Born and raised in the three-states border town of Atlanta in NETX; grew up in the offices of the local newspaper where my mother worked. My first articles were published at the age of 12. I have since worked in radio, print media, and hosted my own cable-television interview show on KAQC. My specialty has turned out to be personal profile feature stories, and photography. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to meet and interview such notables as Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Artimus Pyle and Dolly Parton, as well as many others.

 As an instrument of advocacy for the arts community, the Deep Ellum 100 movement has grown into a ten-song, multi-genre compilation album that honors both the history of the neighborhood and its current musical culture. To mark the 150th anniversary, Deep Ellum 100 is releasing the “Sounds of Deep Ellum live album on vinyl July 14, 2023.

In the wake of the economic hardship created by the global pandemic, service workers, artists, musicians, and small businesses suffered tremendous financial hardship. Deep Ellum 100 has been actively fundraising since the pandemic began in March of 2020 to aid the community during the crisis and to support the people who make up the fabric of the neighborhood. The organization has successfully completed four fundraisers and raised a total of over $60,000 to provide 30 grants in the Deep Ellum neighborhood.

“Deep Ellum is a world unto itself,” said Gianna Madrini, co-founder of Deep Ellum 100. “The beating heart of the city – where past and present create a certain magic that can’t be bought or fabricated.  Where you can see a show on the same hallowed ground where Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Charley Crocket, Leon Bridges and Erykah Badu have all played.  It’s the one and only; never will there be another Deep Ellum.”

In 1987, Island Records released the “Sound of Deep Ellum”, a collection of local artists that captured the emerging 90’s sound of the neighborhood featuring the Reverend Horton Heat and Edie Brickell. Today, thirty-six years later, the new album is a mix of Indie Pop Rock, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rock.

With hundreds of artists applying for a spot on the anniversary albumthe top 10 performers were chosen includingLorelei K, Maya Piata, Cure for Paranoia, The Memory Shivers, Stone Mecca, Flower Child, Skinny Cooks, Children of Indigo, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 and Ducado Vega.  A video from the live recording at Trees can be found here

The “Sounds of Deep Ellum” was recorded live at Trees on October 25th, 2022, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Deep Ellum neighborhood. The record was produced by Jayanalog with mastering by Crystal Clear Sound and vinyl pressing by Hand Drawn Records.

This new album is a time capsule of the current era, featuring a diverse group of musicians that captures the richness and diversity of Dallas’ music scene and highlights the city’s exceptional talent. These young artists are performing on the same streets as the greats that preceded them. 

The first record release event will be held on Friday, July 14th at Spinster Records in Oak Cliff at 7 p.m. The record release concert will be held on Saturday, July 29th, atHouse of Blues. Performers for the House of Blues concert include Children of Indigo, Cure for Paranoia, Ducado Vega, Flower Child, Maya Piata, Skinny Cooks and Labretta Suede. There is also a list of notable presenters for the event: Frank Campagna, Eva Raggio, Dave Chaos, and DJ Crash. 

Tickets for the live concert can be purchased here.  “Sounds of Deep Ellum” vinyl album can be purchased here. For more information on Deep Ellum 100, please visit their website here or find them on instagram

Click the link below to hear this incredible compilation:

https://soundcloud.com/sounds-of-deep-ellum/sounds-of-deep-ellum-live-album-side-a?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fsounds-of-deep-ellum%252Fsounds-of-deep-ellum-live-album-side-a

In the upcoming months, BUDDY Magazine will be posting weekly articles to introduce our readers to each of these phenomenal artists.

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