[REMINDER] Catch Mayer Hawthorne, Gabriel Garzon-Montano, & Alanna Royale | TONIGHT @ Marathon Music Works

Multi-instrumentalist Mayer Hawthorne is headed to Marathon Music Works tonight, May 18 for a show that features all the best elements of 1960s Motown, 1970s soul, and modern day R&B. In support of his brand new LP Man About Town, the LA-based producer and songwriter is sure to set the room of fire with his silky smooth love songs and energetic, retro-inspired dance tracks. This time around, he’s also bringing along Drake-approved singer-songwriter Gabriel Garzon-Montano and local funk goddess Alanna Royale for a night of music you won’t soon forget. Tickets are still available here for $20, so grab yours now and click below to read more about the show!

MAYER HAWTHORNE

Andrew Mayer Cohen, better known as Mayer Hawthorne, grew up with a love of music of all types, thanks in part to being the son of DJ and producer Andrew Cohen. During his younger years in Michigan, he spent time in various local rap groups before deciding to record some soul music as a joke for friends and family. After the material was praised the head of Stones Throw Records label head Peanut Butter Wolf, he began to dive into the genre and take it more seriously. In 2005, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music full-time.

After taking a few more years to hone his sound, he released his well-received debut solo album A Strange Arrangement. His unique reinterpretation of old school soul caught the ears of  Kanye West and Spike Jonze, who featured his track “When I Said Goodbye” in their short film We Were Once a Fairytale. He became an unstoppable creator, releasing four more LPs in four years. With each record, his sound became more evolved and took in more influences from both modern and 1960s and 70s soul artists. At the same time, he never let go of his love for rap and R&B, which led him to record “Crime,” his 2013 collaboration with Kendrick Lamar.

Earlier this month, he released Man About Town, which keeps up the fun and energetic throwback sound that he’s become known for. Be sure to catch him at Marathon Music Works for a night of danceable, retro-inspired music with plenty of modern edginess.

GABRIEL GARZON-MONTANO

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Garzon-Montano got his start at a young age.  He mastered the violin, guitar, and drums as a child, and then learned how to play piano and bass to complete the musical visions in his head.  He dropped his breathtaking debut EP, Bishouné: Alma del Huila in 2014, which featured a direct live to tape recording.  This old school philosophy is what grounds and separates Garzon-Montano from the bedroom pop acts that are so prevalent today, and his compositions are true marvels.  This excellence was noticed by mega-star Drake, who sampled Gabriel’s track “68” on the track “Jungle” for his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, and well deserved respect was finally earned.  Have a listen to the more upbeat single “Keep On Running” below to see why he is definitely worth getting to the show early for.

ALANNA ROYALE

Long time friends of the blog, like since their first show long time, Alanna Royale have become a household name around Nashville with their funk fueled shows and soulful powerhouse frontwoman, Alanna Quinn Broadus.  Their neo-soul debut EP, Bless Her Heart, put them on the map in Nashville, and their debut full length, Achilles, has made their van more of a home than Nashville for the past couple of years.  Local Alanna Royale shows aren’t regular occurrences anymore, and this is one of those bills where they will truly be able to shine in their element.  And, maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to hear some of the tracks from their in-progress sophomore LP.

Mayer Hawthorne, Gabriel Garzon-Montano, and Alanna Royale will perform tonight, May 18 at Marathon Music Works. The show is 18+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available for $22.