Osiella
"[Music eduction] showed us the relentless bond that musicians have with each other. A communication that many others will just never understand unless they perform music."
Indiana
Jevy
California
Southern California based DJ/Artist/Songwriter, Jevy has been recognized as one of the notable up and coming talents out of the Southern California area and seen a significant amount of career success over the last few years. The 2013 Billboard Music Awards Post Show finalist (Picked 1 out of 5 finalists, out of thousands, to perform at the Billboard Post Party) and one of only 10 artists worldwide to be selected as a 2014 Human Rights Campaign "Emerging Artist" (giving over 1.5 million members & supports worldwide access to his music), Jevy has developed a strong following as he has opened for MMG artists; Meek Mill, Wale, and Rockie Fresh. He has also opened for Kendrick Lamar, Tyga, Big KRIT, Smoke DZA, Curren$y, & Yo Gotti just to name a few. Jevy has been featured in numerous music magazines, on multiple blog talk radio shows, and has received support from major radio stations such as San Diego's Jammin Z90. One of Jevy's best characteristics is his ability to be musically versatile which allows him to transcend the boundaries of music genres. Currently, Jevy is working on his third LP entitled "Gifted Slave" set to be released in 2015. In addition, he is working with his management team at Imperium Global Branding & Multimedia Group, LLC on securing national and international touring opportunities.
The group’s latest project invites you to the labyrinth called Osiella. Every listener will easily find the path to the center. Year in Review allows each artist in and associated with Osiella to express their character and musical savoir faire. For starters, the driving guitars are played by Theophilus Akai who just so happens to be a West African Native. His cultural background encompasses a worldly sensation of "...chilled-out chord progressions and smooth guitar licks that never fail to enthrall and entertain" (The Edge Radio). Cynthia Murray as vocalist and songwriter delivers the rich soul that connects Osiella. One of the songs, "Island Love", explores the notion of destroying all inhibitions in the name of love and allowing the other party to have their way with you. "Just do what you do!", the carefully placed hook, presents Cynthia's "...uncanny ability to write and perform an amazing vocal hook" (News4U). Add a drummer with gospel chops, an experienced percussionist and a Las Vegas-born violinist, and you get a powerhouse sound coupled with down-to-earth songwriting.
With an ignited passion for singing and songwriting, Martina San Diego reflects the intrinsic Filipino tenacity, etched with an ethereal sound attributed to the likes of Dolores O’Riordan, Feist and Eva Cassidy.
Born to a music-loving family, Martina’s talent was fostered from an early age. A multi-instrumentalist, she started to hone her songwriting skills at the age of 15, and fronted the all-girl band Ivy Rose in high school. Along with the band, Martina got a shot at America’s Got Talent 2012 and has two albums to their name.
After high school, Martina took a year off to soak up life in her native Philippines, drawing in the ingenuity and fresh perspective her country had to offer. By the end of her visit, Martina released her solo debut album, Blank Walls (2013), under independent record label 22 Tango Records. Blank Walls features songs like Wanted, Guard Down and Stars, which showcase delicate melodies and her knack for raw and heartfelt songwriting. Her soft, breathy vocals are enchanting and she engages her audience with pure euphony.
Martina aspires to channel the power of music through the uniquely woven narratives of her own life. Recently one of New York Singer-Songwriter Sessions’ Artist of the Month (June 2014) , the singer-songwriter is currently pursuing a degree in Songwriting and Recorded Music at New York University. With support from family, friends and fans, she hopes to continue flourishing as an artist and inspiring people with her music.
Lauren Dair Owens is a singer/songwriter originally from Anchorage, AK. Lauren relocated to Los Angeles, CA when she was 10 years old when she wanted to pursue music and acting professionally. When she was 12 years old, Lauren got the part playing Young Jess on the hit FOX show "New Girl" playing the flashbacks of Zooey Deschannel. Along with her acting, Lauren became interesting in writing songs and learning more about the production of music. At 13 years old, Lauren released her first EP "No Apologies" and two of the songs off the EP began playing in Kroger's, Ralph's, and Walgreens all over the world. After the release of "No Apologies", Lauren wanted to work on her writing and development as an artist. As a writer, her songs have caught the attention of many in the music industry and her fan base continues to grow. Lyrically she is beyond her years and has a way of connecting with people that is rarely seen at her age. She also started the band Gravity Hill who has toured all over Southern California and playing world famous venues such as the Roxy and the Troubadour. She has a deep tone with a rich bravado and has been compared vocally to artists such as Joss Stone and Demi Lovato. Her new EP "Remember The Broken" was recently released on iTunes. Lauren is also a Breedlove and Capturing Couture endorsed artist.
Martina San Diego
"Continuing music education throughout all of middle school and high school has been one of the foundational aspects as to why I’ve been able to explore and further my interests as a musician, allowing me to pursue it on the collegiate level, and professionally as well."
New York
Lauren Dair
"I grew up surrounded by music but did not have a true understanding of it until I took part in my school's music program..."
California
Hundreds of artists from around the world submitted their music for consideration in the MIOS compilation CD launch project. The following artists were chosen to represent Project MIOS because their excellent musicianship and commitment to music education embodies the mission and goals of the organization.
Some Go Haunting
"[Music] has given us the confidence to create and the means to express ourselves more clearly and succinctly."
California
Some Go Haunting is an LA based band consisting of two talented musicians that bonded together through their love of independent free-spirited rock and roll. As the stars aligned they formed in 2012 and released a self titled EP consisting of tracks that boast a variety of sound from fast rock, danceable beats, catchy vocals and epic ballads. They've recently completed their first full-length album, which will be released in 2015.
Nikki W
"Music is the way I express myself emotionally, and how I cope with all the negative things in the world around me."
Toronto, Canada
Ivan Polanco is a pop/r&b artist hailing from White Plains, NY. At only 21 yrs old, he's been an active independent artist for eight years and has released two albums. Recently, he completed a college tour in the fall of 2014 and is preparing to release his third album "Introspection" this March. As a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer with a growing fan base from live shows and also online through a strong youtube following of over 100,000 views, Ivan strives to continue sharing his music with the world.
Ivan Polanco
"To have the freedom of expression through music changed my life, and it provided me with the opportunity to create songs that could impact others in a positive way."
New York
The Sad Generation EP marks the first collaboration between Nikki W. and Canadian hit maker Gavin Brown (Barenaked Ladies, Metric, Lady Gaga). Despite her young age, Nikki is no stranger to the recording process. “I’ve been in and out of studios since I was 12,” says Nikki. “It’s kind of like a second home to me.”
With a voice likened to the sultry style of Lana Del Ray and Emily Haines, Nikki projects a rare honesty. A vocal power laced with the vulnerability of sex, doubt, and self-harm.
Nikki W. is on the verge of a banner year, following several high-profile TV appearances on Fox News, CTV, and NBC, choice festival features, and international touring.
Rime Salmi is a singer-songwriter who vibrates to the sounds of R&B and POP music. Making music since her childhood, Rime is animated by the love and the desire to express herself and to touch people. Exposed to multiculturalism everywhere she’s been, Rime’s influences are wide and varied.
One of her most notable work is a collaboration with Karl Wolf on the song ‘Yalla Habibi’ which was certified Gold in Canada topping the charts, reaching #1 in the Middle East and #4 in Japan. Her collaboration with the european singer TomE, Crazy Times, also reached the top 10 charts of more than twenty european radio stations.
Charismatic and playful, Rime Salmi is a beautiful, enchanting artist that will move you in ways that only Rime can!
Rime Salmi
"Learning music requires focus and discipline and it also makes you wanna be focussed and disciplined because of the way it touches the soul and boosts your self esteem."
Montreal, Canada
Vinyl Laranja is an alternative rock band with a strong identity and striking Rock’n Roll attitude that completely challenges your notion of Brazilian music. Founded in 2004, back when the members were high school boys messing around on their guitars, Andro Baudelaire, Saul Smith, Bruno Folha and Lucas VH, have been performing together ever since.
After performing at nearly every pub and venue in their Amazonian hometown of Belém, their band has become locally and nationally acknowledged. The band achieved national and international recognition by winning the third edition of the CCAA FEST with an original song, and they have performed at renowned festivals such as Ponto CE (CE-BRA), Calango (MT-BRA) and SXSW (Austin, Tx-USA).
Vinyl Laranja has released three albums and three EPs throughout their career: Vinil Laranja(2005), Unfaceless Bride(2009), If she ask(2011), We had a glorious time(2013) and their latest work, Rooster Illusion(2014), which features 14 songs and promotional music video ‘To Love.’ The video was awarded Best Art Direction at the Festival of Audio Visual in Belém, Their songs "Maryanne", "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Our prays aren’t just essays" are all available for online listening at www.vinyllaranja.com and downloadable on iTunes.
Vinyl Laranja
"Music is the help and people have the hand to make the path softer to stand it!"
Texas
Fresh off the High School Nation Tour with Drake Bell, pop artist Izzy Malik is ready to take on the world/ Pop can have substance and be totally blissful. It’s a rare feat for a pop artist, of course, but an artist as inspiring and uplifting as Izzy Malik doesn’t come around very often. Izzy moved to America from Pakistan at the tender age of three. Determined as a kindergartener to channel her profound story, and bring positive messaging, euphoric pop hooks, and a dazzling performance style to touch people, Izzy prioritized her life around her dream. Now, 19, she releases her invigorating debut EP, Izzy Malik, and boldly announces her arrival on the international pop scene. Izzy has been favorably compared to such artists as Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. Though she’s a young artist and inspired by these pop icons, Izzy Malik has her own distinct musicality. Her vibe blends dance-in-your-room bubblegum pop with a sweet spoonful of rock n roll, with influences ranging from urban to reggae. Besides her sugary hooks, what also makes Izzy’s music stick is the powerful story leading up to her pop career. Izzy lived in a Taliban-dominated Pakistan and survived the terror and harsh conditions of a nation violently at war with itself. Driven to make a statement about these unjust conditions, Izzy wrote what would be her first single, “Malala.” The song, and accompanying video, is a poignant tribute to Malala Yousufzai, the young woman who was shot by the Taliban for wanting an education and survived. Though Izzy is something of a teen activist for women’s rights, she wants her music to reach everyone—boys and girls—wherever they are in life.
Izzy Malik
"Music education changed my life at a very early age. Even when I was in first grade, music class was my favorite part of the day"
California
ThreeLakes
Mantova, Italy
"Well I did not properly have music education in my life. I came from a working class family and my parents always thought that music education (and music in general) was not the greatest way to feed your children. So I did what my grandfather did: I started to study music by myself. And if there are people who love my music, I think I've got to say thanks to my parents. Maybe if they had let me study music, it would not be so important to me right now.
No regrets, no complaining. Just love for music."
The Episodes (formerly known as the Ben Babylon Band) are an independent rock band with influences from Elton John and The Beatles to Radiohead and Ben Folds Five. Their energetic live set consists of melodic tunes, trancing soundscapes, and electrifying rock roots. Ben Babylon's piano outlines the song while Alex Arnaout's jolting bass cuts through with melodic inflection. Brian Shwartz's guitar’s counter-melodies often set the mood of the song while Jacob Staben adds unusual and entrancing textures, and Jagger Krusen creatively adds the dynamic grooves of the song. The Episodes have opened for Ambrosia, Marshal Tucker Band, Air Supply, Little River Band, and most recently, Macy Gray. They have played at prestigious music festivals and events like Warped Tour and NAMM.
The Episodes
"When I was only in elementary school, my school had a choir program with a great teacher...When I went to middle school, my school had an amazing jazz program with a brilliant teacher... Now I am in high school, and it also has a great music program. I’ve been very lucky, and it really has helped shape who I am as a musician."
California
"Music education has taught me the importance of being comfortable with being who I am...rather than making the mistake of following trends."
Bailey Coats
"Music provides a relaxing and mind stimulating environment and I am thankful for all of the music education I have received thus far in my educational journey."
Alabama
Fate Under Fire is an alternative pop rock band that formed in the summer of 2008 by singer/songwriter David James. Music had always been a huge part of David's life, but after a significant loss, he turned to music as a release and began to pursue his life long dream.
Fate Under Fire had spent the first few months writing new material and playing shows around their home town of Sacramento. They released their first 4 song EP 'The Simple Things' in the spring of 2009, which they self produced and recorded at James' home studio. They signed with Right Brain Management just prior to the release of their CD and with the help of Right Brain, they embarked on their first west coast tour. Upon returning home, they were offered a spot to compete in the Sacramento State Battle of the Bands. One requirement was to play at least one cover song. Being fans of hip-hop and dance music in general, the guys decided to cover a song by Soulja Boy Tell Em called 'Kiss Me Thru the Phone". The song has been pretty popular and has started a buzz around Fate Under Fire. During this time James met fellow musician, John Gillis. James and Gillis instantly clicked, and have been the heartbeat of the band ever since. Since this partnership the band has grown their presence online and in person. More recently, after finding a breath of fresh air in their music journey, they released a music video for their latest song, On The Water. After the success of On The Water, Fate Under Fire began working on their new EP, 'What Dreams Are Made Of'. The EP was released on June 18th.
The band recently won the Freshman Five competition on mtvU, and their music video for nationally acclaimed single, "On The Water" is on regular rotation on MTV Networks. The video has also been featured on FUSE Networks and Uplifting Entertainment.
Furthermore, two songs ("On The Water" & "All I Ever Wanted") off the band's EP 'What Dreams Are Made Of' were featured on the hit TBS show "Cougar Town" starring Courtney Cox. Fate Under Fire also beat out hundreds of other artists in a competition hosted by Ryan Seacrest for best cover of Katy Perry's smash "Roar".
Death Of Paris
South Carolina
"Being able to play cello during the school day - as part of my education - it was the first time I'd felt proud, confident, and inspired. Of course, we had tests and pop quizzes on pieces we were rehearsing in class - but unlike other classes, these were tests I wanted to study and learn for so that I could be a better musician - not just to pass a test."
Bailey Coats is a 17 year old singer-songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama that has been singing for as long as she can remember. Her voice is soft and tender, but don’t let that fool you, when a song needs attitude she can and will bring it. In music, artists write and sing songs that show who they are, and with her first EP entitled American Girl, released on September 15th of this year, she has done just that. Her songs define who she is. Her music is all about embracing diversity and being you. For Bailey finding out who she is was a struggle and she wants to let all people know that it is okay to be different, and to be your own person. Bailey has played from LA to Florida, and her ultimate goal is to know that she as positively impacted someone’s life through her music.
The Rare Occasions
"We owe our success not to elite universities, but to our public-school music teachers who instilled the passion and drive to be actively creative at an early age."
Boston, MA
Fate Under Fire
California
The Rare Occasions are an indie rock band from the quirky New England arts-haven called Providence, Rhode Island. Their award-winning songwriting and hook-driven riffage have taken them to international music festivals like SXSW and CMJ while also inspiring thousands of music lovers locally. Having already released two critically-acclaimed EPs, The Rare Occasions are looking to put together their full-length debut in the not-so-distant future.
Death of Paris, led by the charismatic and sultry voice of Jayna Doyle, is an Electro-Pop/Rock band from Columbia, SC influenced by modern and 90s pop, heavy synths and tight, dance-friendly rhythms. Their music is propulsive and elastic, with bubbly pop melodies, lush electronic beds of sound and intelligent, intimate lyrics, creating an instantly memorable sound that calls to mind Gwen Stefani or Paramore’s Hayley Williams fronting a band like The Killers or Muse.
