Hear the collab from “Studio Sessions: The Bridge” Ep. 2, Chicago
Back in October, we put a call out to producers and artists across the country to submit their original music for a chance to be featured on Studio Sessions: The Bridge, our new contest series that brings creators together to make something great.
After a strong start with episode 1 in Atlanta, we hit the windy streets of Chicago, a city that’s produced a fair share of legends and continues to be an epicenter of talent. There, we met up with “The Bridge: Chicago” winners Big T, DJ Jalen, JusSoL, and Johari Noelle at the iconic Soundscape Studios to hear what they could cook up in a day.
Spoiler alert. This session wasn’t all smooth sailing. While they all liked each other’s solo music, it took a few rounds of trial-and-error for the crew to settle on a unified sonic direction. But once they heard each other out and bonded over the unifying theme of heartache, they caught their groove – and created the soulful breakup anthem “W2D.” Watch how it all came together via the video below.
Meet the Artists
DJ Jalen is a 23-year old producer and DJ whose sound draws heavily from footwork, hip-hop, and bass music. A member of the footwork crew Take Ova Global (aka TOG), he’s traveled across the country performing and teaching production workshops. Jalen is currently working on his solo EP, “Midnight Hour,” which he plans to self release via his own label.
JusSoL is a singer/songwriter and part-time rapper from the Southside of Chicago. Her futuristic sound seamlessly blends her love 90s R&B with her more alternative influences. Having performed alongside artists like Lupe Fiasco, Common and MC Lyte, her eyes are set on building a name for herself one soulful hook at a time.
Johari Noelle is a Chicago-raised singer who’s best known for her cutting lyrics and smoky timbre. Noelle’s been featured on Fox’s “Empire” and the BET docu-series “Chasing Destiny” where she was mentored by Kelly Roland (of Destiny’s Child). Now, turning her full attention back to her solo career, she’s working to complete her debut project “Things You Can’t Say Out Loud.”
Big T is a Chicago-based rapper who brings an arsenal of creative flows to every verse he spits. Though he’s only been rapping for two years, he’s already built a loyal following online. Currently T is recording his debut project that weaves lyrical storytelling with hard-hitting EDM Trap.
Toronto and Miami are the two final destinations for this season of The Bridge. But this is just the beginning. Hoping for a chance to be featured in a future episode? Keep uploading your original music and tagging it #studiosessions. We’re listening.