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Since DCist last spoke to Muhsinah back in January, she's been in almost constant motion. In fact, this interview interrupted her work on a track for a London-based artist.
Muhsinah's music is hard to categorize. Her first full length release, day.break, was a multi-layered sonic cake, and a perfect follow-up to the teaser album, The Oscillations EP. Drawing off her fondness for jazz vocals, Indian music and the MPC, she's placed herself in a small circle of innovative producers and artists that represent a new wave in urban music.
And although she's now primarily working out of Brooklyn, she's always glad to come home to D.C. to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Come to DC9 at 9 p.m. Thursday night and make your acquaintance with Muhsinah, as well as the members of Motel and DJ v:shal kanwar, at Unbuckled 7.
Last time we spoke to you was right before the release of day.break 2.0. What type of reaction have you received from people based on them hearing that album?
After the first version, people were like, "We want more." Now I guess we maybe hit a good chord with people because the response I've gotten has been really great. People appreciate it. What more could I ask for?
Recently you went overseas. Where did you go?
I went to London and Dublin. I did about four or five shows. London was great. I got to record with people. I got to be on the radio and do some shows. I was really surprised people knew the words to my songs and that they bought tickets to see me, not just whoever I was opening up for. It was a really big surprise. I was like, "Wow. You know who I am?"
I got stopped in the street by someone who recognized me. It was really weird. It's not like I'm Beyoncé.
What was the general vibe you picked up from the crowds?
I think the crowds were very responsive. They're really not a picky crowd. They're excited about whatever you're doing. They danced more than we do here.
So you want the crowd at DC9 to move?
At this show, people can just come. Because whatever the music makes you do, that's what you're gonna do. It might not make you dance. It might make you stand there and stare. But as long as you stand there, I don't really care. Hopefully you'll get something out of it and have fun.
You mentioned that while you were over in Europe, you were working with some artists. Could you divulge some names?
Yes, definitely. Rahel, Tawiah, and Jodi Milliner. Just a whole bunch of people in that music scene. Of course there was the radio show with Benji B (of the BBC's Radio 1Xtra) and that was crazy.
Crazy in what way?
Crazy in that I was sitting in the BBC. It was a really great experience. It was my pleasure to sit and have Benji ask me questions.
What should the folks who come to DC9 Thursday expect from your show?
People need to have an open mind about what they're going to hear and see. Expect to have fun. Life really isn't that difficult. Music should not be a difficult thing to think about.
It's on a Thursday and you'll only have one more day at work. Take it easy. Maybe your weekend will start one day early.
Photo taken from artist's MySpace page.
Unbuckled 7, featuring Muhsinah, Motel, and DJ v:shal kanwar will take place this Thursday at DC9. Doors are at 9 p.m. $8.
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