Keepers of The Art brings you KEEPERS LOUNGE presenting CONYA DOSS - Saturday, Nov. 21st, 2009 - Stage Door/E.J. Thomas - Akron, OH - Doors open at 8pm. Show starts at 9pm

Now, Ms. Doss is back with 14 scintillating new tracks on Still, a brilliantly mature and refreshingly inventive effort that lends another testament to the enormous talent of this soulstress.  A culmination of all her previous studio albums, Still offers yet another glimpse into Doss’s musical journey.  “This album is mainly about progressions in my personal life, as well as in my career.  I feel that in spite of all of the ups and downs, as well as the successes, I am still able to stay true to what I believe in with regards to the quality of my work and my personal convictions as an artist and a person.  In spite of it all, I remain centered, focused and humble.”  Fans of Doss will appreciate her growth on Still, while her range of sheer emotions and retro-flavored genius will blow newcomers away.

What is most amazing about Still, outside of the never ceasing grace and skill Doss exudes, is the quality of her vocals and songwriting.  Her voice has the kind of depth and nuance that invites comparisons to Nina Simone or Billie Holiday, while her mastery of stringing words together to make flawless, relevant lyrics gives her staying power for decades to come. 

Still brims with artfully arranged songs of heartache and encouragement, to which add texture and whip-smart edge.  While“Something 2nite”, an up-tempo jam about the woes of new relationships is quintessential Doss, the trip-hop cut “Right On Time”, highlights her edgy creative abilities.  “I believe this song gives me a different twist from what’s expected.  The sound is rockier and the theme focuses on becoming tainted by failed relationships until that one person comes into your life and shows you that you shouldn’t give up on love and block out those that care.”  And her risk-taking formula is winsome.  Rounding out the set includes “How Bout Us”, featuring James Penn, about a friend looking at the prospect of taking a relationship to another level, yet risking the possibility of ruining all that they have built as friends and “Message” (Thank You), a poignant tribute to her legion of loyal followers.  “This song is for those who have shown me so much support over the years despite my crazy schedule.”

On Still, the natural beauty enlisted the vocal stylings of Tamara Pruitt and Ashley Simpson and reconnected with Myron Davis and Rodney A. Jones of Artez Productions.  Doss called it an “honor” to collaborate with her Dome labelmate, producer Angela Johnson (Jobo Music) and scored a guest appearance by the infamous rapper Chubb Rock on the remix of “Let’s Do Something 2nite,” giving the album a well-rounded dose of funky, trip-hop Soul.  This fourth studio recording will be released internationally via Dome Records and Conya Doss Songs, Inc.

While on hiatus, Doss utilized her time, talent and celebrity wisely, touring the globe with international superstar Seven of Lemon Park, as well as raising awareness to vital social campaigns such as Save Darfur.  Additionally, Doss performed for the nationally syndicated talk show and radio host Michael Baisden for his defense fund and was nominated as Best Female Vocalist by Soultracks, the leading online resource dedicated to classic and modern Soul music.   

In customary Doss form, she takes a giant inventive leap forward on each album, always landing on her feet.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, Doss successfully pleases both longtime and new fans, warming them up for an intoxicating slow burn.  “When people hear the record, they’re like ‘that’s not Conya,’ but that’s because they are getting to know me with each project, bit by bit.  That’s also the reason why there is an ellipsis at the end of my title, it indicates there is still more to me, which I will share in due time.”  And we will be patiently waiting… 

Keepers of The Art brings you KEEPERS LOUNGE presenting DWELE - Saturday, October 10th, 2009 - Stage Door/E.J. Thomas - Akron, OH - Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm

Singer/songwriter Dwele (pronounced dweh-lay) has carved out a niche for himself in the contemporary soul game as a smooth jazz-minded crooner of introspective and innovative groove. The Detroit-based artist first made a name for himself with a demo he made in his bedroom which led to one of the hippest hip hop soul collaborations of all-time (Slum Village's "Tainted"), a major label deal. Subsequent work followed with artists that stretch from Roy Ayers (in concert), Boney James (on reco

rd) and Earth Wind & Fire (on the Grammy-nominated remake for “That’s The Way of the World”), to rappers Common’s Grammy nominated "The People," and Kanye West’s Grammy-winning single "Flashing Lights." On his own, he contributed the single gems "Find a Way" and "I Think I Luv U" to the canon of neo soul classics, but is best loved as that rare maker of fine albums.

Dwele is a very spontaneous and organic creator in that he never goes into an album with a preset concept in mind. Rather he weaves a storyline from the songs he selects and sequences for the album, noting the picture they create for him. This makes him as surprised about the finished project as his admirers. 

The album's first single is a mindbender he calls "I’m Cheatin'," produced by West Coast-based G-1 who helmed his breakthrough hit "Find a Way" as well as "Know Your Name" from Some Kinda. "It's based on somewhat of a real story that I put a spin on," Dwele shares. "Unless you really pay attention you might get the wrong idea. From the jump you'd think I was talking to two girls, but it's really two sides of the same person. It sounds like I'm cheatin' on my girl, but actually I'm cheatin' on my girl with my girl… You definitely have to listen to this one a few times before you really get it. It's different...makes your mind work." 

Another surprise arrives with the song "A Few Reasons," a second single contender that Dwele collaborated on with a producer out of Virginia named Nottz. "Nottz’ spot has a real homey vibe to it," Dwele recalls, "no pressure, no glamour but very comfortable. I felt like I was back at my mom's house. My lil' brother Antwon (a hell of a trombone player) is going to Norfolk State University there, so when I wasn't cuttin', I was hanging out with him and his college crew. I think that played a part in the way the song came out - less jazzy and more hip hop. It's a fun club song you can get your snap on with. Knox’s track brought the fun out of me." 

Clever as all of the preceding songs are, one of the deepest pieces on the new album is a cut that Dwele composed and produced alone. Titled "Vain," this jazzy track addresses the psychological toll that being in love with an artist takes on his partner. "This song is like a musical argument," Dwele expains. "My girl has a problem with me being in the industry. She wants me out for two reasons: one, it takes up a lot of my time, and two, she doesn't appreciate the arrogant 'show' I have to put on by being in the industry. In a relationship like this, both people have to be strong and have a lot of confidence in each other to deal. I sing, 'Can you blame me for wanting to hold onto something in vain / Because in holding on to this vainness, I'm trying to hold on to you.'" Clearly inspired by personal experience, Dwele draws the line at it being 100% autobiography. "It's personal, but in my case it didn't escalate to this extreme. If it had, this is the conversation I would have had with her.” 

 WHAT IS "NEO-SOUL"?

"Neo-soul" is a musical genre that fuses contemporary R&B, aspects of hip-hop, and the soulful style of the 1970s. As its name (new-soul) implies, Neo-soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B due to its soulful vibe and message.

The actual term "Neo-soul" is believed to have originated with Kedar Massenburg of Motown Records in the late-1990s. The genre itself however, is considered to have originated in the mid-1990s with the work of Raphael Saadiq's former band, Tony! Toni! Toné! and with "Brown Sugar," 1995 debut album of singer D'Angelo. In 1997, Motown artist Erykah Badu released her debut LP, Baduizm, the success of which paved the way for Massenburg to shift much of Motown's output toward Badu's style.

Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, and many others represent neo-soul music on the national and international stage. However the majority of neo-soul artists have yet to step beyond the regional stage.

KEEPERS LOUNGE "NEO-SOUL SESSIONS"

LIVE programs featuring popular "Neo-Soul" artists from across the country that embodies the soulful and enriching message of "Neo-Soul" music and The KEEPERS LOUNGE.

MISSION:

The KEEPERS LOUNGE mission, with the support of 91.3 – WAPS and Stage Door/E.J. Thomas Perfomring Arts Center at Akron University, is to provide a fresh musical alternative, rich in originality, responsibility, social consciousness, and community awareness to the regional audience.

STRUCTURE:

*Hosts and representatives from the local area

*Stimulation of audience and community feedback

*Highlight upcoming "Neo-Soul" artists through artist spotlights and interviews

*Contribute to the advancement of Neo-soul music amidst the current influence in mainstream R&B music

“THE KEEPERS LOUNGE FEATURE”

The KEEPERS LOUNGE will bring the vibe of Soul Spots, jazz clubs, coffee shops, spoken word outlets, and other venues, greater exposure and potentially generating stronger reach for this extremely popular form of music and entertainment. Specific dates and acts to be listed here upon booking -

KEEPERS LOUNGE - 91.3 FM - WAPS - Stage Door/E.J. Thomas

 A soulful connection, broadcasting a new vibe! A Dedication To Love, Life, And A Mindset Unheard. 

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