Weekend Recap: Tiny Couches & Tiny Desks

This weekend was a busy one, but so much fun! I got to hang with my friends, create some cool visuals and just overall enjoy music and life. 

SATURDAY

Kicked off Saturday with a photo shoot for R. Legacy magazine. Lead by the incomparable Kedrick Walker, their team has been working tirelessly creating The Artist Issue, which will be their first in physical print. I've followed their magazine for a long time now and it's an honor to be a part of their growth. Big ups to them and check out their last issue here. 

SUNDAY

Sunday, was a whirlwind! Whew... I woke up and ran into Manhattan to rent a camera and microphone, as Missy and I were embarking on our first video collaboration! Our new year goal was to be as DIY as we could possibly be in 2016 and this year's NPR Tiny Desk Contest was a great excuse for us to kick that off.  

Before we shot the Tiny Desk Contest video, we spent the afternoon playing around with props and lightening and took a little break to record a cover from our tiny couch! Sang a new joint by Jojo called When Love Hurts... it's the jam! Lol 

Later that evening the guys rolled through and we shot an original song, which we'll be submitting to NPR for consideration! As soon as that video is up on YouTube, I'll definitely let you guys know! 

With the help of Missy & Jeary Sylves, myself and the band (Granville, Julian & Alex) had a blast jamming in the living room in front of....yes, our tiny desk! 

ICYM my last year's submission, check it out here... Wish us luck this YEAR! 

MONDAY

Monday was MLK Jr. day and I spent my morning drinking tea and reflecting on the life and last impact of Dr. King. Democracy Now aired a newly discovered speech, which I listened to and was so moved, as I always am, by his skill, his intelligence and his candor. 

My afternoon was spent watching Food Network at my bff's place and talking about lack of diversity in Hollywood! Raging about inequality constitutes our bonding time! Lol 

All in all, it was a full weekend and it felt great to devote all of my energy toward the things I care about and the people who make my life so full. 

Til next time - 

elle

NYC & ME - SEVEN Show Announcement

Well well well... 2016 is shaping up to be something extraordinary! I'm proud to announce that I've got 7 shows ahead, starting next week and running through the early summer! Despite being a little overwhelmed at that prospect, I'm dumb excited! Ha! For my people here in NY, Brooklyn, Jersey, Philly, maybe even DC - you are officially on notice! Come show up and show out with me at one or all of these stops... good times shall be had!

1.12.16
Legion Bar
7pm
This show is part of the DOPE Showcase created by Bedford Box Office and presented by Wax Poetics. 

1.25.16
XY Atelier Contemporary Art Gallery
A Modalew Perspective
6pm
Celebrating the brilliance and born day of Modalew founder David Lewis. 

2.28.16
Sofar Sounds NYC
So excited to be a featured performer for this global music series. This is an invite only event and the location is secret, so if you want a shot at getting tickets, sign-up HERE .....Shhhh

3.5.16
C'mon Everybody
8pm
Hitting the stage with a killer line-up of some of my favorite NY bands including Madam West and Jeary Sylves. 

3.22.16
Billboard Lounge at Barclays Center
10pm (post Brooklyn Nets game)
As what will be perhaps my biggest show to-date, I'll be featured as an emerging artist in the Billboard Lounge at Barclays Center! (We're working on some game ticket and performance giveaways, so stay tuned for more details on this one!)

5.7.16
Apollo Music Cafe
7pm
First time playing as an opener at Apollo Music Cafe. I love performing in Harlem and can't wait to be back! 

5.27.16
Summer on the Hudson/Freshen Up Fridays Series
West Harlem Piers Park
7pm
May is the month of Harlem! Back uptown for an outdoor all-ages show on the pier. Happy to be partnering once again with New York City Parks. Always an honor! 

#COLLABWEEK UPDATE

We only have a couple more days of 2015 left and as promised I wanted to update you on some amazing collaborations I've been a part - two of which just released! For those of you who followed October's #collabweek, you'll recall I introduced you to some of the MC's I've had the privilege of working with this year. I'm excited to share these songs with you. Born out of the spirit of creating something fresh and writing from the heart... I hope you find a connection! So, without further adieu...

"SMALL TALK" Jay Wirth ft. Elle Winston (inspired by that elusive thing we're all after)

"BEAUTIFUL" Habit Blcx ft. Elle Winston (inspired by brown girl magic - s/o to Ms. Copeland & Ms. Williams)

A huge thank you Jay and Habit for trusting me to bring a little extra flavor to your work. Can't wait to see who and where these songs travel to! 

#COLLABWEEK

Show Recap: Shrine NYC & Notes on 2015

Had the pleasure of hitting the stage at Shrine for the very first time this past weekend. In addition to being back in Harlem, it had been a month or so, it just felt good to sing to a room full of diverse people. Young, old, multi-racial, multi-national, etc. Experiencing people's response to my music is always interesting. 

On this show I partnered with LivAmp to stream the show live, which was another first for me. It was amazing to get off stage and have 30 text messages from my family members exchanging about the performance. Being that most of my family is so far away, it was amazing to have them get a chance to see me perform. 

ICYMI - STREAM THE ENTIRE SHOW HERE

As I close out 2015, I reflect on all the things I set out to do this year, I feel proud and a little sad. Had some great shows, put out a great video, traveled, developed relationships and had an unbelievable amount of fun. I'm very thankful for all that I've learned this year. Thankful to you all for begin such a support system and fuel to keep pushing. 

Until 2016 -

Elle

(Special thanks to Alex Smith, Granville Mullings Jr. Todd Martino, Julian Litwack, Tyrone, Danse, Jeary Sylves, Mega Ran, Habit Blcx, Tameeka Colon, Iva Kozeli, Dorrell Bradford and the incomparable Melissa Robles - all who let me be creative, gave me a platform and partnered with me to make something great!)