Top 10 Indie Artists to Watch Out For in 2012

With all of the artists out there, who do you know who to watch out for in 2012? 

Well, we thought about it and took some things into consideration:

Who had a stellar 2011 that was only a start to a career that is sure to promise longevity? 

Who has been absent from the spotlight for a while (after a whirlwind 2010 and before) but we know they have been working on some goodies that they are planning to drop in 2012? 

Who are some artists who have unparalleled talent that is sure to continue to mesmerize us in the coming year? 

All of the artists below fall into at least one category or all of the above. 

Some of the folks may be names you recognize as members of our network or artists who have performed in some of our past events, including the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest or theatrical productions. Some of the names you may recognize by their association with more mainstream acts that are either now defunct or still alive and kicking. Whatever the case may be, be sure to remember that you heard here first that these are some names to keep your ears and eyes peeled for in the coming year. For, if their talent is any indication of how successful their coming year will be, it is looking bright indeed.

Jesse Boykins III—Bending the Envelope

Add in a dash of trip hop, rock and acid jazz, stir and serve and you have yourself one Jesse Boykins III.  Having  perfect silken vocals was not unique enough for this New York-native. He has amassed a following that has taken to his eclectic style that is neither simply R & B nor Neo-Soul, bending the envelope into a whole new direction. In 2011, he delighted fans with an abundance of free downloads of his originals and remixes of his originals, including the sexy “High Demand”. Here’s hoping he keeps the innovation alive and kicking and keeps sharing the love in the form of more, more, music!

Jean Baylor—Leading the Pack

Jean Baylor does not have to rely on her association with the 90’s group Zhane to convince folks that she is the real deal. She is leading the pack of indie artists moving from independent local attention to underground super stardom.This review of her recent Christmas album exemplifies her ability to “get it” as an artist and to always stay true to her musical integrity. Partnering now with her husband Marcus Baylor, Jean will be dropping her sophomore album in 2012, giving her fans what they have been waiting for. Read this interview with her on SoulTrain.com to learn more about what she’s been up to and what she has in store.

Wayna—Intersection of Retro and Contemporary

In 2009 when Ethiopian-born Wayna earned a GRAMMY nomination for her track “Lovin’ You”, inspired by the Minnie Ripperton song of the same name, independent artists around the globe were inspired by the attention Wayna attracted and her personal testimony of choosing her music over a successful career as a White House correspondent. With her classic sound, reminiscent of Billie Holiday with a contemporary flavor (think Fantasia),Wayna is the intersection of retro and contemporary. Her story embodies the vision of many indie artists of moving beyond the radar of local audiences and gaining an opportunity to gain some mainstream shine. After spending most of 2010 transitioning into her new role as mom to a newborn, in 2011 Wayna updated fans via Twitter of her return to the studio and the intention of dropping new music in 2012. With GRAMMY attention already under her belt, this indie artist has only up to go when she returns to the scene, and we can’t wait!

Jhené Aiko—Taking it Next Level

After releasing her mixtape Sailing Soul(s) and thousands of hits on YouTube for her independently produced videos showcasing her original songs, Jhené Aiko is more than prepared to release her new CD Souled Out in 2012. The visually stunning Cali native is not new to the music scene and is kind of an urban hero among indie artists who know of her story. Starting out as a teen guest on a B2K album, to becoming an indie artist heavily courted by labels, but, choosing, instead, to stay indie and do the music she loves best, Jhené promises to keep the momentum going, taking it to the next level and beyond.

Carolyn Malachi- Onward and Upward

Fashion icon beauty and whirring aural sounds stamp the brand that is Carolyn Malachi. This DC-based songstress has taken off this past year after her unexpected GRAMMY nomination for her song “Orion”. You name it, she’s done it. From being the spokesperson for a campaign to stop driving and texting, to being featured on Microsoft Windows Media Guide, Carolyn is taking her music and message onward and upward.  Gaining much attention for her single and video “Beautiful Dreamer”, 2012 will surely be an amazing journey for this songstress who is already working on a new project.

Maimouna Youssef—Consciously Creative

Maimouna Youssef is a multi-talented singer/mc who has claimed her destiny as an innovator. She blazed through 2010 – first dropping an EP, then a full-length album –The Blooming—which resulted in a multi-city listening party tour and then a single of her hit “I Got a Man”. To say the least, this Baltimore-native  has been busy. Add this past year’s success to her resume which already includes work with The Roots, and other of hip-hop’s dopest and most illest and there is no doubt that Maimouna Youssef’s big news that she plans to release on Jan. 1 will promise to continue her trend of dropping all that is consciously creative and fresh.

Kenny Wesley--On the Radar

In 2011, Kenny Wesley made it clear that he was here to stay. Whether he was headlining a sold-out Luther Vandross tribute show at the famous Blues Alley or opening for mainstream celebs at concert halls, Kenny Wesley was shining his light, attracting new fans old and young. Oozing with mild-mannered charm and a warm stage presence that pulls you in, Kenny Wesley is poised for major super stardom. As we eagerly anticipate a 2012 drop of a new album, he has teased our senses with his sporadic drops of free downloads, from his recent Christmas offering to his tender rendering of a Michael Jackson classic. Kenny Wesley is on our radar, not dropping off anytime soon.

Teisha Marie--Only Gets Better

Thoughtful lyrics, melodic arrangements and a stunning vocal tone describe the sound that is Teisha Marie. Using 2011 to self-produce her sophmore release, Teisha has laid low during the year, with the intention of dropping her new work once it's baked perfectly. The teacher-by-day indie singer is sure to be pushing boundaries with her upcoming drop, promising in a recent interview that she is trying new things. But, would we expect any less? Her debut album, Addicted to Life, three years ago delivered the goods on quality of sound and content and we are sure it will only get better.

Quineice--Doing it Big & Fabulous

R & B singer J Holiday's sister Quineice has more than a famous brother to her credit. With soulful vocals and a professional resume that has included everything from theater acting to songwriting, this songstress has been on watch since 2009 when she first started talking about dropping a new album. Whether she's being compared to fellow petite singer Stephanie Mills or being cheeky on covers such as her recent Christmas cover of "Santa Baby", Quineice is always doing it big and doing it fabulous. As she demonstrates when she opens her mouth to sing, good things usually come in small packages. Enjoy below her rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "Mercy, Mercy, Me". Visit her on Reverbnation HERE.

The Bangladesh Project-- Sonic Superiority

What started as a motley gathering of musicians and producers quickly manifested into a band of eclectic groovers headed by musician/MC Bangla-El, becoming the outfit known as the Bangladesh Project. Releasing their first EP in 2011, this tireless Baltimore-based band--performing for everything from a crowd of four to a sold-out club of hundreds-- also went on to become the 2011 winner of the Baltimore Crown Award for Best Band. The grind hasn't stopped. Creating music of sonic superiority and consciousness (peep their cut, "The Learner" about No Child Left Behind") this band is sure to expand outside of the confines of their local scene and be touring soon in a club near you, wherever you may be.
Check out below their cover of Jimi Hendrix' "Hey Joe".

Emergency Funding for Artists: Where to Go?

Poet/Actress Rayona L. Young performing at JoJo's Restaurant & Lounge on U Street in DC during promotional tour for the play "Running: AMOK"

Being an artist is a juggling act of always creating and always finding ways to sustain your art. Here are some funding options for artists of all kinds who may need emergency funding assistance:

The Author's League
Since 1917, the Authors League Fund has been helping professional writers and dramatists who find themselves in financial need because of medical or health-related problems, temporary loss of income or other misfortune.

The Fund gives open-ended, interest-free, no-strings-attached loans. These loans are not grants or scholarships meant to subsidize personal writing projects. (It should be kept in mind that many of the Fund’s resources come from other professional writers, agents, and publishers).

The Musician's Foundation
The Musicians Foundation helps professional musicians by providing emergency financial assistance in meeting current living, medical and allied expenses.
Requests are handled by application which is available on the Internet and by mail from the Musicians Foundation, 875 Sixth Avenue, Room 2303, New York, NY 10001. You can also request one by telephone at 212.239.9137 or by E-mail from info@musiciansfoundation.org.

MusicARES
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Craft Emergency
Immediate support to professional craftspeople facing career-threatening emergencies such as fire, theft, illness, and natural disasters.

Creative Capital
Creative Capital is the only national grantmaking and artist service organization for individual artists with an open application process.
Our selection process includes three steps: inquiry, application and panel review.
To be eligible to apply, an artist must be:
• A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• At least 25 years old
• A working artist with at least five years of professional experience
THE LETTER OF INQUIRY PHASE WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2011.

Do you know of any other funding sources, emergency or otherwise? If so, post it in this forum discussion to share.

Be An Active Member of Liberated Muse

We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!

Princess of Controversy Debuts New Play This Week

BreakThrough, the soul-hop musical by DC native artivist, Princess of Controversy (PoC), strikes a chord amongst the easily offended, heavily devout, & non-confrontational. BreakThrough takes a deeper look into the socio-economic issues within the performance arts/entertainment industry & the communities they serve. Issues such as racism, classism, separatism, sexism, religion & spiritual divide rear their head in this production written and produced by PoC and her art company ArtSperts.

PoC is a member of the Liberated Muse community with her husband DJ Monty who recently donated some of his new single releases to Liberated Muse's most recent event To Haiti, With Love. Check out his work HERE on his BandCamp page. This duo are hard-working examples of the rich artist presence in the Washington DC area.

PoC's play debuts this Friday. Here are the details:

Dates:March 12th at 7PM & March 13th at 2PM & 7PM
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE WDC (1 block from Eastern Market Metro)
Price: Tickets prices range from $8-15.

For tickets & more info visit http://breakthroughsoulhopmusical.eventbrite.com or call ARTSPERTS Creative Arts Staffing Agency 240-582-0090.

Register for Artomatic TODAY Before It's TOO LATE

Artomatic 2009 will be held May 29 to July 5 in Washington DC. Admission to Artomatic is always free for visitors.

Have you registered to be part of it yet? If you are a visual artist, there is a waitlist to be part of Artomatic. However, there still are slots available for performing artists.

Last year and before, Liberated Muse members have been featured in the nationally recognized Artomatic arts festival. Some of the members featured include, Mama Moon and her band Uninterrupted, visual artist GeminiVisions, Camille Mosley-Pasley, Afi Soul, and visual artist Amber Robles-Gordon.

Make sure you register to be featured in Artomatic ASAP! Click here for details and requirements to be part of this annual event.

Dear John...

"$50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts - all of us are for the arts," McCain said. "Tell me how that creates any significant number of jobs? After-school snack program is probably a good idea. Do we really want to spend $726 million on it?"

These were McCain's words in response to Obama's new stimulus plan that he talked about last night during a press conference. If you are reading this blog, you are either involved in the arts in some way or an adoring fan. So, McCain's words aren't probably the kind of thing you would like to hear.

It's this great Facebook group called Dear John... where members write letters to former presidential nominee John McCain to let him know that the arts is not only a significant part of the world, of life, of the universe, etc. etc...but the arts provides a significant amount of work to those who are artistically inclined...

You can join the group on Facebook by clicking here.

It's important that those of us who are working artists continue to proclaim very loudly that the arts is a very viable way to live. You CAN make a difference and a living as an artist. Like everything, it is all relative. With the organic nature of creating art (whether a song, a portrait, a piece of jewlery, etc.), being an artist relies on the initiative and drive of the person. There is probably no other occupation that delivers more blood, sweat and tears when it comes to seeking recognition or income, but, it is a lifestyle that is viable and should be respected.

If you missed his press conference, peep what you missed.

WANTED: An Artist with Talent-- Keeping Hope Alive When You Lose Your Full-Time Job

You are a singer with the occasional gig who works full-time during the day as a teacher.

You are a painter who waits tables to make ends meet.

You are a writer who supplements your income by a day job as an executive.

Then you get the pink slip. Your artist gig is now your main gig. What do you do?

According to the US Department of Labor, payroll employment fell by 524,000 over the month and by 1.9 million over the last 4 months of 2008. In December 2008, job losses were large and widespread across most major industry sectors. In December, the number of unemployed persons increased by 632,000 to 11.1 million and the unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons has grown by 3.6 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 2.3 percentage points. Black people are more likely to be unemployed with 11.9% listed as unemployed.

Times are tough. And, with previously strong industries as retail laying off employees, a plan of action is called for stay afloat. As an artist with a talent that extends outside of traditional industry, you may have a benefit over the rest of the flock, however. While it can be assumed that you will probably be less likely to find an abundance of regular gig opportunities, you can definitely put your artistic skills to work if you think outside of the box. On the blog Painter's Keys, I found this wonderful quote by artist Robert Genn: "Recessions are blessings. Historically, recessions and depressions have been times when 'important' work gets made."

Here is a list of some suggestions from Liberated Muse that some of our members report are working for them to stay creating while paying the bills:

-Offer discounted lessons in your craft to youth and adults. You sing professionally? Consider giving private vocal lessons. A painter? Consider starting a small class at your local library or individual lessons. You can advertise for free on sites such as Craig's List or the CityPaper in your area. You can also post flyers in grocery stores and on college campuses. Also spread the word among your friends and family to pass the word.

-Collaborate with other artists and put on a show. The poet .jade foster who hails from the DC area is part of a wonderful movement where local spoken word artists and musicians have a floating show where they charge a small entrance fee for patrons to enjoy entertainment, food and fellowship in a pretense-free environment. This idea is not new but as of late has not been the norm for most acts who search for gigs within already established venues and events. During this time, step out on a limb and invest in yourself and your talent while there is no middle-man to take their part.

-Get Out in the Street. Ok, it is cold outside, but you can take this bit of advice literally and not so literally. While street performers are more likely found in NYC or near the closest Metro (if you're in DC), the average performer tends to look down on the hard-working street performer as either a derelict or someone with nothing to lose (including ego). Well, change your thinking. Some very talented and established indie artists grew their audience with street performing. Acoustic soul artist Kuku grew his audience years back when he and his friends pitched up shop outside of a U Street club in DC and began impromptu jam sessions. Though Kuku was already an open mic favorite throughout the area, he was not shy in breaking out into song on the street to the joy of his fans. Aside from the potential coins and dollars that will most likely be thrown your way, you may also catch the eye or ear of someone who is planning their next big event and have you in mind as the featured act.

These are but a few suggestions. Got more? Share...

Embracing Our Differences Call for Submissions

(Photo "Unlikely Attraction" by Khadijah Ali-Coleman)

Embracing Our Differences invites artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, teachers and students to participate in its 5th annual visual art exhibit celebrating diversity. National and international submissions are encouraged. 39 artists will be selected for the exhibit. The Embracing Our Differences exhibit will be displayed throughout the month of April 2009 at Island Park along Sarasota’s beautiful bayfront.

The exhibit will also be displayed throughout the month of May 2009 in North Port, Florida. Since 2004, the exhibit has been viewed by more than 400,000 visitors. The exhibit will contain 39 billboard-sized (16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high) images of the selected artworks.Final selections will be chosen based on artistic excellence in reflection of the theme “Embracing Our Differences”.

The art-work will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read outdoors when enlarged to billboard size – 16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high. Artists are encouraged to use bold saturated colors and strong lines. Final selections will be made by a 3-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals. A total of $2,500.00 in awards will be presented.

Deadline for submission is January 8, 2009. There is no submission fee.

The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.

Submission forms and more information concerning past winning submissions are available online. http://www.embracingourdifferences.org/

Found this info on a great site called The Art List, a wonderful resource for visual artists.

Call for Visual Artists for Event "When Harlem Came to Paris"

Liberated Muse social network member, Gemini Visions and her company Authentic Contemporary Art and several co-sponsors will be partnering with Lil SoSo Productions and the Alliance Française de Washington (http://www.francedc.org/) to celebrate the influence of African Americans in France with the multi-media arts event: When Harlem Came to Paris, Saturday, February 28, 2009 in Washington, DC. This event celebrates the rich history and culture of Black American writers, artists and musicians who came to Paris from the 1920s and 1930s, the period often referred to as the Harlem Renaissance. The event will be held at the Alliance Française de Washington and will feature food, music and performances by local musicians, actors, and actresses in character, depicting the sounds and personalities of the era. A Silent Charity Art Auction will be held simultaneously during the event. This will be the second year that LiL SoSo and the Alliance will be co-sponsoring this event.

Entry Guidelines & Requirements

Authentic Contemporary Art will provide coordination of the visual art aspect of the event.Each artwork submitted must represent the artist’s interpretation of the influence of African American culture on the visual art, music, literary or social scene in Paris during the 1920s/1930s. The work may be abstract or representational.Themes may include:African influences on art and culture of ParisCafé scenes of Paris in the 1920s and 1930sNightclub and Entertainment of Paris in the 1920s and 1930s

Visit HERE to get more information. Visit Authentic Contemporary Art's founder's page on Liberated Muse HERE (you have to sign up for FREE to be part of the network in order to view this page)

Turtel Onli: Futuristic Artist of All Realms

Futuristic imagery merges with Black power consciousness and social commentary in the artwork of visionary Onli, owner of Onli Studios. Onli is a member of the Liberated Muse social network, yet the amazing work featured on his LM profile is only a mere glimpse into the artistic vision of a man who is an artist in both the visual and performance arts. Specializing in music production (he creates soundtracks) as well as visual art, Onli also creates wearable art and artistic pieces that function as furniture and art pieces.

Onli's work has been featured in the Children's Museum of Chicago and the Museum Park in Chicago. To view more of Onli's fantastic work, visit his site HERE.

StoneSong is a HEAVENLY Retreat for the Artist Within

StoneSong is a welcoming space nestled in the Allegany Mountains of Western Maryland. I visited the space this past weekend with the artist group I am a part of as we ventured there on retreat. The space is beautiful. It includes a beautiful farmhouse overlooking 23 acres of luscious land, a renovated barn that serves as a retreat center, and a few other outbuildings. We stayed in the main house where we held group in the beautiful meditation room featured in the photo.

According to website: "StoneSong hosts workshops, retreats, sweat lodges, drumming circles, and also, simple weekend get-aways for individuals, couples, or groups looking to restore and strengthen themselves while being immersed in a peaceful and enchanting mountain valley. We invite facilitators, teachers, musicians and elders to share their gifts through those events year round. We are also committed to offering a safe refuge to native forest, watershed, and wildlife."

Visit http://stonesong.home.att.net/ for more information.

Calling All Artists!! The Saartjie Project Celebrates New Logo and Kicks Off Visual Showcase!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! THE SAARTJIE PROJECT™ CELEBRATES NEW LOGO & KICKS OFF VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE

The Saartjie Project™ is proud to unveil its official logo, designed by DC-based Artist and Facilitator, Helina Metaferia. The logo has been dubbed, “Bearers of Light” by Founder Jessica Solomon.

She says, “This simple yet powerful symbol represents the collective creative healing energy we bring to issues and topics that are often missing our voices.”

The Saartjie Project™ is sending a rallying cry to all artists and artistically inclined peoples! Help us celebrate the launch of our logo by participating in our Visual Arts Showcase. Recreate “Bearers of Light” using the medium of your choice.

How will you add your artistic flair? Get creative!

All entries will be apart of a community exhibit in Washington D.C. this December.

The Visual Arts Showcase is open to all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability. Submissions may include, but are not limited to: water color, photography, sketches, and digitally created art. Submissions must represent the likeness of The Saartjie Project™ logo.

Entries must be submitted to The Saartjie Project by Friday, December 5th at 5pm.

Entries can be submitted electronically at info@thesaartjieproject.org, or by mail to: Visual Arts Showcase, 3802 14th Street, NW, Suite 702, Washington, DC 20011.