Meet Novel, an emerging artist who’s worked with the likes of India.Arie, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé. His forthcoming debut on Capitol Records, The Audiobiography, is set to drop March 24th and is equal parts sung and rapped. The album is entirely self-made, with a few collaborations with Dallas Austin, producer No I.D., and DJ Toomp.
Meet Melanie Fiona, the latest protege of Steve Rifkind, the industry veteran who brought you the Wu-Tang Clan and Akon. She most recently gained a good fan base by opening up the European leg of Kanye West’s famed Glow In the Dark tour.
Her first single “Give It To Me Right” samples The Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” and Melanie counts Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Gladys Knight as inspirations for her debut album, The Bridge, which will drop sometime this spring (projected month of May) via SRC Records/Universal Motown.
Meet Eric Arceneaux. This New Orleans native is “redefining the term, ‘independent artist’ for a new generation”. As the creator of the Arceneaux Approach, he’s also one of the youngest and most successful vocal coaches in the music industry. Earlier this year, he released his debut album, Audio Emotion, an 11-track self-composed and written blend of R&B, pop and blues with live instrumentation.
When Hurricane Katrina hit, Eric and his family were trapped in an attic for three days in temperatures over 100 degrees. Eric not only lost all of his worldly possessions, but he also lost a very close relative. He began a new life in DC, realizing more than ever just how powerful music could be as a means of healing and a way of release.
Meet Chaz. Some of you may be familiar with this singer/actor from his various movie and television roles from throughout the years; including, ‘The Game’, cult classic ‘The Temptations’, ’7th Heaven’ and more.
He recently wrapped up a stellar Broadway-starring role as Harpo opposite Fantasia in Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple,” and is now ready to showcase his talents on his debut album, “The First One.”
The lead single is “By My Side” and the singer recently opening up on his writing style and technique. Chaz describes himself as a “feel” writer and singer. “I write based on the feeling and energy of the moment,” he explains. “If that’s not there, then my creativity will be forced and I can’t live with that. The melody and lyrics have to be married to each other. It’s hard to produce a song I feel doesn’t make sense.”
Take a listen to his song “By My Side” and view the video when you keep reading.