Cleveland is known for Rock ‘n’ Roll but one man is adding Rap to its resume. His hard lyrics and gritty attitude make him stand out in the local music scene. You may have seen him performing at clubs in Cleveland or have heard his track “Something’s Gotta Give” streaming on the internet.
He goes by the name FAME and with his mixtape dropping this Summer, it’s time for the world to get familiar with him. His mixtape titled Freshman Year: Class of 2012 features the unique rap style of FAME mixed with vocals from Cleveland singer LyricstheSinger. I got the opportunity to ask FAME a few questions and here’s what he had to say…
Musiq Soulchild is a veteran in the music industry. With his most recent album MusiqInTheMagiq being the sixth of his career, Musiq has proved that his soulful sound can survive the ever-changing music scene.
As if I wasn’t already impressed with Musiq’s recorded albums, his live show simply blew me away. His vocal range and stage presence were quite unexpected. Not because he isn’t talented, but because his vibe is so mellow. I didn’t expect him to be so high energy during his live show. He even apologized to the crowd, in case he got carried away on stage. Keep reading to see more pictures, in case you want to live vicariously through them. Haha.
You may recognize him from the Avant concert, on iTunes, or from the various posts on RuleofNext.com, local artist Antoine L. Dunn is definitely making a name for himself in the Cleveland music scene. Last night, he made our city proud when he opened up for Musiq Soulchild at the House of Blues. I got exclusive access to the band’s sound-check, got to hang out in their green room, and enjoyed their set from the front row. With the music industry’s recent trend of overproduced sound and excessive use of techno beats, it’s refreshing to hear a musician like Antoine L. Dunn who has an authentic sound and plays REAL instruments.
Marsha Ambrosius, formerly half of the group Floetry, has been making quite a name for herself as a solo artist. One of the things that distinguishes her as a power player in the industry is her controversial, yet powerful music videos that speak on social issues. The video for her first single “Far Away” touched on the issue of bullying and hate crimes on homosexuals. It’s refreshing to see an artist whose message runs deeper than the music. In her latest video for her single “Late Nights & Early Mornings,” Marsha Ambrosius makes a statement about the importance of safe sex. Enjoy!
Usher’s OMG Tour came to Cleveland last Thursday and caused pandemonium in the city. The crowd in the QuickenLoans Arena was live and to be honest, quite random. I think every demographic in Cleveland was represented which really shows the versatility of an artist like Usher. His music crosses multiple genres and his longevity in the music industry has maintained a loyal fan base.
Cleveland born. Ohio University educated. Lyrically gifted. Jesty Beatz.
Jesty Beatz has taken music by the throat and filled the silence with his unique rap style. Born in Cleveland as Darrel Greene, Jesty Beatz emerged into the music scene as a college student when he attended Ohio University. His underground popularity and countless shows around campus helped prepare him for the big stage. Not only has he been a part of multiple international tours, he has shared the stage with The Game, E 40, Sean Paul and many others. After graduating college, Jesty Beatz relocated to Los Angeles, California where he continues to make his mark on the music industry. I was happy to pick his brain with a few questions. Here’s what he had to say….
Britni Elise is a star on the rise. If you live in Cleveland, you have heard her name, her voice, or have seen her perform on stage. She is making a name for herself in the music industry with her singles “Hello” and “Satisfied.” She has also released a new club hit called “Rock This.” Not only is she extraordinarily talented, but she is equally as beautiful. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to ask her a few questions regarding her musical career and some of her favorite things. Here’s what the talented singer had to say…
Last week ruleofnext.com featured an interview with a musician by the name of Antoine L. Dunn. Antoine and his band are scheduled to open for Avant at the Ohio Theater this Saturday, April 30. In preparation for the show, Antoine invited me to listen to them rehearse. I was excited to get a private listening session of the set he plans on playing this weekend. I was given the location which was a rehearsal space on the West side of Cleveland.
The building looked like a giant warehouse. Antoine met me at the door and we proceeded down what seemed like a never-ending hallway lined with nearly 100 doors. As we walked past the multiple doors, I could hear a different genre of music coming from each room. I felt like I was in a musical zoo with the melodies just screaming to be unleashed. Antoine finally opened a door to the left to reveal a room that was no larger than twelve by twelve feet. Waiting inside was a keyboard player, a drummer, a bass player, a lead guitarist, three back-up vocalists, a violinist, and the empty keyboard that Antoine soon stood behind. After a simple introduction, the band started to pick up where their rehearsal had left off.
As soon as the music started, the room was filled with notes and sound. The strings resonated, the bass reverberated and the drums pounded. You not only heard the music in your ears, but you felt it through your entire body. The vibrations were inescapable. The set was fluid with the transitions from one song to the next seeming seamless. I loved how the music never stopped. I couldn’t help but groove to Antoine’s song “You’re Real,” which features a saxophone solo by his back-up vocalist Reuben Marcel. The live version of this song has a Reggae style which differs from the version featured on Antoine’s website. The band includes a violinist whose strings are featured on “It’s Over.” The minute I heard the song performed, it spoke to me. There was a sincere soulfulness that anybody who has experienced heartbreak can relate to. Antoine brings not only up-tempo songs that make you wanna move but also has honest ballads that move you.
The few hours that I spent with Antoine and his band transported me to another place. It was like time stopped outside of that room. I was so grateful to have the experience. It’s not every day that I attend a private listening session with an international musician. The experience is something I will never forget and will hopefully experience again soon. Fortunately for you, I brought my camera with me. Antoine was generous enough to let me capture the moment, even though the live performance is incomparable. If you don’t have your ticket yet for Saturday’s show, you need to buy one today. If the videos below are the rehearsal, I can’t wait to hear the live show.
“She Pleases Me” by Antoine L. Dunn
“I Just Wanna Say” by Antoine L. Dunn
I would like to thank Antoine L. Dunn and his band once again for allowing me to sit in on their rehearsal.
You can get tickets for the April 30 show by clicking here.
Antoine L. Dunn can be characterized as many things: a talented man, a former Cleveland Heights Tiger, a singer, and a musician. His music, however, is not as easily categorized. Although derived mostly from Soul, Dunn’s voice has transcended genre to create a sound all his own. I was excited to sit down with the International musician to learn more about his music and the man behind it.
1.) How would you best describe your musical style?
Antoine L. Dunn: I would say the best way to describe my music style would be to say my music is “Smooth.” It’s easy and comforting on the ears.
2.) When did you discover your musical talent?
Dunn: I discovered my musical talent when I was about 11 years old. I challenged myself to write a bedtime song for my girlfriend at the time and that’s how songwriting started for me.
3) Who is your musical inspiration?
Dunn: I have many musical inspirations. From an artist point-of-view, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and John Legend are all great sources of inspiration. From a production aspect, I’m truly inspired by a few good friends of mine: Tony Nicholas, Randy Bowland, and Marc “MDoc” Williams.
4.) Who inspires you in life?
Dunn: My mother is by far the biggest inspiration for my life. Fighting a 15-year breast cancer battle has proven her to be the most influential life fighter I know. Her legend makes me fight for my legend as a singer, songwriter, and music producer every day of my life.
5.) What is your favorite article of clothing?
Dunn: I’d have to say the collared shirt is my favorite article of clothing. It can be classy, stylish, but yet relaxed at the same time.
6.) What makes you different from other artists?
Dunn: True Stories. I’d say 90+% of the art I create is from a true life experience. When a fan hears my music, they are really seeing directly into my life. I’m not hiding. I’m putting all my emotions on the table for the listener to hear. I’m looking to mend broken hearts.
7.) What is your favorite cocktail?
Dunn: Don’t know, but I’ll take suggestions.
8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?
Dunn: There is opportunity for advancement in music, and the entertainment business. Many people say that Cleveland has no opportunity for people striving to be successful in music and entertainment, but I know different. The main ingredient to finding hidden opportunity in a market like Cleveland is professionalism.
9.) Who would you love to record a track with?
Dunn: I would absolutely love to record a track with Choklate, an amazing female singer and songwriter that I really look forward to meeting one day.
10.) What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?
Dunn: The most fulfilling moment of my life is right now. Just to wake up and to know I am living my life’s purpose is fulfillment enough for me. I’ve been able to accomplish so much by living for right now, so I’ll keep it that way.
11.) What was the worst job you ever had?
Dunn: I sold newspaper subscriptions from grocery stores for three weeks.
12.) Who are the Top 5 artists in your ears right now?
Dunn: Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, James Morrison, John Mayer, Antoine L. Dunn
13.) What is your favorite place to travel to?
Dunn: Thailand is my favorite place to travel to!
14.) What is one thing you want to achieve before you leave this earth?
Dunn: I would like to receive a Grammy Award for all my years of dedication to my art in songwriting and producing music.
15.) What’s next for Antoine Dunn?
Dunn: Well, Cleveland’s own Avant and I will be in live concert at Playhouse Square April 30th for Avant’s Kiss Goodbye Tour! On May 31, my solo EP “Miss My Love” will be released worldwide. We will announce the release party details within the next few weeks on my website www.antoineldunn.com. The record is currently available online for pre-order!
I appreciate Antoine Dunn sitting down with me. He is a one talented man. You can learn more about him not only by visiting his website www.antoineldunn.com but you can also follow him on twitter @AntoineLDunn.
You can purchase tickets to see him open for Avant on April 30 by clicking here. It’s going to be an amazing show.
Antoine L Dunn’s official music video for his song “Choose Or Get Chossz”
Every Tuesday night, people gather in the underground, dimly-lit booths of the bside on Coventry in Cleveland Heights. They are there to experience something incredible. They have been experiencing Tuesday nights like this for the last 15 years. It’s a place where people from the Cleveland area can go to showcase their talents. They may not pursue these talents professionally, but they save them for Tuesday nights to share with the bside crowd. They are poets, singers, emcees and musicians. There’s a fantastic house band that picks up on the rhythms of the speakers and creates a soundtrack behind them. It’s an impromptu jam session mixed with a poetry slam in an environment that reminds me of an underground jazz club.
Every time I go, I am inspired. I am not only inspired by the words that are spoken or the songs that are performed, but I am inspired at the fact that people who you would never guess have these talents get on the stage and give a piece of themselves to the crowd. The performances are so raw and real. It’s truly something I wish everyone could experience. Some of these poets deliver words that can be quite profound. Some of their messages will remain in my thoughts for days after I hear them. If you haven’t been to the bside to see it for yourself, here’s a preview of what you’re missing.
