Inspired by the heatwave that’s encompassing the city this week, we’ve put together a series of indie records that are sure to send chills crawling up your spine. Featuring a single off of My Morning Jacket‘s Carl Broemel‘s upcoming album, 4th of July, as well as one of the tracks included in HONNE’s debut studio album Warm on a Cold Night.
Last Friday night, history was made as some of Africa’s biggest stars came together to shut down Brooklyn. The Barclays Center was on another level thanks to a line up including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Jidenna, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Seun Kuti, Machel Montano, Flavour, Don Jazzy, Timaya, Stonebwoy, Ayo Jay, and Praiz. The spirit of African music engulfed the room as fans danced relentlessly all night long. It’s seldom that a concert would generate more dancing than singing but it truly felt like a party as the performers were definitely pulling out some of their best moves as well. Host and R&B sensation Banky W kept the momentum up as he addressed societal tensions while assuring fans the night was geared towards celebrating life despite the hardships we are all facing in our communities. Aside from witnessing back to back elating performances, we learned that Soca King Machel Montano and Nigeria’s own Timaya may have a joint project in the works. Rapper Wale was also scheduled to take the stage but he had to cancel due to the arrival of his first born child.
Tiwa Savage was the only female slated to perform and she definitely held her own, wrapping her set with the massive hit “Eminado” along side Don Jazzy. The young phenom Davido was all the way turned up and brought the crowd to one of their liveliest peaks as they all uniformly gyrated their skelewu.
Wizkid as expected, brought the night to an electrifying end with all his sauce. Aside from the fact that he has too many hits… he has too many hits. Just when you thought the Starboy was going to come down off his high, he brings out one of the Kings of New York, Swizz Beatz. Unfortunately, time was not on his side as he wanted to keep the show going but DJ Tunez, his official DJ, had been unplugged by show coordinators.
Though the event was called “One Africa,” the room was filled with an assortment of music lovers from various backgrounds who attended to enjoy the feel good vibrations. Fortunately, the show was wildly successful and will serve to pave the way for more shows of this nature to be welcomed in the future.
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Photo Credit: Ishmail Alghali
On Friday July 8th, The Game coordinated with Snoop Dog to lead a peaceful protest in L.A., calling men of all races and creeds to stand unified against police brutality.
On a beautiful summer night in the meatpacking district, sixty people crowded into Soho House for an exclusive performance by Tidal Rising’s singer, MIESA.
Sawyer Fredericks showcased new album “The Good Storm” as well as some of his older material and cover songs at The Highline Ballroom on Thursday night.
Back on the Block: The Boys Back In Town
Every week, Scoreboard brings The Knockturnal readers the 411 on who is moving up and down the charts in the U.S., with an artist feature and a check-in on the international Scoreboard.
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
Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown showcased the raw, rambunctious factor they bring to the musical sphere in providing us with a taste of their take on modern rock & roll.
Last Night Roc Nation hosted Belly’s official Mixtape Listening Party for “Another Day In Paradise” at Noble in New York.