It seems like the word "buzz" gets name-dropped more times than "fresh" did in the '80s. The difference is "fresh" will always be cool. I'll still refer to something as "fresh" just as The Beasties did back in the day, and buzz will always be just an empty word tossed around unless the new artist being promoted backs it up with raw talent. Enter Polly A, who possesses that and is truly buzzworthy. She's quite fresh as well.
In an industry so in need of authenticity, this budding singer/songwriter comes on so strong both vocally and lyrically on her upcoming EP Ghetto Gold Dream. A genre bender who sways mostly R&B (with a hip-hop consciousness), the Milwaukee-bred and Harlem-based artist born Meleni Smith makes it all look pretty effortless. It's no wonder she's coming into the forefront now by the way. She's earned her stripes writing songs for such artists as Alicia Keys and J. Cole. Speaking of the latter, "Crooked Smile," which she co-wrote, went gold and garnered a "Record of the Year" nod at the 2013 Soul Train Music Awards.
Following successful one-offs and an upcoming slot at this year's Lollapalooza, Polly A stopped by for an A-Sides session filmed by Alye Carlevaro at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. There, she performed four songs and sat down for a chat. Watch two performances below, and catch two more plus the interview right here.You won't be disappointed. Her sound and words are so simmering I expect to hear Cheri Oteri screaming at her to "simmah down now." By the way, if you don't get that reference, I'm totally fine with that. Anyway enjoy the Polly A-Sides below...
A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman - thisisasides.com :
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Elle King, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.