New Music | The Pub Report

Category: New Music

Justin Ruff Debut EP “Introducing Justin Ruff”

Mar. 15 Chicago Events, Events, Independent Music Spotlight, Music, Music Features, New Music, News Comments Off

Cincinnati, Ohio native Justin Ruff is a true rising star to look out for. He recently was a top 12 finalist out of 800 contestants on ABC-7 Windy City LIVE “Search for a Star” competition. The singer talked with Mari about his music and debut EP entitled, “Introducing Justin Ruff”.

What inspired you to start singing?

Justin Ruff: My mother sings, so I took a lot after her. She has always been an inspiration. Watching her work really hard for her dream to become a professional singer inspired me to do the same.

Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Justin Ruff: I have a very diverse liking of music. I grew up listening to a lot of Jazz, so I love artist from that realm, such as; Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong and Charlie Parker. But then I’m a 90’s baby, so artist like D’Angelo, Maxwell, Bilal and Anita Baker are people that inspire me.

Non-musical influences:

Justin Ruff: I really admire TJ Holmes. He’s a great representation of an intelligent, savvy, black male. I think that a lot of young, black men can look up to TJ Holmes and everything he stands for. One thing that I’ve notice about him is that he is not afraid to voice his opinion, and he’s very firm in what he believes. He’s not afraid to let that be known, so I just appreciate that.

You have a very unique sound, so if you had to pick a genre for yourself what would it be?

Justin Ruff: The Justin Ruff sound: it’s R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop & Soul all wrapped up in one. All those elements are there because I have a Jazzier vocal. There is the soulful thing in me. My mother was a large influence for me, and I love Hip-Hop music, so all those are kind of meshed into one.

What are your top 5 favorite albums of all time?

Justin Ruff: Maxwell’s “Urban Hang Suite”, is probably something that I have on repeat non- stop. Anything with Ella Fitzgerald and her “Greatest Hits” albums, I’m a big fan of that. Rochelle Farrell’s, “First Instrument” that was dope. John Mayer’s album, “Continuum” was a creative album and Rahsaan Patterson’s “Mind & Spirit”.

Who would you most like to open up for?

Justin Ruff: One of the greatest singers ever in my opinion is Rochelle Farrell. So just the opportunity to even meet the sister would be really incredible. Opening up for someone like that really had a big influence on my scatting and improvisation.

If given the opportunity to collaborate with any artist or producer on a project who would you work with?

Justin Ruff: I am a huge fan of Pharrell. I think his production is awesome. With the unique style that he has mixed, and fusing with the different genres, that I have I think that would be pretty lethal.

Tell me a little bit about your single, “Take My Time” and the inspiration behind that song?

Justin Ruff: I was raised in a single parent household with my mother, and I was always around my grandmother and my aunt. They really instilled in me to always have respect for black women. With this song and through my lyrics I wanted to show that appreciation. I showed it through a relationship stand point. I think a lot of the time we don’t see that appreciation through some of the lyrics of some of the more mainstream artist my age. I hear a lot of disrespect for black women. So this time, I wanted to pay respect to black women showing them I can take my time and treat them right.

Taping into your mp3 who are you listening to now?

Justin Ruff: Recently I find myself listening to a lot of John Mayer. Just that whole blues vibe is very soulful, and I think for me I appreciate artist who can really convey a message and John does that with every song, and every album is dope. He always gets his point across and his voice is unique. Lyrics are everything.

What can fans expect to hear from you in the near future?

Justin Ruff: This is my first time coming out as a solo artist. I would like to expand my fan base and let my voice be heard. I want to put out some real music that people can feel and relate to.

Give me one reason why people should listen to Justin Ruff?

Justin Ruff: I think that there is a need for something different. I think that for me I can appreciate artist that paved the way for a lot of different artist of today. Jazz music started a lot of the music of today, and being that I studied it pretty proficiently, when it comes to scat singing and improvisation, I am definitely focusing on bringing that art form back. It’s something we don’t see a lot of especially in young artist such as myself. I think that the fusion of those genres with a lot of the mainstream music that you’re hearing today, would be something pretty unique. I feel that this sets me apart from the norm. I think that’s the reason why people would be intrigued to download the Justin Ruff debut EP entitled, ”Introducing Justin Ruff”, released on March 15th.

For links to free music follow the Justin Ruff on Twitter @JustinRuffMusic

Mojo Morgan signs new deal with Krian Music

Dec. 03 Music, New Music, News no comments

Krian Music Group, a full service independent record label, announces the signing of “Rasta-Rock” artist and Morgan Heritage percussionist/vocalist, Mojo Morgan. “New Dawn,” the lead single off Morgan’s full-length, solo debut (title tbd) will be available, digitally, on December 4.

Mojo Morgan has been signed with top independent publishing company, The Royalty Network, since 2006. When searching for a label to release his debut solo album, Morgan looked to The Royalty Network’s independent label, Krian Music Group.

“Signing to Krian Music comes at a time in my career when getting my music to the right audience is key, mainly because of my diverse sound. With Krian, the dream becomes a reality and we look forward to achieving our goal of providing good music for people from all walks of life,” remarked Mojo Morgan. “After fighting through a near life threatening encounter, as I did last month, you tend to revamp your outlook on life. My single “New Dawn” has become more relevant in my personal life. I hope to provide listeners with a vehicle to always look on the brighter side of a bad situation and the song gives me a second chance at doing just that.”

Morgan’s “Rasta Rock” combines Alternative, Reggae, and hip-hop music with Top 40 hits. The lead single, “New Dawn”, represents the “Rasta Rock” movement perfectly, drawing inspiration from those diverse genres. The uplifting track, which samples Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” has an old school vibe mixed with a contemporary beat.

Watch the official lyric video for “New Dawn”

“New Dawn,” featuring Mojo’s brother, Peetah Morgan, has garnered success from Jamaica to Ghana, Miami, New York and San Francisco, boasting impressive radio airplay in those markets.

“Mojo’s a real workhorse of an artist. He truly gets what it takes to be successful as an Artist and is as hungry as we are to make his release a hit,” stated Frank Liwall, President and Founder of The Royalty Network and Krian Music Group. “‘New Dawn’ is the perfect introduction, as it reflects Mojo’s true Alternative side.”

Omarion Releases “Care Package”

Dec. 03 Music, New Music, News, Press Releases no comments

Omarion’s fans have grown up with him and his music has followed suit. One the game’s most talented artists will continue to certify his longevity with the release of his highly anticipated Care Package EP.

Much more than a mere mixtape, the release will serve as a tasty appetizer for the man dubbed Maybach O’s forthcoming full length album.

“A lot of my fans are adults and have children and lives. It’s really interesting because they still come out and support, the fans that used to chase my car. I think they ready,” Omarion told Billboard of the project. “This is the real grown-up me. This is that age when Beyoncé had ‘Crazy in Love’ and Michael Jackson had ‘Thriller,’ when Justin Timberlake had ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds.’ I feel like I’m at that age. I can’t wait to display this new me.”

Rick Ross is one believer in the new Omarion and no one can question his ear for talent. The Bawse inked Omarion to his powerful Maybach Music Group, via Warner Bros., earlier this year. One example of the MMG alliance already reaping fast benefits is labelmate Wale making a guest appearance on “M.I.A.,” the lead single from Care Package. Originally appearing on MMG’s Self Made, Vol. 2, Omarion deftly sings about the love that’s been missing in action as he recounts moving on from a scorned lover over the addictive, Beat Bully produced groove. The track is leaping up the radio charts with over 900K spins on Mediabase to date.

Care Package also features appearances Joe Budden, Tank, Problem and Trae the Truth. The EP will be available for free download via DatPiff.com and KarenCivil.com at 4PM EST/1PM PST.

Complete tracklisting is as follows:

1.	Intro
2.	Admire feat. Problem and Tank
3.	Arch It Up feat. Trae Tha Truth
4.	Private Dancer
5.	Rozay Interlude
6.	Trouble feat. Joe Budden
7.	Out Loud
8.	M.I.A feat. Wale
9.	Ode to Tae

Austin City Limits To Live-Stream Gary Clark Jr.’s ACL Taping

Nov. 29 Music, New Music, News no comments

Austin’s own rising star, rock ‘n’ soul phenomenon Gary Clark Jr. makes his highly-anticipated return to Austin City Limits (ACL) this week, and ACL announces the taping will be live-streamed on Friday, November 30^th at 8pm Central Time. Fans can log-on to ACL’s YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/AustinCityLimitsTV) Channel and will have the opportunity to watch Gary Clark Jr. perform live direct from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. The live-stream will webcast the taping in its entirety and the broadcast episode will air February 16^th, 2013 on PBS stations as part of ACL’s Season 38.

Gary Clark Jr. has been tearing up Austin stages since he was a teenager, and the twenty-eight year old singer-guitarist recently made a name for himself across the globe with the release of his critically acclaimed major-label debut Blak and Blu. Entertainment Weekly raves, “Every generation has its chosen one and right now, this is Clark’s time.” Austin American Statesman says, “The kid used to be a local secret. Then the rest of the world caught on.” The New York Times hails Clark as “a guitarist of deep magnetism and tremendous feel,” while Billboard calls him a “game-changer” and Spin agrees, “There truly is nobody else like him around.” Known for his blistering live performances, Clark has been on a sold-out U.S. tour flaunting his six-string chops and thrilling audiences with his bold mix of blues, rock, soul and funk.

Clark made his auspicious ACL debut back in Season 33 as part of the Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed, with Jimmie Vaughan and Omar Dykes, impressing his fellow musicians and ACL’s viewers. On November 30^th, he takes the Austin City Limits stage to show what he can do with his own music.

Jesus Piece, The Game’s Fifth Studio Album, Set For December 11

Nov. 28 Hip Hop, Music, New Music, News, Press Releases no comments

On December 11, GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-Platinum artist The Game will release his fifth album, Jesus Piece (Interscope Records), and celebrate with an intimate show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Jesus Piece, which includes numerous high profile features, follows 2011′s The R.E.D. Album – the Compton-bred MC’s third album to debut atop the Billboard 200. Kanye West and Common guest on the album’s title track while Chris Brown, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne join Game on the lead single, “Celebration,” marking a first-time collaboration for these five Platinum-selling artists. The pre-order for the standard and deluxe versions of Jesus Piece launches today on the iTunes Store. See below for track listings and cover art. “The Jesus Piece album concept came together while I was recording a song that eventually became the title track. It was this song that inspired me to create series of recordings themed around experiences and feelings that I hope everyone can relate to on some level,” explains Game. “I have an amazing collection of artists helping me deliver the ‘good word’ and I hope the fans will receive it as one of their favorite hip-hop albums of the year.” “Celebration,” which is available now at all digital retailers, takes its sample from the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony classic “1st of tha Month.” All five members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are featured on “Celebration Remix,” the first track featured in Game’s #SundayService campaign, wherein he drops a new song each Sunday leading up to the album’s release.

Game is nothing if not versatile. He’s racked up a string of chart-topping, Platinum-certified singles and sold more than 10 million albums. “Game invigorates West Coast rap with grit, ferocity, vivid rhymes [and] crushing beats,” noted USA Today in a review of The R.E.D. Album while the Associated Press observed: “he continues to prove that he is a dominant force on the West Coast.” He’s built his company, Black Wall Street, into a hood-favorite clothing brand and community-based enterprise that releases mixtapes from developing L.A. artists. Game co-starred opposite Meagan Good and Tyrese in the classic urban film Waist Deep. Yesterday, his new reality show, “Marrying The Game,” premiered on VH1. Jesus Piece -

Standard Track Listing:

1. Scared Now ft. Meek Mill

2. Ali Bomaye ft. 2 Chainz & Rick Ross

3. Jesus Piece ft. Kanye West & Common

4. Pray ft. J. Cole & JMSN

5. All That (Lady) ft. Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Fabolous & Jeremih

6. Name Me King ft. Pusha T

7. See No Evil ft. Kendrick Lamar & Tank

8. Can’t Get Right ft. K. Roosevelt

9. Heaven’s Arms

10. Hallelujah ft. Jamie Foxx

11. Freedom ft. Elijah Blake