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Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 13- Artist Spotlight: Sy Smith

Sy Smith is an underground soul recording artist who helped to pioneer and cultivate the nu-soul scene in LA more than 10 years ago.

Press PLAY. (audio replay available through March 1, 2022)

Moving to Charlotte, NC has allowed me to meet some amazing people and actually get to talk to them as people, not as a fan. It’s been about 2 years to the day since I met Sy. I worked at Middle C Jazz and she did an amazing show. I was able to pick her brain a bit, as well as see her interact with others who enjoy listening to feel good music. As I’ve told you all before, I love live instrumentation and it compliments her voice so well. Who do you know that can hit those Minnie Ripperton notes? And no, not the ones you’re trying to hit in the shower.

SIDE NOTE: Make sure you check out Sy’s tour schedule below!

“Some of the most progressive artists of this genre today came directly from Smith’s band line-ups (including Thundercat & Kamasi Washington). Her catalog of 5 albums includes the self-written/self-produced “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete.” All have been heralded by critics for her lyrical/vocal/musical dexterity; her vocal range moving from a gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register.
Her career began with her providing supporting vocals for Whitney Houston, Sheila E., Meshell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan, Usher, Macy Gray, The Foreign Exchange and The Rickey Minor Band. She’s currently a featured guest with trumpeter Chris Botti (her noted performances include “The Look Of Love” on his Grammy-nominated DVD “Live In Boston”  and “The Very Thought Of You” on his 2018 PBS special “Great Performances”). 


Sy has won 6 LA Black Music Awards in 2019/2020. She’s also earned an Emmy nomination for her songwriting (Best Music/Lyrics, 2001), 2 NAACP Theater Award nominations; she contributed songwriting and/or vocal arranging to 2020 Grammy-nominated albums by both John Legend (“A Legendary Christmas”) and Chris Dave and The Drumhedz. As a voice-over artist, she’s known among gamers for her role as Aisha in “Saint’s Row” (for which she also wrote/produced songs on the popular soundtrack). Sy is a graduate of Howard University where she earned a B.S. in psychology magna cum laude. 

Sy Smith website

Sy Smith’s Instagram Page

VIDEO: Feeling Good feat. DominiqueXavier

Will you be at Middle C Jazz as we enter the Syberspace? Let me know in the comments below if I’ll see you there! If you can’t be there, a livestream option is available.

VIDEO: NIGHTS (FEEL LIKE GETTING DOWN)

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

SPONSOR:

Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi

NEXT SHOW – MARCH 2nd AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.

Make sure you check in next week when we start our series on Bridal Beauty and what goes into being a Bridal Makeup Artist.

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 12- Galentine’s Day & Mental Health

Let’s get into it.

Let’s get into the after show of Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show. Today’s show is not all about Galentine’s Day, but about friendships (or lack thereof), self love and mental health. All of February was dedicated to black love, and in preparation for the Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day; I was putting all of my ideas down and realized some things. There are a lot of people who are not happy about Valentine’s Day. Just like the ‘big’ holidays, people are either dealing with trauma, loss, loneliness, etc. Fellas, don’t think this is all about the ladies. We know y’all go through a lot too. You wake up sometimes and hope that today is not the day you become a hashtag just for being you. I tell guys all the time, it’s okay to take off your superhero cape sometimes, its okay to cry, its okay to be vulnerable. You may feel like you haven’t found those people that you are comfortable enough to be transparent with, but just know you may need to get out of your head too and speak your truth. Find the people or a person that you feel comfortable with “letting them in.”

On a transparent note: I am a single woman, the past few Valentine’s Days I have been alone. I used a Ruth’s Chris gift card this year and came home to Netflix and chill. For some people, being alone can be painful. I spend a lot of time working on my businesses or watching tv, or talking to my sister and/or friends. However, there are times when I have no words at all and just don’t want to talk. These are the times that I pull out a my canvas and paintbrush, or I use my phone to type a poem in my Notes app. I sometimes take the time to write out all of my accomplishments (mostly at the end of the year), but this way I begin to reminisce about what I’ve done and how good it felt to reach those mountaintops that I may not have thought were possible. There are even times that I just press record on my Voice Memo and just say how I’m feeling. For me, it’s all about getting it out, getting it off my chest, getting it off my head. I am not a therapist or a specialist of any kind, however this is what works for me. Should you need more resources, they are some listed below. I am blessed to have friends that call me if they haven’t heard from me. I’m an introvert but all that I do makes me seem like an extrovert.

Let me give my flowers to those people in my adult life that have been my sounding board and have seen me cry the ugly cry and listened to me try to get some words out: Tina, Betty, Courtney, Amie, and Natasha. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ME! Sometimes you don’t even know you need somebody but I’m glad I have y’all for the good, bad and the ugly. I have also been blessed with getting to know some other ladies. I began doing more bridal clients last year with my business partner, Courtney; through knowing her I have met some other amazing Makeup Artists and Hairstylists. We have a group chat that we share our wins, inspirational words, prayers, ideas, thought provoking sermons, laughs, love and encouragement. So, Latoya, Johanna, C’Andra, Toya (and Courtney) thank you for lifting me up, especially in the midst of my day when I get in my head.

Valentine’s Day as I’ve said before, is a Hallmark money making holiday. Love is an action word, it should be shown daily. It doesn’t have to be just relationships. Love languages make a huge impact on a relationship. Remember, love languages tell you how you, yourself feel loved. If my love language is quality time, buying me gifts may not mean as much because all I want you to do is be around. By not acknowledging someone’s love language, it’s just like feeling unheard.

Everyday we are learning how to cope in this ‘new normal.’ In the midst of it all, we all should just be kind to each other. Before COVID-19, there was pain and whenever, if ever, we get past it; we still need to show compassion. The way I behave and interact with people are based on lessons learned from past experiences. Some people have been dealing with their own demons for years and have had to sit still with them being in isolation due to COVID. Understand that we all have traveled down our own paths and have all experienced life- some trying times and some triumphs. Some of us have lots of friends and family and some have lost lots of family and friends due to disagreements, disconnects or death.

At the end of the day, we all have stuff. Some of us have learned how to cope, and some of us are still trying to figure it all out. You never know where someone is on their personal journey, so be mindful that everyone’s journey is not yours.

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below. Please also share additional resources below.

SPONSOR:

Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi

RESOURCES:

Therapy for Black Girls

Compass Life Skills

Flowerchild Productions Creative Inspirations Coloring Book

MeetUp.com

Therapists:

Crystal R Currie

Melica Wiley, M.S, LCMFT

Jacqueline F. Curry- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Damion Harmon-Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Networking:

Courtney K Beauty

Faith Fitz You, LLC

Studio L Hair and Beauty Bar

Ajah Lip Creme

Makeup by Johanna

B’Loved Salon, LLC

Envisions Hair Studio

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 23rd AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.

Make sure you check in next week for our Month End Artist Spotlight, recording artist SY SMITH!

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 11- Love Spotlight: The Browns (2.9.22)

Press PLAY to listen to the show

Love means a lot to many people, some have never truly experienced it and some feels like they may have been in love with everyone that they’ve met. I’ve had the opportunity to see Mary and Howard Brown’s love for the last 39 years first hand. Today’s show is all about timeless love, the kind of love that can stand the test of time. Mom and Dad met at Lincoln High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Throughout the years, we’ve heard many stories of what it was like for them to date each other. Here’s a little glimpse of how it all began from Mom’s point of view (this was their surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary Party):

Over the years, Mom and Dad have been through many ups and downs (some I may not even know); but through it all we’ve had so many laughs. When you say the vows, “For better or worse, in sickness and health…;” that takes on a whole new meaning when you make the decision to stay together through anything. It’s one thing to watch Tyler Perry’s The Browns, but this family that I was born into is full of comedians, singers, artists, etc. We have a good time together and we truly cherish the time we spend together. Due to work changes, health changes, life in general; they’ve learned what works for them at the end of the day, they were a team in making it almost 54 years.

Valentine’s Day? After spending 50+ years with someone, is Valentine’s Day still the same? For my Mom and Dad, everyday they show each other love. They are each other’s helpmate. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Mom is never expecting a gift, but we can see the gifts around the house that Dad has given her over the years; whether they are for a special holiday or just because, it still makes her smile. It could be a teddy bear, figurines or a card; Mom treasures the little things (Side Note: Most women love for you to pay attention to the details). If one or the other notices they need something, it will either be a gift or they will discuss the need and make it happen.

Click HERE to watch my Dad talk about how his life changed!

Everyday is a gift! I am blessed that my parents have set an example along with their parents. They have gone through military life, cancer/chemo, surgeries, births, deaths, raising kids, an empty nest, gone through the storms and the rain (and snow), and continue to smile and laugh together. It’s rare that you see people be married more than 10 years, so to have experienced my parents celebrate their golden anniversary (and still going) is a blessing… this is a Timeless Love.

In this life together…

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

Multiple Myeloma

Artistic Gifts

Gifts for the Beauty Enthusiast

Gifts for Men & Women

Even more gift ideas

Gift Idea for the Reader

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 16th AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss LOVE- Galentine’s Day and Mental Health!

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 10- Love Spotlight: The Singletons (2.2.22)

Read/listen below to learn more about Ros & Ray Singleton and links to connect.

Press PLAY to listen to this week’s show (available through 2.8.22).

Love is shown in many ways and simply being there is one way that seems so simple but can mean everything. On this 2nd day of this 2nd month of this year of 2022, we enter this month of Love (which should be everyday but I’ll indulge) with The Singletons. Every week on Through the Eyes of NiSi, I’ll introduce you to an amazing couple that isn’t stuck on taking this one day, Valentine’s Day, to celebrate love. Love is an action word, so love is shown everyday and in various ways. Ray and Ros’ love story has been felt around the world internationally due to Ray sharing his gift of song, as well as Ros’ tenacity and strength.

On many occasions, we cross people’s paths and you never know how or why they’ll make an impact on your life. I can’t remember when Ray Singleton came on my radar, but it had to be around the time I was venturing out into poetry open mics. I met some people, followed their social media channels and somehow Ray’s Instagram live video came up of he and Ros explaining the status of what was about to go down. I was immediately hooked on their love story and commitment to each other through ‘better or worse, in sickness and in health.’ I can attempt to tell you how their love story began but I would do it no justice to how Ros and Ray tell the story of seeing each other from across the room and how sunglasses led to a lifelong connection (I’ll be sure to link all of their social media links below). ‘Ray and Roslyn Singleton are two people who conquered life’s obstacles and inspired the world to “love without limits”.’

Valentine’s Day? “To be honest, we don’t really highlight Valentine’s Day because as cliche as it sounds, every day is truly love day!” says Ray. Their chance meeting in 2016 at a block party was orchestrated by God. Just 3 years prior, in 2013; Roslyn was diagnosed with brain cancer while in the Navy. After 6 months of dating, Ray got down on his knee and asked Ros to spend Forever with him. They were married in 2018, but shortly after; the cancer revealed itself again. Surgery after surgery, tubes, MRI’s, pain and tears; Ray has been there for Ros to lean on. I’m sure the diagnosis is stressful enough, but when you have a support system; that makes all the difference.

Even through Ros beating cancer’s a** once again (there’s been 4 brain surgeries altogether), she continues to smile. Her smile is infectious. You feel the love that she and Ray share even if you are nowhere near them. You see her strength, you see her resilience, you see her superpowers, you see her beauty, you see her grace, you see a phenomenal woman. You have no other option but to be inspired by this Queen. You have no other option but to be in awe of the people she has in her corner rooting her on throughout her fights with the C word. And Ray, there’s nothing more amazing to see, like a man truly loving a woman- through it all.

She’s had “a front row seat to what God can do!”

This was the video that went viral! Ray made this video for his wife days after her 2nd successful brain surgery.

“Ray and Ros hope to continue to inspire people through their unwavering faith in GOD and the positive energy they embody daily.”

*Make sure you follow them on their social media platforms and be sure to support Ray’s music. Please remember to speak and ask Ray how he is doing before just jumping in asking about Ros. They are 2 both amazing individuals, check on them both.

For Ros’ love donations: $ROSing1

Ray Singleton’s Social media links

Ros Singleton’s Social media links

The Singleton’s YouTube Channel

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 9th AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss LOVE- another couple’s love story on deck!

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 9- Artist Spotlight: Chantae Cann

I found the melodic sounds of Chantae Cann through her collaboration with the live instrumentation of Snarky Puppy (click to view one of my favorite videos). I believe it was around the time that she was on the lineup for the legendary Art of Cool Festival in Durham, NC headed by the beautiful, Cicely Mitchell (oh how I wish it was still going). Since then, I’ve been following her journey and so proud of all that she’s accomplished.

About Chantae: “If we’re being honest, no one’s ever really just heard Chantae Cann. In truth, you experience her.

 She opens her mouth and 10,000 hours of studied mononymous legends filter through that voice,

The Stevie. The Chaka. The Erykah, Jill, India and Brandy.

It’s the church in her work. The courageous blend of an authentic soul choosing to exist in the midst of an often inauthentic industry.  Yet somehow she chooses to find strength in her vulnerability.

Chantae Cann, the artist, is both jazz and soul. Rooted in gospel,  reflective of world rhythm and hip hop.

Her debut release, Journey to Golden, landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and #7 on the Jazz Billboard Charts in March of 2016, and was a much welcomed introduction to the songstress.  By the time of her follow-up release, Sol Empowered, we were well into the story.  Earning #8 on the Jazz Billboard Charts, this album resonates with so many because they genuinely connect to the story.  And Chantae, if nothing else, knows how to make a connection. Whether it’s the parents who divulge the fact that their kids listen to and sing along to her songs, or those who express that Chantae’s artistry has gotten them through some pretty tough times. Chantae makes music that serves as a safe haven for those seeking respite and reformation. All the while undergirded with a simple, but profound truth: Love Heals. 

When she’s not working, Chantae can be found in her private time binge-watching episodes of Sister, Sister or freestylin these bars since she is an incredible emcee in her head …for now. But even if she’s not in your Top5 Dead or Alive GOAT convo for rappers, Chantae is one of the best kept secrets in music. She’s collaborated with PJ Morton, Masego, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Snarky Puppy, Foreign Exchange, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chantae has electrified stages with Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, and Marcus Miller. She’s opened up for India.Arie, Tweet, Avery Sunshine and Lalah Hathaway. With her sights set on Barack and Michelle’s Spotify playlists and new music on the way ….”  

~ from Chantae Cann’s website

I mentioned during the last artist spotlight with Liv Warfield that I love live instrumentation. Listening to all these amazing instruments come together and to think of all the time and patience put into learning how to be the best musician is dope. Please support the arts! Having an artistic outlet has made some very well rounded individuals with extraordinary talent. I love being able to introduce you to the music that I vibe to all the time.

From a distance, yet oh so close through social media; Chantae Cann has been a beautiful spirit over the years. I don’t know when the world is going to open back up so we can enjoy the power of music together and bringing people together. Make sure you follow her on her social media (links below) and if the world opens back up for us to play; go check her out in person.

New YouTube video: Walk. With. Me- Episode 1 “Take Back Your Power”

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artist(s):

Faith Fitz You, LLC

Chantae Cann YouTube/ Chantae Cann Instagram

Chantae Cann website

Snarky Puppy YouTube/ Snarky Puppy Instagram

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 1ST AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss Valentine’s/ Galentine’s Day!

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi