Getback Army

Video: Kam Moye - "Let's Be Honest"

2009-11-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

Get that Splitting Image right now.

Woody Black Reviews Zo!'s "...just visiting too" EP

2009-11-06T12:00:00.003-05:00

As a writer who has written for Getback Army for almost a year and a half, I feel like now is the time for me to give my opinion on how I feel about all the albums/mixtapes/EPs' I've been hyping up. I also feel it's kind of awkward to start with Zo!'s new EP. Because after all of the releases that's been going on this year (Delightful Bars, Reservoir Dogs, Suicide Music, Die in Your Lap, Black Dynamite, and Shibuya just to name a few), I kept my mouth (or keyboard) shut for the other releases. However, if it's alright with all the GA readers, I just might start a movement called "moving backwards" to pick up what's left behind and give you my opinion, in full detail, of any of the albums/mixtapes I missed. That is, if y'all cool with it.

Anyway, back to the review of "...just visiting too," I was quite surprised when I found out about this record. Quite frankly, I found out about thirty minutes prior to sharing it with y'all on GA and I couldn't help but listening to it while I was finishing the article. Thank God for my inbox or else I probably would've given it to y'all way late. But anywhoo, here's a song-to-song review to the EP just to let you know how I enjoyed it. And keep in mind that I'm doing this as if I had never been in my family reunions and heard the originals being played at BBQs' and such. Aight, here we go!

"Perfect Angel" (feat. Yahzarah)

When I first heard that Yahzarah was re-doing the classic '74 Minnie Riperton track written by Stevie Wonder - OOPS! Freudian typo slip. I mean, when I heard that Yahzarah was coming out with a hot new single for the young'ns called "Perfect Angel," I was wondering how well she would pull it off. After listening to 'Zarah's sweet vocals crooning soothingly over Zo!'s soulful musical accompaniment, I'll say she pulled it off extremely well. Her vocals purely matched the feelings of true love in this song. Her gentle voice invites a playful vibe, but the song is not childish in any way. This song is definitely something I would buy from hearing that alone. This track is truly a great introduction of how the rest of the EP will turn out.

"Nights Over Egypt" (feat. Carlitta Durand)

Close your eyes. Imagine you're in a place where there's sand but no water. A place where there's no city lights (word to Nicolay!), but the atmosphere is luminous with moonlight. Streets and metropolises are long gone as they're replaced with pyramids and ancient monuments. This is what you'll get hearing "Nights Over Egypt" for four minutes and some seconds. You'll be out of your world and shift into somewhere that never changes, but becomes more precious as time passes. The smooth singing of Carlitta Durand freely floats around the song as if it's a spirit, but it is not haunting like a ghost. She sung this song like it belongs to her and there's nothing to complain about on this one, just relax and enjoy.

"Crazy You" (feat. Sy Smith)

Now, I said that I wouldn't say anything about the originals, but this one is an exception. If there's one rule on covering the works of Prince Rogers Nelson, it better be perfect! It's no secret that Prince is anal, in a good way, when recording his songs. I'm sure when Prince birthed "Crazy You," he made sure it was clean, crisp, and just right. Zo! exceeded that challenege by giving the song his own acoustic geetar and keyboard touch, while never taking the essential original vibe away from the song. Zo!'s D.C. sisteren Sy Smith is the perfect lady to pick for this song, not that 'Zarah or Carlitta wouldn't've to' it up, as well. Smith sang on the joint so beautiful, she gave the Prince joint new life, without mercilessly killing it. That's the last thing we need is a zombified Prince song, right?

"Holding You, Loving You"

Zo! proves that he can keep it thoro on his own as he let the keyboards do the sainging for him. Although the original contained vocals (So I broke the rules, sue me!), this song can be enjoy with or without vocals. I often catch myself riding in the car with this joint on blast. So overall, this joint is car-tested and eardrum-approved.

"My Flame" (feat. Phonte)

This song is one of the reasons I clicked download faster than Quagmire can say "giggedy." Zo! really did his thing on this joint and Phonte doesn't fail on this one, either. Most young folks around my age would probably mistake this for that Biggie song, but they'll quickly learn how grown folk it is as soon as Tay sings. I like the hidden surprise at the end, too. That left me with a Kool-Aid smile, f'real.

"Somethin' Special" (feat. Yahzarah)

Here's one thing I like about Zo! Zo! doesn't only pick tunes we're really familiar with, but something that's been overlooked. A buried treasure that was found in the deep underground and it contains the most precious jewelery and gold that obtained more value than before. That's what I got when I heard Zo! & Yahzarah's rendition of The Dude's "Somethin' Special." Zo! polished the gold with his instruments and Yahzarah's vocals shaped the diamonds into a faceted gem. Not that you can tell that the original song has aged for almost 30 years, because it's so timeless. Zo! just made the song even more fresher (horrible grammar, I know) that it'll never need to be refrigerated. This song's cold, end of story.

"The Highways of my Life (Pts. 1 & 2)" (feat. Darien Brockington)

D-Brock, if you're reading this, I want to let you know that you the man in this track! Not many can pull off vocally traveling the same footprints Ronald Isley left in his path, because few did it successfully without getting lost. Brockington wasn't the lost dude, he took the ball and ran it all the way to touchdown with no defense team in sight. Zo! even took the classic song and turned it into his own on the "Part 2" version. Everything sounded different, but it still blended in with the original part one without sounding choppy. D-Brock and Zo! gets a 5 + 5 on this one.

Overall, ...just visiting too is something that should be in your collection. If you don't have any money, no need to worry about it 'cause it's for DE FREE! The EP's so good, I would get it if it's for DE FEE! Zo! earnestly learned every word for word and note for note of the songs he covered. He took the task very seriously, but still kept the music something you can dance, vibe, or chill out to. The guest singers on the EP took the mission devotedly, as well. They all brought their A game and it's definitely something I'm sure the original artists would be very proud of. Even the late Minnie Riperton is probably two-stepping to this at Soul Heaven right now, I know I would. Download this A.S.A.P!

Woody Black's Grade:
10 of 10 (A+)

Zo!'s "...just visiting" Available on Vinyl!

2009-11-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

For those who been blastin' Zo!'s ...just visiting too" all night err'night, here's something for those who were curious to what was before the sequel. Unfortunately, it's not available on CDs' and MP3s' as of this writing. But for all the diggin' crate nerds, you can get ...just visiting for $8 in the link below.

Zo! - "...just visiting"

Kam Moye's Splitting Image Album Release Party Pics

2009-11-04T11:00:00.002-05:00

Kam Moye celebrated the release of Splitting Image with family, fans, and friends at Dharma Lounge in Charlotte. Photography by Jasiatic and Ann Moye. And happy birthday to Mrs. Moye. If you don't already have Splitting Image, then you're missing out. It's definitely my favorite hip-hop album of the year! Check more pics on Kam's Facebook page. And while you're at it, make sure you are following us on Facebook as well.

Video: TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Rapper Big Pooh

2009-11-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Smoking Sessions with Rapper Big Pooh Featuring Tha Bizness from The Smoking Section on Vimeo.

Here's a new Smoking Session video with Getback Army's own field marshal Rapper Big Pooh. Pooh chop it up with TSS as they talk about the Reservoir Dogs mixtape, how things went since the release of Delightful Bars, the comparisons of doing things solo and with LB, and other thangs. And manye, that's one of the dopest beats I ever heard in the background!

Music: Zo! - "...just visiting too" EP

2009-11-03T12:30:00.002-05:00

It seems like Nicolay wasn't the only one in a mood for traveling. D.C.'s own Zo! is ...just visiting too with this free EP full of soulful covers of anthems around the world. Carlitta Durand, Phonte, Darien Brockington, YahZarah, and Sy Smith are on board as well, as Zo! takes you on a beautiful journey around the earth in your eardrums. Zo!'s upcoming album SunStorm is dropping soon, so get ready!

Tracklisting:
1. Perfect Angel feat. Yahzarah
2. Nights Over Egypt feat. Carlitta Durand
3. Crazy You feat. Sy Smith
4. Holding You, Loving You
5. My Flame feat. Phonte
6. Somethin Special feat. Yahzarah
7. The Highways of My Life (Pts. 1&2) feat. Darien Brockington-- [ SOURCE ]

Zo! - "...just visiting too!"

Music: KIDA - "Holla! (Remix)" (feat. Busta Rhymes, Little Brother, Kurupt, Crooked I, Talib Kweli, Jay Rock & Willie B) (prod. Seige)

2009-11-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Who's on the microphone? A BUNCHA NIGGAS! (c) Heavy D. F'real, this is a brand new remix and it's legit because it ain't no mash-up. Check this joint and play it at the club or at a hip-hop "underground" gatherings and the music'll bump either way. HOLLAAAAAAAAAA! (c) Missy

KIDA - "Holla! (Remix)" (feat. Busta Rhymes, Little Brother, Kurupt, Crooked I, Talib Kweli, Jay Rock & Willie B) (prod. Seige)

Music: Amen - "Something's Gotta Give" (prod. Khrysis)

2009-10-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

Khyrsis is still on the boards with the heat! And this time he brought this South Carolina emcee named Amen with him. When you get dope beats mixed with true rhymes, what more can you ask for? Can I get an amen?!

Amen - "Something's Gotta Give" (prod. Khrysis)

BONUS:
Amen - Queens Boulevard

Video: Johnny Kemp - "Just Got Paid" [Live]

2009-10-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Again, just to give y'all an idea of who The Foreign Exchange was TOURING with, this video shows you JUST that! Johnny Kemp came and performed this classic hit before introducing Bobby Brown. Yes this was all in the same night AND stage FE was performing at. Lady Vee, I owe you for this one.

Video: Bobby Brown - "Roni" [Live]

2009-10-30T09:00:00.003-04:00

Just to give y'all an idea of who The Foreign Exchange was touring with, this video should show you just that. Mr. Robert B. Brown a/k/a Bobby Brown himself, ladies and gentlemen. I don't even need to type anything else. In fact I won't, just look at the video. Props to Lady Vee!

Video: The Foreign Exchange Puts "Ignant Songs into Neo Soul"

2009-10-29T17:00:00.000-04:00

This video is just priceless. The Foreign Exchange puts some of the most stupidest, dumbest, and the 'too-ignant-to-be-even-called-songs' songs and transform them into some of the most soulful music you ever ehard. Juslisen (c) Musiq.

And btw, if you wanna check out all of the videos on the Foreign Exchange show, check it out on Lady Vee's YouTube page. Vee was holding the camera extra steady, although the atmosphere FE provided on stage would make it hard for anyone to stand still.

Video: The Foreign Exchange - "Take Off the Blues" [Live]

2009-10-29T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here are more of the videos of FE performing in NYC. "Take Off the Blues" is one of many highlights that went down that night. I mean f'real, they should drop a DVD on this joint. Shouts out to Lady Vee!

Video: Darien Brockington & Lady Vee in NYC Vlog

2009-10-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

After The Foreign Exchange performed one of the greatest show of all time (of all time!!! (c) 'Ye) in the B.B. King, here's a vlog from D-Brock w/ Lady Vee as they just whyle out all in the middle of a restaurant. Just view it!

Music: Kam Moye a/k/a Supastition - "Spitting Image" Sampler

2009-10-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know, Splitting Image by Kam Moye a/k/a Supastition dropped two days ago and go ahead and support the record by copping it right here! For those who would like to hear what the record sounds like before copping it, Moye was nice enough to drop an album sampler to give you a preview of how dope it is. Check it out below:

Sampler tracklist:

1. Splitting Image ft. Neenah
2. Imani
3. Re:born
4. Hello Karma ft. Phonte and Ayah
5. Let's Be Honest
6. Give Out, Give In
7. Life Line ft. One Be Lo

Kam Moye a/k/a Supastition - "Spitting Image" Sampler

Video: "Black Dynamite" Contest

2009-10-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

Would you like to have $1,000? No, f'real, I am really asking you would you like $1,000? If so, check out this video and you'll find how you MAY be the lucky person to receive a gwap from Chaundon himself! If not, well I guess you believe the best things in life are free...but bills ain't. Don't forget to download Black Dynamite and Black Dynamite's Revenge if you haven't yet!

Video: The Foreign Exchange - "Nic's Groove [Live]" (feat. Rapper Big Pooh)

2009-10-27T15:00:00.000-04:00

My girl Lady Vee outdid herself again. She took time out to record the Foreign Exchange show at the BB King's in New York to share it with the world and trust that they needed it. Mind if I add that they did this show with the legendary singer Bobby Brown? I thought y'all wouldn't! Anyway, this one is a vid of FE performing with "Nic's Groove" and Rapper Big Pooh makes a surprise appearance to rock with 'em (no pun intended).

Music: ProlifiCal - "Samurai Rhymes" (feat. Rapper Big Pooh)

2009-10-26T16:45:00.000-04:00

Comin' straight outta 559, ProlifiCal is about to drop their upcoming album Lyricist Parlae Vol. 1: Train Of Thought. Their single "Samurai Rhymes" features Rapper Big Pooh, so it's definitely somethin' y'all should check out!

ProlifiCal - Samurai Rhymes (feat. Rapper Big Pooh)

Video: Mick Boogie & Peter Bjorn & John "Stay This Way (DJ Jazzy Jeff Remix)" (feat. Phil Nash, Rapper Big Pooh & Chaundon)

2009-10-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Mick Boogie / Peter Bjorn & John - Stay This Way (Remix) from Myk Dawg on Vimeo.

How did I miss this vid?!!! My apoligies for the delay for this video, but I just discovered this all-star video TODAY! Mick Boogie, Peter Bjorn & John, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Phil Nash, Rapper Big Pooh and Chaundon in ONE SONG??! Man, there oughta been a countdown for this video. But hey, better late than never is what I believe.

Don't forget to download Re-Living Things if you haven't here.

Video: Gym Class Heroes, KRS-One, & Wale - "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn" [Live at the Hip Hop Honors 2009]

2009-10-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Gym Class Heroes |KRS-ONE |No Sleep Till Brooklyn |Wale

If y'all missed the Hip Hop Honors last week, here's one of many performances that saluted to the legendary Def Jam label. Gym Class Heroes, KRS-One, & Wale joined together to perform Beastie Boys' classic 1987 hit, "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn." May M.C.A. get well soon as he battles cancer, victoriously if I may add.

Here's more of the events you can watch on demand on VH1.

Video: Wale's "Attention Deficit" Commercial

2009-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

In stores Nov. 10th!

Video: V-Stylez - "Clash of the Titans" (feat. Royce Da 5'9'', Rapper Big Pooh, Elzhi & Phat Kat) (prod. MoSS)

2009-10-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

All six of these dude straight drop jewels int his video, producer included. Here's the audio version of the song if you missed it.

V-Stylez - "Clash of the Titans" (feat. Royce Da 5'9'', Rapper Big Pooh, Elzhi & Phat Kat) (prod. MoSS)

Okayplayer Gives "City Lights Vol. 2" an "A" (90/100)

2009-10-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

Seems like even The Roots and 'nem are bumping City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya in a major way (c) Earl Fizzle. Candace L. from Okayplayer has never heard of Shibuya prior to the listening of the record (Who has, really?). However, after hearing the record, she enjoyed the musical tour so much, she'll pay full admission to take the ride again.

Shibuya - never heard of it, but it's kind of fun to say. A section of Tokyo as infamous for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku minstrels as its overcrowding, Nicolay draws a parallel vision that removes Japan from the outer space category it may hold in Western imagination and places it skillfully back on Earth. Nicolay captures the excitement of this faraway land like a child chasing a butterfly as it floats away on a gentle breeze. The sounds and moods Nicolay constructs from inspiration are at once mellow and erratic, raindrops and technological blips. Yet, no matter what town he decides to inhabit, the sound is vintage Nicolay, smooth, organic and experimental.

The first suite of the album, "Shibuya Station" through "Satellite," immerses the listener in the environment of Shibuya ward, the hectic whirlwind of the train station, its busy intersections and rain falling in the park. The second suite takes you on a tour of ancient and modern day landmarks from "Meiji Shrine," a mystic instrumental reflecting the shrine dedicated to Tokyo's Emperor Meiji and his wife, to "Omotesando," a breezy track named after the ritzy shopping district. Throughout the journey, Shibuya is given the "New York, New York" treatment with the bombast of an electronic Broadway musical mixing with the whimsy of touching down in the big city for the first time. Along with Foreign Exchange band member Zo! on keys, Carlitta Durand's seductive vocals add perfect accents to the airy compositions.

Part video game, part jazz rock fantasyland, if Nicolay's sonic travelogue is to be believed, Shibuya is a land steeped in rich history as it seizes firm hold of an unbounded future. No matter where you are, the intricate layers of Shibuya transport you to another place.

- Candace L. -- [ SOURCE ]

URB Magazine Gives "City Lights: Vol. 2" 4 of 5 Stars

2009-10-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

URB Magazine is one of the few music magazines I rest my faith on when it comes to their reviews. And their review to Nicolay's "City Lights, Vol. 2" doesn't disappoint, as well. I'm glad the reviewer Landon A. enjoyed the trip with Nic as the guide.

Somewhere in between producing for both Phonte and Big Pooh of Little Brother and doing a full album with Texas MC, Kay, the Netherlands smoothest producer Nicolay found the time to make an electro-pop record. Following up his timeless City Lights Vol. 1 and Vol. 1.5 is City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya.

First things first, this LP has Nicolay venturing far from the soulful bounce that can be found on the first one and a half installments of the City Lights series . It’s evident that along with he and Phonte’s critically acclaimed second installment as Foreign Exchange, Nicolay began to change his style from space age bounce to disco-dance groove. But it’s all to the good, Nicolay’s new found vision is a refreshing journey of live instrumentation and programmed drum beats. Tranquil beats like “Rain In Ueno Park” and “Omotesando” are reasons I believe Nicolay’s a master of his craft.

However, it’s tracks like “Satellite” and “Saturday Night,” which features Carlitta Durand, that secure this record a spot in Express for Men and crowded techno club’s rotation’s. But, aside from a few hiccups, Nicolay does a stellar job leading listeners off the trail of breadcrumbs he’s scattered over the past few. Shibuya certainly breathes a breath of fresh air into the world of sped up soul samples and boom-bap drum breaks. -- [ SOURCE ]

Grown Folks Music Gives "City Lights: Vol. 2" a Perfect Rating!

2009-10-21T14:00:00.003-04:00

Grown Folks Music reviewed "City Lights" and they gave it the Siskel & Ebert two thumbs up! Other reviewers thought the ride to Shibuya was pleasant to okay, but GMC believe this one should make all the folks boogie at the Elk's Lodge! Club tested, fam'bly reunions approved.

A few months ago I was casually perusing my twitter feed when a few buzzwords flashed upon my screen: Prince, ?uestlove, Purple, to say the least I was intrigued. Upon further investigation I was pleasantly surprised to hear (and download for free on nicolaymusic.com) an incredible take on the Prince classic "Take Me With U". "Purple Flip" is a collaborative effort between the aforementioned ?uestlove, Nicolay, ZO!, Phonte and Carlitta Durand it was my first and brief introduction to The Foreign Exchange family. I filed a card in my mental rolodex and made sure to follow the tweeters in question. Fast Forward a few months and I have now added a new buzzword to my musical vocabulary: SHIBUYA.

City Lights Vol. 2: SHIBUYA is the latest offering from Nicolay, the multi-instrumentalist/producer/DJ and one half of The Foreign Exchange with rapper/singer/songwriter Phonte. This marks the fourth solo outing for Nicolay and is the third recording in a series of projects (Time: Line and Leave It All Behind) influenced by his first visit to Tokyo in 2006.

In the truest sense of the word City Lights Vol. 2: SHIBUYA is a story. This recording, like all great stories, has a definite beginning, middle and end. SHIBUYA should be listened to in the same manner as we experience a great story: front to back, cover to cover and beginning to end. To experience it any other you may run the risk of missing the big picture, because SHIBUYA is much more than a series of instrumentals with a few vocals sprinkled in for good measure.

It is the musical equivalent of "I just returned from the most amazing place!" but instead of firing up powerpoint to tell us all about his trip, Nicolay gifts us with the sonic equivalent.

This homage to the fashion and nightlife center of Tokyo employs all the characteristics of classical program music, from the first note the listener is transported to the middle of this bustling metropolis. The set opens with "Lose Your Way" featuring Carlitta Durand with the lyric penned by Phonte. "Lose Your Way" gives the listener the feel of the push and pull of making your way through a crowd in a new place. Lots of rhythmic tension throughout with on the beat and off the beat obligato patterns. The track is topped off with Durand's smoky, airy vocals which are tailor made for the harmonic stacks produced. As the journey continues the lyrics and music invoke the mantra "fade away"the production here is inspired as we can hear and experience the sound of the traveler moving from the sound of the street to sterile controlled sound of the station.

Once we have arrived inside "Shibuya Station" we are greeted with a big sounding instrumental that sounds like it is telling us that "you need to get there(wherever there is?) by starting here." A constant left/right walking pattern gives us our pulse which is a pace as frantic as Shibuya Station itself. Nicolay employs handclaps which gives the impression of the clicking of heels hurriedly trying to make it through the station. The movement of the train in this track harkens back to the opening bars of the Ellington classic "Daybreak Express".

"Rain In Ueno Park" is another standout track. It is at once a mix of western sensibilities with eastern motifs. There is an unpredictable cadence of thunder, sprinkled with raindrops as the sun appears at the end. It is this fusion of traditional, and contemporary, east and west which is an overarching them throughout the project. It is this attention to detail and subtlety that delights and challenges the listener.

When we arrive at "Wake Up In Another Life" it feels that we have reached that point in the journey where we have a moment to reflect on the experience before we must return to our more familial home. It is both upbeat and pensive track and features great vocal work by Carlitta Durand and Victor St. Clair and a beautiful piano break from The Foreign Exchange live band member ZO!

The sound of SHIBUYA is one of a producer having the freedom to say and do what he feels musically and make absolutely no apologies for it. Nicolay within in the course of this project breaks with and expands on convention. The drums sounds are big but there's something else going on(expanding conventional drum sounds). That groove is so phat but there's something else going on(breaking with convention by using other time signatures than the ubiqutous 4/4). It is a freedom that is personal, a sound that is personal, and a story that is personal. Most importantly it is an experience that Nicolay has made personal for all of us by documenting it in this manner.

As rating systems go I'd like to throw my own idiosyncratic offering into the fray. I like to use what I call the bar system. 2bars= Don't even bother. 4bars= On the way but you haven't moved me fully yet. 8bars= Well worth the price of admission. 12bars= Why are you reading this when you should be purchasing and listening to this music right now.

Shibuya (City Lights Vol. 2) 12bars hands down. -- [ SOURCE ]

Nicolay Talks with ThaRecipe.com

2009-10-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

1/2 of The Foreign Exchange, Nicolay, talks with ThaRecipe.com about his new record City Lights: Vol. 2, the one year anniversary of the critically acclaimed FE record Leave it All Behind, life on the orad, and what's next for him.

TR: Congratulations on the one year anniversary of ‘Leave It All Behind’. The baby is growing up!

Nic: Thank you, I can’t believe it’s been a year already. It’s cool to see an album reach a milestone like 1 year and still have relevancy.

TR: Listening to Leave it All Behind makes me wish I could play the piano. How old were you when your first started playing the Keys?

Nic: I was around 5 or 6 years old. My grandparents had a small standing piano that was a toy to me at that point. I actually picked up guitar better at first then picked up the keys.

TR: Are there any instruments you haven’t learned yet that you would like to learn?

Nic: I’ve never tried any woodwind instruments like sax or trumpet. It’s very specialized and very difficult.

TR: Have you ever thought about what you would be doing if you weren’t doing music?

Nic: I would definitely be doing some visual and artistic. I love design, especially industrial and web design. I’d also be interested in doing physical packaging such as cd covers and their contents.

TR: What cities and countries are you anxious to perform in that you haven’t already?

Nic: Outside of my home which is Holland, our touring has mostly been in the States and Canada. We’ve probably gone to more cities than we initially foresaw due to the love we’ve received for our album. I’ve been to Japan and absolutely loved it but we haven’t performed there yet. I would like to see that happen very much.

TR: What’s something you can’t live without when you are on the road?

Nic: Snacks. The first thing that goes out of the window when you are on tour is food. And not having any food is a big problem; you can’t live on the road without snacks. And it doesn’t need to be unhealthy, you can have bars and fruit and things like that but you definitely have to have something. There isn’t much time to sit and eat meals. You have to be at the airport, or to sound check, or to a performance and you are expected to be there at that time and you don’t have time to eat. But seeing the fans make it all worthwhile in the end.

TR: Speaking of the fans I’m always amazed by the motley crew mixture of fans that are at your shows. It’s quite an interesting mixture.

Nic: As a group, we love the diversity of our fans and have always sought to promote the togetherness of the people. At our shows you see a lot of women, but you also see a lot of men. You see a lot of African Americans but you see a lot of other types of people. We love that about our fans.

TR: What are some of your favorite cities or venues to play in?

Nic: I enjoyed the LA show at the Roxy very much. It has such a long rich history of music. So many artists from Prince to Guns & Roses have performed there and it’s an honor to play where the legends have left their footsteps. Other places I’ve enjoyed are Toronto, we get a lot of love there, DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Atlanta gives a lot of love.

TR: Have any of the fans ever been particularly wild at your shows?

Nic: Not really. Our fans don’t really get wild unless we instigate it. Our fans tend to be pretty mature. The wildest thing we’ve ever seen is a promoter getting robbed but other than that nothing too major. Our fans are there for the music and that’s what it’s really about. I don’t think they particularly care about our wardrobe or anything like that.

TR: Speaking of the fans being instigated, at the Roxy show the “36 C’s on the stage” impromptu song killed me.

Nic: Yeah! That’s about as wild as it gets at our shows. Darien had that lady throwing her bra on stage.

TR: That boy can sang!

Nic: Yes he can, what’s really funny about that story is, afterwards the lady asked for her bra back. I figure, if you are going to throw your bra on stage, make sure it’s a nice one or it’s one you don’t mind parting with so you can save yourself the embarrassment of having to ask for it back later.

TR: I know you have some shows coming up soon in the DMV area, is FE done touring for this year or do you have more dates lined up?

Nic: We have 3 shows coming up, one in Baltimore, One in NYC at BB Kings, and DC at the Black Cat. After that we are done for the rest of year in terms of playing “our” shows. We are appearing at a special engagement with a group called Love Language.

TR: So tell me about Shibuya, it’s been released here in the US has it been released in other countries yet, specifically Japan?

Nic: Shibuya was released 2 weeks ago in Japan and the people have been really excited about it. In essence, the album is dedicated to them. I love Japan very much. The songs are named after areas that were very meaningful and I hope they get a sense of enjoyment from listening to it.

TR: Can you speak Japanese?

Nic: Actually I don’t, but my wife speaks it fairly well.

TR: The extent of mine is domo arrigato, but I can’t remember if that’s thank you or what is your name.

Nic: Hey that sounds better than mine.

TR: How are the fans in Shibuya receiving your release? Plans to tour there?

Nic: I would love to. That is actually one of my dream projects and I’m trying to accomplish that now. I would like to play the entire album in setting where people can sit and enjoy it.

TR: I bet Carlitta would love that.

Nic: I’m sure she would be very down to do it too. There are pros and cons, like an 18 hour flight but once it’s over it’s worth it.

TR: How many arrangements did you compose before deciding on the final set of songs for Shibuya?

Nic: The tracks on the album are all the pieces that were created for the album. The Japanese version of the album has one extra track but everything I created for this album is on there. It’s a hybrid of complicated electronic pieces plus the pieces with Carlitta provide the soulful elements to the project.

TR: Our site has provided product links to purchase the album through Amazon.com. I’ve been reading about the battle of Amazon vs. iTunes and the difference in pricing.

Nic: It’s not like we are stock holders in Amazon or anything like that we just knew they were another place to sell our music. I believe the creator of the music should be able to decide how the content is presented. We pride ourselves on fair pricing for our fans, and we felt it was unfair to charge them $6.00 more for an album. We know iTunes does quite well with selling TV shows and things like that online, but music is just as important to their earnings. Also, Amazon files are of better quality than iTunes.

TR: Under your newly formed label, which artists already have green lighted projects? What’s coming up next for Nicolay Music? Will there be another Nicolay and Kay album?

Nic: There will definitely be another Nicolay and Kay album. I’m not sure when however. We’ve worked on a few things but we have to coordinate scheduling. Phonte has a solo album coming out, our first project out will be Zo’s project.

TR: It’s called “Just Visiting” correct?

Nic: Yes, that is him doing covers, however his “proper album” that’s what we call it; his great magnum opus is called “Sunstorm.” Carlitta also has an album coming out as well.

TR: Is there a title?

Nic: I don’t think there is, or she told me and it’s escaping me right now. She is still working on it right now. I did a song with Carlitta and Jesse Boykins that is really excellent. I call her the “major label” voice.

TR: She has a wonderful ethereal quality to her voice

Nic: It’s very light and pure and adds the “ching” to the record.

TR: I see my time is running out, I thank you so much for talking with me today. I am a huge fan of yours; please keep putting out good music.

Nic: Thank you for the support, I appreciate it. -- [ SOURCE ]