Inspired by Fela Kuti, “Bad Habits” is a joyous electronic Afrobeat song being released to coincide with Felabration, co-produced by Zach Witness (producer of Erykah Badu’s latest album, But You Can’t Use My Phone). The former drummer for M.I.A. sings over a funky, staccato beat about overcoming one’s negative tendencies: “I’ve been so pressed that I don’t even know/What’s botherin’ me.” At its core it is an inspirational call to action, “Thinking about how I can be so much better/Thinking about all the tears I’ve cried.” The song also features African-influenced guitar, congas, cowbells and keyboards that build to a rapturous crescendo.

If there was ever an electronic/dance experience that represents the embodiment of connecting people through music, it is certainly Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy (ABGT) live series.
As their name suggests, they go astronomically to find a common location to bring people of all backgrounds and professions through the healing bond that is music.

Seldom does a piece of music resemble the emotion it wishes to express. Intuitively this work is the pure essence of conjuring “the feels” From the start, it distresses the neurological senses while distributing goosebumps, setting off a chain reaction…

If you’re new to the Anjuna cookbook please allow me to welcome you to the creative curator that is Andrew Bayer. Bayer’s visually fabrications of electronic/dance music have subtle strings of the classical trained. The same regard held for electronic pioneer BT and executive ‘chefs’ Above & Beyond.

From North Carolina to South America and everywhere in between, Gypsy & Me are the perfect traveling companions and musical missionaries. These civil souls are always “grateful for the opportunity to share [their] story”. They hope that their passion in music and life and resonate with their listeners. I met these two at one of the best Low-County venues….

If there’s one concert you’re able to attend this year, this should be it. With the war in Syria, the pulse that rages in racism, and the miscommunications about immigration, this is a chance to celebrate life. Given that we sit just a short flight away from Central and South America, this country still is far from education in our neighboring cultures. Performances like the up coming Viva La Musicia! is the basis of what this country initially stands for: diversity.

Inspired by the astral “island” some aboriginal societies believe to be our spiritual home after death, ‘Baralku’ synthesizes downtempo hip-hop beats, world music elements, and field recordings, as well as jazz, folk, and classical influences into a transcendent hybrid of lush, nuanced, and ethereal compositions. “No part of his fusion is forced,” the New York Times has proclaimed. “While many attempts to merge classical melodicism with dance music sound awkward and gimmicky…Emancipator has found a balance.” In each live performance, Emancipator harks back to his college jam band days, honoring the need for structure while allowing room for improvisation…

Hosting Tuesday night’s performers was the recently renovated Charleston Gaillard, named after former mayor John Palmer Gaillard Jr. This was the absolute place to experience acoustic and a cappella performances and what better way to word it than the venue itself…

Ahhh fall time in Charleston: bonfires, oyster roasts, and craft beer. We may not have leaves in the low-country but we have an abundance of colorful musicians that bring Autumn to our heat index. Aaron & Christina O’Brien, of Oh Valentino, ooze of originals, cozy classics, and are essential to Charleston’s craft beer scene. Aaron’s lively spirit is matched by Christina’s haunting vocals to create a symphony of their own.