Video: A1 & Mikos Da Gawd Are Artists in Residence at Ex’pression College

The San Francisco Long Time Collaborators Connect Again for Artist Residency at Local University

07.13.2015

Critical Praise For A-1:

“A-1′s style has a similar kind of funny, free-for-all feel as post-Mac Dre rappers like [Roach] Gigz, but has a sly rap style that is distinctly his own.” – The FADER

“Easily one of the illest emcees I’ve heard over the last few years.” – OkayPlayer

“…something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.” – Noisey

The Video:

A-1 and fellow S.F. native Mikos Da Gawd recently teamed up with digital/performing arts school Ex’pression College in Emeryville for an Artist In Residence. The video feature finds the two eclectic artists in the studio performing a rendition of their track, “Thurlian,” from A-1’s recent album release of the same name. Mikos provides a piano background while A-1 raps his vocals atop. The performance is spliced with clips of the two speaking on how they met as teenagers, their growing musical chemistry, and the consumption of a variety of genres and how the various worlds of music continue to blend. “‘Artist In Residence’ is a testimonial of two artists collaborating to devise a piece that will hopefully stand the test of time,” RESPECT Mag explains in their premiere post. “From the sound of it, A-1 and Mikos Da Gawd’s expedition is well under way.”

A-1’s artist in residency follows his mixtape, Thurlian, which he released earlier this year. The project features the MC remixing beats by genre-bending producers Sango, Mr. Carmack, Ryan Hemsworth, Stwo, and BEAR//FACE, while working original cuts by Mikos Da Gawd and Woostar. “Thurlian is a compilation of songs I’ve been recording over the past two years that all symbolize different aspects of what it means to be ‘Thurl,’ which is to Think (for oneself), Hustle (for one another), Understand (each other), and Really Live (one’s life to the fullest),” A-1 explained. “This project was inspired by my experiences while traveling, seeing different parts of the world and realizing that human suffering is a constant struggle everywhere. As someone with a voice and a following, I feel I have the power to influence those who are willing to listen, and therefore I think I’m somewhat obligated to use that voice for good.”

Watch A-1 and Mikos Da Gawd’s Artist Residency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A61eGZ8aZmg

Check out RESPECT Mag’s premiere post: http://respect-mag.com/2015/07/premier-a-1-mikos-da-gawd-artist-in-residence-official-video/

A-1 is currently on tour with Watsky & Créme Fraiche, which began on June 13th in Anchorage, Alaska, and concludes on August 29th in Santa Ana, California.

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with A-1.

A-1 Background:

Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1‘s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. After the release of After School Special, a mixtape based on 90s television shows, he gained a fan base through internet buzz while still living on his friend’s couch. Soon after, he released his follow-up The Book Of Adam which was received so well, he quit his day job the day after the listening party. With 2012’s The Thurl Tape, A-1 has been acknowledged by publications such as the FADER and Complex. Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s iPods in the very near future. A-1’s Thurlian mixtape released March 5, 2015.