All Entries in the "Musician Profiles" Category
Bay Area Beat Magazine features local music talent and news
With the disenfranchisement of so many local musicians and the continually widening rift between genres in the Tampa Bay Area, it’s time for a team of shepherds to bring the flock together. The entity making this attempt is Bay Area Beat, a new local music news rag aimed at supporting local talent and introducing the readers to the next up-and-coming bands. Their vow is to never put priority to national acts over their local counterparts and to always dig up the freshest new artists and new sounds throughout Tampa Bay.
Tonight, April 3rd at 8PM, they are having a maiden showcase, featuring Ronny Elliot, Rebekah Pulley and Blind Buddy Moody. I’ll be there to do photo recon. Cover is $6 and it’s held at:
Prostar Sound stage
3220 28th Street North
St Pete, Fl 33713
A copy of their first issue can be found online, via PDF:
http://realitysnap.com/bayareabeat/pdf/20409.pdf
Interview with Lady Grace from the Underground Xpress Video Program
I was recently contacted by Underground Xpress, a local Tampa underground video program that covers local music, local bands and other local talents. The creative epicenter and host, Lady Grace, agreed to an interview about Underground Xpress.
How and when did UX start?
I took up videography in July of 2008 and wanted to start an internet video podcast as a learning project. Music immediately came to mind as the main concept because I have spent the majority of my life supporting the local music scene. I wanted to stick with something that I love but I also didn’t want to limit the focus to just music. The words Underground Xpress came to mind because I knew that I would want to cover more than just music and support all sorts of underground arts.
Now I had the idea, the name and I knew how to do the video podcast. Now all I needed to know was whether or not I could pull the whole together. Host it, film it, edit it and so on, when I was really only just learning everything for the first time. So…I got a video camera and a friend and I went to a concert that night to film it and interview the band. I guess we needed to see what we were made of. That night we interviewed and videotaped our first band. and as they say…. The rest is history. Now UX is on public access and the internet and it is becoming the newest source for Underground artists to be supported and promoted locally and nationally on the world wide web.
What inspired you to start Underground Xpress?
I have loved concerts, art, and artistic expression in general my entire life. I wanted to be able to share local arts and music with the less fortunate people who cannot make the shows due to various circumstances. I am also inspired by a force that I myself cannot even identify. But when you love something, you will work so hard on it and so much on it that you don’t even realize you just spent your entire day on one thing. And when you do realize that you just spent the entire day on that one thing, it most likely makes you smile because you are blessed with doing something that you love.
The viewers and the fans are also extremely inspiring – because I am able to share new music, new artists and many other things that people may never have known about if it were not for Underground Xpress. It is an inspiration in itself to watch the talented people I work with everyday and share their message with the world via my medium.
Supporting local businesses and venues in the underground scene is also an inspiration because in economic times like these it is always good to look out for your neighbor…especially the one serving the shots! The biggest inspiration of all – being able to provide entertainers who work so hard and for so little with a lot of promotion through the TV and the internet on the show, in addition to the video being a medium they can keep for free and use forever and ever to promote their work.
Why public access television?
When UX started last year, it was never intended for television. In my eyes, the wave of the future is ALL internet based video. I am happy to have public access, but the internet would still be my first choice. The show had been on the internet as a podcast for about three months, when I learned that I could go to TBCN and have it air on cable at no cost to me. I immediately got myself through the TBCN process and got Underground Xpress approved to be on the air.
Season 1 started in January 2009 and Season 2 is almost here – beginning in April 2009. I always air the shows on the internet afterwards so that anyone who is on UX can get the ultimate exposure. In the end, I am very grateful to have TBCN as an additional outlet for the artists, but I myself could live without the deadlines, and the rules and regulations (not my thing!)
The residents of the City of Tampa and unincorporated Hillsborough County residents can currently view our programming on Verizon cable channels 30 and 36, Bright House Networks cable channels 949 and 950 and Comcast cable channel 20.
Residents of Temple Terrace and Plant City cannot view our programming because their franchising authorities opted out of having a public access channel for their constituents.
Have you considered branching out into other media? If so, what?
Yes – many many things. We are planning a LIVE internet production where people will be able to call in or chat with us real-time. We want UX to be National as many people who come across our my space and other internet outlets want to watch the show and do not have the channel. I am hoping to broadcast with several other local channels that air further out into Pinellas county or possibly even Video on Demand.
What has been the most rewarding experience of doing UX?
Wow. I didn’t know just how difficult a question like that might be. There are so many times I feel rewarded on a daily basis and yet so many times I have wanted to quit at the same time. But to be fair – there isn’t just one rewarding thing. One, is when I receive email from the viewers saying they loved the show or that they are grateful because I introduced them to new music or arts etc. That is an INSANELY good feeling.
Two, when the artists/musicians I work with are truly thankful and appreciative to me for all of the hard work that goes into making them shine. Three, sitting here right now and remembering that first day we went out to start UX and knowing that somehow or another I actually did it. I orchestrated an innocent school project into what it is today. People usually watch the show, see me as the host and of course it doesn’t occur to them that I do anything more than smile at the camera. The accomplishment of being the editor, the producer and the host and actually making something worthrwhile – that is the most intense feeling of accomplishment I have ever known.
What big events do you have coming up?
May 30th, 10 bands, Location TBD in Tampa, FL – Fundraiser!
How many people are involved in UX?
There are about 10 random crew. Not everyone works all the time. Mostly me,
Lady Grace, and my new addition Miss Nikki.
Then we have Aaron (camera)
Alison(photos)
Jen(fliers, photos)
Dirty White Boyy (photos)
Reggie Regg(studio crew)
Daniel Specht (camera)
David Dean (camera)
Greg Beltz (camera, set),
Jason Orama (camera)
Kitty Kat (photos)
How do you typically find stories to cover?
I find things through networking mostly. When I go to one show I meet numerous people. I usually see new bands that I really like and want to cover or run into people on websites such as myspace. I get a lot of invitations to cover things from just about anyone, but I am very selective and I try to determine the absolute best ways to get the best footage when we are out. I try to keep UX diverse, fun, high energy and give it a zesty tang that you find yourself craving all the time.
If UX suddenly received an influx of funding, what would you want to do with it?
I really need more equipment. I would also like to buy a UX bus! That is definitely something I would spend the money on first. But yeah- equipment and software!
Have you given any acts their first big break? If so, who?
Esky 420 was playing for open mic night. We have now made him a mascot musician on season two of UX in addition to booking him several nice gigs with pay. He recently told me that UX has done more for him than anyone. Another musician on our show by the name of Bradly Akeman, was playing on you tube with settings like his bathtub, shower, etc. We alas booked him some gigs after being on our show and soon after he did several things like playing with Michael Johns from American Idol and another TV appearance on Channel 10.
Has there been any major difficulties or problems in running UX?
Running anything by yourself from the ground up requires money. That has been the biggest set back. The time and effort come naturally from my passion and the passion I breathe into those who help me make it all happen. The first season I edited every bit of footage myself, hosted, produced etc. For season two I have decided to have two additional hosts and I took on an editor with a lot of experience to help take the show to an hour. So with that said, I think no matter what problems may arise, I will somehow conquer and defeat – for this is my path.
Given what you have going on now, where do you see UX in a year?
We should be very well known on the internet, branched out into several other television markets and possibly teamed up with several other media outlets.
How about in 5 years?
I hope to be the next MTV. But I always want to remember the little guys.
What do you like and dislike about the Tampa market?
I think we have a great scene here. I’m not going to get into the dislikes because I am sure all markets have their negative aspects.
Are you currently looking for help or extra staff for UX? If so, how do prospective minions contact you?
We are always looking for help. Videographers/editors – Send inquiries to undergroundxpress@gmail.com
Where can UX T-shirts and other swag?
Currently shirts are a donation of $10 or more and can be ordered through our website on undergroundxpress.com
Artist Profile: Aleshea Harris
While I was at the Hip Hop Soda Shop on Saturday seeing Got Jokes?, I was also treated to the singer-songwriter-spoken word of Aleshea Harris.
Aleshea is a perfect example of “big things come in small packages”. Big voice. Big ideas. Her presence is much bigger than she lets on. Her sound is a jack-hammer approach, equal parts beatnik-fused spoken word and hip-hop. Imagine Erykah Badu during the “Tyrone” era or Lauren Hill before her Mis-Education. Her voice is pleasant, her tone invigorating, her words occasionally damning, but always weighted in truth. If you’re looking for a sweet tone with a deep message, Aleshea Harris is music to your ears.
Aleshea granted me an interview recently. Without further adeiu, here we go:
You have a very unique vocal delivery. What influences do you have musically?
I like a wide variety of music…so this is a tough one. I would consider Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Chavela Vargas, Smokey Robinson, Nina Simone and Fiona Apple among the artists whose sound influenced me greatly. I also sang a lot of spirituals in school choirs and I have to say that was a huge influence.
How did you get to this point in your life, and in your career as a performer?
I’ve managed to make a few cool friends who appreciate my work. Lately I’ve gotten wiser about not doing as much for free because unfortunately a lot of people will take advantage of you if they can. I’m still paying my dues, as they say, but my goal is to make my living as a performer.
Do you think your message is political? If so, what’s political about it?
It is often very political. A lot of the work I do is a response to the world as I see it. I don’t shy away from anything that vexes me: racism, sexism, war, poverty, bigotry wrapped in the guise of religion…I’m aware that what I have to say sometimes offends people but I don’t let that stop me from fussing.
What’s your favorite place in Tampa to perform?
I can’t honestly say that I have a favorite. There are different things to like about different venues.
What upcoming gigs are you looking forward to?
On Friday Feb. 13th I’ll be performing at ArtPool (an art gallery in St. Pete) for “The Muse” show. They’ll be showcasing work inspired by love, sex, the nude and St. Valentine. I’m doing a song I wrote for the event and a poem. Then there’s the reading of “God’s Trombones” which will take place at the Studio@620 (in St. Pete) on Feb. 16th. It’s reading of James Weldon’s Johnson’s group of sermons by myself and other actors/poets. Buster Cooper will be playing the trombone…free and open to the public.
What has been your best on-stage experience?
Wow. I’ve had a lot. But my favorite in the realm of poetry and music was a few months ago at a feature I did in St. Petersburg. I actually had musicians and everything kind of fell into place. I usually perform a capella (since it’s easiest) but that was the one time I felt like my vision for my work was fully and completely realized. Right now I’m working on forming a band so it can happen more often.
I know you have a new album out. What’s your favorite piece and why?
That’s kind of like asking a person to choose between their children…but I’ll try…probably “Backroads”. It’s a song about war and our inhumanity to one another. It managed to harness my feelings on the subject really well.
Any collaborations you’d like to do?
I very recently discussed doing a collabo with Reggie, another local poet whose talent I respect greatly.
Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years?
In a year I will have figured out how to make being an artist my main source of income. In five years I’ll be a real pro at it.
What brings you to, or keeps you in, the Tampa Bay Area?
I came here for a job after college. I like the weather here but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I would leave with ease if an opportunity elsewhere presented itself. I don’t feel I’ve put down any roots yet.
If you could cover any song, what would it be?
“Ne Me Quitte Pas” which was performed by Jacques Brel and Nina Simone. Absolutely gorgeous.
Why do they call you the “Daughter of Noise”?
I swear I never told anyone to call me that! It’s the title of a song I wrote. I can’t say I mind the nickname, though.
If you were to describe your performing style in a word, what would it be?
Honest.
If you were to describe your fashion sense in a word, what would it be?
Lacking.
Anything you’d love to tell all of your fans that might read this?
I can’t believe you exist! Spread the word!
16. Aside from your myspace, do you have a webpage or other ways fans and promoters and potential record labels can reach you?
Yeah, they could check out www.bagofbeans.net and witness the ninja attack I’m planning on the arts in the Tampa Bay…bearing in mind that it is under construction.
To see her website and listen to some of her work, please check out her Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/alesheasangs