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Tag: L.A.

  • Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’: A Sonic Diary

    There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the world quiets down. For singer Alex Isley, the stillness of the night became the perfect backdrop for her major label debut album, “When the City Sleeps.” This collection of 15 songs is more than just music; it’s an intimate journey through her deepest thoughts on love, heartbreak, and finding herself.

    A Nocturnal Vibe: Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery

    Isley describes “When the City Sleeps” as a “collective of a lot of my deepest thoughts and feelings about my love life and what the future of my love life looks like.” It’s a deeply personal project, filled with reflection, self-questioning, and affirmations of her own strength and competence. The album truly captures a nocturnal vibe, perfect for late-night listening.

    While rooted in R&B, a genre she knows well as the daughter of Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers, Alex is forging her own path. She’s not leaning on her legendary family name but rather exploring her own identity and experiences, opening herself up to face her truths.

    Inspired by Home and a Jazz Standard

    The album draws inspiration from two key sources. Firstly, her hometown of Los Angeles. Isley follows in the footsteps of artists like Outkast, Lupe Fiasco, Solange, and Kendrick Lamar, who have beautifully rendered their homes in their music. She explores what “home” means, considering the roles of systemic oppression, displacement, and identity in how we love and live.

    Her second muse is the classic jazz standard, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The lyrics, which speak of lying awake thinking about a loved one while the world sleeps, resonated deeply with Isley and sparked the album’s central concept. “I think that birthed the whole idea,” she explained.

    Collaboration and Artistic Growth

    The foundation for “When The City Sleeps” was laid four years ago, a period marked by the pandemic’s profound impact on how we connect and consume art. Isley experimented and collaborated, releasing two EPs prior: “Marigold” with Jack Dine and “I Left My Heart in Ladera” with Terrace Martin.

    This spirit of collaboration continues on her debut album, featuring an impressive lineup including Syd, James Fauntleroy, and Kaytranada. Isley describes the guest spots as an “Avengers-level” link-up, reminiscent of the collaborative energy on The Internet’s “Ego Death” album. She specifically highlighted Fauntleroy as a “bucket list collaborator” and shared how connections with Syd and Kaytranada were made through DMs and shared acquaintances.

    The Color of ‘Dodger Blue’

    A distinct visual theme of “royal blue,” or “Dodger Blue,” permeates the album’s visuals and will be a key element of her upcoming “When The City Sleeps Tour.” Isley hopes that fans attending her shows will leave feeling loved, experiencing a sense of release, and perhaps gaining new insights into their own lives and hearts.

    Ultimately, Alex Isley wants her music to be a source of connection and understanding. “I hope that they feel loved and feel the love from me. And I hope that, I just, I hope that they leave full,” she shared.

    Have you listened to Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’? What are your favorite tracks and what themes resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Jesse Williams on ‘HIM,’ Activism, and Black Identity

    Jesse Williams, known for his impactful roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Broadway, is expanding his creative horizons with his feature film debut in Justin Tipping’s “HIM.” Starring alongside Marlon Wayans and Tyrique Withers, and produced by Jordan Peele, the film delves into complex themes that resonate with Williams’ lifelong commitment to activism and storytelling. He also recently starred in Cardi B and Kehlani’s music video for “Safe,” showcasing his versatility across different entertainment platforms.

    A Role That Challenges Perceptions

    In “HIM,” Williams portrays Daniel De Luca, a half-Italian ex-Marine with a mysterious past who works as a problem-solver at the luxurious Hotel Villa Costiera in Positano, Italy. While navigating the demands of the hotel’s wealthy clientele, De Luca becomes entangled in a dangerous mystery involving Alice, the owner’s daughter. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the role, particularly its potential to challenge narrow views on Black existence and success beyond American borders. “We exist outside of America, and that seems like a simple statement, but we’re always told that we don’t, so that we don’t kind of belong,” Williams shared in an exclusive interview with MadameNoire. He acknowledged the complexities of race relations globally but found value in a project that offered a lighter, more fun, and escapist narrative.

    Williams highlighted the importance of showcasing the diversity within the Black community, noting his interactions with Black Germans, Italians, and Spaniards during filming. “Blackness does not always have to be demonstrated. Doesn’t have to be performed. I don’t care where you’re from; you’re still Black, and nobody can take that from you,” he stated. “There’s more diversity within the Black community than there is outside of it. This is a slice.”

    Balancing Activism with Entertainment

    While many know Williams for his impactful roles, his career has consistently been rooted in community and advocacy. He has been a vocal proponent of social justice, using his platform to address racial inequality and police brutality. His executive production of the 2016 documentary “Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement” and his powerful BET Humanitarian Award acceptance speech are testaments to his commitment.

    Williams sees a seamless connection between his activism and his acting career. “Real life experience and consciousness and activism and connection to what’s happening in the world, and certainly social justice—that’s been the fabric of who I am,” he explained. “Just because there’s a camera now, don’t mean I’m going to change.” He emphasizes that his choices in projects are driven by a desire to push narratives forward and showcase the diverse spectrum of Black existence, whether through overtly political statements or simply by occupying space and representing identity.

    Advice for the Next Generation

    Williams encourages young people to prioritize reading and education, recommending “The African Origin of Civilization” by Cheikh Anta Diop. He also stresses that the responsibility for social change lies with everyone, not just those in the spotlight. “I don’t think that just because you can dunk or act or sing, you have more responsibility to care about your people, than if you’re a plumber or a teacher or a window washer,” he stated. “We’re all members of this community. We should all live, and love, and especially us, we got to look out for each other.”

    What are your thoughts on Jesse Williams’ new series ‘HIM’ and his perspective on Black identity? Share your views in the comments below!