1) A 'downtempo' / 'trip-hop' group, consisting of Andy Caldwell (keyboards), Gabriel Rene (keyboards), Mei-Lwun Yee (turntables) & Gina Rene (vocals). They have released a string of house / drum and bass classics, including "Tenderly" & "Lovely." Featuring remix work by Kevin Yost, Johnny Fiasco & Acetate - these 12"s have brought Soulstice into clubs worldwide, on the playlists of notable artists, such as Rainer Trüby, DJ Garth, Mark Farina & Q-Burns Abstract Message. Stateside, their debut album "Illusion" has garnered radio support, from Jason Bentley & Kevin Lincoln, making Soulstice one of KCRW's most requested artists.
In 1989 Gabriel and Mei-Lwun were working on a hip-hop track in the Rene family studio. "The track was cool," says Gabriel, "but Mei-Lwun and I couldn't rap." They asked little sister Gina to give it a try, and the rest is history. It wasn't till some time later that Soulstice finally materialized after collaboration between Andy and Gabriel in 1995. "I knew the first time I worked on a track with Gabe that this was right. Making music with my brother was where I was supposed to be. The chemistry between all of us was so obvious and it was such a natural high whenever we'd get together." reflects Gina.
Approaching production from a collaborative standpoint, Soulstice often developed many of the sounds and ideas they used from the freestyle sessions they originally became known for. Soulstice continued to refine their sound with emotive song writing and detailed arrangements. From playing to a few hundred people at 111 Minna St to playing sold out shows at the 1200 capacity historic Fillmore Theatre, SF, Soulstice have come a long way in their musical journey. "We live and breathe our music, everything comes from us. The song is king, it's all about the lyrics." says Andy. "Like a lyrical journal, I lay out my experiences and melodies to connect to the present in our music. I get the feeling that the whole band's lyrical ability to be so honest about the struggle of growing into adulthood really brings the listener in." describes Gina.
The debut album "Illusion" is a true collective work of art. Five years in the making, Soulstice emerge as the driving force behind putting the music back into electronica. "Using the electronic medium does not mean that the music can't be organic," explains Andy, "there is more to electronic music than beats and samples." As an American band in a widely European genre of dance music, Soulstice are pioneering the stateside convergence in the sophistication of electronic music. "The creative process that drives Soulstice, now 5 years later, is more disciplinary. Songwriting is the main focus and we have input where it used to be me writing the majority of lyrics/melodies. It's exciting to open up the arena, for example, Mei-Lwun shares his poetic skills or I'd suggest a break beat." says Gina.
With headlining the Sounds of Om World Tour beginning in March, releasing a number of extremely sought after remixes, Gina's voice blessing numerous 12" singles throughout the Om family, and smoking DJ club nights with Gabriel, Mei-Lwun, and Andy, the sky is the limit for Soulstice. "Music is everything. It's like my love, my life partner. It's also about healing; it's therapy. I love it and I know it's healing other people." explains Gina. Soulstice's debut album "Illusion" on San Francisco's OM Records hits streets April 24, 2001.
2) The extraordinary MC Soulstice To say that SoulStice spits knowledge would be an understatement; after all, he does have a Masters Degree in Electrical Computer Engineering and holds down a position with the Department of Defensive. Yet, SoulStice reiterates that his day job affords him the opportunity to pursue his true passion in life - Hiphop! Ten years of grind, development and immersion culminated in the fall of 2003 for SoulStice with the release of, The Melody, a piano-laden banger that introduced SoulStice to the world. The Melody quickly climbed up the club and college radio charts, hitting number 1 and proving that SoulStice was an artist to watch. The most recent double-single, Always / The Quickening hit the streets in early 2005 and culminated in another number one chart position, spending 14 weeks on the club and college radio charts, earning modest BDS-recorded commercial radio spins and critical acclaim in the US and overseas. Sharing the stage with artists as diverse as John Legend and Wu-Tang Clan has set the proper foundation for SoulStice to shine and lead by the soulful production of Oddisee (who has worked with J-Live, Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli), SoulStice documents his long and winding journey from the windy city of Chicago to the nations capitol of Washington, DC, fusing the signature Chicago funk and groove based sound with the thump of classic East Coast boom bap over the course of his 14-track debut North By Northwest.
3) "This '90s hardcore band had everything going for them; they were from syracuse, had the same drummer that displayed his amazing skills in Green Rage, Guav the straight edge weapon did their logo, and Joel Jordan did their 7" layout." - coregasm
4) A vibrant and eclectic student-organized a cappella ensemble at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. They arrange, choreograph and perform popular songs and old favourites in a number of styles, including pop, indie and jazz. The repertoire changes from year to year and members are always encouraged to arrange new songs. Some of their latest additions include “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles, “Going, Going, Gone” by Stars, “Woods” by Bon Iver and “Sea Lion Woman” by Feist.
Illusion
Soulstice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In order to look in
Caught up in a battle
This is where I've been
Accepting negativity
Not listening to truth
I must return to lighter ways
I used to move to
Create change
Realized and rearranged
Believing in myself I'd see
My dreams into reality
All my life
I felt confusion
Black and white
The colors of my
Illusion
Turned on to the world outside
To free myself within
Overcome this battle
Heeding love again
Since I want to feel then
I know I have to live
Got to move to create change
Realize and rearrange
Believing in myself I'll see
My dreams into reality
From the light
The color fusion
It's what works right
Do you feel my
Allusion
Illusion
Got to move to create change
Realize and rearrange
Believing in myself
I'll see my dreams into reality
All my life
I felt confusion
Black and white
The colors of my
Illusion illusion illusion illusion illusion
The song "Illusion" by Soulstice speaks about shutting oneself off from the outside world to introspect and examine their inner thoughts and feelings. Caught up in a personal battle, the lyrics describe the struggle of accepting negativity and avoiding the truth. However, the artist chooses to find solace in the familiarity of the lighter ways they knew growing up. The song speaks of the power of self-belief and realizing one's potential to create positive change in one's life. The line "From the light, the color fusion, it's what works right" suggests that the artist has found a way to embrace a range of emotions and experiences to move forward positively.
The lyrics of "Illusion" wraps a deep and impactful message of self-discovery and inner strength, encouraging listeners to believe in themselves and strive towards their dreams. The artist beautifully conveys the message that one needs to overcome their battles and learn to love again to make their dreams into reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Shut off to the world outside
I am shutting myself off from the world to introspect
In order to look in
This is so that I can explore my own thoughts and emotions
Caught up in a battle
I am currently in a tough situation
This is where I've been
I have been in a negative headspace for a while now
Accepting negativity
I have been allowing negative thoughts and emotions to consume me
Not listening to truth
I have been in denial and avoiding facing the reality
I must return to lighter ways
I need to regain my positive outlook on life
That I knew as a youth
I need to reconnect with the innocence and optimism I had as a child
I used to move to
I had the ability to take action
Create change
I was able to make a difference in the world around me
Realized and rearranged
I have learned and grown from my experiences
Believing in myself I'd see
I know that if I have confidence in myself, I can accomplish anything
My dreams into reality
I can make my aspirations come true
All my life
Throughout my entire existence
I felt confusion
I have always felt uncertain and indecisive
Black and white
I have had a simplistic, narrow-minded perception of the world
The colors of my
My way of seeing life
Illusion
Is merely a delusion and distorted view of reality
Turned on to the world outside
I am ready to face the real world again
To free myself within
So that I can liberate myself from any mental and emotional burdens
Overcome this battle
I will conquer my inner demons and struggles
Heeding love again
I am reconnecting with a positive and emotional state of being
Since I want to feel then
I wish to experience true emotions and heartfelt connections
Got to move to create change
I have to take action to bring about positive transformation
Realize and rearrange
I need to understand my situation and make the necessary adjustments
Believing in myself
I have faith in my abilities
I'll see my dreams into reality
I will make my aspirations come true
From the light
From positivity and hope
The color fusion
The blending of various aspects of life
It's what works right
This is the correct way to approach life
Do you feel my
Can you relate to my
Allusion
My representation of an ideal situation
Illusion
The false perception of reality
illusion illusion illusion illusion illusion
Reiteration of the previous point to emphasize the gravity of the situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CALDWELL, GABRIEL RENE, MEILUWN YEE, REGINA M RENE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind