The London alternative rock band, Everywhere, has been on the move in just a few short years. The group recent released their critically acclaimed EP, Fiction Act. Now, they are back with a brand new single, “Moments”. The group was inspired after hearing Swedish singer Kev’s original version of the song. However, their version peppers in a more celebratory and triumphant feel. You can’t help but be in a good mood while listening to this song. The production offers some amazing sounding multicultural elements.
“Moments” urges the listener to be carefree and live in the time that counts the most, right now. Max Berga’s vocals have a bit of a melancholy tinge, which ads great character to the track. A happy go lucky voice would have honestly spoiled the track. Max’s unique vocals make the song instantly memorable and enjoyable. If you feel like there’s a blast from the past here, you’re not alone. The vibe of the production has an 80s feel. Nevertheless, the group still manages to execute a sound that sits comfortably next to the music of today. Make no mistake though. “Moments” is just one testament of a group that doesn’t fit into a mold. Instead, Everywhere continuously creates new molds with their infectious brand of music.
So, take a listen to “Moments” for yourself. You can stream the song on Spotify today. What are you thoughts on the single?
I get it. Fall is officially here and watermelon season is out the door. Give me pumpkin spice or nothing else! I know. However, today’s Thirsty Thursday is worth you putting down that pumpkin spiced latte for just a moment. I recently discovered the WTRMLN CHRRY drink at Target. I was looking for something I could drink during the day besides water that didn’t sacrifice taste or nutrients. That’s when I found this delicious drink. It was truly more than I bargained for.
The cold pressed drink has just a few simple ingredients, including watermelon flesh, watermelon rind, organic tart cherry juice concentrate and organic lemon juice. So, what makes this drink so cool and refreshing? I’m glad you asked. The WTRMLN CHRRY has 570 mg of potassium, which is more than your favorite sports drink. Ever heard of L-Citrulline? Well, you need it if you’re going to fight off those holiday pounds in the gym. There are 510 mg of it in this drink. Plus, the drink has 60% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. This is not to mention it’s only 60 calories and 16 grams of carbs (13 of which are from sugar).
I know just what you are thinking. Sounds great, but how does it taste? Freaking amazing. This is one of the best low calorie drinks I have tasted in quite a long time. It tastes like an indulgent drink that you should only taste sparingly. In fact, it is quite the opposite (at least in terms of portion control). Look no further than WTRMLN CHRRY for a great, energy boosting, hydration filled and electrolyte sparking mix of taste bud heaven. Check it out and grab a bottle for yourself. Let me know your thoughts!
Bottoms up. You know what time it is. It’s Thirsty Thursday!
Q, Mike, Slim and Daron, better known as 112, are back. Their infectious blend of Hip Hop inspired R&B has been bleeding from speakers for the past two decades. However, nearly half of that time is the break since their last album, Pleasure & Pain. The Atlanta based quartet has returned with their new album, Q Mike Slim Daron. Many fans and pundits have wondered if the group still has the same star appeal after a 12 year hiatus. Tracks like the seductive bass thumper, “Come Over” and the poignant slow jam, “Without You”, answer that question with a resounding “yes”. The latter track even samples from their hit song, “Cupid”. The group pulls off the throwback reference well, without sounding corny.
“Both Of Us” is the album’s biggest surprise. The fact that the song sounds good was expected, but the guest feature from past rival R&B band, Jagged Edge, was not. Surprisingly, each group’s set of voices blend together well. In fact, it’s one of the stand out tracks from the album. Faith Evans also stops by to lend her gospel tinged pipes on a short interlude. “True Colors” sounds a bit dated, even though it’s still a decent song. The only issue is it sounds like it was directly taken from their 90s heyday. “Wanna Be” really showcases their vocal strength as a unit. This one sounds like a shoe in for the perfect Valentine’s Day single.
“Still Got It” is a memorable and catchy reminder to their ladies that the love is still good after all these years. The group’s mentor, the “take that, take that” master himself, Puff Daddy, is absent from production on this project. Although he crafted some of the group’s biggest hits, the gamble of not including him is commendable. Their music sounds more calculated and mature now, as it should be. Don’t mistake it though. 112 still has some danceable tracks here. “Lucky” is an up-tempo declaration of how great it feels to finally find true love.
“1’s For Ya” keeps up with the current trends in music. However, the group manages to dodge conformity and create their own lane through a large majority of the album. 112 brought real R&B music back on Q Mike Slim Daron. It’s about time. Hopefully we won’t have to wait another 12 years until their next album.
I recently had some self inflicted body damage on my car. I was so angry at myself, although it wasn’t totally my fault. Nevertheless, I had to wait to get my car fixed. I didn’t have $1000 just laying around to fix the damages. I was really starting to stress about how I would get the car fixed. Last week, I drove my car close to empty for nearly two days. I had the money for gas, but I kept procrastinating. I know, I’m working on it. Finally, I left work one day last week and had to make a B line to the gas station.
I scolded myself on the way there for being so silly to wait this long to get gas. Little did I know, it was all a part of the plan. A guy pulled up in a big Ford truck and asked if I needed body work done on my car. I usually don’t entertain those types of conversations. However, that day I did. He told me that he could fix my car (in the gas station parking lot) for just $200. I’m a very skeptical person, but that day I decided to go with it.
Long story short, he had my car looking like brand new. You can’t even tell the damage. The guy did it in less than 15 minutes. That day was such a blessing and it came at a time when I really needed a reminder from God. Sometimes God allows us to go through situations that will make us ask, “Why me?” The answer should be, “Why not me?” However, God still let me see the silver lining in my cloud.
Never give up on God. He never fails us. Everything He does is amazing and in perfect order. Speaking of amazing, make sure you check out the beautiful new gospel ballad from John Patrick Adams, “I’m Amazed”. This song truly speaks to the glory of God. He sees us and knows what we’re going through. We just have to trust Him. He’s just that amazing.
Snoh Aalegra, the Swedish born songstress, has finally released her full length debut album, FEELS. She’s the mentee of producer No I.D. Although this is her debut album, you should do yourself a favor and check out her EP, Don’t Explain. She credits the 70s, 80s and early 90s as her strongest musically influenced eras. Her music definitely showcases those influences with ease. Snoh Aalegra opens FEELS with the beautiful, sultry, “All I Have”. This is quickly followed by the low bass groove, “Sometimes”. The song features rapper Logic, who offers a poignant and memorable verse. The song has melancholy undertones, but is one of the strongest offerings on the album.
She turns up the tempo on the self reflective and tropical sounding, “You Got Me”. Her vocals are effortlessly hypnotic. She has a delicate pain that draws the listener in for more. Here, she admits that her lover has her in the palm of his hand. The bluesy “Out Of Your Way” is a gentle dream that makes you want to stay asleep. She pleads, “Can’t you see that I’m tryin?/Can’t you see that I’m hurtin?”. Vic Mensa stops by on the Motown-esque, “You Keep Me Waiting”. Although this is one of the more lyrically dense songs on the album, it has an easy listening feel. Plus, Vic Mensa’s flow fits the track like a glove here.
“Fool For You” sounds like the hit that got away from Jazmine Sullivan. This chilling track conveys how we have all felt like a fool for love at some point in life. However, there is something about the tone of her voice here that sounds content, even triumphant. Clearly, Snoh isn’t letting her “foolishness” for love get her down. She’s just merely stating the facts (“I should run the other way, but I stay right here”). “Time”, dedicated to the memory of her father, is an unarguable standout on FEELS. The song details those feelings of wishing we cherished certain moments more. This track is one of many that speaks volumes to her unique artistry.
Vince Staples, another Hip Hop underground heavyweight, stops by for the theatrically produced “Nothing Burns Like The Cold”. The song sounds like a shoe in for the next James Bond film. “FEELS”, the album’s title track, has a Stevie Wonder appeal that she pulls off extremely well. This is instant vintage at its finest. She brings Paris to our auditory senses on this rich love song. Snoh Aalegra fully acknowledges the guards she has up on the sassy and melodic, “Walls”.
Snoh Aalegra has a voice and style that is all her own. Her music is lyrically unapolegtic. Her vocals are piercing, yet soothing at the same time. She is definitely one of the most refreshing artists in R&B music (and music, period) to grace the scene in a very long time. Make sure you catch the FEELS too.
Pink has always had a knack for conveying heartbreak through song in a way that resonates with her audience. She can be quirky and witty (“So What” and “You Make Me Sick”) or seriously gritty (“The Great Escape” and “Just Like A Pill”). Although it’s hard to believe all of these sad love songs pertain to her own love life, they sound no less authentic. Her latest album, Beautiful Trauma, was released on October 13th (Friday the 13th). There’s no bad luck here though. The title track kicks things off on a high note, with house music infused sounds. She acknowledges that this love is a drug she can’t shake.
Eminem joins the party on the clever, pop tinged “Revenge”. The pair mesh so well together that hopefully there’s a collaborative album in the works. The song speaks of the familiar feeling of wanting to get back at an ex. The cluster of songs that follow have a more adult contemporary sound. Don’t fret. This is still Pink we’re talking about here. Her feisty attitude is still in full effect. “Whatever You Want” captures this essence with explicit verses (“Running like a dog/Feeling like I bitch too much”) coupled with a gentle chorus (“I feel like our ship’s going down tonight/But it’s always darkest before the light”).
The lead single, “What About Us” isn’t as gutsy or brass as the ones from her previous albums. Nonetheless, the song has universal appeal. She questions the notion of a happy ever after. The song can easily be applied to a romantic relationship, friendship or the struggles of life. “But We Lost It” is tender ballad and one of the stand out tracks. She bluntly admits, “We had a thing, but we lost it”. Her voice is smooth here, with less of her signature raspy tone. This one definitely has hit single potential written all over it.
Pink reminisces to a time when things were carefree on the nostalgic gem, “Barbies”. “Secrets” gives off a Madonna vibe, circa the late 80s. She never gets close to revealing what her secret is but guarantees that it will be hard to swallow. The two standout tracks from Beautiful Trauma are “Better Life” and “You Get My Love”. The entire album is a masterpiece. These songs put the nail in the coffin. The former, “Better Life” is an upbeat, piano driven song. The lyrics defy the production. Pink admits that she’s been watching her lover while he’s sleep at night, wondering if he’s been pining after a different life. “You Get My Love” starts off bluesy and calm. Then, she yells during the chorus to really drive her point home. It’s the perfect bone chiller to another cleverly crafted, heartfelt Pink album.
Once again, she proves she’s still got it. Plus, she still has a few musical tricks up her sleeve. Catch Pink on herBeautiful Trauma World Tournext year.
Chad Brawley is a man who wears many hats. He currently serves as the Director of Worship Arts at The Luke Church of Humble, TX. However, he is also songwriter, musician, consultant, workshop facilitator and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chad recently released his gospel LP, The WeWorship Project. I was able to pull him away from his busy schedule to chat about his new music, what inspires him and even some interesting facts you may not already know. Here is Part 1 of our interview. Check out part 2 HERE.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Chad Brawley. I’m a native of Houston, TX. I went to Prairie View A&M University for a year and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Music. I have a Master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Worship. I hope to begin a doctoral program in January at Boston University in Transformational Leadership. I’ve been doing music ministry full time for over 20 years.
I worked at the Potter’s House during the early years. I worked at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in North Dallas for a while. I taught inDallas public schools. I also did full time ministry in Denver, then moved back to Houston. I worked at Good Hope Baptist Church for about 12 years. Now, I’m at The Luke Church, serving as Pastor of Worship Arts. I oversee music, dance, drama, media and everything that has to do with the worship experience.
I also run a music company where I help put on events and provide musicians for churches. I do that for free. I do church consulting and I teach music lessons as well.
How did you balance your busy schedule and the recording process for TheWeWorship Project?
When we recorded this CD, my life wasn’t quite as complex as it is now. I wasn’t doing everything I’m doing now.
What was your inspiration for starting the CD?
Every week, at many churches, praise teams and choirs do concerts on Sunday mornings for an audience. The audience sits there and waits for them to finish and claps. Or they just stand there and watch the team do praise and worship but everybody doesn’t engage. So, at Good Hope, we did a whole year of worship renewal to get the whole church to transform its culture and learn more about worship as engaged participants – personally and corporately. This project is a contribution to a body of music that I hope will help to facilitate worship renewal in the local church. There’s music on there that’s good for choirs, praise teams and congregations.
Most of this project is congregation friendly and also friendly to any race or denomination. Most of it is praise and worship friendly. There is theological truth and weight to all of it. That’s another concern that my colleagues and I share about some church music, the need for Theological strength. Some of our music feels good and sounds good, but it is theologically flimsy, in error or controversial. Most of the music on TheWeWorship Project is intentionally Christocentric – Christ centered.
Where can people purchase the WeWorship Project and follow you on social media?
The easiest thing is to go to my website, www.chadbrawley.com. There are buttons to all of my social media and all the digital stores. My handle on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, is @CKBMusik. On Facebook, it’s Chad Brawley.
You may not know Leikeli47 by her name. However, you probably heard her 2015 single, “F$#% The Summer Up”, which Jay Z featured on his Tidal playlist. Plus, her feisty, uptempo track, “Attitude”, is on an episode of this season’s Insecure series on HBO. Leikeli47’s image is as elusive as her footprints in the music industry for the last couple of years. Her debut album, Wash & Set, features her sitting on a red couch with most of her face covered. Her couch companion, a teddy bear, dons a blue ski mask over his own head as well. A clear box filled with different colored ski masks sits directly in front of her on the floor.
Nevertheless, Leikeli47 has the music to back up the buzz surrounding her unorthodox look. The Brooklyn native is one of the freshest faces the music industry has seen (or not seen). Her 42 minute debut LP starts off with a bang on “2nd Fiddle”. Leikeli47 boldly rhymes about her hard earned road to success. She fluidly weaves in and out of singing and rapping; both of which she does quite well. “Miss Me” drives in like a bulldozer with its thumping bass drums, coupled with her witty and animated raps.
The southern swamp drawl, “Bags”, is a club ready romper. This is one of the lyrically less intense songs on the album, but it still packs a mean punch. Although this is her first album, she has the wisdom of a veteran on “O.M.C.”. The song details how she is not quick to trust many people. “Money” is reminiscent of the Ying Yang Twins’ “Wait (The Whisper Song)”, but with more polished vocal arrangements and lyrical content. She is a self proclaimed introvert who isn’t looking for new friends.
“M I L K” finds the rapper flaunting her glowing skin and physical attributes. She’s not shy to show off on this infectious track. “Don’t Do It” picks up where fellow Brooklyn MC Foxy Brown left off in her hey day. This song is the perfect contrast to “M I L K”. It serves as a warning to anyone who tried to cross her. She tries her hand at a reggae influenced sound (that she pulls off very well) on the memorable “Bubblegum”.
Just when you think you’ve got Leikeli47, think again. “Look” speaks to a high class way of life and being, over an edgy, jagged track. She admits that she almost fell for a guy who juggles between Keisha and Pam (and anyone else) on the comical “Ho”. She drives this knife in deeper on “Elian’s Revenge”. This R&B infused track finds her laughing at guys who try to reach out to her she has changed her number. Perhaps an underlying reason for Leikeli47’s mystique is to show young girls that talent still exists without selling sex. Her covered up persona actually gives her a sexy edge. Something tells me Leikeli47 will be around for years to come, mask on or not.
Pappadeaux is my favorite restaurant. Most people that know me well can easily tell you this. However, the last time I went I decided to try something new. I tasted their crawfish etouffee for the first time. In addition, I also ordered their Captain Hurricane. Hurricanes are some of my favorites drinks. So, I had high expectations especially since it was coming from Pappadeaux. Needless to say the etouffee was a hit; so was the Captain’s Hurricane.
This special mix of Captain Morgan’s Original spiced rum, Myer’s Original dark rum, pineapple juice, fresh orange juice and lime juices topped with Grand Marinier, is amazing. Honestly, the Captain’s Hurricane is one of the best hurricanes I have ever had. I actually wanted to get two, but I maintained my composure and stuck with just one. This drink is sweet, without being too sugary. The liquor still packs a mighty punch here. Be careful. It will sneak up on you.
Pappadeaux has never steered me wrong when it comes to food. Now, I can confidently say their drinks are always top notch as well. If you haven’t tried their Purple Voodoo drink, that’s one you have to add to your list. Trust me, you will thank yourself (and me) for it later. Hmmm…suddenly a trip to Pappadeaux sounds really enticing.
Bottoms up…it’s Thirsty Thursday! Name some of your favorite drinks.
Technology is a beautiful thing when it works properly. Case in point, my phone decided to lock itself at 4:15 am this morning. Never mind the fact that my phone had been sitting untouched on the charger for several hours. I didn’t notice the issue until I woke up today. I tried powering down the phone and that didn’t work. Nonetheless, I even stopped by a local AT&T store. Oh, I forgot. Today is Labor Day. They were closed. Finally I was able to get the phone reset later this afternoon. Everything was back to normal.
I had a bit of an agitated panic when I couldn’t get my phone to unlock. I thought, “What if there is an emergency and someone can’t reach me?”. “What about the business calls I need to make today?”. Oh and the proverbial, “I feel naked without a working phone”. Despite the fact that all of these feelings were valid, I needed the time. I was able to fully disconnect from everything for a few hours. During that time, I was able to sort out some thoughts in my head and refocus a bit.
Sometimes we have to be forced to do what’s best for us. We should all take a designated time to unplug from social media, work, our phones and any other distractions to center ourselves. There is a danger in not doing this. We could keep going to the point where we are forced to stop. Although I was frustrated about my phone not working for part of today, it helped clear my mind. Clear the clutter from your mental space. Do it now, while it’s manageable. If not, you just may find yourself in a situation where you have no choice about the matter.
