The Grammy nominees have been announced and I am pleasantly surprised this year. Specifically, in the category of Best Urban/Alternative Performance, two of the songs were remixed by yours truly! Just in case you forgot, here are the video's below....
Kenna- "Say Goodbye to Love" (Trackademicks Remix) featuring Mike Baker the Bike Maker
Every since I got up on Janelle Monae, I have been in her corner, hoping that her vision would someday unfold in front of a sizable audience. So many times, those with of amazing artistic statements get overlooked because their marketing budgets aren't there to bring them to those that need to see it the most. This is why I champion artists like Janelle Monae, J* Davey, and Muhsinah.
As a teen, being exposed to high concept, yet popular, "mainstream" music was essential in my development as an artist. The visibility of groups like the Roots, Outkast, and Radiohead in the 90's made it easier to see that there was a whole world of artists who valued high artistic ideals. They were fortunate enough to have opportunity bring it to the "regular" person, people who weren't "hip", "cool", or "down with the underground".
My aim has alway been to bridge gaps between the Known and Unknown. For many people, an artist like Janelle Monae represents that Unknown. So when I was asked to remix "Many Moons", I jumped at the chance.
My aim with this remix was to thoroughly address the roller coaster of Ms. Monae's musical theatrics, bringing the listener on a journey through changing soundscapes.
So I, along with most the HR, went to see Raphael Saadiq and Janelle Monae @ Bimbo's 365 in SF this past Wednesday. I knew it would be fresh...
Janelle Monae- "Smile"
I know Janelle recruited legions of fans after this performance. She held it down with unbelievable amounts of energy. The show would have been even more perfect if she did my favorite song.
Raphael Saadiq- "Still Ray"
The new material off Saadiq's upcoming album is inexplicable...
Video Taken by ME! Janelle Monae LIVE in Oakland, CA 10/27/07 @ the Oakland Conservatory of Music
Before I ever heard her music, I was familiar with Janelle Monae´ through her highly stylized myspace page. This was around the time she was featured on Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon mixtape, before she surfaced on the “Idlewild” soundtrack or the “Morris Brown” video. I like what I heard. Real charismatic. When I heard “Call in the Law” on the soundtrack, I was sold. She had an undeniable amount stage presence on the damn CD! I could tell that she was playing the role while singing the song. I couldn’t wait to hear whatever she breathed on. One day Tap told me her first release was out; Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase. I can get real descriptive and all that, but I don’t think it’ll do justice to how excited I was to hear it. Everything was on point; the marketing, press, performances, costumes, blogs- and of course the MUSIC. Contemporary Black Art at its finest. I love a good concept project and this is the best of that. Apparently Diddy was intrigued enough to add her to the family. With siblings like Danity Kane and Day 26, lets hope there’s enough food at the table for everyone to eat… I’d love to see Making the Band: The Wondaland Arts Society Edition, although people with talent might be boring to watch... As far as me doing the remix, this is probably my favorite remix on the project. I understand that everyone needs love… especially cute androids.
