ALBUM REVIEW: Girl Next Door-Alexis Hightower

Last week, I put up my feature with singer Alexis Hightower. Today, I have a review for her debut full length album Girl Next Door, which mixes classic jazz, soul, and a touch of hip hop. Her sound is grounded in jazz and R&B, which is evident on this album. What’s great about this album is that Alexis is very transparent in her lyrics, and the music is soulful and calming. I’ve never honestly been a huge jazz fan, but the different artists that I have heard in the genre always give a fun, yet relaxing vibe in their music. I definitely looked forward to checking out Alexis’ project. 

Check out my review below!

Alexis’ album is comprised of mostly slow or mid-tempo tracks, and several of them are love-centric. Alexis has no problem expressing her feelings in songs like    “We Can Do This,” and “Love Thing,” both mellow and calming. She sings to her love about their relationship, expressing that they can have a clear future if they believe in each other and try to make things work.

The inspirational track “Steady You Go” is a standout song on the album, pushing listeners to keep going in life in spite of rocky roads and long journeys ahead to reach desired paths.
“Clap Your Hands” is another moving track that celebrates the good in life, versus always focusing on the negative. Alexis sings, “You may stress and strife…but if you love life, you better clap your hands.” It just reminded me personally that, yes, life can get rough, but at the end of the day, I’m still living and I should make the most of each day.

Other tracks include “Sweet Silent Hunger,” “Maybe Baby,” and “Whoever You Are,” as well as an interlude of spoken word from artist mTkalla Keaton. The chilling ballad “Just A Song,” also a single, ends the album on a strong note.

Girl Next Door is a relaxing, positive album to listen to. Alexis’ voice definitely has pure soul, and her lyrics are real and honest.  My only wish is that there were a few more songs with a change of pace aside from the slow tempo that mostly takes over the album. “MI Crooked Letter” breaks away from the pack, but it would’ve been nice to hear a few other more upbeat tracks. Overall, however, the album is a nice listen. Alexis does have a beautiful voice, and a great message for listeners.

RATING: ★★★★☆ (four out of five stars)

The album is available on iTunes NOW, so be sure to buy a copy! You can hear more from Alexis on her official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! 

ALBUM REVIEW: Girl Next Door-Alexis Hightower

Last week, I put up my feature with singer Alexis Hightower. Today, I have a review for her debut full length album Girl Next Door, which mixes classic jazz, soul, and a touch of hip hop. Her sound is grounded in jazz and R&B, which is evident on this album. What’s great about this album is that Alexis is very transparent in her lyrics, and the music is soulful and calming. I’ve never honestly been a huge jazz fan, but the different artists that I have heard in the genre always give a fun, yet relaxing vibe in their music. I definitely looked forward to checking out Alexis’ project. 

Check out my review below!

Alexis’ album is comprised of mostly slow or mid-tempo tracks, and several of them are love-centric. Alexis has no problem expressing her feelings in songs like    “We Can Do This,” and “Love Thing,” both mellow and calming. She sings to her love about their relationship, expressing that they can have a clear future if they believe in each other and try to make things work.

The inspirational track “Steady You Go” is a standout song on the album, pushing listeners to keep going in life in spite of rocky roads and long journeys ahead to reach desired paths.
“Clap Your Hands” is another moving track that celebrates the good in life, versus always focusing on the negative. Alexis sings, “You may stress and strife…but if you love life, you better clap your hands.” It just reminded me personally that, yes, life can get rough, but at the end of the day, I’m still living and I should make the most of each day.

Other tracks include “Sweet Silent Hunger,” “Maybe Baby,” and “Whoever You Are,” as well as an interlude of spoken word from artist mTkalla Keaton. The chilling ballad “Just A Song,” also a single, ends the album on a strong note.

Girl Next Door is a relaxing, positive album to listen to. Alexis’ voice definitely has pure soul, and her lyrics are real and honest.  My only wish is that there were a few more songs with a change of pace aside from the slow tempo that mostly takes over the album. “MI Crooked Letter” breaks away from the pack, but it would’ve been nice to hear a few other more upbeat tracks. Overall, however, the album is a nice listen. Alexis does have a beautiful voice, and a great message for listeners.

RATING: ★★★★☆ (four out of five stars)

The album is available on iTunes NOW, so be sure to buy a copy! You can hear more from Alexis on her official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! 

In The Spotlight: Cooper Phillip

Happy Friday everybody! I have a spotlight to start the weekend. As always, if you or someone you know is a talented artist, designer, producer, etc. looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com (please see my Contact/Disclaimer page for requirements)!

Today, we have Russian-born/LA-based soul singer Cooper Phillip! I featured Cooper’s great song “Silence” on the blog last week, and had to have an interview with her to find out more about this great talent! Cooper was born into a family of musicians, so she has literally been around music all of her life. “I grew up going to the theater where my mother performed on the violin with the orchestra,” Cooper reminisced. “She put me on stage when I was two as part of Tchaikovsky‘s opera.” Even at that young an age, Cooper’s excitement and interest in being a performer began. She started out as a classical pianist, but didn’t believe it to be her purpose, and ultimately moved on to singing. “I realized this was my passion and where I wanted to grow,” the singer said. She won her first international singing competition at 11 years old, and immediately realized that singing was her destiny. “I felt such energy and recognition from the crowd [and] I knew this was the right path for me,” Cooper said.  

 Originally from Russia, Cooper eventually moved to New York (and finally to LA) to start her career, which she acknowledge was a huge and difficult transition. “The move to New York was very hard because it was such a change in environment from Russia, and I didn’t physically have anyone there to support me,” Cooper admitted. “On the flip side, this was a brand new start and the right path for me to peruse my dream.” The singer also admitted that she never wrote a song until she made that decision to move. “It wasn’t until coming to the states, where I had to start my life from scratch and survive, that I felt inspiration,” Cooper said. She stated that her not wanting to let down her friends and family is what kept her going after her dream. “These are people that believed in me and supported me emotionally and thus there was no chance I was going to let them down,” she said. “Continuing on this journey led me to LA, where I live and perform now. The transition to LA was less of a challenge and I am so unbelievably happy here.”

The singer, inspired by artists like Bruno Mars, Adele, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Stevie Wonder, has been doing quite well. She has released her Walk A MileEP, in which the title track details her struggles in New York, as well as others. “It made me feel much stronger when I started sharing this story through my music,” Cooper said. “I hope the listeners of will be inspired to continue to peruse their dreams and overcome and obstacle in their path.”  

Cooper also noted that her song “Silence” stemmed from her own “personal heartache and failed love story,” she disclosed. “I was filled with emotions that needed to escape.” You can watch the awesome video again here, and purchase “Silence” on iTunesnow! Cooper also just recorded an original Christmas song for Swedish artist Andreas Aleman, which will be released December 13^th in Europe.

In terms of what sets her apart, the singer stated, “I don’t know of any other Russian artists with my background making this type of music,” she stated. “I think my story will inspire and stay front of mind in my fans.  I really want to make each person to feel connected and special when they listen to my voice and music. In the future, she would love to play Madison Square Garden, which she knew she wanted the first time she watched a recorded performance of Mariah Carey performing there. “This is still my goal, but I also want to travel the world touring and sharing my inspiration with all cultures,” she said.

You can check out more from Cooper on her official website, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

In The Spotlight: Cooper Phillip

Happy Friday everybody! I have a spotlight to start the weekend. As always, if you or someone you know is a talented artist, designer, producer, etc. looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com (please see my Contact/Disclaimer page for requirements)!

Today, we have Russian-born/LA-based soul singer Cooper Phillip! I featured Cooper’s great song “Silence” on the blog last week, and had to have an interview with her to find out more about this great talent! Cooper was born into a family of musicians, so she has literally been around music all of her life. “I grew up going to the theater where my mother performed on the violin with the orchestra,” Cooper reminisced. “She put me on stage when I was two as part of Tchaikovsky‘s opera.” Even at that young an age, Cooper’s excitement and interest in being a performer began. She started out as a classical pianist, but didn’t believe it to be her purpose, and ultimately moved on to singing. “I realized this was my passion and where I wanted to grow,” the singer said. She won her first international singing competition at 11 years old, and immediately realized that singing was her destiny. “I felt such energy and recognition from the crowd [and] I knew this was the right path for me,” Cooper said.  

 Originally from Russia, Cooper eventually moved to New York (and finally to LA) to start her career, which she acknowledge was a huge and difficult transition. “The move to New York was very hard because it was such a change in environment from Russia, and I didn’t physically have anyone there to support me,” Cooper admitted. “On the flip side, this was a brand new start and the right path for me to peruse my dream.” The singer also admitted that she never wrote a song until she made that decision to move. “It wasn’t until coming to the states, where I had to start my life from scratch and survive, that I felt inspiration,” Cooper said. She stated that her not wanting to let down her friends and family is what kept her going after her dream. “These are people that believed in me and supported me emotionally and thus there was no chance I was going to let them down,” she said. “Continuing on this journey led me to LA, where I live and perform now. The transition to LA was less of a challenge and I am so unbelievably happy here.”

The singer, inspired by artists like Bruno Mars, Adele, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Stevie Wonder, has been doing quite well. She has released her Walk A MileEP, in which the title track details her struggles in New York, as well as others. “It made me feel much stronger when I started sharing this story through my music,” Cooper said. “I hope the listeners of will be inspired to continue to peruse their dreams and overcome and obstacle in their path.”  

Cooper also noted that her song “Silence” stemmed from her own “personal heartache and failed love story,” she disclosed. “I was filled with emotions that needed to escape.” You can watch the awesome video again here, and purchase “Silence” on iTunesnow! Cooper also just recorded an original Christmas song for Swedish artist Andreas Aleman, which will be released December 13^th in Europe.

In terms of what sets her apart, the singer stated, “I don’t know of any other Russian artists with my background making this type of music,” she stated. “I think my story will inspire and stay front of mind in my fans.  I really want to make each person to feel connected and special when they listen to my voice and music. In the future, she would love to play Madison Square Garden, which she knew she wanted the first time she watched a recorded performance of Mariah Carey performing there. “This is still my goal, but I also want to travel the world touring and sharing my inspiration with all cultures,” she said.

You can check out more from Cooper on her official website, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

MUSIC VIDEO: "The Followers"-Wale

Wale has just released his video for “The Followers.” Directed by Jon J and Shaun Ross, the video features Wale rapping on where his head’s been since the release of The Gifted back in 2013. He’s taken a lot of mental breaks recently, and even had an undisclosed surgery some weeks ago, so it’s clear he’s been reflecting not only on his career but his life in general. With The Album About Nothing coming sooner than later, I’m definitely interested to see what he’s going to give the fans next! I need that video for “The Body” too, Wale!

 Check out the video for “The Followers” below!


I’m also excited to go see him yet again in 2015 when the Simply Nothing tour hits the Fillmore in Silver Spring (Get your tickets here)! I plan to be front row center! 

Image via Complex

MUSIC VIDEO: "The Followers"-Wale

Wale has just released his video for “The Followers.” Directed by Jon J and Shaun Ross, the video features Wale rapping on where his head’s been since the release of The Gifted back in 2013. He’s taken a lot of mental breaks recently, and even had an undisclosed surgery some weeks ago, so it’s clear he’s been reflecting not only on his career but his life in general. With The Album About Nothing coming sooner than later, I’m definitely interested to see what he’s going to give the fans next! I need that video for “The Body” too, Wale!

 Check out the video for “The Followers” below!


I’m also excited to go see him yet again in 2015 when the Simply Nothing tour hits the Fillmore in Silver Spring (Get your tickets here)! I plan to be front row center! 

Image via Complex

In The Spotlight: Manfred Kidd

I really am grateful for the opportunities to interview the up and coming! I got an email from a reader last week saying how he appreciates my features, and how he’s found some great artists because of the spotlights I do, which made my day. Doing what I love and having people connect with that is the greatest feeling!

Just to let y’all know, I have some great events and interviews to finish out 2014, so definitely be on the lookout! Celebrity news has been pushed to the backburner a lot, I know, which I’m trying to get back on track with. Pray that I find a balance come 2015!

Ok, enough personal stuff. I have another spotlight for you all today. Check out Swedish alternative pop-rock duo Manfred Kidd! The duo, composed of members Victor Crusner and Fredrik Folkestad, first met in elementary school but then went their separate ways for a while. They randomly bumped into each other on a tram in Göteborg, and discovered that they both had turned to music, which inspired them to work together. “The music we made became something neither of us could do on our own,” they said in a statement. “Finding that out was probably the moment we knew we wanted to do this.”

Being from Göteborg ,Sweden, Manfred Kidd is inspired by the seasonal changes of the country from grey to color, which they say is a true reflection of their own music. “As we see it, our sound is color while our lyrics are more of that grayer shade,” the group acknowledged. The duo also honored the Beatles’ George Harrison as an influence on their music.

The duo released their EP, Where Were You When You Were Us (WWYWYWU) on May 20, 2014 (you can get your copy here!). The debut single from the EP, “Lights” was actually a homage to Göteborg, and Victor and Fredrik produced the track together. “We have different roles within our collaboration, but keep it between us throughout the making,” the group said. Check out Manfred Kidd performing the track below!

How they function as a duo and “the electricity of our live set” is what Manfred Kidd feels sets them apart from other groups. In the future, they want to be actively touring and to keep putting out great music.

You can hear more on Manfred Kidd on SoundCloud and YouTube, as well connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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In The Spotlight: Manfred Kidd

I really am grateful for the opportunities to interview the up and coming! I got an email from a reader last week saying how he appreciates my features, and how he’s found some great artists because of the spotlights I do, which made my day. Doing what I love and having people connect with that is the greatest feeling!

Just to let y’all know, I have some great events and interviews to finish out 2014, so definitely be on the lookout! Celebrity news has been pushed to the backburner a lot, I know, which I’m trying to get back on track with. Pray that I find a balance come 2015!

Ok, enough personal stuff. I have another spotlight for you all today. Check out Swedish alternative pop-rock duo Manfred Kidd! The duo, composed of members Victor Crusner and Fredrik Folkestad, first met in elementary school but then went their separate ways for a while. They randomly bumped into each other on a tram in Göteborg, and discovered that they both had turned to music, which inspired them to work together. “The music we made became something neither of us could do on our own,” they said in a statement. “Finding that out was probably the moment we knew we wanted to do this.”

Being from Göteborg ,Sweden, Manfred Kidd is inspired by the seasonal changes of the country from grey to color, which they say is a true reflection of their own music. “As we see it, our sound is color while our lyrics are more of that grayer shade,” the group acknowledged. The duo also honored the Beatles’ George Harrison as an influence on their music.

The duo released their EP, Where Were You When You Were Us (WWYWYWU) on May 20, 2014 (you can get your copy here!). The debut single from the EP, “Lights” was actually a homage to Göteborg, and Victor and Fredrik produced the track together. “We have different roles within our collaboration, but keep it between us throughout the making,” the group said. Check out Manfred Kidd performing the track below!

How they function as a duo and “the electricity of our live set” is what Manfred Kidd feels sets them apart from other groups. In the future, they want to be actively touring and to keep putting out great music.

You can hear more on Manfred Kidd on SoundCloud and YouTube, as well connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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NEW MUSIC: "Bring It Back"-Floria

New music! Check out track “Bring It Back” released today from R&B producer/singer Floria! Based in Brisbane, Australia, Floria wrote and recorded the track in his home studio. Inspired by
Ariana Grande, Shlohmo, and The Weeknd, ‘Bring it Back’ “displays an infectious barrage of modern R&B grooves, powerful synth and Floria’s tender vocal croons.” It tells the age-old story of losing love and wanting it back.  I heard the song some days ago, and it drew me in right away! I LOVE the beat and Floria’s vocals on the song! Check out “Bring It Back” below!

You can connect with Floria on Facebook and Twitter, and hear more of his music on SoundCloud!

NEW MUSIC: "Bring It Back"-Floria

New music! Check out track “Bring It Back” released today from R&B producer/singer Floria! Based in Brisbane, Australia, Floria wrote and recorded the track in his home studio. Inspired by
Ariana Grande, Shlohmo, and The Weeknd, ‘Bring it Back’ “displays an infectious barrage of modern R&B grooves, powerful synth and Floria’s tender vocal croons.” It tells the age-old story of losing love and wanting it back.  I heard the song some days ago, and it drew me in right away! I LOVE the beat and Floria’s vocals on the song! Check out “Bring It Back” below!

You can connect with Floria on Facebook and Twitter, and hear more of his music on SoundCloud!