034: KIM DAWSON (vocalist - Matador Soul Sounds / Color Red / ex-Pimps of Joytime)

Episode 034 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes vocalist KIM DAWSON to the show for an important discussion. A chat as necessary as it is enlightening, with memories uncomfortable and messages inspiring. Kim Dawson is currently a solo artist on Eddie Roberts' label Color Red, a co-frontwoman of Roberts' quasi-supergroup Matador Soul Sounds, a go-to singer for any number of collectives, tribute shows, sit-ins and such. Most recently she released the R&B single "Try" with Wil Blades, and sings her heart out on "Good Thang" with Crushed Velvet & the Velveteers, on Alan Evans' own Vintage League Music. However, I invited her on the podcast to discuss important matters beyond her fantastic performances and collaborations.

KIM DAWSON - intro @ 11:30, interview @ 16:00

*apologize for any minor sound issues or clicks during the interview... trust I did my best to minimize the annoyance* 

Kim has been a presence within the jam/funk music community for a long time, and a mainstay on the Front Rage scene. She's an educator with Swallow Hill Music, where she works with aspiring young singers; she also mentors young women of color in the Denver metro area. Ms. Dawson was kind enough to give us an hour and a half of the medicine we need, in a wide ranging discussion of her journey as a Black American, a female of color in the performing arts, Black music heritage in the jam scene, her own experiences as a youth and just exactly the moment when she really learned what time it was with race in America. We get a peek into her reality as it pertains to intermarriage, her current situation in Denver juxtaposed with growing up in Oklahoma, and so much more.

But of course, we kick things off talkin' music... because, well, that's still how we do. Thanks to the divine Kim Dawson for her gracious time & the vibe! Please listen to her remarkable patience, and compassion in speaking to the people and our greater music community from her heart, as we so dearly need it.

 

Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week

The Roots featuring Jill Scott "You Got Me"

(goth arrangement LIVE from 9:30 Club, Washington DC - 2002)

 

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Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE