Nefertiti and the nefTUNES: May 2010

5.25.2010

How to Get Your Music Reviewed Pt. 3: Make Her Open The Box

If you remember from "How to Get Your Music Reviewed Pt. 1: @GettinMadPressCoverage", iiTalked about a community radio show and blog that iiWas blessed to be a part of.

The show and blog are called Lyrical Venus: A Focus on Female Singer/Songwriters.
iiAlso Mentioned that she would be adding a podcast of the interview soon, and that time is now.

iiAm really honored by the words she used to introduce her audience to me and iiHad a really good time talking to her because she seemed to be really in tune to what artists think about.

She said that the key to getting bloggers and hosts to listen to your music and to appreciate it for what it is, is to remember that there will be a person on the other end of that email, letter, or whatever. Keep that in mind. Write to the person, not the company.

Also, as we said in Pt. 2, find your niche and work it. Don't send Hip-Hop to a Rock columnist. No matter how much they may personally like your music, their audience would find it detestable, and their first loyalty is to their audience, not to yours.

You can listen to my April 13th interview with Heather Miller on Lyrical Venus here:
http://kruufm.com/node/7744

"Mainframe is calling my name
I can't get out, I'm the one to blame
There's no way out once you're in the flame
We must get out before it's too late
~ Mainframe, Nefertiti & the nefTUNES

When Nefertiti wrote an email of introduction, she described her music as "Acoustic Gangsterism" and went on to explain that the style "is a mix of reggae, hip-hop, folk, rock, soul, and blues. The music comes out sounding like Kanye West and Jill Scott's love child had a love child with Lauryn Hill and Lil' Wayne's love child, all grown-up." Needless to say, I was intrigued and had to find out more.

I can guarantee there hasn't been an artist like this on Lyrical Venus yet! Tune in to meet this soulful, creative and independent spirit."

http://kruufm.com/node/7744

On to the next one...

My next radio interview is tonight on "Club Meeshee".

iiAm going to be talking about this blog, my website www.nefertitiandtheneftunes.com that just launched, poetry books, and upcoming performances @ MondoHomo and Juneteenth Live...and, oh yeah, my CD, Jam Session Audiobytes that's out now too.

Consider this an appetizer...

The show starts at 8pm, and, as with all blogtalk podcasts, the show will be available for listening or download directly after it ends.

To listen, log on to Club Meeshee or call-in (347) 539-5872 at 8pm to listen to the broadcast or get on the air yourself.

iiAm taking requests for shoutouts, so let me know if you want to hear your name on the radio.

Peace

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/clubmeeshee/2010/05/26/the-corner-live-presentsneftunes-on-club-meeshee

5.23.2010

How to Get Your Music Reviewed Pt. 2: Listen In

They say life is about finding your niche and sticking with it....so the saying goes...

Tonight @ 10pm you can catch Nefertiti and the nefTUNES on The HomoBi radio show.

The Homobi is an LGBTQ-IA focused radio show, blog, and community who's mission is to bring awareness of LGBTQ-IA issues into the broader community perspective.

iiWas trolling through blogtalkradio and found out about a show called The Homobi. iiFound out later that there was also a blog to go with it. Sweet.

iiFriended them on Facebook, Twitter, and followed their blog.

No more than about a week later, the host, Decoi Jones was putting out a call for artists, singers, songwriters, etc to be featured on her show. That's me!

iiContacted her telling her what type of music iiMake and why iiThink her audience would appreciate the music. Thankfully, she got back to me and were able to connect, now iiM getting love on the internet!

Be sure to tune in tonight to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/homobi to listen or talk with me or Decoi, or call in to listen or talk @ (347) 994-3233.

The topic is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and deals with US military policies (hopefully she won't be asking me nothing like that.

The chat room and the phone lines will be open for the entire 1-hour duration of the show. And anyone who wants a shoutout on the radio can leave me a comment here or on my facebook page....

Listen in...

http://www.nefertitiandtheneftunes.com
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/homobi
(347) 994-3233
http://www.homobi.org
http://twitter.com/thehomobi
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-HomoBi/119197381446865?ref=ts

5.17.2010

True MC's: The Nina Simone

Before there was rap

When iiWoke up this morning, iiReally took an honest moment to find out what kind of music iiWanted to hear. iiThought deeply, and iiWas answered with Billie Holiday.

iiStarted with "Strange Fruit". It made me think about when a college friend told me that the song used to scare her as a child. iiDidn't realize why, at the time, but that was because iiHad never taken the time, myself, to really listen to the song. The lyrics so bitingly clear, thinly veiled behind a lilting alto and seemingly harmless eyes (iiM watching this on the youtube of course).

That led to "I Love You, Porgy", also Billie Holiday. Watching her sing that made me think of Nina Simone's version of the same song that she sang as a tribute to Billie Holiday. Of course, it was the next recommended video on the youtube, so iiWatched it.

To look in the faces of these strong and courageous women as they sing the same song about love, saying "iiVe got my man.." What a beautiful way to start the day.

iiHad been led down the Nina Simone path to the infamous "Mississippi Goddamn". Which is great because now that iiM talking about it, iiCan tell you that whenever my father refers to this song, he makes it sound like some back country whiskey that you can only get at the juke joint across the alligator swamp in the bushes behind the barn. Which totally blew my mind as a youth, and made me think, "this 'Mississippi Goddamn' stuff must be off the chain!".

And it is...Take a sip...

iiSuppose that he was just recalling the pride he felt when he heard her sing that song. iiFound myself clapping uproariously in the middle of watching the video.

Speaking of middle, her performance of this song in front of all-white crowds in the 1960's was like a big middle finger to the big elephant in the room called oppression. She was not afraid to call it what it was. She was doing what Bob Dylan was doing, but, in my opinion, it was way realer and way more intense and passionate. iiHave always had respect for her boldness as well as Bob Dylan's, but iiM realizing now that the very fact that she composed and performed these songs from the true perspective of an African people in America in the 1960's makes the statement all the more meaningful.

Watching her perform, though, also reveals the dope MC in her. This video of "Ain't Got Nothing...I've Got Life" is one that iiHad seen before and enjoyed, but watching it this time, iiNoticed something iiHadn't noticed before.

iiWas taken by her style and the way she fills up the park with her vocals, keys, and deliveries. In addition to all that good stuff, a true MC's purpose is to master the ceremony. Therefore, the reason iiChose to post this particular video can be found @ about 1:40. iiHad to play it back a few times to make sure that what iiThought happened is what really happened. See for yourself...

Yep, it did.

Did she just sing out instructions to the band and make it fit with the song?

Yes, she did.

...no schoolin, no friends, ain't got no god,

ain't there one more?

ain't got no earth, no water...

Like nothing ever happened...

The band continues to play another verse before going into the chorus.

Gangsta!

After watching another video of her performing this song at different venues, iiFind it even doper because it's like she has no set lyrics to the song, just a concept from which she sings.

As an MC, you never know what kind of situation you're going into, you only know the song or the message you have to share. So every time you get on that stage, you stick to who you are, you stick to your concept and make that message work for the setting and context in which it is shared.

Dope.

Which is why, iiAm inducting Nina Simone into the official nefTUNES Hall of True MC's.

*Stamped*.

Dear Nina,

iiKnow this is only a fraction of a fraction of the reflection of what your true impact is on the music world, and the world at large. Thank you for giving us your music, your strength, your times, your trials, your triumphs, and your beauty, all of which still ring fresh today, long after the world was first introduced to them.

-nef

A couple last minute thoughts:

iiRecently found out that the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, is slated to play Nina Simone in a biopic about this incomparable woman.

That's so Hollywood.

5.15.2010

Getting my Malcolm X On...Flyer...

You see it? Front and back? That's my name on the 21st Annual Malcolm X Festival Flyer...and, oh wait, is that my picture too on the back?

Thank You...

This is going to be the Rawesmawsomest....had to make up some new word for it....

You will want to be involved in this day of culture and community...just peep the lineup...

Lots of food, fun and games for the children and we gettin it in in a revolutionary way....

http://www.malcolmxfestival.com

http://www.wrfg.org

WRFG 89.3 FM Community Radio

WRFG 89.3

Quick blog about this wonderful community radio station here in Atlanta.

It's called WRFG 89.3 Listener-Supported Community Radio. "Listener-Supported" means that the people who listen to the programming donate every year to keep the station on the air...kinda like PBS.

What this allows is a free and open forum for the discussion of all topics, especially those denied mainstream media coverage like women, people of color, young people, old people, disabled people, queer people, or any people that has experienced oppression as a part of their expression of that part of their idenity.

You can see why iiCall them the real "People's Station."

Once again, nefTUNES will be joining the RBG Family tonight on WRFG 89.3 to talk about the upcoming 21st Annual Malcolm X Festival that's taking place May 22nd at West End Park. Check out my previous blogpost, Malcolm X Festival; Bob Marley for the Line-up and more information on the festival...

Better yet, tune in tonight at 10 pm to the Beats & Lyrics Show on WRFG 89.3 Listener-Supported Community Radio to getcha info and entertainment...

"We are gonna open the phone lines for folks to call-in and we wanna bring some of the performing artists who are slated to be on the Festival line-up. The Malcolm X Festival will be Saturday, May 22nd in West End Park from 12pm - 8pm and looks to be our best Festival yet."

You can find us on I-ras Beats & Lyrics Show tonight and we be choppin it up and playing some tunes.

The number to call is (404) 523-8989

The show starts at 10 pm.

The number to call is (404) 523-8989

It's going to 1am.

The number to call is (404) 523-8989

I am really excited about this.

Call in and request "Mainframe" by nefTUNES and get a free ______ (fill in the blank with an item of equal to or lesser than the value of one dollar)!

It's free!!!

Thank You.

DP With Music

This morning iiFelt a very strong urge to hear two Curtis Mayfield songs at the same time...

While we're on the subject of the man, Curtis Mayfield, let me say that his music is one of the strongest and truest inspirations for my making music with something real to say. Also, a million Beyonces could not match the beauty of his soul.

Now that we got that out the way...

This morning iiWanted to hear two songs from Curtis Mayfield very much and very much at the same time. iiPosted the thought to my facebook fanpage,

"2 Curtis Mayfield songs iiNeeds to be hearing right now, and at the same time: Love To The People & Right On For the Darkness...right now and simultaneously...."

After doing so, iiThinks to myself, "Self, why are you needing something that you already have?". Then iiSaid to myself, iiSay "Self, iiDon't even know." That's when iiOpened up the iTunes to Curtis Mayfield and let it rip with "Love To The People". The bass and brass are so heavy on this cut. Please take a listen whether you think you know the song or not, cuz it's like that, son/daughter.

http://popup.lala.com/popup/360569475234615646

At that point, iiRealized iiHave only one music player out of which to play music, which would be an obstacle toward achieving the original goal of simultaneous song play...what to do?

Acha!

The Youtube! It's my favorite station. It's so full of entertainment and information that seems to wave on for hours and hours without end...iiLove it!

So iiGets to searchin on youtube to find the song, and it's there (of course it's there, everything is on youtube*), and iiM playing it, which led to this post on my fanpage:

"Found out a way to do it...gotta love my favorite channel...youtube..."

As this is happening, as the music is enveloping me in a whirlwind of sound and sonic vibration (is that redundant?), iiHave this epiphany, this thought, this major moving in my soul that drives me to the title of this blog post:

"This is like DP with music"

It really was, and don't judge me for my relationship with music! It's just that, well...

But, wait, it gets worse....

Going with the wave of that feeling, iiHad this even more offbeat thought...

"When it hits, you feel no pain"

iiM ashamed at how much iiM laughing on the inside...and you should be too...

iiWasn't sure it was a good idea, so, before iiPosted either of those thoughts, iiPosted this instead:

"ok...iiAlmost took it too far just now...this is why iiNeed friends...cuz iiDon't know when to stop..."

What makes matters worse is that after a few seconds of debating with myself about whether or not to post these remarks on my page, iiReads this inspirational bullshit on twitter:

"You have to risk going too far to discover just how far you can really go."

And off iiGo talkin about DP on a public website...

Soon after iiHad posted my innermost feelings for the world to see, iiJust had a feeling that something about that wasn't right. iiMean, iiHad already gotten backlash about the 'mama bring me a blunt' comment. Do iiReally want to do this? iiDecided iiDidn't, so iiRetracted (deleted) the comment.

iiHad to remember that there are children who follow me on facebook, children (and some grown folks) who are members of my family and community, children whom iiDon't want going to their parents asking, "Mommy, what's DP?" and Mommy saying, "Where did you hear that?" and the baby saying, "From nefTUNES."

It's not a good look...

iiDon't know what made me think such perverted thoughts(lies). iiDon't even imagine that DP is a generally enjoyable experience, unless, that is, as iiAm now able to testify, it involves music. iiWonder how many times iiCan get away with saying DP in a blog about DP. Either way iiDiscovered 'how far iiCould really go'...and quick. DP.

For those of you who don't know what DP is, continue to live your life as you have lived it thus far, throughout the duration of your existence on this earth. If you do know what DP is, well, iiCan't make life any worse for you, as you could already have that image burned into your brain for the rest of all eternity. And you nasty...not that there's anything wrong with that. Hell, maybe you like it...and iiLike you, so what you like, iiLike...for you.

iiHope you enjoyed the story of the post that never was or, rather, the post that was for a few seconds, and was then removed under better judgement, and that you learned a lesson:

There's a time and a place (and a reason) for everything.DP.

iiMean, if it wasn't for DP, iiWould have never had the inspiration to write this blogpost that you're reading right now!

Flip it...

That's how iiLike my music...

D(ee)P

*Correction, everything is NOT on youtube...iiCouldn't find the "Love To The People" video on there...
the beauty of youtube is that if iiDon't see it there iiCan upload it myself w/ one picture on the screen...a picture of Curtis Mayfield wearing an apple cap and some tint shades (insert Young Jeezy adlib here)!

5.12.2010

Malcolm X Festival; Bob Marley

This year marks the 21st Annual Celebration of Malcolm X's Birthday, The Malcolm X Festival, in Atlanta, Ga.

As we approach Malcolm X's birthday, iiAlso want to observe that 29 years ago today, the world lost prophet Robert Nesta Marley. iiReflect on his life by sharing a video of one of his less 'popular' songs.

iiVe been watching his and Bruce Lee's videos lately...What can iiSay? iiVe gone on an all inspiration diet:

Bob Marley - The Heathen

iiFirst heard this song on WRFG 89.3 FM. It was a remake. iiDidn't know it was a cover of Bob Marley. This has happened to me a few times with Lauryn Hill and some other reggae artists. Needless to say iiFlipped when iiHeard the original. There is just no comparison to this music.

Speaking of WRFG 89.3, tune in to their station to hear updates and information from the Malcolm X Festival. You may even hear me on the radio doing some promotion for it.

It's a family day filled with fun, music, market, playground and basketball courts, plenty of space to park and stretch out, historical ground, revolutionary progress toward the shared goals of the people.

This is going to be my 4th year performing in the festival, and it feels amazing. iiVe been attending since iiWas a child, and to think that iiHave something to share with my people that we can all vibe with and feel positive about is a blessing. iiCan't wait to lay it on ya! It's going to be an awesome festival this year and afterparty as well...

Who's on the lineup?

So far they've added...

Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective

Julie Dexter

Giwayen Mata

Folade Na Weusi

Zayd Malik

Thairu "BIG NEL"

Kilombo Pan African Institute

Ife Jie

Ras Kofi

Nefertiti and the nefTUNES<---that's me!

Sheriese Nicole

Sankofa Center

Devons Blackbeard

Sash La'ki

Ekundayo

Buddy Folks

Check the website for updates.

The Malcolm X Festival Will Be May 22nd at West End Park in Atlanta, Ga. Some good questions to ask ourselves...

5.09.2010

@GettinMadPressCoverage

R U nefTUNED?

#GettinMadPressCovarage

'Tween the last time we talked and now, Nefertiti and the nefTUNES was honored to be featured on two blogs:

Lyrical Venus and UnknownCelebrityPR.

It was really interesting to see how people who had no real reason to like me or my music reacted to the sound. It was positive. Wanna hear it? Here it goes...

#GettinMadPressCovarage

Lyrical Venus

A few weeks ago nefTUNES was featured on a blog and radio show in Fairfield, IA. The beautiful Heather Miller-Rodriguez produces this combination blog/podcast/radio show. According to Heather, Lyrical Venus is

"This blog is where I write about the female singer-songwriters I feature on the radio show, and about other female singer-songwriters I meet or discover on the web. There is SO much great music out there that deserves a wider audience and Lyrical Venus is my way of promoting the music that inspires me."

And a wider audience it is...Heather even had some nice things to say about the nefTUNES:

"Nefertiti is a highly passionate, soulful and creative individual who is completely true to herself...I have a feeling Acoustic Gangsterism is going to end up having a few babies of it’s own."

Read more...Get lost in the music with nefTUNES and Lyrical Venus(@LyricalVenus) and make comments. Save the link because Heather is posting a podcast of the show so wii can listen to it online. Pretty Sweet.

#GettinMadPressCovarage

Unknown Celebrity PR

The most recent feature was Unknown Celebrity PR (April 23). UnknownCelebrityPR.com is

"a boutique style pr firm that is primarily focused on Viral Marketing. So keeping within the same spirit, UC the webpage will imply some of our Viral Marketing tactics: blogging, online videos, social networking etc, to help deserving "Stars" get the attention and credit they deserve!"

Princess Wynter (@PR_Princess_Wyn) is definitely keeping Unknown Celebrity PR's mission. Check out what she had to say about nefTUNES:

"The flow of the music is like a soul orgasm that starts at your head and flows down to your toes until you can't help but tap your feet. Sounds like Lauryn Hill mixed with Jill Scott, Floetry, in a Tupac Bowl."

Hmm...Never thought of it that way, but that's a good way to put it. iiLike it.

Read More...Get to know nefTUNES and other 'Unknown Celebrities' by using nefTUNES on Unknown Celebrity PR (scroll to the bottom center).

Please share this message @Nefertiti aka nefTUNES if you are on facebook. Please ReTweet this message @nefTUNES (#gettinmadpresscoverage) if you are on twitter.

If you aren't following @nefTUNES on twitter...well...why aren't you? Why haven't you clicked the 'Like' button on facebook?

Now, ask yourself the question, "Why am I doing it now?" #subliminal

It's Easy.

It's appreciated,

and we can keep in touch a little better.

Like my facebook fanpage.

Thank you.

The Sweet Taste of Sweet Auburn Festival

Say ahhh...

Yesterday, iiWas honored to perform in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn Festival. For those of you who don't know about the Sweet Auburn Fest, it's Atlanta's biggest festival on Aurburn Ave, a historical district in Atlanta, Ga.

iiWent through the audition process in December, and, thankfully, was accepted to perform in the Festival on the Just For Women Stage. It seemed fitting, as iiM a woman and all.

Here's what Sweet Auburn Fest Entertainment Coordinator, Charlotte Cain Had to say about the audition:

Neferititi and the Neftunes showed up for the last Audition of 2009 in December and took us all by surprised and wonder.

We thought...is she a solo act or a group? You'll have to find out when you see her perform at Sweet Auburn Springfest 2010!

Neferititi and the Neftunes are leading the way for talent of the future.

-Charlotte Cain, Sweet Auburn A&E Network

When iiFinally got on stage and was able to look out over Auburn Ave covered with thousands of people moving peacefully through the city, iiFelt compelled to give thanks and just observe the fact that only four years before had iiFound my true voice and the ability to reflect that voice to the world.

Just one year before, as iiWas navigating my way to the same Sweet Auburn Festival to busk (play on the streets) for a couple of dollars, iiAccidentally turned down a one-way street. Any chance the police aren't around? No. iiWas pulled over and informed that my tag was out of date and they had to impound my car or some bullshit. Thankfully, by the blessings of the Creator manifest in me that day, police were able to find out that my tags, in fact, were good, and iiWas allowed to go home, in my car.

So, just a year ago, iiThought no more of myself than being a busker on the street playing for pennies. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but obviously something within me knew that it was not my truth, and would not allow it to transpire.

This year, iiWas on-stage playing for an audience of thousands. Playing for an audience that iiWas ready to receive and one who was able to receive me. iiBelittled my capabilities in the past, trying to find a shortcut on a one way street. Imprisoning myself within and, damn near, doing so without, only to free myself in the best way possible in a year's time! Patience, daughter...

Expressing myself onstage is a gift that iiM going to share with whomever is ready to receive. As long as iiKeep doing it, iiM winning. Winning within myself. There are roadblocks, self-imposed, and with good reason. To show us what we're really capable of. So we can prove to ourselves how capable we are of overcoming challenges.

iiWish iiHad some pics to put up, iiWill soon, but iiJust wanted to share them tidbits....

5.08.2010

Lupe Fiasco: I'm Beamin

Real MC: Lupe Fiasco

The Roots: Don't Say Nothin'

Real MC: Black Thought

Aziz Ansari on Coldstone Creamery

This is high-larious...enjoy...

Baby Disturbing Floor Shuffle

It wouldn't be so funny if she wasn't making the noise with it...the weird and the wonderful...

5.07.2010

Female Hooper In Training: Little Girl Gets Tossed In The Air & Dunks Through Her Legs! (Ballin Hard)

Nefertiti and the nefTUNES Set It Off (Queen Latifah) in Early Summer

Last night was the RBG Takeover featuring Zayd Malik, Ife Jie, Big N.E.L., ATL Smasherz, and Nefertiti and the nefTUNES.

It was amazing.

iiThink the RBG Movement is taking the idea of self-determination to a whole new level. We were all excited to be in the place to entertain people who actually appreciate the kind of music we make.

On to the next one...

May 8th

Sweet Auburn Fest