On the Road Again With KEM: Third Week of Budweiser Superfest, Celebrating 'Album III' In NYC

Filed under: Music, News, Interviews

I need to start this week's blog by thanking all of you for purchasing the new album. Within hours of its release, 'Intimacy' took over the #1 spot on the iTunes Top R&B Albums chart and shot to #6 on the iTunes overall Top Albums chart. Also, the 'Why Would You Stay' single took over the #1 spot on the UAC Radio Chart! I couldn't do this without you, and I appreciate you more than I can say.

Last week was a busy one for us!

We spent the first half of the week in NYC celebrating the release of 'Intimacy' with Motown representatives, industry folks and media members. When we arrived in New York, we went to the Universal Motown offices to meet with Sylvia Rhone, Motown's president, Katina Bynum, who heads up marketing, and our other label reps. I also did a few interviews from their offices, including one with Tavis Smiley. As we were leaving, Katina showed me the packaged CD. It was my first time seeing it - and it was a great feeling to finally hold it in my hands.

We headed to Tillman's (one of New York's hotspots) that evening for the album release party. We played the new album for everyone and I had a chance to chat with Jamie Foster Brown from Sister 2 Sister and Beverly "Bevy" Smith, along with several other Motown execs and media members, who all were really excited about the new music and the potential of 'Intimacy.'


Wednesday was a long day filled with listening events with movers and shakers in the music & entertainment industry. We started the day at the BET/Centric offices, where I did an interview and recorded a few drops for them to use during their programming. We went straight to the Time, Inc. building after that, where a few members of the band & I performed three semi-acoustic songs for staff members from Essence, People, Entertainment Weekly, In Style, HBO, CNN and Turner Broadcasting.

Our last major event was a meet & greet at The Recording Academy - New York Chapter, which is the organization behind the Grammy Awards. We listened to a few cuts from the album and got a tour of their new offices that overlook Bryant Park in NYC. I got to hold a Grammy Award, which was great, but I'm looking forward to the day when I can hold one that I've actually won.

We had another great weekend on the Superfest tour in Miami, Atlanta, Greensboro and Memphis. I had the chance to meet Jasmine Guy after the Atlanta show - and she's as beautiful as ever. But I have to give it up to the Atlanta fans. It was pouring down rain on our way to the venue. We were positive the show would be cancelled, but the promoters decided to go ahead with the show. When we arrived, the place was packed - even though none of the seats are covered there. Everybody stayed for the whole show. It was a party in the rain - which was really awesome and inspiring for all of us.

This week we'll be in Columbus, St. Louis and Chicago...then we're heading home to Detroit to play in front of our family & friends there, and we'll close the week in Philly on Sunday. Hope to see some of you there! Until next week....God Bless.

--KEM

 

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