CONCEPTS x New Balance

The CNCPTS x New Balance 1000 ‘Míle’ raffle will launch on Wednesday, March 12 at 12pm EST. Winners can collect their sneakers at CNCPTS locations in Boston, New York, and Miami on Friday, March 14 at 11am EST. Additionally, pairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on cncpts.com starting at 11am EST on March 14. Good luck!

Concepts have been upping the game when it comes to their New Balance colabs this year, with their recent NB740 effort evoking the feeling of living the high life thanks to the champagne-influenced ‘Saignee’ and ‘Brut’. Their next project is equally luxe, although this time the pair wears its influence on its tux sleeve, as the NB1000 colourways are pure money.

Leaked within a moodboard carousel stacked with references to cold hard cash, the resulting NBs are as crispy as a $100 bill. While names are yet to be revealed, the first CNCPTS x NB1000 iteration sports a layered make-up of dark green, white and sage panels, while a second pair below forgoes the sage tones for more white and replaces the dark green toe box with a black variation. There are also two predominantly white pairs – one looks to feature a white leather upper with green accents, while the other features a white mesh base with green panelling up top. Each pair then boasts a red ‘1000’ logo at the forefoot, as well as additional co-branded logos on the tongue.

So far, it’s yet to be revealed as to which pairs will be samples or Friends and Family exclusives, so until then make sure to stay locked for more info as it comes in!

New World Coming

A Juried Exhibition from Violence Transformed Celebrating Recent Ancestor Bernice Reagon Johnson of Sweet Honey in the Rock

February 15 - March 2, 2025

There’s a new day comin’, everything’s gon’ be turning over, Everything’s gon’ be turning over, where you gon’ be standing when it comes?”

-Bernice Johnson Reagon (October 4, 1942 – July 16, 2024)

Violence Transformed invites viewers to “New World Coming,” a juried multi-media arts exhibit uplifting the words, sounds and spirit of Bernice Johnson Reagon. The exhibit focuses on the art and activism of socially engaged artists in and beyond Boston. We are living in times where art allows us to heal but also enters into critical conversations that allows all facets of our community to be seen. Bernice Johnson Reagon led us with her voice for nearly half a century, speaking and singing out for freedom and justice. The words to her song, “New World Coming,” feel like a premonition for the moment we are in as a people.

Violence Transformed is an annual series of visual and performing arts events that celebrate the power of art, artists and art-making to confront, challenge and mediate violence. Violence Transformed events include visual arts exhibits and music, dance and theatrical performances hosted by multiple venues in Boston and beyond. Since 2015, Violence Transformed events have also included artist-led workshops for health care providers and provider-led, trauma-informed workshops for artists and activists working with individuals, families and communities impacted by violence and the risk of violence.

Based primarily in the central and surrounding neighborhoods of Greater Boston, and drawing upon the creative energies of artists throughout New England, Violence Transformed documents the ways in which our diverse communities harness art’s potential to effect social change and materially transform our environments. Violence Transformed represents a vibrant collaboration among artists, activists, museum professionals, academics, and community service providers from diverse segments of the greater Boston area. Our work is made possible by the tremendous volunteer energy and creative gifts of our participants, by grant-funding for many of our workshop initiatives and, primarily, by donations from those who support our mission.

NINTENDO SWITCH 2

After months of rumors and leaks, Nintendo has officially unveiled its latest video game console, the Switch 2. Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch the Switch 2 can be used as a portable handheld system or at home connected to a TV.

The Switch 2 made its debut in a short video posted to Nintendo's YouTube channel on January 16. The console looks a lot like the original model but has a few new design flourishes. However, actual specifications are pending, so there's a lot we still don't know about the Switch 2' hardware, including its display type and exact graphical capabilities.

The Switch 2 price and exact release date also remain unknown, but it's launching later this year. Nintendo will share more details in another video set for release on April 2. Likewise, the company announced a series of hands-on events throughout April in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas where fans can try the system for the first time.

Though there's still much to learn about the console, here's everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 so far, Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal trailer focuses mainly on the console's appearance, which is very similar to the original Switch. The Switch 2 features a display sandwiched between two removable Joy-Con controllers. The display can also be slotted into a dock that plugs into your TV.

The new Joy-Cons have a similar button layout as their predecessors, but rather than slide into place on the side of the display, they appear to snap into the console with magnets. A revised kickstand was also shown off, and the right Joy-Con appears to have one additional button.

Though details on the screen's panel type, resolution, and even its exact size were not announced, side-by-side images clearly show that the Switch 2's display is larger than the original Switch, which had a 6.2-inch screen.

Switch 2 will be more powerful than its predecessor, but its graphical capabilities are unconfirmed

As with any next-gen console, the Switch 2 will deliver graphical improvements over the original Switch. However, it remains to be seen just how powerful the new system will be. Nintendo hasn't revealed any details about the Switch 2's internal hardware.

Industry rumors have long hinted at 4K upscaling capabilities and performance similar to that of a PS4 Pro. But we'll have to wait until April 2 to see if those reports pan out.

The original Switch was limited to 1080p resolution in docked mode and 720p in handheld mode. A bump to 4K would be a welcome upgrade and put it on more equal footing with other modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

A new Mario Kart was shown, but that's all we know about Switch 2 games.

Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal trailer included a brief glimpse of what appears to be a new Mario Kart game running on the console. The last Mario Kart title was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which hit the original Switch in 2017.

No other new games were shown off. However, Nintendo confirmed that the system will play new Switch 2 titles and most original Switch games in both physical and digital form. That said, some original Switch games may not be compatible.

Nintendo Switch 2 price, release date, and preorder details will likely be revealed in April

For now, Nintendo is still keeping the Switch 2's price and release date a secret. We know the console will launch in 2025, but that's about it. Full details are expected to be revealed on April 2, when the company will release another Switch 2 video.

The original Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 for $300, while a slightly upgraded Switch OLED model launched in October 2021 for $350. A handheld-only model called the Switch Lite was made available in September 2019 for $200. Based on previous pricing, it's likely the Switch 2 will cost somewhere in the $300 to $400 range.

Steven Cohen Senior Tech Editor FOR BUSINESS INSIDER

BC EAGLES x NEW BALANCE

Boston College Receives Special Edition of the New Balance 9060

New Balance continues to pay homage to the city of Boston. This time, the shoe brand has introduced a special edition colorway for Boston College with its New Balance 9060 silhouette. The shoe comes months after the brand announced the school-specific New Balance 550. Its second shoe dedicated to the school, the new colorway receives direct nods to the institutuion.

The “Boston College” iteration for the New Balance 9060 sees the shoe constructed in a mixture of materials. Mostly constructed out of a light grey mesh upper and suede overlays, the school’s maroon undertones hit the “N” branded on the side as well as the inner lining and parts of the sole. The tongue is elevated in leather while the school’s “BC” logo is stitched on top. The insoles feature Boston College’s “Eagles” inscription to celebrate their mascot and inject a dose of school spirit, on-theme with the design.

Look out for the New Balance 9060 “Boston College” arriving in the coming weeks at select retailers and online. Joyce Li

NEW BALANCE 1906L LOAFER

NEW BALANCE 1906L LOAFER
“METALLIC SILVER” RELEASES IN 2024

Introducing the New Balance 1906L Loafer in “Metallic Silver”! After its initial debut in “Green”, this stylish shoe returns with a new look. Revealed at a Junya Watanabe runway show during Paris Fashion Week, it’s now gearing up for a broader release.

Crafted with a breathable grey mesh base and metallic silver leather accents, this version maintains its signature features. It boasts toe guards, a plastic heel counter, and a midsole while sporting a sleek black rubber sole for added elegance. The branding details like the “1906L” insignia, the iconic “N” logo, and “NB” branding enhance its fashionable appeal.

The New Balance 1906L Loafer “Metallic Silver” will hit shelves in 2024. It’ll be available at select New Balance retailers both in-store and online, including NewBalance.com. Coming in unisex sizes, the price for this trendy footwear is still under wraps.

In conclusion, the NB 1906L Loafer in “Metallic Silver” promises a blend of style and comfort. With its sophisticated design and iconic branding, it’s sure to make a statement in the world of fashion footwear. Stay tuned for its release and be ready to step out in style!
BY MARIO BRIGUGLIO

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER x KEITH HARRING

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Pride Perfume Bottles Get the Keith Haring Treatment.

Jean Paul Gaultier is ringing in Pride month with a new collaboration.

The Puig-owned brand is introducing limited-edition bottles of its annual Pride fragrance in Classique and Le Male flacons, fashioned after nude male and female torsos — this time, wrapped in Keith Haring’s “Once Upon a Time” mural.

They house a limited-edition fragrance, released for Pride month annually since 2022, with notes of blood orange and musky blond woods. Noses Nathalie, Cetto and Quentin Bisch composed the fragrance.

That mural lives in the NYC LGBT Community Center, also known simply as The Center, which honored the brand at its annual The Center Dinner on Thursday with the Corporate Impact Award. The Center also honored The Eagle, the gay bar owned by Derek Danton and Robert Berk, with the Community Impact Award.

“We began to work with [The Center] four years ago and have increased to the highest corporate sponsorship level since, allowing us to enhance not only our monetary donation but our partnership efforts,” said Frédéric Appaire, vice president of Jean Paul Gaultier Parfums. “The collaboration was established in a very natural way. Since we’ve been building a strong relationship with The Center for years, their team introduced us to the Keith Haring Foundation and offered us the possibility to use Keith Haring’s mural.”

The collaboration comes at a time of the brand’s “unprecedented era of success worldwide, both in fashion and fragrances,” Appaire said. “The U.S. market is a key step in our international growth and recent results confirm our high potential. In 2023, Le Male Elixir became the largest Le Male launch ever in this market; in 2024, we open a promising new feminine chapter with the launch of Gaultier Divine.”

As reported, 2023 sales in the Americas for Puig hit 1.4 billion euros — an 18 percent gain. In the U.S. specifically, fragrance was a significant growth driver. Puig has also since announced plans to file for an IPO in Spain.

“In addition to providing lifesaving programs and services for all LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center stands as a vibrant hub for LGBTQIA+ culture in New York City, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions,” said Dr. Carla Smith, The Center’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “It’s an honor to have our longtime partner, Jean Paul Gaultier, reproduce and celebrate our permanent art installation, Once Upon a Time by Keith Haring, to be enjoyed by a new audience.”

BY JAMES MANSO

The Puig-owned brand has refashioned its Classique and Le Male perfume bottle shapes with prints of Keith Haring's "Once Upon A Time" mural.

ART FUTURES

2023 STEPHEN D. PAINE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
JURIED BY KATE GILBERT (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NOW + THERE

Established in 1999 by the Boston Art Dealers Association (BADA),https://www.bostonart.com/ the Stephen D. Paine Scholarship is designed to support students who are entering their final year in studio art programs at colleges in the city of Boston. The scholarship is established in memory of Stephen D. Paine. Stephen was passionate about the visual arts and dedicated to supporting arts education through his involvement with numerous Boston-area institutions. Stephen was a friend and ally to artists, students and art professionals.

Exhibiting Artists:

·      Julie Francois - School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University

·      Fallon Lavertue – Massachusetts College of Art and Design

·      Guadalupe Najar - School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University

·      Carter Powers - School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University

·      Keith Truong - School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University

·      Leon Vicaire - Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Carter Powers

FIRE IN THE BASEMENT

FIRE IN THE BASEMENT brings together thirty-three artists from the Artist Studio Building at The Boston Center for the Arts, located at 551 Tremont Street. Curated by Piano Craft Gallery director and BCA studio artist, Rebecca Greene, this exhibition provides a snapshot into the variety of art created throughout the studio building. We are coming together as a group to celebrate the life of Chick Byrne, a renowned painter and treasured friend to us all. His impact on our community is immeasurable and his spirit continues to live on through those fortunate to have known him.

Exhibition Dates: March 8-24, 2024

Opening Reception: Friday March 8, 2024 6-9PM

“Still Not Dead Yet,” Performance Night: Friday March 15, 2024 6-10PM CANCELLED

Closing Reception and Artist Talk: Sunday March 24, 2024 3-5PM

Gallery Hours: Fridays 6-8PM, Saturdays 12-5PM, Sundays 12-5PM

Hip Hop: Born in the Bronx, Gift to the World

Hip Hop: Born in the Bronx, Gift to the World
Artists Daniel Laurent and Premo Dee in conversation with Jamaal Bonnette and Fredericka King about the influence of early hip hop on their music and the legacy of this art form. Each artist will perform a short set.


Artist/ Filmmaker/ Creative/ Community Advocate - Daniel Laurent is a recording artist, writer, impulse speaker and small business owner that centers around intentionality and increasing the Black dollar in the community from 6 hours to 7 days. He recently wrote, starred and funded a short film entitled "Cry for Me" which centers around domestic violence and sexual abuse. His goal is to use his male voice to amplify the awareness and fight against and stand in solidarity with survivors and also make intentional actions to course correct to reduce the amount of new victims being created. Daniel Laurent's daily mantra as well as Black Dollar's tagline is "Intentionality is the Only Option"

Raised between Brockton,Ma and Gwinnett County,GA, Boston based Premo.Dee is an explorer!! The excitement of the cultural leaps and bounds taken during the blog area, and the early introduction of internet culture left the door wide open for him to pursue interests in both music and fashion. Self expression wasn’t always the easiest thing for him. He still always found a way, adapting to change from an early age. Telling the story of a young black man, raised by a single parent mother, coming face to face with the world in order to voice the most important opinion of himself. He has goals of cementing his name amongst the stylistic greats of music, as well as pushing the boundaries of creative expression further everyday.

Jamaal Bonnette is an artist out of Brockton, Mass. Also known as Barry, Jamaal has been painting and displaying his work since its early inception in 2014. Barry has displayed his work in galleries across Boston, particularly at the Piano Craft Gallery for a month long interactive exhibit (2019). The Stacey Adams Cultural Building also housed and displayed Jamaal’s work for a month long multi-artist exhibit (2019). Also being housed in buildings such as The Liquid Art House (2017) and Savvor Night Club in Boston, Jamaal has also teamed up with the Culture Collection of CT, to displaying his art in Hartford (2016). He was also spotlight artist for a week long installation at Canvas of Memphis in Memphis TN (2018). Lastly he’s regularly in Rhode Island as part of Bond Brotherhood annual Art Show.

Friday October 6, 2023 7PM - PIANO CRAFT GALLERY - 793 TREMONT ST.

WHAT HIP-HOP MEANS TO ME

IBRAHIM ALI-SALAAM

“TAKING, MAKING, MOVING, SHAPING”
WHAT HIP HOP MEANS TO ME

Artist Statement:
“Get your face blown, might face the chrome, we take this more serious than just a poem” (Inspectah Deck on “Play for Keeps”) 

“Heads relax and play the back when I spill, regulate a flow like chicks on birth control pills” (Bahamadia "3 Tha Hard Way")

I always loved that feeling when you hear a dope verse or a line and want to rewind it back a few times. 

"Yo!…What did that MuthaF**** just say?!”
Is what comes out of my mouth when I experience these moments. 

Those lyrics that hit differently than others.

In my paintings it is those moments I am sharing with you.
That’s What Hip-Hop Means To ME!


KICK PUSH

Show Dates: October 13, 2023 - October 29, 2023

Opening Reception: October 13, 2023 6-8/9PM

Gallery Hours: Fridays 6-8PM, Saturdays 12-5PM, Sundays 12-5PM

From the outset of known visual art, humanity has been captivated by the task of representing the body. Though this instinct has been subverted in the last century as art has moved further and further into the realm of the abstract and conceptual, many artists continue to draw on the human form for inspiration. Few contemporary artists, however, have made the figure as focal as Ibrahim Ali-Salaam, whose poignant series of male nudes will be included in Beacon Gallery’s Mixed Messages exhibition, running from July 17th to August 30th. 

Raised in an academically driven family, Ali-Salaam was encouraged to continue his post-secondary education in art school.  Initially unsure of what medium to pursue, he eventually came to concentrate in oil painting and charcoal; mediums that continue to define his work today. Following his graduation from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Ali-Salaam decided to challenge himself and relocated to Cincinnati. 

Throughout his time living away from his hometown, he found himself resolutely drawn to depicting the body. Endlessly fascinated by its complexity and diversity, Ali-Salaam began painting nude self-portraits—first for reasons of accessibility, and later as a practice of introspection. In many of these works, Ali-Salaam’s arms reach out, bracing against invisible confines. At times forceful, at others resigned, these arms relay a keen sense of turmoil and subjugation, representing Ali-Salaam’s lived reality in a culture that tirelessly seeks to classify and categorize his identity.

In Mixed Messages, Ali-Salaam’s paintings work to complicate and counter the assumption that only women experience sexual assaults.  Giving voice to narratives often shut out and forgotten, his works add a vital new dimension to the storied tradition of the male nude.

Ibrahim Ali-Salaam’s oeuvre has been exhibited in galleries across the country and around the Boston area, where he lives and works today. He’s currently adding to an ongoing series of drawings and paintings focusing on disembodied hands in addition to frequent collaborations with his young son. To keep up with Ali-Salaam’s work, you can find him at his website https://ibi5000.wixsite.com/ibrahim or on Instagram @ibi5000.

"INTERSECTIONS" Opening Reception 06.03.23

The Piano Craft Gallery is pleased to present:
Intersections: Artistic Dialogues in Boston’s Graduate Fine Arts Community
Curated By: Kamal Ahmad

A groundbreaking collaborative exhibition, Intersections: Artistic Dialogues in Boston’s Graduate Fine Arts Community, brings together unique artworks of graduate students and newly minted masters of fine art from Boston. Over 45 participating visual artists from the classes of 2023 and 2024 represent the fine art graduate programs from Boston University’s School of Visual Arts, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, Lesley University, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Showing works in painting, drawing, sculpture, print media, and installation, this group proudly shows the vital cross-section of the Boston area arts community engaged in studying art at the graduate level – its discourses, methodologies, and possibilities.
 
Intersections is the third collaborative event held during the 2022-2023 academic year. Last September, students and faculty across studio art disciplines gathered in the 808 Gallery at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts to introduce themselves and get to know each other. In March of this year, Lesley University’s low residency MFA program hosted a PechaKucha event, in which students shared a single work in a pop-up exhibition to generate conversation. Creative community and fellowship are essential to an artist’s life, as it’s not an easy or predictable path. As Faculty, we feel that our students should have the opportunity to get to know their peers at neighboring institutions.
 
Curator Kamal Ahmad visited the studios of each of the artists in the exhibition. A multidisciplinary artist himself, working in painting, video, and print media, he holds MFA degrees from Boston University (Painting, 2016) and MassArt (2019) and embodies the inter-institutional and interdisciplinary spirit of this exhibition. 
 
Boston University’s School of Visual Arts is happy to extend its yearly summer exhibition partnership with Piano Craft Gallery by welcoming students from neighboring institutions in Boston. BU SVA Director Dana Clancy notes, “This exhibition is the culmination of a year of in person connective community events between studio MFA programs in Boston. As such, it represents the excellent work of impactful graduate art programs in the city, which draw students from many regions in the US and the world and change the fabric of Boston arts for the better. Josephine Halvorson often speaks of the power of proximity, and in bringing these artists together side by side and in dialogue we hope new relationships will endure beyond this locale.”
 
This collaboration between schools echoes the collaborative spirit of Boston Young Contemporaries (BYC), a New England MFA juried exhibition, formerly hosted by Boston University from 2006-2018 when gallery renovations and the ensuing pandemic paused it. By welcoming all students who wish to participate, Intersections: Artistic Dialogues in Boston’s Graduate Fine Arts Community is an inclusive and contemporary approach to a large inter-institutional group exhibition.

  • Josephine Halvorson, Professor of Art and Chair of Graduate Studies in Painting at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts

MFA Programs represented:
Boston University MFA Painting
Boston University MFA Sculpture
Boston University MFA Print Media & Photography
Lesley Art & Design’s MFA in Visual Arts
MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Art at SMFA at Tufts University
Massachusetts College of Art and Design - 2D
Massachusetts College of Art and Design - 3D
 
Participating artists include:
 
Abbi Kenny
Adrian Johnston
Alyssa Grey
Ava Xu
Catherine LeComte
Cody Bluett
Danielle Richard
Dara Morgenstern
Darci Hanna
Davit Botch
Delaney Burns
Ellen Weitkamp
Emily Rice
Faith Baum
Hadis Karami
Huakai (Sebastian) Chen
Jacob Salzer
Julia McGehean
Katalina Simon
Leah Naxon
Lindo Obobaifo
Mae-Chu O'Connell
Magda León
Megan Arné
Pardis Alipour
Patrick Brennan
Ran He
Ry Beloin
Sakshi Doshi
Sayak Mitra
Sharon Stanczak
Sidharth Shah
Sohyoung Park
Sophie Thervil
Stephanie Petet
Stephanie Williams
Téa Chai Beer
Yana Nosenko
Yingxue (Daisy) Li
Yolanda Yang
Yukai Chen
Zo Watts

PHILEO by SEBASTIAN MIKAEL

Sebastian Mikael on New EP ‘Phileo’
Interview by ANTWANE FOLK October 14, 2022 5:20 PM

The Swedish-Ethiopian singer returns with his first project in almost four years. It’s been nearly four years since Sebastian Mikael released a project. His last two efforts, I C U U C ME Pt. I and Pt. II were released on longtime label home Slip-N-Slide Records, in partnership with Atlantic Records. The former of the two imprints also distributed his 2014 debut album, Speechless.

Now, the emerging Swedish-Ethiopian singer has it all under control. He does have some assistance from his tight-knit team, one of which is his publicist, who goes dark on his Zoom call on a September afternoon. Mikael, dressed in a black graphic tee, has an exhausted but excited look. He describes his current feeling as “stressed,” but for a good reason. He is doggedly working toward raising his profile with Phileo, his new EP available now.

“Just trying to get a lot done kind of last minute with certain things,” Mikael tells Rated R&B, shrugging. “But it’s just a part of it. I can’t complain.” For Mikael, moving from a major label to a grassroots situation has perks. “I choose to go independent because I feel like it’s a better fit for the music. I’ve never had full ownership before — this is my first time, so that’s exciting.” But, of course, that’s the short-term effect. And the long term? The one thing many artists strive to achieve in their musical tenure: complete agency of their art.

Mikael breaks it down. “Let’s say somebody wanted to include your music in a show or a film, they would have to get it approved by you personally versus the label owning your master, and they only have to go to the label to get approval for whatever it is, even if they want to sample a song that I did. It’s also [about] being more in control of your art, the things that you put out and being able to kind of control it a little more,” he informs.

Even though Mikael is in independent bliss, his time signed to a label yielded rewards. His most recent was in spring 2021 when “Exit,” a standalone 2020 single, reached No. 13 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. Describing the success of the song, Mikael says, “It was awesome that people loved it and the song still being something that I’m like, ‘Wow. Such a personal record.’ We don’t hear songs talk about vulnerability and just being not okay. I feel like it was cool that people really related to it and felt a connection to it.”

On his latest body of work, Phileo, Mikael sounds as comfortable as ever, as evidenced by the noodling first single, “Overgold,” which was released in early September.

“It was something that I wanted to hear right now. I wanted to put it out, and it gave me a good feeling,” he says of releasing the mentioned song to precede his new EP.

As the EP’s title suggests, Phileo is known in the Greek language as having brotherly love. Besides finding an attraction to how the word looked and sounded, Mikael was adamant about that specific source of affection being the focal point of the new material. 

“I wanted to talk about having love for your people, sisterly or brotherly love, loving your peers, and loving the people around you,” he explains. “It’s mentioned in the Bible when Jesus and his disciples built this bond in brotherhood. I wanted to include the different aspects of love that feel more like the fundamentals and core of who we are and in a deeper sense. I wanted to kind of take love out of it — the romantic aspect — and talk about the misconceptions of love.” Conventional themes of love are present on Phileo, and will be in future music by Mikael he assures. However, he was intentional this time with the message he wanted to convey.

“It was more about getting out the thoughts I had in my head. I will talk to myself a lot about stuff (laughs), and I just used all of that and poured it into the music. It felt more of a relief for me to get that out,” he says. 

Mikael recorded most of the songs for Phileo and reproduced them this year by “using the vocals and creating new music around it.” He was more satisfied with the second round. “I feel like now it’s in a place where sonically, it represents what I’m on, just the feeling of it and [the] concept of it,” he adds. 

As part of the campaign for Phileo, Mikael teamed up with Tidal for a special Metaverse performance that is soon to be released. “It was filmed in 360°, so when you see the space we performed in, you can look around and see the whole room in full spectrum. That’s gonna be really cool.” Mikael also was a recent guest for COLORS, performing “Scene 1” (more on that later). 

With luck that fans enjoy Phileo, Mikael will take it out on the road. “I’m sure it’ll be some kind of tour. I’m waiting to see what happens when we drop [Phileo]. Once the music gets out, I think it’s gonna speak for itself. We’ll see what happens from there.” 

In Rated R&B’s interview with Sebastian Mikael, the singer-songwriter breaks down every song on his Phileo EP.

“Sky” feat. Pink Siifu
It’s a song about going through circumstances that we all go through [in] life. It don’t matter what obstacles you face or what you’re going through in life, but if you have real love in your life, for me, God is love. Having God in my life [and] having that trust, it don’t matter what you go through and the things you face, you’re gonna be fine. It’s just a part of it. If anything, it’s gonna strengthen you [and] build character. 

“Tubbs Krueger (Skit)” 
It’s like a cool little classic radio-type skit. It sounds like how radio used to be back in the day. My boy Tubbs Krueger was the one that did it. It’s just fun [and] just a vibe.

“Overgold” 
It’s a feel-good, fun record — something I just needed to have. It’s not really about anything specific. It’s feel-good music. 

OVERGOLD by SEBASTIAN MIKAEL

“Scene 1” 
If you’re in a relationship or single, but you’re out here doing your thing, it’s how women be teasing you on purpose, saying, “You’re acting up,” but you like it. It’s turning you on. So it’s kind of like that, but it’s also fun — just [a] vibey song. 

“Security Code”
It was like a [Usher] “Confessions” type song. I recently broke up with my girl in May. I wanted to kind of air out some things. It felt very heavy in the beginning. I was a little scared to put it out, but being single, I was like, “Might as well.” I definitely said some things I couldn’t say while we were together. I’ve never been the type of person to be super specific and mention that person’s name in the song.

Marvin Gaye did that, for example, back in the day — Drake did that too. It’s dope for the people listening to [it], but also for me, I’m like, “Man, I gotta protect my mental and also not offend this person too much.” I think it’s still tasteful. When you get to be creative, you channel everything in a different way and see something beautiful come to life. You turn something you went through that was heavy into something that’s inspirational [and] dope. 

“GOD is LoVE (Outro)” feat. Tubbs Krueger
I had so many thoughts and experiences I had been through, newfound knowledge that I had, and things like that I wanted to share and put out for the people. Out of everything that I’ve gone through, I think having a deeper spiritual connection [and] getting closer to God is how I kind of received more knowledge. [It] also came from reading, but most of it came from just experiencing things in life.

You go through it, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and look back like, “Wow.” It’s like things that happened you just know couldn’t have been anything but God. That’s why love is, to me, the foundation. It’s the reason. So I wanted to talk about that.