Taking the Pajamas Off for 2010

Ok. So I've definitely been sleeping when it comes to the blog updates. My vow for 2010 is to keep you all up on not only what's been going on with PTS, but also heads within our ridiculously talented extended family. Forgive the snoozing. The alarm has gone off

1) Firstly, I have to show love to my brother Ed Marshall. He is an amazing photographer out of Brooklyn, NY that has kept his eye firmly fixed on the underground music scene. If you know Afro-Punk or URB ALT, then you know Ed. He has recently put out a collection of his work called PhocusED available at www.blurb.com. Luckily, he chose to show yours truly to be a part of the collection. Do the right thing. GET THE BOOK!

www.flickr.com/photos/edmarshall/4164726342/





2) You know Def Dom right? Of course you do. The man stays working. He just completed his project with Delinquent Soundz MC, Phonetic to create, Phonetically Def. Without hearing a note, you already know the beats bang and the lyrics don't falter. It will be available very shortly, so don't leave the computer screen. Yes, I already know I dropped the ball on posting the flyer for the listening party last week (just shut up about it), but still, the visual should be burned into your brains.


3)Hasan Salaam's latest album Children of God is a testament to why hip hop should remain in the forefront of our lives. The release party for his video for "Angel Dust" is approaching. Do your best not to lick the screen as you watch the trailer. Ameena Dove is difficult to turn away from.


Make sure you come to Public Assembly in BK on 1/23/2010 to see it all live and direct. Yes, PTS will be there to touch the stage as well.



4)J-Dilla could've been his own element in hip hop. He was responsible for countless hits and brought Slum Village to the world, so it's only right that we celebrate his contributions to our collective eargasmic experience. Come peep the Dilla tribute 2/5/2010 and understand why we salute this man. Peace to DJ Metaphysic for letting me be a part of the festivities.




5) Last but not least, I have to thank my longtime bredren J-Harris for thinking of the kid when he needed a guitar player for Letoya Luckett's new video "Good to Me". the day was long, but it was worth it to spend some time with some down ass folks. See the little plaid figure on the right? Yeah, that's me trying to play it cool and not pay attention to the camera shooting Letoya's twitter blast.

Copy and paste the link to peep the post:
(sorry, blogspot is being difficult with the embed code)

http://www.twitvid.com/9DC2C

Alright family, that's all for now. I promise next time I will not wait so long to give you the scoop. A special apology goes out to my sister Shane, who consistently yells at me for having to find out about these events from elsewhere. Sorry doll, you know I love ya. And YOU too!

-Kendal

"Happy" Video

I can't lie. I normally hate video shoots. A lot of standing around and waiting. They're tedious too. Restlessness sets in, and I just want to go home. Shooting the video for "Happy" was a little different. It was my first time as director and I was surrounded with some beautiful people. Of course my brother Def was on board, and once again, the project could not have been possible without the help of Terrance Wilmore of www.thisisrealmusic.com as an incredible DP and all around positive force that helped carry out the vision all the way through. My sister Shane provided the set, my homegirl AJ provided the glam and Mom and Pops even came through to show love. Peace to guerilla filmmakers, musicians and artists worldwide that make it happen with creativity, resourcefulness and NO MONEY!! You are indeed the spooks that sit by the door...

-Kendal

And with no further ado... "Happy"

Pretty Damn Ugly

So Daniel Joseph's album release was glorious. The summary: I sang a little. Def danced and wore a cool jacket. Elete cracked me up. Alden held me down. I missed Brokn Englsh on stage. Dang. Black 45 gave us a dope intro. Ment cut. Girl had a Bad Brains t-shirt on. Nice! Ant told me about hot Jamaican spices. Sheena's so little. Like a Polly Pocket. Rewmec did what he does. Omar and Les, I see y'all! St. Joe Louis killed. Bullymouth killed. Poet reminded me of the singing lessons he gave me. Nekeya and Haiku are the sweetest things ever. A-Sharp's stomach recovered. EMAPhotography brought light to the dark. Love to the bridge that unites hip hop and soul music. If you missed it...well then you just missed it. Here's a piece:
-Kendal

Daniel Joseph's Album Release Party Performance

Yes, Pardon the Stranger shall be on that stage in full character, as will our Garden State bredren. Come show love for that good Jersey movement.

-Kendal

Big Shouts to Levar Burton, Shirley and the Rob's Place Staff.

You still read right? Hope so. The written word is dope. For musicians everywhere there are a few books that should be scattered among your shelves amidst the What's Happenin!' DVD box set and the incense holder. Some are industry standard, and some remind us of why we do what we do, how to do it and how to maintain our sanity while we get it done:

Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod
Creativity comes from all angles and seems to have a few guidelines.

Ziglar on Selling by Zig Ziglar
Now that you have your sound down. Learn how to peddle that ish.

On the Record by Guy Oseary
Ahmet Ertegun (RIP), Rick Rubin and a gang of other names you should know have pretty interesting things to say on the biz and how they learned to rape it.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman
Bible

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Stop waiting for the inspiration to hit. Get up off that thing and work.

The Bedford Handbook for Writers by Diana Hacker
You can't freestyle everything. At least learn the rules before you blatantly violate them.

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel Levitin
Art and science for real. Freaky.

Get your library card out or sit on the floor at Barnes and Nobles and get to knowing!!!

-Kendal

Brand New Me and You

"I don't say 'I love you' 'cause the way I feel is greater."
-Black Thought

A few weeks ago, Def, director Terrance Wilmore and I were discussing music, shooting a video and watching little Aidan revel in the wonder that is a matchbox car lightning loop track. The subject came up of music and the love for it all...
Here's the bottom line: Music is work. Even if it's the type you don't mind, it's still not as easy as making an impression on the couch. Video shoots are tedious, song writing and producing can be frustrating, promo is a constant, nervous balance between career advancement and integrity preservation, and rehearsals and recording take much time and patience. None of it is easy, but we press on not because we love it. We passed love years ago. We press on because we couldn't imagine NOT pressing on. It's not a choice. We're shackled to it for life. Talking about success or failure is a waste of time. It simply must be done.

Bless Up,
-Kendal

"Brand New Me" Video by Pardon the Stranger from kendal good on Vimeo.

Buy the Damn Thing

BUY THE ALBUM HERE AND SAVE THE WORLD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/PardontheStranger