singles – such as “Love and Devotion,” “Trouble,” “Jump for Joi,” and “Soul to Bare”. Joi’s mellow and sensual vocals, coupled with her songwriting have influenced many. Her repertoire includes the albums, ‘The World is Full of Trouble’ from 1995; and ‘Joi Cardwell’ from 1997, and her collaborations with a variety of artists, such as Kashif, LL Cool J, Paula Abdul, Ice T, and Denise Rich as both writer and producer.

Joi’s most recent album ‘The Plain Jane Project’ is available for full listening on her website, and her catalog is available on all major digital sites including itunes.

Click here for my interview with Joi Cardwell, where she discusses her inspiration, her music, the industry, and more…

www.myspace.com/joicardwell

dirk who?

You’ve probably heard me rant about him on various occasions, or have had to endure my endless promotion of his warm songs from Late Nite Reworks or Camino Real. His name is Dirk Swartenbroekx, a.k.a DJ Buscemi, from Belgium.

I’ve had the opportunity to interview him, as well as other successful producers from Europe and the U.S, who’ve all repeatedly expressed the desire to come to Canada to perform. These are artists who’ve done extremely well in their home countries, but like many others in their generation, have all found it difficult to cross over to Canada. Or when they are brought in to perform, they aren’t promoted at all – and people miss out!

So when I asked a few Toronto promoters why these popular artists aren’t brought in for more events, they’ve all drawn me the same dismal picture. The consensus is, “It’s just not worth it.” It would be a profitable venture, as there is general interest in their music, it’s simply that the incentive to heavily promote is lacking. I say surely, there’s room for a couple more! Or is there? How can successful artists gain publicity in a city where the market is a little undefined? If the answer is, “you just don’t,” then what is this saying about our music industry?

Visit Buscemi at: www.myspace.com/buscemimusic
Enjoy!