Khalid: It's Always Summer Somewhere Tour

Everything typically happens for the first time in high school. It’s the first moment behind the wheel, the first taste of freedom, and the first experience of love. Though not far removed from those days, 19-year-old El Paso, TX singer and songwriter Khalid revisits this seminal time on his full-length debut album, <i>American Teen</i> [Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records]. It reflects the spirit of classics such as The Breakfast Club and 90210 through a kaleidoscope of glitch-y soul-driven cinematic 21st century pop and his transient upbringing in a military family.<p><br> “From beginning to end, it’s the story of your average teenager going through a typical day in high school,” he explains. “In this day and age, young people face a lot of hardships, whether they’re mental problems, relationship problems, or problems with simply facing reality. I wanted to address that in a language someone younger than me can relate to, but that can also translate to somebody a bit older. High school was the same situation every day, but with a slightly different story.”</p><p><br> On the eve of his own graduation, Khalid created a bona fide hit in the form of the album’s breakout single “Location.” It generated over 26.5 million Spotify streams and 4 million YouTube views, received acclaim from Nylon, Pigeons &amp; Planes, Earmilk, DJ Booth, and more, and figured prominently in Snapchat stories from Kylie Jenner, P. Diddy, and Rita Ora. As “Location” became a 21st century anthem, he landed a major label deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records.</p><p><br> Now, the album paints a modern picture of growing up in the age of Uber and Instagram. With its dreamy production and shimmering synths, the title track sums up the central theme.</p><p><br> “It’s my own homecoming pre-graduation song,” he says. “It’s all about being an American teen. You get a visual of seeing your friends passed out in an Uber ride. You’re never going to experience your senior year of high school more than once—at least you shouldn’t,” he laughs.</p><p><br> Elsewhere, the first song he ever wrote, “Saved,” pairs a guitar buzz with a simmering vocal performance, while “Young Dumb &amp; Broke” encourages embracing that youthful freedom in the face of suburban malaise. “Hopeless” represents his “musical interpretation of the color blue,” and “Coaster” transfixes with raw confessional emotion. A shuffle of handclaps and piano ignites “Let’s Go,” as he croons, “This is the start of something great. We might be a little late, but at least we’re on our way.”</p><p><br> “This is the post-graduation track,” he explains. “I never imagined I’d be where I am. I thought I would become a music teacher. I couldn’t even dream I’d be an artist. It’s got this sense of manifestation, which I’m a strong believer in.”</p><p><br> With Khalid's mom serving in the military, he spent most of his childhood moving from state-to-state and country-to-country. After living in Heidelberg, Germany for six years, his family moved to Fort Drum in Watertown, NY during his 8th grade school year. Throughout, mom proved to be a major musical influence on Khalid. She always sang around the house and played classics by Brandy, SWV, and Destiny’s Child for her son. With his mother’s passion for music as a foundation, he built his own aesthetic cultivated by travel and cultural experiences. Along the way, he became a fan of artists such as Father John Misty, Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, and The High Highs. This diverse musical taste fostered his distinct tone and youthful adventurousness to break traditional barriers. </p><p><br>During his senior year of high school, he was forced to relocate yet again: this time to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. Khalid transformed one of the most depressing times of his life into gorgeous melodies and poetic lyrics inspired by all of the broken friendships fragmented from the nomadic reality of a military family.</p><p><br> Settling wouldn’t be easy. However, out of all the places he’d resided, he overcame one of his biggest fears in El Paso and shared his feelings and personal experiences with complete strangers—not knowing how they would react—for the first time. Fortunately, his new friends and peers wholeheartedly embraced these heartfelt stories (and the kid with the weird hair and funny fashion sense behind them). Khalid finally felt at home surrounded by that love.</p><p><br> Now, American Teen and his Location Tour sets the next chapter of this journey in motion.</p><p><br> “With this album, I want to show everyone it’s okay to have emotions, it’s okay to be happy, and it’s okay to be sad,” he concludes. “I feel like a lot of people are afraid to open up, and the trend is to be very cold. I’m throwing everything I’ve ever been through on the table. I’m giving everyone my take on high school and life. I’m looking forward to how kickass 2017 is going to be. I’m very excited for the year, for music, building new experiences, making friends, and coming back to El Paso after everything happens. It’s going to be amazing.”</p>

All good things come in pairs. Socks, headphones, and even underwear. There is no exception either when you mention the pair called Soulidified Music. Two smooth guys known as Ian Lee and Marshall Jones are always dedicated to bring you the finest in Soulful and Deep House. With these two friends and music lovers, they go a step further by making each performance presented to you as one happy vibe. Ian Lee, known for his tight blends and excellent selection of House Music, has been in the House Scene for 10 years. After a couple of years of the here and there gigs, he started a residency called Treehouse in Melbourne Florida on Friday and Saturday. It was there he had learned more on taking the crowds on a mental musical landscape. But what really crafted Ian Lee into a DJ was the meeting of minds between him and DJ friend Alexx Horizon, who served as a mentor for Ian. He helped Ian in further developing his style and skill. Playing a range of sounds from Soulful house, Afro house to raw House tracks, Ian looks forward to the next years and what the future will bring with his DJing partner in crime Marshall Jones. Marshall Jones started out in the scene in mid 1999. Just like a lot of people who are inspired by the scene, Marshall was all about dancing and enjoying the nightlife. He immediately thirsts for the knowledge on DJing and sought out for answers. Through this, he landed in the guidance of Hotwax Harley and the Radiance crew. at the age of 19, Marshall bought records, sat down with his crew and took in the teachings and art of DJing. From the education of Hotwax Harley, DJ Slipstream, A.D. and the rest of the family, he started molding himself into something he calls "Chunky but Funky". Between 2000 and 2002, Marshall played anywhere he could. From the NC, VA, to SC. Then in 2003 he transported himself to Orlando, FL. While living out his time here in Orlando, he has managed to become successful working for Large Music out of Chicago as a Director of Media Promotions, helped in creating a group called Brownsville, also being a new member of Soul Selection music, and of course meeting with Ian Lee. Then in 2006, together they became Soulidified Music. Ian Lee with his smooth, sultry grooves and the soul inspiring disco sounds of Marshall Jones, their goal is to make House Music an art form that will be respected and creating a positive party vibe amongst the masses. While never forgetting to pay respects to the greats who helped them and those who made this thing we call House Music possible.