Catching up with the PIQUEd collective’s features on the local scene.
Join us as we visit a l l i e and 2nd Son for a recording session at their Junction studio. They jammed out and we can RED-y. With a propensity for mixing genres and creating an atmosphere that engulfs whoever steps into her music, a l l i e has created a sound all her own.
Catch some of the old and new from a l l i e including ‘Cross My Mind’, ‘Private Island’, and ‘All For You’. Be sure to check our her recent EP entitled ‘Moonlust’. You can listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/alliemoves
From deep musical origins in Detroit, rapper/singer/songwriter Illa J has been slowly navigating his way through the oft-turbulent waters of Hip-Hop since the tender age of 13, when the young John Yancey aka Illa J wrote his first rhyme alongside his brother, the late great J Dilla. After his brother’s passing in ‘06, he began teaching himself piano, bass and taking vocal lessons while finding himself touring the world and recording a slew of Dilla-related projects, notably being an active member of Slum Village until 2014. His first solo album, ’08s Yancey Boys and the Frank Nitt 2013 collaborative album Sunset BLVD were both released on seminal label Delicious Vinyl. Feeling the need for a change creatively as well as geographically, in 2012 John moved to the future music hotbed that is Montreal ultimately making the connection with Canadian producers Nick Wisdom & AstroLogical aka Potatohead People (whose acclaimed Bastard Jazz debut album Big Luxury in Spring 2015 featured Illa J on two hit singles). The success of their initial collaborations inspired the team to dive into the studio and embark on Illa J’s new self-titled solo album, and present an entirely fresh sound of his own.
The album Illa J, produced without any samples by Potatohead People alongside a few groundbreaking co-producers, showcases a more mature and at-ease Illa J who is equally comfortable on top of an electronic boogie-inspired beat (“Universe”) as he is getting grimey over a trunk rattling G-Funk joint (the Kaytranada co-produced “Strippers”). On tracks like the sparse, Rhodes driven “Cannonball” (co-produced by Montreal’s Noo Bap), and the early 90s Spiritual / Acid Jazz inspired “Sunflower”, Illa flexes his muscles through both song and rhyme. And of course being true to his roots, the classic Detroit boom-bap sound is ever present on joints like “French Kiss”, “Perfect Game” (quite possibly Rap’s only ode to bowling), and “Never Left”, a touching tribute to his brother and a call-out to abusers of Dilla’s legacy. Vancouver mainstay MC Moka Only contributes invaluably to the cohesive sound of the album as well, providing signature smoothed-out vocal choruses to tracks like “She Burned My Art”, “All Good Pt. 2” and “Who Got It” (co-produced by Mosaic). Dropping Fall 2015 on Bastard Jazz Recordings, Illa J is a brilliantly-produced, diverse, and long overdue solo effort from Yancey.
Ty Harper | Audio,Music | Monday, January 13th, 2014
Dope!
When we first heard Allie on an EQ joint a while back, we knew right then that we had found the one. The first vocalist officially signed to HW&W, @alliemoves has the whole crew excited about whats about to come. Currently hard at work on her debut HW&W EP, you guys can expect a lot more from her soon.
Ty Harper | Audio,Music | Thursday, November 28th, 2013
Fresh off releasing visuals for her “Cross My Mind”, new comer a l l i e releases her 4-track “Strange Creature” debut project, scored by the production of 2nd Son. Also expect new music from her under the HW&W(Elaquent, Kaytranada) imprint in the near future.
Chedo chops it up with one of the dopes producers out right now…Birthday Boy.
My guest today is Birthday Boy who is an artist, DJ, and Producer. He is a key piece of our audio documentary “Northern Stars”. He’s produced for a l l i e, Drew Howard, and so many more dope artists.
I enjoyed our conversation from the beginning of Birthday Boy’s start to talking about the drive to make something, the fundamental need to connect with other people.
Each and every Wednesday we’ll be uploading a brand new interview with a guest we feel that you should know about. If you love podcasts subscribe to the options below.
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Check out the new book “Stop Playing By Their Rules: An Artist Guide On How To Market To Fans” bit.ly/2kgGzEV
Dope special edition of The Come Up Show! Description says it all. Take it in!
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “Toronto sound”? I’m willing to bet Drake or The Weeknd instinctively come to mind. What many don’t know is that Toronto’s music scene is complex and varies on a spectrum that goes beyond the dark, moody sound that often characterizes the city. Take for instance singer-songwriter and producer a l l i e, her style in music goes beyond the typical dark-moody sound that Toronto is known for. Her sound involves a lot of groove and funk undertones, something she calls “a mash-up of analog and digital”.
a l l i e isn’t the only star rising in Toronto’s alternative scene, artists like M.I. Blue, Clairmont the Second, and 2nd Son are also changing what is known as “Toronto sound.” In this episode of The Come Up Show we present our very first audio documentary presented by Soundcloud. We talk to artists from Toronto who contribute a unique and alternative sound to the city, share their perspective on being an artist in Toronto, and discuss whether or not the musical renaissance is changing things for the better. Thanks to stars like Drake and The Weeknd, Toronto has climbed the ranks of musical hotspots and is now able to bring our talented artists to light.
Each and every Wednesday we’ll be uploading a brand new interview with a guest we feel that you should know about. If you love podcasts follow/subscribe to The Come Up Show Podcast.
Follow us on SoundCloud! Subscribe to The Come Up Show Podcast on your favourite platform: bit.ly/2k57m7r Show us love and leave us a review: bit.ly/tcuspodcastreview Join our newsletter: bit.ly/tcusnewsletter
