Sheila E. has released a powerful new album, Iconic: Message 4 America, one of the best musical efforts in reaction to a catastrophic presidency and poisonous social climate. Rooted in the socially conscious music of the 60s and 70s, the album aims to reclaim that era’s spirit and its fight for justice. Americans seem to be helplessly watching the most corrupt, self-serving, and dangerous presidency in the history of the republic. Who do you appeal to when the authorities themselves renege on their role to protect basic values? Iconic sends a message to inspire Americans to band together, rise up, and force a change. The album could rightly be called the soundtrack for a movement. Continue reading →
Sheila E. releases powerful anti-Trump album
Sheila E. has released a powerful new album, Iconic: Message 4 America, one of the best musical efforts in reaction to a catastrophic presidency and poisonous social climate. Rooted in the socially conscious music of the 60s and 70s, the album aims to reclaim that era’s spirit and its fight for justice. Americans seem to be helplessly watching the most corrupt, self-serving, and dangerous presidency in the history of the republic. Who do you appeal to when the authorities themselves renege on their role to protect basic values? Iconic sends a message to inspire Americans to band together, rise up, and force a change. The album could rightly be called the soundtrack for a movement. Continue reading →
I had the opportunity to tour Prince’s Paisley Park studio on October 6. The Chanhassen City Council angered fans across the world by refusing at the last minute to issue a business permit, throwing plans into disarray for thousands of people who had purchased tickets. Bowing to pressure, the city issued a temporary permit allowing Paisley Park to open to the public for just three days, on October 6, 8 and 14. I felt doubly privileged to be able to take the tour. Not only did I feel privileged to see the space where Prince expressed his creativity for three decades, but I felt lucky to experience it when future plans remain uncertain. (Hopefully, the council will eventually do the right thing and allow Paisley Park to operate as a museum.) 
The three Prince concerts in L.A. on March 28 made this the musical event of the year. It was a phenomenal experience, and I have just one word: genius.