BET proves that music matters at SOB’s showcase

BET proves that music matters at SOB’s showcase

In the dimly lit, intimate atmosphere of New York City’s popular SOBs, a series of remarkable up-and-coming talents took the stage for BET’s Music Matters “Best of 2012” Showcase.

Highlighting the best new singer-songwriters from across the country, the showcase proved that live urban music is not only still thriving, but there’s an entire generation of artists preparing to bring it to the masses. With hosts Buttah Man and comedienne Vanessa Fraction keeping the night lighthearted and fun, powerful performers Jessy Wilson, Mali Music, PJ Morton, Kevin Ross, Stacy Barthe and Jennah Bell took the stage and moved the crowd.


Bell admits that the intimate setting, while initially intimidating, has proven to be perfect for her. “For what I do, its like new territory for me,” the Oakland, CA native admits bashfully. “It’s very interesting to look into the audience and see who’s really listening to what I’m talking about! I can see it in people’s faces —‘Oh my god, what is she talking about? I feel like she’s talking about me.’ And that’s awesome.”

Keyboardist PJ Morton released an EP on the popular Young Money label earlier this year and has been the touring keyboardist for pop-rock superstars Maroon 5, as well. But he appreciates the closeness and eclectic nature of a platform such as this.


“BET has done a great job just finding the great new talent — this renaissance,” says Morton. “And it’s cool when you bring artists together who have different audiences. For this, doing the solo thing and something more intimate, you really get to feel the people more. When they’re close you really get to touch them.”

“The purpose of a showcase like this is just good music, “ says Berklee College of Music graduate Kevin Ross. “A lot of my predecessors think my generation isn’t talented. Everybody that’s here is truly gifted. If we don’t have the proper outlet, we can’t make that statement. We’re not a generation lost. We’re here to further push the envelope. We belong here.”

And if anything can be assumed from the enthusiastic reaction to all in attendance, each of these artists have proven that they belong. More than that, they’ve proven that there are people starving for the kind of soulful sincerity that each performer conveys. And on a chilly December night in SoHo, these artists got even more affirmation that they’re on the right path.

“Success is that one person [in the crowd] that has that look in their eyes — like ‘I will never forget you,’ ” says Bell, smiling broadly. “And it only takes one person.”

The best is yet to come.

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