Vanessa Elisha - 'Don't Go' EP

I've been chomping at the bit to hear this EP and it's finally here! Fresh off of Memorial Day weekend, Aussie soul singer Vanessa Elisha delivers her first EP 'Don't Go.' I've been saying I need to put all new music in my car and this EP is just the right push I needed to clear everything out.

Vanessa has already made a significant imprint on the indie R&B/Soul scene with her singles "Home to Me" and "Blur" and now has 3 more goodies to fill out her EP. She has a really great thing going with producer GXNXVS (genius) and 'Don't Go' is an extremely strong debut because of it. I always enjoy the contrast of hard and smooth and they have just that with GXNXVS' 808 laced tracks and Vanessa Elisha's soft and sensual vocals.

I can't wait to hear a proper album from this girl. She put her foot in this joint!

Grab the stream and download below...

Exclusive: Rubie Evans - "It's Okay"

I've been listening to a lot of down tempo music in recent weeks so this track is right on time. I had no idea what to expect going into this track. Rubie Evans is entirely new to my radar, but that is the greatest joy in doing what I do. I get all sorts of surprises that can change a moment, a day, maybe even a life.

Rubie Evans is a New York City based singer and songwriter looking to take Uptown upstage. Her single, "It's Okay" really stopped me. I was taken aback by the calm and quiet of it all. Without all of the excess, I was really able to get into the truth of the song. That is not an easy thing to do. To be this private in public is always beautiful...

...and beautiful best describes this song. Rubie does a fantastic job with this track. Though there were some technical issues for me, it didn't matter. This girl can sing and this song is dope! The melody and sentiment trump any other issues.

The track is pulled from her forthcoming 'MISSunderstood' album due this summer. No date has been set as of yet. You already know to stay tuned to RoxFontaine.com for updates. Hold on to this in the meantime...

Velous - "Larger Than Life" Music Video

When I first saw the making of teaser for "Larger Than Life" I was already all in on the track. Velous is an amazing musician and his production is off the damn charts. He's a multi-instrumentalist and he has real chops as a singer. Put that together with an impeccable ear for space, timing and what speaks to the ass and you have what you are about to hear.

Velous has been a hot topic on the blog scene. He's been featured everywhere and highly regarded as the next best thing on the R&B circuit. While there is a strong offering of male soloists in the mainstream right now, I think Velous is a serious contender. Much in the way that Ryan Leslie has his corner of the market, Velous is the same type of talent. He can do anything he wants to do.

This track is soooooo ridiculous, y'all. This dude is outta here...

Baiyu - "This Feeling"

New month, new music from Baiyu. The streak continues with "This Feeling" and oh, what a feeling it is! The Chinese-American soul singer absolutely crushes this one with a breathy performance that puts me in the mind of Phil Collins' classic "Take Me Home" with it's rhythmic lead line. The big kick of the bass drum is driven by the sweeping pads and just takes off with the chorus.

"This Feeling" is the much more pleasant upside to the previous release, "Mourning Hangover." After the pain of heartbreak, we get to experience the joy of new love. Another fantastic lyric from Baiyu and soaring production.

Get the stream and download below and mark your calendars for June 1st...

Loud Music Tour NYC - Photo Recap

Check out this brief photo recap of the NYC stop of the Loud Music Tour. Far and away one of the best independent artists showcases I've ever been to. The roster was jam packed with quality talent (signed and unsigned) and each artist brought their own brand of energy and music to the Santos Party House stage.

Big up to VIII for the invite. Make sure you look out for the Loud Music Tour in one of 4 cities; NYC, Philly, Atlanta and DC.

Click images to enlarge.

Bones HR brought his Philly flavor up north.

Daniel Van Gogh turned up with his band! 

Dom O. Briggs hanging out backstage. 

K-Prime coolin' out before his set. 

Smoove came through supporting Bones HR and repping Regular Living. 

Tiago Magro is the livest DJ of all time. 

Trippz Michaud gave us ratchet and romantic all in the same set. 

Anesha shut the entire room up when she started to sing "Broke." 

Tess showing us how Hip Rock n' B is done.

Zoo Beeze put together a high energy set with his band.

Klaviar - "HealingPain" Music Video

In the midst of all of the chaos that has ensued since the bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon, there have been deaths, tears, pain and so many unanswered questions. It is times like these when art and music can sort of make some sense of the madness and help heal some of the pain.

Songwriter and director Klaviar is the first to touch on the subject publicly with this beautiful music video for the aptly titled "HealingPain." Clearly crafted before the Boston tragedy, Klaviar tastefully carries the theme of healing over and leaves a strong visual imprinted on viewers' minds that has you rethink the entire lyric.

Though not entirely new to my radar, I was unaware that Klaviar is a songwriter. He first popped up as director for Madison's "As the World Turns" music video. Now, he's flexing both skills (at the same damn time) and doing so with skill. This is a really strong work on both fronts and I'm really impressed. Fans of The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, etc. will really find something to latch onto.

You already know...


Klaviar - HealingPain (Official Music Video) from King Klaviar on Vimeo.

Bad Rabbits - "Doin' It" Music Video

image via band facebook page

I always hear that the proverbial "they" don't make 'em like this anymore. Well, Bad Rabbits is proof that "they" do.

Taking inspiration from the sights of the 70's and sounds of the 80's the funk/soul/punk/rhythm and blues band Bad Rabbits gives another amazing song and visual called "Doin' It." The track is a grab from their full length album 'American Love' releasing May 14th.

It's an otherworldly mashup of melodies and harmonies that moves straight past your ears and makes a speedy detour down to your ass. These guys are really in their own lane and I LOVE IT! I haven't been this excited about a funk band since Mint Condition. Bad Rabbits are the next big deal.

Check out the video below and dust off your Cabbage Patch dance...

Baiyu - "Cold Hearted"

Success isn't easy. It takes a largely selfish type of commitment that most people can't handle. Just think about the most successful people in any craft. They all were/are deeply committed to their craft. Whether it be art, or sports or fashion, the most successful of the bunch generally sacrifice many other things to give the proper time and energy to honing their skills.

Likely, the most challenging thing to balance with success is love. Relationships are difficult enough on their own but that difficulty is multiplied many times over when coupled with ambition. Love and success often become adversaries in competition for attention.

Baiyu tackles this theme in her new monthly release "Cold Hearted." Easily one of the most personable and genuine people I've ever met, Baiyu quips, "A lot of times people are intrigued by my lightheartedness despite everything I've been tasked and blessed with in life. At the same time, somehow I feel very closed in and hardened when it comes to love." 

Check the stream and free download below. Happy Monday!

Baiyu - "Surface"

It's crazy how this year is flying by. It's March already! As promised, a new month means new music from Baiyu.

This time we're hit with a rhythm heavy uptempo track called "Surface." A tribal feeling poetic song produced by Polo Crew about finding one's way through trials and tribulations (whatever they may be) to the truth. Navigating the darkness to find glory in the light.

As usual, Baiyu completely aces it and adds another significant ribbon to her already heavily decorated rack. She's lookin' like the Champ out here for 2013!

This is my favorite release so far. I feel like this could have been slotted in her last album 'Hunter' which I do not remove from my car, by the way. I feel like she could have easily switched "Surface" with "Lost in Lisbon." It's a really strong track and while I love pretty much everything that she touches, I'm really motivated by her uptempo work.

Get into the free stream and download below...  

Vanessa Elisha - "Home to Me"

The songbird from down under is a super clean 2 for 2! This number slipped out quietly last night via her twitter account and everybody is buzzing about this morning. Well played, Ms. Elisha. Well played. Everybody can't do that. Especially unsigned artists.

After you hear "Home to Me" and the previous release "Blur" you too will understand what the chatter is about. Vanessa Elisha is so right now. Her soft and soulful vocals work so well over Jrdn Gxnius' bass heavy production; Hard vs. smooth. A real throwback to the girl power vocalists of the 90s like T-Boz of TLC or Pamela of Total. Now don't get me wrong, Vanessa is a much more capable vocalist than either of those ladies but the sound and feel are similar.

Jump into the track below and see for yourself. I'm convinced that Vanessa Elisha is on the fast track. What do you think?

Jaiden - "Lay You Down"

This one is all grown up and sexy! Y'all might want to add this one to tonight's playlist... nahmsayin'?

Next up on today's V-Day exclusives is "Lay You Down" from sangin' ass Jaiden. We actually heard a preview of this track via his YouTube feed a few weeks ago, but we're now hit with the full production. If you've been trying to make a baby recently, you might mess around and get twins on this joint.

Let the love flow...

Kiah Victoria - "Lover's Anthem"

It's Valentine's Day, one of my absolute favorite holidays, and as expected there are a bunch of new tracks and projects releasing today to join in on the love parade. It is my job to find and showcase the best of the indie group and I am of the mind that I am very good at what I do.

Kiah Victoria kicks off today's posts with "Lover's Anthem." It's a minimalist rhythm based track that really shines with Kiah's silky smooth harmonies. She's masterful at that and it's propelling her into superstardom. As a matter of fact, she's currently vying for an mtvU Woodie Award. Please listen to this track and support her by voting. It's free and you'll score good karma and she's dope as all hell!

Anyway, jump into the track and free download below. Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

XOXO,

Rox

Click Here to Download

Baiyu - "Mourning Hangover"

At this point, Baiyu is just not playing fair. This 2nd release in her 2013 series of monthly releases called "Mourning Hangover" is SO EFFIN' FLY! I happened to be up last night when the track hit YouTube and I was swept off of my feet at first listen. Her work with producer KQuick is always epic.

February is here which means we can expect a LOT of songs about love and relationships as everyone gears up for Valentine's Day. Many of them will stink. (You won't hear about those from me.) Some of them will be really good. Others still are this level of dope.

One of the greatest elements of Baiyu's songwriting is her mastery of metaphors. In style and approach, "Mourning Hangover" reminds me of "Mind Freak" from her latest album 'Hunter.' Brilliant writing that marries two separate themes with wordplay.

She's got another hit on her hands with this one! Check it out....

Vanessa Elisha - "Blur"

I'm amazed at how music permeates the soul. It spreads from place to place and culture to culture taking on different shapes and sounds. I've listened to a lot of music in my lifetime and there is so much more to hear and explore. It's always a great feeling when something sneaks up on me from a place I didn't expect.

This is the case with "Blur" from Australian singer/songwriter Vanessa Elisha. Yes, AUSTRALIA! Listen, I know that everything is everywhere for the most part but still... The R&B game is like this in Aussie land?

Vanessa reminds me of Tynisha Keli who made her biggest splash in Japan singing songs seemingly tailor made for the US. I hope she makes the transition to stateside appeal. This girl is pretty damn dope and "Blur" is very current material. The production is spot on too. This is an instant download and burn to CD!

Stream/rip and video teaser below...

Top 5 Indie R&B Singles of 2012

5. Jaiden - "Melody" feat. Yummy Bingham

This song just feels so good to me. It's so much fun and the vocal performances are really cool. Jaiden is an extremely talented musician and his song writing ability is top notch as well. "Melody" released at the top of 2012 and I remember it being a great start to my year. Thank you Jaiden and Yummy for setting the tone early.  



4. Baiyu - "Make Believe" feat. Paul Kim

Singer, songwriter, model, Harvard grad, tech guru, video editor, CW's The Next contestant and all around bad ass Baiyu had a very big year. The amount of quality work she turned out in 2012 was absolutely amazing. Of the singles released throughout the year, "Make Believe" was my favorite. This girl is so dope! 



3. Bad Rabbits - "We Can Roll"

I lost my mind the first time I heard this song. It's loud, funky and so very different. Bad Rabbits completely killed it with this track. Their on tour starting in February and I will be stopping in to get a dose of this live. I'm going to need somebody to come with me... to pick me up after I pass out. This track is so ridiculous.



2. Kiah Victoria - "Thinkin' About You"

This song is much better than a number 2 slot, but since it's a cover I'm going to slot it here. I have the utmost respect for Kiah Victoria's ability though. This is Frank Ocean's HUGE single from Channel Orange but Kiah makes it entirely her own. I maintain that she did it much better than Frank. Fight me.



1. Cocoa Sarai - "Raining in my Room"

I had heard this song many times before but it transformed for me one night at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia. Cocoa Sarai spoke about the inspiration for the song when she wrote it and how it took on a different life after the death of her mother. The performance that ensued completely destroyed me. I was reminded of a very difficult time in my life and I spent the next few minutes sobbing like a baby.

After her set, I went back stage, still sobbing, and I thanked her. The thank you was for reminding me of how important music is to my life. This is my R&B indie single of the year. Thanks again, Cocoa.

Baiyu - "Again"

Happy new year! 2013 is here and an entire world of opportunity awaits. As usual, you can expect me to be here curating the soundtrack to your highs and lows throughout the year.

To kick things off in top form, I have new music from one of my absolute favorite artists, Baiyu. "Again" is the first single released outside of her last project "Hunter." Baiyu is always working and evolving her sound and she's promised that we will get to watch the process more closely this year. How so, you ask? She'll be releasing a new song ever month.

Hell yeah!

Check out the free stream and download of the fantastic new track below.

Exclusive: STORi - "Jump Off to Lovers"

I think STORi said it best herself: "Dope sauce drippin'." Somebody please call for a cleanup in aisle 3!

The Newark, NJ based singer/songwriter STORi has had a strong year. I'm guessing she chose to close out in Hulk mode as "Jump Off to Lovers" is by far the best I've heard from her this year. The smoothed out R&B track takes me back to my junior/senior high school days when you used to make "makeout" tapes. Hell, I may have to make one for nostalgia's sake.

I really dig this vocal performance and production. I'm wondering when we'll get news of a full release from her home at Universal/Motown. Give us the scoop, STORi!

Stream and free download of "Jump Off to Lovers" on deck...

Bad Rabbits - "We Can Roll" Music Video

image via AfroPunk.com

Sweet mother of all things soulful...

This song right here is so not of this time and place. I'm stirred up inside and I just want to jump up and down in front of my desk. I ain't tryin' to get fired though. This blog doesn't pay. I'm toe tappin' with a vengeance though. Belee dat.

Having the opportunity to experience Bad Rabbits music live before hearing them on record amplifies what they do in ways I can't verbalize. I saw them in the dead of summer at AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn. The weather was perfect, the music was incredible and the energy was beyond inspiring. I remember the band stopping me dead in my tracks when they started their set.

They've done it again with this new video for "We Can Roll." (Shout out to Dirty Souf Yankee for posting it.) I wanted to hoot and holler as soon as the vocal drops! If we had "jook joints" in 2012, Bad Rabbits would be the house band for the night and I would certainly be cuttin' a damn fool on the dance floor. Lawd haf marcy this track is BONKERS!

Brace yourself....

Chrisette Michele - "Charades" Music Video

Since her debut, I've been waiting for Chrisette Michele to hit that Urban/Soul pocket. Through 3 albums, she hadn't quite settled into a comfortable commercial space that matches her talent. Now, I admit that I didn't listen to the 3rd album but that sort of reiterates my point. She is incredibly gifted but was marketed to the wrong demographic.

Chrisette Michele is arguably the most capable vocalist working today. You wouldn't really know that though unless you are a big time R&B fan and keep your ear to the street in that specific world. Though she's received tons of accolades, including a 2009 Grammy, it hasn't translated into a major breakout.

"Charades" is the first single, released exclusively over at StuffFlyPeopleLike, from her upcoming mixtape titled 'Audio Visual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn.'

THIS IS IT!

This is the urban radio hit she's needed. "Charades" is so smooth and sexy. Chrisette looks and sounds great, as usual, but it's all wrapped in a 808 laced syncopated dreamscape perfect for today's "Boss Chick." If this is the way the new project is going, I'm expecting her to really expand her brand this go 'round.

Enough of my yapping though. Get into the video below and look out for an in-depth interview from SFPL in the very near future.

Baiyu - 'Hunter'

Primal. That is how I'd sum up this 3rd effort from Chinese born Soul singer Baiyu.

'Hunter' is a large departure from the wildly successful 'Fan Fair.' It's far more ambitious and incredibly bold. On this release, you really experience Baiyu pushing herself and the envelope from the album's open to its almost too brief close. Producer KQuick handles a large chunk of the album's production and he and Baiyu did a phenomenal job of keeping the main theme tied in across the whole project. Listeners truly get the feeling of being barefoot and sexy in the jungle.

'Fan Fair' was Baiyu's "testing the waters" release, 'Hunter' is the "I've arrived" release. The clear concept, stellar production and strong features all contribute to the brilliant flow of the album. I was all in from the opening 8 bars but "Make Believe" featuring American Idol season six contestant Paul Kim was my instant repeat track. While her duet with Boss star Rotimi is doing insane numbers around the web, "Make Believe" is the stronger offering in my book. There's a heft to it and striking melody/harmony component that is unmatched on the project. The rest of the album is a great blend of up and down tempo tracks.

The only gripe I had with the album was with some of the mixes. The sonic balance was off at times. A minor thing on an album good in a major way. Baiyu truly nailed the performances and writing for 'Hunter.' You already know this is Rox Fontaine approved or else you wouldn't be reading this.

Free stream and download link below and a brief recap of her album release party down bottom. Enjoy!

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Baiyu's album release party was held at Custo Barcelona in SOHO. The store was packed from wall to wall with tastemakers from all corners of the entertainment industry and I was fortunate enough to be on the scene taking in the sights and sounds. The event was hosted by Power 105.1 late night hostess Cherry Martinez and DJ Boof of The Wendy Williams Show. Sponsors included Vitamin Water, Ty Ku and Sprayground among a host of others. Check out these select photos from the night....

Baiyu making her entrance.

Par-City and Baiyu

Baiyu blows a kiss to ThisIs50's Jack Thriller.

DJ Boof and Baiyu give a B-Boy stance.

Spag-Lo (c.) and friends.

 Kelly Harper

Cherry Martinez and Baiyu

Glamo