Jai Fears – Gemini

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Jai Fears steps out of the background and into the spotlight with new EP ‘Gemini’ 

DETROIT, MI – Geminis sometimes get a bad rap. They have a reputation for being liars, cheats and thieves, or at the very least having yin-and-yang personalities that are often untrustworthy. But Jai Fears is here to put those suspicions to rest with her new EP “Gemini.”  

Over the course of seven songs, Fears unpacks the deeper truths of what it truly means to be a Gemini with vibes and lyrics that are equal parts upbeat and introspective. As a professional in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades, Fears showcases an adept skill at making high quality music and displays a beautiful voice that demands to be heard.  

“We always get dogged out when we tell people we’re Geminis,” Fears said. “It’s one of the more looked-down-upon signs. But let’s be proud of who we are. If they want to look down on us, that’s their problem. We’re gonna stand tall with our crazy selves and all.” 

Fears raises that anthem across the entire EP, but most specifically with the title track “Gemini.” It was the second song she wrote after the initial single “Me and My Girlfriend,” and she said with so much time on her hands during the global pandemic, she was given the blessing in disguise to focus on and finish the entire project. Usually, she would be touring as a dancer and background performer for Charlie Wilson, with whom she’s been touring for 15 years. But she’s no knock-off. As a singer, Fears has her own take on what it means to live well and enjoy life. She said the forced break has given her the opportunity to bring those skills to the recording studio and finalize a project that she’s been working on for years. 

“I finally had time during the pandemic to focus on myself and get it done,” she said. “I’ve always been dancing behind someone and doing other jobs, and I never had time to perfect my own music and finish it and put all those touches on it that make it right. So this has been a crazy blessing in disguise. It’s been a long time coming because I’ve been working on it for quite some time. And being my first project, it’s a way for people to get to know me. The whole theme of the EP is based off me being a Gemini and having two personalities in real life. There’s the plain me – the everyday, no-makeup, sweat-clothes-wearing me – and then there’s the Jai Fears side.” 

Fears said she hopes fans will like her music because she brings a new vibe to Pop, R&B and Soul. She said her style is to take a cue from old-school music and fuse it with sounds from today for a truly original offering to global music scene.  

“Energetic with a nice pop of old-school style is me in a nutshell,” she said. “At the end of the day, I hope that my music is known for being different than anything else I’m surrounded by, music-wise. I hope my brand and music is known for making a difference and helping people. That’s what my whole #MembersOnly brand is all about. I’m building a lifestyle of people respecting one another whether they agree with their life choices or not, uplifting one another with positive and good vibes. And lastly, inspiring people to reach goals and follow their dreams and aspirations. Music is one of the strongest if not the strongest force we have on earth. I’m doing my part of making it a positive one.”   

To listen to Jai Fears’ music or to follow her on social media, please visit:  

https://www.jaifears.com 

https://www.instagram.com/Jaifears 

https://www.facebook.com/gemjaifears 

https://www.twitter.com/Jaifears 

https://www.soundcloud.com/Jaifears 

https://www.YouTube.com/Jaifears 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iQkvCN4OxmavMBbhwee0N?si=5r1y-zPRR5OjzpytncdGDg 

“Gemini” 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjxvng3K9cxfJD_dzYYo43b6qpBOYkJKx

Lil Djo – Murder To Be

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Lil Djo showcases rise from the struggle with new single ‘Murder to Be’ 

AUSTIN, TX – While growing up at Rundberg Lane, one of the rougher neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, Lil Djo claims that the one thing that kept him sane was his certainty that one day he was going to blow up on the music scene. Fast forward a decade to today and this young up-and-coming artist is ready to fulfill that promise with a bevy of new music. Set to launch a handful of singles over the next few months, Lil Djo is kicking things off with a bold introduction to his signature style with the song “Murder to Be,” currently available across all streaming platforms.  

“I’m just getting started and this is a little introduction of what’s about to come,” he said. “I’m fixing to start dropping a whole lot after this. So this is just me speaking into existence what I’ve known all along,  that I’m gonna blow up off this music. I’m just letting it be known with a little aggressive wordplay that this is what my music is. It’ll make you feel some type of way and you’ll get that emotion. You’ll feel the same emotion I’ve got.” 

Being surrounded by the dangers of an area known for poverty, crime, and well known drug abuse. It’s not out of the ordinary that Djo started getting into trouble at an early age. He claims,“There’s a mindset here that everybody is accustomed to which I feel is what brings out the hate in people, you just gotta move right and hope for the best”. Rap has always been a constant for him however, and his one ray of hope for getting out of that lifestyle. Much of his lyrics are inspired by that struggle and born from the dreams he has for some day seeing financial success. And he hopes along the way his music will inspire people to have that everyday mindset that it takes to rise up in the world.  

“I knew I was gonna get into music since I was young, and I feel like this is the right time,” he said. “I feel like my voice is right now and I’m in the right situation to be heard. Everything is coming together and I got a whole plan. I’m just gonna take off, and once I get elevated, I have a whole lot more.” 

When it comes to Lil Djo’s signature sound, he said there’s no one else out there like him in the music industry. Inspired by legends such as Lil Wayne whose lyricism is unprecedented, Lil Djo said his lyrics are equally filled with emotions and stories that put listeners right into the middle of the scenarios he’s painting. Often utilizing Trap and Drill, Lil Djo takes those familiar sounds and beats and adds some Pop to them for something a little more upbeat and original. And he said that sound will be further explored on some of the new singles he has planned for October and November.  

To listen to Lil Djo’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/darfurdjo/

Kinney – SHM

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Kinney displays intriguing Darkroom R&B sound 
on new EP ‘Where I Was’ 

RICHMOND, VA – John Kinney is the kind of R&B artist you don’t see coming. His sound is unlike anything currently heard in the R&B world – a deeper, darker more ambient sound that pairs the sultry smooth vocals of a true R&B artist with the dark tones of Hip HopHe calls the sound Darkroom R&B and he puts it on full display on his new EP “Where I Was.” 

Currently available across all streaming platforms, “Where I Was” features six songs that tell a story of a breakup but in a unique way – backwards to forwards. The first song of the EP is Kinney telling his girlfriend that he cheated on a girl, while the last song on the project is the story of his fist encounter with the girl that he cheated with.  

“Everything connects,” Kinney said of the EP. “It’s kind of a cool way to tell a story of a breakup and the typical stuff that comes with that. This is a bad breakup because a guy gets caught cheating and everything plays out after that. It’s real ambient with that Darkroom R&B. I make music that’s out of the box. I’m very versatile between singing and rapping and I switch through genres but at the end, it’s all original. I typically genre-bend every song and try to find different sounding beats than what’s in the mainstream. But my beats are darker and more ambient, kind of like The WKND uses.” 

The debut single from the EP is the second song on the project called “SHM”. Kinney said those are the initials of his ex-girlfriend. He also said the song is probably the darkest-toned one on the EP and goes into some dark places lyrically as he tries to explain himself and why he is the way he is. 

“I try to do a story on every album,” he said. “I write a lot of albums even though I don’t put everything out. I just like to do something different and see if people pick up on it. Sonically, this project goes upwards from dark to light, and ‘SHM’ is probably the darkest. Story-wise, the EP also goes from dark to light.” 

Kinney said he first got into music when he was young, listening to legends like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. As he grew older, he began to be influenced by Hip Hop artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He’s used those influences to hone his signature sound, combining his natural ability as a vocalist with his skills of flow. 

“I actually started off rapping and found out I could really sing,” he said. “I’ve always written deeper songs that on the surface might sound like bubblegum but when you really pay attention you realize how deep they are. At the end of the day, I want my music to touch people and make them feel stuff. I want to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest.” 

Kinney said in addition to “Where I Was,” he’s also got another EP and some music videos set to drop later this year, as well as a mixtape that could drop in early 2021. 

To listen to Kinney’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://twitter.com/johnkinney16 

https://www.instagram.com/kinney_wonder/

Jameel Mason – Quarantine Mami

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Realign, reroute and refocus: Jameel Mason Thrives despite an uncertain year 

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – With multiple singles out and a new album on the way, Jameel Mason has made the most of his 2020 experience. Fueled by a traditional East Coast and New School sound and the drive to make the most of any occasion, he has spent the last year creating interesting and relatable tracks for anyone to enjoy. 

Mason began making music in high school in his cousin’s make-shift basement studio. “After school, I would go over to his house and he would just be making beats, and one day he said ‘Yo, man, you should just try to freestyle.’ So I started recording in his basement and fell in love with it ever since.” 

Having grown up in New Jersey, the culture and sound of Hip Hop that cultivates there has always been a large part of his artistic persona. “My style is more East Coast focused because that’s just where I’m from, but coming up the New York Sound was very prevalent in the 90s and early 2000s, so my sound definitely stems from that. With the production of the 808 Trap beats and new melodies that we have now though, I would say that my sound is really just a fusion of an East Coast sound with a New School spin on it.”  

Mason accredits much of his musical inspiration to his experiences and life in general. He draws on everything from relationships to childhood experiences and things that he’s going through right now. “It’s my life and I bottled it up and put it into my music. It’s really something that we all experience, but we have our own view and our own perspective on it. That’s mainly the place that I come from and where I draw inspiration from.” 

Mason’s music is a window into himself. Some of the more recent tracks that he’s released have included “Quarantine Mami,” on which his sister is featured, and “Jersday,” his latest release. “Quarantine Mami came about because everybody in the whole world knows the experience of being in the house and being on lockdown, so when I came across a beat that automatically spoke to me, I called up my sister and said, ‘Hey, I need a verse from you.’ A week later, we went to the studio and recorded it.” Similarly, “Jersday” is about the hometown pride that is so prevalent in New Jersey and the areas that he lives in.  

Along with all that Mason has already done this year, he is preparing to put out an album in the next coming months, something that should be well anticipated by anyone who has taken interest in his music. Viewers can also look out for several music videos that are set to be released soon, all of which have the signature Jameel Mason flair to them. 

“I know we’re in a tough time. I know we all had plans for the future that kind of got derailed by the virus, but you have to prevail; realign, reroute and refocus. I had a lot of lofty goals which didn’t happen because of the virus but I had to realign, reset and refocus. I think that’s that – that’s what determines true resiliency.” 

Check out Jameel Mason on social media and listen to his music with the links found below. 

https://mobile.twitter.com/jameelmason 

https://www.instagram.com/JameelMason 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS1_UZQXWWqFkHlE0dvKuA 

www.jameelmason.com 

“Quarantine Mami 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3rarYwfepvQH356dGPucL5?si=QIikyJizQ2SmLAnN_caDA 

Thorin Loeks – In This Place

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Nature, introspection, and explorations of the human spirit inspire hope-filled new album from Indie/Pop artist Thorin Loeks 

NORTH VANCOUVER, CANADA – Thorin Loeks has seen more of the world than most people will see in their lifetimes. At only age 30, he has bicycled and canoed over 15,000 kilometers across North America with a guitar on his back. He has prospected for gold in the Northern Yukon Territory, backpacked through South America, Thailand, India, and Nepal, cycled more than 6,000 kilometers from the West Coast to the East Coast of North America, canoed 3,800 kilometers down the Mississippi River from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, paddled the Wind River to the Arctic Circle, and then bicycled yet another 6,000 kilometers from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, through his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon, down the west coast to San Francisco.  

It was this most recent journey from northern Canada down the West Coast of America that inspired his new album “In This Place”, 10 songs which feature his signature Indie/Rock/Pop sound. Described as a “West Coast feel that’s very introspective,” the project features Folk-Pop singles like “Open Sky” which has already been released to international success, along with more soothing, lush, ambient songs like “Ice Age” and “With You”, which blend soaring nature inspired acoustics/vocals with a more introspective, intimate, and emotional tone.   

“I’ve been songwriting since I was a teenager and there has always been a common theme through my music, which is a sense of hope. Through the journey of being inherently imperfect, something we all share, constantly making mistakes, and navigating the understanding, processing, acceptance of these things within ourselves and with others, I’m a person who is always wanting to grow and evolve as a human. I enjoy seeing people succeed by going through the lifelong exploration, struggle, learning and elation of growing into better versions of ourselves.” Overall, Thorin says his new album, “In This Place”, explores the interplay between nature, human connection, and the inner heart. While unafraid to explore deeper and sometimes darker melancholic emotional spaces, it ultimately is filled with feelings of hope, inspiration, redemption, rejuvenation, and a renewed faith in both the inner and outer worlds of the human spirit – qualities he hopes will resonate with people during these uncertain times. “It’s a combination of connecting with the landscape, communities, and people, but also with oneself,” Thorin said of the music on the album. “The world and our time here can be challenging, painful, and confusing in so many ways, but I am starting to gain a greater understanding of my own journey through life. The meaning, emotional depth, and gratitude I have imbued in this album while drawing upon different genres of music hopefully reflects that.” 

In his musical journey, Thorin’s sound has also evolved significantly from his first album, which was fundamentally Indie Folk. While his second album “Shine Through The Dark” introduced a mix of Blues, Rock, and Pop songs to his Indie Folk sound, it is in the seamless, smoother, and more advanced blending of these different genres and elements with his acoustic roots that makes his new album, “In This Place”, really stand out sonically. 

Thorin has always had a special connection to nature. He grew up in the Yukon Territory when his family moved there to start a wilderness adventure guiding company. He remembers fondly many experiences with his family and friends – hiking in the wild, canoeing down rivers, and seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes this planet has to offer. As he grew older, he began to bring a guitar with him on his travels, and the music that sprung up from his experiences became the seeds and inspiration for his journeys as a traveling musician.  

His signature Indie/Pop sound is the perfect platform for this storyteller who weaves in highly detailed descriptions of the places he’s been while sharing sometimes unbelievable stories of experiences he’s had meeting people from all walks of life and cultures. Working closely with good friend, audio engineer, and co-producer David TallaricoThorin has developed an album that truly welcomes listeners into an ambient yet grounded atmosphere of soothing sounds, and emotional/introspective lyrics.  

“My music is coming from the heart and soul and a very real place,” Thorin said. “It’s written from personal experiences and inspired by people and places I’ve spent time connecting and communing with. It’s easy for us to get disconnected in this world, and I hope these songs can be a source of authenticity and warmth where people can draw upon them and know they aren’t alone. Over the last three years, I’ve put everything into this album. I’ve really tried to pour as much as I could into every song individually as well as create a cohesive whole. Hopefully, other people will be able to resonate meaningfully with it.” 

Thorin recently embarked on another 600 kilometer canoe trip with a friend down the KluaneDonjek, White, and Yukon Rivers in the Yukon Territory to Dawson City – a trip he says helped him reconnect with his roots. This journey will serve as the background for video footage to go with some of his new songs, so fans can likely expect to see those visuals in the near future. 

To listen to Thorin Loeks’ music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

www.thorinloeks.com 

www.instagram.com/thorloeks 

www.facebook.com/thorinloeks 

“In This Place” 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5K3UjXOqfjUmAGNXJGlHMN 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-this-place/1525443561 

https://soundcloud.com/thorin-loeks/sets/in-this-place-album-2020 

“Open Sky” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivkq8os-7pE&ab_channel=ThorinLoeks

Hytez – Stradivarius

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Witty wordplay mixes with feel-good vibes on Hytez’s new mixtape ‘Welcome to Mars’ 

FORT WORTH, TX – There’s more than just mastery of wordplay to the music coming from Southern rapper Hytez. The depth that drips from every lyric is the kind of thought-provoking artistry that only comes around once in a generation. And that adept ability to turn a phrase that makes people ponder is put on full display with his new mixtape “Welcome to Mars.”  

Slated to drop across all streaming platforms on his 20th birthday, Sept. 18, “Welcome to Mars” is true to its name in creating an otherworldly experience that takes listeners to an enlightened plane of existence. Inspired by the music of Travis Scott, “Welcome to Mars” features 14 songs that embrace a similar persona that Hytez calls “weird in the best way.” Scott’s musical style has been described as fusion of traditional Hip Hop, lo-fi and ambient – and that’s exactly the kind of sound Hytez creates with this new project. 

“I really like that he’s super weird and he doesn’t care,” Hytez said of Travis Scott. “He knows he’s weird and he uses that as part of his persona, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my music. As we were creating this tape, me and the homies took a break and we were just sitting around smoking and I was geeked. I was thinking about the music we were making and how I was feeling at the time, and I said, ‘I’m up on Mars right now. Welcome to Mars.’ It hit me weird and I knew immediately that was the perfect name for the project.” 

The debut single from the project is a song called “Stradivarius.” It’s the first track on the tape, and it’s the perfect display of Hytez’s ability to write lines that have multiple meanings and encourage listeners to think more deeply about what they’re hearing. The hook uses the line “the hoes are pulling at my strings like Stradivarius,” which is a great example of how a seemingly simple line from Hytez actually has a deeper meaning.  

“My lyricism is what sets me apart from anyone else out there today,” he said. “If you listen to what I say, in almost every line I’m saying, something is deeper than what you might think on the surface. When I’m serious, I write a lot about depression or bigger issues in the world. When I’m not serious and it’s more lit and upbeat, I like to do a lot of punchlines and make people laugh. But I’m always writing things to make people think more deeply of what I’m talking about. This mixtape is more about the vibes and stuff while a lot of my other music will connect with people in different ways. At the end of the day, I want to let people know that when they feel hopeless, they can turn to my music.” 

To listen to Hytez’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/hytez_/ 

https://twitter.com/hytez_ 

https://soundcloud.com/nrh_hytez 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMZmLjQx_rhOGHYjBfijsQ 

 

 

 

 

Josey Wellz – You Me Her

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Josey Wellz offers upbeat ‘have-fun’ track to end the summer with new single ‘You Me Her’ 

ATLANTA, GA – In today’s ever-changing industry of entertainment, true talent like Josey Wellz cannot be contained. He exploded onto the scene with a refreshing yet powerful sound that captivates both heart and mind, and with an R&B and Hip Hop fusion that taps into Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Pop vibes, he truly has a sound that is undeniable. 

Josey’s latest single “You Me Her” is a perfect example of his signature sound and style. Currently available across all streaming platforms, this upbeat party track is the perfect kind of song for the clubs or for a fun night out with friends. Like most of his music, the single came about organically as he sat in the studio and started thinking about the things he most enjoys on a night out. 

“What came out is just a pure, fun track,” Josey said. ‘It’s just good vibes and shooting the shit and having fun. I just sat down one day and started singing and that’s what came out, but that’s how I like to make my music. Over the past few years I’ve been finding more about myself and my creativity. There’s no limit and I’ve realized that I’ve been able to be more creative in my songwriting and in picking my beats. I’m opening myself up to being more lyrical and more versatile. At the end of the day, I have a different sound. I don’t sound like anybody. I’m not scared to be myself or try new things. And my style says a lot about being an individual and accepting that. I’m exclusive.” 

Josey Wellz is a nickname given to him by a childhood friend. Born Hananiah Joel Nicholas, this young artist moved to Atlanta a few years ago with a heart full of hope and talent. He fed his passion for music with every genre he could find. In 2017, he released his first EP, “I Can’t Help Myself,” which immediately started opening new doors of opportunities. In 2018, he was able to travel and perform all over the world.  

In the two years since, he’s been working on more music which he’s now excited to show to the world. He’ll be releasing a single every month through the end of the year.  

“My next body of work is exciting,” he said. “With new flows and a new sound, I’m entering life from a different perspective. I have more confidence and assurity, and I think that bravado comes across in my songs. But it’s more about individuality and embracing that than anything else. That’s what I really want to be known for. I want to be singled out as a true artist who is a unique individual, not just someone who is a good rapper.” 

Following the release of “You Me Her,” Josey said he’ll drop a second single in October called “Self Love.”  

To listen to Josey Wellz’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/josey_wellz/ 

https://www.facebook.com/josey.wellz.737 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXdITnTKGoBUMhsmY4tEHQ 

“You Me Her” 

https://open.spotify.com/track/2P6nR3FaPwDQssd3pZv8XP (Explicit) 

https://open.spotify.com/track/1wZ6Bd30TqaItuEITcR68J  (Clean) 

https://soundcloud.com/josey_wellz/you-me-her-explicit 

https://soundcloud.com/josey_wellz/you-me-her-clean

40 Abioye – Fortune Cookies

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Depth of wisdom drips from new album  ‘Fortune Cookies’ from Atlanta artist 40 Abioye 

ATLANTA, GA – 40 Abioye is the true definition of an Indie success story. Fiercely independent and articulate, this Atlanta-based artist has found a way to please both the hardcore Hip Hop fans and a much wider audience through soulful hooks, picture-painted verses and savvy collaborations with some big names in the industry. That pedigree is put on full display with his new album “Fortune Cookies,” which will be available across all streaming platforms later this year. 

Everybody loves getting the little bits of wisdom found in the center of a fortune cookie, and that’s the sentiment 40 Abioye is bringing with his new albumWith every single song on the project, 40 offers messages to the world that are a variety of good vibes, inspiration and challenges to look at the world with a different perspective.  

“When you get a fortune cookie, you never know what kind of message you’re gonna get,” 40 said. “That’s the same idea with this album – you never know what you’re gonna get until you push the button and see what the next song is about. I’m giving you a variety of different feels and I’m showing my growth as an artist. I start off the album by giving an introduction to myself and my perseverance over the years of doing this as an independent artist – the trials and tribulations of that journey. Then I have songs that talk about being the CEO of my own record label – Stoners Avenue Entertainment. I do some songs for the stoner community and talk about the cannabis movement that’s happening right now. Then I go to the females and talk about relationships. There are some songs about politics and the current state of what’s going on in the world. So really every song is a message.” 

The debut single from the project carries the same name as the album, “Fortune Cookies” and is now available across all streaming platforms. Fortune Cookies features well known Atlanta artist Derez De’shon. 40 Abioye is originally from Flint, Michigan and teamed up with well known Atlanta Artist Derez De’shon to gain new audience in 40 Abioye’s new home of Atlanta GA. It’s a subtle nod to the overall message of the song, he said, which is about the perseverance he had to go through to get to where he is today as a fast-rising artist in Atlanta.  

“I just want my legacy to be timeless songs,” he said of his music. “I want to be known as an artist who fought hard from the bottom and built his way up independently. My music is good enough to get me where I want to go without taking any shortcuts. I want people to see that you don’t have to have all the connections and a big following if you’re talented enough and believe in yourself. You can achieve success if you work hard and believe in yourself. You can’t go wrong when you give people your true self.” 

In addition to “Fortune Cookies,” 40 said he’s planning on releasing a second album called “Growth, Pain and Struggle” later this year or in early 2021.  

To listen to 40 Abioye’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/40abioye/ 

https://twitter.com/40Abioye 

https://www.facebook.com/Abioye40 

 ”Fortune Cookies” ft Derez De’shon 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3rswY7ZZdyVgWfLP8t5PZf?si=Ai8JY2ebQhmpr1hfBMzV3g 

https://music.apple.com/ca/album/fortune-cookies-feat-derez-single/1526931845

Curtisceo – Re Up

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New York artist uses music to encourage others to be CEOs of their own lives

BRONX, NY – It’s been quite a year of quarantine from the pandemic and adjusting to changes in the economy and in lifestyles, but many people are beginning to find a new normal and re-enter the workforce. New York artist Curtis CEO has created the perfect single for that sentimentality. It’s called “The Re Up,” and it’s currently available across all streaming platforms. With a laid-back chill vibe that emphasizes his thoughtful lyrics, “The Re Up” is a song that’s perfect for any occasion.

“I was a teacher before all this and now I’m not because of the pandemic,” Curtis said. “This song is for all those other people who have been waiting for normal to return. It’s a song that says whatever you’ve been doing in the past and have been forced to re-do in a new way, congratulations on making adjustments and doing things the right way. I just want my music to be known for getting people through their day. That’s how I got into Hip Hop and what has helped me through this tough time. I’d have a bad day and rush home and listen to music and it would make the day not so bad anymore.”

Curtis said “The Re Up” is a prelude to a full mixtape that’s set to drop in coming weeks called “Black Treasury Vol. 1.” Preorders for the project are currently being accepted on Curtis’ Distrokid website. With a concept that embraces a unique philosophy made into reality in Oklahoma and Florida surrounding the idea of a “Black Wall Street,” Curtis said the project is one that will encourage listeners to become the CEOs of their own lives.

“In spirit, I’d like to create a Black Wall Street that doesn’t get burnt down,” Curtis said. “In Oklahoma and Florida, they had that for a while but they didn’t have enough to protect whatever economy they had going for it. But I believe we can create our own economy and our own treasury and in essence, everybody can be the CEO of their own lives. Regardless of the circumstances of your own life, you can take chances and have success according to your own barometer of success, not anyone else’s barometer of success.”

“The mixtape will include 11 songs that are heavily influenced by the times we’re going through”, Curtis said. The debut single from the project is a song called “Roller Coaster,” which explores the joy and consequences of over-indulging during a night out. It’s a song that puts on display Curtis’ ability as a master of lyricism and shows off his skills with a Trap/Hip Hop/Drill sound.

To listen to Curtis CEO’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.ceosoundz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/curtisceoshaw/

https://www.facebook.com/Ceosoundz-111876720514284

https://ceosoundzcom.godaddysites.com/

“The Re Up”

https://soundcloud.com/user-579505311-112457346/re-up-curtisceo

“The Black Treasury Vol. 1”

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/curtisceo/the-black-treasury-vol-1

Taj The Elephant – Spotlight

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Taj the Elephant drops mega hit new single ‘Spotlight’ 

ATLANTA, GA – “Punjabi Reject Vol. 1” is out now in wide release, and the debut single from the project, “Spotlight,” has been gaining attention in just two weeks of release across all streaming platformsspreading like wildfire across the U.S. and in other parts of the world. The Trap/Soul fusion features a signature flow with auto tune and high reverb effects that Taj has perfected. With a beat that’s equal parts bouncy and melodic, listeners will want to put this song on repeat and play it wherever they’re at. 

“What happens to most guys once they get signed and actually get released?” he asked. “They get tons of attention and end up leveling up and hooking up with a baddie actress or singer. I wanted to capture that feeling, and that feeling literally bleeds through the video to the audience. It shows me and my beautiful woman enjoying the spotlight. We’re like this power couple just kind of telling the world, ‘I made it! I’m the king. Because I’m the king, now meet my queen.’ She’s stunning, powerful, and sultry. She’s mineand we deserve the spotlight. That is the entire theme and wave of the song.” 

Raised in the Punjabi tradition of an Indian family, he struggled with the overly strict environment established by his father. Although he was involved in both music and sports at a young age, Taj began to turn to the streets to seek the attention that wasn’t being given between the relationships in his home. At age 14, he began to rebel and got into trouble when he was arrested for possession of drugs and was taken to juvenile custody, expelled and kicked off the basketball team. At the age of 15 Taj dropped out of school and left his home. His continued rebellion which, among other things, included a passion for Hip Hop music, had come to a head in his parents’ house.  

“I didn’t feel like I belonged,” he said. I wasn’t one of them. I would have rather been out on the streets homeless than be in a home with nonstop abuse and scrutiny.”   

Within the Punjabi tradition, Hip Hop and “Black culture was highly frowned upon, and it’s exceedingly rare for someone of that heritage to pursue a career in that style of music. 

“There are countless times where I’ve come close to record label auditions or opening for bigger acts,” he said. “I was always kept down by f—ed up people. All of my setbacks constantly had me in and out of depression and addiction. There were people who took chances away from me and wanted to control meI just wasn’t always wise over the years. I think a combination of all those things plus the personal hell I’ve been though is why I’m so locked in now. I have a chip on my shoulder and I am not going to stop till I make my mark. I’m a Trap artist, periodI love trap music. You can hear that in the music. But, I’m like a great basketball player in that there’s no telling what my style is for sure. I might cross you up just to show you who’s the boss. Expect the unexpected.  I want my music to be an escape for everybody from all walks of life. Whether you’re White, Black, Indian, whatever, I want to break those barriers down. People go through real shit and I know how it is. When you’re happy, sad, alone, confused or motivated, you will find relatability in harmony and lyrics in my art and I want to give people that outlet to escape their realities through my music. 

To listen to Taj the Elephant’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://linktr.ee/TajtheElephant