{YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTISTS} TRIPLE FEATURE @torikelly @rhyonbrown @HaleySmall

Okay, so I missed yesterday because I was caught up doing other stuff...and I won't be posting tomorrow because I will be too busy with my family. So, with that being said: I have a TRIPLE FEATURE for today's YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTIST. 

Tori Kelly

Rhyon Brown & Haley Smalls

YOU NEED TO KNOW

TRIPLE FEATURE

TORI

RHYON BROWN

HALEY

This post is going to be a bit different. I am going to overwhelm you with three underrated gems of the underground.

If you didn't know, now you do. #ThankMeLater

First up, the multi talented Tori Kelly. She's a singer, songwriter, record producer, voice actress, and adding more to her repertoire as I type.

Her last album was "Unbreakable Smile" that featured songs such as "Where I Belong", "The Art of Letting You Go" & "Talk". She also has two released EPs titled "Handmade Songs" {2012} & "Foreword" {2013}. There are two songs that she has that I am absolutely IN LOVE with: "Unbreakable Smile" off her first studio album & "All In My Head" off her "Handmade Songs" EP . There is a line from her "Unbreakable Smile" song that goes, "Maybe I'll be able to sell out shows without taking off my clothes; God made me sexy, I don't care if only I know"...there are so many female singers/rappers/artists in general that rely on their sex appeal to get them famous...well, I can honestly say that this girl has pure talent. 
Watch the videos below to see for yourself. 
Be sure to leave your thoughts on this artist below in the comment section. 

"Unbreakable Smile"
Unbreakable Smile Album
iTunes
Audio CD: Amazon 
MP3 Album: Amazon

"All In My Head"

Handmade Songs EP

iTunes
MP3 Album: Amazon

You can follow Tori Kelly on FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM
And you can also visit her official website HERE
Enjoy the music? Support the artist.

Next up: Rhyon Brown.
I was searching for songs I haven't heard on YouTube and I just happened to stumble across this talented songtress. She definitely has the makings of a superstar. From the beauty to the pure vocal ability to move you to emotion, she's definitely an underrated shining star.

The song I first heard by this artist was "Gone" from her "Pretty Girl" album. This video has samples from Blackstreet & the dancing...well, let's just say she's a professional. I over-love this song & I am super stoked to showcase it to you. 

I also scrolled through her YouTube channel & discovered she's from Cali. And she has a song conveniently titled "California" that was just superb. It should really be the state's anthem! Ha! I haven't seen or heard much about her so I decided to add her to my triple feature trio today so you all can tell me what you think about her. 

I'm going to leave you with the same videos that made me a permanent fan: 

"Gone" & "California". 

Be sure to let me know what you think about this artist in the comments section.

"Gone"
Pretty Girl Album
iTunes
MP3 Album: Amazon

"California"
Also from the Pretty Girl Album

You can follow Rhyon on FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM.
She doesn't have an official website, yet, but you can subscribe to her YOUTUBE.
Enjoy the music? Support the artist.

LAST but DEFINITELY not LEAST...
Haley Smalls

A Toronto artist, all I can say is...she's the unconventional love child of Mya & Rihanna. Ha!

I was like "She reminds me of Mya when she first came out"...then I heard her sing another song and was like "Oh, dang...now she sounds like Rihanna". 😅

I honestly didn't know what to think. I just know I liked her music. And that's why I'm adding her to today's trio of you need to know artists alongside Rhyon & Tori.

She has two albums: This is Me {2015} and Heart of Gold {2017}. However, the song that drew me in was her single "Broken". That's the song that made her a playlist staple. And I'm still going through all of her music on YouTube in order to see which ones I like the best.

So, who's your favorite? Mya or Rihanna? Well, with this artist you get a 2 in 1, ha!

Now, I'm going to leave you with the two songs that made me want to add her to this talented trio...
Her single, "Broken" & "Catch Me" from her Heart of Gold album.

Broken, single
iTunes
MP3: Amazon

Catch Me (feat. Dice Ailes)
Heart of Gold Album
iTunes
MP3 Album: Amazon

You can follow Haley Smalls on FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM.
She doesn't have an official website just yet but you can subscribe to her YOUTUBE
Enjoy the music? Support the artist.

Alright....I hope you enjoyed today's trio of YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTISTS!!! Please leave some comments below to let me know what you think about each of them. Be sure to pick up their albums/singles and follow them on their social platforms so you can stay updated on future endeavors.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As always, thank you for taking the time to view, read, like, comment, etc...I love all my readers and supporters. You guys are amazing! Be sure to check out my Facebook >> Rachel Marie, the Writer and follow me on Twitter @rachelmzmarie ! 

Thank you once again & remember: another site, but not just another blog. 

The home where we bring you artists with flavor and stories with substance: The Underground Artistry.

I need for you to hit that SHARE button & don't forget to FOLLOW! 
Let me know what you think below!
Thanks for visiting!
Until next time...

xoxo,

Rachel Marie

The Underground Artistry

Find the official fan page for The Underground Artistry on Facebook here.

*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*

{YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTIST} JoJo

Okay, let me take you back for a second...who remembers the movie RV? With Robin Williams? Remember the daughter? That is how long I've known about today's You Need To Know Artist! I actually owned her first self-titled studio album, which features one of my favorite songs to date by this artist: "Leave (Get Out)". [cover: right] Now she's got songs with Remy Ma & the list keeps growing. She is so underrated. I cannot believe how many people I come across that do NOT know who she is and have never heard of her music. I quickly pull out a playlist full of my faves & let them listen. Insta-fans just like that! It literally blows my mind how many people that I hang around on a daily basis that don't know who she is. They're like "JoJo? Who is that?" Ha! Well, keep reading because you're about to find out!


Her latest studio album "Mad Love" [right] features songs: "F.A.B" with Remy Ma, "F*ck Apologies" with Wiz Khalifa, the title track "Mad Love" and many others that I'm sure you'll love.

And how do I love this artist...she really gets her fans! Anyone still own a record player? Well she's got this on VINYL and when you purchase the vinyl you get the digital copy for free. And you can check that out here.

She has progressed so much over the years and I am overwhelmed by the amount of GREAT MUSIC she has. She has the R&B tones to the pop-rock melodies, she has it all. She can sing ballads, she can sing pop, she can sing R&B, she can sing rock...she's so versatile and her range is just unfathomable.

Here's her video for "Say Love"...













This song comes off her album III-Single [above] that features 3 expansion songs:
"Say Love"
"Save My Soul"
"When Love Hurts"

All three songs are ones to own. You can pick those up individually by the iTunes badges below.

"Say Love"

"Save My Soul"

"When Love Hurts"

You can also pick up the entire 3-song expansion here if you'd rather do that. How about another video? Here's her video "F.A.B." featuring Remy Ma. {explicit content}

This song comes off her "Mad Love" album, which you can pick up here. {And that's the link to the DELUXE version...you're welcome!}

Okay, I think I'm done doting. Haha. I can't help it. She's awesome! And I love putting people up on artists they had no clue about.

Be sure you follow & support the artist. She's so underrated. Help get her the recognition she deserves!

You can follow her on all of her social accounts by following the links below:
Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

YouTube

Enjoy the music. Support the artist.

As always, thank you for taking the time to view, read, like, comment, etc...I love all my readers and supporters. You guys are amazing! Be sure to check out my Facebook >> Rachel Marie, the Writer and follow me on Twitter @rachelmzmarie ! Thank you once again & remember: another site, but not just another blog. The home where we bring you artists with flavor and stories with substance: The Underground Artistry.

xoxo,

Rachel Marie

The Underground Artistry

For more on this blog, find it on Facebook here. 

*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS* 

{YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTIST} @MsNikkiFlores

Sunday was the TOP 10 vol 2 of "Rise of the Underground: Artists to Watch"...so I didn't post a "You need to know Artist" on Monday. However, Tuesday is a new day & I am picking a new artist that you may--or may not--have heard of: the ever so gorgeous Ms. Nikki Flores.

I found out about this songtress in 2015. She's been making hits left & right. I found her on YouTube after a break-up. Her songs "Let It Slide" & "Erase You" were on repeat since the day I heard them. Now I'm falling in love with her new vibe.

She's got that R&B feel with strains of pop in the background. Her vocals are versatile with the soprano undertones & falsettos, she's definitely an artist to watch.

Her latest (above) XII XV EP, is available now! {Click the badge to listen &/or purchase}



You can also preview it here.




Here's her "How to Love Her" audio video from her EP.

If you like what you hear, you can find more on her YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe while you're there.

Here's her other platforms:

Nikki Flores on Facebook

Twitter/IG/Snapchat: Just search @MsNikkiFlores

Got Spotify? You can stream her EP by following this link>> XII XV EP

Want more? Come back tomorrow for Wednesday's pick of YOU NEED TO KNOW ARTIST. Like this artist? Follow the links provided to show your support. Comment below to let me know what you think of this artist & if you have any suggestions of who you think should be featured, drop a comment.


Don't forget: be sure to #Share #Subscribe #Follow #plus1 #PinIt #TweetIt #FacebookIt

"Poetically crafted PR + the underground's hottest artists = a blog worth reading" #RachelMarieTheWriter #blog #PR #TheUndergroundArtistry


Enjoy the music. Support the artist.

xoxo,
Rachel Marie
The Underground Artistry
For more on this blogger, you can follow her Facebook & Twitter pages. You can also find this blog on Facebook @TheUndergroundArtistry. 

*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*

Rise of the Underground: Artists to Watch Vol 2

Hey, hey, hey! It's your favorite blogger here & I have been thinking and playing LOTS of songs lately...and guess what? I'm coming back with another TOP 10!!! This time I went with a specific genre: HIP-HOP! Okay?  

In no specific order, take a moment to listen to some of the HOTTEST underground hip-hop artists I've come across over the past few months.

They're lyrical. They're beat slaughterers. They're inspirational. They're real. They're raw. They're HIP-HOP!

This is going to be your new favorite playlist! #ThankMeLater

Okay, so a few of these you've heard of if you're into this genre...others may be liquid heroine that you haven't yet experienced. Well, I'm about to be your drug pusher as I drop these artists & put you up on some of the hottest and most underrated in the loop right now.

Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW, +1, Pin this, Tweet this, FaceBook this when you're done. If you like this post, there's more to come; drop a comment to let me know what you'd like me to cover next. I got you.

Let's get to the music shall we?!

JOYNER LUCAS --Okay, so you've probably--by now--heard his controversial "I'm Not Racist" track & have seen the video. Well, I'm not here to give you that one. But, if you haven't check out his YouTube for that one. TODAY, I'm bringing you his "I'm Sorry" from his 508 project. Be sure to follow him on Facebook here and Twitter here. You can also preview & purchase this single on iTunes below. Drop your comments below to let me know what you think about the song. #pressPlay

JOEY BADA$$ --I literally went through soooooooo many songs trying to find the best one. This artist is so legit & consistent. He progressed from his earlier songs & it's evident in every recent track he's put out. I'm just going to give you the entire album: All Amerikkkan Bada$$ {AABA}. Be sure to follow this artist on Facebook & Twitter & pick up his latest album AABA today! #pressPLAY

BURGA -- I'm very picky when it comes to certain types of music that I will listen to. When I heard this mixtape, I played it all the way through--no skipping--and just vibed. Yet another artist that has the storytelling technique in a lot of his songs. One of my favorites off his mixtape, "R.E.A.L: Realize Everyone Ain't Loyal" titled "Reminiscing". Be sure to follow him on Facebook & Twitter & pick up this single & more by Burga on iTunes. #pressPLAY

JARREN BENTON --Straight out of Decatur, GA, this artist has been in cyphers alongside Cyhi, also on this list. He's definitely underrated and once you listen to him, you'll agree. He has so many different freestyle videos and cyphers, but this is his original "The One" featuring Demrick from his LP "The Mink Coat Killa". Let me know what you think in the comments & don't forget to slide over to his Facebook & Twitter & hit that follow button. You can pick this song up on iTunes now. #pressPLAY

100 PROOF --Another artist my fiance brought to my attention, this artist will be on every playlist you create from this day forward. We came across this artist on Facebook & have been playing his songs ever since. He definitely deserves more credit and acknowledgement. This is his original "Pull Up & Flex" off his "Keep It Hot" album. If you look to your right, you'll find the media player for this album. Be sure to pick up this album on iTunes below. Don't forget to support the artist by following him on Facebook & Twitter.
#pressPLAY

HOPSIN --A Los Angeles artist with undeniable talent; he's also a record producer, director & actor. His latest album, "No Shame", has 17 tracks and one of my favorite is "Witch Doctor". With 52 ratings between 4 & 5 stars, this album is one to own. Be sure to support this artist by following him on Facebook & Twitter. And don't forget to pick up his new album on iTunes (left icon) or you can pick up this single only (right icon). Without further ado: #pressPLAY

BIG K.R.I.T. --Yet another storyteller, this is a southern artist that is severely underrated. And I am pretty sure you have heard of him. If you haven't, I'd say you've lived under a rock for the past few years. With tracks like "Cadillactica" and "Keep the Devil Off", from his earliest to his latest, he stays consistent and ALWAYS brings his A-game. This song comes from his latest album "4eva Is a Mighty Long Time" titled "Get Away". Be sure to go support this artist by following him on Facebook & Twitter. And don't forget to pick up his new album on iTunes (left icon) or you can pick up this single only (right icon). #pressPLAY

CYHI THE PRYNCE --Once again, if you haven't heard of this artist you've been hibernating for the past few years and have been musically deprived. I'm serious. Hailing from Stone Mountain, he is a playlist permanent. You know... those artists that get put on EVERY playlist? He's one of those. I don't think I've heard a song I haven't liked by this guy. The song I chose for this top 10 is titled "Closer" off his new album "No Dope on Sundays". You can pick up his new album on iTunes (left icon) or you can pick up this single only (right icon). And don't forget to follow him on Facebook & Twitter to stay updated. #pressPLAY

FUTURISTIC --This artist has a versatile style. He has his club hits then he has those songs that make you want to vibe out & just chill. He has the ability to flip the script and tell a story that you can relate to. He is definitely an artist to watch. Underrated is an understatement. Here's his video "Get it Together". Be sure to support this artist by following him on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to pick this song up on iTunes: available now! #pressPLAY

NF --Alright, I'm going to be honest with you here: I don't know a lot about this artist. I literally JUST came across him like two days ago...literally. I cannot fathom why I haven't came across him sooner, because I am always searching for underground artists with the lyrical abilities of some of the the greats. What I do know, he's been doing this for a while. Something else I know? He's another playlist permanent. Here's his song "All I Have" from his Mansion album. Be sure you support this artist by following him on Facebook & Twitter. And don't forget to pick up his Mansion album (left icon) or this single only (right icon) on iTunes below. #pressPLAY

And that rounds off this week's Top 10. 

These are my picks of storytellers & lyricists that people need to watch for. In my opinion, that's what hip-hop is missing right now. The storytellers. The lyricists. The true artists that paint vivid pictures with their words. These artists are definitely the Picasso's of our time. I hope you enjoyed the artists I chose. Drop your comments below to let me know what you think about my selections. In addition, be sure to follow the links in the text to visit their social media sites; also don't forget to preview their music through the iTunes icons made available to you.

Do you have a suggestion for the next top 10? Leave me a comment to let me know. Top 10's will be posted EVERY SUNDAY & will be full of new & exciting artists. If you like this post, then be sure to share this with your friends. #SharingIsCaring

Thank you once again & remember: another site, but not just another blog. The home where we bring you artists with flavor and stories with substance: The Underground Artistry.

Enjoy the music. Support the artists.

#ThankMeLater

xoxo,
Rachel Marie
The Underground Artistry
**If you'd like to see more by this writer, visit her Facebook & Twitter. Also, you can visit The Underground Artistry on Facebook.**


*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*

Good Girl

Hey...you...reading this...wanna dive into a nostalgic daydream with me real quick? Xscape playing in the background, sitting on the sofa just vibin' to the sound of the 90s. I hear it in my head...

Don't you ever yearn for that old school music? That music that put you in the mood at the sound of the beat drop? The 'vibe approved', turn ya speakers up, get up & dance, sing-along if you wanted to-type music?

The type of music that made you wanna learn more about the artist(s); made you want to buy tickets to their concerts; made you want to stand in line for new released albums?

Well, if you're in this daydream with me: SNAP OUT OF IT because have I got a treat for YOU!

Introducing GOOD GIRL!! I am absolutely IN LOVE with this group! They have that old school feel with the new school attitude & I am diggin every bit of it!

I've been searching for months now trying to come across an artist...or a group...that will give me that feeling of, "Ooooooweeeeee, I liiiike"...well, here ya go.

If you were ever a fan of Destiny's Child, Xscape, En Vogue, SWV, TLC, then you will fall in love with this dynamic foursome just as I have.

They give you harmony; they give you melody; they give you dance moves for days! Their sound is their own but you definitely have to admire their ability to blend in with whatever decade their hearts pull them to sing towards.

Meet the GIRLS:
(L:R) Arielle, Megan Nicolle, Bobbi, & J.L.

Hailing from Philly, the birthplace of legends and legends to be, you have the chill one, the fierce one, the charmer, and the silly one. Arielle is the laid back, sweetheart, while Megan is the leader of the group: always keeping them on their toes. Bobbi gives 'girl next door' a whole new meaning; all while J.L. keeps the group grounded & laughing. Their personalities shine through their videos & their chemistry is volcanic! I literally cannot think of a better foursome right now.

All between the ages of 21 & 23, these ladies are just getting started. The fierce foursome has been blowing up YouTube --where I discovered them-- ever since they auditioned for America's Got Talent in 2016. They acquired thousands of fans literally overnight! Singing Xscape's hit "Don't Let Go", they had the entire audience cheering, singing along, and rooting for their success on the show. Despite the fact they were kicked off the show in a later episode, it didn't stop their shine. Their signing with Warner Music Group was a big step in the direction for them to dominate your speakers!

Let's support the artists that are actually bringing talent back to the radio, shall we? Go--right now-- and like their FACEBOOK page; follow them on TWITTER and IG. You can pick up their EP "Goodie (The Appetizer)" on iTunes...just click here. And make sure you visit their website for the latest updates on performances, videos, and more.  >>> GOOD GIRL website <<< You really do not want to NOT be in the loop when this volcano erupts!

I'll leave you guys & gals with one more video before I sign off...as always, I love music, I love what I do, I do what I love. Here's their mashup of girl group songs that I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as I do...

Good Girl with "Girl Group Mashup"

#ThankMeLater

For more on the writer, please visit her Facebook page; you can also find The Underground Artistry on Facebook as well. Be sure to follow her on Twitter for updates on more hot artists and new blog posts coming soon!

xoxo,
Rachel Marie
The Underground Artistry
Another site...not just another blog.


DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to any of the material herein; it is solely for promotional purposes to engage an audience. For licensed material and copyright information, please visit the website for the artists given herein. 

Platinum Radio

Your on-the-go radio station for hip-hop, soul, R&B, & rock! You can even listen on your smartphones 24-7 by clicking here. Take #PlatinumRadio on the go & listen to the hottest music not being played on your local radio stations!

Giving reputably good music a platform: Platinum Radio is your station! Do you have something you'd like to listen to? A hot song you heard and you're anxious to hear it again? Call in to Platinum Radio Station @ (616)-841-5253 with your name, location, & request and it'll be played live on the air.

Follow Platinum Radio on #Twitter here & #like, #share, and #follow on #Facebook here.

I'm vibin' while I'm typing this up & let me tell you...I can't stop bobbin' my head & rockin' to the beat! The music just flows...you know you've heard those online radio stations that have songs playing back-to-back that just don't sync up! This is not one of those stations...tune in & find out for yourself.

You won't be disappointed!

Y'all know I wouldn't lie to y'all or link y'all to anything I wouldn't listen to, myself.

Thank me later!
xoxo,
Rachel Marie
The Underground Artistry

You can find The Underground Artistry on Facebook & more on your favorite writer on Facebook & Follow me on Twitter. Just click the platform names. <3 Love y'all! <3

Registering Your Music With BMI or ASCAP

Hello ladies & gents; it's your favorite writer here...hope all is well where ever you all may be.

Today I'm going to give a little insight on how to properly register your music. I'm going to take a break from the interviews just for a second because there are so many artists that do not know how to properly register their music. Well today I'm going to help you out with this issue.

First let me clarify that registering your music with BMI or ASCAP and/or with the copyright office are unrelated, yet both should be done as soon as possible. Today, I'll be talking about solely registering with either of the PROs listed. 

If you are an indie artist, you should register your music yourself; however, if you have a publisher then your publisher is the one that will be registering your music for you.

Let's get started.

BMI

First off, you'll want to be a member of BMI. It's simple to become a member and there's no annual fees or application fees. Just simply go to the BMI website, sign up, and go from there.

Now, registering your music with BMI is painless. BMI does not need a copy of your song; you do not have to pay anything to register; and best of all, you can do it online. The most efficient way to register is through your online account and your song(s) will be available in BMI's repertoire catalog almost immediately; usually the next day. However, for a song that does not auto-register when you fill out the online information, it can take up to 7 business days for the song(s) to reflect in the catalog. 

Click here for a video to show you step by step how to register your song(s) with BMI.

ASCAP

Just like BMI, you have to be a member in order to register your song(s) with ASCAP. If you're not a member, you'll have to go to their website, sign up to become a member, pay their application fee--which is a one time fee of $50--then you'll be able to begin registering your song(s) within the next 5-7 days.

Similar to BMI, you can register completely on line. When you get into your account, you'll have three tabs across the right of your screen: My Membership, My Catalog, My Royalties. You would need to click on 'My Catalog' and then proceed to the tab that reads 'Register A Work'. 

If there are other writers or singers on the song(s) you're registering, each individual's name and title would need to be listed. This will ensure each person receives the portion of royalty owed to them.

If there is a publisher that is registering the music, then the royalty distribution is almost always 50-50, in which will be an option to fill out when you get to that field of the form. However, this is something that will be in the contract had you --the artist-- signed with a third party publisher. 

Click here for a video walk-through of how to register your music with ASCAP

When registering with either of these PROs, you'll be asked if your music contains medleys or samples, if it's a work associated with a public domain, song duration, and more. Some of the information is optional, some is mandatory. 

There is so much yet so little that goes into registering your music with a PRO. If you are creating and releasing music that is not registered, you're practically giving away your music for free. PROs are the front line army between your MUSIC and your MONEY. Get paid! Register your music TODAY!

Visit the links below if you are trying to sign up with either of these PROs and to learn more about them.

BMI

ASCAP

I am hoping you found this post useful. Please leave a comment below if you have anything to add or if you just enjoyed the post or if you'd like for me to cover something else you've been wondering about. I appreciate your loyalty and, as always, show some love by liking and sharing this post and the others on this blog.

Until next time...find & follow The Underground Artistry on Facebook; you can also follow my writer's page @Rachel Marie, the Writer on Facebook. Be sure to follow me on Twitter as well @rachelmzmarie!

x's & o's, 

Rachel Marie, the writer

The Underground Artistry

Another site...not just another blog.

Anna Clendening

Any fans of America's Got Talent? Well, amidst the little girls that have stolen America's hearts on America's Got Talent lately...there's one girl that I came across one night while binging on AGT videos: Anna Clendening. And she's amazing. Dealing with severe anxiety & depression disorders, she still finds a way to make her dream come true and shine through the madness. She's an inspiration. 

And once again, I'm sharing the loot for those that don't know about her...here's her audition video for AGT (2014).

I cried when I witnessed her story. And I enjoyed her bravery and her rawness. 

Others can relate to her story. That is where she gained her fans. Others just like myself fell in love with her ingenuity on the day of her audition and followed her throughout. 

Though she didn't win AGT, she has continued her dream of becoming a successful singer/songwriter. And I'm still in love with her voice. 

What I've come to find so beautiful about her is the fact she strips these infamous songs down to nothing but vocals and an acoustic melody. Below is her cover version of Colbie Caillat's "Try". Her acoustic version is almost better than the original.

You really get to hear her voice. And that's what's missing in a lot of these artists that we see and hear today. 

She's still progressing. She has an album on iTunes and you can find her videos on her YouTube channel if you'd like to binge like I did to get a feel for her as an artist and find out how her struggle with anxiety & depression has motivated her to become a sensation for anyone that knows about her. Click the links herein to learn more about her & to listen to some of the best acoustic versions of popular songs to date. She's definitely destined for greatness. 

Here's one more video of Anna singing her very own, "Worthless"...original video.

You can find these and more on her various social media channels. 

 

 Like & Follow her Facebook:
Anna Clendening on Facebook

Follow her on Twitter:

Anna Clendening on Twitter

You can purchase her music on iTunes:

Anna's Music

I really hope you enjoy her music as much as I do. I'm hoping I get lucky enough one day to actually interview her. She's an inspiration to me, as I've dealt with anxiety in the past. She's definitely on my 'artists to watch' list. 

*Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to any of this music herein. I am an entertainment blogger and utilize artist videos and links merely to support and/or promote.*

As always, I'm excited to bring you fresh faces and hot music. Follow and share! I'll be glad you did. :) And you can find more of my writing on my pages and other platforms; just click one: Rachel Marie, the Writer on Facebook, on Twitter, and my All Poetry page.

x's & o's, 

Rachel Marie, the writer

The Underground Artistry

Another site...not just another blog.  

 

Got #Attitude?

I literally JUST heard this song this morning getting ready to take my fiance to his interview. He played it and said he used to listen to it all the time. Well...I'm sharing the loot. #You #Are #Welcome


Press play...catchy & easy to relate to...here's "First Things First"....Hailing from Alabama, you always gotta have a little #Attitude...

A special #ThankYou to my king for always putting me off on great artists. This is just a preview of the #TOP10 coming up this weekend...STAY TUNED!

As always, thanks for viewing...I hope you enjoyed & I hope you return. Be sure to follow the blog & also you can now follow The Underground Artistry on FACEBOOK!!! Yay!! :) Yes, I finally created another platform.

Until later...x's & o's & I love you guys! Thanks for reading & supporting my journey!

Warmest wishes...
Rachel Marie, the Writer
The Underground Artistry
Find both on Facebook & you can follow ME on Twitter...just click here.
Another site...not just another blog.

Sarai Juelz: Artist Interview

I came across an amazing singer/songwriter in 2015. I was going through a time in my life where I felt I was losing everything. Her lyrics spoke to me. They helped me through that moment in time where I felt like giving up. 

 

Her name is Sarai Juelz. 

The first songs I heard by this artist were "Damage", "Just Because You Fall in Love", and "You Did That". I fell in love. My ears were crying from the truth in the lyrics. My eyes watered as a lump grew in my throat as I cried it out and let it go. I was done with that pain and her music helped me move forward. 

Today, I introduce her as one of the best R&B vocalists and songwriters I know that is from my neck of the woods: Soperton, GA, but resides in Atlanta. 

She will be that voice you won't forget. 

She is that voice you want to put on replay.

I am honored to have been able to connect with and interview her. 

So, who is Sarai Juelz?

By birth, she's Kimberly Michelle Howard. I had the privilege of connecting with her online through Facebook about 2 years ago. However, we never really spoke much though we were in a couple groups together. One day I started this blog...and in the light of needed artists to interview, she was one of my picks. So, here we are.

I asked about the name change, which she was more than open to explaining, for I did previously know how it came about, yet I didn't know the full story. 

She tells me she 'floated around a lot', which gives way for all the names she accumulated over the course of her career as an artist and writer. Names like Kay Michelle, because her grandmother wanted to name her 'Kay', she tells me. She also went by Mandeeza, Yaa-Theory, SWOAN--which stands for 'Someone Without A Name'. She informed me that she was writing in her journal one day and missing her children, who passed away due to pregnancy complications: her daughter, Sarai Imani and son, Zion Juelz. She gets to the end and signs it, Sarai Juelz. "That's the first time I felt connected", she states. Finally settling upon Sarai Juelz in memory of her children, she's now moved from the Red Clay central of Soperton, Georgia to the hometown of some of today and yesterday's hottest artists: Atlanta.

I go on to ask her about the musical greats that may have been inspiration to her. As such a young artist, singing since she was 3 years young, she's had her share of musical greats that have been inspiration for her. From the likes of artists such as Diana Ross & Janet Jackson to Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, and Erykah Badu. She stated, "overall Aaliyah, Chante Moore, and anything that Dino from H-Town sings". She also pulls musical inspiration from her brother, Ness Lee. She states, "The way he has mastered his craft is amazing, and to witness it was even more awesome.  I strive to have his work ethic when it comes to music." 

When she was around 7, she wrote her first song for her mother: "Ride that Train to Heaven". She stated, "I knew she was chasing a rainbow that conflicted with her faith, and I wrote it for her." Which moves us right into the question, what's the top 3 inspirations for your music? She states, "pain, love and life in general". I can't agree on a better trio. 

I asked Sarai, what makes you different from all other artists that we hear or have heard? She goes on to say, "I only write and sing what I know.  I won’t ever do a song for myself just to sell records.  If I record it, it will be something that applies to me or my life in some aspect." She goes on to state that if she does write a song that 'isn't her', she'd 'sell it or let someone else sing it' because she only makes music that 'makes sense' to her life. 

Continuing the interview, I go on to ask her: what would be some advice you'd give to younger generations that may want to get into the music industry?

"Get all the vocal training you can get. I haven’t had any and the voice I had when I was younger is no longer there.  You can absolutely lose it if you don’t train it.  Learn the business side of it. Always create the music you want to represent you, even if you’re the only one who likes it, because you’ll always be able to explain who you are and the purpose of your music.  If it’s not true to you, it won’t be true to who’s listening to it." And she lives by that. One of her mottos’ is "The best person you can ever be is you", and that is nothing but the truth. Going on to say she lives by 2 other mottos’: "I never lose: either I win or I learn" and "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear".

I can honestly say this has been one of the most inspirational interviews I've done to date. Her music moves you. Her lyrics speak to you. What more can you ask for in an artist? She has a long career ahead of her.

If you'd like to contact Sarai Juelz for booking, you can call (404) 942-9270 or you can email saraijuelzmusic@gmail.com. Her website will be available soon, but for now you can preview and purchase her album, Sarai vs Love, on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, and CD Baby. You can also visit her on Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation, and SoundCloud. Just search for her name: Sarai Juelz. Or, you can click on the links herein.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my interview with this amazing artist and songwriter. Be sure to check out her links and share when you get there.

As always, thanks for reading and be sure to follow The Underground Artistry because more updates are coming. You won't want to miss those. Interviews from artist, Thi Hays and small business owner, Lavish Fad coming up over the weekend, so be sure you follow if you want the updates!

As always, it's great to bring you awesome content. Please be sure to share this post and others alike; I'll be glad that you did! :)

Sincerely,
Rachel Marie
The Underground Artistry
Another site...not just another blog.