Avery*Sunshine - Time To Shine (Official Video)

Avery has blessed with yet another video taken from her brilliant sophomore album, The Sun Room which is out NOW. Loving the feel good video and don't forget to always #SupportGreatMusic.

The Sun Room ( amazon, itunes) 
http://www.averysunshine.com/

Janelle Monae - Electric Lady ( Official Video)

Janelle has just released visuals to the single/album title, Electric Lady. The album is possibly my favourite Janelle album to date and made my top ten albums of 2013. A noteworthy recommendation if you haven't checked it out already.

Electric Lady (amazon, itunes)
http://www.jmonae.com/

Introducing Series: Ellene Masri

There are few records out there that captivate and inspire you right from the first listen. I have to say the brilliant debut album entitled, Music from Ellene Masri definitely falls under this category.

The self-produced record is a decent piece of work and you will possibly hear me going on about this album for some time to come. The record is garnering a lot of support worldwide including support from Jazz Fm (Chris Phillips).


A big thanks to Ellene for taking out some time to answer a few questions and Charlotte Gomes for arranging the interview.

1. If you had to class the album in a genre. what would it be and why?
Just “Music”. I think that today we can talk about “influences” but talking about a “genre” makes less and less sense in this context of globalization. People from all over the world are in permanent contact
with the ability for a big part to travel, exchange and the democratization of internet.

2. If i had to describe the album, I would describe it as a Jazz record with elements of Soul/latin music?
I think you are right and to me, Jazz music is a blend of African and Western sensibilities. And being from a French (latin) and Oriental-African decent, I think it is natural that you hear Latin and Soul
influences.

3. How long was the recording process for the album ?

The recording process wasn't so long, it didnt take more than a few weeks. What took long was the editing.You always want to take out or add things and you keep getting back to the song to tweak it, then leave it to the next day or the next week and listen again with a fresh ear.

4.What would you want your legacy to be ? What would you want to be remembered by in terms of your music.
I am just at the very beginning of my career and I intend to make more music, and take it way further. I have no ambitions other than to entertain people, give them something to enjoy a nice evening with their beloved one, friends or family and provide a soundtrack for particular moments of their lives.

5. What songs did your Dad sing on ? What was it like growing up in a musical family?

My dad sings on a song called “Like a Mystery”. It is not on my debut album and I'm saving it for the next one! We love music and breathe music. It's always been a part of our lives. And fortunately, it's still the case!
6. What artists/music inspires you?
Soulful and beautiful music. Music that lifts the soul from wherever although I'm culturally closer to american soul, classical, latin and oriental music. There are so many wonderful artists that have inspired me. Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Bob Marley, George Benson, Etienne Mbappe, Richard Bona, Jonathan Butler, Oum Kalsoum...
And the beautiful thing is that I'm always discovering new things and keep evolving artistically.

Links
website: http://www.ellenemasri.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/ELLENEMASRI
'Music' is available  at :  amazon, itunesMusic, http://www.ellenemasri.com/#!onlinestore/c6mp (physical copies)

Jessie Ware - Tough Love (Official Video)

Jessie Ware is back with a new single, Tough Love taken from her sophomore album, due for release later this year. The single will be out on the 4th August and is available for pre-order on itunes.

http://jessieware.com/