INDIE REVIEW RADIO

Jessica Jolia, widely known for her versatility and five octave vocal range, is an American recording artist, songwriter, producer and humanitarian. Her debut single "Sometimes" was independently released and featured in the critically acclaimed film Sister Code, later appearing on Spotify's "Fresh Finds: Fire Emoji" playlist which highlights some of the platform's biggest songs each year. She has since performed on The Ellen Show and The Late Late Show, and has been featured in The Source, This is RnB, The A&R Report, Rolling Soul Brazil and many other publications around the world. Jessica has had the pleasure of recording, performing and touring with many award-winning artists, including Dr. Dre, T.I., Rita Ora, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, The Chainsmokers, The Jonas Brothers, Johnny Gill, Eric Benet and many more. She is also the recipient of the 2020 SAMMIES Award for Best Singer/Songwriter, which recognizes Sacramento's biggest and brightest in music. As an advocate of music education, innovation and entrepreneurship, Jessica proudly serves as founder and owner of Dekada Records, an independent record label, and as a voting member of The Recording Academy. Her commitment to making positive, lasting contributions to her community and abroad has afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with various organizations, including Shriners Hospital, The Endometriosis Foundation of America, NAACP, In A Perfect World, and The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention. Jessica's recent releases, "On A Break" and "In The Water", quickly attracted the attention of top curators, DJs, and program directors across the country, landing placements on major FM stations, mixtapes, and in Apple Music, Audiomack and SoundCloud editorial playlists. Her latest single, "Hold Me Close", is a feel-good, rhythmic R&B track that comes just in time to set the tone.

We are joined by Camille Evans of Cinematic Music Group and Michael Rohan of Popular Demand who share their thoughts and memories of legendary music executive Andre Harrell.

Grammy nominated vocalist and writer Syleena Johnson is one of the greatest singers and performers of her generation. She has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild. Having fought the major label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena stepped forward with her most anticipated album to date Chapter 6: Couples Therapy, which was released on the Blackbyrd label. Syleena Johnson is also a popular television personality. She’s one of the original cast members the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta and recently wrapped up season 3 with co-stars Keke Wyatt, Angie Stone, Monifah Carter, LaTavia Roberson and former 702 lead singer Kameelah Williams. Syleena also appeared with her sisters on OWN’s Iyanla: Fix My Life. In 2015 Syleena and her husband, Kiwane Garris (former professional basketball player), will appear on the new season of WE TV’s, Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars. Chapter 6: Couples Therapy has been made into a film that stars Johnson, directed by Tangie Black Moore of Tier2Films and the other collaborators from the album. Syleena’s passion for health, fitness, and nutrition has also led her to develop a fitness DVD called Mommy’s Got Soul. Constantly on tour and working on exciting projects, Syleena Johnson who is set to release her book, “The Weight is Over”, will show music lovers why she is one sixth of the Daughters of Soul at the ATL Soul Life Music Festival, Memorial Day weekend. The festival will take place in scenic Atlanta, Georgia offering two nights of outdoor, melodically-soulful entertainment. Grammy nominated artists, along with Soul Train nominees will celebrate soul music in its newest and most cutting edge forms, as the genres of Neo-Soul, R&B, Progressive Hip-Hop and extraordinary groups take the stage.

Kindred the Family Soul, also referred to as Kindred, are a duo consisting of the married couple of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon. Signed to Hidden Beach Recordings, Kindred emerged from the Philadelphia neo soul movement that also includes Jill Scott, who discovered them while the couple was performing at the Black Lily Film & Music Festival. After two years of work on the CD, Hidden Beach issued their debut album ''Surrender to Love'' in February 2003, which included, among others, the songs "Stars" and "Far Away". Their follow-up album was 2005's ''In This Life Together'' its title being a reference to Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's 1998 book ''With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together'', spawning the single "Where Would I Be (The Question)". The duo were nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Group Band or Duo for ''Surrender to Love'' in 2004 and a BET Award for the BET J Cool Like That Award in 2006. The group's third LP, ''The Arrival'', was released on October 21, 2008. The Group's most recent album was "Love has No Recession" released on Purpose/Shanachie records which featured special guests such as Snoop Dogg, Chuck Brown, Bilal, Raheem Devaughn and others. The beloved Grammy-nominated duo, Kindred the Family Soul is set to headline ATL Soul Life Music Fest, the largest annual Soul Music Festival in the SE region.   This duo is the chosen to close out the second night as the headliner. Fondly known as the First Couple of Soul to some, they are sure to take attendees on a musical journey. Last year’s inaugural festival sold out with a record setting attendance of 5,300 on the first night and over 5,100 on the second.

We pay tribute to our friend Dee Dee Cocheta with a replay of her time on the show. Dee Dee Cocheta is known as one of the best PR and Marketing professionals specializing in music, non-profits and entrepreneurs since 1999. She’s been in the entertainment biz for over 20 years and the first known online digital, promotions email queen since 1995. Dee Dee founded A.B.C. Publicity & Marketing based in Atlanta and New York specializing in lifestyle, entertainment and multicultural dynamics. Offering public relations, integrated marketing & social media solutions, A.B.C. is a strategic partner to small businesses, non-profits and entertainment driven companies, brands, products and events.  The focus and foundation has been the reach with the youth, young trendsetters and key influencers who can promote and build a brand organically.  The mission is to assess, build and communicate an idea, image and brand favorably to the world. The company was birthed out of the notion to support the creative ideas and elements of artists, entrepreneurs and foundations that may not always get the attention deserved. ABC is an acronym for Accenting Business & Culture. Dee De’s branding group mixes this with integrity, morality & passion topping it all off with a smile.  Dee Dee Cocheta aims to change mentalities, touch hearts and inspire people with her work. Dee Dee has worked with Arrested Development, Vibe Music Fest, Tony Terry, Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, Lisa Left Eye Lopes Foundation, Kim Maxwell, Brandi Ray, Teena Fox, WNBA Atlanta Dream, and Cowboys WR Brian Collins to name a few.

The globally heralded singer/songwriter is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album Moment of Truth (Ruffhouse/EMI), which will feature a track with fellow Canadian Melanie Fiona. Armed with abundant enthusiasm and prolific vocal abilities, Glenn Lewis endeavours to deliver heartfelt, melodic songs meshed with heart pounding beats that are certain to strike a cord in the hearts of men and women alike. When asked about his current musical mindset, Glenn’s response was: “It’s been quite a journey over the last several years….one that has enabled me to learn and grow. I’m so grateful to all of my fans and supporters for never wavering”. All that I do, I do for them. They will not be disappointed.” This time around, Glenn Lewis’s melodious focus is to fuse the very best elements of all of his musical influences (Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Charlie Wilson, Joni Mitchell and The Beatles), and develop an album that’s organic, contemporary and original, yet reminiscent all at the same time. During a recent outing, one of Glenn’s impassioned fans playfully bellowed “The world is waiting for you Glenn!”. You better believe that Glenn hears you, and the thousands of other eager fans around the world, loud and clear. After garnering the highest praise from one of the world’s greatest wonders, Stevie Wonder himself (who personally interviewed Glenn at his radio station in L.A., and invited Glenn to perform with him at his concert in Toronto, Canada), Glenn Lewis is carefully and earnestly creating an album that his fans and industry peers will embrace. After exploring the world outside his window and subsequently coming back for more, the remarkably modest, humble and exceptionally gifted performer is gearing up to prove that he deserves to earn a place among the Music Industry’s elite vocalists.

From the age of 4, Amma Whatt’s professional journey has been one of accomplishment, passion and variety.  As a dancer, under the tutelage of her parents she studied and performed the traditional music of West Africa and The Caribbean. As an actress and entertainer at 16, she participated in a hilarious one-on-one TV interview on Bill Cosby's "Kid's say the Darndest Things". As a vocalist, she left her mark in the Howard University Jazz Vocal Performance Program and as a soloist in the Howard Gospel Choir.  Amma then toured the US and internationally as a supporting vocalist with Glory of NY Gospel Singers, Ruben Studdard, Karen Clark-Sheard, Ki-Ki Sheard, Shirley Murdock, Howard Hewitt, Tulani Kinard, Byron Cage, Rob Murat, and Melba Moore. It was as a Hollywood Week Finalist on the 5th season of American Idol, that Amma’s talent drew the attention of film and television producers. She appeared in the 2007 film August Rush and sang on the film’s Academy Award-nominated song “Raise It Up”, highlighted by a live performance at the 2008 Academy Awards.  Most recently, you can hear Amma singing "Get Happy" in the new Home Goods commercials airing on national television and radio. While Amma continues to share the stage and album features with a wide variety of artists such as Jarrard Anthony, Nicholas Ryan Gant, Monet, Darien, Catz & Dogz, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Jason Moran, to name a few, her talents are very much in demand as a songwriter and producer.  Amma co-wrote “Just the Way You Are” for Kindred and The Family Soul’s “The Arrival.”  In recognition of her community service work, Amma was named a grant recipient of the Miracle Corners of the World Alumni Venture Fund. Amma used her grant to sponsor a youth day of fun for the Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin/Binrin Rites of Passage program.

Big Daddy Kane is a Brooklyn, New York M.C. who undisputedly defined the term “lyricist” in the world of hip-hop. Along with the lyrical ingenuity he brought to the genre, he also introduced innovative live performances as well. Kane was the first rapper to ever hold not one but two sold out shows at the world famous Apollo Theater for women only. Kane revolutionized hip-hop fashion and the way hip-hop shows were performed. Kane has endured a substantive music career. He has several gold albums, endless music accolades including a Grammy award. He also received a VH1 Hip Hop Honor in 2005. His catalogue of music consists of the LP “Long Live The Kane” that features the hit songs “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” and “Raw.” The LP “It’s A Big Daddy Thing” featured “Smooth Operator” “Warm It Up” and the Teddy Riley produced hit “I Get The Job Done.” The LP “Taste Of Chocolate” features “Hard Being The Kane” and “All Of Me” as well as a duet with the legendary Barry White. Additional albums were “Prince Of Darkness,” “Looks Like A Job For…” and “Daddy’s Home.” As a powerful figure in the rap game, Kane has collaborated with many artists such as Kool G Rap, Masta Ace and Craig G. He has worked with Public Enemy and Ice Cube on the single “Burn, Hollywood Burn” with Heavy D on the single “Don’t Curse” with Patti LaBelle on the certified gold single “Feels Like Another One” and the Quincy Jones multi-platinum masterpiece “Tribute To Birdland” as well as the title cut “Back On The Block” from the album of the same name. Kane has also made appearances  in the movies”Posse” “Meteor Man” “Dead Heist” “Brown Sugar” and “Gunmen.”

The origins of Waterseed begin in New Orleans, the birthplace of multi-instrumentalists Lou Hill and J Sharp, the architects of Water Seed’s cool, elemental sound. Preternaturally aware of their paths fairly early, Hill began playing the alto sax in fourth grade while Sharp was developing his piano chops over the three-notes of “Hot Crossed Buns” at the tender age of five. Both learned as children to respect their crafts through studious dedication, rigorous practice schedules, and trying their hand at several different instruments before landing on their primary tools of musical expression, the percussion for Hill and the keys for Sharp, each finding their home. Sharp reared in a home of classical music, engaged in demanding training while nursing concerto circuit dreams. Hill was immersed in the radio R&B and funk of the day and the jazz culture of his storied surroundings. Both formally trained in esteemed music programs, Sharp through the famed NOCCA, the Jazz and Heritage School at Southern University and Dillard University, Hill at the venerated Xavier University. Enter Pasadena bred flautist, Cinese. Inspired by the legendary Bobbi Humphrey, the orchestral-trained Cinese switched to jazz after a 10-year business and school-led hiatus with music. Answering a Craigslist ad for Water Seed, Cinese learned her classical meets jazz foundation found nice complements with Hill and Sharp’s, rounding out their sound. Now, with a 5 piece band that eventually included bass player Marius Tilton and lead vocalist Ryan Johnson, the concept albums soon followed. Their self-released, experimental 2006 EP debut, Two Words, uncovered an avant-garde Water Seed sound, developed enough notice to garner the band an audience & brief attention from Sony Music.

Monty Ross, Spike Lee's former producer and co-producer on such groundbreaking Made in NYC productions as School Daze, She's Gotta Have it, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X and Crooklyn, started his career with the Atlanta Street Theatre, a small resident theatre company in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved to NYC to pursue his career in 1985, quickly partnering with Lee, as the Production Supervisor on the legendary 12 day shooting schedule of She's Gotta Have It. Ross credits the film with launching his career. Over the next 17 years, his roles at 40 Acres and a Mule Productions were multi-faceted, from Production Assistant to Vice President of Production; in 1991, Ross even starred in the Lee, student Academy Award winning film: Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop - We Cut Heads. While co-producing a film each year, he also produced ad campaigns for brands such as Nike's Air Jordans and Levi's 501 campaign, as well as music videos for artists such as Stevie Wonder and Prince. He worked on the NYC production Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Own and Jodie Foster, which was Lee's highest grossing film to date. Ross, before returning to serve as 40 Acres' Special Project Coordinator, along with Adam C. Powell, III, Adam C. Powell, IV and Geoffrey Garfield, produced the bio film on the legendary Harlem, NY Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. The film, Keep The Faith Baby, starred Vanessa Williams and Harry Lenox. Additionally, he also, directed and produced 2 nationally televised syndicated docs, Welfare to Work, hosted by Nia Long and After Affirmative Action, hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner which aired in over 100 hundred markets. While at 40 Acres, he coordinated the company's community outreach including its internship program, through which 40 Acres staged a boot camp providing a week of training and networking opportunities placing interns in various departments during the production of each of its films.