Emmy nominated producer/musician David Pattillo aka Strange Majik teams up with fresh NYC talent on this new 10 song release. Jazz diva Melanie Charles aka D’Flower, soul powerhouse Kennedy, and MCs Phase One and Elijah Black from the NYC hip hop party/collective “The Lesson” are featured as well as up an coming vocalists Fiona Silver and Valerie Broussard. “Lights On” blends genres of vintage soul, 60’s guitar psychedelia, electronic, and organic hip hop. Guitar washes, bass breaks, fuzz riffs, soul queens, and worldly-wise MCs.
With the closings of the most beloved rock and roll bars in NYC, Pinks has taken a chance on a classic theme. Thanks to the popularity of Strange Majik’s Black and Blues party, Fridays at Pinks is the place to be. Majik stomps and hollers Dead Exs blues and rock and roll classics while a charming staff serve custom cocktails, craft beers, and a tasty late night menu. Show starts at 10, goes till 1 and is free. #blackandblues
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
The way I see it, people get out on the streets when they are fed up with the system. Race is a major part of the story here but not the only one. We are all frustrated by a burgeoning economic underclass and the injustices of the too big to fail scandals. Too many execs in the finance world bankrupted us with sub prime mortgages. They went unchecked with money laundering, and funded terrorism without criminal prosecution. Meanwhile a working class black man sells loosies in Staten Island and succumbs to a deadly chokehold by a twisted, frustrated, fearful police officer. It has reached a boiling point. This is a watershed moment. Look at what Gandhi achieved with the same peaceful means in India to liberate a racist nation. Lets keep our commitment peaceful and firm. #wecantbreathe
This was the first tune written for the “Lights On” album which officially releases Jan 2015. Thanks to Felipe Torres on drums and Rabhy Ortega for the visual.
The Four Horsemen is an eye opening exposé of the current US political and economic system. In Time Out London, Derek Adams wrote: “Instead of bombarding us with sensational imagery and scaremongering, this competently narrated, intelligibly structured and cleverly illustrated film presents its case via a succession of insights from a group of smart, rational orators…” Dig in!
Valerie Broussard is an up and coming Philly bred soul disciple. On the new Strange Majik single she sings “Everywhere love will find you anywhere you go.” Can you dig it?
Thanks to the super cool music taste of supermodel Daria Werbowy “one of the most recognizable, acclaimed and beloved supermodels of our time” according to Vogue, The Dead Exs music has been used in her new directorial campaign for the French clothing company Equipment. Dig it.
I discovered MC Elijah Black rapping at The Lesson parties at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC. I wrote the main hook and produced out the track and was thinking about my father’s struggles with money and being an artist. Like it or not, like apples we don’t fall far from the tree. I asked Elijah to bring his perspective to the idea. What he came back with blew my mind. The amazing Felipe Torres came in later and nailed the groove. Give it a spin and please share on social.