Review: "Bee Pollen" Harlan

Harlan’s new single “Bee Pollen” was released today and has made a pledge to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. The proceeds from streaming the single will be donated entirely to Just City Memphis, an organization that raises money for community bail funds and helps previously incarcerated people expunge their criminal record. Harlan has also committed to donating all of the profits from her self-titled album to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) from here on out. Be sure to stream “Bee Pollen” and Harlan available now on all streaming platforms and to continue finding ways to support the Black Lives Matter Movement and Black creatives during this time.

Artist Spotlight: Girlfriend

This week London sat down for a Zoom Call with Rhodes student Kenya Edwards who is Curb’s first artist spotlight this month. As Black Music Month comes to a close, we are working to integrate Black artist spotlights into regular programming because without Black artists, that Memphis sound would fail to exist. We are so grateful to feature Girlfriend as she discusses how she got started, new releases, how Memphis has influenced her sound, and why it is important to keep creating music right now. 

How are you with everything going on lately?

I’m pretty good, just trying to work and stay safe because both of my parents are essential workers.

We’re doing artist spotlights for Black Music Month, but really we need to extend it into our organization in general and into the school year. We’re going to do spotlights on Black Memphis Musicians right now. So let’s start with a little background, where is your hometown?

I’m actually from Sardis, Mississippi which is about an hour South from Memphis, so not too far away.

How long have you been making music and how has place influenced your work?

I’ve been making music probably since I was in Middle School. It was funny because the first song I recorded was a project for school. We had to remix a song and include definitions for different things like similes and hyperboles. We remixed the song and the teacher actually made us go by the studio and record it, so that was the first time I made music and after that I started writing in probably 9th grade and it all started from there. Right now place is influencing my music because I am more of an R+B singer, but Memphis is more of a rap city which is forcing me to be more creative and open up my music to that side. If I was somewhere else like Houston or an R+B city it would be easier, but for now I’m trying to gain more traction and work with new people so my current sound is more rappy.

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So how would you describe your music style?

I would say different, I know everyone says their music is different, but I have a lot I haven’t released yet and it’s all so different. I really don’t have one specific sound, I would call it an expression because it can’t really be categorized to one genre of music. I really don’t have one specific sound, I would call it an expression because it can’t really be categorized to one genre of music.

Well, if there was just one track that you want audiences to listen to, what would it be?

What I really want to suggest is something I haven’t released yet, if I had one or two songs, the first would be Got with Big Boogie and then Take You Home which hasn’t been released yet. 

And you’re on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud, so our audience can check you out on any of those services. How do you feel like your blackness influences your work?

I feel like my blackness influences my work because that’s how I’ve grown up. I love Black artists like Chris Brown, my dad’s reggae, a bunch of different influences and other Black bops like Candy Rain or songs with chorus singing the hook with the lead and vocals. I would say Black music is my sound, I’m just the reincarnation of what I listened to growing up.

Is there anyone you listen to now that influences or inspires you in your sound and vibe?

I would say a few years ago Kehlani, because when I first started writing I would start with a beat and think about what my favorite artist would write. What type of cadence would they put there and that sort of thing. Back then I would say Chris Brown and Kehlani, but the more I started writing the more it’s just me. I can still hear other artists, but now it’s just my expression

I can feel that vibe, last question: why do you feel it’s important to create content right now?

There’s a lot going on in the world with the pandemic and Black Lives Matter Movement, which is something I’ve been super outspoken and passionate about. So, I think we should really be focusing on those things, especially the Black Lives Matter Movement, but at the same time I feel like being a creator of music period, music is something that brings people together and it’s important to be passionate right now. We don’t want it to be all stressful, and creating content is sort of a relief but can also help drive people. At one point I didn’t want to create content or release anything simply because I feel like that’s not the focus, but there comes a time when we should give ourselves a mental break. 

I agree, we can have Black joy and suffering in the same space. Thank you!

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You can checkout Girlfriend’s music on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Music. Her newest single Got featuring Big Boogie is out now and you can watch the music video here

Review: "I Don't Like You Anymore" Jordan Occasionally

Full disclosure: I went to high school with Jordan Occasionally and sang with her in choir. I remember her in our program’s a cappella group, Key of She. She was often the featured soloist of the group, delivering her smooth runs effortlessly. She was the star of the show, her stage presence unmatched, as if each note she belts is a love song in itself. Now, four years later, I have the privilege of seeing her grow not only as an artist but a fellow queer woman. So when I heard she was releasing a new single this March, I quickly hopped on the opportunity to be one of the first to hear it.

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Jordan Occasionally’s “I Don’t Like You Anymore” fades in slowly to a flowing groove with biting lyrics. Reminiscent of late 90s R&B, the beat is simple yet hits the right spot for an angsty anthem for her womxn audiences. Her lyrics, “You’re not so special/I don’t remember you at all,” read especially well for someone recently going through a break up. It also appeals to that similar feeling many of us womxn experience after moving on from a toxic relationship. The eerie feeling of relief that comes with grieving the loss of romance and intimacy resonates through her honest words and mellow beat. Jordan’s single is not only empowering, but provides a cathartic backdrop for the peaceful mundane of feminist individualism. 

Jordan’s voice itself lends a silky tone, making any song of hers simply beautiful to listen to. She sounds very similar to artist Mereba, both with a slight childlike quality that makes them incredibly relatable. This shows through brilliantly in “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” as her singer-songwriter vibes complement the sway of the beats. Not only this, but this release is much different from her previous songs. We get to see more of Jordan’s range as she has delved into topics on black rights, love, Memphis gentrification, and now womxn’s empowerment. For further listening, I strongly recommend Jordan’s “Dear Broad, Bingham, and Beale” and “Coffee (I’m Addicted)”. Either way, be sure to check out “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” available this Friday the 20th on all streaming platforms. I promise it’s one you don’t want to miss.