More on cross-genre rapper, Kenan Bell, and an exclusive mp3 for HearYa readers.
Earlier this month, Kenan Bell released his “remix collective project” entitled Good News: The Mix-Tape. He remixed songs by artists as wide-ranging as Pink Floyd, Lily Allen, Gang Gang Dance, Jose Gonzalez, Peter, Bjorn & John, Duran Duran, and Neil Diamond.
The idea was originally conceived when a Smiths remix he did for fun managed to find its way onto a Morrissey fan site, and then to Morrissey himself. Bell says, “I wanted to rap over The Smiths because people said it couldn’t be done.” For Good News, Bell reworked songs of his choosing – gathering the songs, pulling samples and writing the lyrics all in a matter of a few days – some of the songs written and tracked on the spot, in one take.
This is the premiere of Kenan’s remix of “House Jam” by Gang Gang Dance.
Playboy hosted their 10th Annual Late Night Party at SXSW 2009 at an old Safeway supermarket, headlined by Janes Addiction and attended by the trendiest crowd you’ll find at SxSW. While I normally enjoy walking around Austin to see indie bands in a t-shirt with wet armpits, the Playboy party was a refreshing change of pace. And not just because of the free bar.
Shirk and I strolled in to a half empty party and started into the complimentary cocktails. We’d seen opening act Kenan Bell the night before at our party, where he was shockingly good and became the talk of the night. He had taken command of the room and left people breathless. I’m the first to admit I’m not a hip-hop guy, but Kenan has the ability to transcend genres – it helps that he’s backed by a full band. Bell was one of the biggest buzz acts of SxSW and definitely someone to keep your eyes on in 2009. I’m sure his appearance at this party will open a few doors for him.
Image: Kenan Bell at SXSW
After Kenan’s set, we randomly bumped into Erika Wennerstrom, lead singer from the band Heartless Bastards, in the crowd. Not bad company to keep while you’re waiting for one of the greatest rock bands of our time, Jane’s Addiction. We talked at length with Erika who, like every band we met at SxSW, was incredibly friendly and also much tinier than I’d imagined. It may seem weird, but like meeting Justin Townes Earle, I was a little star struck. Then Jane’s came on stage and all hell broke loose.
Well, not really. The crowd was too cool to get out of control, but fists were pumping, I spilled some drink down my shirt and I think a little squirt of pee came out. I like Jane’s Addiction.
Image: Jane's Addiction at Playboy Party
Surprise! Dave Navarro was topless.
All kidding aside, Navarro impressed, but I think most Jane’s Addiction fans agree that the real power of the band lies in the rhythm section. Perkins and Avery are back with the band and, although the photographers set up shop on the Hollywood side of the stage (Navarro), the band opened by showcasing the bassline on “Three Days.” It served as a well deserved “Welcome back.”
Over half of the set was comprised of tracks from Nothing Shocking with the rest filled in by Ritual de lo Habitual. Highlights for me were “Mountain Song” and “Ocean Size,” but the real joy came in seeing the bright stage lights, favorite songs perfectly executed and a true rock band working the stage to deliver exactly what the crowd was craving. Raw emotion, classic songs and an upcoming reunion tour for the ages.
Although the party was free, I’d happily pay to see Jane’s Addiction again…if only they weren’t touring with Nine Inch Nails.
Kenan Bell is the latest addition to our SXSW party lineup and he’s sure to stand out. In a lineup full of alt-country and indie rock, he’s a 6′5″ rapper backed by an indie band. Kenan grew up outside of LA and was immersed in the skate scene before becoming a teacher and musician with a unique spin on hip-hop. It’s described as “one that lays the intrepid lyrical flow of Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul over the rich textures of The Smiths, TV On the Radio, and David Bowie.”
He gets additional points with me because he wears huge sunglasses on stage like Kool Moe Dee. I Go To Work was a favorite album of mine in 6th grade.
Kenan will hit our stage around 9:20ish and you can also find him performing at Playboy’s Rock the Rabbit party the following night. You’ll find me running around there too.
