Analogue Atlanta #016: Soul Speak

 

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This episode was interesting in that it almost didn’t happen.  I’m sick as a dog. I’ve been ill since just before the Random Rabbit interview I conducted on Thursday. It’s been a long week. Melody Moezzi and her book War on Error: Real Stories of American Muslims was brought to my attention via NPR not even a year ago, I think. After hearing her on air and meaning to buy the book, I did what i always do: I quickly forgot about her and the book. Fast forward to the Creative Loafing Short fiction contest not long ago, and I see the book alongside Persepolis 2. I hadn’t known there was a sequel to Persepolis and as I was making my way over to the table to take a closer look at it: BAM! There was Melody’s book. It’s weird how things work out sometimes because after realizing that Melody actually lived here in Atlanta, I gave her a call the next day.

In this interview we talk about her inspiration, her artistic process and health issues that have presented Melody with a unique circumstance.

The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle is a weird story. As you may know, I’ve been friends with DJ Variable of the Audubon society for over a decade. His Audubon Society partner Mr. Mind is also a friend of mine, and through him I met Ruby Velle and learned about her music. If you think her voice is something, you should try out her chocolate chip cookies. It’s the stuff of magic.

After a few weeks of email tag, I finally was able to nail down an interview with the Soul Septet and I’ve got to tell you that it’s always a great time seeing them play live. Every time I’ve seen them play I’ve regretted not having my wife present because they make music that moves you to dance.

We chat about running a large band in Atlanta’s indie music scene and about their sound.

 

Atlanta music featured in this pod:

• Mass Influence
• Obviouslob
• The Soulphonics

Two episodes for the price of one…

Since I’ve come so late with Episode #16, I’ve decided to produce it the same day I’m mixing Epiosde #17. Hey…ebbs and flows, folks. I’m tired and I miss my wife (who’s still in DC for the festivities). Sometimes it’s just hard to create. But now it’s time to shake the “little hater” (© J Smooth). In episode 17, we’ll talk with College Park MC Stanza about his sound.

 

I’ll publish part of an interview I did with D.R.E.S tha Beatnik a few months ago for Art Nouveau Magazine and we’ll chat with Atlanta Creatives Project creator and photographer Neda Abghari.

Episode #16, of course, will feature: Melody Moezzi, The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle

and Film maker Matt Wolfe.They should all be up Friday, God willing. We’ll see. I’ven’t been feeling well.

Episode #16 coming Monday 1/19/09…

Ruby Velle of The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle

 

I talk with Retro-Soul Septet The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle and have an in-depth conversation with writer Melody Moezzi about her passions, inspiration and struggles as an artist. Finally, I talk with Indie Film-Maker Matt Wolfe.

Next Week? ATL MC Stanza, Hip Hop Documentarian/Photographer Shannon McCollum and Producer Mudfish.

I’ve got some great interviews with  Activist and MC Tim’m West   (who no longer lives in Atlanta- the interview was done in July) Random Rabbit,  Soupy Jones and  many more ATL  artists coming up in the next few weeks as well as Part II of “Our House“, a look into Atlanta’s House  music scene.    Thought I forgot about that?  No way!  It’s been the most popular episode!  I plan for it to be Episode #20, which will be the final episode of this season.   Part III will kick off next season.

New Episode Sunday 1/10/09. After that?

Joe Scudda. Photo by Dominick R. Brady

 

Guess who’s back?  Yes, him, a member of Hip Hop crew “The Justus League” , Joe Scudda, has relocated to Georgia.  We catch up with  MC Joe Scudda to talk about his new projects, what brought him back to Atlanta and what he thinks about Atlanta’s burgening Indie scene. 

 

I’m really looking forward to my chat with  Atlanta-based freelance-writer and Author of “War on Error: Real Stories of American Muslims” Melody Moezzi, Atlanta Hip Hop Photographer and Historian Shannon McCollum  and College Park-Born & Bred MC Fewture.  I’ve already chatted with another College Park wordsmith Stanza .   His interview along with  Atlanta-based Comedy writer Brandon McCorwin and award winning Atlanta  Film Maker Matt Wolfe are coming up in the Next few weeks of Analogue Atlanta. Can’t wait to share those stories with you.

I’ll be interviewing Donnie Seals  Saturday about his upcoming documentary for Extra Analogue , my series on indie arts outside of Atlanta, and will be posting the audio of my Mayer Hawthorne tape from CMJ ’08 as well. Lots more coming. I’m also working on a continuation of my Runnin’ From Daylight series on the speculative fiction site 50yfn (50 years from now).

I’m making lemons out of lemonade, people. I, too, am a layoff victim.  HIRE ME!  If not, I’ll be doing these interviews until I’m UNDER the poor house.   I see you.  Don’t worry. I can write in AP style, I promise.  My handbook is in my back pocket.   By the by, my print interviews with D.R.E.S tha BEATnik, Alice Russell and Chester French will debut in Art Nouveau Magazine later this month…I’m hearing they go live on the 12th of January.