#binact

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Fresh Finds Playlist

Fresh Finds is back!

Took the summer off to jumpstart the podcast and now we’re here. Woohoo! In that time I found the tagline for the playlist (and BINACT in general honestly):

”Let us do the digging so you don’t have to.”

Highlights:

Episode 6 of the podcast heavily influenced this month’s playlist.

I love AE The Cool. Her voice is amazing! She released her latest project, Dora’s Soul in June.

Sango. That’s it. That’s the highlight.

You can find this playlist on Spotify but click here if you’re an Apple Music, Tidal, or other streaming service user. You can convert to the service of your choice! It’s easy.

[perpetual-crescendo]

Im gonna be pulling thru Columbia this Saturday for #BINACT Brings the Beats. @djscrib06 in the mix and @khariayo gonna give it to you like always. My song "Two" will be showcased as well, so if youre there lets hang!

[iamthatgotoguy-blog]

@candiiboo has another edition of BINACT kicking off the new year! Location: @indahcoffee DJ: @djscrib06 Featured artist: @khariayo Artist go to @candiiboo's site and submit your song and a short description of the song. As of now, there are 12 slots left. If you're song is selected, it will be played at this event. #Artist #BINACT #BINACTBTB #Blogger #ColumbiaSC #Compilation #Contour #DJ #IndahCoffee #LiveMusic #DopeEvent #LivePerformance #Music #MusicEvent #SCArtist #SCMusic #SodaCity (at Indah Coffee)

[iconqueror2012]

Who to Watch: BINACT

Candice Johnson is a force to be reckoned with. 

Her passion for music is what fuels her blog, @butimnotacriticthough or BINACT. 

But don’t get it twisted, she’s NOT a music critic.

But if you ask her what she thinks about a few tunes, you may just get a little more than: “it’s a bomb track” or “I liked the cd.” She’ll tell you all you need to know about an artist that could convert you right after the conversation.

I’ve watched this blog grow into something powerful -- from her own ventures to music concerts to sharing her friends works, to fan girling over her mainstream music favorites.

Don’t take my word for it --

there’s lots to explore on her brand new website, so check it out!

- Khadijah Dennis, Founder

Twitter: @KDennis94

Instagram: @lifethroughart 

Website: www.khadijahdennis.com

[butimnotacriticthough]

BINACT Day 2017

Truthfully I have nothing jazzy prepared for today. I told myself that I wouldn't write anything new until after BBTB however, I can't let May 1st come and go without telling my readers thank you. Thanks for believing in me since 2015. Thanks for boosting my confidence in writing. Thanks for the outpouring of love and support for the past two years.

BINACT has already opened up so many doors for me. At the beginning of the year I landed my first PAID writing gig with Quirktastic.co and have already conducted some great interviews with popular artists! I held the first installment of my event series, BINACT Brings The Beats (#BBTB) at the end of January. I've made a name for myself that allows artists in Columbia and surrounding cities come to me for advice on projects and help with live shows. The first show put together and planned under the BINACT name for an independent artist is coming up on May 6th, 803 The Clique's Night of Frequency. 

The second (and biggest) installment of BBTB is going down the next Saturday, May 13th. The showcase installment is showing love to DJs, our favorite music providers. Four DJs from Columbia, Charleston, Charlotte, and Atlanta will be spinning tunes from EDM to R&B to local artist jams showing off their talent and musical prowess. Grab your tickets now and help me celebrate BINACT's 2nd anniversary!

I really cannot thank you enough. Yes, you reading this. I hope to see you in the next few weeks at one of the awesome shows independent Columbia artists have planned for us (check out the giveaway for a chance to win free tickets). I love y'all. Ready for BINACT, year 3.

**No Papa Jazz doesn't pay me but maybe they will if you tell them how cute my picture is!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Good Music Never Dies T-Shirt

In collaboration with my graphic designer, Kaila Jones, we bring to you BINACT's Good Music t-shirts. With purchase of a t-shirt you receive 10% any design by Kaila. Check out her website and contact her for all your design needs!

**If you're local to Columbia, SC I will meet you to avoid paying a shipping cost! Use the code FREESHIPLOCAL

**Turn shirt inside out and wash on the gentle cycle for best care results.

100% garment dyed tee 6.1 ounce ringspun cotton Soft washed garment dyed fabric Pre-shrunk. Set-in sleeves 3/4¨ ribbed collar with double-needle top stitched neckline Double needle stitched armhole, sleeve and waist hems Taped neck shoulder to shoulder

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday - 9/6/17 Playlist

Happy September!

Summer is coming to close so that means cuffing season talk and pumpkin flavored everything is a-brewing. However, this week's playlist has nothing to do any of that. Today's compilation has bangers from Columbia and Charleston's favorites and some new sounds from Summerville and Rock Hill. 

Again, you're more than willing to sound off about your favorite track or let me know about artists I might have missed (Remember BINACT is run by only one Candice and I'm human). My mentions are open, I'm watching the hashtag, and eager to hear what YOU have to say!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five x 5 Favorite Songs This Week

Hi. It's 2:06am. I owe Gerard many more Friday Fives and this one almost didn't happen but TGIF. These are just five of the songs that have been on repeat in my headphones for the past couple weeks.

1. Rain Come Down x Vince Staples ft. Ty Dolla $ign- If you know me this should come as a shock. Well sort of. Lately hip-hop has bored me so I was surprised to take to the Vince Staples single so quickly. Of course Ty Dolla $ign's voice helped a ton but I actually enjoyed the entire song from the beat choice to Vince's verses. I'm pretty excited to hear his album now. I'm going to listen as soon as I get to work in 6 hours *groans*.

2. Lorde x Sober- Lorde's newest single is infectious. After listening to this jam no less than 30 times I've become accustomed to Lorde's new sound. Royals seemed to be on the radio for ten thousands years and I didn't rock with it as much as this single. I can't say I'm excited about this album but I'll probably give it a chance. BINACT tries anything at least once.

3. To The Max x DJ Khaled ft. Drake- Does this even need an explanation? Another successful summer Khaled/Drake team up. I truly don't care who the upbeat bounce sound is attributed to; I want to hear this everywhere I go all summer.

4. Glass Flows x Smino ft. Ravyn Lenae- Walking light on these glass flows. Shoutout to everyone who got to BBTB early and got to here this whole album as I was getting everything situated. This is one of many favorite cuts from this album. I hope my nudge pushed you to listen *cough* Gerard.

5. Whippin' ft. Felix Snow- I got hip to Kiiara on NYE 2015 when her breakout single, Gold, popped up on a Spotify playlist. (Sidenote: Indie artists need to stop playing with Spotify. Sango said it best.) This fun bop is gets me to dancing and brings me so much joy especially during these gloomy days that have lasted for what seems like years.

I'm encouraging people to interact with me more so please don't be scared to check out the songs and let me know what you think! The comments below are open! My Twitter mentions are open! Facebook comments are open! Talk to me! (Best way to listen: check out the first five songs and then play on shuffle. Or not. Whatever floats your boat.)

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: BINACT Faves

Hay. Hai. Hello. Today's post is impromptu and very unplanned. I was scrolling Twitter on my lunch break like I always do when I saw a responsive thread prompt by SuperDuperKels:

Gonna do a thread: What song made you a fan of a certain artist, get ready!

— SuperDuperKels 🎧🎮 (@SayItAinKellogg) March 19, 2017

**Keep in mind WDW highlights independent artists AND hardworking artists that sometimes go unnoticed.

Bonfire https://t.co/yiQNUEyGuZ

— #BINACT (@candiiboo) March 22, 2017

Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, and however else he would like to be addressed has been on my risk it all list since 2011. A friend put me on to Bonfire around the time that the debut album was scheduled to released. Fast forward to summer 2012 and I went to the concert, bought my Royalty wristband (which has been missing since AfroPunk), and inadvertently almost got invited to his tour bus. I've been a Gambino girl ever since.

Tweakin' https://t.co/kOK2RaGlRS

— #BINACT (@candiiboo) March 22, 2017

I found Vic Bae Mensa by way of Waldo & Sango's Wimme Nah Remix (if you want to get me to shouting ask me about Sango's production). He is the star of my very first post and reading it always gets me to tear up a bit. I enjoyed the EP he dropped last year and I'm still anticipating his album.

All of Beautiful Loser but especially When Can We and This Is A Hit https://t.co/VWFs1GcQWE

— #BINACT (@candiiboo) March 22, 2017

My line sister put me on to Kyle after I graduated from college summer of 2014. She recommended him because of my love for Childish Gambino. Blake, you didn't steer me wrong. Beautiful Loser is uplifting, fun, and genuine. If you look at the bottom of my page you can see when I got to meet him. I forgot to give him the fruit snacks in my pockets. I tipped him off about BINACT (still hoping he reads the post).

Juice (also Tweakin' again) https://t.co/HcuGLf9fKq

— #BINACT (@candiiboo) March 22, 2017

Chance the Rapper is another artist I started listening to around the time I graduated college. I wasn't a huge fan at first BUT after a road trip of Acid Rap on repeat, I came around. I didn't get a chance to write a post that did Coloring Book justice but I played it OUT at my anniversary event.

To listen to the aforementioned times, check out the Indie Tunes playlist on Soundcloud and show it some love. Tweet me, Facebook me, or comment below if you agree or have more to add!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: 5 Projects That You Probably Missed in 2016

 Happy New Year! Happy first post of 2016!

As you all know I'm not a huge fan of rankings or creating ranking lists. They kind of go againstthe basic BINACT principle of discussing music in a natural, positive way. I treat all my favorite projects as number 1 (which makes it easy for me to stan out about them). Here are just 5 of my favorite projects of 2016 in order of release date.

3 out of the five are listed in this post here. Go check it out!

The other two are:

Kaytranada's 99.9%- I LOVE this project through and through. Anything Kaytranada touches turns to gold. The unique thing about this project is that it's a producer's album meaning its full of features from other artists but there are fewer lyrics. The focus of the album is production. And well all know producers don't get the credit they deserve.

Mike McFly's King Midas- If you've been following me since the summer time you might be sick of hearing about this cat. Ion curr. You need to check out this EP. It's exactly what you expect from a hip-hop EP: bars, punch lines, bragging. The kicker is that it's the perfect length; long enough to keep you interested and short enough to leave you anxious.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: Birthday Jams

This post is dedicated to @MattyLa1987 who made this hilarious (and pretty spot-on) meme.

Today is BINACT’s 5th birthday. BINACT is a whole toddler outchea. I’m surprised this idea didn’t hit me sooner but usually, I’m planning for a HUGE anniversary show so my head isn’t clear. There’s no show this year (and there wasn’t one in the works) BUT celebrations are happening all May.

Let’s talk about 5 birthday songs that are sure to make your birthday (or any day) fun!

It’s My Dog Birthday - T-Pain

When I heard this last February I couldn’t wait to get to my birthday in March. T-Pain is a heavyhitter in the game and this song feels like early 2000s with the right amount of current sauce. Do yourself a favor and check this entire album out.

Birthday - Katy Perry

Katy is one of my favorites. Her spunky approach to Pop draws me to her. This is a song you can turn on any day.

Birthday - Destiny’s Child

Not sure how I didn’t wake up playing this song. This is the chillest birthday song I can think of immediately.

The Birthday Party - The 1975

An atypical birthday song. Actually this one is specifically about the party itself. The lyrics are rugged while the beat is breezy. You can run this one on any given day for the story alone.

Happy Birthday - Childish Major (ft. SZA, Isaiah Rashad)

I had to search for this one. I didn’t know this song existed but now I do. Another upbeat yet dark birthday song from an Atlanta favorite.

If you’re having a birthday, half-birthday, or want to celebrate like it’s your birthday, give these a spin!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: #WDWPlaylist Vol. 16

Yep you read that right. Since 2017 we’ve released 15 playlists. In the past 2 years streaming culture has changed very quickly. We’ve moved from curating Soundcloud playlists to Spotify and Apple Music playlists (Bandcamp and Audiomack playlists are in the works). We’re happy to bring this back!

This week’s playlist is a small one. 5 tracks and 15 minutes small to be exact. With this reintroduction playlist our goal is to make you familiar with quality independent new releases and motivate you to add newness to your playlists. Bars.

The feel for this playlist is pretty mellow. Mostly chill R&B sounds for this one. Made sure to bring a little bit of QuirkCon with us by kicking off the playlist with Kiera Please’s newest single “Breathe”. Jabriel dropped a solid project last month and “Ghost” is a standout track from it. Milah made a mighty comeback to the scene after hitting the stage at two prominent music events in SC (one happened to be The Glow Up) and “I.A.M” kicked off both performances. Tange Lomax has resurfaced from a break with “Kick A Door”. Finally, AE The Cool brought us “Cool-Aid” to greet summer the right way.

If you would like to submit for the playlist please click this link and follow the instructions listed. The next playlist will drop on July 3rd. Follow us on social media to stay hip on future playlists and all things BINACT!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Recap: Den Music Fest - Atlanta, GA

It was a pleasure to attend the 2nd annual Den Music Fest in Atlanta on November 26th, 2018.

Joe Good and Nora Rahimian are all about discovering indie talent from across the globe, just like BINACT. I’m proud to align with an event that brought so many talented artists, DJs, entrepreneurs, and curators to purse one goal: to indulge in independent music. It hurt me not to be able to stay for the entire festival but my day job had me working in Augusta the next morning. However, I did get to catch some jaw dropping acts before I had to hit the road.

Hulvey - This man spit freestyles for the entire open mic period. Some artists would come and go but every time I looked up, Hulvey was on the mic with heat. His energy was something to behold. I know that’s a common buzzword nowadays but Hulvey radiated vibrance while on stage.

JZMN - I thoroughly enjoyed JZMN’s performance. I’m a sucker for a female vocalist with lots of spunk and she didn’t disappoint. I love a soul-stirring R&B ballad as much as the next person but I can appreciate a good “eff up the club” jam as well. JZMN’s performance included all of the above with a few brief excerpts about her personal run ins with love and relationships.

Madrique - I don’t know what it is about these NC guys but I’m fascinated with their sound (word to Pat Junior). Madrique hopped on stage with the southern swag that’s hard to ignore and performed one of my new favorite songs, The World Iz Yourz. It’s perfect for you daily commute, pregame, workout playlist…any and everywhere.

Random Elbows Music - Towards the end of my night I linked with Ebony to create some Black Girl Magic. I helped her conduct video interviews of the artists that performed over the course of the night for her YouTube channel. I was happy to give her a hand off camera while asked some great, interactive questions. #NoMoreBoringInterviews2019

Shoutouts:

Chiane and Typical Div - The host and hostess with the mostest kept the freestyle and upstairs and downstairs stages rockin’ and engaged!!

Cydnei Chyan - Another stunning R&B vocalist! I didn’t get to fully engage with her performance because I was running back and forth between both stages. Don’t let that stop you from checking her out!

Queedom - This is the second time I’ve traveled to ATL and managed to miss Queendom. I hear great things about the group so I can’t wait until I can see them perform!

I urge you to make plans to attend this year’s Den Music Fest. No matter if you’re an audience member or artist, you are assured a great time with no frills and special treatment because everyone is VIP!!

[butimnotacriticthough]

BBTB: Anniversary Recap

**Founder's Note: Here at BINACT we rarely toot our own horn buuut...the anniversary show was something to see once again. 

Written by: Na'cha Saeed

Cue scene: Saturday, May 5th at Music Farm Columbia, Candice Johnson--Founder of music blog BINACT (But I’m Not A Critic Though)--hosted a stellar anniversary affair for her BINACT Brings The Beats event series. I had the pleasure of attending this memorable event alongside special performances including Mark Carson, J Danzo of 803TheClique, The Band Nepotism and more, as well as tunes by Charleston’s greatest DJ Scrib and underground SC’s Plantonic Bae.

The event began with a bit of mixing and mingling as guests trickled in one by one. For obvious reasons, a bar was available and accompanying vending tables stood near the back where performing artists had merchandise for purchase. The first great impression I captured was that of the venue itself. My first time inside Music Farm, I was excited to see how spacious and open the floor plan was--a great formula for acoustics, lighting, and the awesome time I was about to have.

Moving forward, the first performance by Anansi Rex & Robert the III of Moon Cricket managed to completely blow the roof off the building and set the tone for the night. With a voice as sultry as D’Angelo and unequivocal charm, it was entertaining to watch the duo chant and play “Vibrate Higher” and swoon to “Sara Bellum” while mesmerizing the women--even some men--in the audience.

Next, Nepotism gave us urban punk realness through the blessed spirit of vocalist Rob Kershaw and his band members Alex Kiro and Deshawn Younger. I can’t account for all the head nods caused by the guitar riffs from crowd favorites such as “Televisions” and “War Zone (Choppa)” from their 2016 debut album The Free Lunch Program. Nepotism’s messages of positivity and individualism resonates through their performances and it was apparent why their fan base loves them after witnessing another notable set.

A brief intermission and smooth spinning from Platonic Bae gave the audience and myself the chance to catch my breath from all the “fan-girling” being proudly exhibited. No surprise, of course, how does one NOT lose all cool in the midst of such rare talent?

Next up, Priest Clay set the tone for Mark Carson who gave spirited performances with tons of style. This was my first time hearing both artists live and I was impressed by their collective stage presence.

Following up, lyrical mastermind J Danzo set the stage ablaze during an incredible set that any hip-hop lover would be captivated by. Featuring songs from his album Young Basquiat--serviced on Soundcloud with over 26K song streams--personal favorites like “Drug Dilla” kept viewers rapping lyric by lyric as the Clique members Emperor Timeline, Goose Rage, and Brahdrick joined the stage with a vengeance.

Post performances, I was elated to twerk the night away to DJ Scrib’s set. You know a party isn’t a party unless Uncle Scrib is serving black cook-out vibes to the congregation. There is no joy like that of a communal “Knuck if You Buck” by Crime Mob or “Poppin’ Tags” by Future Hendrix bellowing through any space, and you can bet your paycheck that not one person in the building could stand still as he mixed classics and trap music galore.

I’m honored to have bore witness to one of the most sought-after independent artist nightlife events, BINACT Brings The Beats: Anniversary. With a vision and mission as strong as Candice Johnson’s, you’d be smart to become a supporter while her event tickets are still affordable. You heard it here first.

Ends Scene: fades to black.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday - 5/16/2018 Playlist

#WDWPlaylist

My apologies if you've been missing the playlists. This one is special because it marks the first Soundcloud playlist that includes artists from outside South Carolina. As of May 1st, BINACT's playlists are open to all artists. 

Listen to this and let us know how you're feeling to new layout!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Sit Down Session x $pidey

Good afternoon everyone! Yes I said afternoon. Normally I have my interviews perfected a few days in advance but this one's a little different. I've been holding on to this for over a month but today is the perfect day to release this.

SIt Down Sessions are a new sub-section of Who Dat Wednesday. I prefer to write about artists that have full projects in motion because it's easier to flesh out an in-depth interview. Sometimes I catch artists in limbo, whether that be in between ideas in their creative process or right before the album release. I caught up with $pidey on January 23rd right before Law of the Land, his first show curated by himself.

To make sure I don't duplicate responses, check out this interview by Kicknosis Productions to catch yourself up on $pidey's humble beginnings in Irmo, SC.

The remainder of the interview covered the importance of putting together his own show, managing his hometown fan base, and what the future holds for his artistry.

BINACT: What made you want do to something like Law of the Land? how does it differ from the regular Voydd shows?

$pidey: Because I rarely see people in the scene that go above and beyond in regards to shows. South Carolina's music scene is growing but we're at a point where we don't like to step outside of our comfort zones. Another big reason I took this on is to learn and grow. Seeing the behind the scenes work of putting together a show was eye opening. It taught me that making music is hard work but so it booking venues, following up with artists, and having a successful show.

B: That's a perfect transition into my next question. Lots of times we hear a lot of negative things about our music scene coming from consumers and artists alike. How do you deal with dissenting opinions?

$pidey: I make sure to take a step back and evaluate myself. If my home team doesn't rally behind me, there's something I'm doing wrong and I need fix it. Everyone won't always have my back but I keep myself right for those that do. 

When it comes to naysayers, I try to do a small amount of damage control but only if I feel comfortable. I'll reach out to you on a personal level and talk things out to see if we can come to a middle ground. That doesn't always happen but I do try and make an effort. If the negativity continues I focus on myself and my music because I'm not here to perpetuate it.

B: What can we expect from $pidey in 2018?

$pidey: My biggest goal is to buy myself a few big purchases with money made from my music. I want to move the Columbia music scene forward by organically growing as an artists and taking risks; following Ben G's blueprint. The more doors I can open for myself, the more I can do for everyone at home.

In light of Pisces season and both of our birthdays, I'm dropping this interview today and $pidey is dropping a new project, $pidey 3:15 tomorrow. Get excited and tell your favorite Pisces your love them.

If you want to celebrate my birthday a little more, check out this tweet thread:

pic.twitter.com/syvcakr39P

— #BINACT (@candiiboo) March 14, 2018