Show Recap: Elle Winston x Apollo Music Cafe

There are shows that come your way that feel like they are right on time. This weekend's Apollo Music Cafe show was one of those. My last experience at the Apollo was for Amateur night and that was well... an adventure to say the least! This time meant so much more. 

I'm coming up on five years and to have this show happening so naturally feels like I continue to find myself in the right place, at the right time among the kindest of folks. Hard work paying off feels good. 

Thank you so The LRC Funk Band: Les Cleveland (MD), Andrew Fisher (keys), Antoine Katz (bass) and Matthias Loescher (guitar). It was an honor to play with you gentlemen. 

Much love to Rich Johnson of Soul Factory and the entire Apollo team, for booking me and making me feel so thoroughly supported. Thank you to Melodie Nicholson who headlined this show and tore the house down. Your warmth and kindness were an example to be followed! What a night! 

To Melissa, my friends who bought tickets and the most warm and receptive audience - I'm humbled. #harlemworld 

@ellewinston was elegant & powerful tonight! #apollomusiccafe #ellewinstonlive #ellewinston

A photo posted by Granville Mullings Jr. (@granvillemullingsjr) on

I will be updating this post with the full live performance video in the coming weeks, so be on the look out! 

#ellewinstonlive

Show Recap: Elle Winston x Hypnocraft Presents

This week has been quite a ride! Monday we had the pleasure of playing the Manhattan Inn in Williamsburg - along with the amazing Maitri and Alarke - as part of the Hypnocraft Presents series. 

We played new tunes from the forthcoming album... check out "BIRD" below! 

Huge thanks to Rachael Pazdan and the whole Manhattan Inn team for taking such great care of us. Granville Mullings Jr. (drums), Alex Smith (bass) and Todd Martino (keys) - you are amazing and it is always a privilege to play with you. 

All shots and video by Naheem Salaam of Elevtrtrax

Wednesday we played another Sofar Sounds NYC show, which was so intimate and moving. S/o to their whole team for having us back and giving us so much love. 

Catch me next on MAY 7, 2016 at the Apollo Music Cafe in Harlem, supporting the fantastic Melodie Nicholson.

#ellewinstonlive

Show Recap: Elle Winston x Billboard Lounge

Spread LOVE, THAT'S THE BROOKLYN WAY

Chauffeured rides in black SUV's, a private dressing room with flowers, pictures on the Jumbotron and my music playing in a packed arena at an NBA game - not my typical show to say the least! Ha! My band and I had the very sincere privileged of performing in the Billboard Lounge at Barclays Center this week. What an experience! 

We played our music, our way, to a packed house of friends, family, co-workers and strangers alike. I could not have been more proud of us as a team and of the performance we gave. We played with heart and most importantly, just HAD FUN! 

As always, the thanks you's...

Barclays Center Programming Team & Arena Staff - thank you for this opportunity and your incredible support! 

Billboard Online - thank you for the generous and poignant review of our show! Click the image below to read the article. 

Melissa & Friends -  thank you for your unwavering belief in me and your incredible ability to always show up. Means everything! 

Da Band - can't say enough about your professionalism, talents, humor, support, energy, etc. I could go on and on. Thanks for putting in the time!

Brooklyn Circus x Leon Bridges - Thanks for collaborating on this amazing "I AM R and B" shirt, that I co-opted for my band members! Lol 

#ELLEWINSTONLIVE

 

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