SPRING FLING REVIEW
all videos taken by cjin4k
“With many flowers now out of hiding and the hue of the outside beginning to soften, there was no better way to usher in the arrival of the season of spring than a celebration from the Slum Children family, in collaboration with Social Lubricant. The 2023 Spring Fling Sessions, located in the Bed-Stuy Art House, acted as a hub for experienced and blossoming artists of all shades to express themselves, pick each other's brains, and witness pure excellence. The event was hosted by ShadowTiff, who almost instantly sparked excitement in the crowd and kept them on the edge of their seats. She especially echoed the most important aspect of these types of gatherings: to have fun and establish new bonds.
The musical performances of the day provided elements of Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B, and City Pop. Allison Soul, the opening act, told stories through her voice. Each powerful delivery of songs and effortless note changes felt like chapters in said stories that pushed and pulled at your spirit, possessing you to crave more. Next, there was Erika Prihadi, who guided the atmosphere into a slightly more upbeat vibe. With a sultry tone and delicate runs reminiscent of Janet Jackson, you couldn't help but lose breath at the sheer number of times she left you no choice but to gasp in awe.
Then there was Kenji, whose music and smooth vocals compelled you to sway left and right. Additionally, he ended his set with a guitar performance that felt like an audible representation of putting a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. Afterwards, there was Isaiah Keaton, whose musical versatility and lyricality exuded the confidence and preciseness that showcased why his mind continues to lead Slum Children in a more influential position. The support of a live band while rapping is not a mainstream occurrence, but alas, he continues to push the needle forward.
Last but certainly not least, Stachy closed the string of performances with a passionate set that could unblock the 7 chakras of even the most unwilling. You weren't just hearing her dedication to her music; you were seeing it on her face.
It's also worth mentioning, however, that the display of the artistry of many didn't just come with the help of a microphone but also a paintbrush. The work of Isaiah Powell was spread across the interior, complimenting the performers but commanding curiosity all on its own. It's clear that what his brush does to an empty canvas is the equivalent of constructing a portal to another world. The world of Yosei, that is, considering his pieces in this event were largely inspired by his soon-to-come comic book series, Blu Metal.
All in all, entering events such as these sends you down a rabbit hole that has no necessary exit because everyone who attends gets some type of benefit. Such as meeting like-minded people or those who can help you further your own career interests, and vice versa. Or coming face-to-face with genres or styles of music you never thought you'd end up adding to your playlists. The pros are endless, and the only con is not being there to experience them.”
SPRING SHOW REVIEW
SLUM CHILDREN SPRING SHOW REVIEW
“Remarkable. Inspiring. Ear Candy. Those are just 3 words that hardly scratch the surface in describing what I had the pleasure of witnessing on the night of April 29, 2023. A pure yet raw culmination of swagger and artistic bravado that made the show more than an event, but an experience. At every turn there was something or someone to admire.
“Where did he get those pants from?”, “How did she create this insightful masterpiece?”, “Who the hell taught him to play the sax that well?”
Those are just some of many questions that bloomed in my head from the seeds of authentic mastery of artistic expression.
Many of the artists throughout the show expressed words of encouragement and motivation whether it be through their lyrics or directly in between songs. I very much appreciated the little details of how these songs came to be as it gave me more an understanding of who they are as creatives; stories that showed me who they were and what they represent in the present day. As well as performances of unreleased material that make me excited for their future.
The audience was incredibly receptive, supportive and had an infectious energy that I couldn’t resist giving into. Also, shoutout to that host! She was dope.
All in all, as someone who doesn’t go out very much, this was an eye-opening experience of just how much I’ve been missing out on and I look forward to future projects.”
-H.C.
all photos by Bri Lensation
