Sursum

Chinese Pop Star: A Nigerian who sings R&B in Mandarin

Nigerian born and raised, a star in China (singing in Mandarin), huge R&B influence ... a very interesting confluence of culture, tradition, and (yes) business ... specifically the oil business.

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Innovative financing options for artists are exploding

The centuries-old patronage model for the arts is experiencing incredible disruption- and is being democratized in the process.  The spectrum runs from Kickstarter (amazing) to sites that help musicians sell shares in their profits to early fans (video below).  Love it.   

 

A band to check out: One Eskimo

I can't remember the last time I heard about a new band ... on the radio.  Amazing since that is pretty much how all music was discovered only 15 years ago.

One Eskimo describe their influences as "The Beatles and The Fugees to Massive Attack and UK hip-hop/folk duo Nizlopi."  That got me interested enough to take a listen.  As if I know who Nizlopi are.  Anyway, its  very layered / textured .. kind of dreamy and definitely mellow .. but with a few nice riffs that will stick with you.

Check 'em out here - start with the song "Candi" and work your way in.