FUNK GUMBO RADIO

LA GAMES CONFERENCE 2013 – DMW Games – Event Review – 4-25-2013

4-25-2013  -  Written By: David L. $Money Train$ Watts, Howard Hobson – FuTurXTV - Funk Gumbo Radio – Auggie Cavanagh - Cameraman & Still Photographer

These are my five most important takeaways or social media headlines from DMW’s LA Games Conference 2013 which was April 18^th to 19^th at Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel.

1.    #Facebook does there “damndest” to stop us [Activision] from freely talking to our 40 Million WOW [World of Warcraft] members for free!”…Jonathan Anastas, VP, Global Marketing, Head of Digital & Social Media Activision.

That above quote from Activision’s Jonathan Anastas at Day 2’s Game Marketing Leadership Roundtable was the most explosive thing I heard for two days at the LA Games Conference…

READ MORE BELOW:

http://tinyurl.com/dxa5jks

Written By: Alexis Simmons

Photos By: Richard Rykard

It’s been some time since I indulged myself in the immense pleasure of experiencing a live performance by Ghettosongbird. As an independent performer who is often struggling financially with an awkward performance schedule that often conflicted with hers, it was a rarity that I would have the opportunity.

But as my artistry and finances have elevated a bit recently, I have begun making the rounds once again, invading clubs with anticipation of experiencing my favorite bands. Since she is always on my radar, and I had no financial limitations or any other shows to attend on this Friday night, I traveled to the Italian market in South Philly to find the perfect seat in Connie’s Ric Rac, where I could fully enjoy the sight and sounds of Ghettosongbird and the Roxsploitation band!

I’ve known Ghettosongbird since 2006. I was initially introduced to her at a Brand New Heavies concert, but it wasn’t until my boyfriend at the time invited me to her self-made music and arts extravaganza, perfectly entitled Wingdom Festival, that I truly witnessed her extraordinary talent. Since then, as a former background singer and friend, I have been witness to the evolution of her talent. Usually, her performance attire is all-black, form-fitting clothing that is exceedingly feminine and sexy. Her lyrics are socially conscious, compassionate and highly in tune to the nuances of love and the music is reminiscent of 70’s era funk, blues and soul with a heavy dose of rock that grinds into ones soul. Combining aspects of dance, theatrics, sound effects and an ability to engage an audience effortlessly, she’s created a stage show that shows her fantasies coming to life.

At Connie’s, she begins the set offstage, as Chris Nelson (keys) and Ronin Ali (drums) start the set with sparse instrumentation, the drums played as a resounding call for the beautiful songbird to settle atop her perch. Her instrument of choice, a black and white, devilishly styled guitar, sits in a corner, silent and still, but waiting for its master to instruct her musical commands.

Ghettosongbird moves seductively onstage, and as the drum calls more urgently, so her movements respond, wildly kicking and swaying her hips in time to the beat, until it is time to give the audience what they want. She finally picks up her guitar, stands in front of the microphone and begins the set with the first song, “Alley of the Earth”, which also happens to be the first single and video recently debuted online. This particular song speaks of fears and doubts that can send us into an abyss of depression and confusion, but finding the strength to let go of that, remember your power, and find your inner light. At the end of that trip, she calms the audience with a powerfully sensual musical sedative called “Stoned On Luv”, inviting the audience to relax and settle into a comfortable space for love.

And the band knows exactly what its doing, because they expertly slide into the next song, picking up the pace a little bit more with the Prince-like vibe of “Lipstick, Heels & A Bottle of Wine”. This is Ghettosongbird’s come-hither anthem, a song that urges the ladies to grab a few suggestive items and play a character for the night. With the raucous guitar riffs, driving piano and thumping drums, I’m proud to say that this is my favorite song out of the set! What I love most about Ghettosongbird and the Roxsploitation band is the ease with which they move from one song to the next, even if the subject matter is vastly different. Such is the case with the next song “War On My Heartstrings”. After putting on the sexy, we put on our armor, and suit up for battle. A personal battle. A fight that determines who we are amidst the devastation, trauma, poverty and desperation that we see claim the lives of those closest to us. Will we all survive?

It is now coming towards the end of the set. But Ghettosongbird refuses to let the audience leave without another call to arms. Using “Muthasucka Bloodsucka” as her weapon of choice, Ghettosongbird is unapologetic, viciously shutting down all those vampires, zombies and blood-sucking creatures who wish to suck the life out of those who are living their destiny. This could be a song used in the Walking Dead soundtrack, but I digress.

Connie’s Ric Rac was in for a real spectacle that night. Ghettonsongbird and the Roxsploitation band, quiet and humbly sitting in the corner of the venue, ascended to the stage and managed to permeate the walls with hard-core rock, soul-stirring organ, and throbbing drums, keeping the audience captivated from beginning to end. It was truly exciting! As a fan and friend, I am humbled by her courage to follow her hearts desire, her ever-evolving creativity and her powerful and peaceful nature. Here’s to more stages anticipating the footsteps of her arrival!

For more information on upcoming shows, appearances and more:

https://www.facebook.com/ghettosong.bird.3?fref=ts

Ghettosongbird and the Roxsploitation Band

Ghettosongbird (lead vocalist/guitarist)

Ronin Ali (drums)

Chris Nelson (keys)

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