Linafornia - Beatmaker and composer

 

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Been loving the work of Linafornia for a few years before I even knew who she was. This is a live set she did w/ an MC, but her work is amazing on its own. The Belizean LA raised musician is on her way!

Follow her work on IG

Linafornia- Wet

Dig this? Check out the last inspiration board.

Stuff I've Been Listening to 24 - Synths please

 

Loose Ends (UK) - Hanging on a string 1984

Always loved Loose Ends and this classic track from them.

Welcome welcome. Here is a new post with some of my favorite synths, mostly across soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, and rock. I didn't always know that I loved synths, I just like good music. But after hearing some chatter about synths in general and some of the machines created to make the sounds, I thought I'd share some of my favorites, not the best synths ever. This is totally subjective. Enjoy.

Little Dragon (Sweden) - A Place to belong (2007)

This is the first Little Dragon song I heard from my boy Miguel. Fonky.

We Are King (Minneapolis/LA) - The Greatest (2015)

Agggh, one of the illest soul groups of recent to write and produce w/ synths!!

Squarepusher (UK) - Plaistow Flex Out (2001)

Was turned on to Squarepusher by my homie and drummer Valentino 

Pink Floyd (UK) - On the Run (1973)

Always loved this Pink Floyd album! 

Kool & The Gang (Jersey City) - Summer Madness (1974)

Classic joint from a classic jazz, rock, soul band.

What is this? 

This series is called "Stuff I've been listening to" and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I'm always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover.

Satoshi & Makoto (Japan) - Crepuscule Leger (2017)

New! Don't know much about these cats, but I dig it.

Jneiro Jarel (Philadelphia) - Soul Starr (2005)

Discovered Jeniro aka Dr Who Dat? at the record store and became an instant fan. 

Björk (Iceland) - Hyperballad (1995)

Heard Bjork through one of my best friends in the 90s and was blown away

Zion I w/ Mikos da Gawd (Oakland) - Saving Souls (2016)

RIP Zumbi, this is one of countless synth flavored Zion I songs

Did you miss the last installment of this series? 

Stuff I've been listening to 23: More Jazz

Stuff I've been listening to 22: Instrumentals

Stuff Ive been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff Ive been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff Ive been listening to 19: UK Artists

Sexual Harrassment (Midwest US) - I need a freak (1983)

House party track tried and true. First heard it as a child.

Chaka Khan (Chicago) - What Cha Gonna do for Me? (1981)

Radio classic on kiss fm in the Bay

Marcos Valle (Brazil) - Naō Tem Nada Naō (1973)

Found this cut via Madlib!

Kraftwerk (Germany) - Numbers (1981)

These cats are German, but this is straight up electro classic hip hop material. 

Ok, one last one fam....

Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Austin) - Kids (2016)

Discovered the guys through the Stranger Things soundtrack which was both old and new, simple, yet amazing! Reminds me of 80s movies and that was the point! Keep listening to new and old music. There are tons of great artists still coming out with music. If you're not sure where to look, check out your local DJ, playlists, mixes, and your local independent radio stations......

What's in my bag? Amoeba Series

 

Video link

Ok, so I grew up going to record stores. Rasputins, Leopolds, Tower, Virgin, The Warehouse, and Amoeba is and was my favorite. In high school I used to walk from Berkeley high at lunch and use my lunch money to buy 99c or $5 hip hop records. I loved and still love getting new records, spending time with them, and just listening. 

I love this episode with Santigold! This "What's In My Bag?" series is old, but I love how they keep reinventing it by interviewing new and older artists. Case in point, have you listened to any of these episodes like:

Kaytranada

Yuna 

Big Boi 

The Internet

Little Dragon

Karriem Riggins/ DJ Jrocc (Beatjunkies)

Kamasi Washington

Ibeyi

Thundercat

Dig this? Peep the last post I did about Jazz-Stuff I've been listening to

Inspiration board 43

 

Hey fam, I hope you're well. It has been a rough one for me lately but trying to hold on to it. Check out some of these things that have been dope to me recently. Keep going.

Starting from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Major Taylor Iron Riders -video by The Pro's Closet (Cycling/Fitness)

2. Odessa- Middle grade graphic novel by Jonathan Hill (book)

3. Giant Robot- Doc about an AAPI magazine/store (film)

4. Monica Martin- Vocalist, songwriter from the midwest (music)

5. El Michel's Affair x Black Thought- I'm still somehow (music)

6. 1000% Me- Doc about being mixed by W. Kamau Bell (film)

7. Art of Cam Kendell from Fart Quest (art)

8. Hidari- Stop motion animated samurai (stop mo animation)

9. The Nakba- Educational video about the Nakba in Palestine (history)

10. Chang Can Dunk- Narrative film about personal goals (film)

11. Cymone Wilder- is an incredible lettering artist (lettering)

12. This Was Our Pact- All ages graphic novel by Ryan Andrews (book)

13.  Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur- Animated show based on comic (tv)

14. Endea Owens - Where the Nubians Grow (music)

15. Turning Red- Animated film by Pixar (animation)

16. The Last of Us- Post apocalyptic tv show based on video game (tv)

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more 

Inspiration board 42

Inspiration board 41

Inspiration board 40

 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.

Chinese pioneers in Reggae, Ska, and Rock Steady

 

Video link

Wow, the more you know. I LOVED listening to this video and it just goes to show there is so many stories yet to be told. I did not know that VP Records stood for Vincent and Patricia-two Jamaicans who were ethnically Asian and mixed! Wow. This video talks about several Chinese pioneers in Jamaican music and who consider themselves "Jamaican", that's it.

video link

Check out this video that expands on Patricia Chin, co founder of VP Records who are known world wide for distributing reggae and dancehall music.

Dig this? Check out this doc about Giant Robot Magazine!

I'll be at Carnaval SF (May 27-28)

 

Sup with it fam. If you've never been to it, Carnaval SF is a 45 year old event celebrating a multicultural heritage that is deep in the Bay of Indigenous, African, and Latino roots. There is drumming, live music performances, delicious food, lots of people of all ages, lowriders, art vendors, and a huge parade through the historic Mission District. 

For more information please visit their website: https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/

I'll be tabling there this year on Harrison street between 19th and 20th. 

Come by and say hello. Here are some videos to give you the flavor of the two day event. 

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Dig this? 

Check out the Malcolm X Jazz Fest

El Michel's Affair + Black Thought- I'm Still Somehow

 

video link

Prolly had this joint on repeat for the last week at least. The slow melancholy nature had me nodding.

Dig this? Check out the last Stuff I've Been Listening To-JAZZ

Feel Good Hour w/ Farbeon

Yo, i'm excited to be a guest on the "Feel Good Happy Hour" w/ my bro Farbeon (MC/DJ/Educator). I'll be on next week on Friday Feb 10th. My dude hosts this show where he interviews artists, musicians, and educators about what they do, music they like, and what makes them feel good.

TUNE IN: On Bonfire Radio to hear it

Stream it here:  

Dig this? Check out this episode of Rightnowish

Stuff I've Been Listening to 23 - More Jazz

 

Nala Sinephro-space 4 (2021)

I've made a post about Jazz before but its high time for this new one featuring some musicians new and old. Straight ahead, fusion, funk, experimental, and a few things in between. Like Nala for example. I LOVE this track from her Space 1.8 album. She's a harp player who gets it. This one features Nubya Garcia!

R+R=Now - Change of Tone (2018)

This is a super group w/ Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian aTunde Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Taylor McFerrin, and Justin Tyson

Bobbi Humphrey- Set me at ease (1975)

OG Bobbi Humphrey on the flute and featuring the Mizell's and Dorothy Ashby

James Mason- Rhythm of life (1977)

Found this joint via Egon and man it grooves!

Esperanza Spalding - Formwela 3 (2021) 

Been following since the myspace days and love how she continues to play and grow

Lonnie Liston Smith-Bridge through time (1980)

You know, Lonnie has so many incredible jams. First heard this through The Conscious Daughters

What is this? This series is called "Stuff I've been listening to" and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I'm always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover.

Emma Jean Thackray-Rain dance/wisdom (2020)

I love how Emma Jean mixes jazz with electronic, house, funk, and hip hop. Shout out to the UK jazz scene!

Horace Silver-I've had a little talk (1972)

Song for my father is one of my all time favorites but when I heard Osunlade play thisssss?!

Destiny Muhammad Trio- Blue in Green (2022)

Destiny is an ILL harpist and vocalist from the Bay Area! Dig how she plays Miles and her own!!

Alfa Mist - Galaxy (2020)

Alfa Mist is an incredible UK producer and piano player, peep this remake of Eddie Henderson's classic

Madison Mcferrin- No time to lose (2017)

Madison is the next in line after Taylor and Bobby to show and prove. She can compose, produce, and sing!!

Did you miss the last installment of this series? 

Stuff I've been listening to 22: Instrumentals

Stuff Ive been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff Ive been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff Ive been listening to 19: UK Artists

Stuff Ive been listening to 20: Remixes

Keep listening to new and old music. There are tons of great artists still coming out with music. If you're not sure where to look, check out your local DJ, playlists, mixes, and your local independent radio stations.

Takuya Kuroda- Do they know (2016) 

I came across Takuya through vocalist Jose James and always dug this track

Amel Larrieux - Try your wings (2007)

Love Amel since Groove Thory, since Infinite Possibilities, Bravebird, Morning. Peep this remake of the Blossom Dearie song from 1958

Yussef Kamaal- Live at Brownswood studio (2016) Individually these cats are amazing but their joint album "Black focus" is incredible.

Agggh, there's so many great jazz records. Some you might of slept on or never heard of are artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, Kokoroko, Yazmin Lacey, Melissa Aldama, Grover Washington, or Butcher Brown. I wanna give a special shout out to this legend though.

Roy Hargove - Poetry (2003)

This was the first album that really got me hearing how dope Roy was, then I started to see his name with so many other great artists. Rest In peace brother Roy! Stay tuned for the next "Stuff I've been listening to" and drop a comment if there's someone you recommend!

Inspiration board 42

 

Yall, it gives me so much pleasure to share some of the things I'm seeing, hearing, feeling, reading, learning from, and getting inspired by. PLEASE check out some of these people, things, etc and get inspired!!! Here are they are left to right, top to bottom.

1. Snapdragon by Kat Leyh (graphic novel) Witches, Queer identity, etc

2. Eve Ewing (Author/Educator) writes about super heroes, school closures, and science

3. Vamos! by Raul the Third (Picture book) Bilingual literacy, Latinx, kids lit

4. A Tradition of Violence by Cerise Castle (podcast) LA Sheriff gangs, journalism, police brutality

5. Sebastian Mikael's new EP Phileo (Soul Music) Soul, hip hop

6. Pinocchio by Guillermo Del Toro (Animated film) stop motion, 

7. Alvin Irby founder of Barbershop Books (Interview) activism, literacy, black boys

8. I am the Subway by Kim Hyo Eun (Picture book) train, humanity, working class

9. Nala Sinephro's album Space 1.8 (Jazz music) jazz, experimental jazz, harp

10. Abel Cruz's fog nets (Water) BBC, World hacks, water crisis, fog nets, peru

11. Sibylline Meynet (Artist) illustration, gouache, artist

12. Afu Chan's Outer Darkness (Artist) comics, illustration

13. Ovarian Psycos (Documentary) cycling, women's rights, trauma, women

14. Noni Sessions (Activist) East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop, coop's, land, activism

15. Coop Conversations (Podcast) Cooperative housing, podcasts, coop's, alternative housing

16. Teach the Children the Truth by Marisa Villegas (Podcast) Ethnic studies, Raza Studies, education

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 41

Inspiration board 40

 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. 

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Adi Oasis - Mystic Lover

 

LOVE this song! Just discovering Adi Oasis or Adeline and man can she play and sing!!! Check her out

If you dig this check out some of the other stuff I'm listening to

Stuff I've Been Listening to 22 - (Instrumentals)

 

Wha gwan? I got hip to this group through my mom who loves "The New Birth". This group "The Nite Liters" is an off shoot or sub group of the New Birth and its the band I believe. Anyway, dig it. LINK . If you're new. Every year I share some music that I love from many genres. The core is Black music. Take a listen to these instrumentals and beats! The Nite Liters - KJee (Louisville, 1970)

Slept on this album. I dig this beat. Alchemist has so many bangers across his career. Link to listen. 

The Alchemist - No Window Tints (FETTI) (Los Angeles, 2018)

Don't know much about Peruvian Pysch or the hisory of cumbia, but I love this instrumental version of "Botecito" by Los Orientales de Paramonga. I wrote about this song back in 2014 here on the Muphoric Sounds blog.  

Los Orientales de Paramong- Botecito (Paramonga Peru, 1972)

This entire LP is headphones/ ride out music. One half of the Stuyvesants, brother Allmos made this dope album. Aromas is my favorite song off this. 

Allmos- Aromas Naturalle (Portland, 2017)

Kokoroko is an amazing band lead by trumpeter Sheila Maurice Grey from the UK and I love their mix of jazz, high life, funk, and everything in between. 

Kokoroko-Age of Ascent (United Kingdon, 2022)

Love this dude DJ Harrison. First heard him via Ivan Ave from Oslo. He's a multi-instrumentalist from Richmond Virginia and is also a member of Butcher Brown. His bandcamp is full of incredible beat tapes like this. Pen Eyes 9 is my favorite. 

DJ Harrison- Pen Eyes 9 (Richmond,VA, 2021)

This whole LP is fire. Jahari Massamba Unit is drummer/producer Karriem Riggins and producer Madlib. Merde is my favorite track from the album. 

Jahari Massamba Unite - Merde (Detroit/ Los Angeles, 2020)

Kiefer is such a dope musician. His work as a producer and jazz pianist is instantly recognizable when you hear it. Peep his catalogue. 

Kiefer - Superheo (Los Angeles, 2021)

This is a dope cut from vibraphonist and vocalist Roy Ayers. Produced for the 70s Blaxploitation flick Coffy starring Pam Grier. Fans of Hieroglyphics will recognize this one from Casual's first LP.

Roy Ayers - Brawlin Broads( Los Angeles, 1973)

I became familiar with "The Putbacks" through Hiatus Kaiyote and I dig the way they play alone and with other artists. This is my favorite track from this album. 

The Putbacks - Hold on (Melbourne, 2018)

I grew up listening to this band and I love Sade. If you go back and listen, the band included an instrumental song on most of the Sade albums including their solo Sweetback album. Siempre Hay Esperanza is dope but this is my favorite.

Sade - Mermaid (United Kingdom, 1992)

Georgia Anne Muldrow, the producer and vocalist has a ton of records under her belt including an album by Elzhi entirely produced by her, and several instrumental LPs such as Vweto 2. This is my favorite from that album. 

Georgia Anne Muldrow- Bass Attack Rap (Los Angeles, 2019)

If I were a producer I would add an 808 and some drums to this interlude produced by Lianne La Havas and Geo. Its my 2nd favorite track on this album. But as it stands, I would listen on repeat for days.

Lianne La Havas - Out of your mind (London, 2020)

That's it, there are so many more like this snippet from Oddisee's new material but thats it for today. If you like discovering new music check out some of these other posts I've made over the past few years. Remember, even though you may have a sweet spot for a specific era or period, there's always great music to be discovered and appreciated. Some of its old, and some is brand new! The best way to hear that new new is through your local favorite DJ. Playlists are great too, but hug a human through your speaker.

Stuff Ive been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff Ive been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff Ive been listening to 19: UK Artists

Stuff Ive been listening to 20: Remixes

EDIT: Added later

ESG (Emerald , Sapphire, & Gold) - UFO Classic rock/hip hop shit

Power Struggle (MC) Documentary

Yo, brother Nomi aka "Power Struggle" (Beatrock, Odd Jobs, Kill the Vultures). Bro is an educator, musician, and organizer who not only writes about the struggles of working class people and does it with incredible hip hop songs. Nomi is from Minneapolis but he's been in the Bay for nearly 20 years and a comrade in this work to make art from the heart and simultaneously speak about the struggle for liberation whether it be specifically about Pinays, People of color, the Filipino diaspora, or young men of color. 

Listen to his new LP! Out on Beatrock music!

If you're in the Bay tomorrow you can catch him performing and listen to his new LP in Frisco!

And if you don't know him check out this short documentary about him by Eric Tandoc

Dig this? Check out this remix of Dead Prez's "Hip hop" by Pele Durian Funk

Inspiration board 41

 

Ok, here's some recently inspiring stuff. Left to right, top to bottom. I make this as much to share with you as I make as a reminder to myself:

1. The illustration of Maike Plenzke

2. Taking Children by Laura Briggs-non fiction book

3. Esperanza Spalding- Songrights Apothecary and her recent albums

4. Jerome Masi - Artist/Illustrator

5. Brown Ambition Podcast-Financial literacy

6. The Cot in the Living Room- Picture bk about community/mutual aid

7. Light & Magic- ILM documentary series (special FX)

8. Art of Ami Thompson

9.Wendell & Wild-upcoming stop motion film (Peele/ Selick)

10. Art of Derek Laufman

11. New Kid- Graphic novel by Jerry Craft

12. Stuart NG Bookstore- specializes in "Art books"

13. Art of Leo Espinosa-illustration

14. Danger Mouse x Black Thought- Because

15. Squid Game TV Series

16. Art of Chris Sickels/Red Nose Studios

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 40

Inspiration board 39 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Black Thought + Danger Mouse

 

video link 

Loving this new music from Black Thought and Danger Mouse! This video is dope and this new song is fresh.

Feeling this? Check out Stuff I've been listening to (Remixes)

Doom Cannon - Amalgamation

 

Just heard Giles Peterson play this cat and immediately thought "who is that?!". Doom Cannon!

Here is my last post about what I'm listening to: Remixes

Moses Sumney - Blackalachia

 

Vid link

Dude is on some other shit for real. Been meaning to listen and today this stopped me in my tracks. Its soulful, it rocks, its acoustic, and it's electric. Most of all, it is beautiful. I got hip to Moses a few years back and painted him. I haven't listened in a while and it was really nice to see and hear how much sharper the vision he's building is getting. Probably making a lot of people nod or scratch their heads.

A few shots from the film:

If you missed the last post I made about music I'm listening to listen here

Here's an inspiration board too.

Goapele Interview + fav songs

 

Nice interview w/ Goapele of Oakland talking about different points in her career. Brought back some memories and reminded me to peep her newer music.I'll admit I am often impressed by Talib's knowledge of Bay Area music. In this interview she talks about a bunch of stuff and could've listened to even more about her process, family, and future plans.

2001-Even Closer

Red White & Blues is a dope anti-war song she did right after the 9-11 attack in NYC. I remember watching her perform this at Frank Ogawa Plaza. I also love Childhood drama (Herbie hancock remix), Romantic, Too much the same, Things don't exist, and of course the classic from the same album. 

CLOSER! produced by Amp Live of Zion-I.

And some more i love that you might like....

2005- Change it All (also feat her activist roots) , Different w/ Clyde Carson (The Team), and First Love

2008-Don't be Shy is my jam, Milk & Honey

2011- Play, Money

2017- Dreamseeker EP  Cool Breeze

If you dig her and want to hear more soul please check out : Stuff I've been Listening to 17 w/ SOUL

Inspiration board 40

 

You ready to see something cool?! Here are some inspiring folks, things from top to bottom, and left to right:

1. "La Bestia"- Animated short film by Marlijn Van Nuenen, Ram Tamez, Alfredo Gerard Kuttikat

2. Take Back the Block by Chrystal D Giles abt housing

3. Bisa Butler-Incredible quilt artist

4. Claire Wendling- French illustrator

5. Moonchild's new album "Starfruit"

6. SPO/ Slim Pickins Outfitters-Blk owned outdoor store

7. Jason Wilson of Cave of Adullam-martial arts/emotional support

8. Girls Garage- Org teaching young women/ gender expansive building

9. Noni Session of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop

10. Zilo-Artist /Vocalist/songwriter

11. Gabby Zapata- Character designer/vis dev artist

12. Organizers against Oakland school closures-Inspiring!!!

13. Swan Song - Sci fi Film starring Mahershala Ali

14. Zeke Peña- Southwest illustrator

15. Dragons in a Bag- Zetta Elliott abt dragons and magic!

16. Columbian Illustrator/comics artist-Lorena Alvarez

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 39 

Inspiration board 38

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here