You think it’s all about attending seminars and meeting record executives that make the WMC. In fact, it’s quite the opposite and is truly dependent on your musical tastes. The WMA I experienced was more impromptu and respective of my musical preferences, which are more underground. On the cusp of losing your mind with all the dance/trance music that permeates the South Miami Beach airwaves, a la Spring Break/Girls Gone Wild style, when you do find your scene, it’s a breath of fresh air.

This year’s Delano events featured K’naan, whose performance highlight was bringing Matisyahu to the stage for one song. Matisyahu is incredible live. I’m waiting to see what K’naan will grow into. He shows much potential with his message of the struggle, but the media frenzy is causing my side way looks.

The Raw Fusion events at Jazid were my highlights, featuring a large roster of artist such as DJ Spinna, Rich Medina, Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic), Mad Mats (Raw Fusion), Kissey Asplund, Erik Rico to name a few. From Taylor McFerrin doing his hereditary human beat box to DJ Spinna mixing up broken, Fela, and dub beats, had us all jumpin’ and funkin’. Attitudes were left at the door.

So here’s a shout out to a few of the people I met over the weekend who were happy to talk about their projects, share music, and opinions. Looking forward to gracing Muphoric Sounds with their flavor – Kissey Asplund, Taylor McFerrin, Yellowtail, Mad Mats, Ayro, DJ Chicus, and Bopstar.

We love Erik Rico! This particular song will have you jumping out of your seat to dance like a lunatic. Soulful vocals, a fierce electronic broken beat progressing into a feel good soulful house type tune. What more can I say? Erik Rico was first discovered by American Idol’s Randy Jackson, who was then the VP of Columbia Records. He briefly wrote and produced under the corporate structure to eventually leave in pursuit of total creative freedom. His recently launched label, Life Note Music will host a slew of artist in the Broken Beat genre, collaborating with Daz I-Kue, Yam Who?, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, Aybee, Grooveman Spot, Opolopo, Remarkable Current Crew, Rep Life, Cecilia Stalin, Kissey Asplund, and Sumie Nagano down the pike. Releases are scheduled to hit this spring.

To get more of Erik’s style and energy, and if you’re in the New York area, he will be doing two dates next month — one at The Shrine in Harlem on April 10th and Sin Sin in Manhattan on April 11th. Be sure to check him out! But for now you can jam to “SO Much Greater” below.

“SO Much Greater” by Erik Rico

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

This came out for Valentine’s Day celebrations and a lot of people slept on it due to the fact it is an ultimate breakup album, revealing the mixed and often misunderstood emotions we often feel when love has turned from sweet to soar. The jazzy undertones don’t lead you to slitting your wrists and wanting the love that went bad back, but actually accepting what’s done is done. It’s okay to reminisce, just a little.

Before getting a deal, Blu. was the hype man for Slum Village, Platinum Pied Pipers, Steve Spacek, and Emanon. Signing to indi label Soul in Color in 2004, it’s been non-stop for this San Piedro, California native. In 2007, he released with Emanon Below the Heavens, and has collaborated with DJ Heat for the (So)ul Amazing mix tapes, and is also a member of the Johnson & Johnson duo. It’s been less than two years and his work has been incredible.

Her Favo(u)rite Colo(u)r, is somewhat of a journey through the mind states of a breakup, albeit short and light on lyrical content where some of the actual songs appear to be skits, the composition in itself validates the album’s concept, ensuring that we don’t grow tired of looking at the bright and dark sides of a breakup. Take a listen to “Amnesia” where Blu. talks about the good days in the relationship, wrought with an apropos Billie Holiday sample, the vibe that will make you smile.

“Amnesia” from Her Favourite Colo(u)r

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

We will be posting items shortly!