Category: Upcoming Guests

DJ Shred One (Cherries Records), who has been on the top of guest wish list since I started my show 4 years ago and I’m excited to say that she will be my guest on Monday night!

About DJ Shred One:

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sheila Red aka Shred One was constantly surrounded and heavily influenced by music at a very young age as she tagged along with her vinyl collecting family. She moved to Brooklyn, NY in ’98 where she began collecting her own records and fell in love with the art of djing, as well as learning the music industry game working at Rawkus Records. In 2010, she moved to Chicago where she competed and won the first annual Vocalo FM DJ Competition. She also co-founded Cherries Records, a modern funk and r&b record label with her husband/producer Andrew Brearley. Now residing back in NYC, she continues to release, collect, and play records, and plans to travel the world djing with her fellow label mates on a future Cherries tour.

Tawiah, who’s music has made regular appearances on this site and my radio show going back to 2010 is in town from London for some shows (see below) and she is also going to stop by The Main Ingredient for a chat late Monday night.

There is a slightly overzealous sampling of her songs below. I wanted to include something from Jodi’s Bedroom, her new FREEdom Drop EP, and one of the 4 songs on Eric Lau’s new album, One of Many, that she is featured on. His album comes out Tuesday on Kilawatt Music.

About Tawiah:

Tawiah’s voice has been discovered and admired by the likes of upper echelon artist like Mark Ronson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Cee Lo Green, The Guillemots and Gilles Peterson. A personal request by Mark Ronson led her to be the front woman and voice of his touring band on his 2007 worldwide tour. She lent her vocals to songs made famous by Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, and Mary J. Blige.

In 2008, Tawiah independently released her debut EP ‘In Jodi’s Bedroom’ which quickly became a cult favorite on Britain’s underground music scene, ultimately winning her Gilles Peterson’s Radio 1 Worldwide Award for Best Newcomer. Her song “Watch Out” was subsequently voted the 2nd best song of the year by his station. “Every Step”, the second single from her self released EP, went on to make iTunes single of the week.

She went on to feature on Cee Lo Green’s official remix for “I Want You” and filmed a documentary with Mark Ronson and Guy Chambers for the BBC. Wale tapped her to release a remake of the Method Man featuring Mary J Blige hit “All I Need”. She later went on to perform live with Mark Ronson and Erykah Badu capping off an amazing early career start.

Her upcoming release, Freedom Drop, is clearly more than just a mixtape. Collaborating again with Jodi Milliner, with production and features from Sam Beste of Hejira, Ghana hip-hop sensation Wanlov and vocal talent Muhsinah (The Weekend, N.E.R.D, Common), it is a melodic reflection of the past few years of Tawiah’s career. It is worldly and soulful. Not only a representation of her life but a representation of the listeners and fans that have grown to appreciate her music. Be prepared to feel, think and reflect.

I’m excited that I was able to talk Natasha Diggs into sneaking out of her popular Mobile Mondays party (which happens to be two blocks away) to come and play a set on next week’s show. Luckily the all-star cast of Operator Emz, Joey Carvello, Misbehavior, $$$ Mike and Just Blaze have her covered.

About Natasha Diggs:

For over a decade Natasha Diggs has been digging deeper to provide the soundscape for venues across the globe in such cities such as Berlin, London, Prague, Los Angeles and New York.

As resident of New York City’s premiere all-vinyl 45 party, Mobile Mondays, Diggs has become a force to be reckoned with and one of the most sought-after DJs in the 45 game.

She’s played alongside artists such as Kenny Dope, DJ Spinna, Cut Chemist, Spinderella, DJ Scratch (EPMD), Just Blaze (Jay Z, Eminem), DJ Muro, Break Beat Lou (Ultimate Breaks & Beats) & Boogie Blind (X-ecutioners)

Natasha has also cofounded the all girls jam “Us Girls” which takes place monthly downtown showcasing female DJs and artists while creating a network amongst NYC’s rising female talent.

Whether based in NYC or worldwide Natasha can be heard DJing her monthly spot on ScratchVision TV and also as a featured guest DJ on B-Real TV in LA.

For more info and dates connect with Natasha Diggs on Facebook or Twitter.

Probably my favorite success story from the last year or two, Hiatus Kaiyote will be joining me in the East Village Radio studio tonight. Formed in 2011, they self-released their debut album exactly one year ago today. I saw their leader singer Nai Palm perform a solo set in the fall (they were still raising funds to bring the full band over from Australia). She was billed 3rd out of 6 acts and played a great set to about 80 people in a less-than-half-full room in Brooklyn. I also saw the full band headline a show to an very enthusiastic sold out out crowd of 600+ (who knew most of their lyrics) at Le Poisson Rouge less than two weeks ago (less than 6 months later). Listen live tonight at midnight ET at eastvillageradio.com when they’ll answer my idiosyncratic questions about their music and creative process and share some of their favorite music.

About Hiatus Kaiyote:

The opening song in Hiatus Kaiyote’s Tawk Tomahawk captures you instantly. Guitarist and lead singer Nai Palm’s vocals are raw and sincere—weaving in and out of a beautiful blend of strings and snares. The debut EP is bold, yet intimate. Close your eyes after pressing play and you will be transported from your seat to the desert sands of Australia where the video for “Nakamarra” was filmed.

The Melbourne quartet is an internationally acclaimed “future soul” band. In little under two years, highly-respected artists, audiophiles and everyday people have been waxing poetic about Hiatus Kaiyote. The music is diverse and it expands into a sound that can’t fit within the boundaries of a single genre. Each track is like a key ingredient in the listening experience that adds to a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, electronic, opera, rock and soul. Subtle traces of the group’s major influences, ranging from Stevie Wonder and J Dilla to Flying Lotus are imbedded in the project.

Hiatus Kaiyote formed organically through a series of jam sessions that took place in a house three members shared. The Tawk Tomahawk recording process was inspired by everything from watching relationships unravel to traveling the world. There’s a freewheeling spirit to the band, comprised of Nai Palm, keyboardist Simon Mavin, bassist/producer Paul Bender and drummer/producer Perrin Moss. Prior to joining forces, the bandmates were working the local music circuit and refining their respective talents.
When Tawk Tomahawk was released in spring 2012, the EP quickly climbed the indie charts. It was as if a word-of-mouth shock wave moved from Melbourne, to Gilles Peterson in London, to Questlove and Erykah Badu in New York City and beyond. Hiatus Kaiyote began performing with artists like Taylor McFerrin (Brainfeeder) and José James (Blue Note) and are now headlining sold-out shows.

But this is only the beginning, as Hiatus Kaiyote embarks upon its U.S. debut tour.
“Music has always been medication to us,” Nai Palm explains. “It’s a force for self-healing that we’re ready to share with the world.” Through a musical symbiosis, the band has created its own lane and Tawk Tomahawk showcases the breadth of their talent and love for music lyric by lyric, and beat by beat.

In anticipation of his show at Drom on Sunday February 10th, Diggs Duke will come by The Main Ingredient next week!

About Diggs Duke:

The sound of Diggs Duke’s music can best be characterized as a fresh, yet familiar interpretation of the bond between Soul and Jazz. Within the last year, the American vocalist, instrumentalist and composer has released a steady stream of quality music that’s been dominating playlists from LA to Indonesia. Shortly after the release of his debut EP, “Gravity,” as well as several ambitious singles, the music was swiftly placed into the rotation of taste-makers across the US and Europe, including Gilles Peterson in the UK and Lefto in Brussels.

Mentored by alumni of the bands of Max Roach, Cecil Taylor and Frank Foster, Duke’s jazz ideals blend well with the Hip-Hop, R&B and Latin music of a 90’s upbringing. The result is a stellar mix of raspy vocals, fascinating horn arrangements and adventurous song forms, never losing sight of the perfect groove.

If you don’t know Cecilia Stalin from her 2012 album Step Like a Giant, which has been featured heavily on the show, you may recognize her from her collaborations with Koop, The Analog Players Society, Illvibe Collective and Sarah White which have also been featured. She is going to come by tonight to chat and share some songs on the tail end of her trip from London.

About Cecilia Stalin:

Swedish jazz artist CECILIA STALIN is a talent not to be overlooked. Her music, explores genres including hip-hop, nu-jazz and bop/swing. A stunningly versatile voice is her trademark, and envelops a wide spectrum of feelings and emotions. From intimacy and fragility, to great will and power. Will-power is most definitely a virtue that has helped Cecilia to achieve success with the many collaborations and recordings that span her career so far. Her delivery of mellifluous gems truly brings forth the virtues of well-crafted and inspirational sounds.

Since beginning a career in music, Cecilia has worked on many projects/recordings that have gained excellent reviews and broad international recognition. Although having worked within a number of constellations during her career including, Charles Tolliver’s Big Band, she has primarily focused on her own ensembles. After finishing college in 2005, Cecilia recorded the debut CD ‘Straight Up’ with her Swedish quintet; the album was released in Japan and USA in 2006.

Cecilia frequently performed at Sweden’s biggest jazz clubs including: Jazz Club, Fasching, Nalen, Jazz i Malmö, Mejeriet, Glen Miller Café. She has also performed at the Royal Festival Hall and many of London’s best known Jazz venues including, Jazz Café, Ronnie Scotts, Roundhouse, Spice of Life and The Vortex.
In Sweden, her work incorporated a variety of musicians, small groups and big bands. She has recorded for Swedish National Radio, featured on numerous radio shows/broadcasts including interviews with people such as Helen Mahew (Jazz FM), and performed on many studio recordings for the BBC. Cecilia is probably best known for collaborating with the nu-jazz duo Koop on the song ‘Waltz for Koop’, which was included in the soundtrack for Woody Allen’s film ‘Match Point’.

Whilst living in New York during 2003, Cecilia worked with friend and mentor Reggie Workman. Inspired by her character and personality, Reggie suggested she set text/lyrics to some of John Coltrane’s songs and compositions. Cecilia has recently started to gather the arrangements/material she worked with then, and is releasing a full-length album called ‘Step Like A Giant’. The project is a collaboration with a broad range of hand picked producers of international renown such as, Daz-I-Kue (Bugz in the attic, UK) Waiwan (house producer, UK), Keyon Harrold (producer for 50cent, US), Drew Horley (producer for Ty, Natalie Williams UK), Nate Smith (drummer for Dave Holland, NYC) and the legendary Herb Middleton (NYC).

In 2007, Cecilia moved to London in order to perform more regularly, and start work on new projects. Since arriving in London, she has expanded her musical repertoire by singing backing vocals for UK music acts and artists including, The Streets (Electric proms), Alesha Dixon (Live Lounge BBC), Nate James and Cinematic Orchestra (on tour). In addition, she receives many bookings to sing and play solo piano all over Europe. Also known as a vocal coach, Cecilia has taught celebrities such as actor Eamonn Walker for his role in the movie ‘Cadillac Records’ which features Beyonce playing the role of Etta James.

Regular listeners know that I am a fan of this man. Sadly, on the heels of the release of his album The Dread Of An Unknown Evil (which comes out tomorrow, Dec. 7th), I think Europe (Berlin specifically) might claim him. If so, I’ll be sad to see him go but so happy for his continued success and spreading wings.

I don’t know the inner workings on his creative process but (as beautiful as his last project was, and I mean that) judging from the album and his live show that I was lucky enough to catch last week, he really seems to be expanding his vision in inspiring ways (musically, collaboratively and emotionally). I’m looking forward to welcoming him back to the show Monday (you can listen his previous visit here).

About KRTS:

In 2011 we saw KRTS breaking free from the boundaries of NYC’s five boroughs, releasing his first EP, Hold On, with the Berlin-based label Project: Mooncircle. The five tracks of Hold On represent the organic, heavily emotional and lively style of broken-beat, fusion jazz, boom-bap, and dubstep.

With the end of 2012 comes The Dread Of An Unknown Evil, KRTS’s first LP (limited, colored, double vinyl / uv-varnish print cover) for Project: Mooncircle. With bass-culture styles reflecting the darker side of everyday reality, the album explores themes such as fear, apprehension, doubt, angst, and sorrow, with the prevailing dread of an unknown and uncertain future—always there, peering around corners, waiting and watching.

“Your Eyes“ features Stevee Wellons — a soulful diva and KRTS’s own mother — telling the story of lost loves and abandoned hopes.
“Knuckle Under“ is an immediate cinematic ride through the chaotic New York City underground, each bass line like an elbow to the shoulder, spinning you and pushing you down until it all turns black.

“Something New“ featuring sibling Jon Hairston on vocals, is a plea to love and the risks involved when we hold hearts back.

The ten tracks of The Dread Of An Unknown Evil form an intimate LP from a musician battling to make it between cities, families, loves, losses, and futures — on to the next chapter.

Also, for you vinyl collectors, don’t sleep on the vinyl package (I already put my money down), available here, here and here and many other places.

In 2006 an album came along that broke my brain a little bit…or at least the rules in it. The instrumentation and the harmonies and the humor and the song structures didn’t seem like they could have all come from the two kids watching tv on the album cover and it definitely didn’t fit into my understanding of genres at the time. It was “Living With…” by Owusu & Hannibal. Some of you know it but it didn’t reach anywhere near the amount of ears it deserved to reach. I’ve listened to it and played tracks from it in DJ gigs consistently over the last 6 years and I’ve only grown more fond of it during that time. I was lucky enough to have Robin Hannibal as a guest on the show (as part of Quadron) a couple years back and I am finally completing the circle. Philip Owusu, who just completed his solo album, will come by and be a good a sport about the barrage of questions emanating from my mouth.

Listen to the album on Grooveshark.

Anyone that’s listened to my show, even if only once, has probably heard me play an Oddisee track. I’ve been playing his music since my 2nd show back in May of ’09 and I’ve played 95 songs that he’s either produced or rhymed on (often both) in my 173 shows. That’s by far the most of any artist. He first stopped by the show with Olivier Daysoul in late 2010 and I’m really glad to be able to get a little time in the middle of his tour to talk about his excellent new album “People Hear What They See.” He’ll also be performing at Public Assembly Tuesday night; I recommend being there.

About Oddisee:

The son of Sudanese and American parents, Amir Mohamed was born and raised in the United States capital city of Washington DC, spending hot summers in Khartoum learning Arabic and swimming in the Nile. Growing up amidst the sounds of New York hip hop, his father playing Oud, Go-Go, and gospel, Amir took his first steps as an MC producer in the analog basement studio of his legendary neighbor, Garry Shider (Parliament Funkadelic).

Convincing his entrepreneurial father that he too had business acumen, Amir laid the check from his first commercial release on the kitchen table before his 21st birthday and never looked back. Though Oddisee has gone on to perform with The Roots, produce for Freeway, Jazzy Jeff, Little Brother, De La Soul & Nikki Jean, and has MC’d on production from Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke and Kev Brown, his proudest moment was the birth of his critically acclaimed group The Diamond District with fellow Washingtonians X.O. and yU.

Known in the music industry for his independence, Oddisee consistently debunks the scatterbrained artist myth – doing everything from booking international tours to photography to marketing and promoting himself and even other artists. He now works as both artist and consultant with Mello Music Group, one of the foremost emerging independent labels to take advantage of the digital revolution to build a successful business.

Oddisee’s debut album “People Hear What They See” (set for release 12 June 2012) is a culmination of the duality of his life experiences, from DC internal politics to third world struggles, the line between love and selfishness, and the personal conflict between self-sabotage and progress, set to a backdrop of intricate drums, lush instrumentation, and soul-stirring harmonies.

“People Hear What They See” is out now –
iTunes // CD // Gatefold Vinyl // Deluxe Edition Haze Vinyl + Bonus 7″

Pure P (Twitter, Facebook) will join me on The Main Ingredient for a guest DJ set Monday night. I’m excited for this; I’ve been playing his productions going back to 2005. As part of the duo Up Hygh, he collaborated with with Eska (one of my favorite singers of all time) on the rocket launch “Be Known” (at the tender age of 20). His 2008 collaborative album with Swedish vocalist Melo (as Hygher Baby) also boasts some heat rocks, especially “Let U Go (Part 1)” and “Coming Home (Part 2) featuring Fatima.” And in addition to his periodic 12″ releases on GAMM (Sweden’s best kept secret remix label) he produced NY SH#T, a full album (also available as three 12″s) of remixes of NYC MCs which include imaginative recontextualizations like “Ms Phat Bootleg” and “Body Heat (Queens Mix)” which always get great reactions from hip hop heads, followed be even greater reactions when I tell them that it’s the work of a Swedish producer.

He’s also done production and remix work for The Foreign Exchange, Yahzarah, SoulParlor (I greatly prefer his remix of “Bang Illy” to the album version), and many more, in addition to running the popular Soul/Boogie/R&B club night Devotion.