Indie Review

Born  in The Island of Dominica (British West Indies), singer-songwriter,  Heston grew up with music all around him. Being surrounded by reggae,  pop, classical, soul, R&B, rock music was commonplace and it is no  surprise that radio, along with a collection of his father’s old  records, would open the key to his soul and love for all types of music.  From Barbara Streisand to Aretha Franklin, The Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye,  Elton John, Beres Hammond, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson (to name a  few)  each musician looped a thread into his soul, and after listening  to his music, it is clear that he has been influenced by the best. His  voice rises and falls like ocean waves rolling over the white sands of  his Dominica homeland. A guitar-welding troubadour whose tenor is as  melodious as the island accent of his native tongue, Heston’s music  soothes, cajoles, and ultimately envelopes listeners into a sensual  atmosphere rich with whispered promises. On Warm Human, Cold World  (World Soul Music/Dome), his third soul project in eight years, the  Atlanta-based artist is unabashedly romantic, allowing listeners to  enter his most intimate spaces and thoughts. Here, the shy, singing boy  who once fearfully trembled behind his church’s podium is now revealed  as a sure-footed, hot-blooded man clear about what he wants and how he  plans to get it—be it his internationally respected music career or  securing a passionate, solitary love. Warm Human, Cold World reminds us  why we are here—to love. Based on two relationships experienced since  his 2008 Storyteller (World Soul Music/Dome), Heston uses his solo pen,  voice, and evolving self-production skills to capture the raw emotion he  experienced and learned through those connections. From the first  single, “Greatest Lover,” the singer/songwriter brings a universal  honesty about relationships. Initially conceived as the usual break-up  song, after a discussion with the song’s real-life subject, the  “Greatest Lover” was transformed into an up-tempo celebration of a lover  once present, now lost. Daring to reveal the arc of love, Heston  delivers the fresh longing of being “Outside Your Window,” the bliss of  being in it “For Love,” the “Crazy” complications of letting go, and  ultimately the heartache of being “Lonely.” Recorded in a concentrated  period, it is his most fluid, intimate project yet. With a career in  music that began in Atlanta, GA, launched by a self-titled EP, he has  defined his journey as a full-time musician, composer, songwriter and  producer. “Creating timeless music has always been my ultimate goal,”  says Heston with a poised yet humble demeanor.  “I want to leave the  world with music that can be played for a lifetime.” 

 For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

MONIQUE BAINES has spent her life listening to and following the love of her life, not unlike most women. As a vocalist and well-versed musician (she also plays the flute, piano, & drums), what is most unique about Monique is her sound. Professional musicians have tagged her as a modern day Ella Fitzgerald, with a vocal prowess that ranges from classical to blues, and jazz to pop. Her voice is highly versatile, yet soothing. Monique’s musical background built up from solo choir performances, to first place wins at talent contests and New York City showcases, to features on prominent mix tapes. All of which has led her to work with industry legends such as Steve Rifkind, Sylvia Rhone, & Akon. Along the way she honed in on her one-of-a-kind style with production team Roc Life and world renowned production team Full Force. Monique signed to a legendary production team, Full Force, as the resident R&B diva in a three-person group. The group’s R&B/funk/hip-hop sound earned them label showcases in front of many record execs, including the legendary Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Larry Jackson, and Barry Weiss. After listening to the opinions of her professional colleagues and friends, Monique decided it was best to remain a solo artist. After working as the executive and marketing assistant at a small yet well branded label, Monique is not only armed with her extraordinary talent, but with the industry savvy needed to fill a void in the ever-evolving music scene. 

 For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Philadelphia  has always been known for its raw, authentic talent. Artists that come  from this entertainment jewel are adorned by greatness and a stellar  work ethic. Such is the case with Philly’s latest and greatest Hip Hop  artist, Boone. Marquis Boone was born and raised in South Philadelphia,  PA. After playing college ball at Steven’s Technical College in  Lancaster, PA, one would assume that Boone was a sure win for a career  as a pro baller. Turns out that they were right, just not on the  basketball court. Falling in love with music while in college led Boone  to form the hip hop group Fly 4 Life.  Although short lived, the  experience catapulted the young artist into the next phase of his life  as a solo artist. It all started at a talent show in front of a small  crowd at an event sponsored by Sneaker Villa in Philly. He won the  opportunity to perform at Unity Day in front of a crowd of 50,000. Here  he caught the ear of Wayne “Big Wayne” Montgomery, a bodyguard for Kidd  Rock, Black Street and Teddy Riley.  This relationship permitted Boone  to experience a national tour with Black Street and to work in the  studio with Eric Williams of the group. Being inspired by his  contemporaries such as Jay-Z and Philly’s own Beanie Siegal, Boone  continues to align himself with people that see his greatness. Palmieri  Jeans, a Philadelphia based clothing company, met the rising star and he  can now be seen in some of their branding and promotional campaigns.  They in turn support his shows and other musical efforts. Last  summer Boone’s club banger “Club Like” featured hip-hop super star  Wacka Flacka and had a big impact on dance floors and radios across the  globe.  He has followed suit with his latest single “Nanas” ft Gillie Da  Kid, another base filled, catchy head knocker that is currently  climbing the charts as well as taking the clubs by storm. As Boone’s  music and likeness continues to expand beyond his hometown his golden  personality and relentless talent continue to lead the way.  Soon you  too will be able to find him on a radio, a dance floor or a stage near  you. 

 For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

LALANA,  the Singer/Songwriter whose unique vocal style has been linked to  Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Brian McKnight and Alicia Keys. She is  known and respected in the music industry as Ilana Martin, "Vocal Coach  Extraordinaire". Lalana  entered Boston 's famed Berklee College of Music at 16 years old, on a  full scholarship purely for her vocal talent. While performing in the  coveted exclusivity of college life, she was in the company of the best  young musicians in the world. After  college Lalana was able to sing supporting vocals for Barry White,  Patti LaBelle, D'Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Norman Brown,  Rafael Martos and many others. Performing and writing songs in English  and Spanish for both stage and film, Lalana briefly signed with Polygram  Records before venturing out into a solo jazz career. Performing to  audiences throughout the United States, United Kingdom, France ,  Scotland , Germany , Holland , Spain , Chile , Ecuador , Turkey ,  Arabia, and Dubai was a broadening experience for her. At age 28, Lalana  founded the Vocal Workout Singing School in New York City 's downtown  SoHo . Successful owner and teacher at New York City 's most appreciated  and growing vocal facility. She has currently worked with Sean Garrett,  P. Diddy and Dirty Money, and other high-profile celebrities. The  journey continues with a debut album schedule to release February 2012  called "MoodSwings". This album is a collection of separate moments in  time and the different moods captured in each of those moments. This  project is a reflection of growth, character and just the many moods we  go through on this road of life.

 For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

With  an extensive background in grass roots marketing, and youth development  Aarian (formally Pope) Punter couples all her talents as a professional  spoken word and motivational speaker with her current role as Program  Manager for the Amachi New York Mentoring Program through the New York  City Mission Society; a community based on-to-one mentoring agency that  provides volunteer opportunities for caring adults looking to mentor  young people who have at least one parent currently incarcerated. For  several years prior to her work with New York City Mission Society,  Aarian worked in the entertainment industry as both an executive and  artist.  Aarian landed national voice over roles, worked as an actor in a  comedy sketch team with Comedian Mike Epps and Donnell Rawlings and  wrote and performed original ground breaking spoken word interludes on  major recordings working with such artists as Anthony Hamilton; Hip Hop  group the Lost Boys and R&B recording duo Koffee Brown. While  performing she also worked at various after school community programs  throughout New York City including Minisink Townhouse, Uth Turn,  Educational Alliance, and Urban Assembly in the Bronx, New York.   Through NACA (National Association of College Activities) from 1997 to  2003 Aarian performed at over 50 Colleges and Universities throughout  the United States as far as the University of Alaska at Anchorage. She  is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, New York  Alumne Chapter and continues to serve on the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta  Academy for young girls ages 10 to 13. Aarian is a wife and mother of  two; holding a Masters of Science Degree in Corporate Communications,  from the College Of New Rochelle.  

 For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Keli has been described as an incredible talent, a soulful singer, a gifted songwriter with a musician’s ear, has been blessed and privileged to work, collaborate, and share with the music industry’s most renowned producers and songwriters of our time. Her God-given gifts have taken her into every style and genre of music. Gospel, R&B, Soul, Country, and Rock patrons, have all been motivated tremendously, and were awed at her musical perceptivity to the professional soundstage. She’s grown into her destiny with the perfect blend of vocals and penmanship. She has written and co-written songs that have placed #1 on the Billboard charts on a global platform. Her highly developed sense of “knowing what a listener wants to hear”, has brought on 3 Grammy nominations and a secured win for Best Contemporary Album. Surprisingly, the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 were met with family tragedy. Maggie Price and Barbara Pierce, both Keli’s grandmothers, passed within 30 days of each other from Stomach Cancer. Since then, Keli has devoted herself to not only educating others about the awareness, but also promoting change and purpose through the “Let’s B.E. Aware” campaign, which started early 2010 as well as her God-given gifts of song and writing. 

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

A native of Essex County, New Jersey, Rosalind realized her talents when she wrote her first song at just 9-years-old. Her father was a club  promoter who also sold and used drugs, and her mother was a Ford model-turned-mom who raised her children with as much structure and  faith as she could. Throughout her childhood, Rosalind honed her vocals in church, recorded and performed at various venues in the Northeast region. At 16, Rosalind performed at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem,  and went on to get a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music in  Boston. Rosalind acquired a great amount of knowledge from Berklee, and later moved back to New Jersey to begin creating her own musical empire.  In 2008, she worked with director and graphics specialist Roc Davis on her first music videos “Myspace” and “Rydah,” which were featured on Rosalind’s first digital album Ready. In 2010, Rosalind teamed with  Design Digital Films for her “Hustler” video, which featured rapper  French Montana. She feels confident that her passion to create has grown  immensely in the past three years, and draws from a variety of  influences in her songwriting, including Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu,  Death Cab For Cutie, Ne-Yo, Frank Ocean, Alanis Morissette, Missy  Elliot, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. “My music brings vulnerability to  music lovers,” explains Rosalind. “I feel that a lot of artists are  extremely scared to be vulnerable, like they are unbreakable. I try to  give the listener a cinematic experience through my writing. As she  moves forward in her career, Rosalind knows there is potential for  growth in everything she does. Despite a tough upbringing, she’s managed to maintain a positive outlook on life and music. Her once  drug-addicted father is now a minister, inspiring others to get their lives together. Now Rosalind hopes that others will draw inspiration from her movement in music.  

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Darryl Gregory is a true multi-instrumentalist who honed his skills as a  rocker and singer-songwriter in the dirty dives of NYC in the late  1990’s and early part of the new century. He produces other songwriters  in his studio (Blue Cave Studios) now located in Sandy Hook, CT,  specializing in finding a “personalized sound” for each of his clients.  Darryl has composed music for many different types of ensembles  including orchestra, band, brass quintet, string quartet and Javanese  Gamelan. He has composed music for film as well as incidental music for  several off and off-off Broadway theatrical and dance works. Darryl has  degrees in Music Education, trombone performance and music composition.  He lives with his wife and son in the backwoods of Connecticut. 

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Yewande has been recognized as one of the most sought after independent  artists in the world. After nearly a 5 yr hiatus from the recording  industry, she is back to finish telling her story on her highly  anticipated album, “Rebirth.”  Blessed with a voice “heard only once in a  lifetime”, her message is unapologetically the same - to speak  universal truths about issues that many artists shy away from – poverty,  war, religion, love – but while she still proudly rocks the unique  brand of Alternative Soul that first captivated fans and critics alike,  something is profoundly different. With original songs that include  titles like “Tomorrow”, “Skin”, “Cold” and “Criminal”, her sound is  bigger, bolder, and if at all possible even more confident than her  early award-winning songwriting. “Rebirth” reflects the journey of a  lioness who’s been patiently waiting to capture her prey. Her target is  squarely aimed at your heart and based on insider response, will  undoubtedly land in heavy rotation on your mP3. Much like her  progressive contemporaries - Lenny Kravitz, BOB, Outkast, Black Eyed  Peas, Meshell N'degeocello - Yewande's music continues to defy  boundaries. She shares, "my music is written from the rollercoaster  called life, colored with shades of joy, loss, struggle and triumph. In  an industry where image and formula driven artistry have so often  trumped talent, listeners may be wondering if this new sound was  inspired by her abrupt departure. Or is it simply her birth name, which  in the Yoruba dialect of Africa means “reincarnation of mother”, that  predicted her inevitable return to finish what she started? Soon enough,  listeners will be able to decide for themselves, but for now we’re just  glad to know that that the road less traveled has lead her back to the  music that the world has been waiting to hear. 

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Candice Anitra hates boxes. Not in a weird, pygmachophobia way. It’s the  rigidly corrugated musical categories that both perplex and perturb  her. So much so that at times, Candice likens her musical existence to  feeling like a stranger on earth. Embodying the subtle rapture of Joan  Armatrading, the robust confidence of Meshell Ndegeocello, and the  thespian gender inquisition of Cheryl Dunye, the left-of-soul  singer-songwriter has learned that it’s much easier to buck convention  than to live a futile existence of the square peg in a round hole.  Hailing from a planet called Philadelphia, the Brooklyn-based songstress  was reared in a musical family rooted in the glorious sounds of the  local church choir. However, many years passed before the impetus to  find her voice struck. Candice set sail for New York University’s  heralded Tisch School of the Arts after graduation and immersed herself  in the fertile artistic environs of New York City. Enrolled in a  self-scripting curriculum, Candice was molded into the image of a triple  threat. Relishing the liberating new experience, Candice expanded her  horizons and sharpened her talent as a writer with aplomb. In 2002, a  post-collegiate Candice stumbled upon a musical outlet by assuming lead vocal duties for a local NYC band called True Story. By 2006, Candice  had written a Dali-esque stage play centered on black women entitled The  Ripple Effect. Candice’s most recent video, for the female powered  anthem “Too Much Woman,” makes its own statement and has quickly reached  thousands of views. Candice is currently working on her Big Tree album.  Soon after the earthquake that shook Haiti on January 12, 2010, a  photograph of a mountain of dead bodies gripped Candice Anitra to  compose a song. On the second anniversary of the devastation, Candice released the track, "Today," with a video for the song, in order to  raise still-much-needed funds to improve lives in Haiti. 

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review