IN MY CRATEBOX: ROB MILTON-BAD HABIT

At first listen of Rob Milton’s single “Bad Habit,” one hears a variety of peculiar sounds, most remarkably the warped guitars, and his passionate voice telling the story of his love. Once one takes in the lyrics of the song it becomes evident that the “Bad Habit” isn’t coming in the form of some addictive drug, rather his lover. From his sensational voice we hear a compelling story about how he can’t get enough love, and how he feels their coursing through his veins. With references to him itching to get his loving, and not being able to stay away, it is safe to draw a comparison between addiction and his love for his lover. Overall with its unique lyrics, distinct guitar use, and uncommon use of synthesizers, this composition  shows the potential which lies within Milton’s June 19^th album “Rebirth.”
Make sure you head on over and take a listen for yourself!

                                                                  live create inspire

THE SAMOFFTHARECORD EXPERIENCE SEASON 2 EP. 4 'BLEACH IN THE WATERFALL WITH HERO THE BAND'

"Disinfect your mind and clean away your old way of thinking so that you can fill yourself with new thoughts and splatter a clean canvas with the color of your own reality!" 

Hello! Hello! Helloooooo!! It's been a while since I dropped a new episode of The Samofftharecord Experience and I sincerely apologize.  But, here I am once again with episode 4.  I call this episode "Bleach In The Waterfall" with Hero The Band.  These guys are pretty kick ass, always up to creating, innovating, and being true to their core all while inspiring the world around them.  They have been working on a new EP titled BLEACH and they gave me the sneak peek and kind of the first listen.  I was super stoked to hear their new project, every time I hear their music it pumps me up, makes me wanna dance and gets my mind in the right place, the place of thinking further and greater.  We spent a day out in the wilderness capturing visuals and exploring God's green earth.  The experience of course was nothing less than super exciting and adrenaline rushing. Yep, my kind of living.  They shared news about their upcoming EP which is coming in May 2015!

"Most people consider us a rock band but we consider this project 'iPod' sound because it's a mixture of gospel, country, EDM, pop, rock n roll of course, R&B, and on, when someone listens to their iPod the genre of music is not limited." -Justin (bassist of Hero)

BLEACH is all about disinfecting the negativity from the mind, having a clean canvas and splattering your own reality.  Are you excited?! I am so excited for what's coming from Hero The Band and just plain excited for life! The experience above is a recap of our waterfall adventure and music from "BLEACH" so go ahead and hit PLAY. Stay tuned for what comes next and keep up with Hero HERE.

live create inspire

IN MY CRATEBOX: GO DREAMER- FRIEND ZONE

 So it's February 17th, I'm sitting on my desk vibing out and listening to Go Dreamer's new musical project, "Friend Zone" which dropped today. I've been in such a daze lately balancing so much work and planning many new things for spring that I forgot today was the due date, I was so stoked to be reminded by my good friend Buckhead Thread that today was Friend Zone day. I asked BT to tell me how he would describe this project and he nailed it! I couldn't have described it any better, "Sublime meets Michael Jackson, an album to dance to all night at The Back To The Future prom." The project features young musical sensation Raury on "The Color is Green" Track 6, and 'Mood Swings' produced by Ray Murray of Organized Noise. Though I must say that my favorite mellow track is track 8 "All The World" which has guitar features by 2 of my favorite Atlanta creatives, Jow of Vintage Nation and Buckhead Thread. It's like the perfect infusion of sound, energy and creativity. 

Not only is Go Dreamer half of Hollyweerd and producer for Big Boi of Outkast but he himself is a pretty bad ass solo artist who pushes the envelope with his new wave,cool wave, retro electro funk, pop indie, hip hop infused sound. All while at the same time revolutionizing with his 'Weerdo' movement repping for all of us weird beings out here in these streets.

 Overall I'm sincerely diggin' this project to the fullest, not only cus I had the pleasure of being posted up on the cover art with my old Bruce Lee haircut, but because it's simply fresh, new, progressive, and smooth from beginning to end. But hey, what do I know, I'm no music critic or guru, simply a hunter of things and people who create with heart. You be the judge press play and in the words of Go Dreamer, "Stay Weerd!"

live create inspire

THE SAMOFFTHARECORD EXPERIENCE SEASON 2 EP. 3 "FLOWING WITH MIKEFLO"

"Heroes are just ordinary humans who choose to do extra ordinary things."

We are all superheroes, at least in my mind that's what I believe.  We just have to be brave enough to step outside of our comfort zone and face our fears so that we can activate our superpowers and start rocking this life and saving the world.  The world needs people to come alive and we've got the power.
I was recently introduced to a superhero by the name of Mikeflo, who is an artist 1/2 of Royal, DJ of Dead Prez for the past 10 years, stylist, and just an all around influencer.  He's also a pretty bad ass human being full of wisdom, knowledge and vibrant energy.  I knew when I met him that I had to feature him on my show.  We took a little trip to a cafe/dog park here in Atlanta and then shot over to Grant Park to chat a little.  His words of knowledge penetrated so deeply that I wanted to simply share them with you.  His new EP Royal Remixes is also something extraordinary to share so the music on the experiences is all from the EP. I chose my 3 favorite songs: Ice Cream Castles ft. Joi, Another One Bites The Dust, and The Boss ft. Beat Assailant.  What I love about Royal made up of Mikeflo and Devon Lee is their ability to be undefined, a revolutionary sound with a broad range of genres infused into a unique blend.  Well, that's pretty much it today my friends.  I hope you feel inspired after watching this to go out there and live an extraordinary life and then I hope you listen to the Royal Remix EP and dance your worries away and enjoy it as much as I have!! Stay true!!

live create inspire

Listen To Royal Remixes HERE
Learn More About Mikeflo at http://allthewayroyal.com
IG: @mikeflorgb

IN MY CRATEBOX: JOSHUA HEART- FAME TEASER

You should know by know that I always have my ears on a hunt for dope music.  Always excited to hear new sounds wether it's indie, up and coming, mainstream, whatever.  Music moves me!! I've heard about Joshua Heart plenty times, even saw him perform once and he blew my mind.  The kid had the energy, the moves like Jagger and an undeniable stage presence.  I'm excited to announce that we have a premiere here of his teaser promo video for his up and coming full length video for "FAME".  I love rock and roll so this visual got me pumped up.  So hit play and get excited about Joshua Heart.  I foresee many great things coming from him!

Named "the next Lenny Kravitz", Joshua Heart is a songwriter turned
"Hip-Rock" artists working with producers and artists such as Dark Child, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Quamé and HItBoy just to name a few. 

Fresh of this years A3C Hip-Hop stage, Joshua Heart has the charisma and tenacity to capture the masses like a pro!  

With the vocal soul reminiscent of Fred Durst and Steven Tyler, Joshua Heart produces a unique balance between alternative Rock and R&B 808 Beats. 

Today Joshua Heart released one of his Official EP Promo Music Video "FAME" and premiered his EP titled "The Heart and The Soul" now available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, GooglePlay, Soundcloud and various online radio stations.

live create inspire

"FOOLS GOLD" VIDEO RELEASE - HERO THE BAND

The anticipation came to an end this past Friday which was also Halloween night for the awaited video release of rising Atlanta rock/pop group, Hero The Band. The 'Fool's Gold' visual directed by the band themselves along with Demondre Hudson, and Jake Heart was unveiled  at Golden Glide skating rink in the form of a Halloween party.  “We wanted to create something memorable that is beyond the typical music video of today”, stated bassist Jerramy Barnett.  “It’s a wild musical infusion of Austin Powers and the Hunger Games mixed together on  roller skates.”

Hero The Band is comprised of four blood brothers whose jaw dropping epic live performances have rapidly built a loud and loyal fan base.  Justin, Jerramy, DJ, and Nick Barnett combine infectious guitar rifs and electro pop synthesizers, with layered harmonies and melodies to create a unique sound of their own.    Their new single, “Fools Gold” has quickly drawn attention with fans and radio station DJs on a national level.    

Of course you know I attended the video release which was a blast  since I had to peep my little cameo in the video, which only caused me a few bruises from busting my ass while skating! But hey, I won't complain, it was an awesome experience. Hero The Band is on their way to greatness and  witnessing their growth is a beautiful thing. So check it out my friends! Hit play, share, and tell your mama, your auntie, and your grandaddy that the Heroes are here to rock the world!! 

  

live create inspire

Behind The Scenes Of 'Fool's Gold' video -----> Here

 

[EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE] FREAKY BABY DADDIES- 'FEED YOUR EGO'

 

What's new in my crate box you ask? Simply an eargasmic new track from one of my favorite New York bands, The Freaky Baby Daddies. What's even sweeter than learning that they have a new project on the way is that I got the first listen and exclusive access to their new track, "Feed Your Ego." Yes my awesome friends, we get to hear it before it's official release next week!! Hit play, prepare for take off, and rock the fuck out!!
Brooklyn's genre and culture fusing quartet The Freaky Baby Daddies released the single "Feed Your Ego." The 5 and a half minute sonic journey scales the entire musical spectrum - starting off with a classic blues rock riff provided by guitarist Quazimodo Jones thats immediately accompanied by Daddy Magic's four to the floor beat. Daddy Longlegz soon joins in on bass before the band collectively explodes into a Hendrix style riff. Once the storm settles, the band quiets down as OD Dash's vocals cut through flawlessly to tell the tale of getting caught up in fame and the vices that come with the territory. "Many people end up not being able to evolve outside of the image they've created for themselves," says OD Dash. "…Celebrities must remain celebrities to the point where egos must be fed to retain a sense of purpose, which is false." The song soon abandons its classic rock format and breaks down into a reggae groove. "We all wanna rise" chants OD Dash as the band builds on the island rhythms before jumping into a Led Zeppelin-esque free for all. By the end of all the madness, the band modulates the key of the song and exits with a soft jazz outro as Dash laments "Feed your ego" in his delicate falsetto. "Feed Your Ego" will be celebrated 21 October, 2014 at New York City's Santos Party House for New Island Entertainment's Official CMJ Showcase can be streamed and downloaded for free at The Freak's Bandcamp page (http://thefreakybabydaddies.bandcamp.com).

This song inspired me so much I made this GIF!

28 BEST PHOTOS OF ONE MUSIC FEST 2014

ONE Musicfest happened!! It happened and it brought us some of the greatest artists in our book.On Saturday,September 13th, thousands of fans gathered to experience the performances of Bilal, Daley, Cody Chestnutt, Amel Larrieux, Isaiah Rashad, RedMan and Method Man, the beautiful Jhene Aiko, King Kendrick Lamar, and the legendary Nas!! If you weren't able to attend this Atlanta

music event don't fret! Well, be a little upset at yourself for missing out on what can only be described as an epic musical extravaganza.  We got you covered, we captured some of the most breath taking moments of the night for you.  Peep the 28 Best Photos of ONE Musicfest below!! 

Live, Create, Inspire!

        

IN MY CRATEBOX: THE DO

I have recently discovered and fell in love with a band.  They are called 'The Do' and they have managed to seduce my auditory senses beyond comprehension.  Dan Levy, a french composer and producer and Olivia Merilahti, a Finnish/French musician are music magic.  I first stumbled upon a 2010 video of theirs on youtube.  I was hypnotized by the dark and tribal visual along with Merilahti's raw and sultry vocals.

Then I kept digging and found one of their newest songs, 'Miracles' (Back In Time)

The duo blew my socks off and I'm ready for more. Like what you hear? Listen for more 'The Do' HERE.

BEHIND THE SCENES @ HERO THE BAND'S "FOOL'S GOLD" MUSIC VIDEO

Photos by Brent D. Gates for Offtharecord

LOCATION: Golden Glide Skating Rink | Decatur, GA
YEAR: 1975 (Actually 2014)
WHO: HERO THE BAND FT. A BUNCH OF CRAZY, CREATIVE REVOLUTIONARIES!!
MISSION:  "Fool's Gold" Video Shoot
VIDEOGRAPHER: Jake Heart


If you keep up with my blog posts or watch my show, "The SamOffThaRecord Experience", than you should know who my pals, "Hero The Band" are.  If you don't, then first of all, shame on you, but no worries catch up with the episodes featuring them HERE  & HERE.

Not only are Hero The Band rockstars, but also curators of Atlanta music events such as Atlanta Rock Of Ages.  These Heroes are also known to kill stages not only at Atlanta concerts but recently in California as well.  It has been quite a privilege to see these guys grow in the manner that they have and it's amazing to be a part of any event that they put together.  It's always an EXPERIENCE!  Yesterday was no exception, Hero The Band struck again!

IN MY CRATEBOX: WILL HILL- IDLE

I opened my email inbox and Boom!! I was pleasantly surprised to open up the homie Will Hill's new project, 'Idle'. The shit is raw,  the vibe is smooth and it's currently playing in rotation for the week!
Take a listen and vibe!!

Following the release of his 2013 project Ramadan, ATL rapper Will Hill has returned with a new project, a new view on life and a incredible 10-track album to bind it all together. Fine-combed and executively produced by Will himself, as well as Micah Wyatt, IDLE sports the theme of growth and is adorned with strong deliveries, effortless flows and introspective narratives. Whether speaking on relationships ("Meter"), progression ("Flight to LA") or street tales ("Sincerely"), IDLE layers everyday life over laid-back production that takes on a timeless West Coast G-funk vibe. Much like his club banger "Andele", Will Hill's IDLE shows that Will Hill not just here, but he's about to rise to the top, and quickly.

"This project explains a new chapter in my life, when I became engulfed in another person and was more concerned with her affairs than I was my own. At this point in time I started to let go and music wasn't as important, I was IDLE. I was stagnant. This project is my thoughts and journey throughout that experience. I've been IDLE, but I will be an IDOL..." - Will Hill

ATLANTA ROCK OF AGES WENT BEYOND THE HYPE!

Video Footage & Edit: Brent Gates

Atlanta Rock Of Ages went Beyond The Hype this past Friday May 23, 2014 at The Art Exchange in Atlanta, GA.  Needless to say, the night was nothing short of a dynamic showcase of raw talent and rock n’ roll! Some enjoyed the show in the bouncy house while some got up close and personal near the stage to indulge in the sweet, soulful sounds and good vibes which were traveling throughout the venue.  This lineup included a lineup of sensational artists including AROA founders Hero The Band.  Other acts included Jimi Cravity, Azar, Future Babes, Willie Hyn, Rahbi, St Beauty Band, Joshua Heart, Nino Augustine, Sheeba Darwin and Hanna Eggen.  As King Jerramy of Hero The Band says, “Atlanta Rock of Ages is our church!” Join us next time as we keep you updated and remember to Live, Create, Inspire!

Check out all the amazing shots and follow up with the AROA Movement ----> HERE!

                                                                       

COUNTERPOINT FESTIVAL 2014 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

It took me a minute to post, but better late than never! It's festival season and by now you know we kicked it off at Counterpoint Music Festival 2014 in Rome, GA a few weeks back.  You read our Outkast story about the spectacular reunion, watched my interview with Deep Cotton but you must know that Counterpoint was beyond super amaze-BALLS!! Had the opportunity to vibe out to eargasmic music and meet some pretty dope people all whom which we spread the LIVE-CREATE-INSPIRE movement with.  I wish you could've been there, but since you weren't I present you with a mini highlight video and photos of my Counterpoint experience.

Video & Photos: Blvck Lvb Media


Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

VIDEO PREMIERE: RAHBI- 'FLICK'

Now I don't know how many times I have to say this but I'll say it once more.. Rahbi is Magic!!

 Last night I attended the video screening for Rahbi's visual for his new single Flick. Space 2 on Edgewood was the chosen location for this anticipated 'experience', because that's exactly what anything Rahbi related is! Walking in you would've thought you entered an emperor's home on the Palatine Hill with decorations reminiscent of ancient Roman times. People danced all while wondering, "Where the hell is Rahbi?" Of course the master of the ceremony had to show up fashionably late, in this case he pranced in wearing the attire of a Roman Emperor and sunglasses with 2 beautiful damsels on hand suitable for royalty. Rahbi graced the stage with a mini performance and introduced his awaited visual.
Here today we have an Offtharecord exclusive just for you!! Sit back and let RAHBI take you on a voyage as he introduces his new single and visual "Flick." Paying respect to high erotic art with clips from the 1979 erotic biographical drama Caligula, Rahbi is displaying the relevance and beauty of the musical experience in its entirety as he uses visual aesthetics along with great vocals. Intimately combining his own imagination with that of the film, Flick demands that you look and listen to music differently.

THE INTERNET PERFORM AT THE LOFT IN ATLANTA

           Video edit by Brent Gates

"The Internet Take Over The Loft"

Unorthodox! Radical! Avant-garde! Those are the words that came to mind when I witnessed The Internet perform at Atlanta's intimate music venue, The Loft, last week.
A soft, delicate, and passionate sound filled the room seducing every ear in the audience. Taking center stage stood a slim, fresh-faced, Syd the Kyd with a laid back, west coast swagger and the voice of an angel! Standing to her right was Matt Martians accompanying her with the congos and key strokes and behind her the rest of the band jamming away, creating a warm, pleasant, vibe-heavy atmosphere.
The Internet's fusion of experimental jazz and neo soul create such a unique sound which makes you feel good.  "Feel Good" in fact is the title of their latest project from which they performed several songs from.
To hear such a warm, melodic jazz sound project from this 5 member band is truly radical.  Nothing you would expect from Odd Future.  I won't say why... I'll show you... Check out the mini video recap above and enjoy the dope shots I captured below!

Find out more about The Internet here.
               
                                                      

BEHIND THE SCENES: WATCH THE DUCK x T.I. "GIRLFRIEND" VIDEO SHOOT

     All Photos Shot by: Brent Gates

What the duck is going on?

SOTR EXPERIENCE x RAHBI & THE RAW BAND (Season 1 Episode 4)

SOTR Experience | "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" feat Rahbi & The Raw Band Season 1 Ep. 4 from OFFTHARECORD on Vimeo.

'SOTR EXPERIENCE X RAHBI & THE RAW BAND'

Meet Rahbi (lead singer), JFly (md/drummer), Chris Harris (lead guitar), MoDre(bass), DaeDae (keys) , Emi Morris & Jaysings (backing vocals)!! They are RAW!
This week I present to you my latest episode from "THE SAMOFFTHARECORD EXPERIENCE".  I ran, I swung, I went down a slide, and I danced while glitter fell from the sky with one of the most amazing, talented and creative bands in Atlanta, Rahbi and The Raw Band.  We took over the playground and turned it into a memorable & magical mini concert right in the heart of the city. 
In a world where the masses have lost their ability to dream, Rahbi and The Raw Band show us that it is possible to make your dreams a reality by working hard, believing, and uniting with like minded individuals. Not only are they Super Rockstars who rock stages alongside artists like Janelle Monae, but a powerful group of individuals who's goal is to "inspire minds, blur lines, and inspire people to live their purpose." They are The Raw Band and they are here to conquer the world. Hit play and remember to
LIVE.CREATE.INSPIRE!!

Featured song: Flick by Rahbi & RAW|  Like it Grab Music Here
Keep up with Rahbi via his twitter, instagram and youtube!

GRAMMY 2014 PICK: KENDRICK LAMAR X IMAGINE DRAGONS "M.A.A.D CITY/RADIOACTIVE"

I almost had a heart attack while I was spazzing out and glued to the TV at the same time watching Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons kill the stage during The Grammy Awards 2014. If you know me then you know that I am a hard core K-Dot fan since day one. Not only was it a treat to watch him perform but to see him collab with Imagine Dragons was just a delightful eargasmic concoction. The mashup performance of K-Dot's, "M.A.A.D City" and Imagine Dragon's "Radioactive" was right on so many levels. Not only was it stimulating to my auditory sense but a grand visual performance. The white attire, the strobe lights, the smoke filled stage and red paint splatter while K-Dot beat on the drum created the most beautiful mashup I've seen on the Grammy stage. Can we say, All Hail King Kendrick?!

SOTR X VINTAGE NATION @ MICROSOFT STORE LENNOX MALL

                                   "SOTR X VINTAGE NATION"
Hello Offtharecord!!

 It is my pleasure to present the premiere of my new project/webshow "Samofftharecord" in collaboration with BlvckLvb Media. I find my self ultra thrilled and ready to burst in excitement as I type this newsletter. This project has been a thought and an idea for about a year now and it is now ready to launch. When I moved to Atlanta 2 and a half years, I wasn't aware of the challenges, the experiences, and the people that I would encounter. All that I knew was that this big city was the place where I would grow, find new pieces of myself, and tap into endless opportunities. In the few years that I have been here I have networked, filled myself with experiences, met some of the most extraordinary humans possible and tackled challenges that have forever changed me and led me to begin creating a career tailored just for me, simply by using the gifts given to me by the creator. This project is my perspective on this beautiful and thriving city and it's creative inhabitants that keep it alive. These are my thoughts, my experiences, and my creative outlook along with some of the movers and culture shock gamers I have met along the journey. I chose to kick off the project with a Special Edition episode featuring Vintage Nation while they were performing at the Microsoft store at the Lennox Mall here in Atlanta. Since the day I met them they have inspired me with their drive, love, and passion for their dream. Vintage Nation represent Atlanta to the fullest, the city of hustlers, dreamers, and doers!!

 Live.Create.Inspire!!

 

A3C & HEINEKEN'S MEDIA VIP EVENT RECAP

A3C!!!

Photo Credit: Julian Plowden

Video: Mr. Carmichael

2 Chainz doesn't pop mollies and he's a healthy eater!! Add that to the list of new things I learned during The A3C Festival.

I'm still slowly descending from the delightful high the rapid succession of events held during the 5 days gave me.  No matter how many days they add to A3C (All 3 Coasts) it's never enough to catch all the artists, shows, and panels I'd like. However, this year was epic and I absorbed as much as I could handle. Whether I was throwing the Wu Tang 'W' up in the air when Ghost Face Killah blessed the stage at Little 5 Point's Variety Play House, listening to 2 Chainz discuss sex, not popping mollies, and new album talk at a Q&A at Edgewood's Sound Table, discovering new amazing talent such as Jeary Sylves from my hometown AZ at the Star Bar, rapping along to one of my all time favorites Talib Kweli's "Umi Says" at the Edgewood Stage, watching The Heineken Mural Project artists paint their murals at the Sunset Pop Up Parties, taking notes at panels from Revolt TV and other distinguished panelist, interviewing international graffiti artists at the Heineken VIP & Media Extravaganza, or just going ape shit in the rain when the great Quest Love closed down the block party on Sunday, this A3C was a reminder of why I love Atlanta so much and why music unites the people. I felt lucky and honored to witness legendary acts all meanwhile taking a peek at the future of music.  It's clear that hip hop and music as a whole are evolving into something absolutely beautiful. It was also confirmation that Hip Hop is still alive, beating, and breathing within all of us present. All I can say is, God bless the practitioners of the microphone art! I could sit here and tell you more but like they say, "Pictures tell a thousand words!"  I'd like to give a big Offtharecord thank you to Heineken for the media access.