Anais Aida is ready to take on the world. For the past couple of months, the gifted singer/songwriter has made serious noise with spellbinding covers of original songs by Rihanna, John Mayer and Janelle Monaé. At last, Anais steps into her own spotlight with the release of her debut single “Love Can Burn.”
In a world that introduces new artists by the day, MeLo-X makes it his mission to be the name that sticks to your brain. Fighting the comfort of monotony and safeness, MeLo’s music is evolutionary, risk-taking, eclectic and ultimately reminiscent of the early days of hip-hop with his engaging story-telling through slick rhymes over heart-thumping rhythms. But what exactly about the man behind the name has seemed to captivate us all? Perhaps it his behind-the-scenes life in producing, DJ’ing and playing instruments. Maybe its his undeniably cool yet vivacious original style that has also drawn the world to his fingertips. Or is it that his talents extend past music into the universe of photography and other types of visual art?
If we had to guess, our answer would be all of the above. It’s just something about MeLo that makes the rest of us look so boring. After a plethora of posts, features and reviews of our admiration for MeLo-X, Sound on Mars received the honor of becoming personally acquainted with the rising global wonder. It was much more than a Q & A about MeLo’s life; the story that MeLo shares is inspiration for the dream-chaser in all of us.
And then the day came, the woman, the artist, some wished to save and others wished nothing but the perceived inevitable which would be her sudden death. Amy Winehouse’s passing marks a monumental moment in not just pop culture but personally as well.
I’m sure many have a Back To Black story or a play-by-play of when they became acquainted with Ms. Winehouse. Radio had begun playing the shit out of “Rehab”, though I paid little attention. My sister asked me ” have you heard of Amy Winehouse, I responded “how could I not have, of course!” she went on to tell me, her album is out of this world, its deep, heavy and you need to hear it, she saying such knowing the music connoisseur I strive to be.
At the time I was in such a romantic and love filled space I wasn’t sure If I could emotionally relate to Amy’s central them of her music- heartbreak, anguish, loss, love has screwed me over,etc. So it was a while before I would fully envelop myself in Back To Black and of course Frank which is often forgotten.
But then the love filled space became a hurt filled space, I figured I’d give Amy Winehouse a listen, and just like the 11 million people who listened to the LP, I saw my self, I heard myself, and searched for myself thought the lyrics of “Some Unholy War”, “Tears Dry On Their Own”, and “Love is A Losing Game”, and every other Amy Winehouse song for that matter. This woman seemed to go through what I have gone through, she spoke to me in a way that made me yearn for a deeper and better understanding of love, that of which I give and receive. I saw that I am worth much more than I thought.
Amy’s lyrics were the unfortunate soundtrack to my unfortunate situation. She along with some self loathing, self-appreciation, etc were the savior I needed. Music often says what people can’t. For me, music is all about what’s beneath the surface. Where others shy away from such, Amy unabashedly drew her music from her own torment which made her an unconventional heroine.
It is amazing what music had the power to do. It’s amazing that we were sent Amy Winehouse. It’s amazing that she had the world at her feet waiting for what was to come. Much in the vein of Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, Amy’s music changed the world,mine especially.
So I say thank you Amy…
SOUND OFF.
Locked away in my cocoon. A world transfixed on what lies beneath. Words unsaid, stories untold, lies untruthed. It is only in my mental sanctuary I am able to diffuse the madness of life. A sense of discovery, purpose, and spirituality. Among the most confusion comes the most clarity.
…this is truly inspiring
SOUND OFF.
Rapper, producer, musician, photographer, visual artist—a true renaissance Man. MeLo-X. Join us as he makes his way to Sound On Mars next week.
A creative collision made in heaven…
SOUND OFF.
Still riding high on the obsession of “Heaven,” I’ve spent the last couple of days exploring the pure splendor of Emeli Sandé‘s original works. With Ms. Sandé, there is so much to fall in love with–her unique and soulful tone, the alluring originality of her sound, or her ability to cut into your soul with the heartfelt lyrical content of her music.
If you’re like me, it may be difficult to decide which of these qualities define your personal appreciation for Ms. Sandé’s amazing creations; to make it all easier, let’s hail Emeli Sandé as a member of today’s rare breed of true artists. She’s fresh. Distinctive. And most importantly, a symbol of just how impactful music can be.
Waste no more time…get lifted.
In an artist, there is just something so beautiful about vulnerability–it unlocks our desire to find solace in expressing emotion, accepting our personal realities, and releases us from pain. As Soul remarked, an artist has succeeded when they are able to speak the language of humanity to the hearts of people from all walks of life.
When I think of contemporary artists who achieve such purposes with their music, Jill Scott immediately comes to mind. “Hear My Call” is the perfect embodiment of what I am writing about. It’s fragile, broken, yet raw. It’s a song that has been on repeat since Jill’s LP has dropped.
Beyond words…
SOUND OFF.
I came across this photo recently and only one thought came to mind…
Who’s coming for The Queen?
*crickets*
SOUND OFF.
There is an extensive list of artists that I am impatiently waiting to return. Amongst those that claim the top of the list, the ONE-and-ONLY Ebony Bones sits comfortably. In less than two years, I have been converted to one of her most devoted and awe-struck fans.
Unlike many in the industry, Ebony is the definition of a risk-taker. Her artistry exists without limits or boundaries; she surrenders her soul to her craft. In several ways, without saying it at all, her music makes a bombastically unforgettable statement: fuck the world and live by your own rules.
Live on…
SOUND OFF.
Tilda, Tilda, Tilda. Every time I set eyes on her, I am transported to zenith. She is the climax, the high-note, the epitome of style. She is a woman of undeniable perspective and undeniable intrigue. Her latest W spread and cover is all that dreams are made of….well my dreams at least.
…The Dream Woman
SOUND OFF.
When I think of music and women specifically, sometimes it baffles me as to why certain artist reach certain levels of success and others have not. In an industry where woman are not often seen as the premium Beyonce has totally shitted on everyone. When it comes to singing, work-ethic, and above all performing. When she touches the stage she is all but human. For that reason and that reason alone I think she has reached a level where she can headline festival after festival. A level where her names is synonymous with greatness. To see her atop a stage with hundreds of thousands in attendance changes the world.
She represents possibilities…
SOUND OFF.
Christmas. A day that commemorates the birth of the world’s most beloved being, God. Well, when it comes to earthly beings, what’s more loved than men. Masculinity, rage, stout physiques, and well the other main component missing from the list. With style there is such a glass ceiling that exist. A man can’t wear this or that. That makes him gay, to metro, or feminine. All labels that restrict what defines a man and a highly demonstrated form of universal mind control. So upon seeing this image I saw what defines a man- boldness.
There needs to be a birth of a new species of man, not afraid and daring to just be. Fashion in this sense has long been ahead of its time
…and who wouldn’t want to wear a plaid onesie
SOUND OFF.
Style is often confused with fashion and this ‘look’ that is validated by individuals who have achieved the look. I wholeheartedly disagree and see style as not a look or a trend, but a perspective and a voice.
Style speaks loud…
SOUND OFF.
The Weeknd have been on everybody’s music radar it seems. The identity of the artist has been somewhat unclear and not as exposed as their music which I can appreciate. That said, I went on another investigative search to find the person known as The Weeknd. I discovered Abel Tesfaye, a Toronto Based indie singer. The mystic surrounding the reclusive artist makes him all the more intriguing and equally authentic.
The music industry is over saturated with image driven artist , so The Weeknd is all the more compelling for just letting the music speak for itself
I felt like I wasn’t the only one who wanted to get more familiar, so thank me later…
SOUND OFF.
If you’ve been to our site before, then you know that both Soul and myself are in a deep love affair with Diana Ross. During a recent Google binge, I came across this photograph and Ms.Ross managed to snatch my breath away for the hundredth time. There is no denying this woman’s signature glamour, larger-than-life presence and indisputable influence on all of the new girls that command the charts, magazine pages and TV screens today.
Not that any of these words are even necessary–even when she isn’t speaking at all, Ms. Ross speaks for herself.
Legendary…
SOUND OFF.
When your eyes lock in on the words “Sade” and “cover” in the same sentence, it is enough to make you piss your pants. Sade is one of those artists whose greatness almost makes it impossible to cover any of the incomparable classics found in their catalog. Despite my appreciation for the undoubtedly talented Chris Turner, my heart raced as I pressed the play button to his rendition of one of Sade’s best, “Kiss Of Life.”
