WorldArts Daily (video)

SLANT LIVE on the WorldArts Live Stage performing "Through My Own Eyes"

WorldArts Music presents The Clouds Below.   The Clouds Below began as an inspired idea by Malcolm Guess and Benjamin Jones. While working on remixes for their band Kaura, whom Ben and Malcolm founded and perform with; they accumulated a number of songs that they felt deserved to become it's own entity. Having both been fans of electronic music for a long time and having always talked about the idea of working together on an electronic project...The Clouds Below was born. Mixing styles of Glitch Hop, Rock, Bass and Downtempo; The Clouds Below released their first 5 song EP on July 30th 2013. Bringing their music and musicianship to the stage, The Clouds Below is an engaging visual and visceral experience with the addition of unique and impacting light show.

Alyeska is both the archaic spelling of Alaska and the name LA-based Montana native Alaska Reid chose for her "fuzz pop" band  

Mothlight is a 3 piece dream pop outfit from Los Angeles, CA. It has been called, at times, chillwave, dream pop, psychedelic pop. Blog Diamond Deposits described Annie as “Packing immense sky high vocals set among a lush psychedelic sheen of sunlit melodies. It’s quite the treat for the ears!” and German blog, Orange Peel, compared our sound “à la M83 oder Fleet Foxes.” Initially the solo project of Matt Billings, Mothlight released 3 EPs from 2008-2012. Matt joined with longtime friend, Grant Stevens, to release the Calico LP (2014) and after a year or so of writing new material the duo found and recruited drummer Andrew Smith and it’s been a happy marriage ever since. Mothlight will be releasing a new EP in early spring 2016.

Born and raised in the small country town of Pearl River, a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana, John has been involved in ministry for a little over six years after discovering his passion to pursue music beginning in high school. Currently John leads worship every Sunday evening at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in New Orleans and during the week he travels throughout the country ministering, praying and worshipping at churches, schools and universities meeting people but most importantly inviting people to meet Jesus.   

Initially launching into the underground scene, Gone Avery, evolved into an energetic Alternative Rock band in 2012. Following the release of "Left and Forgotten", the Southern California based quartet started establishing themselves in many of the well-known venues in Los Angeles and Orange County. They frequently play at venues such as The House of Blues, The Roxy, The Whisky and The Slidebar. Also, having the pleasure of sharing the stage with The Sick Puppies, Set Your Goals, Too Short, T-Mills, The Who Show, April Sixth, The Summer Set and The Downtown Fiction to name a few. Gone Avery continues to bring a high energy stage show to their passionate fans with their slick pop hooks and sturdy organic rock, both melodic and hard-hitting. As they look forward to tour the West Coast in the Spring, fans can currently find their music on Amazon and iTunes, as well as listen to track "Fields" and "Counting Down" on KWSS in AZ and WXIN in RI.

Gone Avery continues to bring a high energy stage show to their passionate fans with their slick pop hooks and sturdy organic rock, both melodic and hard-hitting. As they look forward to tour the West Coast in the Spring, fans can currently find their music on Amazon and iTunes, as well as listen to track "Fields" and "Counting Down" on KWSS in AZ and WXIN in RI.

Initially launching into the underground scene, Gone Avery, evolved into an energetic Alternative Rock band in 2012. Following the release of "Left and Forgotten", the Southern California based quartet started establishing themselves in many of the well-known venues in Los Angeles and Orange County. They frequently play at venues such as The House of Blues, The Roxy, The Whisky and The Slidebar. Also, having the pleasure of sharing the stage with The Sick Puppies, Set Your Goals, Too Short, T-Mills, The Who Show, April Sixth, The Summer Set and The Downtown Fiction to name a few.

The band draws on a wide range of influences, citing acts from Arcade Fire, Billy Joel, Foster the People, Michael Jackson, The Killers, The Beach Boys, Weezer, Queen, and so much more. "I think if you want to find success as a band, you can blend in with a genre that is on the rise and have a nice record deal, followers, and radio play for a few years. But if you want to have a career, and real fans, you need to create something that is new. The bands I respect the most, and seem to have survived, are those that have created a sound that was different than the bulk of the music being produced at that time" says lead vocalist and guitarist Ryan Kilpatrick.   They began writing the songs for the new EP at a very crucial time in their lives. They had all graduated college and were fully invested in the real world. They were finally coming to terms with what being an adult meant to each of them. "We believe that every song should flow naturally and that every detail should serve an artistic purpose. We added tempo changes where it made sense and explored varying chord progressions," says guitarist Heath Farmer. Accordingly, the songs lyrically take hold of themes such as coming of age, finding love (not only for a girl, but for life), establishing trust, and fighting through difficult times.

Since July of 2014, they've undergone the knife and emerged as Island Apollo, a name derived from the artificial islands off the coast of Long Beach Bay, each of which is named after an Apollo astronaut. Adamant about establishing a presence in the LA music scene, their attempts to create something new and lasting have not gone unnoticed. Despite only having a handful of shows with their new identity, Island Apollo is gearing up to be one of the most sought after bands in the area. The newly monikered indie rock outfit has already established that sweet, danceable type of indie rock that is capable of suiting any mood with perfection. Be it gearing up for a night out, contemplating the loss of something or someone special, or starting a new chapter of your life, Island Apollo will be right there with you.  

Having gained a seriously considerable following, Island Apollo is off to new and exciting things. After originally forming a band as teenagers in Irvine, California, the five indie rockers were able to pick up airplay on KROQ, win Orange County's "Best Pop Artist" from the OC Music Awards, open for Capital Cities and Third Eye Blind, and even managed to get a song placed in a commercial with Kate Upton. The band established themselves as one of LA's hottest bands to watch with a slew of headline shows at legendary venues like The Roxy, The Troubadour, The Viper Room, and more. The band soon developed a reputation as one of the most licensed unsigned artists in So-Cal with songs appearing weekly on FOX Sports, CBS, TeenNick, VH1, USA Network, and national marketing campaigns for Sobe Drinks and Sprint.  

Since formation in 2010, the group has lived through its fair share of happiness and heartbreak, member changes, shifting influences, and requests to “play quieter.” Now with a solid foundation, Great States plans on taking the necessary steps to grow their music and continue sharing it with anyone willing to listen.  

There is something to be said about releasing a record independently; it isn't glamorous.  Time – there isn't enough of it.  Energy – there isn't enough of it.  Money – there isn't enough of it.  Dreams of million dollar studios are quickly replaced by university basements, vocal booths by bedroom closets, and record deals by personal bank accounts.  However, every once in a while the right group of people will find themselves together, and no amount of obstacles or pipe dreams can deter them from creating and sharing their music.  Great States' debut full-length, entitled Gatsby, takes a small glimpse into three and half years of hard work and perseverance.   “We're very happy with what we've accomplished over the last few years.  Before last May [2013], the idea of releasing an entire record seemed inconceivable… and yet here we are.  ‘Gatsby' really is more than just the four of us; a lot of our fellow artists, friends, and family have left their mark on the album in some way or another.  It really is community music for us.”  

Great States is an alternative rock band that employs modern instrumentals, beautiful vocal harmonies, and thought-provoking lyrics to create a truly "one-of-a-kind" sound that mirrors the uniqueness of the Great Southwest.  They are now currently supporting the upcoming label re-release of their debut full-length record “Gatsby” (expected February 2016) and first music video/short-film for “Puget Sound, WA.”  Premiered back in April 2014, Puget Sound has since been screened at both the Albuquerque Film and Media Experience and Filmstock New Mexico festivals.  

Goody Grace is a young talent out of Winnipeg Manitoba that caught the attention of his idols by hitting social media hard and gathering an online audience. He is a singer songwriter that has played guitar since the age of 4 and is influenced by Bob Dylan as much as Wiz Khalifa. He plays his six string and sings and raps about being a kid with a dream and taking daily steps to become everything he's ever wanted to be. He signed with Cisco Adler and Bananabeat records and has never looked back. Together they crafted his raw talent into the well rounded artist he is now at only 18. He recently has co-written Cody Simpson's single "Flower" and Co-wrote and is featured on West Virginia rapper Huey Mack's song "Things Change" which is getting radio play all over Canada right now. Goody Grace is poised to be the answer to his own question. Can a kid from small town Manitoba with a big dream make it? The answer is yes and it will be a pleasure to watch this kid take over the entire world with his talent and charm. Stay tuned and follow the young future...  

Goody Grace is a young talent out of Winnipeg Manitoba that caught the attention of his idols by hitting social media hard and gathering an online audience. He is a singer songwriter that has played guitar since the age of 4 and is influenced by Bob Dylan as much as Wiz Khalifa. He plays his six string and sings and raps about being a kid with a dream and taking daily steps to become everything he's ever wanted to be. He signed with Cisco Adler and Bananabeat records and has never looked back. Together they crafted his raw talent into the well rounded artist he is now at only 18. He recently has co-written Cody Simpson's single "Flower" and Co-wrote and is featured on West Virginia rapper Huey Mack's song "Things Change" which is getting radio play all over Canada right now. Goody Grace is poised to be the answer to his own question. Can a kid from small town Manitoba with a big dream make it? The answer is yes and it will be a pleasure to watch this kid take over the entire world with his talent and charm. Stay tuned and follow the young future...  

Goody Grace is a young talent out of Winnipeg Manitoba that caught the attention of his idols by hitting social media hard and gathering an online audience. He is a singer songwriter that has played guitar since the age of 4 and is influenced by Bob Dylan as much as Wiz Khalifa. He plays his six string and sings and raps about being a kid with a dream and taking daily steps to become everything he's ever wanted to be. He signed with Cisco Adler and Bananabeat records and has never looked back. Together they crafted his raw talent into the well rounded artist he is now at only 18. He recently has co-written Cody Simpson's single "Flower" and Co-wrote and is featured on West Virginia rapper Huey Mack's song "Things Change" which is getting radio play all over Canada right now. Goody Grace is poised to be the answer to his own question. Can a kid from small town Manitoba with a big dream make it? The answer is yes and it will be a pleasure to watch this kid take over the entire world with his talent and charm. Stay tuned and follow the young future...  

When Jess was 20, she won the state-wide artist showcase, Stars of Alabama. In 2013, she took first place in a local singer/songwriter competition that took place over the course of 8 weeks at Workplay Theater in Birmingham, Alabama. Since then, she has performed at venues opening for both national and local acts across the southeast. 

Jessica was also a contestant on Season 3 of NBC's The Voice in 2012, where she made it to the blind auditions. In summer 2013, Jessica won a spot to perform a set at the Vans Warped Tour in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2013-2014, Jessica Meuse competed on the national television series American Idol, finishing in 4th place and becoming the first person in the history of the show to perform an original song, "Blue-Eyed Lie," during the finals. She went on to tour with the Idols LIVE Tour in summer 2014, visiting 40 different cities in the United States and Canada.  Post American Idol, Jessica released her first independent single, "Done", recorded and mixed by a small production team based in Los Angeles. On January 1, 2016, she released her second independent single, "Rio Grande," produced and mixed in Orange County, CA. She plans to release an EP as soon as possible and tour the country once more - as Jessica Meuse. Meuse is actively seeking management, writing new material, and participating in as many musical opportunities as possible.   

Jessica Meuse (also known as Jess Meuse) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Slapout, Alabama. She has been performing in public since the age of 10. In 2011, she self-released a debut album called "What's So Hard About Bein' A Man," with 9 original tracks. In addition to singing, writing, and performing, Jessica has always had a background heavy in music and plays several instruments; she is classically trained on violin, and self-taught at guitar and piano.

Making music is in Justin's genes. His father, Ernest “Oldie” Garner, performed as a percussionist with the soul/funk band The Rockin' Imperials. Ernest passed when Justin was only two years old, but he left to his son the gift of music and determination to continue his legacy. Justin has been a tribute to that legacy ever since, especially when he returned to his hometown to perform a special concert in the old rehearsal space of his late father's band. “My dad passed when I was two, and all that I was left with were photos and old recordings of his band. This concert served as a chance for me to connect with him musically, by standing where he stood, and performing music where he once performed.” Holding a Bachelor's in marketing, Justin has been able to work the ins and outs of the music industry. His knowledge of business coupled with his musical ability has landed him many mainstream opportunities, including highly coveted chart positions on iTunes and other storefronts. He has performed around the United States as a supporting act for recording artists Trey Songz, Big Sean, Fantasia, Keri Hilson and many more. Other huge accomplishments for Justin have certainly come from his marketing skills, as he has been able to expertly place his voice in all the right places. From YouTube, he received millions of views for his series of covers and remixes to songs by Beyoncé, Katy Perry and other top artists. The success of his cover videos led him to creating original music, leading to a bevy of musical achievements. In 2012, Justin was listed as Amazon.com's Artist on the Rise and as New & Notable - triumphs typically reserved for artists signed to major labels. Through the social media network MySpace, Justin was a featured new artist, catching the attention of music enthusiasts and industry heavyweights. In 2013, he was listed as New & Noteworthy and Artist to Watch on iTunes.  Justin has two full-length albums, I Am (2014) and Year One (2013). His next project 7, a seven-track EP, will be released in the spring. “I wanted to record seven songs in seven days. I locked myself in the studio and just wrote about everything that came to my mind. Instead of focusing on industry sounds, I went in a more organic direction and incorporated live elements. Lyrically and vocally, I wanted this body of work to be more passionate, heartfelt, and soulful.”  With no intention of slowing down, Justin intensely records and performs with only one priority – his fans. Justin's evolution as an artist, songwriter and vocal arranger is remarkable. His drive and ambition for creating music is unrelenting.  

On Feb. 12, his album I Am had debuted on iTunes Japan R&B/Soul charts at #19. By the middle of that same day, it had surpassed Beyoncé's self-titled project to grab the #1 spot. “It speaks volumes when you have an entire country that believes in you and your music that much, to where you're number one,” says Justin. “That in itself is just completely unbelievable.”  But with Justin's talent, nothing really is unbelievable. From the moment before the small town, Plaquemine, LA born singer steps onstage, the audience can feel that something big is going to happen. His stage presence beckons the crowd to sing and dance along, while he croons with a crisp voice in a variety of pitches. With a vocal prowess influenced by singing in the church choir and studying the harmonies of musical greats as a child, Justin captivates listeners. “I want people to see and feel who I am - a singer, songwriter and musician. When I'm on stage or in the studio, I can just be myself - I just want to make great music.”

Justin Garner is one of the most original Pop/R&B artists of his time. So it just wouldn't be fair to call him a copycat… Unless you just so happen to be referring to MTV's new show “Copycat”, because in that case, Justin is the ultimate copycat.  This year Justin became the series' first ever winner after transforming into Pop / R&B star Usher. Dressed in Usher's clothing and competing in the finale against a male Ke$ha, Justin sang and danced his way to victory.  But that's just one of Justin's many victories.

Born in Denver, Colorado but raised in Asuncion, Paraguay. Anna made her way into the entertainment business at a young age. She started as a model at age fourteen taking part in several national and international fashion shows and productions. As her success as a model grew, so did her aspiration to pursue music. Music has always been her passion. She decided to take it to the next level by leaving Paraguay and moving to Los Angeles, California in 2012. Recently Graduated from LACM (Los Angeles College of Music) . While attending Los Angeles College of Music, she was fortunate to learn from: Dave Pozzi (Celine Dione, Diana Krall) , Kasia Livingston (Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls), Kacee Clanton (Luis Miguel), Dorian Holley (Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie), and many others.  

While attending Los Angeles College of Music, she was fortunate to learn from: Dave Pozzi (Celine Dione, Diana Krall) , Kasia Livingston (Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls), Kacee Clanton (Luis Miguel), Dorian Holley (Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie), and many others.  

Jessica Meuse (also known as Jess Meuse) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Slapout, Alabama. She has been performing in public since the age of 10. In 2011, she self-released a debut album called "What's So Hard About Bein' A Man," with 9 original tracks. In addition to singing, writing, and performing, Jessica has always had a background heavy in music and plays several instruments; she is classically trained on violin, and self-taught at guitar and piano.   When Jess was 20, she won the state-wide artist showcase, Stars of Alabama. In 2013, she took first place in a local singer/songwriter competition that took place over the course of 8 weeks at Workplay Theater in Birmingham, Alabama. Since then, she has performed at venues opening for both national and local acts across the southeast.  Jessica was also a contestant on Season 3 of NBC's The Voice in 2012, where she made it to the blind auditions. In summer 2013, Jessica won a spot to perform a set at the Vans Warped Tour in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2013-2014, Jessica Meuse competed on the national television series American Idol, finishing in 4th place and becoming the first person in the history of the show to perform an original song, "Blue-Eyed Lie," during the finals. She went on to tour with the Idols LIVE Tour in summer 2014, visiting 40 different cities in the United States and Canada.  Post American Idol, Jessica released her first independent single, "Done", recorded and mixed by a small production team based in Los Angeles. On January 1, 2016, she released her second independent single, "Rio Grande," produced and mixed in Orange County, CA. She plans to release an EP as soon as possible and tour the country once more - as Jessica Meuse. Meuse is actively seeking management, writing new material, and participating in as many musical opportunities as possible.   

Born in Denver, Colorado but raised in Asuncion, Paraguay. Anna made her way into the entertainment business at a young age. She started as a model at age fourteen taking part in several national and international fashion shows and productions. As her success as a model grew, so did her aspiration to pursue music. Music has always been her passion. She decided to take it to the next level by leaving Paraguay and moving to Los Angeles, California in 2012. Recently Graduated from LACM (Los Angeles College of Music) .  

Ariana Tibi is a blues singing, longboarding, songwriting 22 year old from Santa Monica, CA. Musical from an early age, she began singing with her father, Jean-Pierre Tibi, in French, and continues to perform with both him and her brother, Jason. While completing her Anthropology degree in San Francisco she got sidetracked and helped to form a nine-piece, blues/funk band called The Pull. They performed wherever the city would let them, from parks to Slim's. In 2014, they won Battle of the Bands, she got her degree and moved to LA. Ariana now lives there full time continuing her passion for music by writing songs and performing regularly.    Recently, she put together a group called Luci (named after the first female Australopithecine to be discovered). She lived 3.2 million years ago, but today Luci is a three part harmony band that plays original soul songs as well as the occasional pop-folk tune. They also play regularly around Los Angeles. Ariana's inspirations include Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Lianne La Havas, ZZ Ward, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Lee Hooker. Music is her life's passion and path...stay tuned.

Recently, Ariana TIbi put together a group called Luci (named after the first female Australopithecine to be discovered). She lived 3.2 million years ago, but today Luci is a three part harmony band that plays original soul songs as well as the occasional pop-folk tune. They also play regularly around Los Angeles. Ariana's inspirations include Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Lianne La Havas, ZZ Ward, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Lee Hooker. Music is her life's passion and path...stay tuned.

Ariana Tibi is a blues singing, longboarding, songwriting 22 year old from Santa Monica, CA. Musical from an early age, she began singing with her father, Jean-Pierre Tibi, in French, and continues to perform with both him and her brother, Jason. While completing her Anthropology degree in San Francisco she got sidetracked and helped to form a nine-piece, blues/funk band called The Pull. They performed wherever the city would let them, from parks to Slim's. In 2014, they won Battle of the Bands, she got her degree and moved to LA. Ariana now lives there full time continuing her passion for music by writing songs and performing regularly. 

Stones Edge is a country band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in small northern California country town of Auburn, Sacramento, Sam Stone (singer) spent many sunny days around country/rock music with his family. Until one day, they packed their bags, and headed for Los Angeles; the city of dreams, where Sam would have the opportunity to follow his dream of becoming a successful singer. In due time, Stones Edge was formed. Little did the band know, they would be headlining act for singing competition OC Idol, on the roster for the Six Flags "Live and Local" tour, and opening for Herbie Hancock at the Ikeda Auditorium. What will happen next for the band? Tune and and find out!

Stones Edge is a country band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in small northern California country town of Auburn, Sacramento, Sam Stone (singer) spent many sunny days around country/rock music with his family. Until one day, they packed their bags, and headed for Los Angeles; the city of dreams, where Sam would have the opportunity to follow his dream of becoming a successful singer. In due time, Stones Edge was formed. Little did the band know, they would be headlining act for singing competition OC Idol, on the roster for the Six Flags "Live and Local" tour, and opening for Herbie Hancock at the Ikeda Auditorium. What will happen next for the band? Tune and and find out!

Stones Edge is a country band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in small northern California country town of Auburn, Sacramento, Sam Stone (singer) spent many sunny days around country/rock music with his family. Until one day, they packed their bags, and headed for Los Angeles; the city of dreams, where Sam would have the opportunity to follow his dream of becoming a successful singer. In due time, Stones Edge was formed. Little did the band know, they would be headlining act for singing competition OC Idol, on the roster for the Six Flags "Live and Local" tour, and opening for Herbie Hancock at the Ikeda Auditorium. What will happen next for the band? Tune and and find out!

Stones Edge is a country band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in small northern California country town of Auburn, Sacramento, Sam Stone (singer) spent many sunny days around country/rock music with his family. Until one day, they packed their bags, and headed for Los Angeles; the city of dreams, where Sam would have the opportunity to follow his dream of becoming a successful singer. In due time, Stones Edge was formed. Little did the band know, they would be headlining act for singing competition OC Idol, on the roster for the Six Flags "Live and Local" tour, and opening for Herbie Hancock at the Ikeda Auditorium. What will happen next for the band? Tune and and find out!

“As the crowd thinned over the next hour from a couple thousand to a couple dozen, people talked, networked, posed for cellphone pics, and listened to an impromptu performance by a duo called Food For Cougars. Instead of hip-hop, the soundtrack for this movement sounded more like '60s-era folk courtesy Bob Dylan. Max Luger worked the harmonica and vocals while his partner J. Calhoun strummed a guitar plugged into a mini amp. People from the audience picked up tambourines and a cowbell to accompany them.”  — Rodney Carmichael, creative loafing

“As the crowd thinned over the next hour from a couple thousand to a couple dozen, people talked, networked, posed for cellphone pics, and listened to an impromptu performance by a duo called Food For Cougars. Instead of hip-hop, the soundtrack for this movement sounded more like '60s-era folk courtesy Bob Dylan. Max Luger worked the harmonica and vocals while his partner J. Calhoun strummed a guitar plugged into a mini amp. People from the audience picked up tambourines and a cowbell to accompany them.”  — Rodney Carmichael, creative loafing

“As the crowd thinned over the next hour from a couple thousand to a couple dozen, people talked, networked, posed for cellphone pics, and listened to an impromptu performance by a duo called Food For Cougars. Instead of hip-hop, the soundtrack for this movement sounded more like '60s-era folk courtesy Bob Dylan. Max Luger worked the harmonica and vocals while his partner J. Calhoun strummed a guitar plugged into a mini amp. People from the audience picked up tambourines and a cowbell to accompany them.”  — Rodney Carmichael, creative loafing

“As the crowd thinned over the next hour from a couple thousand to a couple dozen, people talked, networked, posed for cellphone pics, and listened to an impromptu performance by a duo called Food For Cougars. Instead of hip-hop, the soundtrack for this movement sounded more like '60s-era folk courtesy Bob Dylan. Max Luger worked the harmonica and vocals while his partner J. Calhoun strummed a guitar plugged into a mini amp. People from the audience picked up tambourines and a cowbell to accompany them.”  — Rodney Carmichael, creative loafing

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.  

An avid writer, Blake Vaz enjoys expressing himself through written word, be it prose, poetry, song writing or screen writing. This has opened the door to get involved in the film industry, as a writer, director and producer. His multiple projects include: Adventure Nation, an outdoor adventure reality show which he co-hosts and produces. AdventureNationUsa.com The Mulberry Purple, a rock band co-founded 15 years ago by Blake and with three EP's releases. The band is currently recording new material. TheMulberryPurple.com Valagardo Productions, an independent film production company, currenlty producing three short films and a webseries. ValagardoProductions.com The Bunker Diaries, a podcast about nothing and everything. Blake co-hosts the monthly podcast. TheBunkerDiaries.com As the Digital Content Manager for Walton Isaacson, ‘The Planet's Most Interesting Agency', Blake has had the opportunity to create unique multicultural digital content for international brands like Lexus, McDonald's and Wells Fargo. Blake is currently producing season three of the Emmy Nominated music show “VIDALEXUS Presenta Té Para Tres con Pili Montilla.” and was recently nominated for his work as the producer of season two of the aclamated show.  

Blake Vaz: Blake Vaz is a singer, writer, musician, director, and Emmy Nominated producer who is constantly expanding his involvement in different areas of entertainment, arts and sport. As the lead singer of the rock band The Mulberry Purple, Blake Vaz has toured and played hundreds of amazing shows since his teen years. With a few EP's under his belt and numerous collaborations with great local and international musicians, his musical repertoire continues to grow. His vocal style combines soulfoulness, power and at times agressivenes which allows him to jump across genres with his singing.

With the recording of their EP's, ...when the music fades, and The Auguries of Sound, The Mulberry Purple was able to package the characteristic energy of their live shows into a product that has been successful in attracting many more to their powerful style, sound and music. Although you may initially be tempted to compare TMP to great bands that have ruled the world of rock, you will quickly discover this musical force is in an arena of its own.  These days the band is more focused on recording quality material over performing live shows and are currently working with a couple of licensing firms to place their new music on TV and film.  

The Mulberry Purple is a pulse-pounding, high-voltage rock band that throws all its inner energy in your face while it grips you with the intensity of their lyrics. Their musical roots can be traced back to the border town of Juarez, Mexico, a city whose musical blend is as diverse and rich as its culture and people. Inspired by such background, they've created a sound that merges the classic concept of straight up rock with their Latin musical roots into a fusion that is reminiscent of the heyday of rock. L.A. based members Blake Vaz (vocals), Julio Cervantes (bass) and David Aguilar (guitar), have successfully rocked local and international fans at renowned venues through out Mexico, the southwest and local staples such as the Roxy, the Viper Room and The Troubadour. Word of their crowd shaking performances has spread rapidly and each show the numbers only escalate.   

Kison began voice lessons at the age of eight. She was selected as part of a Minnesota Grants project to become classically trained under the direction of soprano, Maria Williams-Kennedy at the Bel Canto Studio of Voice. Ms. Williams-Kennedy has performed in numerous roles with the Indiana University Opera Theater, Arizona Opera, Indianapolis Symphony and Metropolitan Theater of Opera in New York City. One day Ms. Williams-Kennedy put on an Etta James song and told Kison to sing along. “It came easy to me,” Kison said, “It's what I was supposed to be singing. It's what was in my soul. God put this music in me for a reason and day by day I am seeing the purpose."

Kison's debut album, "Believe" was produced in entirety by Rahki. When she began working on the project, it was planned to be only a demo CD, but it took on a life of its own after only a few months of working together. 

Kison was invited back to the Target Center three times last season, singing the National Anthem twice for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and once for the Minnesota Lynx, who went on to win the WNBA Championship. Kison teamed up with VH1's SAVE THE MUSIC foundation and released a Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas: The Kison Collection". A portion of the proceeds went to the foundation to help keep music programs implemented in high schools across the country.  

A newcomer to Los Angeles, but hailing from Northern Minnesota, Kison (real name Kim Swanson) is garnering attention not only for her soulful singing ability, but her songwriting as well. Kison (KEE-SIN) released her sophomore R&B/Pop album, "Part Hero, Part Woman" featuring production from the innovative King Karnov, and GRAMMY award winning producers Rahki, and 88-Keys. In addition to her album, she also released singles with GRAMMY award winning producer Symbolyc One (Beyonce's “Best Thing I Never Had”, Kanye West's “POWER”) and Australian heavy hitter, M-Phazes.   

Danger Escape is a modern rock band from Los Angeles whose sound can be summed up as a mixture of My Chemical Romance, Avenged Sevenfold, and Muse. They are comprised of students and alumni from Musicians Institute in Hollywood and have recently released their debut EP, the Pollution EP. After recent interest from record labels, they still remain independent and working harder then ever. Currently, they perform often around California building their fan base. Danger Escape is quickly progressing, evolving and are planning to release their first full length album in early 2016. Download and/or stream their Pollution EP today.