A Texas native, Cason's undying passion for music grew into a budding music career when she began homeschooling in order to travel to Music City, TN on a regular basis to collaborate with songwriters, work with vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams and grow her industry connections. After high school, Carson brought her Texas tenacity to Tennessee permanently, seeking a Music Business degree at Belmont University. Upon completing her undergraduate education, Carson was able to fully turn her attention back to her music, completing her first EP, "Mystery." The themes behind Carson’s songs are relevant and relatable, and her sincere delivery reveals the integrity behind every performance. She is as genuine as the music she creates, and that is what makes her a true entertainer. Like a Texas twister, this Texas Country chanteuse is taking the Country music scene by storm, and she continues to demonstrate to everyday dreamers that dreams really do come true, if you have the courage to chase after them. For more information about Misty Rae Carson, visit www.mistyrae.com. 

Beginning with his roots in the seminal D.C. and NY hardcore scenes and evolving into his current guise as a turntable terrorist, Thee Joker has always been a champion of aggressive, bass-driven sounds. It was at his cousin's suggestion that he "always played people the best part of the song" that Thee Joker, with the help of renowned house DJ Chris Bjork, released his first vinyl for the public at NYC's famed Webster Hall.

As part of the music/performance art group Master IT, Thee Joker performed at such hallowed venues as Limelight, The Tunnel, Sound Factory, Webster Hall, Esso, and Cafe Con Leche during the rise of electronic music in NYC. Through these shows, he received the opportunity to travel to Berlin and perform at the legendary Love Parade in 1995 alongside the infamous Armand Van Helden, Josh Wink, and Supa DJ Dimitri. While appreciating the house and techno sound of New York at events like N.A.S.A and Save the Robots, Thee Joker developed a resonance with Jungle and DnB through Liquid Sky and its basement jewel, Temple Records. He further honed this sound with the encouragement of Giant Step & Junglenut DJ Lion in the dimly lit bars of lower Manhattan.

In 1998, Thee Joker was invited to perform in Vienna, Austria. Attracted by the change of scene and the open minds and arms with which he was received, he decided to move to Vienna full-time to continue his music career. While living in Vienna, Thee Joker traveled extensively, performing in Austria, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Italy, both solo and as part of the DJ crew Th3 G4ng. Their weekly five-hour radio shows on FM4 showcased the talents of six DJs and multiple genres. Soon thereafter, he was invited to Cologne, Germany, by Dr. Walker of Air Liquide and became part of the Liquid Sky posse, continuing the lineage that began in NYC with his association with Liquid Sky and Temple Records. Before leaving Austria, Thee Joker's vinyl releases began with his inclusion on Berlin-based Pharma Records' "Its Pharma Time" alongside Jammin' Unit of Air Liquide, Bad Street Boy, and DMX Krew. After several releases on Cologne-based Hotel Lotte and Harvest Records compilations, Thee Joker, as part of Reissdorf Force, released the full-length album "Smart Dust" for EMI Records.

Upon returning to the US, Thee Joker and Chase Dobson (c.db.sn) formed f(x):function as a vehicle for their twisted brand of live EDM, which they dubbed "Machine Funk Decimation." This project culminated in the full-length album "Sketching Pieces of Scattered Silence," which included a wide swath of their IDM/Electro/Hip-Hop/techno sound and even a one-off "Live" DnB performance. Continuing to perform live and DJ in the Tampa area since its release, Thee Joker began searching for alternatives to the watered-down sound being played all around him. Returning to his turntablist roots in DnB and Hip Hop, he steadily began pushing a more bass-heavy sound with broken beat and 2-step as an antidote to house and breaks, including many of these tracks on his mix CD "Smooshed."

Never abandoning his interest in the dark and grittier side of Hip Hop, he continued to collect raw tracks from the UK's Grime scene and its evolution into Half Step, 2 Step, and futuristic DnB.

Catchy Dance Music.

Contact Me Here:
contact@djveaux.com

Chasing my biggest dreams to inspire you to chase yours.

That is the mantra I came up with to to explain the goals I set for myself not only as an artist, but as a human being.  I set my goals big and document my process towards them so that I can inspire others to set and achieve seemingly insane goals for themselves.  My two big musical goals?  To win the Grammy Award for “Artist of the Year” and to close at the Paradiso Festival under the stars.

My musical style tends to lean on the house/trancier side of things, but no matter what style I make I can promise you one thing:  A kickass catchy melody.  I'm inspired by melodic producers from Madeon to Alesso to Avicii, as their productions always keep me pushing the limits as to how “musical” I can make my songs.

In terms of what I've achieved so far in my career, I truly believe my biggest achievement so far is that I can make professional-sounding music I'm proud:  And do so very quickly.  These productions have received local radio support from C89.5 to 88.1 “The Burg;” as well as local blog support from Dance Music Northwest to Emerald City EDM.  I also run a monthly local-only podcast called “Sound Cafe” which has received lots of support from within the region (most notably from Dance Music Northwest).

Thanks to the quality of my productions, I've been invited to travel around the world with Jordan Riley's “Revolution of Light” tour.  There have been no other big opportunities as of writing this bio, but I'm confident that in the next year or two I will have PLENTY more to write in this regard.  You can mark my words on that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, it really does mean the world to me that you took a little time out of your day to read this.  I'd love for you to join me on my journey towards my goals, can I count you in?

-Colin
aka DJ Veaux

Up and coming R&B Singer Tiaundra is on the rise and ready to make her move in the music industry. Born Le’Trevia Tiaundra Antoine, Tiaundra has always known that she was destined to become a singer. At the age of six, her strong and beautiful voice began to be noticed while singing in her church’s praise team in her hometown Lafayette, Louisiana. Since then, she has received many praises and accomplishments from her talent. In 2007, Tiaundra was crowned Miss Hal Jackson Talented Teen of Louisiana where she was able to travel around the country touching young individuals lives through her powerful singing and encouraging words. Always by her side and her biggest fan, Tiaundra’s mother Debra Antoine has always inspired her to be whoever she wanted to be and to always chase after her dreams, no matter how far they seemed to be. Sadly in 2010, her mother passed away and left an empty space in the up and coming artists life. Although it was a struggle to overcome, Tiaundra made a promise to herself and to her mother that she will continue to strive to the top in her music career. Since then she has moved to Houston, TX and has begun to make her name noticed and appreciated in the South. From interviewing on radio stations, write ups in your daily newspapers, features on major blogs, working with some of your favorite celebrities, to appearing and performing shows throughout the city, Tiaundra is forever mastering and executing her craft. R&B singer recently released a powerful project for the books, entitled “Heartless”. Heartless short film/music video touches on important topics that leaves some of our women Heartless today such as, Police Brutality, physical abuse, body shaming and more. Tiaundra produced, wrote, and directed the project herself to assure that her powerful message gets across exactly how she envisioned it to. The empowering body of work sheds light on women who may be in a dark place, feeling alone, struggling to restore their heart. In the production, R&B artist brings women together encouraging them to love your self more then anything despite what any individual may think of you or where obstacles and life has brought you. Keep your eyes on this young woman as she is climbing her way to the top!

It is no surprise that listening to Stephanie Hatfield calls up images of wind-swept mesas and sinfully-good heartbreaks. With dreamy lyrics and a story worth telling, her music embodies the emotional release of having your heart ripped apart and lovingly put back together again. Although originally from the Detroit area, this eclectic musician hails from a Kentucky hillbilly heritage with a rich poetic history, and now calls the desert Southwest her home. While it is clear that such varied locations have inspired her lyrics, it is unadulterated passion that drives Hatfield’s music. Much like her physical journey across the country, her musical expressions have also traveled— from the church choir, through genres as diverse as classical, opera, broadway, jazz and folk—and eventually found a home in rock. A sense of heart-wrenching empathy is woven throughout her songs, but it’s the raw power of Hatfield’s expansive voice that makes her the perfect soundtrack for an adrenaline junkie who craves the rush. 
Like all good rock n’ roll, Hatfield’s music reflects epic failed relationships and the personal experience of redemption. The Tracks, Hatfield’s second album, is firmly rooted in this territory, situated within a layered background of Alternative rock, Americana, and Indie instrumentals. Recorded at the legendary Frogville Studio in Santa Fe, NM, and produced and mastered by the multi-talented Bill Palmer, these twelve songs gain momentum and power with the help of a number of well-known musicians backing Hatfield’s tremendous vocals. The signature guitar themes of Bill Palmer (Hundred Year Flood, The Sharecroppers) are joined by musicians Matt McClinton and Andrew Primm. Guest singers include Shannon McNally for the well-balanced duet “Lonely One”.  
Throughout a life of travel and exploration, music has been the one constant for Hatfield. By the age of 8, she was singing in three different church choirs. It was not stage-fright that she felt during her first solo performance, a song performed for 200 people in her Presbyterian congregation, but rather fear that she would trip on the way up to the stage. The sound of the audience’s appreciative applause had her hooked, and Hatfield began traveling for competitions and performances at a young age. Operatically trained, with extensive study in Vocal Performance and classical music at Michigan State University, Hatfield’s diverse and professional musical background can be clearly heard in her latest musical endeavors. If her other pursuits are any indication—Motorcycle Racing, Mountain Search and Rescue, African safaris, swimming with sharks on the Barrier Reef, shooting guns and knitting—Hatfield possesses a tremendous commitment and fearlessness in the chase of her passions. With a vivacious personality to match the compelling singing, songwriting, and performance, Hatfield will make you wish for love just so you can feel the deep ache of heartbreak.

As a child Klean (Dana Essex Jr) Muzic was born to a musician father and an artistic mother in Detroit MI. He grew up in a household where Motown Soul, P Funk and 80’s POP were a mainstay on the record player. Unlike the average child forced to take lessons, Klean had a desire to play piano. He tinkered around at home on an organ his mom purchased learning the theme from the movie Beverly Hills Cop and Shelia E’s ” The Glamorous Life”.  He began to listen to prolific Jazz players like Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Sample and Ramsey Lewis, wanting to expand his knowledge further. An opportunity came to take piano courses in school under the wing of Funk Brothers legendary keyboardist, Johnny Griffith at Northwestern High School. He absorbed a lot of knowledge and discipline during his schooling.  To further his education Klean took Jazz 101 under the tutelage of concert pianist and composer James Tatum of the world renowned James Tatum Trio at Wayne County College. These studies helped push Klean over the edge with his musicianship. After his older cousin introduced him to Hip Hop music by artists like RUN-D.M.C, Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and countless others, Klean fell in love with Hip Hop and it became a part of his DNA. He felt it was time to show his creative side so he joined forces with a neighborhood drummer and a DJ to create a band/production team called Canned Funk Organization.  Producing upcoming Detroit singers and rappers, they also started to produce a young and rising Detroit rapper who is now known as Elzhi of Slum village.  After meeting an LA producer who was visiting Detroit at the time, Klean got the chance to travel to Los Angeles and work with Crimelab Productions. He assisted in the production of tracks for The Luniz, Dub C, The Dramatics, Yukmouth, Yoyo, Kam, Tha Realest, The Gospel Gangsters, D the mad Bitch and others.  As he learned more about producing he ventured out on his own and started producing works for his younger brother Tauros and the Pop/Funk duo The Funktastics.  Fast forwarding to the present, Klean has moved into the field of mastering. Currently bringing life to tracks for soul singer Barsheem’s debut album “What Is to Be Major”.  Looking towards the future Klean continues to chase technology as well as preserve the traditional and organic process of recording music.  Branching out to score film, soundtracks, video games and more, He has definitely become a producer to watch.
Social Networking
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kleanmuzic   Twitter: @kleanmuzic   
Sound Cloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/kleanmuzic 
Management: Tauros Music & Media Group Los Angeles taurosmusic@gmail.com


Chatpackers is a new podcast series hosted by Ethan Yung and Charlie Gebhardt, as they travel on the cheap in Asia, and swap culture with locals over tea and samosas. The series will follow the pair’s travels on the road, and will include conversations with locals, fellow travelers and expats. Each episode will feature different and unique locations in Asia. We are backpackers who chase after the stories, not the tourist traps, that bring you closer to the heart of a place. Travel with us soon!

Zo af en toe wordt er nog eens een nieuw diersoort ontdekt. Meestal gaat het om weinig betekenende paarcellige organismes, soms om een amper levensvatbaar gedrocht dat dapper Darwins evolutiewetten heeft weten te negeren. Maar eens in de zoveel tijd ontstaat er iets dat zich in al z’n verscheidenheid direct bovenaan elke voedselketen plaatst. Zo ook onlangs in Amsterdam.

Het wonderlijke wezen in kwestie heeft een zelfverzekerde, solide uitstraling als het genadeloos elk van z’n vier poten stevig op de grond plant en de wijde omgeving tot dansen dwingt. Met een besmuikte glimlach ziet het toe hoe links en rechts de schijnbaar onoverkomelijke dagelijkse sleur en schaamte wordt afgeschud en men elkaar eindelijk weer in de ogen durft te kijken. En precies op dat moment ontvouwen zich reusachtige vleugels vanonder het schubbenpak en stijgt het dier na een klein basloopje in al z’n bontgekleurde euforische pracht ver boven de realiteit uit. Een heldere baan pure melancholie, dwars door de asgrauwe stad een schaduw achterlatend. Waarna de zwaartekracht genadelozer dan ooit weer toeslaat….en met een doffe klap het tweede couplet begint.

U begrijpt het al: dit is misschien wel de meest omslachtige, semi-poëtische beschrijving van een band die u dit jaar zult lezen, maar veel accurater dan dit krijgen we de muziek van Beat the Ambush niet verwoord.
Natuurlijk, we hadden ook een opsomming kunnen geven van de droge feiten: de op het eerste gezicht onverenigbare combinatie van oude soul en postpunk, ontsproten aan het brein van zanger/gitarist Robin Verkaik (voorheen o.a. Dog Called Phenix) met behulp van minstens zulke door de wol geverfde muzikanten als Guido Vrouwe (Dog Called Phenix), Ulrich de Jesus (Kiss me, Kill me), Chris van der Meer (Mr. Review) en het frisse jonge talent Yana Wattimena (Yana Liza). En dat ze al die ervaring, passie en ieders persoonlijke hartenzeer bij elkaar hebben geveegd om te laten exploderen in het meest oprechte, dansbare escapisme met de naam Beat the Ambush. Waarin teksten over het vorig jaar als een kaartenhuis in elkaar gestorte leven van Verkaik geen excuus vormen om de toekomst glimlachend in vierkwartsmaat tegemoet te treden. Dat er in het warme bad van oude soul en funk misschien wat huidschilfers van spijt en pijn ronddwarrelen, maar het schuim ons weer het ongebreidelde enthousiasme van een kind ervaren.

Goed, alle uitheemse dieren en badkamerallegorieën op een stokje: luister. Nu.

Maarten Rischen (Revolver, Musicmaker en Shaking Godspeed)


Beat The Ambush:

Robin Verkaik
Yana Wattimena
Ulrich de Jesus
Guido Vrouwe
Chris van der Meer


Juanray se eerste optrede was toe hy net sewe jaar oud was. “Dit was in ‘n kerk in Klerksdorp wat ek vir ‘n kinderkonsert Soos ‘n sterretjie gesing het. Ek het ook van kleins af klavierlesse geneem en het reeds ‘n hele rits toekennings gewen vir dié talent.”

Dié 23-jarige sanger van Klerksdorp in die Noordwes het pas debuteer met die
poprock-albumVat my hand waarop hy sy vernuf as sanger en selfs liedjieskrywer met oorgawe deel. En luister ‘n mens na die dertien liedjies – in beide Afrikaans en Engels – is dit duidelik hoog tyd dat die res van die land van dié belowende sanger kennis neem.

Vat my hand begin op ‘n polsende hoë noot wanneer Juanray afskop met die
poprock-treffers Ek dink aan jou en By my vanaand – liedjies wat Arri Opperman vir hom geskryf het. Net daarna volg die ballade, ‘n Deel van my, wat Juanray self geskryf het. Sy veelsydigheid is ook sommer gou hoorbaar as hy daardie immergroen country -gunsteling, Don’t Forget to Remember Me met sy eie stempel laat. Die titelsnit is deur Emil Struwig geskryf en is ‘n rockerige popliedjie wat die voete sommer end-uit sal laat jeuk. En die kersie op die koek is dat Vat my hand deur die kitaarmeester en produksieleier Deon van der Merwe opgeneem is.

“Dit was vir my belangrik om liedjies te kies wat vir my meer as net mooi woorde en mooi melodieë het. Ek verkies liedjies met ‘n dieper betekenis, wat ‘n storie vertel en wat die gehoor sal geniet. Ek wou ook verseker dat ek nie ‘n album uitreik net vir oud of net vir jonk nie, maar ‘n lekkerluister-album vir almal!”

Juanray is versigtig om enige gunstelinge op die album uit te sonder. “Dit is omdat ek myself en my hart in elke liedjie plaas. Omdat ek alles gee as ek sing. Maar daar is wel ‘n liedjie, This is the Moment, uit die musiekspel Jekyll & Hyde op die album wat my baie na aan die hart lê,” vertel die sanger wat sangklasse by Brian Kenneth en die Idols-afrigter Malie Kelly geneem het.

“Ek het nie ‘n rolmodel nie, want niemand is soos iemand anders nie. Ek wil ook nie soos iemand anders wees nie. Ek wil uniek wees, want ek glo dat elke persoon sy eie foute moet maak en daaruit leer. Dit is juis wanneer jy tot jou volle potensiaal ontwikkel en regtig besef wie jy is.”

Gewapen met die ingebore passie vir musiek en sang is Juanray se Vat my hand
voorwaar ‘n daadwerklike en dapper debuut deur ‘n jong kunstenaar wat nog diep spore op Suid-Afrika se musiek- én teaterverhoë gaan laat.

Brandon Gregory is following