The Music Highlight Archives - Page 3 of 5

#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.

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.

WDAA Update: Smoked Out On Pleasant Grove

Well, there’s more of something new from WDAA this week since the release of new works from artists 2 weeks ago. Thank you, thank you.

First release this week came from WDAA’s trendy rapper Quinn Shabaz as he released some new artwork for us to gaze upon.

I don’t know what this photo is of but I’m well aware of the date! Haha.

Pleasant Grove is Quinn Shabaz’s new project. We haven’t heard from him since his debut to Doc’s Castle Media in September with his visuals for “Day One” featuring Jimmy Apoet and Leon Dominick. I’m glad to have finally seen he’s doing something new. Let us mark our calendars for March 24, 2015.

Mr. Tony Bonez Sinatra gave us something to hold us over, too. He did promise to release something this New Years Eve. But seeing as though it’s now New Years Eve and there hasn’t been any hint to anything new coming from him, I can assume his music video release to the War Drumz Twitter account is what we should be focusing on for the moment.

“Smoked Out” was put out to the public from the War Drumz Audio Art YouTube channel the day after Christmas. Since then, I’ve watched it once a day. The video makes me like the song that much more.

Do you like this video or song? Leave your comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Hazmat Remi “Evolve X” Official Music Video

For Hazmat Remi to be labeled as a “based” artist, “Evolve X” makes me ponder what the heck is based music?! If you’ve ever listened to any of the original basedgod Lil B’s songs, you’ll understand what I mean. In an interview with MTV’s The Vice Guide To Everything, Lil B explains based music as a genre where the artist expresses him/herself positively. Some based music can be negative, but if it is, it must also have a positive message embedded in it, as well. So to sum that up, based music is really too broad for me to redefine for my readers. Haha

There really is no easy way to explain what it is, you just experience it. A good based artist has the ability to capture you, regardless, with their unique approach to sharing their “positiveness.” I’ve met my share few based artist in Baltimore with that ability, one being Hazmat Remi with her song “Evolve X.”

Thumbs Up:

There’s lots of positivity in this music video, and I love the message Hazmat Remi leaves in her lyrics for this song. Though I’m not very fond of much based music, Remi makes it a lot easier on my ears to take in.

I might have beginner ears for this genre. Who knows?

Become someone. Be something. Love.

“Evolve X” makes me feel like running to random stranger to bombard them with my friendly hugs for the simple reason they’re living the best way they can. Life’s is going to be okay. Everything will be fine. It’s a song that makes a person embrace the approval of oneself during hard times; during a time where people see more evil than good. We as a people must become an acceptable society as a whole for future generations. Indeed, Doc’s Castle Media is all for that!

*cough cough* “It’s Your Talent…Own That Shhh!” isn’t my slogan just for the hell of it.

Even the Hazmats seem to be comfortable walking the streets carelessly, worry free, and ready to evolve. They want you to hop on board the evolving train. Do something that’ll awaken the brighter you for a better us.

What do you think? Do you like Hazmat Remi’s “Evolve?” Leave comments below.

Are you a supporter of Baltimore hip-hop? Read Doc Talks About Supporting Artists In Baltimore With @BaltimoreFlavaRadio on Doc’s Castle Media.

Pharaoh Slumzyniah Produces Fire With Release of 2nd Underground Album “No Role Models, No Rules”

This week, Baltimore native Pharaoh Slumzyniah released his second underground album No Roles Models, No Rules and reveals that embracing your dark side can be quite cultivating, too. He further introduces to the world a new type of hip-hop, which he calls menace rap, a new style of music that has no regards to what society expects. It’s an album geared entirely to “not giving any f*%@s.”

No Role Models, No Rules was set to release Saturday, November 15, 2014. Unfortunately, the anticipated underground album was delayed an additional 3 days building more anticipation for Slumzy fans. But despite the contrary, the album still exceeded fans’ expectations, and has proven a bigger and better composition than his previous discography .

The album is composed of 18 somber, but still upbeat, tracks that, though may get you pondering whether you should be nodding your head or seeking to drown in your sorrows, will have you dancing nonetheless.

To name a few artists who have been featured on the Pharaoh’s new mixtape are War Drumz Audio artists FLuX, Leon Dominick, Quinn Shabaz and Based rap artists Lor Bluntz and Hazmat Caz.

Experimental sounds of dubstep, old school, westcoast, and hardcore hip-hop influenced and blended together on No Role Models No Rules to create an exquisitely composed masterpiece. Majority of the album’s producer credits comes from Pharaoh Slumzyniah, himself, as Slumzy along with Exclusive Orchestra, Def Starz, The Marvel, Clyde Strokes, Xeno Carr and other talented producers, including Baltimore and War Drumz Audio Art artist Tony Bonez Sinatra.

“Thumbs Up” Tracks

My favorite tracks on No Role Models, No Rules are “Fall of Pete” featuring Hazmat Caz and “Cypress Hill” featuring Lor Bluntz & FLuX.

“Fall of Pete” is a song that’ll place you in nostalgia of west coast rap. Do you remember Snoop Dogg’s “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” The instrumental will have you thinking the music video should be set in a neighborhood similar to East Compton. I wonder if that’s something to look forward to from Mr. Slumzyniah, hmm?

“Cypress Hill” is a pothead’s anthem and we just don’t get enough of those, right? Depicted from three perspectives, the listener gets the inside to how the infamous Mary Jane comforts and provides remedy while they all float their way to solace on cloud nine.

No Role Models, No Rules is now available for download on Datpiff.com. Be sure to get your copy today! (CLICK THIS LINK FOR DOWNLOAD) Don’t forget to follow Pharaoh Slumzyniah’s social media at Pharaoh Slumzyniah on Facebook, Slum_Money on Instagram, and SKSlumzy on Twitter.

Do you expect to hear more from Pharaoh Slumzyniah in 2015? Leave your comments below.

Have you read our last WDAA Alert? Read Music Highlight: Quinn Shabaz ft. Jimmy Apoet & Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.

Kat Dahlia Shows Baltimore Lots of Love at Baltimore Soundstage For My Garden Tour

On Sunday, November 16, 2014, hip-hop artist Kat Dahlia stopped through Baltimore for her My Garden Tour to give us a little preview of her debut album My Garden.

It was my first time seeing Kat Dahlia perform and she definitely came through and showed us the best of what she had while on stage that night.

Kat Dahlia’s line up during her set consisted of a few familiar songs, which any Kat Dahlia fan would easily know and sing the words to. The energy of the crowd that night was awesome, though the audience was a little tight nit. It was what Kat described to be “small and intimate.”

The performance set included a playlist of her songs Crazy, The High, and more of her classics. As she performed, she painted a picture for her listeners, giving everyone the back story to her love life, and ultimately explained to everyone what each song to her album stemmed from. It was very interactive as she asked people if they’ve ever been through what she’s gone through and if they understand heartbreak how she has. She also performed covers to Lauryn Hill’s “Zion” and A Great Big World’s “Say Something.” But the crowd absolutely turned up for her popular debut single, “Gangsta,” dancing and singing every word of the lyrics.

Kat Dahlia brought with her a band of men from different cultures. She stated with a settle giggle, “My men come from all over.”

A bass player from cuba…

A white man who showed us his smooth skills on the piano and guitar…

And a black man who let us bump while banging on the drums…

The night was at its best.

While I spoke to a few people at the concert before Kat blessed the stage, I asked them how they’ve got familiar with this musical goddess. Lots of people said they researched who she was using Google and found some of her videos posted on YouTube. Since then, they’ve kept up with what she’s been releasing. Cool!

Doc’s Castle Media ran a contest for dedicated readers and fans of Kat Dahlia a few days before the concert. Two lucky winners got the chance to see Kat Dahlia free with a special guest.

Ms. Brittany

Mr. Anthony

I hope both contestants enjoyed themselves at the show. I was secretly spying on them while I was there to see if they enjoyed. I would hate it they’d went and they didn’t have fun. Haha. I think the mission was accomplished.

Baltimore showed Kat Dahlia so much love that evening. I hope she comes back to our charmed city once the album drops to give us sort of delayed encore so more people can get in tune with this refreshingly new style of hip-hop, which she refers to as ….

What’s your favorite Kat Dahlia song? Let us know in the comments below.

Have you read about the last concert Doc attended at Baltimore Soundstage? Read Shoutout to Baltimore Punk Rock Band Ballyhoo For Setting off Halloween The Right Way on Doc’s Castle Media.