Second Subject Recordings

So, I am hoping that one of our ‘creative writers’ will step up and write up a nice review of the Comp Cd release party and our first Recess session (which will be happening one Wednesday a month), but until then, here are a few images I managed to capture throughout the night that will give a visual recap of what went down and what you missed if you weren’t there. If you were there, thank you, and I know I’ll see you at the next one because there is nothing else like this going on in Orlando!

AmIAm was the first to get on stage and came with straight rhymes, fast and precise, he started the night off right. He ended his set with his track from the comp cd, Who I Am, which got the crowd awake and ready to roll for the rest of the night.

Next up was Kaleigh Baker. For her first few songs, she was accompanied by HOMME (the newly formed female vocal group featuring Alexandrah, Olivia Wynn, Kaleigh Baker and Heather Freedman). After the soothing start, she got a little louder with help from Orlando locals Shak Nasti.

Beef Wellington and Divinci have been playing these improvised sets all over Orlando for the past few months (Full Sail, Social, Wills Pub, Apple Stores, etc..). They jump on stage and just start going, doing what they do best, creating funky beats and unique sounds that blend seamlessly together. Swam jumped up and grabbed the mic and gave everyone a free clinic session on the art of speedy, yet pronunciated delivery.

Next up was S.K.I.P., who was accompanied by his live band including members of the Oaks. S.K.I.P. played some stuff off his Peanut Butter & Raman Mixtape Collection, as well as stuff from his upcoming album, and his entry from the Comp cd, Red vs. Blue, which was definitely a crowd pleaser. (Word around El Coqui is that there is a video in the works for this song, so keep your eyes peeled)

And for the final set, and possibly my favorite set all night was Adeem. Adeem is a member of Glu and currently lives in New Hampshire. I met Adeem for the first time earlier that day, and had never heard any of his music. I was not expecting what he brought out that night. He came with energy and force and pretty much set himself up as the definitive argument against anyone who thinks white boys can’t rap. To end his set he jumped down into the crowd and got everyone to join him in the pit, including the folks that stand in the back of the show with their arms crossed not moving…. EVERYONE was moving and I don’t think there could have been a better way to end the night, as the whole idea that leads us as Second Subject is to get all types of people together and passionate about the common goals of art, music, formation of community and self-improvement.

Stay tuned to the blog to find out about upcoming shows and we hope to see you there!

Title: Recess! Album Release Party
Location: the Social
Description: Second Subject Release/Listening party for the newest compilation album.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-05-27

Second Subject has been announced by Bao Le-Huu in his section of the Orlando Weekly, “This Little Underground.” Le-Huu also reviewed S.K.I.P.’s performance from April 7th, at the Social.

Excerpt:

The newest sprout in the field of local labels is Second Subject Recordings (secondsubject.com). The fact that it’s founder is Swamburger – the MC of Solillaquists of Sound and a significant scene-builder in his own right – makes it a particularly auspicious entry. Beyond just hip-hop or even music, the roster includes photographers, writers and fine artists alongside musical acts like DJ SPS, S.K.I.P., Kaleigh Baker and Adeem (of Glue). Welcome to the mix. We’re listening.

Speaking of Swamburger, his big birthday bash (April 7th, the Social) was a very local affair abuzz with music, art and culture. The bill featured a re-emerging of sorts for local backpacker S.K.I.P., who performed this time with an ace rhythm section anchored solidly by the Oaks‘ Matthew Antolick. It wasn’t the first time the rapper’s played with a live band – he’s had full-band aspirations for his musical vision for a long time now – but the set showed that he has outgrown the basic plug-in-and-rap-over MC show, possible for good, in itself a very positive development. This performance saw him manning more instruments in pursuit of greater texture. Moreover, some different flavors, like dub and reggae, have entered his vocabulary, giving needed depth and maturity to his game. All these signs make his nearly complete new album (Until the Very End) that much more of an intriguing release.