GOOGLE MUSIC IS FINALLY LIVE!!!

All that I've been working on in the past months with Google Music is finally LIVE today with our launch!! SO EXCITING! Check it out :)

GOOGLE MUSIC

Flight Facilities

I love them.

Red Bull Music Academy - SPIN Selects

Red Bull Music

Could Just Be the Bassline - Artful

I feel like this song defines me.

Manufactured Superstars

Saw Manufactured Superstars live tonight at Ruby Skye. Went crazy when this came song came on.

Kollaboration LA this Saturday!!

Kollaboration 11

Aww Yeaahhh

Boomman x Tity Boi x Yo Gotti - Up In Here (Mayhem Bootleg) [FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD!]

Carousel

A good song to start the day. A new and upcoming electro-pop group hailing from San Francisco.

Surfs Up in the Bay

The Roots Undun Album Sneak Peak

The new album will be released December 6, 2011. Can't wait.

Some Funk

Safe and Sound-Capital Cities

Treasure Island Music Festival

My roommate bought me a ticket to the Treasure Island Music Festival this weekend for my birthday. SO EXCITED.

Saturday's Line Up includes:

• Empires of the Sun
• Cut Copy
• Death From Above 1979
• Chromeo
• Dizzee Rascal
• Flying Lotus
• Buraka Som Sistema
• Battles
• The Naked & Famous
• YACHT
• Shabazz Palaces
• Aloe Blacc
• Geographer

Finally Shwenty Two

A weekend full of shenanigans and wine tasting in Napa Valley. Post-grad birthday celebration at it's finest. Here's a playlist commemorating this weekend.

Up and Coming DJs

3 LAU

Latest tracks by 3LAU

DALLASK

Latest tracks by DallasK

Royce Da 5'9

It Just Got REAL.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Come to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival this weekend at the Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park!! It's Free :D

Just Groove

Pepper Rabbit @ Google

Voices of Black

Latest tracks by Voices of Black

Elephant Guns

A friend of mine DJs for Elephant Guns and I saw him perform this weekend at Vessel in SF. They're an awesome group from the University of California Berkley that spins mixes that are well put together to create the ultimate house experience. Check them out.

Latest tracks by Elephant Guns

J.Cole

J.Cole's new album "Cole World: The Sideline Story" is coming out next Tuesday on September 27, 2011!! Awww yeaaahhhhh

Tom Morello @ Google

Lovevolution

Lovevolution is in it’s 7th year as one of America’s biggest and most unique dance music events. An all day festival on the grounds of the Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum that includes a parade of floats produced by crews from up and down the West Coast within the event grounds, a Main Stage featuring world class international artists within the world of electronic dance music, a huge and beautiful shatded chill area complete with real grass, music and ambient performances, massage therapists, live painting and much more.

Born of the original Love Parade event in Berlin, Lovevolution exists to produce a celebration of the highest forms of electronic music culture and technology, in the belief that dance promotes peace, love, unity and respect. A portion of proceeds benefit local and international non-profit groups.

Saturday September 24, 2011

12pm-7pm

O.co Coliseum, Oakland CA

$25

Avicii

Made an impromptu decision to see Avicii last night at Ruby Skye. Unbelievable.

Sunday Mornings

100 Years of Fashion

100 seconds film. East London. Celebrating 100 years of fashion with 100 outfits. Amazing. The fashion of the past was so classic.

Designer Drugs

Gramatik

Gramatik Vs. Queen - Princes Of The Glitch Universe by Gramatik

Gramatik with another great mashup.

Manufactured Superstars

Martian Luther & Quadron @ Google

Thought I'd mention Martian Luther and Quadron who came to Google to perform in Google's mini concert series promoting Music Beta.

Hailing from San Francisco, CA Martian Luther is a dynamic soul/r&b singer with a heavy rock sound.

Quadron is a Danish duo who combines both soul and electronic with very easy to listen beats. I like her.

David Guetta

David Guetta's fifth album Nothing But the Beat dropped this past week and it is an impressive collection of dance/club beats.

Saw him last Spring in April 2010 at Venue in Athens, Greece. Those were some good times. If you look closely you can see me in the lower right corner ;)

EarthMoonEarth

It is only Day 3 of my adventure with Google and I cannot say how exhilarating it is to be surrounded by so many creative, interesting, smart, and ambitious people. I've learned a lot already and have met so many people who are also passionate about music like I am. Today, while working at Google, I met a fellow Googler who introduced me to his group called EarthMoonEarth. He's partnered with a friend from LA and they produce remixes that have a dance, electro-pop, indie vibe. Check them out.

Real Life

First Day of Work Post-Grad.

Local Natives

A recent favorite. Perfect band for a road trip to San Francisco. Starting this Monday, I'll be living in San Francisco with Gina for 3 months as a temp working with the Google Music Operations team. So excited!!

Diplo and Porter Robinson

Are amazing LIVE.

Poolside

Work Out-J.Cole

FishEye

Here's some pictures of my summer trip through Europe with my Fisheye lens.

Castles in the Sky

In honor of the US Surf Open in Huntington Beach this past week.

Mr. Me Too

Data Romance

Tinie Tempah

Rising rapper from England who's slowly gathering fame in the music world. Came out with a new album called Disc-Overy this past year. Here are 2 songs from his album:

Throwback

Watched some Disney movies today with my sister on VHS. Thought it was appropriate to post some throwback songs :)

Pacific Festival: OC

PACIFIC FESTIVAL

Tortured Soul

On Tuesday Night I was fortunate enough to attend an event at Focus and experience the live performance of one of my favorite jazz, soul, disco, minimal, r&b, house groups Tortured Soul. I've followed this group for years now and have been dying to listen to them live. This group is special because they combine the simplicity of "old soul and funk with a modern dancefloor sensibility. Tortured Soul's style is both an echo of the past and a challenge to the future." It's a sound that can be appreciated by all generations. The group consists of 3 members, a bassist, a drummer-who I have to mention is the main vocalist...that cannot be easy, and a pianist. They perform live at various venues and festivals across the country, and I can tell you from experience, they are amazing.

Here are some pictures from the event.

And check out some of their songs here.

Interesting...I've realized that I have a fond attachment to very jazz, soul infused rhythmic songs that can range from being found in hip hop to minimal house. Huh. Never thought about that.

Theophilus London

Theophilus with a new album Timez Are Weird These Days this year. He is killing it album after album.

Jungle Brothers-Brain

Here's a laidback hip hop song to hang out to late at night with friends.

Art in the Streets

Knowing I loved Hip Hop, a friend of mine told me about this art exhibit at the MOCA in LA called Art in the Streets. I checked it out and it was very impressive and nicely curated. With graffiti being one of the four elements of hip hop, the exhibition traces the development of graffiti and street art from the 1970s to the global movement it has become today where a unique visual language or attitude has evolved. Unfortunately my camera is still broken and I haven't been able to replace it...but here are some pictures I took with my phone. If you have the time, the exhibition is still going on til August 8, 2011 and it's free admission on mondays!!

Cry Just a Little

Old School:



New School:

Abelardo Morell

I know this is more a music blog than anything else, but I've acquired an interest in photography and I was amazed by Abelardo Morell's work.

He is known for his life size photographs projected onto the walls of rooms all over the world using a unique technique called camera obscura.

Check him out.

Munich, You've Been Too Good to Me.

Just came back from Europe a week ago and I cannot get over this rapper I heard on the radio while browsing for t-shirts at a local skate shop in Munich, Germany.

I always thought German sounded a little harsh on the ears, but Marteria makes German sound so sexy. And yes, I have to Google Translate his lyrics....

Though most of the radios in other countries are still dominated by the US & UK's Top 40 charts, I enjoy listening to other countries' music in their own language while traveling because music has a tendency to reflect culture, you just have to listen closely.

Off to Europe

I'm off to Europe for 16 days with my college soccer team. I'll probably have limited internet access but I shall leave you with this.

Nujabes

Nujabes, you were the reason for my love of underground hip hop. RIP.

Part 4 is finally out!

Here's Part 1, 2, 3.

Post-Grad

Found this little gem when I put my ipod on shuffle the other day. This song and music video accurately sums up my life post-grad.

Graduated

Today was a day full of emotions. Happiness, sadness, excitement, reluctance, relief, realization....

Four years later, I can now say that I'm a proud Brown Alumna.

As cheesy as this sounds, I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, mentors, professors, and coaches. I've grown a lot, I've experienced a lot, I've struggled, and I've thrived. And I'm excited to open up the next chapter of my life.

To my family: Thank you always for your love and support and believing in me during my many decisions that at times may seem uncertain.

To my dearest friends: GC310, Williams St, Julian&Eric, Intramural Flag Football-Team Joyce, Brown Women's Soccer, and Late Night. I will cherish our memories forever.

To my soccer team: I've enjoyed every moment playing for my school with my best friends and wish you the best of luck next year. To the incoming freshman who wears the jersey # 21, wear it proud.

Cheers to You, Brown.

Last Finals Ever

This soothing song has been on repeat while I've been studying for finals.

Speaking of Finals. Last ones of my undergraduate career ever!!

With graduation approaching fast, I guess it's that time where I should really sit down and think hard about my future. As commencement speeches go...one must follow their dreams and passions right?? So I sat there in my room trying to analyze and figure out my passions. Soccer was definitely one of them, but as I learned this season, soccer is a part of my life but it shouldn't DEFINE my life. Then I came up with music and an idea emerged. I took a senior seminar Anthropology class this spring called Ethnographic Research Methods as a capstone to my undergraduate degree and as a final project wrote up a research proposal to study hip hop in Korea. Maybe I can make this idea a reality. It's still in the works, but my professor approved my proposal so there's some comfort in that. I can combine both my interests in travel, hip hop, and anthropology while also reconnecting with my roots. Since the AMCV class Cities of Sound, I've been motivated to study music within its cultural context especially in the face of technology and globalization. As of right now Korea is number one in the world for breakdancing (one of the four elements of hip hop) and is using this element as a form of national identity for the youth. It'll also be interesting to observe the generation gap and communication tensions between the parents and the children. Hmm...well I'll have to think about it more...but I'll keep you updated.

So Close

Don't these songs remind you of summer? I'm so close...

Houdini

Another great song from Foster the People. I heard they were great Live at Coachella. I've never been to Coachella. Perhaps next year.

Casual Mondays

Forever

Musiq Soulchild

I forgot how much I love R&B.

Wake Up Everybody

Rainy Days

This music video is too cute :)

They Just Keep Coming

Here's some songs that have been on repeat this week.

The music video and song below is so captivating. The visuals and acoustics compliment each other so well. It's definitely a favorite.

Kollaboration Boston

I worked with Kollaboration LA the summer before my junior year as a marketing intern in preparation for its summer Acoustic show and had a great time. For those who don't know, Kollaboration is an Asian and Pacific Islander organization and Movement that was founded in 2000 by Executive Direction "PK" and Roy Choi. Kollaboration's mission statement is "Empowerment through Entertainment" and is an annual event to encourage the diverse talents of API youth. There's so much talent out there it's ridiculous.

Fortunately for me, my involvement with Kollaboration did not stop in LA and I was able to contribute towards Boston's cause as well with Kollaboration Boston. Roy joked that I was the first cross country Kollaber haha. I worked as a campus ambassador and was also responsible for coordinating marketing and publicity projects. The concert was tonight and I wanted to share some clips of our performers and what we've been working on.

WE ALSO SOLD OUT!!! The concert had so much energy! For those who didn't attend, you missed out! Kollaboration Boston Team, you guys were awesome to work with and I'm so proud of all your hard work! We'll definitely keep in touch :)

_____________________________________

Through Kollaboration I learned a lot about concert production and music marketing that got me thinking about pursuing a career in those fields. Ideally, I'd like to combine my interest in event coordination and music by owning my own venue. A venue that will foster creativity. Not necessarily a bar, or a club, but rather a lounge. Approximately 300 people capacity with a bar and a space that can be used to host art galleries, intimate music gigs, wedding receptions, open mic, company events, ect. The name of the venue is still uncertain...but one can dream right??

Childish Gambino

Hip Hop and Adele? Yes Please.

Flight Facilities

Another Great Flight Facilities Remix.

Coastin

White Denim

White Denim - MixDisc2 by WhiteDenim

This eclectic mix seems to be perfect to jam to on your porch on a good spring day. I can already feel the warmth of Spring coming! Say hello to Main Green festivities, lounges outside, Spring Weekend, guitar jam seshes, frisbee, tight roping, and corn hole. Ohh Brown how I love you.

Interesting Hip Hop Remixes

Interesting remix to the previous post of Pumped Up Kids by Foster the People in January.

Spring Break Jams

Spring Break '11
Welcome To Miami!!

Raphael Saadiq

I can't help it. I've been casually rocking out to Raphael Saadiq this whole week. He has such a soothing voice.

A New Song Everyday

RIP Nate Dogg

Hoodie Allen

He's not your most conventional rapper, but I really like Hoodie Allen's sound. He seems like someone you can relate to.

XX

Lupe Fiasco-Lasers

New album of Lupe Fiasco called Lasers came out 2 days ago. Not the same quality as his previous stuff and he's commented that he wasn't too pleased with this album quoting "I had to create this commercial art that appeases the corporate side. I had to acquiesce to certain forces. Hopefully within that I snuck in some things I actually wanted to say any way I can" to the Chicago Sun-Times.

This song "The Show Goes On" has already made its debut on the radio.

The majority of his album is pretty upbeat. Perhaps that's what the record companies were looking for, music you can dance too, which seems to be the style of music most popular during this day and age.

In other news, I'm really diggin this song by Wiz Khalfia called The Race.

Girl Talk

The first time I heard Girl Talk was during his performance my freshmen year at Brown's Spring Weekend with MIA and Lupe Fiasco. It was one of my first introductions to the new form of musical genre called the "mashup" and from what I remembered, he put on quite an entertaining show. The second concert with him last night at Lupos Heartbreak Hotel was nothing short of the first. It was awesome.

Here's a song from his new album.

Everyone Says I Love You

Every One Says I Love You by discjockeyle

One More Time

Here's some quality remixes.

Can't wait for Girl Talk this Friday!

Serenity

Pumped Up Kicks

Here's an up and coming Indie pop group hailing from Los Angeles who's making a big mark in the music scene.



What I found interesting about this song was the story behind it. An article indicates that kids in certain high schools would mug and even kill other kids for hot commodities such as Michael Jordan basketball shoes....it really changes your perspective on things.

This Time Last Year....

I was in Greece. And I miss it dearly.

Another Romanian artist---> Celia-My Story = New Stereo Love??

Hip Hop Moves Me

If I could spend my life reading, listening to hip hop, taking photos, and traveling the world meeting new people-exchanging stories of our lives. I would in a heartbeat. Too idealist? Maybe.

A New Year

So I did in fact dance my way into 2011 in futuristic style. As a last minute outfit, a friend and I decided to go as TRON to Together As One '11 at the LA Sports Arena last friday. Wasn't sure if we executed it well, but from the feedbacks and compliments we got at the event, I'm proud to say it was a success :)

There's a certain feeling of happiness that is achieved when you're amidst a huge crowd appreciating the intense sounds pulsating from the stage together. A sense of unity-Together As One. In essence, also appreciating the sound individually in one's own space; dancing to one's own rhythm.

People say that you can only listen to dance, trance, and electronic music for so long. I'd agree to a certain extent. But sometimes I find that although lyrically house/electronic music may be limited, the elements that comprise the repetitive sounds connect deeper with human nature. It disconnects us from thought and radical thinking, neglects cultural awareness based on race and stereotypes, to a more natural physical reaction to....well, Dance.

With that said. I leave you you with three songs and a quote to start off the new year.

What a Wonderful World.

It seems to me that often in life, if you want something badly, you don’t get it by pursuing it directly. If you’re an aspiring musician and you want musical creativity, you don’t get there by just going out and being creative all the time. It’s actually the opposite. You get there by pursuing discipline, hour after hour of practice and one day, the creativity flows. If you want love, you don’t get there by pursuing it directly. There’s a name for people who do that.. stalkers. If you want happiness — if you pursue it directly, you end up an addict, or a hedonist, or a glutton or a dilettante. Don’t do that. Pursue generosity, pursue wisdom, pursue honor, pursue an idea that’s bigger than you. And one day, happiness and/or love, will tap you gently on the shoulder and say, “I’m here.” Those of us in the business of getting people’s attention are in danger of being stalkers, of pursuing attention at any cost by any means, fair or foul. What if instead, we pursued laughter, ingenuity, and beauty, radical openness? If we do, we will be astounded at the amount of attention that will flow our way.

Chris Anderson
Curator, TED Conferences

2011. Let's Do This.