A tour de force by long-time collaborators Hans Petter Moland and Stellan Skarsgård, In Order of Disappearance grips with family, identity and most significantly, revenge.
This week we attended the sneak-preview screening of In Order of Disappearance at Scandinavia House. Following the viewing, film critic John Anderson joined the director Hans Petter Moland and actor Stellan Skarsgård for a Q&A session.
Marc Bassy’s launch party brought a sharp crowd, good vibes and incredible tunes to New York City’s Ace Hotel.
These days, it’s rare to find an artist that sounds stronger during a live performance than on a pre-recorded track. Marc E. Bassy, a singer-songwriter from California, is one of these rare finds. No stranger to the songwriting gig, Bassy was previously a member of the chart-topping band 2AM Club and has composed hits for artists like Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz. And now, after a brief hiatus, Bassy has chosen to take to the stage again – this time, for himself and by himself.
In the basement of the Ace Hotel, the set for the launch of Bassy’s EP titled Groovy People, the mood was a mixture of chill and high-class. In various corners, rising models mingled with one another as members of Republic Records moved from room to room, sampling tequila-infused cocktails curated for the event. A DJ set played soft techno in the background, energizing the crowd in preparation for Bassy’s performance.
Once Bassy took to the stage, the crowd halted, channeling all of their energy towards the artist. How could they not? Bassy thrilled the crowd with incredible vocals – sounding, at times, strikingly similar to the artistic powerhouse Justin Timberlake – whilst his music dropped hints of Reggae, R’n’B, Rock, Trap, and other genres, demonstrating how truly versatile Bassy is as an artist. During his set, Bassy’s vocals ranged from funky and upbeat to deeply emotional and raw, jumping from tracks such as “Free Love” to “Drunk & I’m Drunk” to “Last One I Love” – each song landing on a different tier of style and emotion.
On-stage, Bassy didn’t say much. He communicated instead via his music and body language. This was enough to show that he is dedicated to his supporters and in touch with his art. He used little to no pre-recorded tracks during his performance. Instead, a range of musicians played along with the artist on-stage, contributing percussion, keyboard, guitar and backing vocals. Matching the crowd, they grooved along with Bassy. All set before a glow the colors of a California sunset, there was an immense amount of warmth emanating from the stage. In the crowd, friends and lovers wrapped their arms around one another, swaying to Bassy’s music, sharing love and positive vibes.
For one of the few times he spoke, Bassy silenced the room. He faced the crowd, laying himself out before them, expressing his gratitude.
“I just wanna say that – everyone settle down – I’ve been writing for many years and its means a lot to be up here [performing my music].”
The crowd cheered, supporting Bassy’s current venture, as he began a call and response with lyrics from one of his well-known tracks, “Some Things Never Change.”
“Money. Fame. Always on my brain.”
“Some things never change, some things never change.”
Judging by the crowd’s response and dedication to Bassy, it’s safe to assume that these things won’t be changing for a long time. With his stellar repertoire, pure talent and loyal crew of “groovy people,” Bassy is set for success. Watch this space.
Marc E. Bassy’s EP Groovy People is available on iTunes and Spotify.
Russ’ first headline show in New York City brings raw energy and killer hooks to Webster Hall.
A long-awaited homecoming for Tish Hyman, the singer’s performance at the Highline Ballroom struck a fine balance between heartfelt and carefree.
On a Wednesday night in late July, the line outside New York City’s Highline Ballroom extended well beyond the main entrance and down the block. The night’s performance featured artists from all across the states, with Elhae hailing from Atlanta and the headliner, BJ The Chicago Kid, stemming from – you guessed it – Chicago. For the opening act, however, this night meant more than a debut or live performance; it also heralded Tish Hyman’s return to an old stomping ground.
A Bronx native, Hyman left New York for Los Angeles to pursue a career in music – and more, with Hyman making her acting debut in Spike Lee’s recent movie, Chi-Raq – but she’s always certain to remind the crowd that New York City is her home.
“I moved to LA to pursue my dreams,” Hyman began, “When I made this album, I was thinking of New York…I’m in my city, I feel strong as fuck right now.”
Hyman held this energy for her entire performance, balancing between stories and melodies narrating her struggles and success. Ranging from soulful ballads such as “All That I Can Do” and “Subway Art” to lighter tracks like “Dreams” and “4 Letter Word,” Hyman guided the audience through her journey, sharing mini-anecdotes for the songs, playing characters she’s met along the way.
“I love doing shows because it’s like we’re in my living room…and I just start spinnin’ for you,” Hyman laughed following “Subway Art,” one of her most popular and emotional tracks depicting the trials and beauty of life in the big city.
The comfort and confidence Hyman displayed on stage supported this relaxed, familiar mood. Jumping fluidly from snappy rap to moving vocals, with backing tracks featuring hints of Reggae, Trap and Spanish guitar, Hyman put forward nothing but ease and versatility in her performance; in the midst of her set, she regularly cut tracks short, openly stating,
“You know, this really is like a living room situation, because I don’t even transition.”
And it’s this choppy, honest nature that makes Tish Hyman such an appealing and entertaining artist to watch. Completely in control of her own live performance, she caught the crowd’s attention and energy from her opening beats and by the end of the night, everyone jived and grooved, captivated by the artist. During “4 Letter Word,” this was especially true; if Hyman has a hit, then this is it. Throughout her live performance, Hyman’s energy poured off-stage and the crowd shared a few moments of euphoria with the artist, singing the chorus back to her well after the backing track was silenced.
At the close of her time on stage, Hyman made an appeal to the crowd, calling for activism.
“I’m not talking black and white, although Black Lives Matter,” she said, and at this point the crowd erupted in an affirmative roar, “but we’ve got to push for more intelligent music, we’ve got to support more intelligent music, because we are fucking good people.”
Following this profound moment, and characteristic of the entirety of Hyman’s performance, she paused and broke into a light laugh. Dancing across the stage, she waved out to the crowd, before exiting to mingle among fans. Her final words?
“Thank you for coming to my living room!”
Tish Hyman’s debut album Dedicated To: is available on iTunes and Spotify. She is currently on tour with BJ The Chicago Kid as part of his In My Mind Tour.
Photo Credit: Yamarie Mayol
Bodysuits, cutouts and crop-tops dominate the latest additions to the clothing line.
This Friday, IVY PARK rolled out new pieces as part of the High Summer collection. Matching the crisp logos and breezy cuts of the original collection, the latest additions branch off from the traditional white, black and steel colors to include bright, fresh tones such as navy and mint. Some pieces, from cropped hoodies to tank-tops, feature subtler or perforated logos rather than the standard bold print present on the line’s previous release; the result? A stylish, body-friendly athleisure line that fits both your morning workout and weekly brunch date.
Judging from the original IVY PARK collection and clothing lines released by other artists – think Rihanna’s collaboration with PUMA – expect this line to sell-out fast.
IVY PARK is available at Topshop, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter and more. Most items are under $60 and, as it is all dancewear inspired, is best worn when layered. Check out the video below for some styling inspiration.
Meryl Streep adds “Donald Trump” to her repertoire after impersonating the billionaire businessman at the Public Theatre Gala last Monday night.
A play about love, loss and recovery, A Persistent Memory offers poetic guidance on how to cope with and transcend trauma.
In an open-air garage by Hell’s Kitchen, friends and fans of Ro James mingle as they prepare for the artist to take the stage. Five girls in khaki jackets sell drinks in the back – a menu composed exclusively of Heineken and tequila, donning titles from Ro James’ upcoming album ELDORADO – as the crowd appreciates the night’s opening act; Brooklyn’s own Olivia Dope blasting out the best of the last three decades’ Rap, Hip-Hop and R&B. The crowd matches the scene – casual but immaculate – and it seems as though everyone is a friend of Ro James’, which inevitably means that they’re friends to one another.
The artist’s arrival, signaled by a call for NYC to make some noise, electrifies the audience as Ro James – donning the woolen poncho, gold rings and circular sunglasses displayed on James’ album cover – rides up to the venue on a vintage Royal Star Cadillac. The mood shifts immediately, all energies slow and are channeled toward one thing: the artist and his art. In the background, “Permission” – James’ top hit – plays as he steps up to the stage.
“ELDORADO represents the journey for me,” James starts, “it’s been years of hard work, dedication, gaining friends, losing friends, gaining love and losing love.” A member of the crowd calls out an “I love you;” James chuckles and responds, easy. Introducing his first song, “Ga$,” James finishes his introduction with “let’s do this for the music.”
And for the whole evening, the crowd complied. From “Already Knew That” to “A.D.I.D.a.S.,” everyone grooves with James; especially for the latter when he performs an a capella version of the track. James’ effortless, charismatic nature adds to his performance but his talent is beyond question; with natural rhythm and flow, James moves from mellow tones to booming vocals, breaking only to say, “I know there are a lot of singers in this place.” Voices join, sweet and almost childlike in comparison to James’ powerful and sensual singing, his sound resonating with voices like Miguel’s and D’Angelo’s. The beats, when present, are groovy and deep; the bass resonating in your chest, moving you to sway and jam with the music. He ends the evening the way it began by playing his top track, “Permission,” laughing and flirting with his fans in the front row, asking the audience to join in, sing along and become part of the family.
Watching Ro James command the stage on Tuesday night in an “El Dorado” poncho and black boots suggests he’s a long way from his beginnings, his musical affair originating in church with his father. His message, however, seems to remain the same; he thanks the crowd for “coming out and showing love,” offering Jack Daniels to anyone who cares, as his friend grabs the microphone to say, “R&B music is one of the most soulful things that we have in this community and we are doing our best to bring that back…Ro James is a key example of that. Thank you so much for keeping this alive.” As the crowd trickles out of the open garage door, the party spills out on to the street. Down the block, the heavy bass can still be heard, offering James’ music up to the world.
ELDORADO by Ro James is in stores Friday, May 25.
Available for Pre-Order on iTunes.
Stream Ro James on Spotify.
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