FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS INTRODUCES IN-DEMAND
R&B/SOUL PRODUCER AARON HARDIN AS SOLO ARTIST WITH
THE PERFECT BLEND OF JAZZ AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT'

"'Coming Home For Christmas' bypasses the saccharine sentiment typical in most holiday music, instead using the improvisational nature of jazz to elevate the material in a refreshing way." - Soul Bounce

"A fresh take on holiday music. %u2026 I highly recommend you add this classic Christmas CD to your collection." - Chasing Soul

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (grooveworks ENT) heralds the arrival this season of highly regarded young R&B/Soul keyboardist-producer AARON HARDIN as solo artist through an innovative collection of new jazz arrangements of old Christmas favorites.

At the same time, this seven-song offering is a stylistic departure from soul/R&B/hip-hop scene in which he's been rising quickly as a sideman or producer for the likes of Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Lalah Hathaway, Musiq Soulchild, Jesse Boykins, Ann Nesby, Tyler The Creator, Trina Broussard, Slum Village, and buzzing hip-hop experimentalists Sore Losers.

Highlighting his compositional and orchestral arrangement prowess in a jazz fusion context, Hardin summons influences old (Oscar Paterson, Bill Evans, Vince Guaraldi, Ahmad Jamal) and new (Robert Glasper, Kendrick Scott, Brian Blade Fellowship, Yellowjackets) to create a fresh take on holiday music blending jazz, soul, and R&B, with hints of classical - or what Soul Bounce calls "the perfect blend of jazz and the Christmas spirit."

Eric Roberson, for whom Hardin plays and most recently produced "Picture Perfect" and "At the Same Time," characterizes the classically trained, church-raised, jazz-loving, hip-hop influenced, and soul guided Maryland native as "the definition of a hustler" in taking this definitive step in yet another direction.

"This project takes on a special meaning to me, because it taught me a number of things about being an independent artist," says Hardin. "As a producer and multi instrumentalist, I'm very accustomed to doing everything myself. This was the first time I was able to put together a group of individuals for the purpose of recording in this way, and to have everyone stand behind the project and enjoy the ideas and arrangements as much as I did made for an awesome chemistry that made the work easy. "

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS features several extremely talented musicians and vocalists who, like Hardin, are on the verge of breakout awareness. Christie Dashiell, currently seen on NBC's The Sing Off with Afro Blue, is showcased on "Silent Night." Featured on "Rest Well, Gentlemen" is 2005 Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition winner Nikoletta Szoke, alongside vocal arranger and sultry vocalist Claudia Melton, producer/host of House of Blues' HOB Underground. DC singer/songwriter Levi Stephens lends his vocals to "I'll Be Home For Christmas," while DC vocalist Kenny Wesley adds atmosphere to "LDB."

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, the album and digi-booklet, are available at www.grooveworksENT.com, iTunes and Amazon.com, for $6.93. Autographed hard copies also are available via mail order for $10 through the grooveworksENT website. grooveworks ENT is a division of Hardin Enterprises, LLC.

Visit AARON HARDIN and COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS online at:
www.grooveworksent.com
www.facebook.com/grooveworksENT

Stream COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS here.

Click here to request a digital download link.

For interviews, CD reviews and more press info %u2026
Contact:
Randy Alexander, Randex Communications
856.596.1410 / randex@randexpr.com
Online press kit with downloadable jpegs at www.randexpr.com

]]> http://we-are-sore-losers.com/official-we-are-sore-losers-blog/sore-losers-music-director-aaron-hardin-releases-holiday-project-coming-home-for-christmas/feed/ 0 http://we-are-sore-losers.com/official-we-are-sore-losers-blog/pegasusnews-com-interview-dallas-based-sore-losers-work-with-grammy-award-winning-producer/ http://we-are-sore-losers.com/official-we-are-sore-losers-blog/pegasusnews-com-interview-dallas-based-sore-losers-work-with-grammy-award-winning-producer/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 02:53:30 +0000 timi http://we-are-sore-losers.com/?p=2971 Continue reading]]> November 19, 2012 | by Kelland Drumgoole of soso Active

But he can’t tell you who… Yet.

The Sore Losers frontman, Brown, is blowing up, but he hasn’t lost his love for Dallas

DALLAS — Last week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brown, the hilarious and talented frontman of the Grammy-featured hip-hop band, Sore Losers. See what we learned about the Dallas native’s achievements, future projects, and unique twitter name.

Where did you get the idea for Sore Losers come from?

Brown: My brain? Well at first, it was a duo, me and Blue. It was kind of my idea to start the group, so he kind of left it up to me. One day, we were going back and forth and I texted him like 40 names. And then I was like we both have a mutual characteristic of competition. We wanted to win. So, I think Sore Losers made the most sense. So I sent to him, and he loved it.

Where did you get your musical influence and direction from?

Brown: Well, to be honest, I would be lying if I said the group has musical direction. Even at this point, we just make music. It just depends on the iPod playlist at the time. At that time [when they started the band], there was no music scene in Dallas for indie artists, especially our genre of hip-hop. SO, we just wanted to make something that we could identify ourselves with and people that were like-minded could identify with as well. But also separate ourselves from the mainstream of publicity like the boogie movement down here. We just wanted music that was ours. It was all organic.

If I had to pick any group, Gnarls Barkley kinda inspired us and N.E.R.D., but we never wanted to be like them.

Your music is different from traditional sound that has come out of Dallas. How have you been received by the fans in your hometown?

Brown: We were making music for ourselves, and people growing up in Dallas liked us because they had nothing else to identify with. It got a really got a good retention.

Congratulations! And you were also featured by the Grammys recently. How did that feel?

Brown: I still can’t believe it! First hip-hop band, first all black band, first Stevie Wonder cover. I kinda feel like my ideas have always had potential, but to see them actually make it to where they belong … it’s a good feeling!

Aaron: I kinda copy Brown’s answer, in that same train of thought. It was excellent, especially for this to be the first showing with this incarnation of the group. It was an awesome honor. To be the first black band, the first hip-hop group. I was telling Brown how many levels you have to skip to be the first to be thrust into that category as an independent artist. To have the opportunity to be featured by such a prestigious organization. We were all honored. It was a great opportunity. It was very exciting the way it came together. Hopefully, we will continue to garner the same level of success moving forward as we have with the Grammy videos.

Other than the Grammys, what were the other highlights of the year?

Brown: MTV picked up “Euthanasia” after the Grammys did, and you know that’s a huge stride for hip-hop, making conscious music. It’s reassuring, knowing that all the hours of work were worth it.

So, you guys have had a really great year, so what can we expect from Sore Losers in the upcoming year?

Brown: Um, you can expect a project. I can’t tell you a date, I can’t even tell you a title. I don’t know if I can give you the name of the producer I’m working with. But I will let you know, he’s a Grammy award winning producer, a legendary hip-hop producer. We’re working on a project together as well as an original production with the band. Also, some freelance stuff. That’s what the whole East Coast move is about. It’s about getting up there and getting some work done. It’s a project that I’m working with individuals out there, so it made sense, logistically and financially, to go out there and make it work.

Aaaand that’s what you have to look forward to! That and my excitement!

That collaboration sounds exciting! So what artists would you want to collaborate with?

Brown: D’Angelo!

And what hip-hop artist?

Brown: Yelawolf, I think he’s a talented lyricist.

Other than Yelawolf, what other songs in your opinion do you admire for their lyricism?

Brown: Well, lately I’ve been really into gangsta rap. And a lyric that I like right now is from that Rick Ross song featuring Drake, “Us”:

“Photos taken, four door Maybach I know you hatin’/ Stayin’ with women from Staten Island my flows so flagrant.”

So, you were with another group before forming Sore Losers?

Brown: Yeah I was with a million groups before this. I been starting bands since like 5th grade. I started a record label before this unofficially called Paper Soldiers Ent., and the group was 3 Wise Guys. It was me and two other rappers. That’s the first time people heard me.

On twitter, your name is Encyclopedia Brown … is that like the boy from the mystery books?

Brown: It is! I didn’t have a lot to choose from. It was either that or Charlie Brown. Also, can I change my answer to the collaboration question? I would collaborate with Yasmin Bey (aka Mos Def).

Good choice! You know he was in Austin this weekend and I missed him!

Brown: Oh man! Well once we get this feature out the way, I’ll get you an autograph!

Follow them out on twitter @SoreLosers.

 CLICK ON PHOTO ABOVE TO GO TO SOSOACTIVE FEATURE STORY

Last week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brown, the hilarious and talented frontman of the GRAMMY-featured hip-hop band, Sore Losers.  See what we learned about the Dallas native’s achievements, future projects, and unique twitter name.

Where did you get the idea for Sore Losers come from?

My brain? Well at first, it was a duo, me and Blue. It was kind of my idea to start the group, so he kind of left it up to me.  One day, we were going back and forth and texted him like 40 names.  And then I was like we both have a mutual characteristic of competition.  We wanted to win.  So, I think Sore Losers made the most sense.  So I sent to him, and he loved it.

Where did you get your musical influence and direction from?

Brown: Well, to be honest, I would be lying if I said the group has musical direction.  Even at this point, we just make music.  It just depends on the ipod playlist at the time.  At that time [when they started the band], there was no music scene in Dallas for indie artists, especially our genre of hip-hop.  SO, we just wanted to make something that we could identify ourselves with and people that were like-minded could identify with as well.  But also separate ourselves from the mainstream of publicity like the boogie movement down here.  We just wanted music that was ours.  It was all organic.

If I had to pick any group, Gnarls Barkley kinda inspired us and N.E.R.D., but we never wanted to be like them.

Your music is different from traditional sound that has come out of Dallas. How have you been received by the fans in your hometown?

Brown: We were making music for ourselves, and people growing up in Dallas liked us because they had nothing else to identify with.  It got a really got a good retention.  So that gives you an idea of how its being received.

Congratulations!  And you were also featured by The GRAMMYs recently.  How did that feel?

Brown: I still can’t believe it!  First hip-hop band, first all black band, first Stevie Wonder cover.  I kinda feel lilke my ideas have always had potential, but to see them actually make it to where they belong…it’s a good feeling!

Aaron: I kinda copy Brown’s answer, in that same train of thought.  It was excellent, especially for this to be the first showing with this incarnation of the group.  It was an awesome honor.  To be the first black band, the first hip-hop group.  I was telling Brown how many levels you have to skip to be the first to be thrust into that category as an independent artist.  To have the opportunity to be featured by such a prestigious organization. We were all honored.  It was a great opportunity.  It was very exciting the way it came together.  Hopefully, we will continue to garner the same level of success moving forward as we have with The Grammy videos.

Other than the GRAMMYs, what were the other higlights of the year?

Brown: MTV picked up Euthanasia after the GRAMMYs did, and you know that’s a huge stride for hip-hop, making conscious music.  Its reassuring, knowing that all the hours of work were worth it.

So, you guys have had a really great year, so what can we expect from Sore Losers in the upcoming year?

Brown: Um, you can expect a project.  I can’t tell you a date, I can’t even tell you a title.  I don’t know If I can give you the name of the producer I’m working with.  But I will let you know, he’s a Grammy award winning producer, a legendary hip-hop producer.  We’re working on a project together as well as an original production with the band.  Also, some freelance stuff, That’s what the whole East Coast move is about.  Its about getting up there and getting some work done.  It’s a project that im working with individuals out there, so it made sense, logistically and financially, to go out there and make it work. Aaaand that’s what you have to look forward to!  That and my excitement!

That collaboration sounds exciting!  So what artists would you want to collaborate with?

Brown: D’Angelo!

And what hip-hop artist?

Brown: Yelawolf, I think he’s a talented lyricist

Other than Yelawolf, what other songs in your opinion do you admire for their lyricism?

Brown: Well, lately I’ve been really into gangsta rap.  And a lyric that I like right now is from that Rick Ross song featuring Drake, “Us”: “Photos taken, four door Maybach I know you hatin’/ Stayin’ with women from Staten Island my flows so flagrant.”

So, you were with another group before forming Sore Losers?

Brown: Yeah I was with a million groups before this.  I been starting bands sincle like 5^th grade.  I started a record label before this unofficially called Paper Soldiers Ent., and the group was 3 Wise Guys.  It was me and 2 other rappers.  That’s the first time people heard me.

On twitter, your name is encyclopedia brown…is that like the boy from the mystery books?

Brown: It is!  I didn’t have a lot to choose from.  It was either that or Charlie Brown. Also, can I change my answer to the collaboration question? I would collaborate with Yasmin Bey (aka Mos Def).
Good choice!  You know he was in Austin this weekend and I missed him!

Oh man!  Well once we get this feature out the way, I’ll get you an autograph!

Follow them out on twitter @SoreLosers and check out their Grammy performance here: http://youtu.be/UT5FEn5_89A and other Grammy performance videos here: http://bit.ly/SYy5yE.

PHOTOS BY: SOUL THE PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOS BY: SOUL BROTHER THE PHOTOGRAPHER

CLICK ON PHOTO TO GO TO SORE LOSERS REIMAGINED INTERVIEWS & MUSIC VIDEOS

Dallas-based hip-hop collective Sore Losers recently performed a cover of Stevie Wonder’s GRAMMY-winning classic “Living For The City” for an installment of The Recording Academy’s ReImagined series. Linking GRAMMY history with the present, ReImagined is a performance-based series featuring artists interpreting an iconic GRAMMY-winning song, an interview and performances of original music.

“Living For The City” earned Wonder a GRAMMY for Best Rhythm & Blues Song in 1974. The song is featured on Wonder’s Album Of The Year GRAMMY-winning Innervisions. The album was also inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 1999. Sore Losers also performed two original songs, “Madam M” and “Babylon.”

Sore Losers’ self-described experimental hip-hop sound draws on influences such as Gnarls Barkley, Lupe Fiasco, Foo Fighters, MGMT, Nas, and N.E.R.D. The collective is comprised of Vincent “Encyclopedia” Brown (MC/lyrics), Greg Clark Jr. (drums), Aaron Hardin (music director/keyboards), Kyle McPherson (guitar), Jordan Hughes (percussion), and Dre Pinckney (bass). In 2009 Sore Losers released a digital EP titled Free Loaders — The Soundtrack featuring songs such as “Dope,” ” 8587 (Birthday)” and “The Epic Outro.”

In February Sore Losers released their debut studio recording, We Are Sore Losers, which they describe as “an observation of social structure using a sociological imagination.” The project features 11 original songs entirely written, composed and arranged by the band, with themes focusing on issues impacting middle and lower class America. Sore Losers have performed throughout the country at events including the Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest and the ESPY Awards.

Photo By: Soul The Photographer

PHOTO BY: SOUL THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Sore Losers are joined by special guests urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet and vocalist Curt Chambers
for a hip hop rendition of the classic song.

Linking GRAMMY history with the present, ReImagined is a performance-based series featuring an artist’s interpretation of an iconic GRAMMY-winning song, an interview and performances of  some of their original music.

The Sore Losers ReImagined videos and interviews are not live on on www.grammy.com