Shaun Branham

@ShaunB420

Curator and creative force behind Opulent Rhythm, Ive always had a strong connection to music and a love of sharing music. I was the guy who burned mix CD's to give to friends and Lovers, hoping they would not only enjoy the music but decipher the arrangement of songs as a piece of me and how i felt about them. In the digital and social media age we often times find ourselves following people who inspire us. With only their carefully curated Instagram's and Stories to base their identity off of it can be difficult to dive deeper into who they are and what has shaped them. With My Music Project Opulent Rhythm I aim to Connect these amazing Queer Artist and Influencers to the people who follow them by collaborating together and making a mixtape based on artists, songs, and musical moments that inspired who they are and what they create. I love the process of taking their stories and favorite songs and finding the perfect version, wether it be a live version, a cover or a remix, and sewing them together to make a musical representation of the Artist. I hope you guys enjoy getting to know myself and all these amazing artist.

LIBRA SEASON- Shauns Mix

My  mix titled Libra Season is a celebration of the women i love in music who have helped influence the music i make and soundtrack the days that are as beautiful as their voices

00:00-3:16- Sylvan Esso- Radio, Echo Mountain Sessions- One Of My favorite new bands, Sylvan Esso's mix of Infectious beats and Lead Singer Amelias Vocals make it impossible for me to not love their carefree and emotional music. I chose this live version of 'Radio' Because it simply makes me smile and dance overtime i hear it, The added live sax and back up singers make it that much more fun to get lost in.

3:16-6:35-LORDE-Supe Cut  (Vevo Live Sessions)- Lorde without a doubt is one of the most innovative new women in music and i fucking love her. Super Cut from her Album Melodrama instantly burned into my brain when i heard it because of its pulsating beats and emotional lyrics but this live version strips back the production and allows you to focus on the beauty in her lyrics and the conviction of her voice, Beautiful and strong and empowering just like Lorde Herself

6:36-8:23-Erykah Badu-Ill Call You Back- From the moment i heard Erykah's Sultry Soulful voice singing Window Seat  while i smoked a bowl late night watching VH1 i immediately fell in love with Ms. Badu and everything she brought to the table. This short and sweet song from her 'but you can't use my phone mixtape" is everything i love about her wrapped up in 2 minutes. Her buttery voice her humor and her innovation in the world of soul and R&B

8:23-11:18 Emily Wells-Becomes The Color- Multi Instrumentalist, Siren and Fellow queer musician Emily Wells inspires me constantly. She Plays every instrument herself while looping them simultaneously to create her own style of music, blending together elements of opera, R&B and Electronic this song Becomes The Color is the perfect introduction to her world.

11:18-14:57 Miley Cyrus- Malibu (live and billboard music awards)- Fuck Hannah Montana and all the gimmicks and Tongue wagging, I understand why and how people can hate on Miley but what they're missing is she is a true artist with an always evolving style. I really fell in love with her when she released her Dead Petz album  she made with the Flaming Lips, it was inventive and raw and weird and wonderful and i played it all the fucking time. When Miley released 'Malibu" it was completely different but hard to deny the catchy rhythm and chorus With this live version its impossible to not get caught up in the emotion and honesty she sings with, i love music moments that make you feel everytime you listen.

14:58-18:49 Rebecca Rego-Steam Roller- When I moved to Louisville i never expected to meet and become such good friends with the ray of sunshine that is Rebecca Rego. Her country tinged voice vibrates with soft grit and tenacity in Steamroller which resonates so deep in my heart that when i see her sing it live i feel tremendously lucky to be friends with such beauty and Talent. 

!8:49-23:04 Little Dragon -Crystalfilm (live triple J)- Possibly my favorite bands of all time, I owe so much of my love of music to this band. From the moment i heard Yakima's vocals riding over the bands soothing atmospheric sound i fell in love. I quickly emailed them almost daily begging to help promote and be apart of their team, which to my delight it worked joining their street and touring group following their album Ritual Union. This track and this live version in particular makes me feel like I'm getting a warm hug from the band i so luckily grew to know.

23:04-26:58 Lady Gaga- Perfect Illusion(live acoustic version, korean TV)- Simply put Lady Gaga inspires me to no end. I could go on and on about her talents and the love she has for her fans and i could care less if you don't agree or like her music. For those who hate and those who love i dare you to listen to this piano version of perfect Illusion where she lets the beauty of her voice soar and radiate through your body and allowing you to focus on the message of her song and not get caught up in the sheer magnificence of her performance. 

26:59-33:39- LJ Laboratory- Hands- Formally The band LEX, I'm absolutely loving this quartet to ladies new sounds. I remember sitting at the bar at an old job meeting with Alexis (the Lead Singer) hearing about her vision and objective for this band, and after going to more than a few shows of theirs in dive bars around LA I'm so happy to see these ladies settling into a new and inventive sound and gaining the success the deserve. This Song Hands is a great example of the lush and intricate sounds of LJ Laboratory.

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