OBK CHANNEL

Author: Uncle Melon

  • Concert review: Usher at Amway Center

    Concert review: Usher at Amway Center

    Usher performing at “URX Tour,” in Orlando, Florida on Friday, Dec. 12. (OBK STAFF)

    By OBK STAFF

    Usher Raymond in concert may be the closest thing my generation and younger gets to seeing an all around performance similar to that of the late great Michael Jackson, and on Friday night the R&B star brought his “UR Experience Tour” to Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

    No, the “UR Experience Tour” is hardly any rendition of what the seasoned artist will display on his eighth studio album “UR,” which has been delayed and still has no release date. Instead the show was to display how the 36-year-old singer has contributed greatness to multiple genres throughout his 20-plus years in the music industry.

    After a blend of “My Way” over Drake’s “0 to 100” — which gave his younger fans a chance to still vibe whether or not they knew the lyrics because they were familiar to the beat — Usher broke out into his first “freestyle” dance session of the show. He would eventually be joined by eight dancers, who he did not mind sharing the spotlight with.

    It’s has become extremely rare these days for artist to showcase the art of dance in their performance and let their backing group get solo; so when Usher invited the audience into his past and focused on a part of culture that was deep in his roots it was hard not to be appreciative. It also helped raise the question of would him and his team be able to serve Chris Brown and his crew in a dance battle.

    He would even reference the choreography from his “You Make Me Wanna” music video and provide a hidden treasure to those truly paying attention

    Mr. U-s-h-e-r didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The 90 minute set touched multiple areas of the veteran artist song catalog, giving fans all the hits they wanted to hear but in a way he needed them to be heard.

    Pop singles like “OMG” and “Without You” were flooded with stage antics, fireworks, flashing lights and a ton of pyrotechnics to  help show why Usher has been able to crossover to multiple genres and gain international success. These tracks served as an opportunity for everyone to vibe together.

    Meanwhile songs like “Confessions Part 1” and “Let it Burn,” which were song acoustically gave fans the opportunity to sing along. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s amazing that both those songs, and a song like “Climax,” which talks about the complications of a relationship, provided the perfect opportunity for all few guys in in attendance a reason to be hugged up with their ladies.

    Without warning, Usher’s long time friend and producer Jermaine Dupri joined him on stage and performed an extensive set of older work from the artist that his day one fans, or “OG fans,” what JD called them, would enjoy. Many of the songs dated back to as far as Usher’s debut album “My Way” and sophomore follow-up “8701.” Jermaine Dupri was 100 percent accurate when he said that “we could do this all night,” because their brief mini set did not even scratch the surface of records they did together.

  • Photos: Usher plays Amway Center

    Photos: Usher plays Amway Center

  • Photos: Rae Sremmurd

    Photos: Rae Sremmurd

  • Photos: Mase & K CAMP

    Photos: Mase & K CAMP

  • Interview: Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three

    Whether their defying the traditional formation of a rock ensemble, or crossing over multiple genres to create their own unique sound; indie-band The Devil Makes Three is any thing from your normal group.

    The Devil Makes Three (TDM3) ーguitarist and vocalist Pete Bernhard, bassist Lucia Turino, and guitarist and tenor banjo player Cooper McBean ー is a fully string band that blends multiple genres: blues, ragtime, rockabilly, country, punk. Yes, you did read that right; a punk influenced band with no percussionist. And according to Bernhard they do not plan on changing that anytime soon.

    “We actually started with a drummer who sang and was a contributing songwriter and singer,” said Bernhard in an email with the Voice. “When he started a family early on in the bands career, I think 2004, he left and we just could replace him. We found we could get by without him and have been doing so ever since.

    “That said, we often add fiddle, lap steel, harmonica and other players to our albums and live shows as well. We’re not worried about it only being the three of us on stage or on the records; but we don’t think that drums are always necessary to get people up on their feet.”

    All members of The Devil Makes Three are originally from Vermont, however the group was formed and is based out of Santa Cruz, California ー when all members wound up moving there for different reasons.

    Despite TDM3 latest project “I’m A Stranger Here,” released October 2013, which they worked with Buddy Miller, the group had never worked with a producer. Prior to that project The Devil Makes Three approached every project with the DIY attitude and self-produced everything solely by themselves.

    The Devil Makes Three is currently on a fall headlining tour with support from The Cave Singers. The tour stops in Orlando on Oct. 23, with a show at The Social.

    In the interview, excerpts from which are below, Pete Bernhard discusses working with Buddy Miller ー the band’s progress and fame since debuting in 2002 ー their latest album “I’m a Stranger Here,” and how he thinks this is the The Devil Makes Three’ best project to-date.

    Q: What were some inspirations for writing songs for the latest album “I’m Stranger Here”?

    A: Being a stranger almost everywhere I go was the initial inspiration for the song. After that the song is about how music can last long after the death of the writer and that in a way art can make a person immortal. Some of my favorite songs were written by songwriters we are long long dead and yet people still cover them. In a sense I think this might be what we’re all after. Thus the line “I’m cheating death, i jump the grave”.

    Q: Was it intimidating working with Buddy Miller on the latest album?

    A: Not at all Buddy is a very cool and approachable person. It was just as though he joined the band as a forth member for an album. We were nervous at first as we are all used to self producing but there was no reason for it. We had a great time working with Buddy.

    Q: Do you feel this is your best work?

    A: I do feel that way. It was the most fun we have had in the studio and I hope that comes out in the listening.

    Q: How do you feel about the band’s progress with fame and touring?

    A: We have always had a slow rise in our group and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have fans who have been with us for 10 years and I am so proud of that. We started as a 100% DIY operation and have grown into what we are today. We have no one to thank but our fans for our success.

    Q: What’s your thoughts on when someone tries to categorize your music?

    A: We try to avoid categorization when ever possible. As Captain Beefheart once said: “The bottle I come in doesn’t have a label.” I think music is categorized in order to be sold, sorted and understood. But you don’t have to understand music to enjoy it.

    We like music from so many different styles, we combine them at will and what you hear is the result of that unholy union.

    The Devil Makes Three with The Cave Singers. Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., The Social, 54 N Orange Ave, Orlando, 407-246-1419, thesocial.org $20.

    By OBK

  • Soko talks new music, thrifting, acting career, more (interview)

    Soko will be performing as an opening act for Foster the People’s concert at the Hard Rock Live, Saturday, Oct. 18.

    From teeny-boppers to Oscar winners, nothing is ever enough for celebrities these days.

    Over the years we have witnessed many actors attempt to add the title rock star to their entertainment resume; some in hope to gain a new fan base, and others to show their already loyal following another side of their personality. For French singer-actress Soko, it was more so she could have a better creative outlet that would make her feel self content, as well as one where she could work on her own schedule.

    “I thought that acting and waiting for people to value you enough to give you a chance to prove that you’re OK at it was the most boring thing ever,” she said in a recent interview when discussing her reasons to venture into music at this part of her career.

    “

    I thought that acting and waiting for people to value you enough to give you a chance to prove that you’re OK at it was the most boring thing ever.

    — Soko

    It’s no secret that the Bordeaux, France born star is a very busy individual. In addition to acting and singing, she also directs her own music videos and is constantly on the look out to find new clothing items.

    To date, Soko has appeared in more than 10 films, including a performance in Spike Jonze’s Oscar winning film “Her,” as the voice of Isabella. She released her debut studio album, “I Thought I Was an Alien,” in 2012. Throughout the catchy 15-track project, we experience Soko’s dark, vulnerable, seductive and honest persona, over crisp vocals, laced with delicate guitar picking; someone you would enjoy hanging out with but would be on the edge of getting into a relationship with because you’d never would know if she wanted to kiss you or stab you at any given time. The album contained the single “We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow,” which appears in the “First Kiss” viral video. (If you watch closely you will notice that she is also one of 20 strangers kissing for the first time in the experiment.)

    By OBK

  • Photos: Demi Lovato, Orlando Florida

    Photos: Demi Lovato, Orlando Florida

  • Photos: Romeo Santos play Amway Center

    Photos: Romeo Santos play Amway Center

  • Bachata star Romeo Santos shows Orlando why he is ‘The King’

    Bachata star Romeo Santos shows Orlando why he is ‘The King’

    Romeo Santos performs at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, May 30, 2014. (OBK STAFF)

    By OBK STAFF

    There are certain places as a married man or long-time boyfriend you can not allow your girlfriend to go to alone on a Friday night.

    And after his “ladies leave your man for Rom” comments at the Amway Center, Romeo Santos showed Orlando why his concerts should be included on that list.

    Whether he was singing; speaking English, Spanish or a combination of both; thrusting the ground; telling his guitarist to do explicit things to the instrument; or just standing still, it felt as if all the predominately Latina crowd wanted to do was scream.

    Santos, 32, has been a key figure in globalizing the bachata genre, experimenting the traditional Dominican sound with contemporary R&B, and collaborating with some of the biggest crossover artist of today. He released his first solo album, “Formula Vol. 1,” in 2011, then followed it this year with “Vol. 2″; both topped Billboard’s Latin chart. Songs off both albums served as the catalyst for his roughly two-and-a-half hour set.

    Photos: Romeo Santos play Amway Center

    An opening entrance designed for royalty: following an intro from the 12-piece band, an animated castle appeared on the video screen behind them, with the walls resembling religious stained glass windows adorned with self portraits of Santos. As the smoke cleared and castle gate lifted, Santos would present himself to the crowd sporting a floor-length blue cape embezzled with his initials, and a bejeweled walking cane, which would go on to be removed.

    As he made his way to his crown-base led microphone stand, down a wide set of red stairs, you could hear the applause gradually rise as “The King” drew closer to center stage to perform opening song “Inocente.”

    The self-proclaimed king of bachata begin his career as the frontman for New York music group Aventura, which he founded and released nine albums under. During one segment of the show he would pay homage to the group with a rendition of their song “Un Beso,” in which he brought a touchy female guest onstage to allure her; making her dreams and every other woman in attendance jealous by ending the song with a kiss.

    “Do you got a man,” asked Santos in one of the many Spanglish interludes on the night. “Well if not, then you’re single for the night.”

    Santos would lend the few men in attendance advice on how treat a woman, dance with her, and make her feel special so that she walks around the house all day thinking “my baby loves me.” However, for the men who was not their, they could have become victim to the topics the singer discussed in “Amigo” and “Los Infieles,” as many of the faster songs left woman looking to whine up on the nearest person to them.

    When he was not encouraging people to dance on songs like “Odio” and tango- inflected “Propuesta Indecente,” Santos was captivating their hearts with timely love songs like “Promise.”

    When you deem yourself the king of anything, ridiculously high expectations are going to be placed on you. With success as a lead singer of a group under his belt, a rapidly growing solo career, and ability to take control of a near-capacity crowd, Santos is in perfect candidate to hold the title.

    Everything is looking uphill for the bachata king. As he continues to grow and sip from the chalice of the greats, everyone else can gratefully enjoying watching the throne.

  • Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn talks group’s musical range, coming out to his mother, self-centered exes, more (interview)

    After decades of hiding his true sexuality, Tyler Glenn ー lead singer of pop-rock band Neon Trees ー decided to come out as gay in March. A month later, the group would release their third album, “Pop Psychology,” and earn their highest-charting debut at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.

    Glenn, 30, announcement to come out shocked many since it went against his church’s traditional religion beliefs. Like Glenn, the other three members of Provo, Utah-based band Neon Trees were raised Mormon.

    Only Black Kid Channel editor got in contact with Glenn to talk about his mother’s reaction to him coming out as gay, sharing singing duties with Elaine Bradley, the guy who thinks all of Tyler’s lyrics on “Pop Psychology” are about him, and more.

    OBK: Talk about a big year. On top of releasing an album, you make a big announcement. How has everything been since coming out?

    Tyler Glenn: Quite seamless actually. I didn’t miss a beat, and was very appreciative of how many people cared. But the music is the center of everything for me, and It’s remained so.

    OBK: You stated in previous interviews that you are a big momma’s boy (me too, I understand). She was really excited for you just to hear your song on the radio, what was her reaction when you decided to share the news with her about coming out, and how supportive has she been?

    Glenn: She didn’t really know if I was joking or not, which I actually found endearing because she never gave my sex life too much thought. I respect that. She’s been very very supportive. No difference, if anything a wall has been taken down that perhaps she didn’t even know existed.

    OBK: Almost all of America’s bans on same-sex marriage are being contested in court. Coming from a Mormon background, what has been the reaction from the community?

    Glenn: It’s quite a dynamic. But I think something that gets confused is that all Mormons feel hate or contempt towards homesexuals, and that just simply isn’t the case and something I have experienced first hand now as I’ve come out. I feel it’s definitely unfortunate the way a lot of faith based organizations have made it so homosexuals have to choose between faith and sexuality. I am here to say both are doable. Sadly though we have a long way to go with equality. I don’t have those answers.

    OBK: I hear you are big fan of the Michael Sam story; did you happen to catch his NFL Draft selection?

    Glenn: Yes, very cool. I just like that he’s breaking another stereotype. Besides the fact that he’s a happy person doing what he feels is right, I like that he’s doing it in a very graceful way and I look up to that.

    OBK: Let’s talk new album: Is their a specific friend that you were sleeping with? And if so, why do you love them, but hate their friends?

    Glenn: Yes there is a guy, and yes I sing about him on a couple of the songs. I thought they were fascinating topics and applicable because I’d experienced them. He’s not in my life really anymore, but I did hear back through the grapevine that he thinks all of the songs are about him. Which is just self centered if you ask me.

    OBK: “Unavoidable,” is that the next single? Please say yes.

    Glenn: Thank you. I don’t think it’s planned to be the next, but we love the flavor of it. It’s also a cool moment in the show.

    OBK: Could you possibly see the group focusing on more tracks with you and Elaine Bradley sharing the spotlight?

    Glenn: I like that this band has range, and her and I also had a song called “Mad Love,” that we dueted on on our second record “Picture Show.” She sings backups on the the songs too.

    OBK: Celebrities like Katy Perry have already admitted to using dating apps like Tinder, can someone expect to possibly get you to swipe right on their photo in the 21st century?

    Glenn: I don’t use Tinder, but there’s gay app for “bearish guys and the guys that love them” called Growlr that I occasionally go on.

    OBK: With all the recent changes to your personal life, how do you make it so that news doesn’t overpower the bands success and album spotlight?

    Glenn: Like I said, the music is at the center of all I do.

    Neon Trees play the Hard Rock Live on Tuesday, May 27. Tickets range from $20 to $38. (Prices may not reflect ticketing service charges.) They will be joined by indie pop rock band Smallpools, and five-piece Los Angeles rock band Nightmare and the Cat.

    By OBK STAFF