No Stress...It's Just Water Under The Bridge

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the phrase “water under the bridge” as problems that someone has had in the past that they do not worry about because they happened a long time ago and cannot be changed. Often, problems become water under the bridge by the simple sound of music. Music can remove one’s troubles, leaving them with no stress. This past Saturday, May 20th, North Carolina native DJ E Sudd, DJ for international recording artist 2 Chainz, and the No Stress crew invited family, friends, and special guests down to the Catawba River for a day of fun, food, and exclusive musical performances from Cyanca and Anella Herim.

 The Water Under The Bridge brand awareness event is the brainchild of the No Stress Sound Academy. Though No Stress Sound Academy is not an official institution, the creative space serves as a school for artists looking to expand their knowledge of the music business, gain experience in the music industry, and network with the top music executives in the country. DJ E Sudd has been 2 Chainz’s official DJ since the beginning of his solo career. In addition, Sudd is a member of the Atlanta-based collective Street Execs and has been instrumental in the careers of artists such as Travis Porter and the late Young Dolph. The Carolina vibe creator “turnt the crib to the studio” (RIP Sauxe Paxk). 

The No Stress Sound Academy offers a range of services from recording to brand marketing. Famous for North Carolina media runs, Sudd and his team at No Stress decided to create a new avenue for brand expansion. Typically, water-based events are hosted at Lake Norman, just 39 miles from the Queen City. However, No Stress opted for the banks of the Catawba River. The name Water Under The Bridge pays homage to the 217-mile body of water that stretches to the neighboring South Carolina. Upon exiting the car, you are greeted by the sounds of DJ Nolo. The vibe was reminiscent of a campground party. However, rather than young kids, the attendees were comprised of the Carolinas’ top creatives. 

Though the weather called for rainy conditions, the temperature complimented the atmosphere perfectly. The Water Under The Bridge staff ensured every guest was enjoying themselves as representatives of Backwoods Cigars gave away free merch and entertained the crowd. Sudd’s “No Stress” mentality was contagious. Though he was busy maintaining the flow of the event, Sudd made time to greet everyone that he could and stop for conversations and pictures. The crowd was composed of various cultures and ethnicities brought together for the love of art. In addition to music, there were muralists painting on site, as well as a body painter.

At the conclusion of DJ Nolo’s set, the musical performance commenced. The first to perform were the Gnarly Boys. The trio each wore fashion to match the signature color of their locs. Then, a three-piece live band set the tone for the next performances. Band members included Brax on the trumpet and Mark Clark on the drums. Keyboardist Cannoli serenaded the crowd with a song about his affinity for marijuana called “Trees” featuring Gengis Don. After Cannoli finished, Sudd took the stage to introduce neo-soul singer Cyanca. Cyanca’s smooth vibe is derivative of Erykah Badu. Her smooth, melodic performance captivated the audience as she took them on a journey with the tracks like “PB&J” and “New Phone Who Dis”. Following Cyanca, Def Jam signee Anella Herim took the stage for his set. The Trinity, North Carolina native is a singer, songwriter, and producer. All three talents were on display May 20 as onlookers moved closer to the stage for his set that included his hit songs “Tequila” and “FSE”. The  rain did not stop Herim or his friends that joined him on stage with a keg of beer. At one point, Anella paused his performance to do a keg stand. At the conclusion of the event, the No Stress team played the movie “Superbad” for everyone to unwind before going to Imperial Charlotte for the official afterparty.

Sudd and the No Stress team are looking to continue the event, however the next date has not yet to be announced. To be a part of the next Water Under The Bridge event, follow @suddsuddsudd and @nostresssound on Instagram. Salute to Sudd, No Stress Sound Academy, and every activist getting active. Peace.