I’m always a sucker for good music! As of yesterday, I think that I may have found my new favorite song for the next few months. The track is entitled, “Superman” and it’s from an artist by the name of Louis Mattrs who’s from Brighton, UK. His Slow Waves EP dropped a little under 2 months ago on November 27, 2015 and Superman is definitely my favorite cut!
Hope you enjoy the ear candy!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Brand Strategist, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies and organizations such as Cornerstone Agency, City Year Miami, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe and invest in the collective future of society through the arts, education, entertainment, and leadership.
Our dude, love at first sound blesses us with “Good Company” as one of his 3 recent releases on his soundcloud page as of yesterday. Another one we were just rocking out to is “Close To The Ledge” which he released 2 months ago.
If you haven’t already, pleaaaasssseeee get familiar with this dude! He’s destined for greatness and is looking to have a major impact on not only music but more importantly culture and the world at large…stay tuned, it’s only a matter of time before he’s #UpNext!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Brand Strategist, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe and invest in the collective future of society through the arts, education, entertainment, and leadership.
Here’s a jazzy and soulful rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” brought to you by the amazingly talented Brika who released her cover earlier today. Brika is an emerging artist from Miami, FL who we’re really excited about here at A Lovers Ambition. She’s been on our radar since her debut release last year entitled, “Voice Memos.” It was definitely a solid project. If you’re not familiar, we highly recommend that you give it a listen…enjoy!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Brand Strategist, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe and invest in the collective future of society through the arts, education, entertainment, and leadership.
Our homegirl Daryn Alexus is back! This time she indulges us with her latest offering, “Wake Up” which she released after hitting her milestone of 1K followers on soundcloud. As she continues to create her own lane, “Wake Up” showcases Daryn’s ability to lyrically empower and encourage people of all ages. She reminds us how amazing and beautiful life can be when we pursue our dreams and wake up to being our true selves. Although many people may not be familiar with the name Daryn Alexus as of yet, we’re sure much greatness is to come for her in the near future!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Brand Strategist, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
A week or so ago I was putting together a playlist for my homegirl’s 80s -vs- 90s party taking place this Saturday. I happened to come across Zhané(s) classic, “Sending My Love” and I definitely had to add it to my playlist. I knew that I heard a rendition of this song somewhere else before. I just couldn’t put a finger on it.
For the last week, I had this tune playing in my head. I was trying to figure out, “Where else have I heard this song before?” I knew that I heard it on soundcloud a few years ago. I also knew that it was re-worked by a young female vocalist. As I sat down at my computer a few minutes ago, I starting to recall a list of names from my memory. I started by looking at my spreadsheet of emerging female vocalists that I’ve compiled over the last 3 years. Nothing. As I started to tune into my intuition, I began to search for names within the parameters of what I felt was close to my target: Chanel, Shanel, Shantel. I finally went to YouTube and typed in the song title, “Sending My Love” and added a “Ch”. Wha-laa…there it was…Chantel, “Sending My Love.” It’s been 3 years since I saw the video and it’s still pretty dope and very well shot!
After some additional research (perusing through the comments), I see that her full name is Chantel McCrary. Considering that I haven’t heard any new music from her in a while, I wonder what she’s currently up to? She’s definitely talented and I would love to know what she’s working on. I guess we’ll find out soon!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
Yes! I’m super excited to see that Izzy is finally starting to receive the recognition that she deserves. Today, her video for “Give Me Love” was premiered by The Fader. If you happen to be across the pond in London, head over to London Fields Brewhouse on Thursday, September 24, 2015 for her debut headline appearance. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
Here at A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, we’re all about supporting emerging artists while providing them with a platform for their music to be discovered. VEVO DSCVR is a music incubator just for this. This time around, VEVO DSCVR brings to us EP Entertainment/Def Jam’s own 19 year-old songstress, Alessia Cara. “All you really need is a love for what you do, and the ambition to do it” says Alessia in the short description of her Facebook Fan Page. Alessia is once again another artist who embodies the philosophy of what it takes to have “A Lovers Ambition.”
Sit back, relax, and watch Alessia perform her debut single, “Here” off of her forthcoming EP, “Four Pink Walls” which is due out later this month on August 28th.
– Enjoy!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
I initially came across Alessia Cara about a month ago when I heard her debut single, “Here” on Beats 1 Radio. As soon as I heard the record, I instantly tagged it to add to my personal playlist. Other than the Isaac Hayes “Ikes Rap II” sample which was also used by Portishead and stems from the Wallace Collection’s “Daydream”, there was something about this record that reminded me of something that I heard in the past. At the moment, I just couldn’t put a finger on it. Now I know. “Here” reminds me of a record that was released about 6 years ago by an artist named Portia Monique entitled “Get To Know You.” It has a similar soulful feel and vibe to it which I love!
When I found out that Alessia Cara was signed to Def Jam, I reached out to a friend of mine who told me that they were very excited to have her as an addition to their roster. I myself am eager to hear more. On August 28, Alessia will be releasing her debut EP, “Four Pink Walls.”
Stay tuned for more!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and their consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
Just a little while ago, I was listening to Julie Adenuga on Beats 1. I was really diggin’ her set as she played a few records that I have in my own rotation such as “Girl” by The Internet and “Unstoppable” by Lianne La Havas. A few spins later, I happened to hear a tune by the name of “New Americana.” When I first heard it, I thought to myself: “This sounds like it would be a perfect record for an American Apparel campaign.” It’s edgy, honest, and full of adolescent rage. On my first listen, I knew that it was just a bad a** record!
Without checking for any credentials, I initially thought that it was a new release from Lorde. I was soon proven wrong. After checking my phone, I found out that “New Americana” is actually from an artist by the name of Halsey who hails from my current state of residence…New Jersey. Although she’s from NJ, she actually identifies closely with New York…Brooklyn to be exact. At only 20 years of age, Halsey is already signed to Astralwerks and her debut album, “Badlands” is due out next month.
For more on the talented and burgeoning singer/songwriter, check out Fuse TV’s in depth interview HERE! American Apparel, I’m telling you now…if you’re looking to align and collaborate with any emerging artists for any future campaigns, I would definitely put my money on Halsey. She seems like a great fit for your brands sonic identity. If done right, this can definitely be a win-win!
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
In 2008, I was an intern for a wonderful woman by the name of Elise Wright. She was the SVP of Urban Music at Universal Republic. At the time, Doug Morris was the CEO at Universal Music Group. It just so happened that his office was in the same building that I interned in on 1755 Broadway in midtown Manhattan. One afternoon, Monte Lipman’s assistant asked me if I could bring lunch downstairs to Doug Morris’ office. As soon as I was gifted with the task of doing so, I knew that I had to handle this particular package with care. As ambitious as I am, I was delighted to make the delivery. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Doug in person. Had we met, it may have led to a very interesting chain of events.
Flash forward 7 years. Doug Morris is now the CEO of Sony Music Entertainment. Doug was recently invited to speak at Midem in Cannes, France. In his keynote speech entitled “Visionary Talk,” Doug shares a plethora of insight that he has gained throughout his 50+ years of experience in the music industry. Throughout the interview, he praises his fellow industry icons and pioneers. These names include, Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, Berry Gordy, Jimmy Iovine, Suge Knight, L.A. Reid, and Steve Jobs.
Doug on The Impact of Urban Music
A few interesting stories that Doug shares includes his first encounter with rap music. The first group that he signed was 2 Live Crew. Shortly after, Jimmy Iovine was responsible for introducing Doug to Suge Knight. This meeting would eventually lead to Interscope signing Death Row Records which Doug mentions as an “Incredible moment.” Doug also goes on to mention that his strategy at Universal was to fill it with urban music. “I don’t think a record company can really be successful without urban music” says Doug. “We had Death Row, Def Jam, and Cash Money. Just with those three companies, we probably had 40-45% of all the urban music in America.”
Doug on The Importance of A&R + Content
When asked about the importance of content and distribution, Doug mentions, “If you don’t have a hit you have nothing. We’re all slaves to the brilliant people who are in touch with the culture and can spot an artist. The people who can spot a record that’s going to be important, that’s where we invest our money, in these people.” Although the people and titles may vary, the process of identifying and developing talent at an early stage is what we call A&R. To this day, I consider A&R to be at the pinnacle of necessity in regards to the future expansion and growth of our entertainment and music industries.
Words of Wisdom From Doug Morris
On Leadership – Doug has a philosophy that it’s important to be nice and treat people with respect. It’s important to make the people that work for you feel great. It’s important to make them know that you appreciate what they do. When Doug was coming up, people would degrade others and make them feel bad. Doug runs his companies based on mutual respect and loyalty. This is the culture that he believes in.
On Identifying Your Talent – Find what you’re good at. Some people are good as recording engineers. Some people are good at publishing. Some people are able to identify great artists. You have to look at what you think your strength is. Don’t listen to the naysayers. It’s your life, live it. Don’t be afraid of anything. When you’re doing something that you love, it’s fun. When something is fun, you actually get good at it. Do what’s fun. Do what you love going to work for.
_________________________
(Uh • Kway • Us) Aquaus Kelley is a forward-thinking Creative Consultant, Educator, and Music Publisher. As the Founder of A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group, he specializes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for brand development, exposure, and growth. Aquaus has worked with companies such as Cornerstone Agency, Universal Music Group, and W Hotels. He is extremely passionate about helping companies adapt to culture and building value between brands and consumers. His ultimate mission is to use his influence to project positivity across the globe.
A Lovers Ambition Lifestyle Group 