sxsw show pic-olio: 3/18/09 Kendra Ross@Mohawk Patio — Austin

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go to the shows of all our SXSW pop quiz artists (that we featured 2 weeks ago) as I had originally intended, but I got to 3 out of 5.  So, if you ask me, that’s not too shabby.  I’ll be presenting these special sxsw show pic-olios daily and in the order that their pop quizzes were featured starting tonight.  First up is Kendra Ross, who was part of a soul showcase that included Wayna, another of our SXSW pop quiz artists.

Let me say, I did enjoy her show.  She has some good stuff.  I haven’t picked up her CD yet, but it is definitely on my to-pick-up list.  I recently read on her site that she does “grown folks’ music” or something to that effect.  Her stuff is definitely grown folks’ R&B.  If you’re ready to graduate from teeny-bopper pop/R&B  to some classy indie soul this is one artist that you need to check out.

 

Kendra Ross is Babyface’s Special Guest This Friday at Arena Theatre — Houston

Kendra Ross, our first SXSW pop quiz artist of this month’s special popolio SXSW coverage, is playing with none other than Babyface this coming Friday in Houston at the Arena Theatre at 8PM.  Also, I did go to her showcase here in Austin last Wednesday and took some pics, so those will be coming soon.  Maybe today.  Keep your fingers crossed and check for those. 

 

Letter from the Editor

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 6:27 PM

To Whom It May Concern:

Two things are on my brain right at this moment — St. Patrick’s Day and SXSW.  So, Happy St. Patrick’s Day and for those in Austin for SXSW this week — Enjoy!

Right off the bat, we’ve had the most pop quizzes featured in March 2009 than any other month since popolio started in September 2008.  The reason being that in addition to our two March pop quiz artists, I also hosted a special SXSW Week (last week!) featuring a different SXSW Artist pop quiz daily.  That’s five (seven total) for those doing the math.  The last artist of the week is a 2009 Grammy Nominee as well.  Our first Grammy Nominated pop quiz Artist at that.  How exciting is that?

I tried to reach out to artists of different genres to have a nice variety and I think we achieved that.  R&B, Club, Folk, and Roots are all well-represented.  All their shows are tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2009, except for Clarence Bucaro’s whose show is this Saturday, March 20, 2009.  I didn’t plan it that way.  It’s just coincidence that the artists that were most receptive to popolio have shows on the same day.  And the other March Artist pop quiz is still coming up and will close out the month.  So, watch for that one.  Check out their pop quizzes by clicking below (and go see these SXSW Artists’ shows!):

• Our first March 2009 pop quiz Artist:  Soce, The Elemental Wizard (Hip Hop/Rap/Pop)

And the SXSW Artists featured last week –

• Kendra Ross (R&B/Soul/Jazz)
• The Wong Boys (Club Rock)
• Rod Thomas (Folk/Pop; Not to be mistaken with Rob Thomas)
• Clarence Bucaro (Pop/Roots)
• Wayna (R&B/Soul/Hip Hop/Singer-Songwriter; 2009 Grammy Nomineee)

 

• Our second March 2009 pop quiz Artist is coming (check for it)

So, I think that’s the biggest news for March 2009 at popolio.  All our other features are to be continued.  I will be bringing a new MY TOP 10 at the end of the month.  Check for that.

Enjoy our SXSW content; all of our March 2009 content; and to all those music fans, artists, and industry people alike in Austin for SXSW this week welcome to Austin and have a blast.

6:53PM

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                        Freddie Rodriguez aka freddie beat
popolio creator/editor

 

Kendra Ross pop quiz — SXSW Artist

Kendra Ross, who resides in Brooklyn, is a new R&B star on the horizon.  Her debut album was released in 2007 and she is still touring behind it.  Though fairly new on her path as a solo artist, she’s no ingenue to the hip hop/R&B game having previously worked with some known talents such as Talib Kweli, Kanye West, and Faith Evans.  Her next stop is SXSW next Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at The Mohawk Patio (912 Red River Street) at 9:00 PM.  Check the SXSW site here for more 411.  And check her answer to Number 14.  Welcome to Austin, Kendra!

March 9, 2009

Name:   Kendra Ross
Genre:   R&B/Soul/Jazz
Latest Release:  New Voice (Self-Released)
Release Date:   July 10, 2007

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? BOTH!
3. Studio or Stage? STAGE!
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? We like a balance between the sacred and the profane but SPIRITUALITY!
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? I’m a girlie girl so let’s go with the first one!

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my husband.
7. I’m musically inspired by everyday life…
8. My favorite old school joint is 4fun!:  “Turn Off The Lights” by The World Class Wreckin’ Cru (which included a fancier, prettier Dr. Dre!).
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Wonder Woman.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Yoga, Acai, and Live Instruments.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  Every time I write a new song, I learn more about myself.  If it is a good one, every time I sing it I get something different out of it.  And it’s fun!
12. I want my fans to:  Grow with me.  Also, to remember the first time they ever bought a piece of music and think about how that made them feel…then put my record on.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  I’ve got sooooooooo much more music inside of me that I feel like my head is going to explode…so…STAY TUNED….
14. Wild Card I can’t wait to get to Austin and do my show!  I’ve wanted to come to SXSW for 4ever!
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  She meant every word she sang, got better and better at her craft, and really went for it on stage.

Enjoy the track, “I’m So Okay,” from her debut album New Voice.  Go to her official site for more.

 Kendra Ross’ favorite old school joint!

Editor’s Note:  Kendra Ross chose a challenging old school joint.  I couldn’t find anything official out there in the way of a music video.  Maybe, there wasn’t one.  So, this was the best option.