DistortedSoul.com – The FUNK According to Nadir Omowale

Archive for the ‘1440 Collective News’ Category

On January 8-10, 2010, experimental Detroit theater company 4THEATRSAKE stages a unique presentation of In The Blood.  “Poverty exotica” rules Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan Lori-Parks’ modern day adaptation of The Scarlet Letter.

This urban theater project is a collaboration between 4TheatrSake, the 1440 Collective, the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, the Cedi Collection, Detroit film-maker Ryan Myers and Plowshares Theater Company. Directed by Wyldchild L. Chemist, the soundtrack for this staging features original music by Nadir Omowale.

Written like final round slam poetry, In the Blood keeps it real in the “here and now.” Hester is a homeless single mother who is devoted to her five children, and struggles to find ways to feed them. Five actors play her five young treasures. The same actors also play the adults who help or hinder Hester in her quest to “get a leg up”. Lovingly comical moments are juxtaposed by the harsh world of poverty in this modern masterpiece.

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iPhone Photo by Cornelius Harris

It’s cold in the D, but Nadir and the band are heating it up inside 1440 Collective Studio.

Alesha, Chris, Mia and Nadir have started working on tracks for an upcoming album of gritty new Detroit funk. Be on the lookout for that new music in the spring.

In the meantime, the Guantanamo video will debut in early January 2010. Pre-release reviews have been extremely positive and the clip is creating controversy already.

Stay tuned for big things in the new decade. Happy Hanukkah, Soulful Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year to you and yours!

Are you going to the Detroit Music Awards? Looking for a place to relax with the award winners and nominees after the show?

Bring yourself over to the 1440. A mere 3-4 minute drive from the Fillmore is all you will encounter.  Whether you want to jam, network, or just have a few drinks by the bonfire, make sure you do it over here!

Last year was such a phenomenal time, we’ve decided to do it again.

Free Admission all night
Open Jam to be expected
Black Lotus Brewery beer on the house… while supplies last! (and they won’t)

Learn more about the Detroit Music Awards at http://www.detroitmusicawards.net

Not familiar with the 1440 Collective Studio? http://www.1440collective.com

Friday, April 17. 2009
The Official Unofficial Detroit Music Awards Show After Party at
The 1440 Collective Studio
1440 Gratiot Avenue 1-B
Detroit, Michigan 48207
11:00pm – until…
NO COVER CHARGE

Nadir and Distorted Soul are nominated for Seven
2009 Detroit Music Awards!

Kris Kurzawa (left) & Nadir Rock the 2008 Detroit Music Awards Show

Outstanding Urban/Funk Artist or Group
(Nadir’s Distorted Soul)

Outstanding Urban/Funk/Hip Hop Recording
(Workin’ For The Man)

Outstanding Live Performance
(Nadir’s Distorted Soul)

Outstanding Record Producer
(Nadir)

Kris Kurzawa also received a 2nd nomination for Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Songwriter for his stellar work with Detroit’s world music super group Koozhava. Catch them every Tuesday night at Black Lotus Brewing Company in Clawson, Michigan.

Plus EAPro recording artist and 1440 Collective partner Khary WAE Frazier (featured on Workin’ For the Man’s “Running Rebel“) picked up 2 DMA nominations himself for Outstanding Hip Hop Artist/Group and Outstanding Hip Hop MC.

Music industry professionals can register and vote at the DMA website: www.detroitmusicawards.com

The Detroit Music Awards Show is Friday, April 17 at The Fillmore.  Congratulations to all the nominees!!

P.S. Don’t forget the Official Unofficial Detroit Music Awards After Party at The 1440 Collective Studio right after the show!  Click HERE for details.