Musiek Sept Issue 2016: Keith Robinson

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We are the voice for indie artists!!!

Visit: www.musiekmagazine.com Checkout previous issues at www.issuu.com 5

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FEATURE multi-talented, soul singing phenomenon sits with Nayomi Charnelle and shares his growth, successes, and things to come‌.

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www.musiekmagazine.com

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contents We Remember Honey Dip: 10 Venues: 13 Did You Know: Royalties: 16 Hey DJ: D Law: 18 BuzzWorthy Artists: The Ministry of Steve Dalton and The Leviticus Singers

22 Musiek International: The Golden Boys

33 Najee: Celebrates 30 years in the industry Still making great music!

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With an energy unlike any other artist in the industry, her lyrics and abilities were not only genius level, her spirit was a beacon to many…..

To know this sister was to know a unique chemistry, combined with truth, love, and evolution of not just her music, but of those around her.

As it has been said before……

“Energy Never Dies” and our love for Lashay “Honey Dip “ Corley , like her lyrics, will never cease.

Rest in Heaven dear sister “Uh Huh”

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https://soundcloud.com/ahreemusic/ahree-vibe

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ARTISTS

keeping you abreast on the hottest venues for Indie Artists!

502 Bar Genres: All Genres. No Hard Rock, Metal.

502 bar has a great beer selection and music most nights.

Capacity: 163 people With a stage 17ft x 19ft x 28in High 21 and up only.

502 Embassy Oaks San Antonio, TX 78216 210.257.8125 www.502bar.com

The Poor House 110 SW 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.522.5145 www.poorhousebar.com Genres: Blues, Jazz, Punk, Rock Capacity: 120 Age: 21+ " Est. 1995, Poorhouse is downtown Ft. Lauderdale's favorite place for great beer selection, music, and atmosphere. We are proud to offer a unique venue for live music Thursdays - Sundays.

Our outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and people watch."

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ABOUT

Royalties Artists in the music industry rely on royalties generated by the licensing of copyrighted songs and recordings as a primary form of payment for musicians. Intellectual property law and licensing systems have gone through significant adjustments over recent years as a result of the rise of digital music, but much of the industry's historic legal framework remains.

Music in legal terms... it's important to realize that there are two types of musicians: songwriters and performing artists. These hold two distinct copyrights: songwriters hold the rights to the lyrics and melody of a piece of music, while performing artists hold the rights to a particular recording of a song, which is called a master recording. Songwriters may only seek copyright for a full song, and cannot divide lyrics and melody into separate rights.

Both songwriters and recording artists typically assign their rights to a third party for management, instead of attempting to track a song’s use and seek payment independently.

Song copyrights are typically assigned to music publishers, while master recording copyrights are typically assigned to a record label.

In the United States, the royalties are based on a "statutory rate" set by the U.S. Congress. This rate is increased to follow changes in the

economy, usually based on the Consumer Price Index. Currently, the statutory rate is $.08 for songs five minutes or less in length or $.0155 per minute for songs that are over five minutes long. So, for example, a song that is eight minutes long would earn $.124 for each recording sold.

Performance Royalties The fees music users pay when music is performed publicly. The use of music over the radio, in a restaurant or bar, or over a service like Spotify or Pandora is considered a public performance.

Mechanical Royalties Mechanical royalties paid to songwriters and artists when music is licensed (think CD or vinyl) but also when music is streamed (streaming mechanicals) “on-demand” (like Spotify). Songwriting mechanical royalties are set by government through what’s called a compulsory license, which right now is set to about 9.1 cents per copy.

So do your homework, and understand the levels. This will determine how you live now, and retire later!

(Source, American Songwriter)

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EYDJ

D Law

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Derrick Lawson known as DLaw was Born in Queens, NY in an area called Lefrak City.

He is the owner of Law, entertainment company based in Charlotte, NC since 2010.

DLaw specializes in: Photography, Videography, DJ Service, Booking Agent, Client Management and Promo. Derrick has held many roles but he has held title of photographer since his college days at Morris College in Sumter, SC. I always had a good eye for art and it didn’t hurt that I always had a camera in my hand taking pics.

My last year of college I took classes to sharpen my skills. My style and vision makes me unique. I have done photos of President Bill Clinton, David Mann, Arsenio Hall, K. Michele, Young Dro, Mindless Behavior, Chantaul Williams, Zoey Dollaz and list goes on.

I have always been in entertainment starting with the college parties. Back then I was having fun and didn’t know the business.

Now I’m wiser, still having fun and making money. I always saw myself being in music entertainment. That was the reason for creating DLaw, which stands for determine leaders always win. Determination and drive is what keeps me relevant. I have built relationships with radio stations Power 98 Charlotte, Streetz1033 Charlotte, 92.7 the Block Charlotte, 102 Jamz Greensboro, Comedy Zone Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University. Charlotte Greek Picnic and Atlantic Records just to name a few. People always ask how do I get these companies and celebrities to work with me, I tell them I always stay prescient and consistent. Up next for DLaw is to continue the focus on our indie artist college tour to give exposure to different artists. This will be my 2nd year.

Starts in October and runs until January. I want it to become big so we can travel to different coasts and have comedians on it also.

Right now we are only on east coast. I want DLaw to be remember as your entertainment source. Contact info dlawevents@gmail.com Social media @DLawevents

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A Genre on the Verge of Extinction 20

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BuzzWorthy

Steve Dalton &

The

Leviticus Singers of Charlotte 23

W

hen I spoke with Steve Dalton, member of award-winning ensemble, Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte, I was amazed with the connection that we have. We both attended the same school back in the day, and even then I knew this young brother had a talent within. His energy and pleasant spirit was always apparent when seeing and talking to him.This same positive flow and energy permeates in the music of The Leviticus Singers! Let the praise begin!

When learning about the North Carolina-based Gospel group they have already opened for artists such as Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Jonathan Nelson, DeWayne Woods, Micah Stampley, and Lexi. When they released their single “I Win” December 2014, that single alone inspired many listeners and rose up the charts. Now, their new single, “I WIN, The Remix” features Stellar Award Nominee, Dove Award Nominee and lead singer for the award-winning Donald Lawrence & Tri City Singers, LeJuene Thompson & Multi-Stellar Award Nominee Uncle Reece.

The group’s name was actually chosen by Mr. Dalton, who states “I believe your destiny is tied to your name. So I was committed to choosing a name that reflected the purpose of the group and was rooted in scripture. I was led to name the group after the book of Leviticus because that’s the first book where we

are introduced to the Levites, those people that God called to maintain the temple. We consider ourselves modern day Levites,” As impressive it is that Steve plays various instruments, all before the age of 11, what really touches ones spirit is how he remedied and fulfilled his healing spiritually during a retreat.

From this life changing experience, blessings flowed abundantly in the way of him ministering to other men with this issue, and the creation of this group, who primary goal is to minister to those that are hurting. “Experience the singing, the sound and our hearts to worship Him” says Dalton. “It’s not a show but a true worship experience”.

And the music of The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte is just that, a worship experience. The harmonious blending of the group coupled with the strong beats and powerful message in the remix “I Win” is constant. The energy in this project is infectious, after listening to the first minute led to feet tapping, followed by head bouncing and leading into momentous praise shortly afterwards. If this is the first single from their project, one can only anticipate what the album will be like!

To learn more about Steve, Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte, follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@LSOCharlotte).

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Jazz Saxophonist

NAJEE Still Going Strong! Celebrates 30 Years in the Music Industry.

Story and Photos By Angela P. Moore

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Two-time Grammy-nominated and awardwinning jazz saxophonist and flautist NAJEE, is celebrating 30 years in the music industry.

Seventeen albums later (two Platinum and four Gold albums), Najee is still taking the music industry by storm.

Since launching his well-received debut album, Najee's Theme" in 1986, he has been greeted both nationally and internationally with stunning reviews, garnering extensive airplay, and consistently climbing Billboard charts. It seems like it was just yesterday when I added his debut album to my growing jazz collection.

I caught up with Najee several days before he performed at the Wolf Creek Jazz Festival in Atlanta, GA., and again at the festival. Najee received a Proclamation from the City of Atlanta for his 30th year anniversary in the music industry.

This musical giant has collaborated with many notable icons in the music industry.

From Prince, Quincy Jones to Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock, Najee's passion and genre bending have made him one of the most sought-after musicians in his generation. Inspired to put out beautiful music, Najee pushed musical boundaries early in his career and merged his soulful R&B and Jazz fused sound, creating a brand new genre.

Here, in Najee's own words, he talks music, advice and more.

Angela: I love your music! I have been listening to it for many years. I was in graduate school when I purchased your first album, 30 years ago. You have been around putting out this beautiful music for a long time. How does it feel to be still putting out beautiful music 30 years later?

Najee: I'm feeling very good. I don't feel abused. I still wake up and I'm grateful.

friends would always say everywhere you go, you have your saxophone. I was a kid always carrying a dream on his back.

He reminisces about how he loved the tenor saxophone and flute but his brother, Fareed, insisted that he play soprano saxophone. They would often argue about it.

Later someone gave him a soprano saxophone and unbeknownst to him, the soprano saxophone would end up being the instrument that made him popular.

Angela: What do you think contributes to your longevity?

Najee: Honestly, I would say in the initial years, it was the connections I was able to make. A lot of my audience has grown with me over the years. With technology, we were able to grasp another group of people. I would say associations are key.

Angela: What do you do when you are not in the studio making music?

Najee: I just live life. I spend a lot of time on the road. I had my 12-year-old son on the road with me recently. When I go back home, I am constantly in touch with writers and producers.

Angela: What advice would you lend to aspiring artist?

Najee: I often try to say, try to create a market and how that's done is by doing something someone else hasn't done. Try to find something original and be true to your identity. The ones that are successful are the ones that sound fresh and share their true identity. Cats aIways say, I want to be like you. I say don't be like me. Be like you. Try to find who you are. You're talented. Find your identity, your voice and if you're original, people will respond to you.

Angela: You put out your 17th album, "You, Me and Forever" last summer. It reached Top 10 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums on Billboard and #1 Most Added Album on the Smooth Jazz charts. How do Angela: What inspires you to put out this you keep your music fresh when you already have a large catalog of work? Some beautiful music?

Najee: This has always been my passion. As artist may find it challenging to keep things fresh. a young boy growing up in New York, my 29

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Najee: Part of that is the attempt to keep it fresh. Associate with people.

Doing things that are true to your identity. I try not to do covers anymore.

I like to create original compositions as much as I can and writing with other people. You're always sharing with younger people. I have four teenagers that I teach privately. One got a full scholarship to Berkley and the other two to colleges in New York. So, three of them have gone on to pursue music.

Angela: You have done everything, so what's next for you?

Najee: I'm at that stage where I want to experiment. I want to explore different type of music, cultural music. There's a risk in that but I think I can afford to do that now.

Najee concludes: Making music at this point in my career is still exciting, and I am always evolving. As a musician, the love of performing for people, whether in studio or live is still a gratifying experience. The best feeling to me is presenting something new to the world!

Angela: What can your fans expect at the Wolf Creek Jazz Festival in Atlanta and other performances while celebrating your 30-year anniversary?

Najee: We're going to bring not only some of the current things; we're going to bring all the hits I've recorded over the 30 years. Obviously, we cannot do everything in 60 or 90 minutes. We have a great band. We have great music and we're just going to have fun.

Angela: Any last words....

Najee: Thank you. I'm grateful of my support. I'm grateful for all the people who supported me over the years.

Catch Najee in a city near you and help him celebrate 30 years of excellence. visit www.najeeofficial.com

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INTERNATIONAL

The Golden Boys This group come from eMalahleni (a place of coal) in the Mpumalanga (a place of the rising sun, East) province of South Africa. They are made-up of 5 Djs (two of whom are producers), a percussionist and their manager. These guys are making waves in the South African deep house music/party scene. Back row (from left): Nelson Mbonani aka D’Nel Mindfull (Dj/Producer), Daluxolo Sithole (Dj Luu), Ezra Mlotshwa (Dj), Sbusiso Mngomezulu (Manager). Front row (from left): Charlie Djembe (percussionist), Oscar Ndlovu aka Oscar Mbo (Dj) and Paul Khoza aka Paul Deep Golden Boys events are an excuse to drive 2hrs out of town and dress-up to party all night.

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Feature

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An Interview with……

KEITH

Robinson Nayomi Charnelle

Last week I had the pleasure of talking to one of the most talented brothers in the industry today, Keith Robinson. This man is not only an actor, he is a singer, song writer, music producer and entrepreneur. We all know him from the various roles he’s played on the big screen and on television.

He is mostly known for playing the role of C.C. White in hit movie Dreamgirls starring Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson. You can currently catch him on the hit series Saints and Sinners and he will be starring in the upcoming movie based on the life and music of rapper Tupac Shakur.

He also has a new album in the works so keep an eye out and an ear out for this multi-talented, soul singing phenomenon with skin dipped in chocolate and a voice box wrapped in Gold! (Ladies- You know what I’m saying…) We discussed everything from his childhood to his up and coming projects.

Here is how it all went down: Nayomi- I did a little research on you and I read you were born in Kentucky but you

were raised in South Carolina and Georgia.

Was all that moving hard for you to adjust to as a child?

Keith- No not really. I mean we were young and it really wasn’t too hard. I was just rolling where my peoples were going. I stayed there in grade school. I would say it was an adjustment but I wouldn’t it was hard, I kind of got used to it and it helped me with my acting as I got older.

Nayomi- Growing up in the south, were you faced with any racial issues?

Keith- Well of course…. I mean growing up in the South. It wasn’t to the extreme that my forefathers, parents or their parents went through but it’s always subliminal for the most part. It was a fairly even keel but every now and then, you would be reminded of the environment you were in.

Nayomi- So would you say that it made you more of a stronger person?

Keith- I guess so. I wouldn’t say I let it influence me either way. I always knew who I was. I had good family around me so it’s just something you just kind of deal with.

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Nayomi- You stated in a prior interview that you were originally interested in playing ball but you were still performing around your school and doing impromptu singing for your class mates. You realized you weren’t growing anymore in height so you let go of the dream of being a ball player. You eventually formed a group of your own and started performing in local talent shows. You mentioned hearing screams from the audience and decided to stick with singing. What songs were you guys performing that brought about the screaming?

Keith- We were doing a lot of Jodeci.

Songs like “Stay” and “Come and Talk to Me.” Those were the main songs that we performed that people really loved.

Nayomi- So what would you say was your most memorable moment at the time? Was there anything that really stood out that you will never forget?

Keith- We did a talent show in Augusta, GA and it was a big city talent show. The radio station had a surprise guest and we came out with hoodies on and started doing Jodeci and the audience thought we were really Jodeci. They rushed the stage and figured out we were just the homies from around the way. For a minute, it was fun!

Nayomi- Let’s talk about Keith Robinson and the music. You landed a deal with Motown some years ago and unfortunately, it didn’t work out for you. A lot of people would have seen that as a setback or they may have doubted their talent. What kept you going and dedicated to stay focused on your dream?

Keith- I mean I really had the desire to do it because I really didn’t have a choice. I wasn’t going back to college and I definitely wasn’t moving back in with my mom and dad so we (the group) just took the jump and traveled out west because we felt we were good enough.

Nayomi- Are you presently on an Independent label?

Keith- Yes. My own label.

Nayomi- How would you compare being an independent artist to being an artist on an actual major record label.

Keith- I mean it’s just because you have creative control over everything you do.

The drawback is that you just don’t have the financial support as far as marketing to be able to compete with the big machine that the larger labels are able to give you.

Nayomi- So were you familiar with Prince’s practices and how he felt about the major record labels? Do you see yourself following in his footsteps as far as Nayomi- Most people know you from the various roles you played on the big screen promoting yourself as an independent and off. You have played everything from a artist?

Green Power Ranger to an attorney dying Keith- I mean I would love to, and he was the ultimate independent artist. The key is of Cancer in the movie CRU which I just being able to go to a fan base and the s presently on Netflix. Where there any people who appreciate your work and you characters that came closest to you know when have that, the sky is the limit. r personality or your character as a man With all the technology, you can really and if so, which one and how did it come closest to who you are as Keith Robinson? distribute your own product at your own pace.

Keith- Well I guess Dreamgirls with playing Cee Cee. He was a songwriter and I’m a song writer. The character I play on Nayomi- You have a beautiful voice and Saints and Sinners is a musician and I’m a you sing with so much soul and power. musician as well. Those two characters Who were your role models growing up? are pretty close to who I am.

Let’s take it back to the 70’s and 80’s. Who would you compare your sound to?

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Nayomi- Let’s take a quick trip back to the 90’s where R&B groups were killing it. I know you mentioned Jodeci as one of your favorites and your group performed a lot of Jodeci hits.

What were some of your other favorite groups that were out back then or solo singers?

Keith- I mean you had BoyzIIMen and of course Tupac. I think that was the 90’s. I mean 90’s to me was the best era of music so I was just a fan of the whole genre.

Nayomi- Some are saying R&B is dead. If someone was to say that to you, how would you respond to that?

Keith- I mean I don’t think it’s dead to the audience. A woman still loves to be serenaded. With R&B, you can always be on the road and perform your songs forever. It’s only dead to the powers that be. The marketers think they can’t make money off of it but I think if you put it in front of the people, they will come.

Joi Pearson Photography

Nayomi- You put out some great singles in the past couple of years. My personal favorites are “Love Somebody and Same Rules”. Do you write your own material or do you have a team that writes for you?

Keith- I write my own stuff. I mean 98% of the music I put out there is written by me.

Nayomi- That’s amazing. Are you open to other people writing for you?

Keith- Yeah I’m open....sure. A great song is a great song.

Keith- Thank you. I don’t know if I would compare my sound to anyone but I would definitely say influenced me. Stevie Wonder influenced me, Donnie Hathaway influenced me, James Ingram. I love Seal, I love Sting and I love Sade. It’s a long list of artist who really influenced me. I think Stevie Wonder was probably the best influence as a vocalist.

Nayomi- Do you have a favorite Stevie Wonder song? Let’s put it like this, if Stevie Wonder gave you the opportunity to remake one of his songs, which one would you choose?

Keith- “Overjoyed”... maybe.

Nayomi- Yes! That is definitely one of m favorites.

Nayomi- What type of material do you look for in a song? How do you select one song over another?

Keith- Well it varies. A great lyric, a great concept, that is relevant to what I’m going through and what’s relevant to what’s going on. A great beat, great melody lines, whatever different elements that make a song stand out more than others so it can vary.

Nayomi- Are you presently looking for new material?

Keith- I am always open to new material for sure.

Nayomi- If you could describe your sound in a few words, what words would you choose.

Keith- Maybe “Authentic Soul.”

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Nayomi- I like that. What I found really impressive about you Keith was that when you landed a role or a part in a movie or series, you always want to contribute to the music involved with the project. How difficult was it to do both acting and singing at the same time for the same project?

Keith- I think they go hand in hand. Every scene has rhythm to it and every song has some drama to it. But really for me it goes hand in hand. I’ve always done it.

Nayomi- I’m curious to know what you were doing when you first heard you landed the part of Cee Cee in Dreamgirls.

Keith- I was extremely excited! I was yelling in my apartment so it was a really good day!

NayomiWere you more excited about the plethora of talent you would be working with or were you more excited about contributing musically to the movie?

Keith- I would say more about the level of talent I would be working with.

Nayomi- As everyone knows, Empire is definitely one of the hottest shows on TV presently. Have you been bitten by the Empire bug? Any thoughts on maybe joining the cast since it does include acting and music?

Keith- I’m down to do the work if it’s a great character. That show has definitely opened a lot of doors for other shows like it. I’m glad it finally came along.

Nayomi- I had the chance to view some of your live performances. When you perform it seems like the power of music over comes you and you. You really exude confidence and your passion for singing definitely comes through in your live performances.

Keith- Thank you!

Nayomi- How do you actually prepare for a live performance?

Keith- Well it depends on the venue, the gig. I rehearse and go over material. It’s the same way that I would I would for an acting gig. You just go into character.

Nayomi- Are you ever really nervous before singing live?

Keith- Well that depends on the gig overall. It’s more energy than nerves I would say.

Nayomi- Do you have any crazy fan stories you can share? Has someone tried to pull you off the stage?

Keith- I’ve had a couple of garments thrown at me but I have never had anyone pull me off the stage.

Nayomi- So is touring a possibility?

Keith- Absolutely! We are working on something now.

Nayomi- I definitely hope you make Charlotte one of your stops.

Keith- For sure!

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Nayomi- What projects are you currently working on?

Keith- I’m finishing up an album titled “Love Episodic” and I am about to release a new single called 24K I’m on a new show called Saints and Sinners and we are about to start season 2. These are the main projects and we are about to release Tupac’s movie.

Nayomi- We would love to have you in the Queen City! What female artist would you like to work with and why?

Keith- Probably Lalah Hathaway. I love her voice and I’m such a big fan of her dad Donnie.

Nayomi- Have you ever covered any of his songs? Particularly the song called “A Song for You”?

Keith- Yes I have, in a live show.

Nayomi- Well make sure you perform that one when you come to Charlotte.

Keith- For sure! Yes!

Nayomi- Sounds great! Do you care to let your fans know what role you will be playing within the movie?

Keith- I play agent Gregory….Tupac’s manager.

Nayomi- That’s wonderful! A lot of entertainers are looking to venture outside of their normal talents to build their brand such as owning a clothing line, a shoe line or restaurants. Has any of that ever crossed your mind?

Keith- Yeah it has. I don’t know about owning a restaurant but I am definitely an entrepreneur spirit so that’s definitely on the list.

Nayomi- Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to talk with Musiek Magazine! You are a great talent and we are very excited to hear your up and coming music. Please let everyone know how they can keep up with you.

Keith- Thank you and I’m at @KeithSings for Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.

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