Dwele To Release New CD “Sketches of a Man” June 24
May 1, 2008
Soul singer, songwriter and producer Dwele, will release his highly anticipated 3rd studio album Sketches of a Man on June 24th through RT Music Group/KOCH Records. Sketches of a Man, a long time in the making, will be lead by the soulful single “I’m Cheatin’,” produced by G-1, the man behind Dwele’s breakthrough hit “Find a Way” (from Subject). “I’m Cheatin’” is a mind bender which tells of a man who loves his girlfriend’s conservative side as well as her care-free side and dreams of cheating on one with the other as if they were two different people. “It’s based on a true story that I put a spin on. Unless you really pay attention, you might get the wrong idea, “Dwele admits.
This year, Dwele was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” category for his interpretation of “That’s The Way of the World,” from the Stax Records compilation, Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also appeared on long-time friend Kanye West’s Grammy-winning mega hit “Flashing Lights” and on rapper Common’s Grammy-nominated single “The People,” which made Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Best Songs of 2007.”
“Sketches of a Man is ultimately what I am and where I am in 2008,” Dwele explains. “It is inspired by life and love, and it is about finding out how I fit into these different musical genres, or how I would fit into these new cultures. Like, if I spoke French, how would it sound? . . I think that’s what inspiration is.”
Sketches of a Man finds Dwele writing, producing, arranging and playing all instruments on nearly all of the tracks on the project. One of the few exceptions is “A Few Reasons,” a bouncy groove with a hip hop feel written and performed by Dwele with production from Nottz (Snoop and R. Kelly’s “That’s That”). Dwele shows us his hip hop side on Sketches… with tracks like “ Body Rock,” and funky ballads like “Open Your Eyes,” (a Bobby Caldwell cover), and “Love Ultra,” but doesn’t stray too far from the soulful roots that we love on tracks like “Vain.” On “Vain” Dwele speaks of how difficult it is to hold on to a relationship. “With my music I try to touch on things that everyone can relate to. Things like, being a musician and trying to find the balance between work and love,” Dwele says of “Vain.”
THE JAMMY AWARDS ARE MAY 7th IN NYC
May 1, 2008
Chevy Chase, the Saturday Night Live alum, Caddyshack star and one-time college band mate of Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, will perform with Keller Williams at the 7th Jammy Awards. In addition, the following artists have been added to the Jammys line up: Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Doug E. Fresh, Leslie West of Mountain, Nicholas Payton, and Roy Haynes.”Like most other folks I missed my chance to see Chevy perform with Fagen and Becker during their Bard days, so we’re busting out the baby grand for him at the Jammys. We’re all looking forward to the world premiere of the Chevy-Keller Duo,” says Jammys co-creator Dean Budnick.
These esteemed musicians will join co-hosts Warren Haynes and Grace Potter along with the previously confirmed performers: Booker T. Jones, Christian McBride, Fab Faux, Galactic, Glenn Tillbrook of Squeeze, HeadCount All-Stars, Jake Cinninger of Umphrey’s McGee, James Carter, Joe Russo, Jon Gutwillig, Kyle Hollingsworth of String Cheese Incident, Marc Brownstein, Matisyahu, Page McConnell, Rose Hill Drive, Sharon Jones, Tea Leaf Green and Todd Park Mohr.
The 7th Jammy Awards will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at The WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. For more information go to www.Jammys.com.
Rock Band is a proud sponsor of the 7th Jammy Awards. Rock Band is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune - all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals.
“We’re thrilled to have Rock Band sponsor The Jammys,” says executive producer Peter Shapiro. “In the spirit of collaboration and jamming, Rock Band is a natural fit.”
Produced by Relix Magazine, Jambands.com, and Peter Shapiro, The Jammys has become one of New York City’s premiere events and one of the top grassroots music events in the world, hosting countless historic musical moments, and drawing international acclaim for pairing the stars of the improvisational music scene with leading artists from across the musical spectrum.
This year’s ceremony and all-star concert will feature a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to jamband giant * Phish *. Fans can vote for the Jammys at www.jammys.com until Friday, May 2 at 8PM Eastern.
Progressive Nation 2008 Tour: Starring Between The Buried And Me
May 1, 2008
Victory Records’ BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, the band that is responsible for perhaps the most innovative and engaging metal in recent years, will be supporting Dream Theater on a full U.S. tour this May.
Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett & Chen Shi-Zheng Present MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST
May 1, 2008
U.S. PREMIERE MAY 22-JUNE 8 AT 2008 SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA IN CHARLESTON, SC
ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. ¿Cómo Te Llama? OUT JULY 8
May 1, 2008
¿Cómo Te Llama? is the new album from Albert Hammond, Jr. and cohorts Matt Romano, Marc Philippe Eskenazi and Josh Lattanzi, and will be released July 8th.
BUSTA GETS DOWN WITH LP - VIDEO HERE
May 1, 2008
LINKIN PARK JOINS BUSTA RHYMES ON VIDEO SHOOT FOR FIRST SINGLE FROM RHYMES’ FORTHCOMING ALBUM ‘BLESSED’
HEADCOUNT HAS SOME MORE NUMBERS
May 1, 2008
It’s election season and it’s every American’s responsibility to vote. That’s why several musicians are joining up with the voter registration group HeadCount to sign up new electors while on tour. According to USA Today, if you hit up a Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Foo Fighters or Megadeth concert, you’ll be able to register. Other artists participating include My Morning Jacket, Santana, Wilco, Ani DiFranco and The Decemberists. For further details, visit www.HeadCount.org.
SEAN KINGSTON IS A BUSY MAN
May 1, 2008
Ever since Sean Kingston’s self-titled debut album was released last year, he’s been a very busy man – hit singles, videos, touring, interviews, TV appearances, collaborations with artists like Natasha Bedingfield – and the list goes on. So it’s safe to say that he doesn’t have much free time, but according to the man himself, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I don’t think I want to get time right now, I’m loving this. You know what I’m saying? This is my dream and I’m living it; to travel the world. I’m going to tell you about something man. The only bad thing about this situation is waking up early, for me.”
Sean Kingston’s self-titled debut album has sold over 470-thousand copies.
PETE WENTZ SAYS, “ASHLEE SIMPSON IS LIKE A SUPER-ASSISTANT YOU CAN HAVE SEX WITH”
May 1, 2008
Earlier this month, Ashlee Simpson’s boyfriend, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, proposed to the 23-year-old singer. And now, the twosome, one of People’s Most Beautiful Couples, talked to the magazine about what life’s really like when they step off the stage. In the interview, they discussed their instant attraction to each other, Pete’s “guyliner” look and how Pete surprises Ashlee with gifts. Ashlee mentions that she has learned to pack his bags as well as hers when she joins him on tour. Pete’s response was, “She’s kind of like a super-assistant that you can have sex with.” Pete also said that he likes sharing a bathroom with her because he gets to try her things like her facial masks. When asked about Ashlee’s red hair, Pete said, “I had a super ‘Jessica Rabbit’ crush when I was little. I think it’s awesome.” To read the full interview log on to People.com.
BENJI MADDEN WRITES A SONG FOR PARIS
May 1, 2008
Paris Hilton has become a muse to her boyfriend of two months. People reports that at the launch party for the TV series Scarlet, Paris said that Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden wrote her a “beautiful song and actually recorded it in the studio. He surprised me with it. It’s called, ‘Shine Your Light.’ It’s this really beautiful love song about me. It was the sweetest thing that anyone has ever done for me.” She added, “He’s my best friend. He’s just different from any guy that I’ve ever been with. I just trust him completely, and I know that he’d be there for me, no matter what.” When asked about marriage, a smiling Hilton said, “I don’t know. My life’s a lot different now, I’m very much at peace, and I’m so happy, and in control, and so very excited about life.”
