A Demi Grace Exclusive: Face of Sephora Releases New Track “Afraid”

Written by. Chalise Macklin  

It is not every day that an up-and-coming artist becomes the face of a cosmetic product and sings the jingle in a well-known hair product commercial. Demi Grace’s entertainment career is off to a good start with credible accolades behind her name.

Grace’s infectious voice can be heard in the current Dark and Lovely commercials and she is one of the faces of Sephora’s new “Makeup Forever” lipstick line.

“I’m so excited. It is a funny story how I got the job. My agent sent me on an audition, but I did not get it. Later, I got a call back for a voice over audition. I told them I could sing and recorded a track during the audition. They loved it and offered me the job. It was really accidental,” said Grace.

Grace has been singing all her life, but she didn’t start releasing music professionally until 2012.

“I always wanted to be a professional singer. I had a talk with God and asked him what I needed to do to get my start and walk through the right door. I started building my social media following and releasing music independently,” Demi Grace said.

Gone are the days that an artist has to be signed to a major label. The music industry is embracing independent artist like Demi Grace. She contributes her current success to her willingness to interact with fans on social media. The effort has caused fans to become more familiar with her sound which she calls Afro-Dance or Afro-EDM infused with a little bit of Pop.

“My sound is influenced by Hip Hop, Nigerian and Afro beat music, and Reggae,” said Demi Grace. “I am extremely diverse. I tapped into many genres and I am a singer-songwriter.”

Her musical style is also a reflection of her heritage. She is of Nigerian descent,was born in London, raised in California, lived in Atlanta and currently a New Yorker. Her time in New York has influenced her new single “Afraid.”

“I moved to New York and met a guy who was nothing like anyone I met before. The relationship was party-driven, but when we were by ourselves it was hard to get him to open up. It was just a mess, hurtful and I expressed that in the song,” Grace said.

She describes the single as an emotional record that you must be ready for.

“When you go out and hear a song like ‘Afraid’ and listen to the lyrics you have to be ready to feel and emotionally connect,” said Demi Grace.

Demi Grace distinct sound is not the only thing gaining attention, her beauty is as well. Her ebony complexion and tall, slender physique serves as an example to young girls that beauty is diverse and unique.

“I want girls to be okay with what God gave them and work it. I look up to Missy Elliott and Rhianna and how they wear their body makes it (their body) sexy,” said Grace.

The future is bright for Demi Grace. The Sephora campaign she is a part of debuts in August, her upcoming EP is tentatively set for release in September, and she just finished working on a mix with an Atlanta producer which include heavy hitters such as: T-Pain, Trina, Flo Rida and TI.

For those of you in the New York area, check her out at Webster Hall on August 16^th.

The Get Down Coming to Netflix This Summer

Written by. Chalise Macklin

You now have a chance to find out why your parents felt growing up in the 70’s was so cool. Netflix has announced a new show, The Get Down, which chronicles the lives of some teenage friends during the mid-1970s in the Bronx.

The Get Down is described as a coming-of-age story set during a time when New York City was near bankruptcy. A trailer for the show does not include much dialogue, but you get a sense of adventure, drama, disco and hip hop, and friendship.

The project is under the direction of Baz Luhtmann (Moulin Rouge!, Romeo+Juliet) and Nas has signed on as an executive producer and created music for the series. The Queensbridge rapper is not the only hip hop artist working on the show, DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa also collaborated. The show is highly anticipated and has a solid cast including: Jimmy Smiths, Shamiek Moore (Dope), Jaden Smith, and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad).

The show creators hope to add to Netflix’s winning streak of hit shows such as: Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards. Netflix is trying something new with this series by airing the first half starting August 12^th and the second half of the season scheduled to be released sometime in 2017.

New Artist Symon Gaining The Spotlight

Written by. Chalise Macklin

Establishing a name as a singer can be challenging, but up-and-coming artist Symon is making it look easy. She has been honing her craft since she was a teen. Once in a band and now a solo artist she is working hard to show you why she is the one to watch.

“I did plays and everything I could to break into the business. I have so much in my arsenal that people don’t know about, and I’m ready to bring it,” said Symon.

Her hustle mentality paid off. She and her former band, The New Officials, opened up for Demi Lovato on her Neon Lights tour.

“It was an incredible experience to see how she works,” said Symon.

The journey helped prepare her for the future. The band disbanded, but she landed a solo deal with Artbeatz Entertainment/Sony. Now, her first single, “Say”, is climbing the charts and is predicted to be a summer anthem.

“It is a great introduction song. A great pop, summer record,” Symon said.

Her debut single was strategically titled to take advantage on the phrase Simon Says. It is a playful record that combines sass with elements of her personality.

“I wanted (people) to feel my vibe, plus it doesn’t hurt that my name is included in the record,” said Symon.

The record’s infectious lyrics and her relatability have led to some major opportunities for Symon, including participating in a radio tour. She is also working on an EP scheduled for release this fall.

“The EP will include more mid-tempo and upbeat songs.  A personal song called “Lonely Girl” will offer a more intimate side of me and it is a true connection to a more vulnerable me,” Symon said.

Symon is currently working with Barletta, who is responsible for Daya’s hit song “Hide Away”

“I’m working with some amazing producers. I’m creating my sound being me, being Symon. I’m true to myself other people will hopefully connect,” she said.”

The singer has shown much promise and describes her signature style as heavily urban and tropical influenced. Bob Marley Lisa, Left Eye Lopes (TLC), and Gwen Stefani are some of her biggest inspirations. She said her music should make you want to go to the beach, drive with the top down, sip tropical drinks, and have a good time. The Southern California native has vocal range, and is more than just a pop artist. Symon is a singer –songwriter who is a trained musician and vocalists.

“I was trained in opera. I had different teachings of music and voice. I co-write everything I do, because I want listeners to connect with me and feel the authenticity,” said Symon.

Those planning to get to know her sound better should expect a lot of fun and to enjoy themselves. Her stage show channels the same energy as her records.

“Prepare to enjoy themselves (concert goers) and to feel immersed in the sound. I put on a show,” Symon said.

If the momentum she has gained continues, she is well on her way to a promising career and may cement her imprint into the music world.

Fifth Harmony Back With A New Sound

Written by. Chalise Macklin

 

America fell in love with Fifth Harmony back in 2012 on X Factor USA. The country watched the group’s journey of coming together and proving to the world they were a force to be reckoned with. The group placed 3^rd on the reality TV show, but proved anything can happen.

Fifth Harmony has become the most successful act from the American version of the singing competition and is not showing any signs of slowing down. The group has platinum selling singles and a gold certified debut album. The five member group is back with a new album, titled 7/27, and is set to perform at this year’s Billboard Music Awards. The album’s lead single, “Work From Home,” featuring Ty Dollar Sign is the group’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Harmonizers you can rejoice the group’s sophomore album will be released later this month. The group’s new album is showing a more mature side to the young ladies than previous hits “Miss Moving On” and “Worth It.” During their debut, the group was known for their kid-friendly songs and bubblegum pop music. This time around 5H is talking about a range of topics: from love to heartbreak to confusion about someone. One music critic indicates this a great transition for the group; as they grow they can touch on issues that impact the core audience, which is girls aged 15 to 21. Although, their new singles “The Life” and “Work From Home” offer more racy lyrics; they don’t completely abandon their softer and more emotional side on “Write on Me.”

Fifth Harmony’s new sexy image likely will make some harmonizers’ parents upset. But parents – don’t ban your children from listening to the group’s new music, and younger fans should not feel alienated. There will be a clean version of the album released as well.

CeeLo Green Releases New Music

By: Krissy Lewis

After five years Grammy award-winning recording artist, CeeLo Green, returns with his much-anticipated album, “Heart Blanche.”

“Heart Blanche” will mark the return  of Green’s positive outlook and experiences with love and harmony accompanied by his one-of-a-kind vocals.

The albums cover art, created by Chicago-based artist Nick Cave, portrays CeeLo covered in flowers with a young boy staring with curiosity. From the cover art to the singles you can expect to hear joyous feel good music by the singer.

Adding to the visual, Green released music videos for our singles off the album —  “Working Class Heroes (Work),” “Sign Of The Times,” and “Music To My Soul.”

Green has built a remarkable career as a singer/songwriter, producer, TV personality, and fashion icon, to name a few. With “Heart Blanche” out in stores now, Green plans to influence artist in every era through is unique take on music, love, and creativity.

Take a look at the full track list below:

1. Heart Blanche Intro
2. Est. 1980’s
3. Mother May I
4. Working Class Heroes (Work)
5. Tonight
6. Robin Williams
7. Sign Of The Times
8. CeeLo Green Sings The Blues
9. Music To My Soul
10. Race Against Time
11. Better Late Than Never
12. Smells Like Fire
13. Purple Hearts (Soldier Of Love)
14. Thorns
15. The Glory Games

Future releases new music “Blow A Bag”!

By: Jarius Tommillson

Future has created magic again by releasing a new track off the long awaited album Dirty Sprite 2.  “Blow A Bag” is a hot single that will have the club rocking and all his loyal fans wrapped up in a daze of bass knocking serenity. This is the follow up to “Dirty Sprite” which was released in 2011. As a big lover of music and producers who know how to create a great sound, I am estactic to know that “Dirty Sprite 2” will be released July 17. Im pretty sure Future has recruited the best in the industry to produce his new masterpiece.

“Blow A Bag” was produced by Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital, and SouthSide. With a combination of these heavy hitters, this new track is superb! All of these producers have worked with Future in the past on other projects he released to the public. The single goes hand and hand with the name of his new album. If you listen to Future as often as I do, you would notice that he shouts out whoever made the beat. I am looking forward the new album because Future has the tendency to bring that heat whether its his own music or he is featured on a track. Not to mention, Future has released a trailer for his upcoming documentary “Like I Never Left”. Check out the track below and see if “Dirty Sprite 2” is the next album you will buy.

http://ddrip.co/bodk