Erika Rose was born in New york from a Jewish mother and a Jamaican father. She grew up in Queens and Manhattan, studied dance and piano and attended the Alvin Ailey School, where she met Alicia keys another student there at the time. Her family moved to Florida,but Erika did not forget about her passion for music. She co-wrote "A woman's worth" and 3 more songs on the "Diary of Alicia Keys".She first became Alicia's assistant then her tour manager. Later on, Erika released her own album entitled "Rosegarden" influenced by her mixed background. In 2005 she met Om'Mas Keith of SA-RA ( I talked about them earlier check it out) who collaborated with her on "Rosegarden". With diverse influences as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder,Santana,Sade ..Erika has created a surprising album where rock, pop, soul, jazz and funk fuse beautifully taking you to a magical place. http://www.myspace.com/erikarosegarden
Born Will Bevan, BURIAL is a producer coming from South London mixing electronic music with elements of dubstep, 2 step garage and house music. After the release of several EPs, the turning point was probably his 2006 album "Burial" which received excellent critics (among which Wire Magazine's review who also voted it album of the year).Release of the second album "Untrue" was even more popular. William Bevan remained anonymous for quite a while, very little was known about him. How cool is that??? We all like mystery!Well. At least we have a picture!
12/14/09
The first time I heard of Janelle Monae was a little while ago when she had released her album "Metropolis". I was first surprised that she was signed by Bad Boy Records and was intrigued by something that vaguely reminded me of Outkast. Exciting I thought!! Janelle Monae grew up in Kansas City which she left to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Later on, she headed to Atlanta where she met ...Outkast!!! My first impression was right then;) This pretty eclectic artist has a very 'original sound and mesmerizing presence', says Diddy.I have to agree with that. Check her out!!!
Spicy trio, Friendly Fires is composed of Ed Macfarlane, Edd Gibson and Jack Savidge. Pop/Disco/Tropical...taking a look at their myspace page, I started scratching my head wondering what they could sound like! Those guys are too much!! :D .The band formed in 2006 in St Albans, England. They released their debut album in 2008. Make sure you check out "Jump in the pool" and "Skeleton boy" as well as their single "Paris", pretty wild.
One of my friends sent me a picture of a this group performing live , apparently, they already opened the show at a Steve Spacek's live performance, and performed also with DJ Krush. Composed of three members, this band is from New Zealand. Their sound is a mix of Hip Hop, Soul , Psychedelic musics. They collaborated with Om'Ras Keith (from SA-RA), Waajeed (Platinum Pied Pipers), and Steve Spacek ..Their EP "Everywalking Hour " is to be released soon.
Fashawn is an underground rapper coming from Fresno,California. As a child, he dealt with a pretty difficult family background, his father being in prison and his mother suffering from drug addiction. But growing up in the streets did not stop him from pursuing his dreams.His tenacity and passion for music were soon to be rewarded. In 2006, Fashawn released his first mixtape called "Grizzly City" which got him the attention Of Fresno MC and Planet Asia. His debut album "Boy meets World" entirely produced by Exile proved him to be one of the leaders of the underground scene in Central California.He has collaborated with many other rappers such as Evidence, The Alchemist, Krondon,Blu, Mistah Fab (...) and has worked with reputable producers of the Hip hop scene Mick Boogie and terry Urban.
Born Benjamin Bensussen in San Diego,California. This LA based DJ has a very eclectic style. His creations can range from psychedelic sounds to world music elements with strong hints of 70's funk music, dubstep and Hip Hop. Producer working with "Flying Lotus" under label "Brainfeeder Records".He released many unconventional CDs between 2007 and 2009: "Gaslamp Killers" (2007), "It's a rocky road"(2007).......but his latest release is "All Killer"(2009) that has also received very pertinent reviews. website:www.myspace.com/thegaslampkiller
