music discovery on our musicto Monday playlist
Each week, our global creator community listens to tracks sent through our musicto artist submission form. And each week we add our favorites to our musicto Monday playlist. With every update of this music discovery playlist, we invite one musicto curator from our social network to choose a band or musician from our artist submissions to put in the spotlight. This time, music curator Andrew puts the spotlight on artist, emcee, and organizer using art and the power of community as a catalyst for social change and well-being – Alfred Nomad.
Alfred Nomad in the musicto Spotlight
Alfred’s one of those cats you meet that makes you feel that – ‘cos there are people like him on the planet – maybe we’re gonna be OK. We met when he was working as the community engineer at The Rattle’s LA studio – an amazing space that unfortunately didn’t make it through Covid but spawned many cool and innovative projects (check out Finkel’s spotlight here)
Sure he’s an artist, producer, dope rapper and live performer but he’s also applying his talents to a wider artistic vision. To paraphrase from his website: as someone who values ownership & creative freedom for himself and others, he founded the culture brand LxVE (Love x Value Everything & Everyone) as well as co-founding the streaming platform TONE.VISION to create safe physical & digital spaces for creatives with a purpose to express themselves, tell their stories, and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Alfred’s got a wide body of work but before we pull just three tracks to look at – he kindly answered some questions for us – check them out:
What are your upcoming plans and how can people support you?
Outside of continuing to binge watch The Last of Us & Ted Lasso I’m preparing the release of my newest project titled the “Keep Moving Forward EP”. Anyone and everyone can support me by getting my project from me directly on my bandcamp, purchasing some new merch from my website, coming out to concerts, or simply sharing this music and its message to people you care about. Helping me fund these creations, and spread the word will make a big difference.
How important are playlists and streaming services to you?
Personally, playlists are my way of saving the music that I love, and helps set a vibe when I’m with others. I’m listening to playlists all the time. It’s helped streamline enjoying the music I value. As an artist I know it is a good tool of discovery. It’s a way for others to discover my music, and a way for me to discover artists similar to me.
Name one song, or album, other than your own, that you would recommend to listeners, what would that be and why.
An album I’ve really enjoyed over the past year is BLK ODYSSY’s “BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE“. It’s soooo good. I’ve gone back to this album several times, and it has amazing replay value. Sonically I feel like a fan and student listening to it.
What are you curious about at the moment? Why?
This is a wonderful question. I’m currently curious to learn how to fund community programs and projects. I consider myself an artist and organizer. It can be hard scaling ideas to help yourself and others on your own dime as an independent artist with a day job. There are opportunities out there that are eager to help fund creative projects without wanting to own your creations in return and I’m curious to gather the tools to do so.
If you could summon one musician back from the dead to collaborate with, who would it be? Why? What do you think you would create?
I was asked this question not too long ago and I said Gil-Scott Heron. This still stands. But, today I’m going to say J-Dilla & the full original Slum Village. It would be amazing to create with them, see their process and have fun with legends from that era. I believe Dilla would put me on some records I didn’t realize existed, and I’d love to go toe-to-toe with those MC’s on a track or three. I believe we’d make something fun with a beat that’s soul piercing you could play in your car with a “stank face.”
What is a piece of music that has changed you?
Mos Def’s “Black On Both Sides” album is an example of musical pillars that I appreciate done to one of the highest levels. On that album he gave you lyrics with substance that made you think, and feel and learn and explore. There are no skips on this album and every song takes you on its own journey. He’s melodic and technical in his delivery, and then he blesses you with 5 minutes and 4 seconds of pure feeling and magic with the song “Umi Says” which is one of my favorite songs of all time. I will play this album for my grand kids.
Three songs from Alfred Nomad
Calm Down
My first introduction to Alfred’s music – about as clear as a personal reflection on the Black Lives Matter movement as you can get. It’s on the list we made together and aside from the hard hitting lyrics – it’s just catchy as hell!
Fly Away
Alfred’s a storyteller – he creates worlds and characters that you just want to hang with and while his message is strong, his delivery is super accessible: “Should have been a plumber all the shit I made it through” – I mean come on, if you can make people smile while spitting uncomfortable truths then you’re doing something right. The video here is truly a work of art – a must see!
Spaced Out
Although this is just the trailer I highly recommend following the link through on tone.vision to check the full video out. This one’s for all of us who struggle with the balance – particularly when you’re on the creative path and your partner isn’t. Not saying that’s a bad thing – hell it was the path I personally ended up on and it worked out brilliantly but damn if it isn’t hard at times. Alfred nails it.
Alfred and I made a playlist a while back – you can check it out here: Alfred Nomad’s Radio
Find everything Alfred here: https://www.alfrednomad.com/
