Premiere: “Move and Shout” by Boulevards
Disco balls, glitter and sequins collide in the singer’s new funky dance party visuals
In a super-funky video that’s saturated in retro vibes, Boulevards and director Ramon Zubia create a dance party for the artist’s buoyant track “Move and Shout,” premiering on Cool Hunting today. Boulevards (aka Jamil Rashad) tells us, “The idea of the video was to make a ‘Boulevards and friends video.’ Having our own little DIY dance party in a Brooklyn warehouse, really enjoying ourselves.” With plenty of disco balls, gold streamers, glitter and sequins, the video’s real star is the dancing. No fancy choreography, just plenty of clapping, bopping around and even a Soul Train-style dance line.
The song comes from Boulevards’ debut album Groove! which follows last year’s self-titled EP. Across the LP, Boulevards gives funk music a current day twist, while maintaining the genre’s essentials: sparkly highs, groovy bass lines, infectious hooks and an overarching fun and sexy style. The Raleigh, NC-born songwriter and performer is clearly influenced by the greats (Prince; George Clinton; Earth, Wind & Fire; Nile Rodgers and more) and while their freaky, good vibes can be felt in Boulevards’ music, he also takes notes from hip-hop and R&B—all the while remaining his own glittery, individual self. Rashad says, “I want to help introduce funk to my generation, while still paying homage to the past. I also stay true to the kind of music I want to make.” And, regarding what his idea of the perfect good time might be, he says, “Partying in with Larry Levan, Prince and Rick James would be ideal. At Paradise Garage or Studio 54. Take your pick… Both sound like a hell of a time to me!”
For those in NYC, you can join a real-life Boulevards party when he performs at Mercury Lounge tomorrow, Tuesday 26 April. Show starts at 7:30PM.
Image courtesy of Drew Reynolds
