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.
Love Cliché
Soulstice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In that old love cliché
Like those sayings
That my mama used to say
Do di-ah, di-ah, di-ah, di-ah
Baby I miss you
I wanna go play
Fly me away
Candlelit dinners
Kisses in the rain
Summers in Paris
All sounded the same
How did this happen
I was so cool
So liberated
Now I'm a fool
There's no shame
In that old love cliché
Like those sayings
That my mama use to say
Do di-ah, di-ah, di-ah, di-ah
Will leave all our baggage behind
Take my hand
Don't leave no road maps
We don't need no plans
Tiffany diamonds
Walks by the sea
Flowers and chocolates
Did nothing for me
Something has happened
I once was cool
So liberated
But now I'm a fool
There's no shame
In that old love cliché
Like those sayings
That my mama used to say
There's no shame
In that old love cliché
Do di-ah, di-ah, di-ah, di-ah
Di-ah, di-ah
The song "Love Cliché" by Soulstice explores the idea that despite trying to be cool and liberated, sometimes we can't help but fall into the trap of classic romantic cliches. The lyrics reflect on the singer's previous disdain for things like candlelit dinners, kisses in the rain, and other traditional displays of affection, but now they find themselves yearning for those same things. The chorus emphasizes that there's no shame in embracing those old cliches, as they're often rooted in personal experiences and traditions passed down by loved ones. The line "Do di-ah, di-ah, di-ah, di-ah" serves as a catchy and upbeat refrain that further emphasizes the lightheartedness of the song's message.
The second verse makes reference to specific romantic gestures like summers in Paris and Tiffany diamonds, but the singer notes that even these grand displays of affection couldn't fill the void they feel in their heart. The singer acknowledges that they once thought they were too cool for these kinds of traditional gestures, but eventually came to realize that there's value in the simplicity and warmth of classic romantic cliches. The song concludes with a hopeful message of leaving baggage behind and taking a leap of faith into a new, more traditional romantic relationship.
Overall, "Love Cliché" is a fun and upbeat track with a sentimental message about the enduring power of classic romantic gestures. It's an ode to the idea that sometimes there's nothing more meaningful than sharing simple, heartfelt moments with the ones we love.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no shame
It's not shameful or embarrassing
In that old love cliché
To rely on the familiar and traditional aspects of love
Like those sayings
Such as those common phrases
That my mama used to say
That my mother taught me to believe in
Do di-ah, di-ah, di-ah, di-ah
Vocalization of the chorus
Baby I miss you
I long for you
I wanna go play
I want to have fun with you
I wanna go with you
I want to be with you
Fly me away
Take me on an adventure
Candlelit dinners
Romantic meals with candlelight
Kisses in the rain
Passionate kisses in a storm
Summers in Paris
Romantic summer days in Paris
All sounded the same
Everything seemed to blend together, lacking uniqueness
How did this happen
How did I become so invested in a love cliché?
I was so cool
I used to be hip and trendy
So liberated
I was free from traditional norms and expectations
Now I'm a fool
I look like a silly, foolish person
Will leave all our baggage behind
Let's forget all our past issues and drama
Take my hand
Join me and let's face the future together
Don't leave no road maps
Let's not have a plan - just see where love takes us
We don't need no plans
We don't require a set agenda
Tiffany diamonds
Expensive, high-quality diamonds
Walks by the sea
Taking a leisurely stroll next to the ocean
Flowers and chocolates
Classic romantic gifts
Did nothing for me
I was not impressed by these traditional tokens of affection
Something has happened
I had a change of heart
I once was cool
I used to be fashionable and trendy
But now I'm a fool
But now I look foolish for dismissing traditional romance
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDY CALDWELL, GABRIEL RENE, MEILUWN YEE, REGINA RENE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Melanin Goddess
Beautiful tune and interesting. I feel what she is saying deeply. This is Romantic yet very melancholic to me, I feel sexy while listening but also sad like I wanna cry. Still stays on loop and addicting.
blackbear82
Let's just call it what it is.... ear sex. This is just auditory seduction, which just leads to ear sex. Her voice sends chills up my spine. This is elegant, poetic, seduction.
Jedi BattleMaster Kos
Ever since first hearing this woman's jazzy voice on my uncle's mix CD back in the early 2000s I was entranced. So glad we got more than 1 album out of this group!
Maria Alfaro
I. LOVE. THIS LIST!!!!!!!!!! 🙏🏽💋
Robert Lucchesi
Soultice, vous avez fait un très bon travail sur cette piste.
Nous vous félicitons . -upg
陸澍華
Softly and tender voice
Angel Casas
this song is very cool !!
michelleandjamonti
Breathtaking!
Chocolate Don
Wow that was beautiful
Aɴᴅʀᴇ Vɪʟʟᴏɴ
Well, I just hit the jackpot