URBAN CARTEL
Teddy, AJ, Andy, Sackey, and Seph, are the monumental musicians that comprise Urban Cartel. Each artist brings their own personal panache to the floor: Teddy on lead mic, AJ is the keyboardist, Andy on guitar, Sackey plays drums, and Seph is the lead singer. Their sound is a neo-fusion of rock, hip-hop, and R&B, and these young talented individuals will use their creativity to bring a new sound to the DMV. They are currently working on a project titled Cassette Tape Music and have already released Sounds from the Red Line. Follow Urban Cartel on Twitter @urbancartel and visit The Urban Cartel for blogs, shopping , music and more.
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SUGA SP
With an energy level that’s hard to match, this singer/songwriter/dancer gives amazing performances and unleashes a talent that’s more than just unique. She’s very eccentric and portrays her eccentric style very well in her eclectic music. Suga Sp’s latest album, Built for Speed Vroooommmm, is an electro fusion mashup of pop and hip hop. Tracks to dance to, and tracks to sing along with, Suga’s “different-ness” makes her one of a kind and an artist to listen for. Check out her album here and tell us what you think! Follow Suga on Twitter @sugaspmusic <3
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Artist Spotlight: Rome
Baltimore R&B/pop vocalist, Rome, is set to release his debut EP, entitled “Blueberry Nights,” this summer. This EP should be a breakthrough for Rome’s solo career after featuring on several songs by well known Baltimore MC, Rickie Jacobs.
When the EP drops you know you’ll be able to find it here.
Check in with Rome and show him love on Twitter: www.twitter.com/_R_O_M_E_
Track Playing is Rome’s freestyle off of Rihanna’s “What’s Your Name”….. Check it out….
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HARMONY MUZIK
Although originally from Detroit, Harmony has made her place in the DMV and reps hard. With events like her Law of the Few Record Pools, touring, and her latest mixtape release, “GenX” we had to spotlight her here!
First up, we got her mixtape streaming for listeners while you read our interview with Harmony on being indie and how far she wants to take her music!
A different take on her usual style, Harmony has now fused her neo-pop sound into hip-hop and makes it Harmony Muzik. Check for features from UptownXo, Enoch, and Jay Mills (plus more) on GenX! Check it out!
Check out this exclusive interview we got from Harmony Muzik who dishes out about the DMV indie music scene, bloggers, and her “Twitter Rants”…..
TCMA: Describe a typical day in the life of Harmony:
HM: First thing I do is make a to-do list. I go through emails, texts, dms, tweets, FB messages, Voice mails…..etc, and write down who I need to contact, who I need to return messages or questions to, and everything that needs to get done. Then I start working on that list. Sometimes that involves writing, or conference calls, rehearsals, studio time, shows, appearances. Anything involved in the job really.
TCMA: Are Mary and Harmony the same or like alter egos?
HM: Harmony Muzik is my stage name, just like any entertainer, parts of my personality are amplified on stage, but I’m relatively the same person.
TCMA: What is your vision for the next record pool?
HM: How will it expand? My vision is for more people to make use of this resource and for more sponsors to get involved.
TCMA: What are your views of the DMV indie scene?
HM: My views are that there is a very good group of talented artists and producers, and also a system of individuals who know exactly how to capitalize on the hunger, naivety, and talent of those artists. That has become our ecosystem.
TCMA: How far do you want to take your career?
HM: I would like to forever move forward. Success and accomplishments will come with time and hard work. But I am doing what I love to do right now!
TCMA: How is it working with DMV blogs and other blogs?
HM: DMV blogs have been supportive for the most part. Each blog is different though. Locally and nationally, each has different standards for posts. Each has different means. Some will accept internet submissions, others ride the wave and post whoever others think are hot. Some do business based off talent, other only post people they are “cool” with. You have to approach each one differently and figure out the best way to gain their support and loyalty.
TCMA: As far as your career goes, what do you still want to accomplish?
HM: I would love to travel overseas [for music], I’d also like to be in the position to help certain charities that I root for. I want to overall be able to sustain a long lasting career in the industry. My role may change over the years, and I’m ok with that, I just NEED to be around the music at all times. That’s when I’m happy.
TCMA: Who are 3 artists that you haven’t worked with but would love to?
HM: From the DMV: I’d love to work with RatheMC, Mullyman, and, The Five One. Nationally: Eminem, Kanye West, and, The Cataracts.
TCMA: Who or what drives you to constantly improve as an artist?
HM: I feel pretty self-motivated. I’ve always had “Type A” personality and I don’t enjoy doing things that are not competitive or goal oriented. So I drive myself for the most. Also, I do an obligation to stay on top of my game because of the people who put their name on the line to support me and mentor me. I don’t want to let them down.
TCMA: Who has been your biggest motivation career wise?
HM: It’s never the big accomplishments that keep you motivated; it’s the daily reminders that motivate me. Maybe it’s a new fan after a show, a phone call for a new feature, a compliment from someone I respect. It’s the small little victories that keep you going in this industry, because nothing lasts forever, so you need those constant reminders to keep you positive.
TCMA: What do you do when you need to escape?
HM: I don’t escape. I’m living my dream, why would I escape that? If I had a 9 to 5 in an office, maybe music would be my “escape”, but I’m already doing my dream job.
TCMA: Followers on Twitter are often amused and sometimes even shocked at your “Twitter rants.” What are some things that make you go off?
HM: I haven’t ranted in a while because what I’ve come to learn is, the people who try to suck you in, are often the ones who want to gain some sort of attention from you fighting with them. Thousands of people involved in music, and fans as well, now follow me and watch what I say, so I try to keep it all positive and all love now days.
TCMA: Where do you find you get the most support and where do you feel you need the most support as in family, friends, other artists etc.?
HM: I’m blessed to have strong family support. I have very strong DJ support too, and my fan base grows larger and stronger every day. Sometimes I wish I had more support from peers, but I think that it’s just like any profession, you want to be acknowledged and respected by your peers. However, that doesn’t make or break the grind, the skill, or the potential for greatness. I have a vision for myself regardless if others see that too. I think most see it though and that’s why they support. I just wish sometimes I could “figuratively” open my heart up so people could see my true intentions. They would understand where I’m coming from and they would see I mean well in everything I do and that when the time comes, I will reach back to help others out.
Harmony is doing well; we wish her all the best and great success!
