Portia Monique is here to present the world with a unique style of music.
This phenomenal vocalist has a commercial sound that is instantly recognizable, and a style that is a seamless fusion of Neo-Soul, R&B, Pop and Hip-Hop. Her voice is as distinctive as her look; this 6ft diva woos her listeners with unique and edgy song concepts, jazzy vocal tricks, and complex vocal harmonies.

Singing since she way 3 years old and writing songs since she was 9 years old, Portia has a knack for lyrical prose that is nothing less than incredible. A prominent musical figure in Seattle, she built her local reputation through weekly performances at lounges and collaboration with other local. Her first single “Radio,” which became an instant hit on Hot Jams 88.9 FM. In addition to “Radio,” Portia is currently collaborating on her first independent “EP” album with Seattle’s hit music producer Illoquint, with bonus tracks in partnership with the Los Angeles production duo “The Finisherz”, and Seattle’s own Kuddie Fresh.

Though Portia is still in search of a major record deal, her skills have been personally acknowledged by Hit maker Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins, soul singer Raheem Devaughn, mega producer’s Midi Mafia, and Vanessa Brown of Showtime at the Apollo, and the founder of International Record Label “Reel People Music” Oli Lazarus. She has worked with industry producer Kyle West (Donnell Jones, LL Cool J, Tevin Campbell), been showcased as a Featured Artist on Houston’s “The Kitty Williams Show” (www.thekittywilliamsshow.fm), and has shared the stage with internationally known recording artist Choklate.

Influenced by artists Floetry, Sade, and Zap Mama, this young woman has developed an eccentric yet universally appealing sound that cannot be replicated. With plans to bring the passion of 90’s R&B into today’s Pop, her signature voice, style and look, will never cease to turn heads, perk ears, and captivate minds. The musical elite should stand poised to celebrate the captivating sound of dominant pop culture’s latest arrival, Portia Monique.

A self-proclaimed “people watcher, dreamer and lover of philosophy”, Debórah Bond (pronounced De-BOR-rah) credits Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, and Sade as the roots which shaped her sound.  Her unique and “eclectic mix of R&B, funk and British soul” receives accolades from fans and critics worldwide.  The debut album “DayAfter“, and the remix album “AfterDay“, established Deborah Bond’s reputation as both a deeply sensitive, spiritual, sincere artist and a funky diva with captivating stage presence.  (Check out the video for the single”See You In My Dreams“, currently on heavy rotation on VH1 Soul)  Propelled by an ever growing cult following Debórah Bond has shared the stage with many of the hottest acts in soul music including: Rahsaan Patterson, Eric Roberson, Yahzarah, Sy Smith, Gordon Chambers, Floetry, Kem, Kindred the Family Soul, Raheem DeVaughn, Mint Condition, Angela Johnson, Julie Dexter, Goapele, Wayna, Ann Nesby, Elisabeth Withers, Ronny Jordan, Ledisi, Frank McComb and Fertile Ground.
 
Deborah and her band/production team Third Logic are proud to announce the release of Madam Palindrome (7/17). This album is a confident and bold artistic & creative statement.  Reflections on perspectives and palindromes not only influenced lyrics and song content but informed artist Shuhei Matsuyama’s creative process for the design of the truly stunning album’s artwork.  Amongst many tasteful gems in Madam Palindrome, we are especially looking forward to a duet with UK underground legend Lewis Taylor This new and refreshing album has already hit # 1 on the “UK Soul Chart” for three weeks and has been considered on of the “best soul albums of 2011″ by Chris Wells (Echoes Magazine), JazzFM, and BBC Radio!
 
Debórah Bond & Third Logic have had a long break from the music scene to build on the craft of production, musicianship, and songwriting.  With time for growth and reflection the concept for Madam Palindrome emerged: a well-rounded intellectual, visual, philosophical, and musical experience featuring songs ranging from disco/funk to psychedelic to acoustic soul to straight up R&B…  The new single from Madam Palindrome “You Are the One” has a fresh and cosmically exciting new video being featured on Vh1Soul and MTV.com.uk. http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/deborah-bond/video/you-are-the-one

Debórah and her band (Third Logic) take pride in creating music that has no boundaries, that goes beyond age, race, or creed.  

coming soon..

IMAANI’s career has been quite a journey for this country girl from Derby who jumped on a train to London at the age of 19 and never looked back.

Nurtured by the legendary JOCELYN BROWN, IMAANI’s talent was soon discovered with cousins CARLEEN & JHELISA ANDERSON & TALKIN LOUD’s URBAN SPECIES all taking her on tour.

British Soul Institution INCOGNITO was IMAANI’s next port of call as she became a permanent fixture on their perpetual live show and on their recording’s as she featured on the albums ‘BENEATH THE SURFACE’, ‘ADVENTURES IN BLACK SUNSHINE’, ‘BEES + THINGS + FLOWERS’, ‘ELEVEN’ & ‘TALES FROM THE BEACH’.

Another highlight and in her own words ‘the biggest night of my life’ saw IMAANI perform to well over 100 million people and finish second in the 1998 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST.

In recent years, IMAANI has formed a stirring partnership with London House music crew COPYRIGHT, delivering the anthems ‘WIZEMAN’, ‘BRING ME LOVE’ & most recently ‘NOBODY’, all on DEFECTED RECORDS.

Forthcoming in 2011 is a 3 track EP which includes production by REEL PEOPLE and also MATT COOPER (INCOGNITO/OUTSIDE).

Mark de Clive Lowe (MdCL) is one of the most innovative producers and live performers you’ll find anywhere.

Whether you call him artist, producer, composer, pianist, performer, DJ, or selecta, titles are irrelevant to the marvel of MarK de Clive-Lowe. Many try to classify this impressively fertile music journey, yet to identify with only one label belies the heavy scope of the ride. The piano sets the course, the keyboard is the vehicle, and fuelled by the drum machine, the relentless skill of MdCL is underscored by a rare sonic sensibility.

He’s an accomplished musician, originally sowing his oats in straight-ahead jazz, before taking the music far beyond. Anchored by the duality of his Japanese and New Saelander heritage and ignited by a love of playing piano at the age of foue, it is no wonder this multi-national phenom has seen his explosive natural gifts blaze across the globe from NZ to the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Cuba.

A devastating live performer, the McDL experience is marked by impromptu studio production on stage from scratch, using drum machines, keyboards and effects. The end result: lives remixes birthed on stage for each and every gig. With bold chops like this, to call him ‘prolific’ is an understatement, having contributed to over 250 releases and being a first-call collaborator for a wide range of artists, including Jill Scott, Jody Watley, Leon Ware, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, The Family Stand & Chaka Khan amongst a slew of others.

Currently based in LA after a decade entrenched in London, MdCL

Her debut album ‘Choklate’ has a different kick, having a sound that’s been quite the challenge for those who are addicted to labeling, particularly those who would like to put a stamp on her sound. The record was recorded over a learning period and featured production by Seattle’s finest producers: Vitamin D, Bean One, Jake One, Kuddie Mack, Amos Miller and Jay Townsend. Being the prolific songwriter that she is, Choklate wrote and vocally arranged all of the songs on her album.

Since the release of her debut, Choklate has solidified her place alongside such soul luminaries as Raheem Devaughn, Dwele, Yahzarah, Anthony David, Sy Smith, Bilal, Eric Roberson, Sharon Jones and Res to name a few. Choklate has also guest appeared and been sighted on Boom Bap Project, Blacksheep, Abstract Rude, Butta Verses, De La Soul, Gift of Gab, Supanatural and Chali 2na’s solo records and is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to work with more of her peers.

The Seattle based songstress, who writes her own music, has already taken the breath away from many listeners around the world and she’s back with her 2009 release “To Whom It May Concern.”

coming soon..

coming soon..

Born and raised in the UK from an Indian Jamaican background, this talented singer-songwriter has music in the blood.
She was encouraged from a young age coming from a musical family with her uncle Phil Fearon, the lead singer of 80s pop band Galaxy and founder of the UK Drum & Bass dance group Baby D ‘Let me be your fantasy’.

Dyanna Fearon went onto pen for mainstream UK artists like Lemar, Shola Ama, Jamelia, Caron Wheeler (Soul 2 Soul), Stephanie Wilson (Britain’s Next Top Model Contestant Cycle 4) and Preeya Kalidas (Eastender’s Actress).

Dyanna’s exceptional song writing skills and versatility opened the doors for her to travel throughout Europe, USA and Nashville writing with heavy weight song writers such as Craig Wisemen ‘Shoulda Woulda Coulda’ and New York producer David Anthony. The ambitious artist also lent her vocals to the successful ‘D-Influence Presents D-Vas’ album, Reel People’s hugely acclaimed debut album ‘Second Guess’, writing five golden nuggets and producing one of Reel People’s most successful club songs ‘Butterflies’. Impressed and excited by Dyanna’s gifted performance Reel People then requested her vocals and song writing on their second album ‘Seven Ways To Wonder’ contributing the track ‘High’.

Miss Fearon is now working on her own projects and has performed live shows and swept audiences of thousands off their feet at key venues such as London’s Jazz Café and Manchester’s Band On The Wall, not to mention the Southport Soul Weekender and illustrious Tokyo Jazz Festival.

This London based singer-songwriter has recently written & featured on four tracks for the Swedish house heavyweight Rasmus Faber on his debut album ‘Where We Belong’, which featured DJ & club hit single ‘Give It To Me’ and his latest released single ‘Yes’ reaching number 5 on Traxsource.

This talented beauty has also found time to squeeze in a foundation degree in music technology and sound engineering at City & Islington College and is now preparing for the release of her own material, her first solo EP which is a vibrant mix of soulful house with catchy pop hooks. A hot Reel People cut, ‘Crying For Love’, is in the pipeline, as well as live performances up and down the UK & Europe.

Its time to discover Miss Fearon.

Darien Dean is an artist with a purpose.  Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, this soul singer burst onto the scene with alluring vocals and a distinctive stage presence.   Fed a healthy diet of Hip Hop and Classic Soul, this multi-talented MC, singer, and dancer, honed his abilities as a producer, arranger and engineer to craft a more authentic approach to contemporary songwriting.

“Darien, an independent singer, songwriter and producer, has evoked the brilliance of original soul music of decades past.”   -Soul Interviews

“The Next SoulMan: Darien’s debut Album,”If These Walls Could Talk”, is about to make him an artist of huge importance to Soul Fans.” – Echoes Magazine

“Through his mastery of words, he paints the most beautiful, uplifting and honest moments.”  -Soulchoonz

“If These Walls Could Talk,” Darien’s debut album (Righteous Music Records), has been met with much critical success receiving such accolades as Soultracks.com 2009 “New Artist of the Year”,  JazzandSoul.eu, “Top Track of the Year” award as well as Singersroom.com “Artist to Watch in 2010.”

A natural born entertainer, Darien’s spirited musical style earned him a coveted spotlight at the 2010 Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba, opening for Mary J. Blige.  He has captured the interest of industry executives, enamored the Capital Jazz Festival audience and was ultimately crowned victor of the Budweiser Superfest 2010 Battle for the Crown of New York. His humble, yet star studded rise to fame has placed him amongst the honorable ranks of soul super heavyweights: Kem, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn, Jazmine Sullivan and others.

International recognition followed the release of his hit single “Alibi”. Darien, presently a favored contender on the global airwaves, has recorded with UK band Reel People. He is licensed under Japanese affiliate BBQ Records, gaining him popularity that knows no cultural divide.

Recently, a stateside collaboration with fellow independent artist, Angela Johnson spawned the song “All in Me” which led to a Japanese Tour.  The song is steadily gaining momentum and has charted as high as number 4 in the DC market on commercial radio WHUR amongst such artists as Usher, Alicia Keys, Sade and more..

Darien’s avant-garde delivery of timeless music with provocative social themes demands a rooted footing in the genre of Soul Music.

“Music is my purpose and I create knowing the responsibility that commands.”  -Darien

London boy Renn was born into a fast-flowing, kaleidoscopic stream of music. His Trinidadian family embraced everything from soul and soca to reggae, funk and disco so it was no surprise that Renn was rapping and singing by the age of eleven, and signed to major label RCA just a few years later.

That was in 1994 and Renn – real name Darren Cumberbatch – was recording and performing alongside his brother as funk-soul-dance fusion duo OriginalSon. It was a sign of things to come. “I was young and learning the record business, but even then I had a firm idea of what musical style I wanted” he recalls. “OriginalSon wasn’t run of the mill stuff, we had our own sound.”

That autonomy held firm over the next few years, Renn throwing himself into a variety of soulful yet eclectic projects that would allow him to fully stretch his talents. In 1998 he was dropping club cuts as Zodiac (Sonic High) and come 2001, was fronting electro outfit Flashman. All the while there were regular offers of vocal work with soul-pop mainstreamers Basement Jaxx, Beverley Knight, Jamiroquai and Anastasia; to name but a few.

The unpredictability is still there. Most recently, Renn has been working with The Urban Soul Orchestra – a contemporary, multi-genre string ensemble – and struttin’ his stuff as lead singer for major French rock proposition, Headknocker. And still, the high-profile session singing continues with outings into soul-house clubland and work with The Jinks on MN2S (Like Music) and producers Matt Bandy (Limestone Records) and Dean Zepherin (Tribe Records)

It is Toni Economides, famed studio jack-of-all-trades, who helped shape Renn’s latest material – as Renn – on the fledgling Reel People Music label. “Toni was key in introducing me to Oli Lazarus at Reel People and things kinda snowballed from there” he explains. “I had this urge to work on some totally different, but beautiful afro-dance music; lots of instruments, vibe, soul and great vocals. There are no grey areas with Oli, he’s supported my vision from the start.” As such Renn has already released single, Nights In Africa, a zesty mix of intense afro-percussion, lowdown bass, smart spoken word vocals and skanking house groove. Clubland’s great and good certainly think so with the likes of Tortured Soul, Davidson Ospina, Phil Asher and Mark Picchiotti all supplying heavy rotations. And now Renn is turning his attention to a full EP of “africanized” dance music for Reel People Music. “It’s all about positive energy and feeding my soul” he says. “I’m open-minded. I like everything from Radiohead to Marvin Gaye. It all gets channelled into my music, but the common denominator is good songwriting and production. That’s as important as the singing.

I’m excited about the stuff I’m going to be doing with Oli and the guys; it’s non-conformist, it’s unorthodox… innovative.” Long-term Renn has ambitions to take his afro-vibes on live tour but, sagely, he’s refusing to get ahead of himself. One beat at a time….: “I simply want to keep my head down and get some more music under my belt first. I’m blessed to have the wide vocal range that I do, and to have fallen into this career, but there’s a lot more to do. “I’m making the music that I want to, if that appeals to DJs then fantastic but I’m not going out of my way to please everybody. If I work with heart and imagination then everything else should fall into place. That’s how I’ll make my mark.”

Renn’s well on his way to that….