Hello. I am a journalist and all around tastemaker living in Los Angeles. I run my own online magazine called Nu-Soul www.nu-soulmag.com that focuses on soul and electronica artists.
I work for a variety of media outlets with my hands in all sorts of things such as music, special events, concerts, film screenings, and gay events.
I have an awesome boyfriend who is too damn sexy for his own good. LOL.
I am always up for a random road trip and that's what I did in late August. My friend Steven Blank, photographer extraordinaire, decided to do a day trip to Vegas to hang out with our mutual friend Jon. Luckily the Abbey was having a pool party that day so a busload of gogo boys, strippers, and the like showed up in Vegas! This was my first time in the new City Center property in Vegas and it was cool, like some sort of future metropolis out of an anime. Highlight of my day was meeting Mitchell Rock and Ryan Barry. Enjoy the pics!
Strictly Social presents Sa-Ra - Wednesday September 15, 2010 (8/27/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine & Soul Union Present STRICTLY SOCIAL An Evening Of Eclectic Soul Fusion Wednesday September 15, 2010
Strictly Social takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at LA’s charming Little Temple, continuing the legacy of the renowned Temple Bar, by featuring a carefully selected showcase of artists and DJs that reflect the Nu-Soul sound. This monthly event always features the hottest artists pushing the boundaries of soul and a vibe that is truly unique.
Featuring Live Performances by
THE MIGHTY SA-RA
The very definition of Nu-Soul, Sa-Ra Creative Partners make music that rests at the cross section of soul, hip-hop, electronica, and funk, making use of an astounding array of talented musicians, producers, and vocalists. Together they have worked with the likes of Common, Bilal, Jill Scott, Goapele, N.E.R.D. and more. Witness the Strictly Social debut of Sa-Ra for what is sure to be a mind-blowing experience into the future of music.
Having landed on the musical radar like some kind of a phantom battleship, this
Washington D.C. native continues to fire away at us, sinking nay-sayers
and making a name for herself at a rate which some might consider
alarming. Appearing on exceptional releases by The Foreign Exchange,
Common, Eric Lau, and Exile, Muhsinah has earned each and every title
that’s been thrown her way-
engineer/producer/composer/singer/songwriter/arranger/inspiration and
the like. Get ready for the much anticipated Strictly Social debut of
Borrowing their name from the traditional Creole dish made of meat braised in a rich sauce with vegetables, Grillade (pronounced “gree-YAHD”) too is hearty and filling. Fronted by vocalist Ragen Fykes, the band is as many parts Betty Davis and Nancy Sinatra as it is Cream and Jefferson Airplane. Producer, keyboardist and percussionist, Keelay offers up: “We’re musicians - artists. Grillade is a band that was born in an era where bedroom producers, singers and rappers are a dime a dozen. But we are playing the gigs, we are spending the time in the studio, we are crafting a brand new sound”.
A Tribute To The Music And Memory Of Aaliyah Dana Haughton
Tuesday August 24, 2010
Featuring Special Aaliyah Tribute sets featuring classics, covers,
remixes, and undiscovered gems by
DJ DESTROYER (Strictly Social/Fast FWD)
DJ KALEEM (Plei)
Also featuring SURPRISE GUESTS performing Aaliyah's music in
support of SoulCulture's Aaliyah Revisited EP
LA's finest Independent Soul talent will be taking part in this loving
tribute.
Download Aaliyah Revisted, an astonishing tribute to the
singer's music by the progressive soul community featuring contributions
by Marsha Ambrosius, Sy Smith, Afta-1 x Nikko Gray, Jessie Boykins III,
and more.
Nu-Soul Presents ART + SOUL w/ Diondre Jermaine - Saturday Aug 28, 2010 (8/7/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine + The Mezz
Present
ART + SOUL
Saturday August 28, 2010
Nu-Soul continues to take part in the Downtown Los Angeles
Renaissance transforming a 100-year old speakeasy in the historic
Alexandria Hotel into a unique experience in sight + sound.
This second edition of ART + SOUL will feature live performances from
cutting edge talent, art exhibitions from a diverse set of local
artists, mood enhancing visual projections, and LIVE ART all within the
one-of-a-kind setting of The Mezz.
Live Performances by:
DIONDRE JERMAINE
Get ready for the former Mulatto frontman's new sound, one unrestrained
by genre. A true perfromer, Diondre Jermaine will take you on a high
voltage journey through alternative soul and beyond.
501 S. Spring Street – 2nd Floor (follow the signs)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
About The Mezz
The Mezz Bar at The Alexandria Hotel is Downtown L.A.’s newest bar in
it’s oldest location. Located in the heart of the new downtown LA, the
Mezz provides the feel of a speakeasy but with gorgeous detailed
ceilings, a stage, and plenty of space to roam.
I am hosting LUST AFFAIR at Stone Rose LA Thursday Aug 5, 2010 (8/3/10) [View | Hide]
Jenn Laskey (Red Light Promotions) & Norman Mayers (Nu-Soul Magazine)
join forces once again to bring you LUST AFFAIR
Thursday August 5, 2010
Rare Beats/Trip-Hop/Downtempo/Electronica
at the gorgeous
STONE ROSE LOUNGE
Inside the famous SOFITEL BEVERLY HILLS
Come experience the upscale indoor/outdoor lounge at one of LA’s most renowned hotels
Delectable drink specials and specialty cocktails
Table reservations available
Strictly Social 3 Year Anniversary - Wed August 18, 2010 (7/28/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine & Soul Union are Proud to present
THE STRICTLY SOCIAL 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Wednesday August 18, 2010
Join us as we celebrate three years of ECLECTIC SOUL FUSION!
Since August of 2007 Strictly Social has helped to redefine the Los
Angeles soul scene by providing a place for artists to experiment with
genre and styles. Since then this monthly event has seen some of the
independent soul community's biggest names and most talented rising
stars while pushing the boundaries of soul music itself.
In the
last 12 months alone the likes of Yahzarah, Joy Jones, Yolanda Johnson,
Afta-1, Nikko Gray, N'Dambi, Shafiq Husayn, Sy Smith, and Mark de
Clive-Lowe have appeared at Strictly Social.
Always original, always on the cutting edge, STRICTLY SOCIAL
has become THE Place to enjoy the future of soul and beyond in Los
Angeles.
Be there for this special night of music!
Featuring Live Performances From:
THE REBIRTH
Introducing their new vocalist LATISHA BASKERVILLE
The Rebirth re-emerges in the Los Angeles soul scene with a new
vocalist for their Strictly Social debut. Come witness the family vibes
as they take the stage with Latisha Baskerville.
Amy Serrata creates progressive soul with a touch of jazz and
hip-hop. Amy is currently focused on writing her second album which will
feature production by Vishnu from Block Cheddar Productions, Apple
Juice Kid, and Ski from Camp Lo.
The hard penetrating, self-reflective vocals of this MC poignantly
illustrate that true school hip hop is alive and well. His music
transcends all cultures, and with a love for rhyming that’s deeply
rooted in the essence of the genre, it’s going to be hard to stop his
star from rising.
SOUL FRIDAYS - Nu-Soul Special Edition - Fri July 30, 2010 (7/24/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine is proud the present a very special
NU-SOUL EDITION of SOUL FRIDAYS
Friday July 30, 2010
This is the hottest FREE Friday Night Party in Downtown LA! Soul
Fridays is right in the middle of it all, taking place at ESPN Zone in
Downtown's impressive LA Live complex, in a chilled out, no attitude
zone. Get your dose of soul, R&B, hip-hop and classics for FREE!
The night will be hosted by JIMETTA ROSE AND THE NAPPY NATION
Come party with this talented crew of performers changing the face of
Los Angeles soul
I got my first set of headshots yesterday and it was a rather pleasant experience. While I don't really have major ambitions to become some huge actor I am going to start doing more background work and it was recommended that I get some. Luckily the good people at Hollywood Pro Photography did a full shoot with three shirts, each with three angles, then helped pick out the best one, retouched, edited, and printed the final shot, and gave me a disk of everything all for just $150! I would definitely say go to them if you need shots. The whole ordeal took less than 2 hours. Check out my shot below.
I review the artists of the All Hearts Tour - Kelis, Robyn, Dan Black (7/21/10) [View | Hide]
In an overwhelming show of excitement for the upcoming All Hearts Tour featuring Kelis and Robyn I have decided to drop not one but three reveiws all at once for the full lineup of talent for this genre-bending tour. Not only did I include include reviews of Kelis' impressive Flesh Tone and Robyn's magnificent Body Talk Pt. 1, but I also decided to share my thoughts on the tour's opening act Dan Black. Enjoy the reviews, check out the videos and get ready for the ALL HEARTS TOUR kicking off in Los Angeles on July 23!
I managed to sneak in a photoshoot last week with photographer Henning Fischer. It was a shoot to build up my portfolio with the Premiere Model Network. It had to be one of the hottest days of the year so far in Los Angeles. With temperatures soaring around 100 we wandered around abandoned train cars in the middle of the city. Good ole fun. Enjoy the early edits.
Broke As F**k w/ Chilli Breakz, Mik Brown, Kimchee Love - Wed July 28, 2010 (7/14/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine presents
BROKE AS F**K
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Nu-Soul breaks the mold with BROKE AS F**K, a FREE monthly event
showcasing breakbeat music in all its forms. Join us for a night of
breaks, bootybass, ghettotech, dubstep, electro bass, and more!
My 4th of July in Vegas as a Body Boy (7/13/10) [View | Hide]
This past 4th of July weekend I had the honor of going to Vegas as part of the staff for Body Boyz United, an event now in its 2nd year that celebrates men of color who take care of their bodies. With 4 days of pool parties, night time festivities and motivational speeches from Max Phillisaire and author Jarid Manos it was by far the most fun I have ever had in Vegas. I mostly worked, assisting with getting the guests checked in at the various events and helping set things up and take things down at each party, but I also got to walk in the fashion show. The hours were long but I was surrounded by beautiful and friendly men. Everyone from the gogo boys to the staff to the paying guests were all amazing individuals. Enjoy a few of my most naked moments (LOL) and hopefully I will see some of you next year! More pics to come!
BET Weekend Kickoff Hosted By Goapele - Friday June 25, 2010 (6/24/10) [View | Hide]
This just in! Fresh off her showstopping performance in Downtown LA's
summer series, acclaimed soul artist Goapele will be hosting a special
BET Weekend Kickoff event at the Conga Room at LA LIVE. The gorgeous
and talented singer will be hosting the evening and performing a few of
her best songs and Nu-Soul Magazine has a special guest list for you!
Simply send an email with the subject GOAPELE to events@nu-soulmag.com with
your name and number of guests to get in FREE before 1030pm.
Or just Mention NU-SOUL at the door!
Admission is $20 until 11pm
on the Nu-Soul list so get there early to avoid long lines and high
prices!
The night will also feature a special tribute to
Michael Jackson: DJ 2greendollars (From Australia) doing a
video Medley of Michael Jackson’s career. Michael Jackson
Impersonator at midnight Drumming by Denisse Zavala and DJ’s 2X4
9pm -2am 21+ DRESS FASHIONABLY
BET Weekend Kickoff
Hosted by Goapele Friday June 25, 2010 Conga Room @ LA Live 800
W. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA
Strictly Social w/ Havana, Russell Taylor, Michelle Shaprow - Wed July 21, 2010 (6/23/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine & Soul Union present
STRICTLY SOCIAL
An evening of Eclectic Soul Fusion
Wednesday July 21, 2010
Strictly Social takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at
LA’s charming Little Temple, continuing the legacy of the renowned
Temple Bar, by featuring a carefully selected showcase of artists and
DJs that reflect the Nu-Soul sound. This monthly event always features
the hottest artists pushing the boundaries of soul and a vibe that is
truly unique.
Featuring Live Performances By:
HAVANA Entervention Promo Tour
Southern California’s soulful singer-songwriter Havana has a lot in
common with the flava-filled Caribbean island’s fresh liberation. On
her 2005 debut she worked with an assortment of talented producers such
as Nicolay, Symbolic One and Waajeed selling an impressive 18,000
units (physical & digital) to date. Her upcoming new album Entervention,
which features production by producers like Trackademicks, GB (Sound
in Color), Brook D’Leau (J*Davey) and Beat$treets, celebrates the
coming to grips of Havana’s hard upbringing with her life, using music
to express her experiences and family issues, but never forgetting to
have fun along the way. Havana wraps up her run on the Entervention and
Strictly Social promo tours with her LA album celebration.
On his sophomore album, Confessional, Russell Taylor has
revived the true meaning of sacrifice, “to make sacred,” and given us
sensuously starved listeners an intimate view of romantic relationships
draped in musical decadence as in times past. A truly dynamic performer,
Russell is set to blaze the Strictly Social stage for the first time
with his own brand of grown and sexy.
A Yale graduate, Michelle Shaprow has made her presence felt in the
music world by producing and performing on tracks for Om Records, Warner
Brothers, and King Britt's FiveSix label while charting on Giles
Peterson's Top 20 List and major tastemaking stations such as Los
Angeles' famed KCRW. Currently Michelle is working with brilliant
producers and musicians Alex Elena (Grammy nominated producer of Alice
Smith) and Joshua Valleau (John Legend, Imani Coppola, The Future) to
complete the upcoming album Purple Skies.
My review of Afta-1's FORM (6/15/10) [View | Hide]
Afta-1 is one of my favorite artists right now! I have been digging his music for a couple of years and this year I finally got to work with him. I booked him to perform at Strictly Social in January and brought him out to San Diego last month. I also have a show this weekend with him. So needless to say I have Afta-1 on the brain! But here is my review of his second album, FORM.
Breakbeats in LA @ Broke As F**k - Wed. June 23, 2010 (6/10/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine presents
BROKE AS F**K
Wednesday June 23, 2010
Nu-Soul breaks the mold with BROKE AS F**K, a free monthly event
showcasing breakbeat music in all its forms. Join us for a night of
breaks, bootybass, ghettotech, dubstep, electro bass, and more!
My HotTalkLA interview by TC Izlam (6/5/10) [View | Hide]
I had the honor of being interviewed by TC Izlam on his new online radio show on Hot Talk LA! This brotha is the son of Afrika Bambataa of Planet Rock fame and has his hands in everything from old school electro to drum & bass to breakbeat. Props to TC for putting me on his show! I got to talk about Nu-Soul, Strictly Social, Soul Good, and Broke As F**K
Presenting my newest event ART + SOUL - Saturday June 19, 2010 (6/4/10) [View | Hide]
Nu-Soul Magazine + The Mezz
Present
ART + SOUL
Saturday June 19, 2010
Nu-Soul joins the Downtown Los Angeles Renaissance transforming a 100
year old speakeasy in the Alexandria Hotel into a unique experience in
sight + sound.
This special night will feature live performances from cutting edge
talent, art exhibitions from a diverse set of local artists, mood
enchancing visual projections, and LIVE ART all within the one-of-a-kind
setting of The Mezz.
Performances by:
NIKKO GRAY + AFTA-1
Nikko Gray will astonish you with her sultry and powerful voice and a
sound that owes as much to classic artists like Sade as it does to
future soul champions like Little Dragon and J*Davey. With the recent
release of her debut album Love Seen, Nikko has been building a
steady buzz and a growing fanbase. See her perform over the
intergalactic beats of Afta-1.
501 S. Spring Street - 2nd Floor (follow the signs)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
About The Mezz
The Mezz Bar at The Alexandria Hotel is Downtown L.A.'s newest bar in
it's oldest location. Located in the heart of the new downtown LA, the
Mezz provides the feel of a speakeasy but with gorgeous detailed
ceilings, a stage, and plenty of space to roam.
Win a Kelis Poster from my site Nu-Soul Magazine (6/1/10) [View | Hide]
Do you love Kelis? Do these images appeal to you? Would you be content to stare at them on your wall all day long? If the answer is yes, then YOU can win this exclusive double-sided Kelis poster promoting her upcoming album, Flesh Tone. The poster is 14x22 and if you get tired of one side, you can flip it over to the other! The beauty of the 2 sided poster!
To win, send your FULL LEGAL NAME and mailing address to info@nu-soulmag.com with the subject "KELIS CONTEST", with a form of contact, either e-mail or phone number. Entries must be in by June 11.
If you still need more Kelis in your life, you can listen to the second single from her upcoming album, entitled "Fourth of July" HERE
Hey babe. I am giving away a song to all Dlist members for for the next few days only. No strings attached. Just download it off my profile or here - http://www.sachasacket.com/v2/Dlist/Breed.mp3
hey bud. I am giving away my first single, "Breed" here to all Dlist members - no strings attached. It's only up for a few days, so get it while you can :) Go to my profile or directly here --> http://www.sachasacket.com/v2/Dlist/Breed.mp3
Online now
