ATL soul in 2012

• iPhone
• SOUL IN THE WHOLE: WCLK-FM’s Dec. 10 What’s Going On tribute brought out Atlanta soul stars classic and new, including Avery Sunshine (left), show host Jamal Ahmad (pictured holding India.Arie’s purse while she sings), Carmen Rodgers, Joey Summerville, Phonte of the Foreign Exchange, Julie Dexter, Anthony David, India.Arie, Kipper Jones, and Rahbi. Donnie (not shown) joined them onstage for the finale.

?
Well, 2011 is almost a wrap. And when it comes to Atlanta’s soul music scene, it’s safe to say it was a very good year.

?
Just think: In 2011, we were treated to lots of new music (like a new CD from singer Julie Dexter and two albums from Anthony David, among many others), great live shows (such as the Marvin Gaye Tribute show) and great nightlife events (Spread Love and almost anything at the Sound Table).

?
So, now that this year is nearly in the can, the question is: What does next year hold for local soul? To get answers, we turned to a gaggle of the city’s top singers, musicians, DJs, promoters and more — and they opined on what they want to see happen in Atlanta’s soul music scene in 2012.

?
Jamal Ahmad, radio personality/event promoter: “The Atlanta soul scene is one of the healthiest scenes on this planet. We have artists like Anthony David, Avery Sunshine, Julie Dexter, India.Arie and transplants like Raheem Devaughn and Musiq Soulchild. My only qualms with the scene are that: 1) we need to see younger artist keeping this music alive in their generation; 2) the output needs to always stand heads above what is coming out globally — therefore the songs, the sound, the production, need to be strong; and 3) we need more venues that support this music.”

?

• http://clatl.com/atlanta/ImageArchives?by=1223504
• Anthony David

Anthony David, singer/musician: “New small venue in the vein of Sugarhill (400-person capacity, so new artists can grow in between Apache and Center Stage), another band holding it down on the level of the Chronicle (shout out to Gritz and Jelly Butter, along with Josh Bias) and more records from the new generation out there! More music, less fashion!”

?
Jaya, booking agent GlobalMoods Entertainment: “What I would like to see in the ATL soul scene in 2012 and beyond is less industry politics and more support of quality indie and underground artists. Changing the atmosphere inside the clubs could and would change an entire society. Music influences people. Support quality music with quality messages. We are one.”

?

• http://clatl.com/atlanta/ImageArchives?by=1223504
• Little John Roberts

Little John Roberts, musician/bandleader: “I think Atlanta has great potential to be what it was in the ’90s when there was Laface Records and Dallas Austin and Jermaine Dupri making hits after hits — as well as the underground sounds of Organized Noize with Outkast and Goodie Mob. ATL has soul artists and great musicians here that are still on their grind, they just need an outlet for the world to take notice. But first the city has to support them before anywhere else does! Home has to stop treating us like we’re just ‘locals.’ Support the music ATL!! You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til its gone!“

?
Ken Rye, executive producer, Hot Ice Live, an Atlanta-based entertainment company specializing in live global soul music: “For 2012, I’m looking for the continued Influence of local scene with more new attendees at shows and more artists coming out of this area on the national scene. Personally, I have enjoyed the collaborations between our Atlanta-based producers and internationally recognized talent showing that our folks match up along some of the best in the world. If we do a better job of doing this on more stages and via more interactive media, other markets and new audiences will have to give the market its proper respect.

?
“I tend to look at our business by our ability to attract new local demographics and the support we get from closely related industries like hospitality, tourism, film, advertising, etc. Artists like Anthony David, DJ Kemit, Avery Sunshine, and others are representing Atlanta on commercial radio and nightclubs all over the world right now. Producers like Jason Orr, Daz I-Kue, Mausiki Scales, Khari Simmons and others are increasingly being sought after for their influence on international music. Even as artists relocate to and from places like LA, D.C., the Bay, N.Y., Ghana, and the U.K., our channels stay open for fresh creativity, booking, and audience feedback. With that, 2012 is already offering some soulful promises for some solid, new, original music and exclusive collaborations that can only be produced out of a city like Atlanta.”