His is a unique vocal style, a one-off musical vision and an out of the ordinary personal story. Unlike many of his musical peers, Osaru has spent years honing his talents before cutting a record, and the maturity shows.

Having learnt African percussion at the age of 8, church organ at 9 and subsequently discovering the joys of the keyboard and bass guitar, Osaru went on to play music in three separate continents. His inspirations coming from the worlds of soul, jazz, R&B, hip hop, reggae and even traditional African music. Only after such an extensive musical education, and while simultaneously working as a physician in North Carolina, has Osaru decided to share his gifts with the world.

Listening to the quality and diversity of Home, you will agree that it was certainly worth the wait. The album combines hip hop and R&B beats with jazzy instrumentation and even elements of classical music. This all comes together to form a whole that is satisfyingly head-nodding at first, but deeper and more interesting the more you listen.

There is something here for everyone, without the quality ever being compromised. From the dance floor inspired Start the Dancing to the slow, contemplative soul of the title track Home, Osaru is adept at supplying every musical need.

There is music for getting into the groove at the club, in the shape of I Know and Made Up My Mind, and there is also music for those quieter moments – The ‘Piano version’ of Pretty Lady and ‘24′ spring to mind here. However, most of all, this is music for lovers of great music who do not want to be constrained by the narrow boundaries of genre.

The best news is that this is only the beginning. Although Home has only just hit the shops, Osaru is already working on his next album, which he promises to deliver in the next Year. If it’s anything like this one, it can’t come soon enough.

Home is available now on CD Baby.

http://www.osarumusic.com
http://www.osarumusic.com/audio/OSARU-Home-2.m3u

Talented songstress Lorraine Reid is not just reveling in her previous success as lead singer for dance group Temperance; she’s making a major shift in her career with the release of a hot solo R&B album “Lessons Learned.” Hailing from Toronto, Reid has opened for Lou Bega, Monica, Coolio and Destiny’s Child, and “is vocally ready to take her place beside other international R&B songbirds. Some would even go as far as to grade her deep, rich voice against the bluesy sounds of Billy Holiday or Sarah Vaughan” (Georgette Charlicombe, Mic Check).

It’s no surprise that Reid lists Whitney Houston as one of her influences, since her new album contains vocals comparable to those of Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and India.Arie. Says Charles Bouley II from Billboard, “Reid delivers inspired vocal[s] that prove she’s a seasoned performer; it could easily elevate her to diva status. Her delivery is reminiscent of classic Donna Summer.”

Reid’s musical style can be described as a combination of R&B and soul with an edge. Having recorded two previous albums with Temperance, Virtues of Life and If You Don’t Know, she has the experience and the skills to infiltrate the music industry by simply sharing her powerful voice– with her help, Temperance was able to secure more Juno nominations than any other dance group to date.

Soon after Reid’s 7th Juno nomination in 2000, she began to feel as though her life needed a new direction. She decided to pursue a teaching career while continuing to record commercial jingles for radio and television, as well as perform backup vocals for countless other artists.

In the fall of 2005, the combination of full-time teaching and evening-gigging eventually took a toll on Reid’s health. She suffered a lengthy and extensive bout with laryngitis and was diagnosed with vocal nodules. Reid went through with an operation to have her nodules removed, which caused some loss in range and forced her to use an amplification system when speaking publicly.

Lessons Learned couldn’t be released at a better time in Reid’s life; the album’s title emulates the various challenges she has faced to make this record a reality. You are sure to hear a more soulful and established artist, as Reid provides a window into her heart by sharing the experiences that have made her the talented vocalist she is today.

You can expect to see the highly anticipated album out soon this summer, and while you’re anxiously awaiting the album’s release, go see Reid live July 12th, 2008 at the Montreal Reggae Festival (www.montrealreggaefest.com). Reid is also scheduled to play the Michigan Reggae Festival this coming August.

www.myspace.com/lorrainereid
www.musicdish.net/lorrainereid/

7-Time JUNO Nominated R&B/Neo-Soul singer Lorraine Reid has been invited to perform at the Montreal Reggae Festival on July 12, 2008. Known to many for her work with the dance group Temperance, Lorraine will be performing songs from her debut solo album “Lessons Learned,” to be released this summer. Lorraine is also scheduled to play the Michigan Reggae Festival this coming August.

Montreal Reggae Festival
July 12, 2008 12pm - 8pm
“Loto-Quebec” Stage
Old Port of Montreal
http://www.montrealreggaefest.com

The Montreal Reggae Fest’ has ranked among the top annual festivals held in Montreal each year. The 3-day weekend-long event is by far the largest of its kind in Canada, currently attracts over 30,000 people with fans traveling from across the globe to attend.

Lorraine Reid pours her soul into the mic every time she steps on stage to sing. While recording dance music for Temperance, Lorraine’s heart as always been with soul and rhythm and blues. Lorraine attributes her unique vocal style to the influences of Billie Holiday, Sade, Sarah Vaughan and Whitney Houston and primarily enjoys listening to vocal jazz, rhythm and blues, and reggae. While with Temperance, Lorraine achieved many successes on top of her Juno Nominations, including six top ten singles on the Canadian National Dance Chart and a Much Music Video Award for Best Dance Video. She also toured extensively throughout North America, the U.K. and Europe.

http://www.musicdish.net/lorrainereid/
http://www.myspace.com/lorrainereid

The album features production from Apex, Amdex, S1, Everett James, Slugabed, and others, along with guest-artist features such as Muhsinah, Finale, and Bilal Salaam. “Floatin’” is the first single, which demonstrates Stacy’s archetypical blend of soft, heartfelt vocals and strong yet sensual lyrics.

The single has already garnered praise from influential DJs such as Gilles Peterson (Radio 1, BBC), who’s featuring the song on his Brownswood Bubblers Volume 3 release. Numerous bloggers have taken notice, including an Artist Spotlight on the mammoth ConcreteLoop.com and feature on the main page of Mp3.com.
thehypereport.blogspot.com

PHOENIX, AZ — FROM THEIR HIGH-POWERED CD — “UN NUEVO ESTILO”….. International Latin sensation STILL ALIVE, the Colombian family group who cuts and creates their own style and version of Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, R&B, and too many other music styles to count, are now in Phoenix, AZ- home site of their indie label, Patrón Records…. Members include: SUNDAY, brother MAKLIKY, and cousins, BIGDAY and RJ. Just weeks after entering Miami, FL (the USA) STILL ALIVE has managed to heat-up and shake up the clubs…. continues to create a big buzz in the media. The group was recently seen on the set of Telemundo taping for the CADA DIA show…. “We are all fired-up and hyped-up, we are always ready to perform and we go 150% each time we hit the stage,” states STILL ALIVE. The group’s hot Single Debut- “Lady” has recently hit the Top 10 on the ‘AC Top 100 charts’ with the Spins Tracking System and continues to gain huge reviews from national and world radio stations. The group’s next stop has now landed them in Phoenix, Arizona- home site of their Indie label- Patrón Records.

“We are knocking the door down, our marketing and promotions is right on,” states Abel Romero, CEO of Patrón Records.

**Note– We are now open for investment opportunities/business deals from all major labels and companies! Please check our info and links on our high-powered group - “STILL ALIVE.”

We are currently booking clubs and events in Phoenix, AZ and surrounding areas….
To all clubs and venues– if you are interesested in booking this amazing, highly charged, and stylish group, hit us up at our (booking) email and contact information.

2008 NEW LATIN ARTIST HITTING THE USA CHARTS WITH A BANG !
HUGE RAVES: ORIGINAL, EXPLOSIVE, DYNAMIC, UNIQUE-STYLE, CUTTING-EDGE
FEATURING THE 2008 SUMMER CLUB-BANGER “Lady” with their remix video !!
Check out our “LADY” video at
http://www.blastro.com/player/stillaliveladyremix.html
Preview the CD at http://www.cdbaby.com/stillalive
Check the charts at http://www.newmusicweekly.com

Patrón Records LLC
Abel Romero
1877-7-Patron ext #1
http://www.myspace.com/patronrecordsinc
http://www.patronrecords.com
http://www.shop.patronrecords.com
P.O. Box 8803 Phoenix, AZ 85066
Bookings/General info, via email at: info@patronrecords.com

SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA (Canada) + KOBO TOWN (Canada)
KARLEX (France) + CHARANGA SOLEIL (USA)
plus
DJ NEVA

Free to the Public!

BAMcafe Live
Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-636-4100
http://www.bam.org/events/bamcafelive.aspx

Friday, April 4th, 2008:
DJ NEVA 8pm
SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA 9pm
KOBO TOWN 10pm

Saturday, April 5th, 2008:
DJ NEVA 8pm
KARLEX 9pm
CHARANGA SOLEIL 10pm

“Music Is The Weapon: Voices United Across Borders” is an ongoing experiment in breaking through America’s current protectionist mentality that creates so many obstacles and restrictions for musicians, and for artists in general. While countries around the world welcome American musicians, international musicians are finding it increasingly difficult to enter and work in the U.S. Issues such as obtaining visas, dealing with senseless homeland security laws, lack of music industry support, lack of media interest, prohibitive expenses, etc. - are among the major obstacles encountered by musicians in this country.

The participating musicians all come from the collision of different cultures and traditions. Although we share a common language called music, our experiences and backgrounds define our various dialects. This project connects multicultural musicians across national boundaries, to perform together in a rich and vibrant exchange of cultural expression, and hopefully create some new musical dialects in the process!

In the spirit of internationalism, we invite you to join us in a celebration of joining forces across borders - in this case, Europe, United States and Canada.

MusicDish - http://www.musicdish.net
Music for the Masses - http://www.musicforthemasses.org

Participating Artists:

* KOBO TOWN ( http://www.kobotown.com )
Named after the vibrant and turbulent neighborhood in old Port-of-Spain where Calypso was born, Kobo Town strives to recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. Based in Toronto, Canada, the band serves up a steaming mix of Calypso, Roots Reggae, Dub, Mento and more.
BAMcafé Live: Friday, April 4th - 10pm

* SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA ( http://www.souljazzorchestra.com )
Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, the Souljazz Orchestra combines Jazz, Funk, African and Latin music while touching on politics and spirituality. Most of their songs are rooted in Nigerian Afrobeat, but there are elements of Soukous, Salsa, Funk and Free Jazz thrown in as well.
BAMcafé Live: Friday, April 4th - 9pm

* CHARANGA SOLEIL ( http://www.charangasoleil.com )
Founded in New York City, Charanga Soleil is an all-star international dance band featuring some of the most seasoned and creative musicians on NY’s international scene. With a classic repertoire and original arrangements, the band brings together three of the world’s greatest dance genres: Cuban salsa, Congolese rumba-soukous, and Haitian compas.
BAMcafé Live: Saturday, April 5th - 10pm

* KARLEX ( http://www.karlexmusic.com )
Based in Montpelier, France, Karlex is a Haitian American singer who fuses with the vibes of his native island with funky guitar sounds, heavy bass and soulful rhythms in a unique blend he calls Afro Groove (i.e., World Soul meets Funk meets Pop meets Afro).
BAMcafé Live: Saturday, April 5th - 9pm

* DJ NEVA ( http://www.musicforthemasses.org )
NYC-born DJ Neva is an Ethnomusicologist with a specialization in “musical creoles” - the magic that happens when two or more cultures come together to create something new. Each of these two nights will inspire its own unique mix that reflects the bands that will be performing.
BAMcafé Live: Friday, April 4th - 8pm
BAMcafé Live: Saturday, April 5th - 8pm

WHAT: Wyclef Jean premieres on the HDNet Concert series from the famed Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia this Sunday March 30, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Jean plays from his catalogue of hits including “Gone Til November,” “Carnival,” “Ready or Not,” and “Stayin’ Alive.” He also performs his own version of reggae standards “No Woman No Cry,” and “Redemption Song.”

Coming from humble beginnings in Haiti, Wyclef Jean joined two school friends in the 90’s to create the seminal hip-hop group, The Fugees. Later, he embarked on a successful solo career and is also active in his support of his native country by creating the Yele Haiti Foundation, providing humanitarian aid and assistance to Haiti.

WHEN: Sunday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet
HDNet ( http://www.hd.net ) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.

HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report”, “Dan Rather Reports” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and “NASA on HDNet” (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, the NASCAR Camping World Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup re-broadcasts, boxing and premiere Mixed Martial Arts from “HDNet Fights;” behind-the-scenes sports news with “Inside the NHL” and “Inside MMA;” groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas and more; entertaining and irreverent lifestyle programming including “Deadline!”, “Art Mann Presents,” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to the critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning “Arrested Development,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Dead Like Me,” “Smallville” and the hit BBC series “Torchwood.”

HDNet Movies also features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases – all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.

Only HDNet Movies exclusive “Sneak Previews” bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies “Sneak Previews” have included the Academy Award nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” Toronto Film Festival nominee “The War Within,” and “Bubble,” the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films. Other featured films include “Cashback,” written and produced by Sean Ellis, “Broken English,” from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne, the critically acclaimed “Redacted” directed by Brian De Palma and, most recently and “Flawless”, starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore. Upcoming “Sneak Previews” include “Quid Pro Quo,” starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, and “Gonzo,” the story of the life and death of infamous gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson from director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit http://www.hd.net

VmusicBook is an e-book that was compiled for those who wish to set up and successfully run their independent music company. It is designed for unsigned artists and musicians, label owners, music producers, songwriters, engineers and many more!

Those who want instant access to 100s of music industry contacts, a real business plan that they can just fill in, real music contracts, a list of funding contacts, secret radio promotion method and so much more!

If you write songs you could use this source to pitch your work to the urban A&R’s at publishers like Universal, EMI, SonyBMG, Warner Music Group or better still use our sample letter’s and mail out techniques to contact and pitch to Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, SugaBabes, Amy Winehouse, Mary J Blige, Lilly Allen, Mariah Carey, Usher plus hundreds more.

Visit http://www.vmusicbook.com today! To order your copy now!

The most recent addition to an already strong line-up of DJs and shows from around the world, the “Tippa Irie Radio Show” hosted by Tippa Irie out of London, England will air monthly on the second Saturday of each month, focusing primarily on UK and European Dancehall artists and music. The Tippa Irie Radio Show will feature special guests, new and unreleased songs direct and of course, the host with most, Tippa Irie himself!

Commenting on his decision to take his show to the world on BigUp Radio, Tippa Irie said, “I’m very excited to be working with BigUpRadio.com. I’ve been a fan for years.” said Tippa Irie. “One of the best things about internet radio is the ability to reach a worldwide audience without leaving London. It’s quite brilliant!”

BigUp Radio Sr. VP Paul Abramson shared Tippa’s enthusiasm for the the Tippa Irie Radio show saying, “It’s an honor to be working with one of the pioneers of UK dancehall reggae. Tippa Irie has been making his mark not just on Dancehall but on Reggae and urban music for more than 25 years and we’re excited to hear what he’s got in store for 2008. Whatever it is, I’m sure his show will deliver positive vibes globally.”

The Tippa Irie Radio Show premieres Saturday Jan 12, 2008 on BigUp Radio’s Dancehall internet radio station, airing at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EST.
http://www.bigupradio.com

About BigUp Radio
BigUp Radio was founded out of a love for Reggae music and a desire to share the greatest in Reggae music with fans around the World. For more than five years BigUp’s Dancehall and Roots radio stations have been among the most listened to Reggae stations online and responding to listener requests for the full spectrum of Reggae music, in October of 2005, BigUp added stations for Dub, Soca, Ska, Reggaeton, Dub & Gospel. BigUp’s stations, which generate over two million tune-ins each month, are available using iTunes, WinAmp or Windows Media, and for mobile listeners through Spodtronic.com’s SpodRadio, Nokia Internet Radio and through the Mobile Broadcast Network. BigUp Radio’s web-site features one of the largest catalogs of Reggae CDs, DVDs and vinyl available anywhere as well as the latest news, reviews and event listings.

About Tippa Irie
Anthony Henry - a.k.a. “Tippa Irie” - emerged from England’s Saxon Sound International - the star-studded travelling sound system that has been at the forefront of the U.K. reggae dancehall scene for the past 25 years and helped launch the careers of artists such as Maxi Priest, Papa Levi and Smiley Culture. Tippa Irie was part of the new generation of British MC’s who developed the ‘Fast Talking’ style chat which today can be heard in modern day rappers like Busta Rhymes. Tippa toured extensively with his friend and long-time sparring partner, Pato Banton, throughout the Eighties including an appearance at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash and their U.S. debut tours together. The U.K. DJ duo of Tippa Irie and Pato Banton had become one of the genres favorite combinations. As the Nineties began, the dynamic duo pursued their solo careers. Over a decade would pass before Tippa & Pato would reunite in the studio with legendary singing sensation Peter Spence to produce “The Good Old Days”–a track featured on Pato’s 2000 Grammy-nominated ‘Life is a Miracle’ and Tippa’s “I Miss” tribute album to his late and great sister/MC Miss Irie.

Started by a group of recent college grads who hit the road to find their own paths in life, Roadtrip Nation has evolved into a national movement on 100 colleges that empowers students to hit the road and create this experience for themselves. On the road, students interview leaders from all walks of life to learn how they discovered their passion, and built their life around it. PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), one of the only sources for televised independent-minded content, has been broadcasting the Roadtrip Nation documentary series since September 1st.

Watch Episode: “Team Big starts off their trip in New York City” featuring Karlex’ song “Madness”

Fondation Mérieux is dedicated to controlling infectious diseases in developing countries. Its approach focuses on prevention and diagnosis and breaks the barriers that may exist between human and animal medicine, North and South, and all involved.

Karlex, who has been actively seeking a distribution partner in North America, will be performing at the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Cafe Live as part of the ‘Music Is The Weapon’ weekend benefit presented by MusicDish on April 4-5, 2008. Signed with Lil’ People Records in France and distributed in the Netherlands and UK, the Haitian American artist has been making waves ever since the release of his album in the fall of 2006.

Karlex recently completed a radio promotion campaign through Twin Vision, resulting in 65 Triple-A radio stations/shows picking it up across the country, including Bridgeport (CT), Tampa (FL), Lafayette/Baton Rouge (LA), Grand Rapids (MI), St. Louis (MO), Minneapolis (MN), Trenton (NJ), Santa Fe (NM), Philadelphia (PA), Cleveland (OH), Portland (OR), Houston (TX), and Madison (WI). He has also received airplay on over 50 radio stations in France’s major markets.

Karlex has also maintained a high visibility online through the MusicDish Network, with features on ARTISTdirect, UBL and Amie Street Music in the last 2 months. Most recently, he was featured in the October UBL newsletter and is charting at #6 in the UBL top 25 world music chart, as well as at #34 in the UBL ultimate top 100 chart.

Karlex is a member of the MusicDish Network, a comprehensive artist development program, leveraging brand development, saturated and relationship marketing, digital distribution and industry outreach to support emerging artists’ and bands’ careers.

For more information on Karlex:
http://www.musicdish.net/karlex/
http://www.karlexmusic.com