In 2009, Liberated Muse members took to the stage at the Artomatic in promotion of the first anthology in the Liberated Muse series and to showcase the talents of the online network's very talented community members. Fast forward three years and we return!
Tomorrow-- Saturday, June 16 at 2pm on the People's (Orleans) stage at the Artomatic, Liberated Muse members perform for four hours of non-stop entertainment.
The second anthology in the Liberated series-- Betrayal Wears a Pretty Face-- will also be sold with writers from the book reading their pieces.
Featured performers include singers Nia Simmons, Cherie "Kalicoh" Latson, D. Marq and the group 8orMas who will be accompanied by the talented Bangladesh Project out of Baltimore, MD. Singers Teisha Marie and Quineice who were featured in the Liberated Muse showcase at the Artomatic in 2009 return.
Hosted by Liberated Muse's Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman who will also perform during the event, the showcase also will feature poets Serena Wills and Porscha Felicity Coleman who will perform spoken word pieces.
Check out the video below that highlights the 2009 showcase:
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 Awardfor 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".
Teisha Marie is one of our absolute favorite artists at Liberated Muse. She first appeared in our 2009 book tour show at the Artomatic before headlining as a featured act at our 2nd Annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest later that year.Her voice is pure beauty and we were thankful to have her as one of our original cast members to debut our first Liberated Muse Production of the play "Running: AMOK" in the 2010 Capital Fringe Fest.
That's right. She acts. She sings. She writes. She's a multi-instrumentalist. The list seems to go on and on. Before even reaching 30, Teisha Marie has garnered a strong following with her debut LP Addicted to Life and has shared the stage with a whole host of phenomenal neo-soul acts, including the likes of Carmen Rodgers, Deborah Bond, Angela Johnson, and more.
This year, Teisha (pronounced Tea-e-sha) promises to drop new music and tells us what she has in store for us sound-wise. Here's a taste of the interview with her that will be published in its entirety on SoulTrain.com later this month.
LiberatedMuse: Teisha, how would you describe your music to those who are reading about you for the first time?
Teisha Marie: I would say it’s like tasting candy for the first time. You know, you eat a piece of candy, you may or may not like it but there is some part of it you like, whether you like the whole part or not. It’s an experience that you just have to sit down and listen to. A lot of people have said it’s a good album to listen to when cleaning the house (laughs)
LiberatedMuse: Tell us more about your new project you're working on.
Teisha Marie: This album is for the person who likes to put their iPod on shuffle. It’s not necessary a different genre of music, but my delivery will be different. The album is called The Girl From Nowhere, based on my experience as an Air Force brat. People always ask “where are you from” and “what do you do” and I never felt like I was from anywhere. I guess I identify with the South the most. It’s from feeling like the outsider a lot of time—alienation and the strength you find in being different and how in your difference you aren’t alone. It’s for people who like quirky and different styles. The topics are different on this one, but my fans will like it.
LiberatedMuse: Sounds out-of-the-box. As an indie artist, who have been some of your idols and role models in the industry?
Teisha Marie: (laughs) Hmmm. People who have been doing this for a long time—people like Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker—people who just made their music and didn’t have to explain themselves. People who did it because they need to release emotions. I really like what Janelle Monae is doing. I got nervous when she signed with Bad Boy but she’s really retained her sense of self. Of course, Eric Roberson—he’s like the champion of indie artists. He shows it’s possible to be indie and maintain your independence and be successful and not sell out who you are.
LiberatedMuse: You are a gifted songwriter who captures life's dialogue in prose through song. What inspires you to write? Will this new album reflect something new?
Teisha Marie: I could be walking in the grocery store and hear a mom talking to her daughter and that could inspire a song. Sometimes it just comes from TV, sometimes its just life. I wrote a song on Addicted to Life called “Inner Truth” about a guy battling with his sexuality and another verse about a girl not feeling love that was from my own life so it come s from wherever I am in the moment. “King of Negativity” has come out of being angry and another song coming up on the new album called “Walk Your Own Road” about an ex- boyfriend who would just call around the same time each month until I had to just tell him to step-off (laughs).
LiberatedMuse: What are your thoughts about how music can impact the world today?
Teisha Marie: I think that music is a great unifier. For the people who are protesting all around the world, I know that there is some song that is propelling them forward. There is so much negative music out that I think that a little more positive music put in the world can change the world for the better.
LiberatedMuse: What message do you want to send to your fans who may want to follow in your footsteps?
Teisha Marie: I would say “Do Not Give Up”. That’s number one. Number two would be “Stay Open”. Opportunities can come from anywhere. For the two years I’ve been doing this, I’ve been meeting some interesting people from all over the world. I’m appreciative of that. I can not stress this enough—“Do not give up”.
LiberatedMuse: Is there anything you would like the readers to know about you?
Teisha Marie: I’m a very genuine person who sometimes wears my heart on my sleeve and I’m very passionate about things. So, if you follow me on twitter and I’m throwing out random thoughts and stuff, be sure to answer back.
