YahZarah

As an artist, I have to say there are few independents, especially
female artists, that have inspired me the way that she has. I mean,
YahZarah stepped onto the stage with the audience already in the palm
of her hand.

Today was an awesome surprise! I am in my second week back home in
Atlanta, and most of my time has been consumed with networking and
brand building. (Sorry I didn't finish the countdown!) My Internet has
been down the last couple days. So, I was in the library just earlier
sending off some emails, and once I was done, I picked up a Rolling
Out paper and began casually flipping through. Just a few pages in, I
found myself face-to-face with a familiar presence from DC's
independent artist scene, who would be performing in just a few hours.
So, i decided to shoot her a friendly message letting her know I'd be
in the audience. (If you don't know her from her own work, you may
recognize her voice on the racy track "Lights On" from my album
LOVOLUTION: The Urban Alternative.)

First of all, I already knew she'd be "up to it", because I never
really know what to expect from YahZarah, except that it will be
something hot! After arriving a little early, I got a little face time
with her, and we caught up a bit. Finally, she said, "Let me head
backstage so I can get painted." From my experience in entertainment
(music, theatre, modeling, film, etc) I understood that to mean that
she's going to get her makeup done.

Little did I know, she meant that literally! This hot little five-foot
numba came out on-stage in full body paint and a mask!! The design of
it was something you might expect of a Jackson, namely Michael or
Janet, featuring black, gold, and, of course, purple. Though some
might also say her costumery was somewhat Gaga-esque, who can she be
called but YahZarah?

This was on top of the INSANE vocal performance she delivered!! I
heard someone in the audience say, "Minnie Who??" I had to agree. She
definitely holds her own and come second to no one.

I am honored to call her a friend and one of the hardest working, well
presented, and humble independent artists on the planet! I only hope
to be such an original and polished talent in my lifetime.

DO YOU REAL HARD, and folks have to respect it, love it or hate it!
It's time out for mediocrity, no matter what the calling. Either go
hard or go home!

Respect to Darien Brockington, who really did his thing on the
opening, Killa on drums, and Brandon on guitar! The band was on POINT!

Peace.
KEV.O

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

SUITE202Ex - 2001

I initially came to Washington, DC from Atlanta, GA in 2001 as a bass
player on scholarship at Howard University. This was an interesting
time for me. After all, I was barely an adult leaving all my family
and friends behind, and I was preparing to take on a new chapter of
life.

Not to mention, this transition was a hot one! I stay in Charles R
Drew Hall, and it had no air conditioning! Again, this was 2001.
Needless to say, by the time I was out of there, I knew precisely how
to place the fan, crack the window, and crack the door so that room
felt like heaven! That is until I tried 'hell wings' from Cluck-U
Chicken, the first and only time I ever had to sign a waver for some
HOT wings! This was also the first time I had ever shared a room with
someone I did not know. Weird!

Anyway, what made the transition a little easier, was that I looked at
DC as a slightly more urban version of home. I mean, folks are
hospitable and all, but don't let me walk up to somebody I don't know
and say hello. DC is a metropolitan, intercultural place, but I had to
learn that I'm just not gonna catch a cab in sweat pants.

I also remember being intrigued by the activism in DC. I think the
first display I saw, as I was waking up Georgia Ave on my first day of
class, was the Black Panther Party standing in the parking lot of
McDonalds. Who'd have know I would go on to be involved with some of
these movements?

2001 was the year I met some of the foundational members of my circle
of friends. I think Taylor Pace and Muhsinah were the first two people
I met - Taylor during placement exams and Muhsinah in the practice
rooms. 'Til this day, I still regard them as two of the most talented
people I know.

As months passed, I met more and more people to call my closest
friends. Since my DC experience had started out on the upside of
interest I knew I'd have some good times ahead of me.

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

SUITE202Ex - My Transition

I've learned that there is a time/season for everything. Some things
are meant to last five seconds, while others are meant to last five
years. That said, my experience in Washington, DC area over the past
nine years has been amazing, and I've grown to call it my second home.
However, that experience has been had and is coming to an end, and now
it's time for me to make room for a new one. Really, it'd be an old
one as a new man.

September 1, 2010, will mark the beginning of a new experience in my
hometown, Atlanta, GA, as adult. Why, you ask? For a few reasons.
It'll give me an opportunity to not only spend some much-needed time
with my family, who I miss immensely, but also to further pursue my
musical career. Atlanta's so different these days from the way it was
growing up. So, it'll be a much-needed change of scene for me too.

While Atlanta is where I was born and raised, DC is where I became a
man. With so many memories that make up my DC experience, I thought
I'd share some of my biggest and most treasured DC moments. Starting
September 22, as a countdown to my departure, my blog will feature a
special segment called SUITE202Ex. As I share, please join me on this
trip down memory lane, and share your stories with me.

Peace.
KEV.O

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

Drowning

Feels like I was trapped underwater all night
And I couldn't breathe
Drowning in hugs
Drowning in kisses
Drowning in love
Drowning in gifts
Drowning in romance
Drowning in fragrance
Exercising my patience
And I'm so glad that I'm finally up for air
I guess I love the ones who don't love me
And hate the ones that do
Life can be so unfair.

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

Wow! Did you just clutch your purse???

As if clutching your purse would keep me from getting it if I wanted
it! Ladies, let's be smart here. Demonstrating fear in this kind of
manner only escalates the situation. I may not have even been thinking
about your purse until you grabbed it.

Besides, who am I to be afraid of? Of course, I don't always look like
a rockstar, but I don't imagine I ever look like a thug. I mean, the
closest I get to that is a white tee and a pair of Howard University
sweats! Right now, I'm wearing fitted jeans, a fitted polo, and chucks.

All this is to say DON'T DO THAT!! It's offensive. If your purse is
gonna be taken, it's gonna be taken.... PERIOD! Thieves are not
gentlemen, silly!

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

The New Nightmare on Elm Street movie

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge scary movie fan! I'm not into unnecessary gore or monsters - gore is cheating, and monsters are just stupid - but an honest, scary, it-could-happen-in-real-life story in film form is a treat for me. Of course, as an 80s baby, I grew up watching movies like Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and movies like that. So, when I went to see the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street, I had a particular perspective.

My first thought, when watching, was that the recasting of the teenagers was great! The casting directors obviously paid close attention to the physical details of each character, and tried to replicate the looks of the original characters and did a great job! Even with the modernization, anyone who is familiar with the characters from the original would know right off who was who.

I did, however, have a problem with Nancy's mom. She wasn't deep enough for me. Granted, the original was attempting to shelter her daughter and came off pretty fake, but the duality of the role came across as well. Somehow she was able to convey the concern of a mother while also revealing to the audience that she had a secret. The new mom honestly should have been the redhead from Desparate Housewives. The oringal mom was a very neat and polished woman, which did not come through in the remake.

One thing that kind of annoyed me about the story line is that they tried to make the audience feel compassion for Freddie Krueger! WTF??? There at least 13 movies in the original series. THAT MEANS HE'S KILLED AT LEAST 13 PEOPLE!!! HE'S A VILLAIN DAMMIT!!! I'm sorry, once you've killed that many people your compassion card has been maxed out, remake or not! 

I may be old school, but Robert Englund will always and forever be the best Freddie! The new guy wasn't bad, but his Freddie swag was just different.    

Lastly, I think CGI is ruining visual effects artists creativity! Though someof the effects in the original were kinda cheesy, there were some that were phenominal, and they didn't spend much money creating them. Like the part were Freddy leans through the wall while Nancy is sleeping, the original is very minimal an effective while the remake looks absolutely ridiculous and overdone.

Of course, there's always the part in the movie where the characters do things that just wouldn't make sense in a real life situation. Who "kills" Freddy and decides they also need to burn the body but throws the lantern to the far corner of the room, as opposed to throwing to at (or at least very close to) him, so that he has time to resusitate and excape before the fire consumes him??? If you gon' burn the motherfucker, BURN HIM!! If I'm ever afforded the opportunity, I'm gonn make the first scary movie to feature characters with common sense.

Overall, I give the movie a C+, and that's largely due the fact that I'm a fan of the series of movies and that that they explained some things from the original. 

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

Dreaming of Cake

I had a pretty weird dream last night - not the weirdest I've ever had but weird nonetheless. Perhaps you can help me figure out what this means.

The dream was set at a party, a somewhat formal party. I'm not sure who was the honoree, but after walking around and greeting some of the guests, I noticed a slice of the richest and moistest chocolate cake with a drizzle of cream cheese on a small saucer. It had a big chunk taken out of it. So, I assumed it belonged to someone, but the search was on to find the source of this amazing looking slice of chocolate cake. 

My mother was there. So, I asked if she knew where it came from. I also asked a few others, but no one seemed to know. Finally, I had gotten some food on my face and noticed a pile of napkins on a large silver platter. After taking a few napkins, what did I find beneath? CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to consume any because I immediately woke up. What a weird and unnecessarily torturous dream! Any thoughts?

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

MEGABUS SUCKS!!!

I should start this off on a positive note. So I'll say that I did a
very good job planning my day trip to New York. I went up for ISM5
(Indie Soul Mixer 5) to network with other artists, promoters, DJs,
etc from underground independent music markets around the world.
Besides overcrowding the venue, it was a great experience!

While planning my trip, I had heard about Megabus but had never ridden
myself. So, I figured what is there to lose on a trip that costs $17
each way and has comfortable seating, two floors and free wifi?
Apparenty, that question would be answered shortly.

After running into a few of my artist friends on the bus, we had a
great ride up laughing in between naps. That was until we were dropped
off at 26th Street and 7th Ave instead of at Penn Station. It was only
a few blocks different - 31st Street and 3rd Ave. So, we didn't make a
big deal of it.

After attending ISM5 and hitting a bar afterward, I headed back to the
bus stop at Penn Station for my 2:15am return trip, since I was
scheduled to sing on Sunday morning. There was a huge crowd of people.
So, I asked around so that I would not just assume I was in the right
place. I was.

Unfortunately, at 5:30am, I was still in the right place being
harassed like a homeless person by Penn Station police. "OMG! Did the
bus not show at all," you ask? That would be correct. Fortunately, a
good friend from college was supposed to be on the same trip but
happened to live in New York. So, he offered me his couch.

While we were waiting on the bus to arrive, I had attempted to reach
MegaBus's customer service line, but of course their department would
be closed at 7pm. It would make WAY too much sense for them to be open
as long as buses are scheduled to run in case of situations like this.

After a great nap on a surprisingly comfortable couch, I called
customer service. I waited about five minutes to speak with someone,
and I was so proud of myself for the calm and extremely pleasant
demeanor I maintained while speaking with the young lady. After
explaining the situation, she placed me on hold for twenty minutes,
and call finally disconnected. However, I maintained the same gentle
tone on the second try. I DESERVE AN AWARD!!

I explained to her that my bus never showed and that I had incurred
additional expenses that come with staying overnight in a place that
is not home and missing work. She then explained to me that nothing
can be done about that besides rescheduling my trip for 11pm. Hhhh-
what????

At the most basic level if customer service, I would expect something
like, "I apologize on behalf of MegaBus. This is not something that
happens frequently, and we don't take it lightly that you have
incurred extra expenses and have missed out on an opportunity generate
income. Unfortunately, we cannot offer you financial recoupment of
your expenses, but do we value you as a customer. Will you accept a
few free rides on us?"

Because a crater had already been carved out of my budget, I didn't
have very many options. So, I accepted the 11pm trip rescheduling with
a promise to call back the next day, when management would be available.

Later, I got a call from another friend who was up for ISM5 offering
me a ride back to DC with her and a few other friends. They would be
leaving around 5pm, which sounded much better to me than 11pm. So, I
agree to ride with them and try to have my 11pm trip switched to one
on Tuesday, since I would be back in New York then to promote my show
at Sugar Bar the following day. Surely, this would not be a problem.
After all, I had just spent the night in Penn Station at MegaBus' fault.

After explaining the ordeal, she says that once a trip is rescheduled,
its final. This was neither printed anywhere on the wesite that I saw,
nor was it mentioned by the previous representative. "So...a bus
busdriver at the bus stop can do more with a pen and paper on the
street than you can do on a computer at the customer service center,"
I ask? On my way up, I had changed my reservation to an earlier time
so that I could ride up with some friends who were on an earlier trip.

Her response was that it is against their policy, in a situation like
this, to reschedule a trip that has already been rescheduled. My tone
finally changed at that point as she continued to act as if this was a
regular rescheduling. I'm trying to get the fuck home!

Needless to say, I am in the back seat of a car on my way back to DC.
I WILL NEVER RIDE MEGABUS AS LONG AS LONG AS I CAN HELP IT!!!! If you
enjoy being neglected and mistreated, go for it! By the way, the wifi
signal is very inconsistent.

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

MEGABUS SUCKS!!!

I should start this off on a positive note. So I'll say that I did a
very good job planning my day trip to New York. I went up for ISM5
(Indie Soul Mixer 5) to network with other artists, promoters, DJs,
etc from underground independent music markets around the world.
Besides overcrowding the venue, it was a great experience!

While planning my trip, I had heard about Megabus but had never ridden
myself. So, I figured what is there to lose on a trip that costs $17
each way and has comfortable seating, two floors and free wifi?
Apparenty, that question would be answered shortly.

After running into a few of my artist friends on the bus, we had a
great ride up laughing in between naps. That was until we were dropped
off at 26th Street and 7th Ave instead of at Penn Station. It was only
a few blocks different - 31st Street and 3rd Ave. So, we didn't make a
big deal of it.

After attending ISM5 and hitting a bar afterward, I headed back to the
bus stop at Penn Station for my 2:15am return trip, since I was
scheduled to sing on Sunday morning. There was a huge crowd of people.
So, I asked around so that I would not just assume I was in the right
place. I was.

Unfortunately, at 5:30am, I was still in the right place being
harassed like a homeless person by Penn Station police. "OMG! Did the
bus not show at all," you ask? That would be correct. Fortunately, a
good friend from college was supposed to be on the same trip but
happened to live in New York. So, he offered me his couch.

While we were waiting on the bus to arrive, I had attempted to reach
MegaBus's customer service line, but of course their department would
be closed at 7pm. It would make WAY too much sense for them to be open
as long as buses are scheduled to run in case of situations like this.

After a great nap on a surprisingly comfortable couch, I called
customer service. I waited about five minutes to speak with someone,
and I was so proud of myself for the calm and extremely pleasant
demeanor I maintained while speaking with the young lady. After
explaining the situation, she placed me on hold for twenty minutes,
and call finally disconnected. However, I maintained the same gentle
tone on the second try. I DESERVE AN AWARD!!

I explained to her that my bus never showed and that I had incurred
additional expenses that come with staying overnight in a place that
is not home and missing work. She then explained to me that nothing
can be done about that besides rescheduling my trip for 11pm. Hhhh-
what????

At the most basic level if customer service, I would expect something
like, "I apologize on behalf of MegaBus. This is not something that
happens frequently, and we don't take it lightly that you have
incurred extra expenses and have missed out on an opportunity generate
income. Unfortunately, we cannot offer you financial recoupment of
your expenses, but do we value you as a customer. Will you accept a
few free rides on us?"

Because a crater had already been carved out of my budget, I didn't
have very many options. So, I accepted the 11pm trip rescheduling with
a promise to call back the next day, when management would be available.

Later, I got a call from another friend who was up for ISM5 offering
me a ride back to DC with her and a few other friends. They would be
leaving around 5pm, which sounded much better to me than 11pm. So, I
agree to ride with them and try to have my 11pm trip switched to one
on Tuesday, since I would be back in New York then to promote my show
at Sugar Bar the following day. Surely, this would not be a problem.
After all, I had just spent the night in Penn Station at MegaBus' fault.

After explaining the ordeal, she says that once a trip is rescheduled,
its final. This was neither printed anywhere on the wesite that I saw,
nor was it mentioned by the previous representative. "So...a bus
busdriver at the bus stop can do more with a pen and paper on the
street than you can do on a computer at the customer service center,"
I ask? On my way up, I had changed my reservation to an earlier time
so that I could ride up with some friends who were on an earlier trip.

Her response was that it is against their policy, in a situation like
this, to reschedule a trip that has already been rescheduled. My tone
finally changed at that point as she continued to act as if this was a
regular rescheduling. I'm trying to get the fuck home!

Needless to say, I am in the back seat of a car on my way back to DC.
I WILL NEVER RIDE MEGABUS AS LONG AS LONG AS I CAN HELP IT!!!! If you
enjoy being neglected and mistreated, go for it! By the way, the wifi
signal is very inconsistent.

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

formspring.me

What's better than a 24/7 Q&A? http://formspring.me/KevOTheArtist

If you could ask George W. Bush one question what would it be?

WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?!

What did you learn today?

What did you eat for breakfast today?

Nothing. I know, that's horrible. Funny thing is a woke up running late for a gig and had to perform on an empty stomach. Now, there was a time when I could do that with no problem, but apparently that wasn't today. Almost passed out, but I guess I'm a good enough professional that no one even realized there was an issue.

What did you learn today?

Live @ Next Door Recap

So, if you're an artist reading this, you know that it's not often that we feel like we're being set up for a great show. I won't say "more often than not", but pretty often, it's as if we're fighting through a thick cloud of adversity and ignorance just to make it to the stage. For me, fortunately, my love for my artistry and those who support me overrides all of that, and I'm able to have a great show, minus the new twitch I'd have developed in my left eye and the new knot in the right side of my neck.

Last night, none of that existed. Clearly, Wes Felton brings his understanding of the indie artist's plight to the table and knows what it means to make an artist feel at home and among family down to the fine details. There was a tarp up to keep the bar noise to a minimum, great lighting, and the sound was fantastic! Besides all that, he's a ginuinely warm and compassionate host. Oh! AND he took care to be sure my name was spelled correctly, too!!! (You'd be surprised at how many folks don't.)

I mentioned during the performance that Wes (at that time better known as W Ellington Felton) was the first indie artist's name I heard when I moved to DC years ago. So, performing as part of his series brings things full circle for me. Needless to say, I am grateful for and humbled by such a great experience!

..:: IMUNURMe ::..

Stereotypes are stupid!

Folks say that I should pay more attention to stereotypes, because
they "come from somewhere", almost like jokes - at least the funny
ones - which always have elements of truth to them. So, I've made it a
point to be conscious of the stereotypes that precede me and folks
like me (i.e. Negroes, men, southerners, etc).

Like most performers, I have facilitated a good portion of my career
through work in service industries, namely waiting tables at
restaurants, and I've learned that a big part of human nature is self-
preservation and survival. So, we look for indicators that supposedly
predict the outcomes of our efforts, and quite often those include
race. I admit, I've been on both ends of the pistol. So, I understand
both perspectives, as ludicrous as either of them may be. However, as
that person, I now make it a point to attempt to contradict those
preconcieved notions that negetively effect me and people like me.

In Washington, DC, it's no secret the racial prejudice that limits
opportunities for black folks to do simple things, like catch cabs. In
fact, I had a Caucasian friend who recently relocated to DC from
France. We were leaving a bar, and needed to catch a cab. We had been
discussing race issues here in America, and I thought I'd use that
opportunity to illustrate my point. So, I asked him to step back from
the curb, and I would try to hail a cab. At least five passed by as I
was left standing with an exhausted arm. Then, we switched. One lift
of the hand, and we were warm and toasty inside a cab. Point proven.

Now, I assume many cab drivers pass on black folks because of the
notion that we don't tip well, live in "dangerous" neighborhoods, and/
or are dangerous/risky ourselves. However, to the contrary, I tend to
tip at least 20%, and I live in a pretty nice area, and my firm belief
on karma keeps me from intentionally harming anyone. Since, my friend
offered to pay for the cab, I offered to pay the tip, but his response
was that he'd take of everything.

The ride cost us $10.50. So, based on my tipping rule, the driver
should have recieved at least $13. However, I noticed my friend only
pulled out $11 and told the driver he could keep the change!! So I
asked why he didn't leave a tip, and his response was that he had a
rule against tipping service workers. What?!?!

The very evil the driver was trying to avoid, he ran into head on!
This is not to say that I don't stereotype folks to some degree,
because we all do, whether we admit it or not. However, it almost
always puts us on the losing end of the stick. Plainly put,
stereotypes are stupid!

Gratitude for ALL things

I never know how the various people, places, things, and ideas that
find themselves around me will effect the person that I ultimately
become. But because you are, thus am I, and because I am, thus are
you. I'm grateful for both the "good" and the "bad", because
ultimately, it's all good!

In the beginning, God created this amazing universe - the heavens, the
earth, and everything in between - that is brilliant, especially when
it comes to keepig things balanced. Too much positive can make us
arrogant, while too much negetive can make us bitter. But just the
right combination of the two makes a beautiful confidently sympathetic
being who has unlimited potential.

So, to all who have helped thus far, thank you for connecting with the
light inside of me and helping it to shine brighter! To those who have
attempted to hender me, thank you for being the extra weight that
builds the muscle that makes me stronger! Someone once said, "Make
your helpers your homies and your haters your motivators." Any
successful person will always have and need both.