Strength to Survive is the new album by the DC-based band SOJA. This album is produced by John Alagia who has worked with the likes of Dave Mathews, John Mayer and O.A.R. to name a few. By the time you are a couple of tracks into the new album you can tell that the 7-piece band has progressed their sound beyond the spectrum of reggae. They definitely are perfecting a blend of reggae sound with meaningful melodic lyrics and a rhythm that puts a smile on your face as you reflect on your own life.

Strength to Survive is balanced so well from the start with the more funky in-your-face track ”Mentality” to their powerful ballad “Don’t Worry.” If you listen to the lyrics in “Don’t Worry” it has such a positive message in such a somber sounding song. Truly a gift to anyone who is a having a bad day. Almost everyone in the world will be able to relate to this song that does not have the authentic reggae sound but has the positive message associated with the genre.

Strength to Survive is an album you will find yourself singing along to in no time, trust me. It will make you reflect a lot on one’s life, as well. The track “Gone Today” makes you think of how precious your life really is, “Let You Go” brings you back to question past relationships, and “Everything Changes” makes you think we are blind to changes that need to be made because of how good we have it. In my mind, this song also represents what the band wants its music to represent; a calling to the world to make a difference, help one another and live in peace.

Strength to Survive kept on surprising when my favorite track “Not Done Yet” hit my ears. The electronic feel following the chorus is what really made me perk up. Again, this song made you reflect on your life. Then it speaks to you in such a way that it puts you in a direction to live out your dreams and bless the world with your presence. This message is a very consistent one throughout the albums entirety.

Strength to Survive is one book you can judge by the cover because it will give you exactly what it says; strength to survive. You get more meaning and direction from this album at a much better price than going to see a therapist. If getting their message out to their fans was their goal with this new album then mission accomplished.

Album Release Date: January 31, 2012

The popular New York indie rock group Cults made their television debut on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” Friday, January 20, 2012. They performed “Abducted” which is off of their self-titled album Cults which was released in June of last year. You can catch the video if you head over to the site for “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” This process is going to test your patience but if you are a Cults fan than it is worthwhile. Once you sit through the advertisement head to the last scene, approximately the 37:30 mark to catch the performance.

I’m still impatiently waiting for XV’s debut album The Kid With the Green Backpack because I know that it’s going to be a game changer; his latest offering Zero Heroes is one of the best mixtapes I’ve heard in the last few years. Vizzy dropped some visuals for the track “Batteries”, and it features Trae the Truth. You know why I love Vizzy’s music so much? In the first few lines he spits you get a Ninja Turtles reference, and later on he spits an Uncle Phil reference; he grew up in the 90s, and he isn’t ashamed of it. All throughout XV’s music, there are references to the 90s littered about, and it takes me back to being a kid.

The Yardfather is back, and he’s using his built up momentum from last year’s spectacular outing The Greatest Story Never Told. Yesterday Sai-Giddy dropped his long awaited street album Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave. I can honestly say that this mixtape is bananas; all of the beats are straight fire, and Saigon spits that hardcore street flow that you’ve become used to hearing. Production comes courtesy of Just Blaze, DJ Corbett, Shuko, Red Spyda and Scram Jones. You can also expect to hear guest appearances from Jump-Off Joe Beezy, Lil’ Fame and Quan.

The Greatest Story Never Told was one of best year’s last albums, and it sounds like Saigon is going to keep bringing top quality material for the Hip-Hop lover’s ears. I personally can’t wait until Sai drops his next studio offering; he could quickly become one of the best emcees of this generation.

Download: Saigon, Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave

This is the definition of a dope video. Last week I posted the teaser, and yesterday the official video came out for “Falling Down” by Evidence. This is one of the dopest videos I’ve set my eyes on in a long time. If you’ve been sleeping on Cats & Dogs, you probably shouldn’t be listening to Hip-Hop, and that’s a fact.

I never thought I would be at the Triple Rock on a Sunday evening listening to metal.  I never thought I would be there with a head-cold, a camera, and a mission…

The mission to see La Crosse natives Orwell rock the crowd (do their thing), and do a recap of the show and their CD afterwards.  The incentive:  the music, the atmosphere, and the unique aspect of the musical acts and their fans.  I also enjoy Orwell’s live performance so much that I had to go and have a second viewing.  They killed it at the Hex a few years back, and I had to catch another listen to their newer stuff.  For $5 bucks and 5 acts you can’t beat that show price.

Upon entering I met up with Logan from Orwell (lead vocals), we chatted for a bit at the merch table, he was pretty psyched about the show and he gave me their latest CD (Avohfasih), which I am pretty impressed with (cover art:  amazing, Music:  also amazing).  I received some really creative t-shirt swag as well, which I have been rocking for the last few days.  Sick designs all around.

The show started up, Orwell was the third act, and the crowd started to the stage.  Orwell has a hypnotic way of luring their fans to the sound, anyone in earshot was moving forward.  They blew the doors off immediately and didn’t let up through their whole set.  The ambience of the performance was entrancing.  I thoroughly enjoy Orwell’s stage presence and attitude.  The crowd was very into the music.  I would say Orwell has a cult following in the cities, there was much respect.  I love the Midwest music scene.  Orwell rocked, as they did at the Hex a few years back, and I was very pleased to see a Metal band from La Crosse (Orwell) touring Minneapolis again.

Orwell’s sound at the venue was crisp, yet the set was a bit short; however, there was no shortage of quality songs and enthusiasm.

I put Orwell’s Avohfasih in my computer and uploaded it immediately, after I persuaded myself to tear through the beautiful packaging.  I then handed it to my roommate and told her it was heavy, and to put it in and give it a listen.  She was also impressed with the packaging, and the writing inside.

Album Liner notes:  This CD is dedicated to anyone who has lost someone important.  The message is solid, I have been listening to this album repeatedly for the past day and a half now.

The diversity of songs and sounds, respectively, tell me that Orwell is progressive enough to not lump distortion and heaviness of a genre into one big blur.  I am not confused by this album, but I can be with other metal acts.  I am able to distinguish from one song to the next, and the musical quality, and experience of the band shows in this album, and at their live performance.  The production is of quality, and the synching of the album is prime.  The song titles express to me that this may be a compilation album, but for better or worse it is spot on a good listen all the way through.

I hope to see Orwell play more shows around the Minneapolis area.  If you are a Metal fan and you want to get down with some head-banging, or you just need to vent some anger, or you want to nerd out with sick riffs and throaty vocals throw this album in.  And try to catch Orwell live.

Boom!

Orwell’s album Avohfasih is intellectually sound and impressive metal-wise.  Catch it and give it a listen.

You can download their album here for free (get it!):  aseatinhell.com

In this dismal season of album releases January has been less than significant. This is usually the case and I know people are probably just dying waiting for something worthwhile and fresh to come out. I did a little digging and found out SOJA are releasing their forthcoming album Strength to Survive a week from today on the last day of January. If you like reggae music with a ska feel you should lend them your ears for just a couple of minutes.

It seems that the Virginia based band is focused on proving that reggae is more than just a joint passing soundtrack to this laid back lifestyle. They are bringing real messages and consider themselves to be more along the likes of folk artists. SOJA is providing the message of building strength amongst the people of the world and it is only fitting that they titled their new album Strength to Survive. After all, the true meaning and purpose of reggae is to bring peace to the world.

That’s right folks; The Paid Dues Festival has released their official lineup for the 2012 concert series. There are definitely some heavy hitters on this bill; those who attend can expect to see Wu-Tang Clan, Dilated Peoples, Kendrick Lamar and The Living Legends, just to name a few. The one thing that I love about festivals like Paid Dues and Rock The Bells is that they do a great job of highlighting acts on both coasts of the country. Even though I’m not huge on acts like Odd Future and Dipset, I would still love to make a trip out to California to see this epic bill of artists because honestly, Hip-Hop festivals are for the children.

These last couple of leaks off of The Coldplay Sessions is really starting to get me amped for February 7th; M.i just dropped “Bubble” a few days ago, and I can honestly say that I’m digging the hell out of it. As I’ve mentioned before, M.i has a super laid back flow, and he makes it very easy to like his music. He brings along Brooklyn native Scienze to do some damage on his beautiful jazz influenced beat. This Austin native is becoming one of my favorite emcees; this dude has skills on the mic and the production boards, and that’s not easy to come by.

Download: M.i, “Bubble” (Feat. ScienZe)

This music festival happens in the backyard of the Midwest. It is located in Chillicothe, Illinois and takes place from May 25th-27th this year. Summer Camp offers you the 3-day camping festival at a very nice price. If you were fortunate enough to grab early bird passes or advanced early bird passes then you already know you got one hell of a deal. Tickets are priced at a nice cool price of $174.20 for the time being. They offer lay a way so you can take your time paying off your ticket to a great time. Join the pre-party on Thursday and it is a $33 add-on but this allows you into the grounds a day earlier to help you find your new front door.

Head over to the website and check out this years line-up.