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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.

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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

October 10, 2014
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

May 21, 2014
Tamar Braxton brings TV to reality with ‘Love and War Tour’ (review)

LAKE BUENA VISTA ー What better way to end the week then with a packed grown and sexy party.

“We are at the BBQ right?” asked DJ Slym, host of the event, as he warmed up the House of Blues crowd Sunday night for the “Love and War Tour.”

DJ Slym, the official Dj for Orlando rapper Caskey, entertained the crowd for nearly 45-minutes before Tamar Braxton hit the stage. With an extensive Dj mix, that blended an array of old school jams with new class ratchet club bangers, he kept the mainly “25 and older” crowd dancing ー whether it be shuffling, the electric slide and of course twerking.

Mrs. Braxton would carry that energy right over into the first song of her performance. Following the curtain opening, the audience was welcomed by a choreographed dance session by the singers animated backing staff, to go along with a rotating video reel displaying highlights from the singer’s reality TV shows. The woman of the hour would be revealed as uptempo track “She Did That” would come to an end, and the screen would reach its back with her waiting patiently on it.

“What’s up Tamartian fans?” Braxton shouted during uptempo banger “The One,” of her Grammy Nominated album “Love and War,” before breaking into a “Single Ladies” like dance with female dancers to “Tip Toe.”

The youngest of the Braxton sisters told us earlier in the week that she only has one project in which she would perform songs off, so how would the flamboyant artist keep the crowd engaged and remain original was a big question for me going into the night.

Not three-songs into the set, Mrs. Braxton would answer that question. Her being herself was the best source of entertainment you could from the artist.

“You’re not going to like me for me, so I’m just going to be fabulous and you are just going to have to eat it,” stated the artist in one of her neck-rolling, wig-flinging, lip-smacking, in your face, over-the-top, keeping it “100” commentary sessions. Everything one would expect from a diva.

While the 37-year-old artist did not disappoint on the vocal side of the performance — and songs like “White Candle,” “Pieces” and “Stay and Fight” helped showed her range and draw great amount of applause from the audience — it was her presentation leading up to each song which really seem to connect with her Tamartian fans.

For a good session of the show, Mrs. Braxton sat on a bar stool and walked everyone through the story of how her and her husband,”Teddy Ruxpin,” got to where they are now, bringing WE tv’s “Tamar and Vince” to front stage. From teaching women how to get, keep and please a man; to encouraging everyone to follow their dreams; as well as a quick twerk lesson during “Hot Sugar,” Mrs. Braxton provided not only an entertaining musical experience but also life-changing advice.

Prior to getting into the Tamartian national anthem “Love and War,” Mrs Braxton would channel her inner “Yeezus,” in a long-winded speech where she would go on to thank thank acts John Legend and R. Kelly (who she has toured with in the past) for giving her the opportunity to shine. “They helped make my dreams come true! So tonight, on this stage, I’m going to make your dreams come true,” said the singer before she hand picked four Tamartians to help her close out the night.

From multiple outfit changes, “Chippendales”-esque strip tease during intermission, and outrageously witty commentary, Tamar Braxton’s first national headlining tour solidifies that the she is truly entertaining and what we see from her on TV is truly who she is. However, it does leave speculation on whether this tour is to promote Tamar’s other business endeavors or give “Love and War,” the album, one last push. Incorporating no live band, DJ, or backing singers to give the songs a new feel, the diva is relying solely on the things that got her to this point to succeed. And that’s her sass, amazing voice and willingness to say say what ever comes to her mind without holding back.

May 19, 2014
Big Guava Day 2 Review: Haim, Vampire Weekend, Kitten, more

Alana Haim, of Haim, performs on the second night of the Big Guava Festival at the MidFlorida Amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (OBK STAFF)

By OBK

It felt as if no song Vampire Weekend played to close out Day 2 of the Big Guava Festival could do any harm.

The four-piece band, out of New York City, was playing the MidFlorida Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds for the first time in their career, on Saturday. They did admit to playing in St. Petersburg years back, however noted it did not compare to actually getting the chance to play in Tampa.

Vampire Weekend hit the stage full of preppy boy swag, with rapper’s Drake “Trophies” playing in the background. The group performed for 80 minutes, to what appeared to be a slightly larger crowd than what Outkast pulled in on Friday. Their set managed to combine what was almost a perfect balance of all their material. Ezra Koenig and his former Columbia University classmates started the show with “Diana Young,” an upbeat dance track of their latest album, which got the crowd going right away and set the tone for the night. They would even go on to play material off their first two projects: “Oxford Comma,” “Cousins,” and “Giving up the Gun.”

Koenig was in static by the reception that the group was receiving from the crowd, and had to make a statement to let the festival know how great they were.

“People crowd surfing during ‘Horchata?’ We don’t always get that. Only in Tampa,” he said.

Day 2 of the festival, which saw rain early on during the day but let up as the night went on, welcomed 16 performing acts in total. There were multiple sightings of bands not scheduled to perform until Day 3 at the festival, checking out other acts, riding the free rides and enjoying the food trucks.

Sister trio Haim was the first must-see group to take the mainstage. Whoever said music is all about an image and not about talent must have never heard the Haim sisters, because these girls can rock.

No, I am not saying these girls are unattractive, I’m just saying these girls can really rock. The group’s performance is full of charisma and spunk. The sisters have much more of a grunge persona than their album recordings would lead people to believe — loose-fitting tie-dyed band shirts, wild hair, ripped shorts — it was evident that the preternaturally talented group is looking to make their own lane in the rock world and not be the next big pop group.

Their set ended at 4:30 with a profound drum collaboration, just in time for viewers to head over to the Orchard stage and catch always entertaining band Kitten.

While the group has gone through a member facelift since the last time I seen them, in Orlando with Charli XCX, they still rock just as hard. Not much has changed with their lead singer Chloe Chaidez: she is still whipping his hair extremly hard, performing and walking around with no shoes, and climbing atop of speakers to rock out every chance she get. (With the wind blowing strong, many of the security guards were nervous for the singer because the speakers were not bolted down, however everything turned out okay.)

Ms. Chaidez and Kitten performed revamped songs of their last EP, as well as songs scheduled to appear on their self-titled debut album. The group even included a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” into their set, a perfect song to describe the climate.

Rapper Hoodie Allen’s set started midway in between the groups performance over at the Nectar stage — the one inside stage of the entire festival, located inside the Expo Hall. Despite battling a terrible chest infection, Hoodie Allen did not let up on the energy. The artist even channeled his inner Taylor Swift, and covering her “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Sounds strange, but I guess you just had to be there to enjoy it.

Terraplane Sun, five-piece band out of Venice, California was the final performance before the headlining act Vampire Weekend, on a smaller stage. The group host possibly one of the coolest people ever, in their keyboardist Gabe Feenberg. In addition to switching between instruments during the set — from keys to trombone to steel guitar — he also managed to smoke and keep a cigarette lit. The neo-Southern-rock group is something to look out for. On top of an awesome live set, the guys are very cool and interacting. Instead of sitting in their trailers before and after their set, the group was amongst the crowd enjoying different sets. With their new LP “Generation Blues” scheduled to be released anytime, the Central Florida area would be in for a treat if the group was to make their way back to the area for a full-set.

May 3, 2014
Outkast headlines Day 1 of Big Guava, for their only Florida show (review)

By OBK

It’s nothing to forget an artist horrendous performance that you witnessed from a live stream of another show three-weeks ago, when that artist comes to your backyard and kicks off the inaugural night of a new music festival the way they did.

Outkast took the main stage of the Big Guava Festival on Friday at the MidFlorida Amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa and wasted no time getting into popular jams, helping lighten up the soaked crowd who had been out in the rain all day.

The Atlanta duo’s 90 minute set list has been tweaked since it’s Coachella performance. On top of playing their mainstream pop-oriented dance tracks like “Roses” and “So Fresh, So Clean,” Outkast took the time to reward their hip-hop heads fan base.

“Y’all probably didn’t even know we rapped,” said quirky Andre 3000, before the group got into older material and gave the audience a brief Outkast history level. Mr. 3000 was dressed in a white wig and all black body suit, which read “F#CK 3000,” and had an oversized price tag dangling from the side of it that read “for sale” on one side, and “sold out” on the other.

Many people have been stating that the “Hey Ya!” singer does not have his heart in the right place for this tour and have been lacking effort, however by the way he attacked the stage during the groups opening songs ー “BOB,” “Gasoline Dreams,” “ATLiens” and “Skew it on the Bar-B,” which immediately got the crowd into a frenzy ー it was hard to even fathom that thought.

Following their performance of “Ms. Jackson,” each member got a brief time to display their solo career and stronger side: Big Boi, an in your face southern rapper who is not afraid to represent where he is from, and Mr. 3000, an unforgotten lyricist who loves to make the ladies happy.

Outkast would then dig into their crates following their solo sets, performing a good run of songs from their 1994 debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.”

They would go on to end their first Florida show in over a decade with “The Whole World,” a good description of the wide cultural, ethnic and age variety of fans the group appeals to.

Highlight of the night came when Outkast paid homage to the hip-hop artist of the 90’s including the late Pimp C, of collective UGK who the group states were one of the first people to give them a chance and take them under their wing; before their performance of “International Players Anthem (I Choose You).”

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa had the lucky task of opening for Outkast ー sorta. While he was on a totally different stage, he was the only other true hip-hop act of the night; plus he was the last artist to perform before they went on.

The audience, composed of hip-hop heads and ravers, immediately vibed along with the Savemoney artist’s incredible energy. Mensa began to gain national attention following his appearance on Chance the Rapper’s (who will be performing on Sunday) “Cooca Butter Kisses.”

Mr. Mensa has an array of styles, however he is at his peak during songs like “Hollywood Los Angeles,” where he mixes soul and dares to be different.

One of Mensa finish songs was his new single “Down On My Luck.” While the song is a little different from what Mr. Mensa excels at, it is not a bad track for music. For an artist who has served time in a rock band and as a solo rap artist, it’s uncertain what route the artist will trying to lay a foundation with in the future.

May 2, 2014
Photos: Big Guava Festival Day 1

BY OBK STAFF

May 2, 2014
Darius Rucker brings rock-star vibe to his country show (review)

ORLANDO — Every family has that one oddball uncle. The one no one truly understands because his current ventures come off as weird if you compare them to things of his background.

You know, the one who only comes around every so often, however when does he is always bearing gifts. The uncle that all the younger cousins wished was their permanent babysitter because he allows them to underage drink, as long as they don’t tell mom. The one who has people hating him for the same exact reasons everyone else loves him.

Former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker was that uncle to Orlando, when he brought his “True Believers Tour” to the CFE Arena on Thursday.

During his one-hour and 45 minutes set, Mr. Rucker’s setlist featured some country, some covers where he crossover genres, and a ton of Hootie magic.

Mr. Rucker opened up his set with “Radio” and “Heartbreak Road,” two songs from his certified Gold album which he is currently out touring. With the vibe many of the songs created, he left many wondering: If Hootie & the Blowfish were to come out in the recent years, would they be able to find a home in the mainstream country music scene and climb the charts; as many of Mr. Rucker’s songs as a sol-artist contained ballads that wouldn’t have sounded weird if the rock group was to play them in the 90’. In fact, he introduced the Hootie and the Blowfish song “Let Her Cry” as “the first country song I ever wrote.”

Mr. Rucker was very casual and all about his business, dressed in blue jeans, a Nike ball cap and matching black shirt and vest. He was not one to talk much while onstage, however when he did it would always get a great response from the crowd. He showed support to UCF multiple times. At one point during the show, he displayed the school’s logo across his giant video screens, behind his massive amount of stage lights.

Aside from singer’s Corey Smith 30-minute opening set, and the Eli Young Band’s hour-long set, which contained all three of their smash hits “Even If It Breaks My Heart,” “Crazy Girl,” and “Drunk Last Night,” both acts would join Mr. Rucker on stage to perform Hank Williams, Jr.’s “Family Tradition.”

Mr. Rucker would his set with “Wagon Wheel,” a hit of his which has garnered him great success on the charts and at music award shows.

While Darius Rucker will always be known for his contributions to Hootie and the Blowfish, spending more than 25-years with the group, he has gone on to make a solo career for himself.

April 25, 2014
Kendrick Lamar performs at UCF’s annual “420 Concert Series”

Kendrick Lamar stated to CFE Arena that he would be back, when he performed at the venue last year, and Sunday night he lived up to his promise. After taking a break in 2013, UCF brought back their annual “420 Concert Series,” with Mr. Lamar. He was supported by a vast of supporting acts, with the most recognizable act being his Top Dawg Entertainment label mate Jay Rock.

Mr. Lamar stayed true to his “Control” verse — where he stated that “I ain’t rockin’ no more designer sh*t” — as he hit the stage sporting a white tee, blue jeans, Detroit Tigers fitted, and a pair of white, blue and gold Nikes (possibly Lebron 9’s). He does not have many show dates on his schedule, so it’s uncertain what Mr. Lamar has been up. Based off of his scruffy look, possibly (hopefully) working on a new album. The Compton, Calif. rapper performed songs dating back to his first project “O.verly D.edicated,” up to singles past his “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”

Aside from his short set, Mr. Jay Rock would join Mr. Lamar on stage during his performance to play their song “Money Trees” together. During his solo set, he performed his 2011 hit “Hood Gone Love It,’ as well as his verse from Ab-Soul’s “Black Lil Bastard.”

Orlando-based rapper Caskey also made a brief visit to the stage. While he did not perform, he and his DJ Slim did manage to take over the microphone and hype up the crowd prior to TDE taking the stage.

April 21, 2014
Tech N9ne brings ‘Independent Grind Tour’ to Plaza Live (review)

A rapper that spits rapid-fast aggressive lyrics, paints his face, draws a hardcore cult fanbase, and is named after a semi-automatic handgun, just doesn’t sound like the guy you want to walk up to and attempt to start a conversation with.

Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne brought his “Independent Grind Tour” to Orlando Thursday night, performing at the Plaza Live — his first time ever at the venue.

“We like this place, so don’t do anything stupid. We’re trying to come back here next year,” said the show’s hype man to the crowd, before exhibiting his utterly disgust for another Orlando venue which Mr. Tech N9ne has performed at in the past.

In attempt to get a feel for his audience, Mr. Tech N9ne disguised himself under a red Jabbawockeez mask and wandered throughout the Plaza venue; grabbing a few drinks at the bar and even catching the entire set for opening act Psych Ward Druggies.

By the time it was his turn to take the stage, Mr. Tech N9ne had did a complete outfit change. Dressed head-to-toe in a black mechanic outfit with white face paint, the independent rapper out of Kansas City Mo. displayed his showmanship in his 90-minute set.

Quite interesting, fan were more into actually experiencing the moment instead of recording it on their smartphone. For most of the show — despite when Mr. Tech N9ne encouraged female audience members to climb on top someone shoulders and display their breast — if one was to look out into the audience all they would see is “strange” people with their face painted, dancing, raging and moshing, not being distracted by technology and the outside world.

Mr. Tech N9ne was accompanied by Strange Music labelmate Krizz Kaliko, dressed in similar attire minus the face paint. The two put on what appeared to be a choreographed hip-hop show; non-stop motion, timely stage exits and arrivals between songs, and synchronized dancing.

While his pop locking skills; Motown like moves; and machine gun type flowing were entertaining, he was at his strongest during his more intimate sessions of the set. He let the crowd in on his sensitive side as he introduced popular single “Fragile,” which features Kendrick Lamar, ¡MAYDAY! & Kendall Morgan. While none of the artist were their to assist in the performance, Mr. Kaliko would help provide backing vocals — much like he did the entire night.

Rapper Freddie Gibbs, out of Gary, Ind., acted as the main opening act and had no problem demonstrating to everyone why he is called Gangsta Gibbs. Throughout his set, he would get everyone of the audience to scream “f*** the police” every chance he got. Mr. Gibbs took a more simplistic approach, gaining the attention of the crowd with less attention to the production aspect, but more on his bars and Acapella flows.

Funk Volume’s Jarren Benton also served as a support act for the “Independent Grind Tour.” He was backed by “the worst DJ ever,” who kept his identity hidden behind a full-face mask; and a crazy-haired drummer. He wasted no time on the turn up, quickly heading to the guard rails to get close and personal with the crowd. Mr. Benton is a very charismatic artist. He commands the stage, while giving fans the opportunity to perform on a big stage, even if it’s only as his hype man.

April 18, 2014
Can Outkast get past first reunion show, or should we expect the same effort at Big Guava? (editorial)

Andre 3000 and Big Boi spent a decade apart from performing together on stage, until this past weekend when the duo reunited to headline the first night of Coachella 2014 (April 11). Whether or not they liked the performance, the audience members at Coachella got to be a part of history, being among the first group of people to watch Atlanta duo Outkast reunite on stage together live, as the rest of us watched the Youtube feed through our computer screen.

Outkast has built their fanbase through big-hit catchy top 40 tunes like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson,” but has also garnered fans due to their knack to be unique, creating a transcending sound that Southern hip hop was not accustom to; and during their summer run of shows, they are going to have to find a way to please both crowds in the same set.

After their first attempt, I have mixed feeling on whether or not they will be able to do.

While Mr. 3000 and Mr. Big Boi has given us great verses during their solo careers, no one cares about those group of songs during this tour run. For all 90 minutes, or how ever long their respected sets will be at each show, we would like to see the both of you onstage together for the entire duration. Most importantly, not behind that giant screen for a good portion of the show.

Outkast should’ve maybe snuck in some shows before their Coachella appearance; based off of their first set together, you would think the two were still living in the early 2000’s when it comes to touring. Festivals are made up of music lovers of multiple taste gathering to see an array of their favorite artist, unlike a solo concert where the audience is made up of one artist’s fans.

Outkast needs to realize that majority of the people who are going to be checking out their show have never seen the two of them live as a set, so we are going to be expecting fireworks. A historic group need a historic comeback.

We understand that the chemistry between the two is a tad bit off, they have not performed together in a good while, so that is not a problem. However, a lack of production is not acceptable. While Mr. Big Boi was able to explain the significance for most of the items — a kitchen table with two chairs, bicycle and polar bear does not just cut it.

Kanye West is out here moving mountains, and Outkast are barely carrying stones.

No shade to the group, they just need to dust off that first performance and regroup.

When the group hits Tampa on Friday, May 2 for the Big Guava Fest, let’s hope they attack the stage with a different game plan, that does not involve as much attitude.

By OBK

April 15, 2014