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MUSIK HEALER: Kam Franklin

8/5/2020

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How the fearless music maven pushes passion and purpose in pandemic times 

By: Ky Meyer

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HOUSTON, Texas - Several months ago when Covid-19 was uncharted territory, everyone was looking to the interwebs to find comfort and answers. Trying to navigate the digital media dump of a worldwide pandemic paired with continued racial injustice was both taxing and frustrating. 

Having battled anxiety and depression throughout my adult life, I couldn't help but wonder how the pandemic was going to play on everyone's mental health, including my own. I knew deep down it was important to stay positive and inspired. But how? As I struggled to find that within myself, I'm grateful for the brave souls around me who didn't let fear hold them back. Enter Kam Franklin.
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I'll remind you that Kam Franklin is the powerhouse lead singer of The Suffers, a Houston-based Gulf Coast Soul band that's dominated nationwide and internationally for nearly a decade. You've seen them on Late Night with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, among major music festivals across the country.

I can easily say Franklin is one of the most special and talented people I've had the honor of knowing, interviewing and watching perform. She's a stand-out singer-songwriter, performance artist, activists, and orator; and over the past four months she's earned a new title in my eyes (one I'll happily add to her Wikipedia page): musik healer.

Franklin's fearless commitment to set a new tone in the midst of all the white noise, brought inspiration and light at a time we needed it the most. 

"I recently wrapped up 15 weeks of livestream concerts on The Suffers' Facebook and Twitter," says Franklin.  

Yes, FIFTEEN. Back to back. 
*stops typing, claps several times*

Franklin led the way for nearly four months straight with authentic virtual music from the magical livestream sets she brought to life. She used her voice not only for songs but to speak on racial divides, offer resources and raw advice. She was constantly dropping reminders to trust the process and turn pain into purpose. 
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Photo from Instagram - @bamitskam
"Times are weird," says Franklin, "But it's inspiring us to create."

Now that the livestreams have come to an end, Franklin says her new focus is finishing The Suffers' third album. 

"During the quarantine I have written three solo albums. In addition to that, I have been working on the third full-length by The Suffers. We went through a lot last year, and those stories translated into 70 songs. After a few cuts, we've narrowed it down to 16."

Exciting as it all may be, recording during a pandemic comes with its own set of challenges for the band. 
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The Suffers | Photo by Paty Lennon

"We won't  be able to finish the way we like (all together)," says Franklin, "But we are looking at this and every other challenge we've been through the last few years as an opportunity to learn and grow. We all came into this pandemic with wild a** expectations of what would come from it, how long it would last, and how it would affect us, but if I've learned anything, it's that humans don't run sh*t."

Fingers-crossed, Franklin says new album is set for a Spring 2021 release. Helping make the wait less painful is their new hit single.

"We just released our first single, "Take Me To The Good Times". If you are needing a mood adjustment, that's the song for you."
Franklin is also embracing her role with the Recording Academy as newly elected Texas Chapter Governor. 

"My role with the recording academy is a new one, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference how and where I can."

It seems each new hat she acquires, she wears well. Kam Franklin is a true reminder of the power we each hold, even in the darkest times. 

"I encourage anyone out there struggling to simply do the best that you can. We're gonna get through this."

So for now, in Kam Franklin fashion, I'm gonna bet on me. Something Franklin so kindly reminded me to do when we talked. I challenge the very eyes reading this to do the same. My hope is that each of us digs deeper and finds our true selves during this revolutionary time. It's the one cure we don't have to wait for. 

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Video produced by Narciso Palma + Ky Meyer 
Musik by Mookie The Wizard

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I’m performing again next Saturday night, and every Saturday night until I’m allowed to go back out on the road. Thank you, and I hope you’ll tune in on @thesuffers Facebook page! #livestream #livefromhome #thesuffers #kamsdisco

A post shared by Kam Franklin (@bamitskam) on Mar 30, 2020 at 7:10am PDT

View this post on Instagram

I’ll be performing live on @thesuffers Facebook and Instagram feeds tonight at 8pm CST. The sound is better on Facebook, but the vibes are high on both. See you tonight!

A post shared by Kam Franklin (@bamitskam) on Apr 11, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

As the newly elected Governor of the Texas Chapter, I'm thrilled to join fellow industry leaders to build a stronger local music community through the @RecordingAcad's advocacy initiatives, charitable work, and music education programs. Thank you to everyone that voted for me. I look forward to making a difference! #WeAreMusic

A post shared by Kam Franklin (@bamitskam) on Jun 15, 2020 at 9:23pm PDT

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Thank you for tuning in. If you tried to watch me on the @8thwonderbrew page, I’m sorry. Technical difficulties are a bitch. This shit is NOT easy, but we are gonna get better at it together. I transformed my bedroom into a venue so that I could get more into the zone. As we navigate this new wave, I’m only gonna get more comfortable so stay tuned! Virtual Tip Jar: Venmo: @thesuffers Cash App: $thesuffers Paypal.Me/TheSuffers Set: Me Photo: @thebecky_b Keith Haring light by @andreaevolves

A post shared by Kam Franklin (@bamitskam) on Mar 28, 2020 at 7:10pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

This Saturday, June 27th, will be my 15th and final solo livestream show on @thesuffers Facebook and Instagram pages. I’m taking a break to recharge and finish up a few albums, including the third child from The Suffers. The livestream shows will be back one day, just with a new vision and a few improvements. Thank you to @thebecky_b for holding down the IG camera every week, thank you to my band for being so supportive and wonderful, and thanks to y’all for tuning in! I’ve learned so much during this time, and I can’t wait to keep growing!! See y’all this Saturday at 8pm CST!□□ Styled by me Makeup by me (practice makes perfect □) #thesuffers #sequinsanctuary #thesequinsanctuary #livestreamshows #thesuffers #sfrs

A post shared by Kam Franklin (@bamitskam) on Jun 21, 2020 at 11:28pm PDT


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EXCLUSIVE: Paul Wall explores DJ Screw archives

7/20/2020

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WATCH: A look inside the DJ Screw Archive Collection


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HOUSTON, Texas - Today marks July 20, 2020, the perfect day to share this exclusive story with you! Happy Birthday to the one and only DJ Screw! Musik Houston followed Paul Wall and his daughter Noelle, alongside Executive Producer Ky Meyer for an exclusive DJ Screw Archive tour at the University of Houston. UH says it's he most requested archive collection to date. Just another step in preserving the DJ Screw legacy.

If you haven't already, check out University of Houston's 2020 Spring Magazine for a closer look at the digital print version of this story. A powerful feature by Laurie Fickman with art design by Enrique Garza Jr. 

SEE FULL uh magazine feature
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‪Happy Birthday to the one and only DJ Screw! □□□□ We followed @paulwallbaby and his daughter Noelle, alongside Executive Producer @kymeyertunedin for an exclusive DJ Screw Archive tour at the @universityofhouston. UH says it’s the most requested archive collection to date. Just another step in preserving the DJ Screw legacy. #LongLiveScrew ‬ ‪.‬ ‪.‬ ‪If you haven’t already, check out University of Houston’s 2020 Spring Magazine for a closer look at the print version of this story. It’s a powerful feature by @lfickman with art design by @engaza_. See more at musikhouston.tv‬ [link in bio] ‪.‬ ‪.‬ ‪#MusikHouston #DJScrew #PaulWall #HipHop #July20 #Houston #Music ‬#SUC #BangScrew

A post shared by Musik Houston (@musikhouston) on Jul 20, 2020 at 9:11am PDT

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See For Yourself: Beyonce's letter to Kentucky's attorney general demanding justice for Breonna Taylor

6/18/2020

 

VIEW: Offical Signed Letter From Beyoncé

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Former police officer and cousin of George Floyd delivers moving testimony at NAACP rally

6/5/2020

 

WATCH: Powerful message of unity from city leaders

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NAACP Ventura County chapter hosts solidarity rally outside government center Thursday, June 4.
VENTURA, California - Calls for justice echoed from the podium at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. A crowd of all ages gathered for a solidarity rally hosted by the local chapter of the NAACP, aimed at denouncing racism and police brutality. Quentin Floyd, a former police officer in Washington D.C. who now lives with his family in Oxnard, took to the mic and shared emotional testimony about the death of his cousin George Floyd. Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. He was stopped by officer Derek Chauvin, who's been seen on video holding his knee on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds. Floyd can be seen on video before his death repeatedly saying "I can't breathe". Since, the time 8:46 has become a painful symbol of modern day police brutality and racism. To honor such, there was a moment of silence that lasted exactly that. Also sharing his voice for change was civil rights activist and founder of Coffee with a Black Guy, James Joyce III.  Joyce spoke with passion and vigor sharing words he says his ancestors inspired him to say. Joyce founded Coffee with a Black Guy in 2016, a social impact movement dedicated to the war on racism. Other guest speakers included Regina K. Hatcher-Crawford, president of the Ventura County chapter of the NAACP. Each shared a message of pain, hope and love. The rally ended with a peaceful march around the government complex. Watch now.

​WATCH NOW: Former police officer and cousin of George Floyd delivers moving testimony at NCAAP rally

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WATCH NOW: Houston shows the world what real solidarity looks like

United We Rise: 60,000+ peaceful protestors from all walks of life flooded the streets of Downtown Houston to march for #GeorgeFloyd. The March started at Discovery Green and made its way to the steps of #Houston City Hall. The Bayou City boasts pride and leadership in the most diverse state in the nation. On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020, the power of love and unity was undeniable. #BlackoutTuesday in Houston, Texas was raw and revolutionary. This is our new reality. Choose love. #FKKKRacism

WATCH NOW: The truth behind Slim Thug's coronavirus and new album

HOUSTON, Texas - Rapper #SlimThug was the first major artist in #Houston to be diagnosed with #Coronavirus, but it's not getting him down. As a matter of fact, it's forced him to get creative with the release of his new album, since he had to do it quarantined, from the comfort of his home. His new album 'Thug Life' features hip hop notables Scarface, Z-Ro, Mr. Lee, DJ Young Samm and more. It dropped on March 27th, just three days after he found out he tested positive for COVID-19. With mandatory social distancing in Houston and nationwide, he says the timing of this is crazy, but is confident his musik is here at the right time. "I wanted to do something real," Slim said. "It's gonna be therapy for a lot of folks. I wanna be a part that help people get through this." Ky Meyer spoke with Slim in a candid, quarantine interview about his new musik and his aim to help heal the world during this difficult time. Here's a snippet of The Kall with SlimThug. 📍See more at musikhouston.tv

Houston shows the world what solidarity should look like

6/4/2020

 
Photography by Violeta Alvarez
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60,000+ peaceful protesters take to the streets for George Floyd 

Video produced by: Narciso Palma + Ky Meyer 
Peaceful protesters marched through downtown Houston from Discovery Green to City Hall on June 2, 2020
HOUSTON, Texas - 60,000+ peaceful protestors from all walks of life flooded the streets of Downtown Houston to march for George Floyd. The March started at Discovery Green and made its way to the steps of Houston City Hall. The Bayou City boasts pride and leadership in the most diverse state in the nation. On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020, the power of love and unity was undeniable. Big ups to Trae Tha Truth, Bun B, DJ Mr. Rogers, the Relief Gang and everyone who came together to help unite us all. Blackout Tuesday in Houston, Texas was raw and revolutionary. This is our new reality. Choose love. #MusikHouston

The Vault: GARY CLARK JR

5/28/2020

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GARY CLARK JR. 
Location: Revention Music Center - Houston, TX
​Concert Date: November 11, 2018

Photography by Violeta Alvarez 

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The Vault: TOBE NWIGWE

4/6/2020

 
TOBE NWIGWE 
Location: ​White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
​Concert Date: April 20, 2019
Photography by Violeta Alvarez 
Photography by Violeta Alvarez
Photography by Violeta Alvarez

From the Vault: THE STRUTS

4/4/2020

 
THE STRUTS
Photography by
 Violeta Alvarez
Location:
 House of Blues - Houston, TX
Concert date: May 7, 2019

From The Vault: Wu-Tang Clan

4/4/2020

 
WU-TANG CLAN
Photography
 by 
Violeta Alvarez 
​Concert Date: October 6, 2019
Location: ​Smart Financial Center - Sugarland, TX

From The Vault: ELTON JOHN

4/4/2020

 
SIR ELTON JOHN
Location: Toyota Center - Houston, TX
​Concert Date: December 8, 2018

Photography by Violeta Alvarez ​

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