Germantown Sound Sessions graphic.

Germantown Sound Sessions returns to the neighborhood on Friday night, July 25, bringing neighbors a small music concert, uplifting some of Philly’s most musically inclined.

The showcase, Germantown Art & Sound’s younger sibling, aims to create an intimate environment for attendees, allowing both them and the performers to feel more connected to each other. 

Organizers achieve this chill vibe through dim, yet whimsical, lighting, setting up couches as front-row VIP seating, and placing performers in front of the classic, cozy brick interior for their 25-minute sets. And if that wasn’t enough, there will be some small bites and complimentary wine.

Also in attendance, as the featured artist, is GAS alum MINK, whose artwork will be on display and for sale.

While there is no theme for the small concert, co-organizer and host Vanessa Chandler says the team describes the music’s feel as “powerhouse vocals, dreamy instrumentation, and a smooth blend of soft jazz, indie soul, and acoustic R&B.”

To honor that description, Sound Sessions producers have selected a colorful panel of artists to bring the vision to life. Get to know them and see what you can expect from them at Friday’s show at Our House Culture Center (6380 Germantown Ave).

Aquildawud

Aquildawud’s sound is a blend of hip-hop, alternative & traditional R&B, as well as neo-soul. He says his vocal style leans more toward a firm tone and a smooth, crooner-like quality, rather than relying on riffs and runs.

If you had draw influences from his style, you could think about J Dilla, Dwele, Bilal, and Donny Hathaway. He not only credits their sound to his musical approach, but also to his perception of the sacredness and universality of music.

At Friday’s show, attendees can expect to see his personality and musical range shine.

Some of that range will be showcased in his new single, “So Quil,” which he says marks a turning point in his style, where he said “fuck it” and “went full force” by blending more hip-hop and soul into his musical practice.

He hopes to leave with a few new fans on Friday.

Braylynn Nahja

Germantown’s very own, by way of West Philly, Braylynn Nahja will put on for the neighborhood by bringing her fusion of soul, jazz, and indie, with hints of inspiration from all genres and sounds.

She says people describe her vocal style as rich and velvety, with a range that allows her to shift seamlessly to grand and soulful tones. How and when the shift happens depends on the feeling she’s conveying.

At Friday’s event, she hopes to share her art and energy “in a way people can truly resonate and vibe with.” While folks can expect some covers from her, she has an original work, “We Got Heart,” that folks can look out for.

“It speaks on the resilience and perseverance we have as people, regardless of whatever travesty we are facing,” the artist says. “No matter what, we keep pushing on – We Got Heart.”

Folks can check more of Nahja’s journey out on Instagram and keep a lookout for her newest EP coming soon to Spotify. 

Fawziyya Heart

Fawziyya Heart is a songwriter specializing in house music and soul music. Her house music leans into a much richer and soulful vocal over dance beats. Meanwhile, her soul style leans more towards a romantic and emotionally driven approach, centered around love and connection.

Stylistically, she draws comparisons to artists such as Emily King, Lianne La Havas, and Olivia Dean. Her vocal tone is a lower, yet powerful, register that could be likened to that of Jill Scott and India.Arie vibe.

Her name in translation is actually Victorious Love, and through her music, that’s what she seeks to prove: “That love conquers all.”

Folks can catch those “ooey gooey inside” feelings this Friday, where she’ll perform songs from her recent album Love Notes.