V.V. Brown - What the Game's Been Missing

The British truth when it comes to new emotional electronic r&b sounds, V.V. Brown is an entrepreneur in songwriting, fashion, music, storytelling and more.

Her inspirations are reflected in her art and her ambition reflects her many successful business ventures at age 26.

On tour with Grammy winners Maroon 5 and American Idol winner Kris Allen, she's taken her live show a step further to show America what they've been missing.

Check out the audio clips of the interview to hear an addition in the answer. (I felt it sounded better straight from her British accent)


Miss Solow Dolow: Describe geeki?
VV Brown: Geeki is a name I created for when I write other people's song.

MSD: What is the difference between Geeki the writer and VV the artist musically?
VV: It’s different when I write for the artist because it’s a different style of music and you have to get in a physiological place in order to write for them but as VV I’m pulling from my own experiences rather than writing for those people and making up experiences.

MSD: You did a tribute to ABBA, what does that group and their music mean to you from your childhood and as an inspiration?
VV: I admire them because I think their very good songwriters. Their music is timeless and I hope my music can be like that.

MSD: What are you doing to make your music timeless?
VV: I think timelessness is in the consumer’s hands. I really just started in this music game so only time will tell.

MSD: What other artists do you think are timeless and you are personally inspired by their music?
VV: Frank Sinatra, timeless. Erykah Badu quite frankly is timeless. Ella Fitzgerald is quite timeless. Nirvana has a timelessness about it. It’s music that whenever it’s played it is relevant.

MSD: You've stated in the past that artists like Lady Gaga, who insert fashion into their music are following the trend of Europe from years ago. How far behind do you think the music industry of the U.S. is behind Europe?
VV: I don’t know how far behind they are but I know that Europe is much more forward when it comes to fashion. I can’t say that U.S. is behind two, three, four or five years but Europe has this trendsetting nature about it. All the music on the radio and in fashion at the moment, Europe was doing that two
years ago. I do think Europe is the trendsetter of the world when it comes to art.

MSD: Should inserting fashion into your music be a part of artist's career?
VV: It’s a part of your identity. It’s just another form of expression.

MSD: What present female artists are doing well in the industry?
VV: Janelle Monae is really talented. Amel Larrieux is doing really well. There’s not a lot of artists when you actually analyze it. I’m a huge fan of Vampire Weekend. Jay Electronica is the truth. I’d love to work with him.
VV Brown Talks Artists by MISSSD

MSD: Who are some of your favorite hip hop artists right now?
VV: I’m really lovin’ Jay Electronica right now. I’m a huge fan of Mos Def and Talib Kweli. I’m more into conscious hip hop than dance hip hop. I kinda feel like hip hop is losing a lot of its soul and we really need to go back to what it was like in the 90’s, when they had something to say about something. That’s why I really like Jay Electronica. I think he’s an absolute genius and he’s the best rapper to come out in the last 10 years.

VV Brown Talks Hip Hop by MISSSD

MSD: As a fan, what do you think hip hop artists can do to put the soul and content back into it?
VV: I think they shouldn’t be afraid to get political again and talk about what’s going on in society. They need to be less consumed by a lifestyle that doesn’t relate to the struggle. I’m tired of hearing about money, hoes, and medallions and how much their worth, how hot they are. People don’t want to hear that stuff, that’s boasting. People want to hear about their struggle and what’s going on in the world. Hip hop used to be about poetry and it’s not about that anymore. It’s one big boasting charade. It’s pushing the stereotype of what people perceive black man to be. We need to have much more consciousness that will bring back the ideal of the intellectual black man rather than the black man talking about issues that are not relevant to society.

MSD: Talk more about the City of Abacus project.
VV: It’s really great. It’s a graphic novel and a project of love. The second edition is available to buy now. We’re fully on our way. You can find out more at www.Cityofabacus.com.

MSD: As far as fashion, what culture do you represent and where do you think you fit in?
VV: I think I represent European culture and fashion. I fit into my own mold and I think that’s what fashion is about, individuality. You’re supposed to be yourself and because I’m myself and European I represent myself being a European.

MSD: Did runway walking come natural?
VV: I think it came quite natural. As a kid I was always strutting around the house, being silly and prancing. I was always attracted to creativity in performance. I was always interested in my mom’s fashion magazines and her wardrobe.

MSD: Can you talk more about you were feeling through a lot of the songs like “Leave” and “Crying Blood”?
VV: I was heart broken and I wanted to express my feelings of pain. At the same time I wanted to make people feel liberated that they could get out of the situation like I was. This is why the lyrics are like ‘crying blood’ and ‘shark in the water’ but the melodies are very happy and quite fun, up-tempo. It’s that contradiction in the place of me being very sad but showing women and anyone who’s had a broken heart that they even though you’re upset you can get out of the situation and everything’s fine. It’s kind of the liberation of a broken heart in those songs.

MSD: While on tour, what have you learned from the headliners Maroon 5?
VV: One thing I’ve learned from Maroon 5 is that every night they give it a 125%. It doesn’t matter how hot it is and even though they are very, very successful and sold millions of records, every night they play their show like it’s their last. Every show you do you are grateful that you are there and you have to play it like that because you don’t know if it’s your last.

MSD: What have you discovered about yourself?
VV: I’m a control freak. I’m obsessed with music. I’ve also discovered not to validate myself by success and the only success is what you define it to be. I’ve realized that success equals happiness and being comfortable and fulfilled in your own heart. Before I was younger I would validate myself by how many records I’ve sold and how many awards I was going to get but now I’ve changed and have a much more mature outlook.

VV Brown Talks Success by MISSSD

Before the Show: Everybody Loves the Sunshine

For the past couple years, Atlanta singer-songwriter-pianist Avery Sunshine has working on an R&B masterpiece and now that it’s time for release, the world isn’t ready. Her talent goes all the way back to the church but catching a crowd with her voice and songs about love, family and relationships is a true skill. Being a mother, performer and hard-working individual, she’s here to show every woman that there is still sunshine and a smile in every situation. And everybody loves it.

MSD: How was your birthday?

AS: My b-day was off the chain. Joyce Little from V-103 had an event in her hometown Athens, Ga. I opened for Ken Ford. I finally got my band together and it was wonderful.  I can’t wait to go back to Athens.

                                      

MSD: Who are some of you inspirations and comparisons:

AS: I think my favorite singer who ever lived was Luther Vandross. He was very natural but very particular. I don’t care where he is, he is always on. Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Patti Labelle. Donny Hathaway, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson. I always get compared to Jill Scott and Chaka Khan. It’s such an honor to even be put in the same list as them because I look up to them so much.

MSD: Who do you feel you represent?

AS: The young, single parent, thick girl. The girl that is trying to go after her dreams. The working mom. I represent those women. The pioneer mommies. It can be done.

MSD: What do you do to gain new supporters and fans?

AS: Gigging.  And as for facebook and twitter at first I didn’t want to do it but I see it really makes sense. It’s so weird to call people fans, but that’s how I can be in touch with the people who like my music. People don’t have to support you but when they do I like to try to thank them. I want to make sure I touch the people who spend their hard earn dollars towards my dream.

MSD: What exactly is Pinin?

AS: I have never heard the word pinin’ until I moved to Georgia. We were gossiping at church and my friend said “You know she still pinin’ over that man.” The idea of the song? Well, the hook says “Can’t get you out of my head/ Can’t get you out of my system/  I’m still wanting you/ I don’t care who know it/ 20 long years have passed and I’m still pinin over over.” That’s one of my favorite songs on the album.

MSD: What else can we expect from the Sunshine album?

AS: The Roy Ayers is on the album. Yes! [sings] Everybody loves the sunshineee. He’s on the album and he allowed me to do a snippet of the album. He’s also on a song called “The Most” that me and my music partner Dana wrote about our children. It’s kind of a lullaby to our children. I got some Philly stuff on it so you can put your hat on backwards and kinda bump with that! I have a contemporary arrangement of “The Lord is Blessing Me” on there cause you know I came out the church. I think it’s a great album and I guess I say that because it’s mine and I feel I can say that because God gave us this material. We can’t take credit for it. I thank God for letting me be a vessel.

MSD: How do you have sunshine?

AS: Clearly I have my days but it’s so interesting that the moments that I am the lowest, I am reminded by fans or someone on twitter about my songs. What you put out is what you get back. I try my best to put it out and at those low points I tend to get it back.

MSD: Upcoming projects:

AS: I’m featured on I-Tunes with my latest single “Pinin”. I am gearing up for this contemporary opera called “I Dream” at the Alliance Theatre. It is MLK’s I Have A Dream speech done from a different perspective and it is of The Color Purple caliber. This is my first time doing something like this and the world is gonna be fascinated by this production. The album comes out June 21^st. It will be available on Amazon and Itunes.

Rico Suave - Smooth Is My Name

Most people associate Rico Suave with that Hispanic guy from the 90's that was singing "ricooooo suaaaaaveeee". Yeah this ain't him. In fact, it's an even more attractive guy with a conscious Atlanta flow and a great live performance. 

Miss Solow Dolow: How would you describe your sound?

Rico Suave: My sound is Atlanta. In Atlanta, there's a church, strip club, and Waffle House on every street. Positivity, debauchery, and food. My music is that medium between that combination.

MSD: What makes you so smooth Rico Suave?

RS: The confidence I've always possessed in myself has allowed me to be what they call 'smooth'. I've just never been afraid to approach life using my own individuality.

MSD: What are some of your comparisons?

RS: I tend to get compared to Andre 3000 because of my lyricism, song subject matter and ATL background. People often compare the pitch of my voice to Lil' Boosie though. I hate comparisons honestly but I must say the Andre 3000 comparison is respectable. I always have been compared to Wale.

MSD: What are some of your influences?

RS: Honestly, my biggest influences is music that's spotlighted by the public that I believe is sub par. I believe you should do what you do to provide what you're missing, so I'm influenced when I hear a lack of quality that I believe I possess in my music.

MSD: Are you familiar with the Athens music scene?

RS: I'm aware of it through many performances in Athens and friends who attend college in Athens. There is a great movement developing there.

MSD: Who would you like to collaborate with in either Athens or Atlanta?

RS: My dream collab is Cee-Lo, he's my favorite artist. Otherwise, I'm open to work with anyone, no one tops the list.

MSD: Are you familiar with the lineup for Friday's show?

RS: Yes. I know Lyric Jones and Vance Smith from previous performances. I'm a big fan of J.Cole!

MSD: What can the crowd expect Friday night?

RS: The crowd can expect me to leave my heart on the stage. I love music and I will try my best to relay this through tomorrow night's performance.

MSD: Any last words/upcoming projects?

RS: I plan on dropping a mixtape every month through my Suave Saturdays mixtape series with DJ Excalibur with the first installment expected May. Other projects will be live through my website and my Twitter.

The Motto

Smalleyez - The i Of It All

Hip hop soul doesn't just go with Mary J. Blige. Morehouse brother Smalleyez talks about what inspires the music he creates with a short answer as to why I helps identify everyone in some way. Athens is just one of the places he is chasing his dream.

Miss Solow Dolow: How would you describe your sound?

Small Eyez: Indie, hip hop, and soul. Soul being the feeling I try to convey in the records and the indie being the diversity in approach and sounds I'm going for in my music.

MSD: What are some of your influences?

SE: My parents. Innovators, lyricists, and songwriters from Tribe [Called Quest] to Bob Marley, from the Beach Boys to Common the list goes on and on. Anyone who has truly pushed the artform forward. I have studied and adapted my style from them.

MSD: Why the name Smalleyez?

SE: The short answer is taking a step back and seeing the whole picture. Look at I and i. I defines me, mine, ego. The small i in the word will is just as important as the rest of the letters. Without it you lose the meaning. There’s a bit of small eyez in everything.

MSD: What exactly is Che Sing the Cool?

SE: Che Sing the Cool describes the lifelong chase of the pursuit of your dreams. We all chase it everyday. Che Sing The Cool brands my marketing company and blog. It's the platform I use to promote me and promote good music from all genres.

MSD: Are you familiar with the Athens music scene?

SE: A little bit. Lyric Jones and Tommy Valentine brought me to Athens last year and I realized that the scene here is really bubbling.

MSD: Who would you like to collaborate with in either Athens or Atlanta?

SE: Lyric [Jones] is at the top of my athens list. I'm down to work with anybody with a great sound and good ideas.

MSD: Are you familiar with the lineup for Friday's show?

SE: Some. But I'm sure everybody’s gonna kill it in their own way.

MSD: What can the crowd expect Friday night?

SE: Mind explosions from the crowd, their hearts, bodies and souls! The radiant is coming!!! MSD: Any last words? SE: Visit www.Smalleyez.com. From the Sol, get it for free and spread it like mayonnaise!

Lyric Jones - Grind Season In Athens

Miss Sunshine herself is gearing up for a show in Athens that is set to put her on top. Hold her responsible for bringing one of newest rap talents to Athens and making things happen for everyone on the bill. With performances all over both A's, Atlanta and Athens, she is aiding the hip hop scene in Bulldog Nation with her lyrical talent, soulful voice, and big smile.






Miss Solow Dolow: Great music always comes out of Athens. Describe the Athens music scene.
Lyric Jones: [sigh] Ok, Athens for the most part is dominated by indie rock, pop, alternative or metal bands. That’s the bread maker around here. Sometimes I think of going the rock route. [laughs] If it’s hip hop or rap, it'll have to be a Soulja Boy or Gucci Mane to actually see cats come out in the masses. The hip hop scene as a whole is doing much better than when I was a freshman back in 2006-07, but from what I heard from folks before me, the scene was even more authentic and appreciated before I came. Hip hop was valued. Now, things may appear cool and thriving on the hip hop scene here to everyone else outside of Athens, but the Hip Hop community is struggling to stay alive. Folks are not coming out to support [good music] so it is what it is. I guess all in all It’s straight.

MSD: Any new influences?
LJ: Shouts out to my big sis Boog Brown whom you've interviewed a couple weeks ago, I've really been inspired and motivated by her. She rocks and is one of my favorite artists right now.

MSD: Who would you like to collaborate with in either Athens or Atlanta?
LJ: In Athens, my man Kayez, he's been supporting me and helping me out since day one. In Atlanta, I have a few at the top of my radar currently. Conversations have been had with Stanza, Boog Brown, Aleon Craft, J-Live, The Remnant Crew, Chantae Cann, Tom P, The 5ive, Small Eyez, and my newest partner in crime Ness Lee.

MSD: How did you become involved with the show? Are you familiar with the lineup?
LJ: I became involved by proposing the initial idea to bring J. Cole to Adrian Zelski (co-owner of New Earth Music Hall). I know J. Cole personally and actually have been talking to him and his team about coming to Athens since I saw him in Boston last summer while he was on tour. From then on we all started a little hip hop caucus around this show and a few others (316 Connection and H.E.R. Hip Hop Showcase) to build the buzz around all the hip Hop shows going on at New Earth. J. Cole may be the biggest. The success of this show is extremely important to me. I'm pretty familiar with everyone. I've heard a lot of good things and I'm excited to see them smash.

MSD: What can the crowd expect Friday night?
LJ: Seriously, I got a good set, great energy, and live musicians. I go on right before J. Cole so I have no choice but to warm up the crowd for him to smash. I'm excited!

MSD: Any last words/upcoming projects?
LJ: Hopefully, with this J. Cole show, we can prove we can have high profile hip hop artists here.

MSD: How is the degree coming? Last time we talked that was your main upcoming project?
LJ: Oh I am in school huh? [laughs] I forget sometimes. It’s cool and fun for the most part. Very chill semester. Mainly with classes, we produce a daily news show. I've had the chance to be a news reporter, sports reporter, anchor, producer, etc. Good stuff for the resume reel.

MSD: And I know you're opening for ……yuuup?!
LJ: Shhhh!! I wasn't gonna announce that until Saturday. LOL, well, it's out now. YUUUP, opening for Trey Songz on April 29th in Athens @ Legion Field UGA 8pm. Check out my website www.lyricjones.com.

Mayer Hawthorne - Timeless

The Michigan born and bred Renaissance man details his love for the south and the story of his hard work in music. Saturday night will be an experience for Atlanta and you can expect true musician Mayer Hawthorne and his team The County to really put on a show, giving you all of your monies worth.

Miss Solow Dolow: What are some of your favorite cities to perform in?
Mayer Hawthorne: Atlanta is definitely one of them. I love Atlanta and I’m super juiced that there are people in Atlanta that are digging my music.

MSD: Have you ever performed in Atlanta?
MH: I have and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever done. We did a show at the Drunken Unicorn and it was awesome. I love Atlanta.

MSD: What’s the nitty gritty of what makes Mayer Hawthorne, Mayer Hawthorne?
MH: Well…what you wanna know? [laughs]

MSD: Describe the concept behind the music you make. You have soul, rock, and a side of rap somewhere in the back that pops out. Tell those who don’t know, more about your music.
MH: That's about right. I try to make timeless music. Music that people will be looking for in thirty years, just like the music I’m digging from thirty years ago. It’s heavily rooted in soul but there is all kind of influences. I grew up listening to Motown and soul and then my parents put me on to The Beatles, The Hollies, and Queen. All of those influences are on my album. One of my favorite groups is the Smashing Pumpkins. I listen to a lot of rock music and reggae and you can hear a lot of that on my album. I’ve been a hip hop DJ/producer for the past decade and I never planned on recording a soul music record until Peanut Butter Wolf told me to.

MSD: What entertainers inspire a Mayer Hawthorne experience?
MH: James Brown, The Dramatics, The Temptations inspire the hard work ethic and care that go into the show that we bring. When you come to see a Mayer Hawthorne show you are not coming to see a concert, you are coming to see a show. We are not just standing on stage playing music; you are getting your monies worth. We work extremely hard and rehearse for countless hours on end to ensure that we are delivering the greatest show possible.

MSD: Who is the County and what do they do for your performance?
MH: The County is my live band. When I perform live, the County is my backing band. I played the majority of the instruments on the album myself, but I learned that I couldn’t play all of those instruments on the stage at the same time. I hired a group of my favorite musicians in the world that grew up with me in Michigan. If I had a million, billion dollars, these are still the guys I would want. I’m super, extremely lucky to have a band like this on the road with me. They make me look really good.

MSD: What music from Atlanta are you listening to?
MH: I’m a fan of anyone who is doing something creative and new; pushing music forward. I’m the hugest fan of Outkast and Atlanta is a fantastic breeding ground for artists and music.

MSD: You do a lot of covers. What cover would you do for the Atlanta audience?
MH: Covers are fun! We’ve been really working to do a cover of “Blame It On the Alcohol.” That would be fun. I don’t wanna give away the surprises but we have some really dope covers in store for Atlanta for sure.

MSD: What is your relationship with the other artists on the bill?
MH: Nikki Jean is on the tour with me. I’m a big fan of her music and really respect what she is doing. And I’m not familiar with Brittany Bosco but I’m definitely looking forward to her performance.

MSD: What can everyone expect on Saturday?
MH: Fun! You’re gonna get fun, surprises, and showmanship.

MSD: Nice.

Bosco - I'm Me

SCAD student turned international jazz star remains humble as she returns to Atlanta, Ga from overseas touring. She expresses the change in her career, life, and name as the jazzy crooner gets ready to release some Savannah soul on a southern crowd Saturday night. Introducing Bosco.

Miss Solow Dolow: How did you go from a SCAD student to international touring star? Bosco: I looked around my room one day and was basically thinking, “What am I doing here? I love fashion and all, but my heart will always lie with music.” I performed on campus at little spots and then decided to move to Atlanta to further my career a little more. There was one show here then it was a trickle down effect.

MSD: How exactly was performing overseas for you?
B: It was life-changing. I can say that I’m definitely not the same artist I was when I left the states. I just learned so much about who they are, how they perceive music and the way they see music. It’s not just about what you hear, but what you see. It encompasses the visuals too and I appreciate that about them. They are so accepting of new things, they’re not very standoffish. If it’s good, quality music, they accept it for what it is. I’ve learned to continue to do what I do and not conform to what society says is right or try to follow the formula to making it.

MSD: What’s the reason for the name change?
B: The reason for the name change, Brittany Bosco was a girl who knew nothing about nothing. I just wanted to sing. I didn’t know what I wanted or my sound. When I got back[from overseas], I was thrown into the whole hipster scene, but now I’m making my own lane. Bosco is more strong and confident in what she does. I have more direction. It goes with what I do now, bluesy, rock, soul type of thing. This is me and what I’m doing now.

MSD: What are some comparisons you receive now?
B: I get a lot of 60’s and 70’s artist comparisions, Janis and Tina. I listen to a lot of Sunhouse, Jack White.

MSD: What can people expect from a typical Bosco show?
B: It’s gonna be a different setup of musicianship. I’ve added a couple new layers. I don’t wanna put it all out there because I want people to come to the show and experience. It’s gonna be good, just know that. I don’t wanna say too much.

MSD: What artists influence your performance?
B: I love Allison Mosshart. James Brown. It’s ridiculous because the energy he has and he commands that attention from the audience. Tina Turner, Gladys Knight. I watch documentaries to get inspiration. As far as performance style, I just go inside. Half the time, I don’t know what is going on onstage and it’s like an out-of-body experience. I’m inspired by them but I don’t emulate. I know my set list and what I’m doing, but if I’m feeling a certain way from the crowd, I give them that. At the end of the day it’s not about you, it’s about the people. I refuse to put myself in a box. I can’t do that. It’s not natural for me.

MSD: Are you familiar with the bill?
B: It’s so funny how life pans out. I found out Nikki Jean was gonna be on the show, I was like “Holy Shit!” cause I really, really like Nikki Jean. I’ve been listening to her before I even hit the scene. She’s amazing. I don’t know the song name, but I’ve listened to Mayer Hawthorne. He’s really good and he has his own flair. I like him and respect his craft, what he’s doing.

MSD: What music do you like coming out of Atlanta right now?
B: I love the Judies, Wild Orchid, Dead Rabbit. The band Odist, their drummer is this girl named Sarah Wilson. She is talented! You find her! She is amazing. You have to see this girl play drums, like Shiela E2.

MSD: Are you excited about SXSW?
B: I am so excited and I can wait for everyone to see me perform! I have such high expectations for me and my crew. It’s gonna be great.