NEO-SOUL.net

Artist: Emika
Title: Emika
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Electronic/Dubstep/Experimental

The Berlin-based, London-raised artist named Emika is further proof of the far-reaching possibilities of bass music and culture. Drawing inspiration from various styles of electronic music, but most heavily from dubstep and techno, the glamorously icy Emika is like the hybrid of Miss Kitten and Portishead, seducing with dark downtempo low end bangers and bewitching vocals. As both the producer/composer and vocalist Emika takes us on a journey through cutting edge bass sounds on her ravishing Ninja Tunes debut.

Females in the world of dubstep are a rare breed and Emika is more than just a vocalist. This diva has style and bass to spare! With a vocal style that jumps from the cold taunts of Miss Kitten to the sexy purrs of Portishead’s Beth Orton, Emika is at once mysterious and mesmerizing. She isn’t a powerhouse in terms of her singing, but she makes sure her voice works for the songs. But ultimately what works best is the production and this stuff is truly next level. Emika takes dubstep rhythms on tracks like “Professional Loving” and “Double Edge” and wraps them in cohesive melodies without sacrificing the hard edge. The former is the true album standout with its truly heavy rolling bass and stripped down vibe. The menacing “Common Exchange” seems to fuse the darkest techno with the skittering synths of today’s bass driven beats. The luxurious “Count Backwards” seduces with driving kicks and a soaring chorus giving the song the feel of reminiscent of late-90s trip-hop. All the music is sexy but dark with a certain sense of unease. Also a classically trained pianist with a degree in Music Technology Emika uses all of the tools at her disposal showcasing her piano skills on the album closer “Credit Theme”. An apt closing track to a truly cinematic album that is definitely a paranoid, sci-fi epic in the tradition of Blade Runner. And like that film, Emika’s debut is a haunting masterpiece.

- Norman Mayers

http://www.emika.co.uk/
http://twitter.com/emikatwit

Purchase:

Artist: Lana Del Rey
Title: Born To Die
Label: Interscope
Genre: Pop/Electronic/Alternative

While still relatively new to the music scene, Lana Del Rey has been under intense scrutiny since even before her debut album was released. Since releasing her self-made video for the powerfully enchanting “Video Games”, Del Rey has sent the blogosphere into a frenzy with everything from her name change to her lips to her widely panned appearance on Saturday Night Live. But take all of that away and what you are left with is simply an artist and her debut. The self-described “Gangster Nancy Sinatra” builds on the melancholy nostalgia hinted at in her glorious ballads “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” on her debut Born To Die and despite all the criticism actually delivers a rather spellbinding album. While there are definitely missteps on along the way there is plenty of excellent material that proves that Lana Del Rey is a force to be reckoned with.

Interestingly enough, most of the negative criticism around Del Rey has been around the claim that she is a project of label marketing. But one listen to Born To Die should dispell this idea as this is an album that stands apart from most modern pop. There are no instant club jams or upbeat anthems. Instead the album is an introspective, somber, and nostalgic piece of work that uses obscure references from past eras and combines them with rather dense lyrical storytelling. This is the anti-thesis of what labels are pushing these days and what is so compelling about Del Rey’s success. Everything from Nancy Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Andy Warhol to the Divinyls and Madonna are pulled from in Lana’s world. The ballads and their accompanying videos convey an entire world and image for her that has captured the imagination of many and her gorgeously old-fashioned voice instantly stands out from other pop stars. There are plenty of other moments like “Video Games” throughout the album, the most successful being the smoky “Million Dollar Man” and the beautiful “Lucky Ones”. The album’s best tracks have the feel of stripped down dubstep or trip-hop, all grinding bass, simple percussion, and subtle samples. The best of these is “This Is What Makes Us Girls”, a head-nodding track where Lana reveals her troubled high school days. Both “Dark Paradise” and “Summertime Sadness” utilize this style and combine it with Lana’s lyrics of doomed love. Lana is best when embracing her dark side and stumbles when trying to craft more pop-friendly music such as the skippable “Diet Mounatin Dew” and “National Anthem”. However, she hits the sweet spot with “Radio” which seems to make use of the most compelling aspects of tracks like “Video Games” while also delivering a catchy upbeat hook.

While Lana Del Rey may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as a new artist developing her sound this shouldn’t be a problem. The simple truth is, stripped of all the hype and nonsense, Del Rey is a very interesting and compelling artist with a rather unique voice and vibe. Her emergence of the pop scene as a major player is a bright spot in the world of cookie cutter pop ciphers and dance divas. With her debut she has caught our attention and won’t let go.

- Norman Mayers

http://www.lanadelrey.com/
http://twitter.com/lanadelrey

Purchase:

Nu-Soul Magazine + The Mezz present
ART+SOUL
Saturday March 3, 2012

Nu-Soul brings the Los Angeles Arts Community together with this unique experience in sight + sound

Held inside the unique downtown LA venue the Mezz, ART+SOUL brings together the finest in visual arts and creative expression with the very best in soulful music.

Featuring a Live Performance by

MAYA JUPITER
Australian music presenter and hip hop artist Maya Jupiter represents a new fusion in music. Her sound is infused with soul, hip-hop, and dancehall vibes with touches of Latin and world music. Powerful and socially conscious Maya Jupiter has the ability to lift spirits with her positive lyrics and dynamic performances.
http://mayajupiter.com/

A Special Beat Set by
D-FELIC
http://www.dfelic.com/

Sounds by
MZA + SEVEN57

Special Guest
DJ LUCHA

Hosted + Curated by
Nu-Soul Magazine + Cali + Christina Maxine

Visuals and Lighting by Astronaut Disco

Featuring the Digital Graffiti Wall by HearSee Av

Nail Art By KLEUR
http://www.facebook.com/kleur.me

Live Paintings + Art Gallery + Vendor Village

MORE ATTRACTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

This is event is FREE until 11pm with an RSVP to http://tinyurl.com/artsoulmarch2012 or to events@nu-soulmag.com
$5 otherwise

RSVPs must be received by 6pm night of show!

Doors 9pm-2am
21+ w/ ID

The Mezz @ the Alexandria Hotel
501 S. Spring Street – 2nd Floor (follow the signs)
Los Angeles, CA 90013

About The Mezz
The Mezz Bar at The Alexandria Hotel is Downtown L.A.’s newest bar in it’s oldest location. Located in the heart of the new downtown LA, the Mezz provides the feel of a speakeasy but with gorgeous detailed ceilings, a stage, and plenty of space to roam.

Nu-Soul Magazine presents
BROKE AS F**K
Wednesday February 22, 2012

Join us for a FREE monthly night of breakbeats, bass, and booty!

Booty Shaking Beats by

AKAIDA
http://www.akaida.com/

TIBET SHA
http://twitter.com/tibet2blue

Plus Broke Residents

EVA
http://twitter.com/imeltyourface

ROXANNE
http://twitter.com/djroxanne

TECH-SON
http://www.fortun-entertainment.com

NOMAD
http://twitter.com/normysoul

9pm-2am
21+
NO COVER

$4 Beers until 11pm

Blu Monkey Lounge
5521 Hollywood Blvd
http://theblumonkey.com/

Follow Broke As F**k:
http://facebook.com/brokeasfck
http://twitter.com/brokeasfck

Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union present
STRICTLY SOCIAL
Thursday February 16, 2012

Strictly Social continues to bring you the very best in progressive music with a special PRODUCER’S SHOWCASE. In 2 rooms of sound we will bring to you a cross section of bass heavy beats, electronic experimentation and soulful grooves.

Performances By

THAVIUS BECK
Composer of mercurial soundtracks for uncertain times, Thavius Beck conjoins various strains of electronic music to arrive at a daringly ambitious sound. He has received recognition in The Wire, Spin, and Urb for his solo releases under the moniker Adlib, the Labwaste project with fellow LA artist Subtitle, his recent production for fellow Mush artist K-The-I???, his early work with Global Phlowtations, numerous guest appearances, and producing alongside Trent Reznor for and touring in support of and accompanying Saul Williams. An exceptional programmer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist, Thavius Beck’s many talents allow him to take a song from idea to completion without ever having to leave his cluttered studio. Uncompromising vision and an ear for the unusual are staples of this writer/producer’s work.
http://soundcloud.com/thaviusbeck

MAST
http://soundcloud.com/mmaast
http://twitter.com/MMAAST

KONE
http://thekone.tumblr.com/
http://twitter.com/theKONE

Strictly Social Residents

DESTROYER
MONALISA
SEANO
SEVEN57
JAYVON

B Room Hosted by SOULECTION
Featuring
Joe Kay and Andre Power
http://soulection.com/

$8 Cover
$5 until 10:30pm w/ RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com

9pm-2am
21+

Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
http://littletemple.com

Follow Strictly Social
http://facebook.com/lastrictlysocial
http://twitter.com/StrictSocialLA

Nu-Soul Magazine & Little Temple present
NU-THURSDAY FIRST ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Thursday February 9, 2012
Grammy Week Los Angeles

Join us as we celebrate one full year as the centerpiece of LA’s soul renaissance.

In the past year we have brought you an astounding array of eclectic talent including Aloe Blacc, Avery*Sunshine, Taylor McFerrin, Yahzarah, Nola Darling, Jaguar Wright, Lady Alma, Gina Rene, J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science, Choklate, Maya Jupiter, Brook D’Leau, Nikko Gray, DefSound, N’Dea Davenport, Sonnymoon, Nikki Grier, Jazzy, Sy Smith, Zo! and countless others.

Nu-Thursdays represents a movement in Los Angeles, fusing the city’s plethora of influences into one cohesive community that spans progressive soul, electronic sophistication, and experimental artistry.

On February 9, 2012 we present to you a special evening that represents the emerging sound of LA!

Performances by
SHAFIQ HUSAYN & DOVE SOCIETY
(Plug Reseach)
http://twitter.com/shafiqhusayn

Featuring
JIMETTA ROSE
J. MITCHELL
BREEZY LOVEJOY
I, CED
+ guests

Opening Performance by
MAIMOUNA YOUSSEF
http://mumufresh.com/

Nu-Thursdays Resident DJs
DESTROYER
MONALISA
SEANO
SEVEN57
JAYVON

$15 Cover
$10 w/ RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
Limited $8 presales available via BrownpaperTickets HERE

For table reservations contact norman@nu-soulmag.com

21+
9pm-2am
Show begins at 1030pm

Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
http://littletemple.com

Nu-Soul Magazine and Nappy Nation team up once again for a monthly exploration of sound and energy at Little Temple.

NAPPY THURSDAY
Thursday January 26, 2012

Featuring performances by

MUHSINAH

Refreshing, daring and deliberate, Muhsinah’s music has captivated and charmed tastemakers the world over. ?To experience the sonic tapestries that this classically trained, Washington D.C. native is to behold something truly unique.
Through gripping vocals and thoughtful composition she exhibits her deep understanding and respect for the music that has come before hers. But it’s through her inspired melodies and unconventional approach, that the endearing sense of naiveté and playfulness that permeates her work, is rendered.
http://muhsinah.com

JOHNNIE HEARTBREAK AND THE RADICAL LEGS

IMC (ILLREGULAR MUSIC COLLECTIVE)

Residents DJs
Destroyer, Monalisa, Seven57

$10 Cover
Presales Available HERE

9pm-2am
21+

Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
http://littletemple.com

Nappy Nation
http://iamnappy.com

Nu-Soul
http://nu-soulmag.com

Nu-Soul Magazine presents
BROKE AS F**K
Wednesday January 25, 2012

Broke As F**k kicks off 2012 with a huge dose of BASS! Join us for our monthly celebration of all things breakbeat, bass and booty!

Sets by
DOC NASTY featuring TERRY STEVEN
http://supafreshrecords.com

ATHENA VS PH

Broke Residents
EVA
ROXANNE
TECH-SON
NOMAD

9pm-2am
21+
NO COVER

Blu Monkey Lounge
5521 Hollywood Blvd
http://theblumonkey.com/

Follow Broke As F**k:
http://facebook.com/brokeasfck
http://twitter.com/brokeasfck

Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union present
STRICTLY SOCIAL
Thursday January 19, 2011

Strictly Social continues its mission to bring you the finest artists in progressive music in 2012 with our first show of the year!

Featuring Performances by

ZO! AND SY SMITH

As members of the Foreign Exchange family both Zo! and Sy Smith have consistently toured and worked with the likes of Nicolay, Phonte, Yahzarah, Eric Roberson, and countless others. Prepare yourself for a unique and intimate performance from these two multi-talented artists!
http://zo3hree5ive.com
http://sysmith.com
http://theforeignexchangemusic.com

Special Guest NIA ANDREWS
http://niaandrews.com

Resident DJs
DESTROYER
MONALISA
SEANO
SEVEN57
JAYVON

$12 Cover
$10 with RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com

For limited Table Reservations contact norman@nu-soulmag.com

9pm-2am
21+ with ID

Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

http://facebook.com/lastrictlysocial
http://twitter.com/StrictSocialLA
http://littletemple.com

Nu-Soul Magazine + The Mezz present
ART+SOUL
Saturday January 7, 2012

Nu-Soul brings the Los Angeles Arts Community together with this unique experience in sight + sound

Held inside the unique downtown LA venue the Mezz, ART+SOUL brings together the finest in visual arts and creative expression with the very best in soulful music.

Featuring a live performance by
BALANCE AND THE TRAVELING SOUNDS

http://btscentral.com/

Sounds by
MZA + SEVEN57

Hosted + Curated by
Nu-Soul Magazine + Cali + Christina Maxine

Visuals and Lighting by Astronaut Disco

Featuring the Digital Graffiti Wall by HearSee Av

Live Paintings

Art Gallery

Vendor Village

This is event is FREE until 11pm with an RSVP to http://tinyurl.com/artsouljanuary2012 or to events@nu-soulmag.com
$5 otherwise

Nappy Nu-Year presale ticket holders receive FREE ADMISSION ALL NIGHT!

Doors 9pm-2am
Performance at midnight!

21+

RSVPs must be received by 5pm on Saturday January 7

The Mezz @ the Alexandria Hotel
501 S. Spring Street – 2nd Floor (follow the signs)
Los Angeles, CA 90013

About The Mezz
The Mezz Bar at The Alexandria Hotel is Downtown L.A.’s newest bar in it’s oldest location. Located in the heart of the new downtown LA, the Mezz provides the feel of a speakeasy but with gorgeous detailed ceilings, a stage, and plenty of space to roam.