We have a pair of tickets for one lucky winner! You’ll get to hear him perform just days before his new album, Airtight’s Revenge is released on September 14. The Acoustic Conversation series is about opening the lines of communication between artists and their fans through an open Q&A, followed by an acoustic and intimate set. This is going to be an extraordinary event, held at a secret location in Brooklyn!

So people, you have to act quickly AND spread the word about this giveaway.

We have got two tickets for giveaway! To enter, it’s simple:  Send an email to contests@muphoricsounds.com including your full name (as it appears on your official ID) by Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 5:00pm for a random drawing. The winner will be notified the same day, Tuesday, September 7th, and their name, plus one will be added to the guest list. They will receive location information in confirmation email. (We dislike spam as much as you do; your contact information will never be sold or rented, in compliance with US Spam Laws.) So get yourself in it, to win it, and share the word with your friends.

I got to see Klaxons back in 2007, and by accident at a Bjork show at Madison Square Garden. We were busy drinking at the bar and almost missed their opening performance. I remember settling down in my seat, listening with farrowed brows, and then turning to my friend saying, “We should’ve got our drinks to go; these guys are great!” At the time, they had just released their debut album Myths of the Near Future, which featured their award-winning single “Golden Skans.”

Now with their second album, Surfing the Void, they stay close to their psychedelic, progressive, pop, rock roots. Currently based in London, the band managed to get LA producer, Ross Robinson (who has produced Sepultura, Slipknot, At the Drive In, The Cure) to produce Surfing the Void. The album is dark, with sinister elements interchanging between the great musical arrangements and melodies that match perfectly. You could say the pop element of what they do is in the melody — you’ll be singing along with them in no time! Check out a couple of tunes below, then head over to iTunes to get yourself a copy of Klaxons.

Valley of Calm Trees

Cypherspeed

Here we have it, the official video for “F*** You” by Cee-Lo. While cute in concept, just seems a little clichéd for my tastes. I expected something a bit more pained, like the broken heart walking with a sprig of broccoli in its hand in the “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul,” video by Gnarls Barkley (check it out here, if you haven’t seen it). But hey, that’s only my opinion; check it out below.

If the link goes down, you can see a snippet of it on Cee-Lo’s Facebook Fan Page (but you have to “Like” the page first to view it).

This song starts off with a short rap and immediately sets off on a roller coaster of what sounds like hours of dedication, practice, fine-tuning, and craft honing.  I mean, you hear the sound of tightly played bass, funky drumming, in key guitar strumming,  very strong vocals, horns sprinkled on top like icing, and background vocals that seem to just hold it all together. I love Bobby Womack’s original, but this is the version that makes me want to dance. Hearing all of these minds work at once on a tune shows true skill! I dig it, from the song’s intro to the breakdown.

Check out the live video footage below and listen to the actual recorded version of the track.

“I Can Understand It” by The New Birth

Got to give DJ Underdog a pound for kicking this mix off with Peter Tosh‘s radical call to arms about the state of senseless music! With Africa Africa Africa pt. 1, DJ Underdog took us on a journey to the continent, and with pt. 2 he takes us into the future, giving those of us who aren’t in the DMV vicinity, a direct taste of what is experienced at the Afro-Beat for Ya Soul party, hosted by Lunchbox Theory at Bossa in Washington, DC. The next Afro-Beat for Ya Soul party is this Thursday, August 26th, with music by DJ Underdog and live performance from Funk Ark Band. For event information, click here. But in the meantime, wrap your ears around the track below, then head over to the Lunchbox Theory Bandcamp page to download Africa Africa Africa pt. 2.

In this case, it’s love gone wrong. Cee-Lo uses the retort to dismiss his past love, although clearly, he’s having a hard time with it, by openly displaying his anger, but at the same time, reveals his sadness for the love lost. What’s fun and clever is Cee-Lo‘s choice to sing against a retro 60s-style tune, flipping his retorts over a genre that was all about sweet sentiment. He goes down Memory Lane recounting the expectations he couldn’t live up to, with some name calling, and even offers cautionary advice for the next man. In his effort to be the bigger person, he says, “Although there’s a pain in my chest, I still wish you the best, with a…F***YOU!” This could actually be the perfect breakup song (if the situation fits).

Check out the lyric video below. The proper video is in production; should be out in the next few weeks. If you ever saw the Gnarls Barkley video for “Who’s Gonna to Save My Soul,” know we’re in for a treat! Check out “F*** You!” below and share your thoughts.

Cee-Lo‘s forthcoming solo album The Ladykiller, is scheduled to release sometime this year (not sure of the actual date).

Her debut, Lost Where I Belong, which was released yesterday, is an honest journey through music with Triana, bringing in an amalgamation of sounds that come together into what is Andreya Triana. Produced by her collaborative partner, Bonobo, known primarily for his downtempo beats, Bonobo created sounds that complimented Triana‘s voice, knowing exactly when to filter the music in ways which allowed Triana‘s warm, soulful, yet jazzy vocals to come forward in her beautiful sound.

Our friends over at Put Me On it attended the Soundwave Festival in Croatia this summer, and filmed the video below of Triana performing “Lost Where I Belong.” It’s outdoor, it’s intimate, and it’s quite lovely. We get to see Triana perform with such warmth and intimacy. Enjoy!

Triana‘s “Draw the Stars” is featured in this week’s iTunes’s “Single Of The Week“ for free download. You can also purchase the album in its full entirety at Ninja Tunes. Check out a couple of tunes below taken from the Lost Where I Belong.

“Far Closer”

“A Town Called Obsolete”

It’s clear that Flying Lotus does not stop working. After releasing his second album, Cosmogramma through Warp Records in May earlier this year, he is now set to release on September 21st, a seven-track EP entitled Pattern+Grid World, which is sure to be another journey through spacial sounds. Completely enjoy looking at the trippy art for the EP’s cover.

Check out “Camera Day” below;  it’s definitely one of his smoother productions, but still contains his signature grit and futuristic chaotic sounds. Looking forward to hearing the full EP.

Flying Lotus is currently on tour. See dates below and check him out if he’s in your town.

August 18 – London, England – ICA
August 20 – Biddinghuizen, Netherlands – Lowlands Festival
August 21 – Hasselt, Belgium – Pukkelpop Festival
September 02 – Montreal, Quebec – Studio Just for Laughs
September 03 – Toronto, Ontario – Phoenix Theatre
September 04 – New York, NY – Electric Zoo Festival
September 05 – Chicago, IL – North Coast Music Festival
September 10 – Newport, England – Isle of Wight Bestival
September 22 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Commodore Ballroom
September 23 – Seattle, WA – Decibel Festival
September 24 – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine

The build up to the release of Bilal‘s official third album, Airtight’s Revenge has been non-stop for the artist. Currently on a hectic schedule, doing a slew of lives shows both in the States and Europe, with press interviews, Muphoric Sounds was able to get some face time with Bilal. Meeting at L.A. Burdick in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, in a cool environment furnished with delicious chocolate coffee, we spoke at great length about his career, overcoming misfortunes, his clear passion in music, and his forth-coming release, Airtight’s Revenge. His integrity as an artist is unmistakeable and so refreshing. Check out the interview below. [Note: this was supposed to be a video interview, but due to technical difficulties, we had to run it as a Q&A. Big thanks to CochraneImage, for taking such great shots!]

Also, after reading the Q&A below, there’s a lovely download from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble, where they do a rendition of Donny Hathaway‘s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” featuring Bilal on vocals.

Airtight’s Revenge hits stores September 14th and can be pre-ordered here. Get one for yourself and a friend!

*****

Muphoric Sounds: Who is Bilal?
Bilal: I’m a musician. I make music from the day that I experience and see and use my music as a platform.

MS: When your career started it was rumored that Erykah Badu was responsible for discovering you. Who were the people that helped start of your career?
Bilal: I kind of met Amir [Questlove] first. But I was also supposed to do a tune with Q-Tip. I met everyone around the same time when I moved here [New York] from Philadelphia. And I also started to work with one of the Mtume brothers, James Mtume.

MS: If you were to look back at your career as a musician, what are the most significant lessons learned?
Bilal: I’ve learned a lot of things. The main lesson, I would say, is being true to myself to making music from an honest place.

MS: The Soul Aquarium Movement. What happened to them?
Bilal: Oh, big question man! Initially, it started off as photo that took showed musicians that always worked together and it appeared in Vibe Magazine. Somebody told me that we were supposed to do an album together but it never happened. We’re all still in contact today. I did a show with Erykah the other day. I talk to Amir all the time. We just did a show at Highline Ballroom recently. Q-Tip, I just did a show with him two days ago. Common, we talk all the time.

MS: You’ve collaborated with a lot of great artists in the past – both mainstream and independent. Who would you like to work with next, who you haven’t worked with before?
Bilal: There’s a lot of cats I want to work with. I would love to do something with Thom York.

MS: That would be amazing. Let’s put it out there.
Bilal: Yeah! That’s how everything has been happening. I think about it and then it winds up happening.

MS: Your falsetto is compared to Prince all the time; however, I’ve never heard you talk about the comparison. Do you like Prince? (Question mark face)
Bilal: [Laughs] I like Prince. He definitely is one of the artists I grew up listening to. I can remember when Purple Rain came out and listening to it in my sister’s room at my grandmama’s house. I’ve been inspired by a lot of things. I initially started to use the higher range of my voice through jazz, because I scat a lot. That’s what I’m used to hearing, almost like an instrument, to try and be like a trumpet. When I was first signed, I was doing a lot if R&B. It just came out like that. I listened to a lot of things, including Prince [laughs]. He’s such force of talent.

MS: 1st Born Second – You were so young when the album came out?
Bilal: Yes, I was 20.

MS: There was so much wisdom, pain, and happiness on that album. Where was it coming from at such a young age?
Bilal: I don’t know [laughs].

MS: The stories and the emotions, felt like it was coming from an old man.
Bilal: I really don’t know where it was coming from. You could say I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, who thought about love too deeply [laughs]. I don’t know. You could say, I just listened to good records as a kid and I would sing them. I’ve been singing since I was 4 yrs old. My Mom had me singing in church. And then my Pops, he was very good friends with a guy in who had a jazz club Philadelphia. So from high school and even earlier on, my dad would take me to the club to hang out with his friends, listen to the music. Man, I could remember earlier on the sound of the music, and saying, “Man, we’re going to be band, playing in clubs! I remember from when I was young always saying that I was going to be a musician.

MS: What was your favourite song on 1st Born Second?
Bilal: I loved them all. You could say, I like doing “Sometimes” because it was so fun to do and I have stories for all of them.

MS: Love 4 Sale, seemed like the bitter/sweet album. You work on a great album, it leaks, and then gets shelved by the label. How did that scenario impact you?
Bilal: [Sighs and shakes head] It is exactly what you said, it was bitter sweet. It started off kind of sad, you know. I put a lot of work into it. I was getting to a period where I wanted to break down the structure of how I was writing music. I was starting to try different carriers and different cadences to write to music because I felt that I was starting to get into a contrived type of head. I was experimenting with different things and my label didn’t really how it would translate. Then it got bootlegged and then they would say, “Ah this is crazy, it’s weird…” But then, everybody started to like it. I got such a positive reception, that I was able tour to promote the album, like it was an actual release.

MS: That’s the thing. How did you feel on that tour, performing those songs, and people singing them back to you?
Bilal: It was strange. But it’s the time we’re in, you know. I was talking about this the other day about the change that’s happening and the labels not really understanding it. Somebody told me that, ‘music is basically free now, how do you feel about that? I was like, “Ahhhhhh…”’ Don’t know how I really feel about that.

MS: A thing of being on the road for the rest of your life….
Bilal: I just want to do real music that will last and stand the test of time. That will last over a saturation of time.

MS: The ladies love them some R&B singers. How do you handle the female attention? How is it for you on the road?
Bilal: Wow! [Throws head back]

MS: Are you single?
Bilal: No, I’m not single; I got kids.

MS: So how do you deal with the fan fair?
Bilal: It’s strange, I never thought of myself as a sexy guy [laughs]. I’ve been called weird my whole life, you know what I mean. [laughs] When you’re doing the show and everybody is into it, it just brings everything to another level, being able to go that much further, and it makes the show that much better. I can just relax into it. My shows are almost like jazz. Every night is different, and we start to stretch and go to different places with the music.

MS: You were talking about the Internet. You doing the social media now. How is that going? Do you like it?
Bilal: It was a big change. I’m getting used to it. It’s fun though. I get to show my personality, meet people, talk to the fans, and actually get to know how they feel, and know what they like. It’s cool. It’s one of the avenues to get my music out there. Things are different now.

MS: Airtight’s Revenge. I’ve heard it. I won’t lie.
Bilal: [Uproarious laughter]

MS: It’s a departure from “neo soul.” Was that part of the plan?
Bilal: I never considered what I did as a “neo soul.” My first album, I did a song with Dr. Dre! Did Dr. Dre do neo soul? No. I think at that time, Blacklilly had started out of Philly through a jam session that Roots had started to do. I had known about the jam sessions they were doing in New York too. I had moved to New York at the time, I think it was around 1999, and I was studying Jazz at The New School. I really came from a jazz place, my whole focus behind my work was to Jazz. I consider myself a jazz musician, a jazz composer. When I’m writing things down, I’m writing things that are open ended and can be translated. So when I would hear, ‘you’re neo soul,’ I didn’t really like it, it put me in a box. My whole thing was mixing genres, not just soul but all different sounds, and make it come together. Kind of like what a Frank Zappa would do, or even Prince. Out of different sounds, creating something new, that can stand on its own.

MS: Right. It’s not really a genre.
Bilal: Right. Like Sly & the Family Stone, that’s what they did, incorporating all different vibes. Somebody told me that Miles Davis actually created a lot of Sly & The Family Stones cords. That’s the way I approach my music and do things, kind of a mixture.

MS: What’s the concept behind Airtight’s Revenge?
Bilal: The concept comes from reading a lot of Donald Goines novels and the first thing that comes to mind is Airtight. There’s this book that Iceberg Slim wrote called Airtight Willie and Airtight Willie is kind of like what I’ve been going through, my album being bootlegged.

MS: What would have been great is if the album that people are getting their hands on now through the web, was in fact an “Airtight Revenge,” — the releasing of a fake album.
Bilal: [Laughter] And with each track they’d get a…Syke!! at the end [laughs]. The good thing is, out of all of this, I’m still inspired. I’m still sure about what it is that I want to do in my concepts as a songwriter. I’m more free-flowing than ever, you know. That’s really the revenge. I have more love, I haven’t been tainted by it. I’ve been burned through fire, and came out golden.

MS: Who worked with you on the album?
Bilal: On this album, I worked with fewer people. This time around I produced with producers. Conley has been playing with me for years and he kind of knows what I like. 88-Keys is a good friend of mine, aside from working with me on the album. “Think It Over” we had for ages. Then it was a thing of playing instruments over the top of it. That’s really what this album is about, mixing electronic with live. I really went from the ground like how John Lennon, and those cats would write, making a strong tune with just voice and one instrument, and then you can move on build a track out of it. That’s what I tried to do with every tune on this album. I would write the song and bring it to the producer and together we would come up with something. I was very hands on with this album.

MS: So when you’re working with producers, do you come in with a blank slate, or is it already mapped out?
Bilal: This time around, I came in with something, whether it was chords, song or a melody and a clear understanding of certain lyrics as we progressed. Then I would add on lyrics, but definitely tried to make the song first, then build.

MS: Airtight’s Revenge seemed more socially and politically aware than your previous works. What were the specific things that shaped Airtight’s Revenge?
Bilal: I’m an older guy now, in my 30s. I won’t say I’m old, but I see life from different angles now; it’s not so straight forward for me anymore.

MS: With age, comes responsibilities. You’re now a dad, with two kids, one with autism and the other with sickle cell. Are you involved in any advocacy groups for either condition?
Bilal: I do the Walk for Autism, and I’m a member of the Autism Speaks. My kids are one of the most driving forces of my creativity now. They’re both musically inclined as well. Musical snobs at best. My son likes everything from Justin Bieber to Billy Idol. Three years old! He’d be like [sings] “Dancing with myself…” Your three years old kid?! What you know about Billy Idol?!

MS: So what’s next?
Bilal: Umm touring… Just hammering out the shows I’m doing right now; pretty much the promotional side of the album. I’d love to tour doing some jazz. It’s a time when I can go out and turn what I’ve done into something else. I get to play with cool musicians. It’s fun every night, like an adventure.

MS: Your touring schedules are crazy. Do you ever get tired of it?
Bilal: Only when my throat hurts.

MS: Will you be doing more work with Robert Glasper?
Bilal: Oh yes! Man, I’ve known Rob since college. He’s played on all of my albums, from the very first one. We will always work together.

MS: So where can people find you online?
Bilal: You can find me at twitter.com/bilal_oliver.

****

Airtight’s Revenge hits stores September 14th and can be pre-ordered here. Get one for yourself and a friend!

Free download – Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble – “Someday We’ll All Be Free” featuring Bilal

Looks like the eclectic other half of Outkast may have some new music coming down the pike! Andre “3000″ Benjamin, is slowly resurfacing by recently collaborating with band mate Big Boi on “Looking 4 Ya” and with Ciara on “Riding.” “I Do” will appear on Limelight Exclusives tape that releases tomorrow. However, the word on the street is, this is Andre‘s verse on a collaboration with Young Jeezy for Jeezy’s upcoming release TM103. Let’s hope these recent works have ignited him to get busy!

“I Do” is reminiscent of a 70s/80s style track with the backing vocals taken from the late R&B crooner,  Richard “Dimples” Fields. It’s on repeat for me; check it out and let me know what you think.

Andre 3000 – “I Do” (Download)

Thank yous to 2DopeBoyz for the link!

I came across The Believer magazine during my online travels and was stunned to learn that it has been around since 2003! Each year they have a music issue, bringing in a music connoisseur to add something fresh to the issue. This year it’s Chuck Lightening (Creative Director of Wondaland Society, co-producer/co-writer on Janelle Monáe‘s new album, and band leader of Deep Cotton). He says that the music issue and the accompanying mix CD, entitled We Bumped Our Head Against A Cloud, defines a moment in time where, “For black artists, our new president has meant the start of a different age. This music [the CD] aims to capture it.” I take Lightening’s preamble to mean we are in times of unconstrained creativity—musicians should not feel limited or inhibited in their art. The artists selected to contribute on the mix CD illustrate that. Each bring a uniqueness to the project. A few of the artists featured are: Saul Williams, Of Montreal, Cody Chestnutt, M.I.A., and of course Janelle Monáe.

Check out a couple tunes from We Bumped Our Head Against A Cloud below. The CD is only available with purchase of the print July/August magazine; get it before it leaves newsstands and bookstores. Ordinarily, The Believer is a literary magazine, providing in-depth reviews on new and old titles.

“Cold War” (Wondamix) by Janelle Monáe

“B.S. In a Tampon” by Saul Williams

Our favourite android, Janelle Monáe hits us with the new video for the big tune, “Cold War,” taken from her new album The ArchAndroid Suite II & III. Simply shot, beautifully lit, with an equally stunning face that evokes pure and raw emotion. We all know what it feels like to laugh and simultaneously burst into tears with sadness. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Born in Baltimore and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kafele Bandele is a trumpeter, composer, and producer of what he calls “cool fusion,” best described as an amalgam of fine jazz infused with the richness of hip-hop. A graduate of Jazz Music Theory from Southern University in Baton Rouge, he quickly established a reputation by performing at various venues in Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, and Alabama. After moving to Chicago, his career as a musician quickly elevated locally gaining the attention to travel the country doing what he loves.

The featured video, “Stone Crazy,” is a part of a compilation by Do It Now Recordings entitled Giant Steps Back From Miami. ”Stone Crazy” comes with a lush laid-back jazzy groove, smooth basslines, with an echoing trumpet which plays as response to the vocals. It is no surprise that five producers created their own interpretations of the song, leading Do It Now Recording to release  ”Stone Crazy (The Remixes).” The featured producers are Thee Gobbs, Nastee Nev, Bassruu, Lips, and SoulAGENDA. Check out the remixes here.

Keep your eyes on the look out for this talented artist, who is hard at work on projects to come through his label K. Kapano Records.

The legend of J Dilla continues with Donut Shop. Previously released as a purchase-only vinyl EP, the track “Safety Dance,” which is a refashioning of Men Without Hats 80s classic, leaked online a couple of months ago. Now Stonesthrow is giving it away to avid J Dilla fans! Featuring three unreleased Dilla beats, including “Safety Dance,” “Bars & Twists,” an instrumental of Mos Def‘s “History,” and Q-Tip‘s “Move.” I don’t know about you, but I never grow tired of hearing a Dilla beat or production; so enjoy this free DOWNLOAD! Check out “Bars & Twists” below.

“Bars & Twists”