For The Love Of Music Atlanta

Every city has its own underground music scene, in which its main goal is to give a stage and a spotlight to showcase its own talent. Many artists find an outlet by reaching out to promoters to put them on the bill or befriending venue owners, but deep in the south of Atlanta, radio host Dani Jacobs of 1100 AM’s “For the Love of Music” has taken a unique approach to supporting artists by branching out and uniting musicians all over North America to take part in her first annual showcase.
At the 595 North in Atlanta, Dani and her co-host, Nick Da Host, welcomed artists of different genres from their home state as well as North Carolina, Missouri, California, New York and even Ontario, Canada who were taking part in the concert, all for the love of music.
“I see the struggle that a lot of independent artists have,” says Jacobs. “They don’t really have the opportunity to have a concert at a venue to showcase their talent so I felt that it was something that they work hard for and definitely deserve… My drive is just putting that love back into the music, not for fame or for fortune, but definitely for the love of music.”
The artists on the bill appreciate Dani’s approach. Not only were they truly grateful for the opportunity to share themselves with a new audience, they are grateful for the radio play on Jacobs’ show.

Michelle Ray, Atlanta’s “hood R&B princess”, lit up the concert hall with her charismatic energy. She is no stranger to the stage and commends Jacobs for uniting independent artists such as herself to grow together for the love of music, leaving all egos at the door.
“It is very important that we all come together as a unit and help each other out to get to that next level. I think that it’s wonderful that they can bring a lot of independent great artists out and just have a great show and see people for who they are and what they’re doing,” says Ray.
The long list of artists entertained the crowd with their own unique sounds and styles bringing hip-hop, R&B and even dance to the bill, all receiving great feedback from the accepting crowd. The energy was inspiring and supportive, a vibe that is rare to find in the competitive nature of hip-hop, especially with so many artists in one room, but no one had anything to prove as the music spoke for itself.

College Park emcee, J-Rel, who was approached by Dani Jacobs to perform, says that the event is a win/win for everyone involved.
“It’s not every day that a Canadian artist gets Atlanta exposure, it’s not every day an Oakland artist gets Atlanta exposure with Atlanta being the mecca of hip-hop right now,” says Rel. “It’s a pretty good look for all these artists and it’s a pretty good look for me. It’s a great melting pot of a lot of great people and a lot of different origins.”
Toronto’s own Price finished off the night with an energetic set and represented for his hometown in the Dirty South. No matter where in the world each artist was from, they all shared one unique trait – a love for music.

Video Interview with ATL's J-Rel

Interview with rapper J-Rel at the "For The Love Of Music" concert in Atlanta

Beat Lounge Bounces

The energy was electric and buzzing with opportunity at the Silver Dollar Room last Thursday, May 7th as Toronto’s most prominent hip-hop producers displayed their work at the Beat Lounge.

Fourteen producers from all over the GTA ranged in age, race, religion, and experience, yet they all had the same ability to make the room move as they shared their latest musical creations.

The Vinyl-killer featuring Nora Tones spun classic old school records as producers, rappers, fans, and friends met for drinks.

“Rappers and musicians get the acknowledgement in hip-hop, while producers are stuck in the basement.” Host Justis explained the business. “The Beat Lounge is a chance for them to get out and showcase themselves and what they’ve got.”

The Waterloo-born rapper/producer’s CD on sale at itunes, titled Just Is. http://www.justismusic.com/

Ali Deheshi, the Iranian-born Muslim producer/rapper let his beat rock first. His powerful life story is touching, and inspires the music he makes. “Music is my expression.” He shared.

Deheshi and his family fled the war torn Iran to Turkey, and spent four years in Greece before being sponsored by a Christian church to move to Canada for education.

He spent four years in Saskatchewan before coming to Toronto. “If it wasn’t for Toronto, I wouldn’t be where I am today musically.”

Thursday night was Deheshi’s last Beat Lounge before continuing his musical and life journey in Vancouver.

He announced the sale of his CD, “A Stereotypical World: a war story”, but by the end of the night he had handed almost everyone a free copy.

It can be purchased at http://www.deheshiempire.com/

All fourteen producers went through the line-up playing three beats each as the audience bobbed their heads in unison.

Producer Fraction has been coming to the Beat Lounge since it began a few years ago.

Fraction, whose real name is Shawn, began producing eleven years ago, and has since worked with artists such as Akon, Saukrates. “I come to the Beat Lounge for networking, and it’s a great chance to show myself, and get my music out there.”

Producers shook hands and met afterwards. Many have already collaborated.

For any upcoming producers interested in participating in an event visit www.unknownfunkhero.com or email beatlounge@unknownfunkhero.com