Treble NLS – Mind Of a Visionary

Treble NLS is a multi talented artist from the east side of Pittsburgh. Among his list of skills, he is a performer, poet, and audio engineer. Treble NLS creates music that speak to the hearts of his listeners. NLS is an acronym meaning Next Level Shit and Never Lose Sight. Both meanings rooted in his core values.

Treble NLS wearing his Reject fashion

My introduction to Treble NLS was his Emmy-winning poem “Don’t Clip Our Tails”, a reflective piece about racial justice. He uses his words skillfully to not only expose ignorance but give those affected the opportunity to hear their frustration articulated by one of their own.

‘Don’t Clip Our Tails,’ a Pittsburgh poet's reflection on racial justice from PublicSource on Vimeo.

In addition to being a force in the music industry, Treble NLS also has a clothing brand, REJECT, aimed at inspiring acceptance.

When asked by Shout Out Atlanta, what legacy he hopes to leave behind, he responded, “I want people to look at me as an example of how to maintain light and love even when there’s No Love Spared.”

Truly, a skill we all need to acquire!

This is a voice we desperately need to keep the flame of hope burning.

Check Treble NLS music:

Apple

Spotify

SoundCloud

Tidal

Click here to shop REJECT clothing!

Kai Roberts: Featured Artist

“I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.”

-Billy Joel

Many of us have a collection of songs that help us feel seen and heard. Whether it’s a broken heart or a pandemic, music is therapy. This month’s featured artist, Kai Roberts, utilizes visual art and poetic expression to release overwhelming emotions. If you struggle with anxiety, depression or hopelessness, this artist is meant for you.

Kai Roberts is a multi-talented musician, educator and mental health advocate from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began producing music in high school, gaining local attention. Attention, which put him in the position to showcase his talent on various projects, such as Fieldwork by Armstead Brown. Previously, a member of Tribe Eternal Music Group, he joined the Hip-Hop collective while attending Carnegie Mellon University.

In November 2020, in a candid conversation with Art With Impact, he mentions that during difficult times he processes his emotions through poetry. This is evident through the lyrics on his 2019 album, The Great Escape. Kai’s poetry and songwriting express the words of your heart. On the song "Paradise," he raps “Find freedom through the music; solace in the silence.” How many of you can relate? Headphones and solitude are wonderful for quieting your mind and processing difficult emotions.

Kai Roberts is a great storyteller and if you enjoy Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Owl City, or Kyle, I encourage you to stream The Great Escape with an open heart and allow the music to reignite your soul and lead you on the journey to find joy in any circumstance.

Stay up to date with Kai Roberts:

https://www.kairoberts.com

https://twitter.com/kairorobertsmusic

Art With Impact interview: https://fb.watch/9kcft5ikOP/

Shakirah Stephens: Featured Artist

Those who feel a call to perform most often get bit by the acting bug early. Pittsburgh’s Shakirah is no expectation. She’s been enamored with performing ever since she played Lucy in her school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Now, holding a B.A. in Radio, TV & Film Production from Howard University, Shakirah primarily focuses on acting, but feels well rounded in her knowledge and abilities in all parts of creating performance art.

You may have already had a chance to experience Shakirah’s acting skills. If you’ve seen Alumni Theater Company’s production of Passing Strange, you saw her perform onstage as Edwina and Renata. Most recently, Shakirah was featured in a GetGo commercial and will be in a PA Lottery commercial in August 2021.

Currently, Shakirah is working on a full-length film called House of Stones written and produced by a group of Pittsburgh artists. The group includes members of the Black film community, and Shakirah says that she’s very excited and honored to be a part of the film. In it, four estranged brothers meet for the first time at their father's funeral.

When Shakirah’s not acting or working on creative projects with her peers, she holds a career in arts management in the not-for-profit sector. In the future, expect to continue seeing her face and name on various projects. While acting has her heart, she plans to be involved in all kinds of art because creative expression—like her abilities—is limitless.

Instagram: @kissmycurls__

GetGo Commercial Link:

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/OyEj/getgo-freebiefest-buy-one-get-one-gun

House of Stones Teaser Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKro0yK_hLA