What up Time Lords,
I will be at Park Burger RiNo (2615 Walnut Street) this evening, Saturday, Sept. 10th from 7:30-10:30pm spinning an all vinyl set. Come through and get weird with me. Plus, I will have some Mister Freedom merchandise on me, so if you need an album or shirt I got you. Vinyl, CD, and or cassette. It all will be there. See you tonight!
Check out the promo video for tonight by clicking the photo below.
Hey all,
It's been a while since I posted anything on this here site of mine. I have been integrated into the omnipotent work machine of America, unable to pause, but for a second to gawk at the glorious functionality of Squarespace.
Luckily, the work Gods haven seen-eth fair to grant me a few minutes of time on this lovely Saturday to sit in front of this screen and punch random letters of the English alphabet on this blood and sweat stained keyboard.
I have attached a link to all of the articles I have written for the Denver Westword over the years, including recent delights like the Mac DeMarco | Tame Impala show, Digable Planets reunion tour, and Recollect Records opening here in Denver. take a peep.
In addition, like always I have been hard at work on the NBR (Neon Brown Radio) podcast and would like to share the latest episode, which features my bud Deca. Deca is a highly talented MC and producer. He is about to release a tremendous amount of material, including a solo album titled, Forest Agates. He shares a song off of the album, as well as a story about being in the music industry.
More so, this past month we tried something different. Deca brought some records from his personal collection to share and talk about. So, not only do you get the regular tastes of Neon Brown, you also get Deca's. What a treat. Check it out. Free download through iTunes. Click the picture of Deca below.
Till next time,
Neon Brown
Click The Image Below To Check Out The Denver Westword Articles
Click the image of Deca to go to the latest episode of NBR
The first installment in music videos for the Mister Freedom project. Kevin Ware is a stop motion music video following some of the characters from the motion picture Star Wars as they get into mischief. If you enjoy, Star Wars, marijuana, good hip hip, stop motion videos, and footage that will give you the weirdies, you'll love the Kevin Ware music video.
To end the month of February with something special I recorded a dedication to one of the greatest music creators of all time, J Dilla. J Dilla created some of hip hop's most notable and memorable songs and has worked with some of the greatest people in the industry. Not to mention he inspired so many people including myself, to think outside of the box when it comes to this music thing and always create from your heart. His sound was impeccable. It had a raw, organic energy to it, which not many have mastered. Every February there are J Dilla celebrations through out the world, giving recognition to his musical prowess, so if you didn't know, now you know. Look it up and help celebrate one of the greatest musicians of all time.
As well, I am happy to say I have the homie Rev. Shines (producer and DJ of Life Savas) featured throughout this episode, reminiscing and sharing some stories about J Dilla. Shines is a phenomenal DJ and producer and to my surprise was J Dilla's acquaintance. He shares how this came to be and plenty more. Very stoked to have Shines on the program. Thank you Ryan! In addition, I will be playing all of the records I have picked up over the years, mostly samples Dilla rocked but a couple of his own tunes as well. I didn't get to share as much as I would of wanted but there is always next year.
On another note, in the last episode of NBR, I spoke on the racial injustice in our country and the businesses that flourish off of this sleaze-bag scheme, one being private prisons. I am happy to say that I have created a petition through moveon.org to put a stop to the privatization of prisons in Colorado. Colorado spends over $2 million of tax payer money on private prisons annually. Now I don't know about you but I would like to see my money go toward positive efforts in our state and help create a peaceful environment, instead of this stagnated, abysmal routine of keeping people down.
I have attached some links that have more information on private prisons and with good reasons for getting rid of them. As well, I attached the move on petition. Please sign the petition and share it with as many people as you can. Lets get these suckers out of our state. No one should benefit off of others misery. Remember private prisons = for profit prisons. It's a business.
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting NBR for the last three months, there is much more to come. I not only want to share music and childish humor with you, more so I believe these podcasts are a great platform to create change in our world and this petition is my first battle. I hope to see more of my peers taking the opportunity to make a difference in our communities and seising the chance to live a positive life. I have to constantly remind myself there are no rules to this.
Until next month, enjoy episode three. Many thanks and hugs to everyone spreading love and happiness every chance they get. Keep it moving and turn it up!
- Neon Brown
This Huffington Post article on private prisons gets right to the point. Read it here
This truth Out article tells at the story of bribed judges and a teenage girls worst nightmare. Read here
This Policy.Mic article details Colorado's $2 million taxpayer money submission to private prisons. Read it here
You can find the Putting A Stop to The Privatization Of Prisons In Colorado Petition Here
Track Listing
1. All Things Considered Theme song
2. Neon Brown Introduction
3. 10CC - The Worst Band In The World
4. Lee Fields - Problems
5. Lou Rawls - Season Of The Witch
6. Barney Kessel - The Look Of Love
7. Joe Pass - Giant Steps | Mountain - Long Red
8. Martha Reeves - Sweet Misery | Mountain - Long Red
9. Jay Dee - Fuck The Police
10. Bobby Caldwell - Open Your Eyes
11. Gentle Giant - Talybont
12. Rick Wakeman - Catherine Of Aragon
13. Larry Coryell - Herman Wright
14. Jan Hammer - Peaceful Sundown
15. Ahmad Jamal - Swahililand
16. Stan Gets - Saudade Vem Correndo | Howard Roberts - Dirty old Bossa Nova
17. Quincy Jones - Snow Creatures
18. Dick Hyman - Alfie | The Isley Brothers - Foot Steps In The Dark
19. The Undisputed Truth - Walk On By
20. Dionne Warwick - You're Gonna Need Me
21. Smokey robinson - A Legend In It's Own Time
22. The Supremes - The Wisdom Of Time
23. Jay Dilla - Doo Doo
24. Rev. Shines Story Part One
25. Mike Hankinson - Concerto In Minor
26. Caravan - A Very Smelly, Grubby Little Oik
27. Lauro Nyro - Once It Was Alright Now ( Farmer Joe )
28. Smokey Robinson - Much Better Off
29. Rev. Shines Story Part Two
30. King Crimson - Moonchild
31. The Singers Unlimited - Claire
32. The Weavers - Kisses Sweater Than Wine
33. Eddie Kendricks - My People
34. Africa - Light My Fire
35. Rick Wakeman - Montezuma's Revenge
36. J Dilla - Nothing Like This
37. Donald Byrd - Think Twice
38. The Moog Machine - Age Of Aquarius
39. Rev. Shines Story Part Three
40. The Roots - Dynamite!
Click the Image of Rev. Shines to Listen to his music on Soundcloud.
We are now excepting pre-orders for the Mister Freedom album on vinyl, cassette, and CD, as well as t-shirts designed by the rave stud himself Mickey Duzyj. Mickey is such a talented artist, take a look at his website here. you can purchase your copy by going to www.iamneonbrown.com/merch or visiting www.bandcamp.com/wearemisterfreedom.
Neon Brown is proud to present his second episode of NBR (Neon Brown Radio) a monthly podcast, which features Brown playing music from his personal record collection, mocking NPR (NPR you’re not safe), and sharing amusing stories from prominent figures in the music industry. Last month featured Mr. Len, formally of Company Flow and member of The Dirty Disco Squares. This month features a story from one of hip-hop’s most notable originators, Big Daddy Kane.
Beautiful people in Internet Land,
Before we kick it into hyper speed with the Holidays, I thought I'd send you all a gift. I am proud to present the first episode of Neon Brown Radio, a monthly podcast consisting of me playing music from my personal record collection, making fun of NPR (NPR you're not safe), and presenting stories from prominent figures in the music industry.
I am super excited to have Mr. Len, formally of Company Flow and current member of the Dirty Disco squares featured on this first episode. Len has produced for many talented artists. As well, Len is a phenomenal DJ and knows how to rock a mic. Basically he's a jack of all trades.
In 2001, Len released his first solo album titled Pity The Fool on Matador records. This record contains a roster of amazing artists, including some of my favorites, such as Breezly Brewin, Lord Sear, and Jean Grae.
Taco Day, a song created by Mr. Len and Jean Grae for the album, captures the madness and behind mass shootings and presents a strong statement about our country and the disposition we take on such issues.
Since mass shootings have become a regular occurrence in the U.S. I found it necessary to talk with Len and play Jean and his song, which hopefully creates a conversation throughout the country, whether it's internally to yourself or with friends and family. In addition, Len shares an amusing story about the music industry.
Mr. Len recently curated a 45 boxset for the Brunswick record label with fellow DJ Natasha Diggs, you can check it out here. Lots of great songs in the set, don't miss out record dorks.
Happy holidays, stay safe, and take back a nog for your old pal Neon Brown.
Click the image below to check out the first episode of Neon Brown Radio
Upon recovering from eating a disgusting amount of food over the Thanksgiving weekend, I chopped it up with Homeboy Sandman about Lice. That's right, his new free surprise EP accompanied by Aesop Rock that dropped a few minutes ago. Click the image below to peep the album and aticle.
Tonight I will be backing up the homie CRL CRRLL at the Red Bull House of Art, located at 1399 35th St, Denver, CO 80205. We go on at 8:30pm. Fast4ward will be doing his thing as well, should be a great night! Check out the Ultra 5280 article on the jam yah tirds.
FL and I released our first endeavor as the duo Mister Freedom this past weekend. The process of creating this album and getting it out has been a long and tedious one but over all it has been well worth the effort. I wanted to break down the history of the album for you and give a little incite into what it’s all about.
I began creating Mister Freedom two years ago while I resided in Oakland CA. I had a concept in mind to create a montage album, where every song went into the next, focusing more so on the entirety of the album itself rather than individual songs. Therefore, the song structures are not your average hip-hop or pop song structures. This is mainly due to the strangulation of the music industry. Everything sounds the same these days and people are mainly into singles rather than albums.
I was listening to “We’re only in it for the Money” by Frank Zappa a lot at the time and was highly influenced by Zappa’s masterful thought process.
As well, since viewing the film many years ago I had been obsessed with “Mister Freedom” a film by the brilliant director William Klien. “Mr. Freedom is a pro-American Right superhero who fights for God and country by beating, robbing, raping, and killing anyone who looks like they might disagree with him. When he hears that France is in danger of falling to the Commies, Mr. Freedom heads overseas to set things right. When the welcome he receives isn't quite as warm as he expected, he gives up hope of steering the French away from the Reds and decides to salvage what he can by destroying the entire country”(Rocher,n.d.)
I had wanted to create an album based off this film but take this concept into my world and mold it into something feasible for my generation. Thus, the Mister Freedom album was born. Taking freedom back from the political and social arenas, the big business of music where everything must conform to what sells, and the outline of modern day America would be the theme.
FL and I were acquaintances on social media but did not know one another. One day had seen on Facebook that FL was in need of a DJ. Whenever I visited Denver I tried to book a DJ gig or two to make my vacation a working vacation. I messaged FL and told him when I would be in Denver and if he would like to meet up and get some gigs moving. Unfortunately this did not happen but FL sent me his first solo album “Limbo.” I listened and was thoroughly impressed. The man has style; finesse and can rap his ass off. In return I sent FL my solo album “Teenagers.” He enjoyed it, so I thought why don’t I send him this crazy Mister Freedom shit and see what his reaction is. I sent it, he responded, and Mister Freedom was in the works.
For the next eight months we would send each other versions of songs back and forth via email and talk on the phone about concepts and how we felt about what we were working on at the time.
After that eight-month period my girlfriend and I made the decision to move back to Denver in hopes of buying a house. Once in Denver, FL and I got together every Wednesday to record, talk, and plot. The recording took another eight-months and then it was onto mixing and mastering. A few months later we had a finished product.
During the recoding sessions certain parts of the songs would come up and FL and I would converse on what to do. If it seemed that we needed someone’s input in the creation and development of the song we would reach out. Sometimes reaching out did not work too well, which led to better collaborations than first intended. Over all, the album formed into its completion in a very organic manner and I could not be happier.
Featured in the album in order is Deca on the song “Zenith.” An original member of the Life Crew here in Denver and currently living in NYC.,this man is such an amazing MC and writer, if you have not heard him please check him out, one of the best. Fast4ward laid down the masterful scratches on “Hello it’s me” giving the flavor most needed to take this tune to the next level. CRL CRRLL is featured on “Mister Freedom” presenting his calm, clean, astounding vocalizations over the chorus. My brother from another cupboard Mark Clifford played vibraphone on “Suites For Smalls” adding that last layer of sweetness and Vast Aire of Cannibal Ox raps a verse on “In America Today.” I have to say, Vast Aire has been such a huge influence on my music making over the last decade and it is my belief that he is one of the best MC’s to ever bless a mic. I am honored to have such an amazing artist on the album.
As of now, Mister Freedom is streaming on Souncloud and will be available for digital purchase on September 22nd, 2015. Click the image below to check it out and be on the look out for our Indie Gogo campaign in the next few weeks. We’re looking to raise $5000.00 to release the album on vinyl, hire a PR firm, supply the production of CD’s and tapes, and produce merchandise, that’s right, t-shirts and stickers. If we receive $12.50 donations from four hundred individuals, we will meet our goal. Easy-peasy!
Thank you to everyone who has supported, contributed, and enjoyed the Mister Freedom album. There’s more to come and we look forward to sharing our music with you.
Click the image below to check out the Mister Freedom album
Artwork by Chelsea Chorpenning Photography
What up good people of the internet world. I'm writing to keep you informed to as what's happenignwith the Mister Feedom project. As you may have seen or heard Mister Freedom released two singles in the past month, "Mister Freedom ft. CRL CRRLL" and "Suites for Smallsft. Mark Clifford." Both singles have received an immense amount of positive feeback, which FL and I are thankful for and don't worry, there's much more in store!
On August 22nd, we will be releasing our self titled album "Mister Freedom" and will be celebrating this feat by playing the totality of the album live for your pleasure at the Moon Room at Summit Music Hall. This is brought to you by Red Bull Sound Select and DJ Low Key and I promise, you will not want to miss this. We will be sharing the stage with our homie CRL CRRLL, who will be releasing his solo album the same day. As well, Fat Tony from Houston TX will be rocking with us and the main attraction, Towkio of the Save Money Crew will be holding the floor. Come and say hello.
The show begins at 8pm and is $3 with RSVP, which you can sign up for here. We're going to have a lot of surprisesin store for the show so please come and enjoy! See you August 22nd! RSVP or it will cost you fifteen duckets!
Just a heads up, we're gearing up to share our indiegogo campaign with you. We are going to release the album on vinyl, and need your help in doing so. We want you to get the most out of this album as you possibly can and feel in doing so we will need a PR firm to help get out the word. The Mister Freedom project is a very special project to FL and I and we cannot wait to share it in it's entirety! Thanks in adnvance for all of the help, we appreciate it!
Next week, we will be releasing a third single with a very special guest, stay tuned and look out for videos and promos later this month.
If you haven't listened to the two new singles from the Mister Freedom Project please click the link here.
Better late than never, here's a piece I wrote for Westword on the Denver D'Angelo show
Chelsea Chorpenning
Here's a little gem "The Unseen Hand"
the homie Mickey Theis and I created a few years back. Mick's about to release a new album"Range Songs.' Enjoy!
Tonight, March 6th 2015 at the Bohemian Biergarten in boulder I will be doing an all vinyl, all funk set.
A little piece I wrote for the Westword about a visit FL and I had to South Broadway. Enjoy!
Chicago family and friends, FL and I will be performing tonight December 18th at Concord Music Hall in Chicago. I believe we go on at 9pm. We will be sharing the stage with Saba as well as Tree. Come through and say what up.
It's been a while since I've posted anything on the cloud so I thought I'd upload a little banger before FL and I bring out this "Mister Freedom" album. This is strictly for lyricists, this is not for the club. It doesn't make you want to get turnt up, but it makes you feel like a cold body just turnt up in the river and now you're in silver bracelets.
Click the image below to here the sweet sounds of Mesa Creepin'
