taylor.walker, Author at Doc's Castle Media

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Duck Myer’s “Like Stars” feat. Sha-D

Today’s Doc’s Thumbs Up goes to a boy I’ve met while at work. Haha.

Meet Duck Myers

First introduced in my post “Shoutout to Baltimore Punk Rock Band Ballyhoo for Setting Off Halloween the Right Way,” Duck Myers caught my attention when he walked to my booth while working an event for CBS Radio. We-vibe for a little while about Baltimore’s lack of support for local talent. Then I let him listen to a track I recorded. He took an interest in my music and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had.

When it came time Mr. Duck Myers would finally send me something to hear, I was amazed because not many people who walk up to me at an event for CBS follows through and actually are talented. Haha. “Like Stars” is his second song submitted.

Thumbs up:

Like their name (Rage)aholics, the song gives me that feeling of wanting to lose control. It’s one of those get-up and party hard like you were born to live a Project X type of lifestyle.

I suddenly want to make a documentary of my life’s desire to want party. Hmm…

I’m uncertain if this song has visuals, like a music video or lyric video. But I can picture this video being very colorful and full of alluring activity similar to what goes on in the film Project X. The director might have to “eff” around with these effects to create their own sequel for the movie.

What do you think about Like Stars? Does this sound like a song worthy of radio play? Leave your comments below.

Have you seen the last Thumbs Up? Watch Doc’s Thumbs Up: Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve X” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Who You Gonna Call? “Charm City’s Finest,” A Ghostbusters Fan Film

Baltimore is full of talent in all genres. I still wonder why this city lacks attention from the rest of the world when it comes to the arts. We definitely deserve some kind of credit, right?

So what do you think? Is this film worthy of the big screen?

Definitely! For “Who You Gonna Call?” to be independent and locally based, I see potential beyond what it deserves. The plot could possibly be used for a sequel some day. I’d go see it, and I see it doing wonders for feminist if it were to actually become a full film.

“Who Ya Gonna Call?” was found on “Charm City Finest” YouTube channel Zoar Films. Cisco Davis, Jr., the creator of this short film, created it as a project for local film competition 29 Day’s Later Project, and as a celebration for Ghostbusters’ 30th anniversary.

While scrolling through the newly found YouTube channel, I’ve found some more interesting films. Majority of which were short movies and parodies of fan favorite films, like Ghostbusters and Power Rangers. I urge you all to go check them out if you’re into “scifi” goodies.

Would you go see this one the big screen if this was made from a big movie production company? Leave your comments below.

#SongsFromDaDugout Released from the Chambers To The Public March 2015

It’s here. After the wait, I can no longer say “Sorry for the Wait” like I’m Mr. Weezy F. Baby, himself. My first EP is here for you to take a listen to. It’s about time!

As part of my list of tasks to complete on my bucket list, I can say this is one of the most lengthy projects I completed thus far. However I caught myself not wanting to finish it a few times, and the production process was bumpy along the way. Anyway, I said “eff it” to my woes and decided to drop what I had anyway. It’s the first of what I hope will be more music projects, so I won’t beat myself up for how it sounds. I know I’ll produce way better material in the future. I’m just glad to have the opportunity to do something like this. Writing music has become one of the many creative activities I do to keep my mind busy.

It’s now official; I will scratch off release mixtape off my Bucket List! Yay!

You may download my EP “Songs From Da Dugout” via my Bandcamp page or Soundcloud at Alissa Feré. So it’s easier for you, take a look at the Playlist below and download it. Thanks for listening!

Special Thank You to the lovely staff of people who helped me with this project:

Producer and Engineer: FLuX; Album Cover Art: Boutzie; Photographer: Rebellious Rebel; Promotional Art: Alissa Fere; Creative Consulting: K.A. Walker and Tony Bonez Sinatra; Featured artist: Quinn Shabaz, Leon Dominick, and Boutzie; Studio Production: The Dugout Dojo

Do you think I should make more music? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

To check out photos from my “Songs From Da Dugout” photo shoot, read “Alissa Feré Takes It To The Field For The Release of 2015 Mixtape “Songs From Da Dugout” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Alissa Feré 2015 EP “Song From Da Dugout” Artwork Finally Released

With less than two weeks away from my EP “Songs From Da Dugout” release, I am pleased to finally release the official cover artwork for my project to the public. The EP is expected to release March 21, 2015 via the Alissa Feré Bandcamp and Soundcloud music pages.

Like many of my other projects, Briana Ragler was given the pleasures of handling majority of my visuals. Starting from taking on the responsibility of styling my creative persona to designing my cover of my first musical project, Briana, also known as recording artist Boutzie’, utilizes all her creative abilities to make sure Alissa Feré was ready for the world to take in. She was my photographer, stylist, and graphic designer.

Ayeee!

I’ve decided to take the Rebellious Rebel approach while working on my EP because Briana’s creative style is that “clear and clean” image I was aiming for that steers away from the average look associated with sports and hip-hop. I commonly see a more “rigid and rough” images used for things associated with both hip-hop and sports. Both are hard topics dominated by men, which I am not. So my thoughts for my project already being assumed as “hard” had to be challenged to seem more “fluffier” for Feré’s sake.

By creating a more cleaner representation for this project, I hope to promote interests that’s grabs the onlooker’s eye. I want my listeners to know from the moment they see the cover that there’s meaning behind being left in the Dugout for women. This clear and concise illustration captures the beauty behind what I believe this game we call love really is. It’s a cloudy, mysterious, dangerous, and very uneasy to understand, but it continues to be alluring, mesmerizing, and worth taking. Briana captured that we’ll in this very simply put work of art.

On top of it all, it’s very professionally presented. *applauds*

Along with the help from Baltimore artist FLuX, who’s the owner of the Baltimore brand The Dugout Dojo and the engineer of “Songs From Da Dugout,” I was ensured that each song would sound superb. I had no doubt about how my EP would turn out because listening to FLuX’s previous works, I was already blown away. (Listen to The Sky Is Blue by FLuX, here.)

The EP’s track listing is also finalized with six semi- complete songs ready for me to share.

José (Liquor Talkn) ft. Boutzie (prod. Doowy Lloh)
Rufus Bush (prod. mjnichols)
Only You Ft. Quinn Shabaz
Tonight (prod. Cmbeats)
When The Stars Align ft. Leon Dominick (prod. Davinci)
(Bonus Track): Pleasant Nightmares (prod. André 3000)

“Songs From Da Dugout” is expected to release this month March 21, 2015. For more updates on Alissa Feré, subscribe to Doc’s Castle Media social sites.

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View photos from my “SongsFrom Da Dugout” shoot on Doc’s Castle Media.

Alissa Feré Takes It To The Field For The Release of 2015 Mixtape “Songs From Da Dugout”

As an insider for the release of my 2015 mixtape Songs From Da Dugout, I decided to give my readers a few snapshots to look at while they wait for my project to drop next month.

I decided to get a little creative for this release. I thought Why should I leave you guys with only an expected date for my project? I should give you a little more, and maybe some more background to what to look forward to. So I partnered up with my favorite photographer/blogger to give something extra as we wait for my dropping day.

Songs From Da Dugout is a representation of my emotions. Often I feel I’m left in limbo on a lot of issues when I’m dealing with guys. I think lots of women can relate. It can feel like I’m sitting in a dugout waiting to be called on for the next play. It can get restless waiting on these guys, and they should know that I don’t wait very long for my moment.

Women have so many questions that could be left unanswered while waiting on their next call in a partnership; there’s so many expectations that should be fulfilled on the behalf of the man that aren’t met in relationships. I relate to those women because when someone’s left in the dugout, how is anyone expected to win the game? How is anyone expected to conquer the battle?

These brothers got us yelling to the coach like, “Come on. Call me, coach! I’m ready to play.”

The photo shoot was conducted by Briana Ragler of Rebellious Rebel, also known as hip-hop artist Boutzie’. She did a great job. What do you think?

Look out for “Songs From Da Dugout” dropping in March 2015!

Have you heard “Pleasant Nightmares,” single from 2015 tape Songs From Da Dugout? Check out “Alissa Feré Releases Title & Promo Art For Spring 2015 Project” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Watch behind the scenes of my photo shoot via Briana’s Blog, Rebellious Rebel.

http://youtu.be/1uU6n3zTuko

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Boutzie “Intoxico” ft. Jimmy Apoet & FLuX

Baltimore artist Boutzie arrives on the indie music scene with her new single “Intoxico,” a track meant to show the woes of partaking in the various choices of recreational activity.

Indeed, this isn’t your ordinary turn up “let’s pop a molly” type of hip-hop song. Many tracks I come across usually praises the “glorious” life of drugs and living in the fast lane. But this submission doesn’t quite get you hopping out your seat ready to twerk or even imagine yourself in a room full of “Thots” ready to “pop-off,” like an average 2 Chainz song. Instead, it inflicts a self-conscious feeling. Thoughts like ‘why do I even do this drug or condone this behavior’ pops in your head while listening to it.

With lines like ‘Oh it’s murder, the conceivable thoughts that’s unheard of…,’ I’m unsure if I’m suppose to feel a little dark inside for wanting to take that shot of Jose I commonly do.

Sheeeeeesh. Should I chill or what? *Pours shot down kitchen sink drain*

Intoxico features Baltimore artist Jimmy Apoet and Baltimore artist and producer FLuX, both very talented emcees and previously highlighted on Doc’s Castle Media. With a talented group like this coming together to spread common awareness in this very unique way, a person could already tell this may even spark a movement.

So…Where does Boutzie come from?

This isn’t the first time Miss Boutzie has graced Doc’s Castle Media presence. Last February, she was featured as a Baltimore Blogger in my 2014 Blogger’s Rundown Series as the inspiring Briana Ragler, and what a surprise to see she has another hidden talent. Girl can sing?!?! Who knew?

Thumbs Up:

I love the eery feeling that comes from hearing “Intoxico.” Though it makes me question my lifestyle, its “read between the lines” call to action is rewarding not only to me, but also in generation that prides itself in doing illegal and very questionable recreational activities. With depicting the dark truths of how being intoxicated can overtake your body in mesmerizing, without a care, sense, maybe there is a chance to push these unconscious motives that I have for the song in others; subconsciously just suck the “turn up” out of their little unruly bodies.

I sound like I’m 75 years old. Believe, I do turn up. *cough cough*

Let’s be for real here. If more artists can take part in pushing songs like this, people would walk around second guessing what they do for fun. It might not be a guarantee to resist but it leave space to ponder. I like when people are made to think.

This new sound from Boutzie makes me anticipate what the visuals, if there should be any, may look like for this eerie track. I see darkness, lots of slow motion shots, and maybe a creepy church bell? I guess, we’ll have to wait and see.

What do you think about this song? Leave your comments below.

Have you seen the last Doc’s Thumbs Up post? Watch Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve” Official Music Video on Doc’s Castle Media.

Help a Homeless Brother or Sister Out

It’s been a cold and brutal winter for me. It’s like that for many of us with record-breaking temperatures dropping around the country like crazy. It makes you think it’s another ice age coming. Sheesh.

Temperatures in Baltimore are surprising alone during this week with it expecting to reach 0 degrees Thursday night, February 19, 2015.

I have to travel home from work in that BS!

In times like these, there lacks warm shelter for thousands of people living in poverty. The Mayor’s Office Human Resources states “It is estimated that there are 2,638 men, women, and children who are homeless in Baltimore on any given night.” That’s a lot of people and to think some of these people are literally out here sleeping in the streets! It’s very saddening.

There are people and organizations willing to do anything to somehow make a difference in our homeless brothers and sisters’ lives. One person I’ve notice who’s making his imprint in Baltimore is Chonan Bell.

ChonanBell — from Chonan Bell Facebook profile

Bell has picked up a buzz this week as his mission has spread tremendously through word of mouth on social media. He and his friends have taken the initiative in helping put homeless people, who he sees living on the streets, in a shelter, even if that shelter needs be in a tent.

I contacted Bell about the 411 on what he’s doing around our city. He says:

“I don’t know honestly. Lol. I mean…I drive pass people everyday on my way home and it’s cold as h*** outside. I know everyone can’t get into a shelter, nor do they want to go to a shelter, so a tent could provide some type of shelter from the elements even if it’s just rain or the wind.”

You don’t need to know Chonan! You’re doing an awesome act of kindness! We need more people like you around.

Bell leaves room for others who’d like to get involved in what he’s doing, too. He’s picking up and delivering tent orders from people unable to make those frigid runs themselves. Here’s how you can get involved…

Order a $20 tent online from Walmart.com
Select ship to store for the Arbutus location on Washington Blvd.
Designate Chonan Bell as the pickup person.
Email Bell at Chonanb@yahoo.com to let him know you’ve ordered your tent
You’ve helped someone out!

Also, Ms. Kia Sample, female Baltimore hip-hop artist and 2014 Baltimore Music Awards Nominee, posted two numbers for contact on her Instagram account this week. If you see anyone in Baltimore City or County on these streets during these harsh cold nights, make sure to pick up your phone and dial these numbers. Someone will transport that person somewhere safe and warm out of these inclement weather.

Baltimore Homeless Pickup Number — from Kia Sample Instagram

Do you know of any other people assisting the homeless around Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below.

Check out some dope Kia Sample music below.
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YTube Vid of The Week: Little Girl From Missy Elliott Videos Makes A Tribute

It was a shock to see Missy Elliott resurface during this year’s Super Bowl with Katy Perry. That was really something unexpected. I believe we should have more pop cultural surprises like it in the future. As I’ve kept up with the news about this neat act of wonder, we can all agree that there was someone missing from performance that we’d sure to see in any of Missy Elliott’s performances.

Where’s the little girl who dances in all her music videos?

Well, that little girl’s name is Alyson Stoner, and she was handling some business of her own, which is why she missed out on the performance. Stoner is pursuing her very own music career. Who knew?

I’ve always known Stoner for her many Disney appearances in films like Cheaper By The Dozen, and as Mike’s little sister Sally in Disney Channel Original Mini Series Mike Super Short Show. So it’s funny and kind of weird to see the hip-hop community discrediting and simply labeling her for her part in being that awesome dancing kid from Missy’s music videos.

Come on, guys! She’s so much more than that.

Here’s a list of Things I’ve known her to deserve credit for:

Cheaper By the Dozen (1 and 2)
Isabella from Phinese and Ferb
Sally from Mike’s Super Short Show
Wendy from Drake and Josh
Barbara Gordon from Young Justice
Connie from The Batman
Caitlyn from Camp Rock
Camille from Step Up (1, 3. and 4)
Kairi from Kingdom Hearts video game series
Background Dancer for Eminem, Outkast and Will Smith

She’s definitely more than just that dancing little girl. No wonder she missed the performance. Haha.

To make up for her absence, Stoner released a tribute video for the well-respected Missy Elliott via YouTube and that is why it’s Doc’s Castle Media’s YTube Vid of the Week.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEOo311_yts]

She also has a music video out of her own. Check out her official music video for “Dragon.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvYjAZ04xDI]

Did you see any of Alyson Stoner’s cameos throughout the years? Leave you comments below.

Are you a fan of the new Drone craze happening across the world? You’ll like the last YTube Vid of the Week then. Watch “Saving the Drone” on Doc’s Castle Media.

Alissa Feré Releases Title & Promo Art For Spring 2015 Project

Something new had to be brewing in the Doc’s Castle Media kitchen for there to be such a long and lasting silence. It’s been almost a month since my last blog post….sorry, guys.

My silence is partially justified with the new goals I’ve acquired throughout the last two quarters of 2014. While I’ve aspired to become a master resumé and songwriter, I’ve neglected my original hobby for writing blogs. But as you can see, I always come back of course.

Since May 2014, I took on a mission to complete my bucket list, which I thought would be easy to do. I was sadly mistaken, and since then, I’ve even added more tasks to my bucket list. I can’t help the feeling I get from accomplishing a new goal. Though sooner or later, I’ll have to set limitations on these goals because I don’t know how much of my list I’m willing to take on now. Haha.

One of the tasks I’ve added to my lengthy list is the release of my 2015 mixtape. It began another duty on my list the moment after I released “José (Liquor Talkn).” Eight months later, I give you the promotional art for my project!

Songs From Da Dugout is as general as it sounds. It’s a project compromised of multiple tracks about my life, or emotions I’ve experienced, between the time period of May, when I released José (Liquor Talkn), and January. All the songs were recorded in Baltimore city studio The Dugout Dojo with head producer and artist FLuX.

Songs From Da Dugout is an EP formulated to speak on the thoughts and emotions of a woman in heartache. Feel the agony and scornful words of Alissa Feré as I speak upon situations every girl can relate to, and every man probably heard of before. Listen to a new rhythmic style only sure to be found in underground Baltimore hip-hop.

Are any of your favorite indie artist releasing any projects that you’re anticipating? Let us know about it in the comments below.

Have you seen my Bucket List? Read “Bucket Listing It Up” on Doc’s Castle Media.

WDAA Update: FLuX Releases Two Singles From 2015 Project

For a moment, I thought we were being faked out because it’s been a while since we heard from WDAA artist FLuX. But two weeks ago, while I went stalking the War Drumz Audio Art Soundcloud page, I found a repost from the soulful rapper’s personal Soundcloud. ‘Why not check to see what else there is?’ was what I thought, and then as I clicked on FluX’s link to his page, I found another little goodie.

Two songs, “Rear view Mirror” and “The Sun is Blue,” were released on December 28, 2014 with the original cover art for FluX’s prospected project initially set to be released last month December 3rd. The project has been delayed until further notice. But it’s starting to slowly make its way to our ears as time surpasses.

Hallelujah *in my gospel choir voice*

Each song gives me what y’all Beyonce fans call “life” because each sounds like they deserve radio play. It’s refreshing to hear something new and worthy. But of course, isn’t that how all good independent music feels?

YASSSSS!!

“The Sun is Blue” sounds like an old school hip-hop song from your late 90s and early 2000s, mostly because of the sample used in this track. It’s a song about frustrations and stress. I definitely could tell FLuX used this song to let off some steam. It’s relatable for people who feel a little overwhelmed with life’s many frustrations.

Now, ladies, if you take a listen to “Rear View Mirror,” you might think of the usual male coming to you using his best picking up line as he seeks to sweep you off your feet, ready to forget about all your responsibilities. This song definitely paints that picture for me. It also features Baltimore artist MikeCool. It’s sure to be a 2015 summer hit.

Did you catch the last WDAA Update? Read “Smoked Out” On “Pleasant Grove” on Doc’s Castle Media.