by Vonnie “Honey” Woods

Dwele was the first artist I interviewed on the blog almost three years ago and a favorite for many years before that but I’m not the only music lover who’s had an undying affection for the Detroit singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. There’s an ever growing, devoted fan base who recognize Dwele as one of the most consistent and prolific artists of the modern soul era and who secretly search for and covet his unreleased songs like the holy grail of soul. From his crowd pleasing, constant touring to contributing hooks to hip hop artists like Slum Village, Common and Kanye West and securing two Grammy nominations in one year Dwele’s seemed to avoid the pitfall of some notable soul artists who often find themselves shelved by a record label or who’ve become members of the “where are they now” club.

In 2003 Dwele released the sublime “Subject,” his first offering on a major label followed in 2005 by his jazzy soul contribution “Some Kinda.” 2008 finds Dwele on a new label (Koch Records) releasing his third album, Sketches of a Man (or fourth if you consider his underground, much bootlegged album “Rize” as his first). This time out he’s working with producers Nottz and G1 but still writing and producing the majority of the record’s smooth and hypnotically funky grooves. As you nod your head and sing along you may find yourself wondering how close the tales of love and life are to his real life. You may also find yourself reflecting on how this undeniably talented showman has remained so underrated and under the radar. Perhaps the music industry really is 4,080 shades of crazy. If for some crazy reason you decide to never buy another album, make sure Dwele’s Sketches of a Man album is the last one you purchase. No record collection would be complete without it.

In this conversation Dwele discusses his new CD Sketches of a Man, his past and future music, tells us how he feels about his bootlegged music and he even addresses the mysterious Elluud, the Breakfast Club and johnsmyname projects.

Songs played in this interview: Open Your Eyes, Workin’ On It, A Few Reasons, Love Ultra, Vain, Body Rock, I’m Cheatin’

Buy “Sketches of a Man” on Amazon CD | MP3
Buy “Sketches of a Man” on iTunes

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 Dwele Interview [34:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

photo by Illoquint Photography

Choklate will be releasing a follow up to her hugely successful debut album Choklate at the end of this year or early next year. She needs your help in deciding whether to include a song “Reach For the Moon” on the new album. Listen to the song and download it (right click, save as).

Leave your feedback in comments and/or rate the song below from 1 - 5 (5 being the highest). Let her know what you honestly think. Should Choklate put this song on her next album? Thanks for your participation. Support good music.

(13 votes, average: 4.54 out of 5)

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 Choklate - Reach For The Moon: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

SON OF A PREACHER MAN: THE RUDY CURRENCE EXPERIENCE

By: Lauren-Aileen Morris

It’s not often that this happens, but every once in a while you stumble across something phenomenal. Something special and pure, that nothing has tainted. I want to tell you a story about the day I was so lucky to find such a treasure. His name is Rudy Currence. With such an unassuming name, I suppose I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into. The show was billed as The Rudy Currence Experience…and it truly was. Easily on of the best soul concerts I’ve been to this year, Rudy Currence has a voice to be reckoned with. A poet at heart, his spirit is just as inviting as his silky voice.

At first listen, you may think Rudy sounds like Kevin Michaels or Rahsaan Patterson, but the comparisons stop with his live show. Rudy credits his performance style to growing up in the church. The son of a preacher, Rudy is no stranger to the beauty of gospel music, and you can hear the influence in each passionate note he belts out. “My daddy is a musician. He plays and sings, and he’s also a pastor. A lot of my growth came from playing and singing in church; it’s a great place to build your gift and hone in on your craft. It also helped with my study of classical piano.” While a Rudy Currence show easily rivals the best Sunday morning choir performance you can find, his music isn’t the only thing influenced by the church. Although this young artist has already garnered publishing credits for projects with Mya, Ray-J and The Bourne Identity soundtrack, he has a quiet confidence about him…a humility that only one who is truly grateful can portray. “I just want to make good music. I want to be an innovator and set trends. Nobody does you better than you do you, and I just want to continue to grow in the gift that God gave me.”

A self described “old soul,” Donny Hathaway, The Clark Sisters, Martha and The Vandells, The Carpenters and The Bee Gees get more spins on his IPOD than current trends. Perhaps Rudy’s reverence for old soul classics and gospel music has informed his unique musicality, or perhaps it was the influence of his father, or his dedication and discipline. In either case one thing is certain, this young artist has talent that destiny cannot deny. “I believe there is a formula to making good music. Sometimes I think I can be so left of center I do have to be somewhat disciplined so the audience can receive me. When you’re creative, its almost like you have ADD…I go from right to left really quickly; I eat, breath and sleep music, and I wake up writing. I just love to hit as many people as possible with something they really don’t expect, because I know the gift that God gave me is for the masses.”

Rudy Currence - Zion

Rudy Currence on Myspace
Rudy Currence on iTunes

by Rob

What’s going on soul family?? Today, I’m bringing you new videos from some relatively new artists on the scene. First up is Estelle, who made her American debut earlier this year, with her second video “No Substitute” from her album “Shine”. She pays a little homage to George Michael in the song & video… (be warned fellas, that red outfit is crazy…. wow Estelle!…LOL) Next up is an artist that was interviewed by Honeysoul’s own Daniel not too long ago, Jesse Boykins III. His debut video from his album “Dopamine: My Life On My Back” is called “Tabloids” and I really think you’re going to dig it, the music is dope and being that he’s representing NYC, I recognize almost every street in the video! Finally, we have the new video from Solange Knowles (yeah, Beyonce’s little sister). Her upcoming album is called “Sol-Angel And The Hadley Street Dreams” and her video is called “I Decided”. She is definitely takin’ it to the old school with a Supremes-type vibe and the video is very cool with images of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and… the future?

So, definitely check out these videos and enjoy. Peace

Estelle - No Substitute

Jesse Boykins III - Tabloids

Solange - I Decided

IT’S ALL SOUL MUSIC TO ME: 9TH WONDER’S QUEST FOR HIP-HOP PRESERVATION

By: Lauren-Aileen Morris

We know 9th Wonder is a genius producer, that he’s worked with everyone from Jay-Z and Ludacris to Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu, but few people know about this North Carolina native’s commitment to hip-hop, his efforts to preserve the art’s integrity, and his deep appreciation for soul music. 9th explains, “there’s a feeling in your chest when you hear They Reminisce Over You, or You Don’t Know My Name by Alicia Keys. It’s all soul music to me; I try to create that feeling with anything that I do. I leave the club stuff for the club. I’m for the feeling, I make life music. You listen to it in the morning, in the evening, when you’re raising your kids, when somebody done died. That’s my stuff.”

Clearly, this man is not to be underestimated, stereotyped or forced into a box. As a Visiting Professor at North Carolina Central University, 9th Wonder teaches a class on hip-hop from 1973-1997. “If you do the math, these kids aren’t old enough to remember. We start with James Brown and end with the day Biggie died. That’s a big gap of hip-hop that TV, radio and magazines don’t like to show. I’m basically trying to pass the torch to the next generation before it gets lost.” With all the noise about hip-hop being dead and the decline of lyricism, 9th remains unphased and unrelenting in his quest to secure the place in history that hip-hop so rightfully deserves. He’s quick to tell anyone that hip-hop is alive and well in his world, despite what mainstream radio favors. “I’m 33 yrs old. I don’t pay attention to that lil’ boy stuff they play on the radio. If you’ve been in the game long enough to be a 30 year old rapper, you need to act like it and stop doing songs with these lil’ kids on your hook. That’s almost molestation I think.” 9th’s message and example to the hip-hop community is admirable to say the least. He’s started an organization called True School to celebrate the beauty of hip-hop culture and the artistic contributions of this generation. “With great position comes great responsibility. Somebody has to step up. King had to step up…Malcolm X had to step up…Medgar Evers had to step up…Afrika Bambatta had to step up…A Tribe Called Quest had to step up. I just want us to have integrity, not be so money based and jack the culture all up. “

After talking enough politics, music and history, to make the average person dizzy, 9th still had one more thing to say. “Please Honeysoul; please get involved in the True School Movement. We know all the 30 year old women fell out of love with hip-hop but we really need y’all. I spin 1997 on back for the women who want to hear real hip hop. I just want ya’ll to know…we’re on the same page.” Who in the world could disagree with those words of wisdom.

9th Wonder’s newest album “The Wonder Years” is scheduled to be released in January 2009

Dwele’s cheatin but we’re not being cheated out of great music. This is the first video from Dwele’s upcoming album Sketches of a Man in stores June 24. You can probably guess how I feel about it (hint: Dwele can do no wrong in my book) but what do you think?

related posts: Sketches of a Man album sampler

by Ben J. Brown Jr.

Tennessee is home to some of our nation’s greatest pure musicians like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Tina Turner. Back in 2006, the underground soul scene fell prey to an amazing artist named Darnell Levine. Straight out of Nashville, his raw and playful voice carried a soulful jazzy sound that was compared to Bobby McFerrin and backed that effort with talented song writing. In an effort to build up to his full length effort entitled The Journal to release in 2009, Darnell has sketched the outline in an EP entitled Journal Entries.

On Journal Entries, Darnell weaves a modest 6 song set of acoustic wonder. Using a whisper of percussion along with a soft bass, Darnell features his piano play and his voice as the stars of this lyrical personal journey. Taken from his diary, these are stories and thoughts brought to life in song. Here Darnell does what great songwriters know best…they write what they feel. Of course, that is harder than it sounds at first glimpse. What Darnell does that makes him so talented is that he manages to speak to you playfully amidst the piano that he plays and never forces lines to rhyme. He simply uses the melody to carry him, to that sweet spot where the lines just so happen to rhyme.

The track “Monique” is a perfect example of this. At times sorrowful, he blends his regret for losing out on love with happy go-luck tempo’d piano play to create an oddly happy blues song. EXACTLY! It’s a song that if you listen and relate will either have you dedicating it to an ex that you miss or simply just have you smile uncontrollably in nostalgia.

Another impressive tune that probably embodies his ability more than any of the others is “Shrink Me Up”. Essentially, he does as the track suggests…he summarizes who he is as simply as he can and requests you to simply listen to him. Comical at times, the song is brilliantly formatted where he points out obvious details about himself and then makes you think with quizzical details about him and his personality. A virtual theme song, he places himself on a sonic canvas beautifully here.

Darnell is simply flexing his wings just a tad before he decides to take off so be sure you grab hold of Journal Entries before he takes flight!

By: Lauren-Aileen Morris

In the dawn of Ayah’s Problem Woman mixtape release, you may be wondering what all the hype is about. But after listening to her smooth vocals and poignant lyrics…all your questions, and prayers for that matter, will be answered. In Arabic her name means sign or miracle, and she takes her namesake literally. Ayah’s voice conjures up images of New York subways, grimy streets, blackxploitation flicks and pimp hats, while simultaneously reminding you of what you loved most about soul and hip-hop music. To describe her as a lyricist or a musician would be an understatement. Ayah is a visionary, and she studies music until her insatiable appetite is fulfilled.

With a hard hitting and eclectic infusion of classic soul, R&B and hip hop, Ayah is doing the Toronto soul scene proud. “Toronto is a dope place to be but we have tough crowds here. It’s like being at the Apollo for every show. We try to stay as true to lyricism and true musicianship as possible. You have to learn how to write and produce for yourself, but it allows us to truly hone our craft.” While Ayah quickly admits her youth, the soul and passion in her voice belie her short time on this planet. At age 22, Ayah has seemingly mastered the artistry that escapes commercial artists twice her age. “I’m still young. I’m still growing and trying to find myself, so I just want to take people through that journey with me.”

Musicality and lyricism at its best, this Toronto soulstress is definitely going to pose a problem for mainstream artists that have forgotten that good soul music isn’t always synonymous with the amount of plays your video gets on BET. Her diverse heritage and nomadic upbringing have given the young artist a unique perspective. “I grew up in a lot of different places and had to pick up and move every couple of years. It opened my mind and I had a lot of options as to who I wanted to be. I always thought finding yourself was a cliché, but now I realize that it’s real. I’m trying to find my in-between, trying to be strong, standing for my values and what I believe in, respecting the grind and wishing success to everybody.” Still altruistic and unswerving in her values, part of her quest in gaining success in the music industry is focused on her desire to help others. “I just want music to stay as real as possible…as honest as possible, and take it to a point where we can make a difference in social issues, which is something I’m passionate about. I definitely want to be one of those people that speaks for those that can’t speak for themselves. If I have the privilege to do something for someone, I definitely want to do that.” Little does she know…she already has.

Get to know Ayah, The Problem Woman with her debut mixtape available for free download June 1st.

Watch Ayah’s new video Pusha Man and see footage from The Problem Woman release party on myspace

Listen below to the music sampler from Dwele’s upcoming album Sketches of a Man. Dwele’s third studio album follows suit with previous projects were he writes, produces, arranges and plays all instruments on nearly all of the songs. The Grammy nominee inscribes his soulful signature on Sketches of a Man with tracks like I’m Cheatin, Open Your Eyes and Vain. The album is scheduled to be released on June 24 through RT Music Group/KOCH Records. I for one can’t wait.

Dwele - “Sketches of a Man” album preview

by Vonnie “Honey” Woods

Noel Gourdin’s heart and soul is in his music. The 25 year old from Mississippi who calls himself “city to the heart but southern to the soul” grew up right outside of Boston in Brockton, Massachusetts. Church was his musical starting ground and he cultivated his writing and performing skills through high school. The classic soul he heard growing up and spending summers in the South is reflected in his buzz single “The River.” Noel Gourdin takes you back to the days when Rhythm and Blues was real and honest but don’t place his music into a retro soul box. With assistance from Raphael Saadiq, Kay Gee, Balewa Muhammad, Mike City, Dre & Vidal, Butta, Eddie F, RLES and Trackaddix, Noel’s debut album may better be described as the modern production of a vintage voice. That soulful voice shines equally on uptempo grooves and sultry ballads. Noel Gourdin’s timeless music serves as a reminder that the legacy of soul is to be treasured, enjoyed and passed along.

In this conversation Noel Gourdin talks about his music, his influences and his long road to becoming an overnight sensation. His Sony Urban Music/Epic Records debut “After My Time” is scheduled to be released in August.

Noel Gourdin on myspace
Buy “The River” single on iTunes

Noel Gourdin - The River

Noel Gourdin performs “Summertime” at the Apollo

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 Noel Gourdin Interview [18:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download