2-Up to 2020

January 16, 2020

Dear Valued Reader,

At the end of summer 2010, Kanye West released a new free download-song each Friday, up to the fall release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

These songs had more gravitas than anything else I was hearing; the timeless collection of talent assembled.

Inspired — I bought my first Pro Tools rig.

Unkewl Sound was established in fall 2012 when I moved from Atlanta to Memphis.

On December 31st, 2017, I sent a thank you message to Havier Green for his kindness toward me — and offered my services.

Havi opened the door to a stranger, allowing friendship, musical collaboration and audio mastering for his recordings.

Through Havi, I met his Studio 88 business partner, producer-mixer-engineer, Spekulate The Philosopher.

My first visit to Studio 88 in late summer 2018. Havi speaks while Spek and I (middle) listen. (Photo by Cole Shots)

At Studio 88, Havi and Spek bring talent together — producers, vocalists, instrumentalists, rappers, and more — to develop songs.

Along with Spek and others, I contributed music to Havi. And hearing his work in playback, once again, there was an unmistakable weight, i.e., gravitas.

The Poet, Havi released his first single “Shea Butter (Heart of Darkness)”, produced by Spek; the music video premiered at The CLTV (now Tone), April 25, 2019.

The Poet, Havi calibrated with graphic artist @hail_thetan.

Studio 88 released 12 new songs in 2019 (updated Spotify playlist here) with The Poet, Havi and Spekulate The Philosopher — featuring: Ispeakwithagift, Hippy Soul, Nico the Goddess, Ricky Devaine, Cochi$e, Wolf-Cat and more.

Some words on a few of the releases:

“Just Chill” features new artist Jakya. I contributed music, but Havi’s lyrics, arrangement and collaboration brought the song to life:

“Spiders” features Matt Lucas and R.U.D.Y. with music by Spekulate. Havi brings out the best in others, here for haunting results:

“Aww Hell, Amerikkka” began with a musical idea I shared, but explodes under Havi’s direction and Rico Fields (of Negro Terror) on guitar:

Also, The Poet, Havi’s video for “Shea Butter (Heart of Darkness)” was named the #5 Top Ten Memphis music video of 2019 by Chris McCoy at Memphis Flyer. And was awarded “Official Selection” at the 2019 Indie Memphis Film Festival.

Choose901 writer and host of The Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum’s Musicology podcast, Ezra Wheeler interviewed Havi before the music video premiere here.

Also Havi and Spek stopped by WMC-TV with Janine Gordon:

Music video produced by Studio 143.

Connect with Havi, the Poet and Spekulate the Philosopher personally here and here, respectively.

Looking forward to sharing more in 2020 and beyond.

If you feel I may be able to assist, reach out. Use the contact form on the front page here or write at hello@unkewl.com.

Addendum: Team Havi went on to win the 2020 Indie Memphis Film Festival award for “Best Hometowner Music Video”:

All best,

Music Enthusiast & Producer
Unkewl Sound