Musical Treat " Frankenstein" With Carlitta Durand

I was introduced to Carlitta's  beautiful voice through the legendary hip-hop group Little Brother and was a fan from the first note I heard. Carlitta Durand is songstress who has style,  range, and a passion for her craft.  The song "Keep Lovin" with Freddie Joachim is one of my favorite tracks her voice is summery, smooth and just gives you a great vibe a must for your playlist.

When I found out she was releasing a single followed by an album I had to reach out for a Q&A session with the NC songstress. So sit back read and then check out the dope single "Frankenstein"
          

                           

1. Please tell us a little about Carlitta Durand 

A girl from North Carolina, by way of Minneapolis, MN. Oldest of 3, raised around lots of music and creativity. From my mother always keeping us busy with arts and crafts, teaching us to sew and paint, to my dad throwing house parties blasting those 70's and 80's r&b/funk/soul gems. I was a sponge soaking up all the creativity and music. From a young age until now, it still seems to be the same thing lol.

2. How did you get started in NC music scene?

Moved to NC around 13 or 14, always had an interest in singing and music, first started out in the church like a lot of r&b soul singers. That passion grew, by the time I got to my junior year in high school, I knew this is what I REALLY wanted to do. By college I started to pursue it more, record tracks, perform at all open mics and talent shows, wherever and whenever I was there!

3. Who are some of your musical influences?

One of my favorite vocalists is Kim Burrell, such and pure and rich voice, she sings so effortlessly, I love that. Of course, I love Prince, I respect him as an artist and musician, there will never be another Prince Roger Nelson lol..  The greats, like Stevie, Michael, Whitney... Then my 90's girls.. TLC, Aaliayah, Mary j, Mariah.. to many to name, I have so many influences.

4. How did you link with Foreign Exchange?

 I linked with the FE from working with Little Brother first. I met Phonte first, then Pooh and 9th. I worked with LB and then it was only natural to work with Phonte and Nicolay.

5. Tell us about the new album " I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die" 

 "I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die" like most of my work, its true to me and my own life experiences or just how I feel at the time. IBGWID represents me and living a honest life, true to yourself and true to your peers and true to whatever or whoever is your higher power. I love to be able to express my feelings through the songs I write. I love to write a song that is relatable to the listener.2. How did you get started in the NC music scene?

Now check out the below soundcloud link for a song that will give you that much needed eargasms.

soundcloud.com/carlittadurand

New Music Kandace Springs

I was browsing for new music this past summer and came across the beautiful and talented Kandace Springs. Her voice is beautiful it brings a soothing comfort to your ears while blending perfectly with the track. The voice will feed your musical soul for days. West Coast is the first track I heard a perfect summer groove with a bass that moves you and her voice will take you on an unforgettable musical experience.

The self-titled EP released on Blue Note Records contains four diverse songs which flow together giving you a preview of her vocal styles. I really can't pick a favorite I give each song plenty of plays with Forbidden Fruit as one of my favorite tracks of the year.

Please do your musical library a favor and add her self-titled EP Kandace Springs and let me know what you think.

Thanks to Okayplayer.com and Soulbounce.com for posting new music.

Howard University Inspiration

As I experienced some of life's most challenging events over the last three years my usual sources of inspiration were failing to inspire me to succeed.

I gave blogging  a partial timeout only posting here and there. There was a feeble attempt to blog for thirty straight days which failed. 

So time passed as well as new albums to review, artist to interview, and sports teams to critique.

This past August on a quick trip to Washington, DC the spirit of writing started brewing. I walked up the hill of my beloved Howard University and upon entering  the gates leading to the yard a feeling of being home hit me hard. I knew that it was time to shift into high gear to start accomplishing my list of goals.

The Mecca as it's called did what many things had not which was igniting  my passion, spirit, and confidence to succeed.

I'm so glad I went to Howard U!!!!