Blind I | The Boutique Music Blog | Quality Over Quantity.

VIDEO:J*DAVEY ARCADE 44 INTERVIEW

Here’s a dope interview Arcade44 did with J*DaVeY at Brooklyn Bowl. There’s also some behind the scenes footage of their recent S.O.B.s show. We interviewed them that night too, so check out our Q&A here.

Tags: ARCADE44, ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, BROOKLYN BOWL, Interview, J*DAVEY, S.O.B.S

BLIND I ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:J*DAVEY

Tucked in the basement of New York City’s S.O.Bs, Miss Jack Davey and Brook D’Leau were chatting quietly as the venue began to swell with fans, eager for an electrifying experience. Surrounded by band members, managers, photographers and friends, they were relaxed and in their element, slowly gearing up to hit the stage. Both dressed in tanks and shorts, alternating between sitting Indian style and leaning forward intently, the pair reflected on their decade-long journey and the incredible milestones along the way. From being invited to open for the legendary Prince to cranking out classic EPs that have built the J*DaVeY NaVeY movement, Jack and Brook had more than enough to discuss. Rather than hitting them with strictly staff questions, Blind I opened the forum for people to submit questions for the group, which come towards the end of the interview. If you missed the footage we posted shot by our very own concert ticket winner Corey Davis, check it out.

Interview after the jump.

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Tags: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, BLIND I, J*DAVEY

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: LEELA JAMES

When Leela James was growing up in Los Angeles, she would browse her father’s vast record collection—full of classics. It was Al Green’s raspy vocals in particular that struck a chord with her and she began to sing along to “Have a Good Time” and “Let’s Get Married.” Naturally talented, singing came easily for James who discovered her niche in Southern California, playing in local clubs and parties. After landing a deal with Ruff Nation/Warner In 2005, she released her debut, A Change is Gonna Come, which was heavily influenced by soul music from the 60s and 70s. Her album charted well, with contributions from Kanye West and Raphael Saadiq.  But as a newcomer to the music scene, the label was trying to figure out how to package the songstress into an artist that was easily received by the R&B community. Nearly five years later, Leela James found a new home with the iconic Stax Records and she’s doing it her way this time on My Soul. Blind I chatted with James about the shifting dynamics in the soul genre, the stereotypes and most importantly the groove of her new project.  Continue on to find out how you can win a copy of her new CD.

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Tags: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, BLIND I, CONTEST, LEELA JAMES, MY SOUL, TELL ME YOU LOVE ME

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:BRITTANY BOSCO

Ready For The World: Brittany Bosco

Brittany Bosco is a dynamic artist. Musically, she’s a chameleon that radiates colors, moods and energy with every note. Her vocal range is as tremendous as her production. She’s a grounded, southern belle, cultivating a sound that’s two steps ahead of other singers. Her EPs, City of Nowhere and Spectrum, reached thousands of ears and cooked up an appetite for her official debut, Black.

This winter, Bosco will deliver a gem for audiophiles, full of live instrumentation, invigorating vocals and unique overtures.  The Savannah native recently did a series of shows in New York City that roused the underground scene and got people talking. We have been waiting for Brittany’s defining moment, which is undoubtedly approaching.

Interview after the jump.

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Tags: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, BLACK, BLIND I, Brittany Bosco, Interview, SPECTRUM, Video

BLIND I ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS

The music world is gradually starting to fixate on Francis and the Lights. Though Francis Farewell Starlite’s precise vocals and electric sound is undeniable, there is still an element of mystery looming around him like a force field. Clad in a black ensemble and his signature coif, Francis sat quietly backstage at Manhattan’s Santos Party House. His piercing eyes panned across the room as he reflected on the seemingly accelerated journey of his group. Befitting to the notion that entertainers come alive when they perform, Francis  radiated as he glided across the stage with agility. In that moment, audience members were transformed into magnets. Blind I was fortunate enough to catch up with him before the raucous crowd indulged in their energetic set.

Interview after the jump.

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Tags: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, Blind I Exclusive, Francis and the Lights

BLIND I ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: PETER HADAR

If you are among the Blind I faithful, you’ve probably become familiar with alternative R&B singer Peter Hadar through the many music drops on our site. Since his 2006 debut, Memories of the Heart, Hadar’s robust vocals and intricate lyrics have remained inviting. Now onto his third major project, Blind I sat down with him to discuss music, lovemaking, and his latest EP, She’s 4 Months.

Interview and download link after the jump…

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Tags: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, Peter Hadar, SHE'S 4 MONTHS

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT::88-KEYS

In a world where concept is rarely seen in a album these daze, a veteran of the game known to the true heads as 88-Keys provides us with his debut album entitled Death Of Adam, which tells the story of a man named Adam (those that went to church know who Adam is), so visual, it’s almost as if you are watching a film.

A film about Adam, a symbol/representation for man & his one downfall…

The Va Jay Jay.

If you havn’t picked up Death Of Adam… stop sleepin… PICK IT UP!

I recently had the honor of sitting down with 88-Keys when he performed @ PST in SF (Shout out to Sake One!), where he represented hip hop to the fullest with great stage presence & a perfect understanding of how to rock a mic & control the crowd. I almost forgot he was a “producer”.

He is music. & for a deeper look into it & the man himself, I give you Blind I’s Interview with 88-Keys.

BLIND I FOR THE KIDS 88-KEYS

ARTIST: 88-KEYS - INTERVIEWER: NO - FILMED & EDITED: RATHA NOU

GET THE ALBUM!!!

Special thanks to 88-Keys & Daniel (Skyscraper Management) for their time & freshness as well as my fellow crew & fam Ratha Nou (Stablished) for the filming & editing on a last minute tip!

Tags: 88 Keys, ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, DEATH OF ADAM

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ILLA J

Whattup Kids!!

It’s about that time for us to shine the blind light upon yet another incredible individual, & this time around we are shining it on none other than Illa J!!

Last week I flew down to my hometown of Los Angeles to meet with Illa J & his manager/future wifey Stacey (DJ Soulplay). We sat in their lovely home studio & just chopped it up on everything from the NEW album (which comes out today, so go & cop yours after you VOTE!), his brother, his musical influences & Barack Obama (1CE AGAIN GO VOTE!!!)

Peep the interview!

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Tags: ARTIST OF THE MONTH, ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, Barack Obama, Blind I Artist of the Month, Delicious Vinyl, ILLA J, J DILLA, YANCEY BOYS