Leaping out of an airplane into the wide-open skies of Oregon was the power move that triggered freedom for indie soul music’s Liv Warfield. This time, the former track athlete wasn’t running, but rather soaring on the natural high she encountered that afternoon while gliding back to earth. Warfield’s first-ever skydiving feat would represent her life in the months to come—symbolizing the big jump into nothing and everything…nothing sure or concrete at the time, yet everything she’d always lived in her dreams:  music. 

She is best known for being half of the successful R&B duo Zhané (pronounced Jah Nay), that gave us some of the most memorable, smooth R&B tracks of the 90s, such as “Hey DJ.” And even though she is re-charting her course as a solo artist, Jean Baylor, formerly Jean Norris, still has a sound that brings a safe harbor to her fans. Vertical Fix spends time with this R&B chanteuse to learn of her personal and professional evolution.

I was driving home after a very long day. The remnants of work still lingered in my already preoccupied mind, and I desperately needed relaxation. It was one of those moments where I wanted to hear music, but words would just be too much. So, I turned to the radio hoping to find some harmonious chord that would whisk me away from the traffic I’d suddenly found myself in, but after finding commercials on every station, I could only release a frustrated sigh. Would nothing accommodate my desperation?

Life’s been ever-changing for J Records recording artist Emily King since the release of her debut CD, "East Side Story." The perfect package of this soul sister’s velvety pipes, engaging lyrics and  acoustic guitar landed in the hands of talented Hip Hop producer Chucky Thompson (Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”; Amerie’s “One Thing”), taking soul music to the depths of a new place—Emily King’s place.

The hunt to find good, soulful music with a positive edge has become quite exhilarating lately—especially when the search leads to new artists like Avery Sunshine, who brings forth a fresh blend of soul, hip-hop, jazz and R&B, all capped off by inspirational lyrics.

For singer/songwriter Deonna Martin, “Vertical Soul” fuels who she is and what she does. The soul songstress talks about her debut CD, “Beauty Mark,” and the vibe that comes with it.

Soul music gives birth to the artistry of Deonna Martin. You may not readily recognize her name, but you’ve likely experienced her work. 

Indie's No. 1 Soulstress talks about holding down two careers and staying true to herself while making her fourth CD, “Still”

It’s 3:00 on a Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland and indie-soul singer/songwriter Conya Doss is leaving one hot spot and headed to another. As a 7th grade special education teacher for the past 10 years, Conya has just wrapped up another day pouring into the lives of young people. Now she’s off to pick up the masters for her upcoming CD, “Still,” which releases in April 2008.

I was listening to a song called "Your Joy." The music, produced by the great Babyface, and the lyrics, co-written by its singer, newcomer Chrisette Michele, come together to create one of the most compelling melodic tributes to fatherhood that I've ever heard. But I'm convinced that no other voice could glaze this track like Chrisette’s.