Musica Festival 2005 Artists
Aneel
Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Aneel has had a passion for music as far back as he can remember. Throughout his lifetime Aneel has been surrounding by music, from playing the keyboard and drums in church, to releasing his third and new CD, Little Things. Little Things combines Urban R&B, Southern Soul, and Smooth Jazz to a sound that will take listeners through a myriad of experiences that anyone from almost every age or background can relate to.
Aneel has proven to be a towering soul music figure and has performed at the Showbox in Seattle, WA, with Brian McKnight, LL Cool J and the group Next. Aneel also won "the Northwest Music Award" for "Best R&B Album of the Year" and continues to write all of his own lyrics which expresses the way life reflects him.
““I write what I feel… music is to heal souls, inspire our spirits... each and every day brings on many situations with many emotions… life just happens”.” - Aneel
(courtesy of CDBaby.com)
Performance: At the Mayor's Awards, Friday July 15th between 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM , and at the Seattle Center in the Center House Saturday July 16th at 2:55 PM - 3:10 PM. 
Angelo Pizarro
I perform nylon/electric improvisational brilliant guitar. "Nylon String Fusion", blending latin, pop, and jazz styles with Pilipino-Spanish influences. As a local independent artist I strongly advocate live music. I thank all who feel the same and for your support and faith in the music.
(courtesy of AngeloPizarro.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center in the Center House Saturday July 16th at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM.
DJ B-Mello
Representing Negative Reflection Crew, Block Burners, and Tech.Nitions, B-Mello is one of the busiest deejays in the Northwest. Whether it's radio mixshows, clubs, parties, concerts, or special events, B-Mello is taking it back to the basics with straight-up party rocking. A veteran battle, mixtape, and party deejay, he has toured and performed with noteworthy crews Beat Junkies, Skratch Piklz, the X-Ecutioners, Pirate DJs, and 5th Platoon. He has opened up for many major Hip Hop groups, including Xzibit, Outkast, The Roots, Nas, Run DMC, De La Soul, and 50 Cent.
DJ B-Mello made a name for himself in the early 90's by putting out street-level mixtapes that were distributed worldwide. He was given a shot to fill in for Kid Capri at a sold out HBO Def Comedy Jam show at The Paramount in Seattle, since Kid Capri was booked to spin at Babyface's wedding in Los Angeles. After B-Mello tore the roof off of that show, things took off.
He has appeared on several projects from artists including Black Anger, Oldominion, Hi Fi Killers, and Tilson (of The Graain), lending both his turntable and mic skills. B-Mello has also lectured and demonstrated the art of deejaying and the History of the Hip Hop deejay at the University of Washington and at Seattle's Experience Music Project. Be on the lookout for upcoming street mixtapes, the official Block Burners Mixtape, and the debut album from Block Burner artist Redskin.
(courtesy of BlockBurners.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center Amphitheatre mainstage, Saturday July 16th between 3:35 PM - 4:40 PM.
Dirti Byrd
Dirti Byrd is a hard hitting emcee who began her rap career in 1994 by doing talent shows. Professional, hard working, and crowd moving, Dirti Byrd never leaves a stage without blowing it up. Performing with dancers choreographed by her, a stage setting and attitude rivaled only by the big time players, Dirti Byrd has taken her act on the road to open with many artists such as Lil Flip, Snoop Dogg, Twista, E-40, Donnell Jones, Bizzy Bone( Bone Thugs N Hermony), Zapp, Ice Cube.
Dirti Byrd plays a big part in her success, She produce and co produce tracks on her album. She has recently recorded a remake of the hit song "Back N' Forth" with Legendary Major Recording Artist Larry Blackmon of (Cameo)
Dirti Byrd started her Record Label Sounds Li'c Hit's Production releasing her Single "Back N' Forth".
Theresa Byrd designs the wardrobe and composes the heart grabbing, jaw dropping rhymes that Dirti Byrd expresses to perfection. While in the process of finishing her debut release entitled "CEO 100% IN IT." Theresa is getting her clothing company off the ground (which has been selling out it’s stock of Big Baller Gear as fast as the product is available.)
(courtesy of Dirti Byrd)
Performance: TBA
FYA
Brian Jamar Pleasant aka ‘FYA’. FYA, a 21 years old R&B vocalist, born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, on March 30, 1984. In June 1998, FYA sung “Momma” by Boys II Men for his 8th grade graduation ceremony. In 9th grade, he became one of the lead singers for the Henry Snyder High School choir. During this time, he sung for the Flip Wilson street dedication ceremony in Jersey City. He played piano for the Henry Snyder High School Jazz and Marching bands. In the 11th grade, he was awarded, The Henry Snyder Media Arts High Tech Program, Producer of the Year award. The award was presented to him because of the song that he had composed in tribute to 9-11 terrorist attack on America. FYA is heating up the streets of New Jersey with his mix-tapes “FYA, volumes 1 & 2”. His soul-full, jazzy, hip-hop sound is captivating. FYA is currently promoting his new single “Be My Girl” on Cheyennraine Music.
(courtesy of FYA)
Performance: TBA
Jana
Native American by birth and heritage, contemporary artist and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, Jana brings a fresh outlook and exotic style to today’s music. Jana refers to her cultural anomaly as “Urban Indian”. This is only a part of her mysterious allure. Her striking looks and powerful voice, coupled with the sensibilities of pop, R&B, world and gospel music create a compelling new mix that seduces your ear and overwhelms your senses.
Jana just released her new album Flash Of A Firefly and for each of her last three singles, Jana won the prestigious Native American Music Award, Song of The Year, and Female Artist of the Year. Another important part of Jana’s life is her own Jana’s Kids organization, founded by her to help Native American youth achieve the successes they dream of. Jana is heavily influenced by her Native traditions, and she integrates much of her cultural heritage into her musical persona and her unique sense of style. Her flair for fashion has been featured in numerous publications including In Style, Gotham, Glamour and The New York Times.
She is also actively involved in tribal activities and ceremonies, which include traditional Native dancing and singing. Jana draws from diverse musical influences to create a fresh perspective on pop music today, and she is not representative of any one world, just as her music is a collage of multi-cultural influences. Instead, Jana embodies a synthesis of the modern world and her own ethnic background. Jana is a voice you must hear.
“She walks in beauty in two worlds.” - Lumbee proverb
(courtesy of JanaNation.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre, Saturday July 16th at 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM and Sunday July 17th at 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM.
Joe Budden
Ask Joe Budden what was the rap record that changed his life and he laughs. “All of them. I’ve been doing hip-hop since I was 10. I was raised with hip-hop. This is my destiny.” Feel good songs and club bangers are certainly part of his arsenal but there’s more to Joe Budden. “A lot of artists keep their art and personal lives separate. I can’t do that. Rap is more therapeutic for me. Whatever I’m going through or feeling I put that into a song.” Such is the case with moody cuts like “Survivor” or “Walk With Me”, which document the changes Joe has undergone since making the move from the street corner to the record industry.
Ask Joe what he wants people to walk away with after checking out--- and he replies, ”A better feel of me. Not to feel me like I’m an artist but that I’m a regular person. On mixed tapes my moniker was ‘Regular Joe’ and I want people to know that I’m regular and down to earth and also very serious about what I do. This is the music I’ve been wanting to make all my life.”
(courtesy of JoeBudden.com)
Performance: At the Columbia City Theatre Saturday July 16th between 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM.
Junior Jackson
PureFire Records presents the inception of Swamp-Soul in the form of Junior Jackson and their full-length debut release These Old Nites. Conceived and controlled by Johnny Horn (Hi-Fi Killers, The Notables), Jackson brings out Horn's Southern roots and four-cornered residential experiences with the soul, funk and blues influences of his youth. Compared to the likes of JJ Cale, Tony Joe White and is equivalent to what if Jerry Reed and the Rolling Stones cut an album on Hi Records? Lyrically, this album offers honest _expression about emotional distress, women, politics and the comforts of the country over low-fi funk and heavy drums. The politically relevant first single, Poor Man, embellishes upon the economic miscues of our modern-day government while the title track is a biography of country-induced loneliness complete with a saxophone solo by Stuart Macdonald (The Sharpshooters).
Along with MacDonald, Horn is joined by longtime friend John Rodde (The Defenders, CT Thomas) on drums. For the sake of touring, Junior has also added bassist Jim Tillman (Love Battery) and guitarist Lynvol Golding (The Specials).
(courtesy of PureFireRecords.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center in the Center House Saturday July 16th at 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM.
Leon Hendrix
Brother of legendary Jimi Hendrix
(courtesy of LeonHendrix.com)
Performance: At the Columbia City Theatre Saturday July 15th at 10:30 PM - 2:00 AM.
Knowledge MC
Alfonzo Marcello Greene, more commonly known as Knowledge MC, has arrived on the scene to deliver Spirit, Soul, and Substance to Hip-Hop. All three and more in heavy, and thankfully, potent doses. So for the masses of Hip Hop heads who find themselves searching for musical nourishment from contemporary Hip Hop’s arguably polluted pool, relief has undoubtedly arrived. Knowledge has emerged as the real, the true, and most definitely the pure quencher of our thirsts with his highly anticipated debut The Book of Knowledge.
Best described as a brilliant blend of street reality and anointed spirituality, The Book of Knowledge is poised to become the benchmark that all great hip hop will soon be judged by. Using his life as a light for others in a world that sometimes seems hopelessly dark, Knowledge has tasted the sweet nectar of victory in a long-fought war for his mind, body and soul.
By staying true to his Savior, he is definitively and divinely poised to become the savior of real hip hop as he delivers his own messages of life, love, truth, and last but certainly not least, salvation. So as you ready yourself for this one-of-a-kind aural experience, remember, The Book of Knowledge is deep.
“…so that the work of God can be revealed in him.” - John 9:3
(courtesy of 306ent.com)
Performance: At Mayor's Awards at the Columbia City Theatre, Friday July 15th between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM, Saturday July 16th from 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM, and Sunday July 17th at the Columbia City Theatre.
Outlawz
The Outlawz are the only group in music history to be featured on over 40 million albums sold worldwide and never put out an album of their own on a major label.
Hailing originally from the New Jersey and New York areas but having traveled and loved all over the country, the Outlawz are one of the few rap groups that have attained and maintained the love and respect from every coast and over seas. Made up of E.D.I., Young Noble, and Kastro, the Outlawz are perhaps the most slept on by the industry, but in the streets they are considered legends. Compiled of the most talented, respected and underrated crew of emcees to ever bless the microphone. While there definitely is an undeniable connection to Tupac, The Outlawz are here to legitimately establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with and to prove to the world that they can be successful on their own.
The Outlawz are not to be taken lightly, having garnered their own loyal fan base from appearances on numerous album’s, most notably Tupac’s Me Against The World (2 platinum), All Eyes On Me (9 platinum), Makaveli (5 platinum), R U Still Down (3 platinum), Tupac’s Greatest Hits (10 platinum), Better Days (2 platinum), Until The End Of Time (3 platinum), Still I Rise (1.5 platinum), Gang Related Soundtrack (2 platinum), Gridlock’d Soundtrack, (platinum plus) and Loyal to the Game, just to name a few. In April 2005, the Outlawz released their first album in 4 years; Outlawz 4 Life: 2005 A.P. which features an arsenal of bangin tracks from multi platinum producers Dani Kartel “Slo Motion” Focus of Aftermath and more.
“Operating Under Thug Lawz As Warriorz.” - Tupac Shakur
(courtesy of 1nationentertainment.net)
Performance: At the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre, Saturday July 16th at 5:00 PM and the Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Rainier Ave South, Seattle Washington at 11:00 PM.
Picoso
Started on the streets of Seattle, Picoso radiates raw energy at shows. Their original music innovates while remaining grounded in the roots of son, salsa and jazz. Come prepared to dance!
(courtesy of Picoso.net)
Performance: At The Columbia City Theatre Friday July 15th between 10:30 PM - 2:00 AM.
Reed
"WOW! REED was spectacular! I am a fan! I would not be surprised if they are the next big thing to come outta Seattle."
- Steve Migliore "Andy Savage In The Morning" 96.5
K-Rock
"One of the best and upcoming artists in town."
- John Richards KEXP Morning Show Host / KNDD
"Dulcet, blissful, tiptoe-to-mid-tempo pop songs that sweeten your spirit like a rush of blood to the head. . . Really impressive stuff. Great band to listen for in the future."
- Jennifer Maerz, The Stranger
"You like them because they kinda sound like Elliott Smith or Michael Penn; your mom likes them because they kinda sound like the Beatles. This Seattle band has the melody, smarts, and chops to validate these lofty comparisons."
- Dana Weissman, Three Imaginary Girls
Performance: At The Columbia City Theatre Friday July 15th between 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM. and at the Seattle Center in the Center House Saturday July 16th at 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM.
DJ Scene
After years of dedication to deejaying, Scene is stepping to the forefront of his craft. He captured the 2002 DMC Northwest Championship title and represented Seattle in the 2002 DMC US Finals. In 2005 he was named BumSquadDJz.com "West Coast DJ of the Year" and also won the "Scion Free Up Your Mix" regional competition for the Northwest. You can catch him spinning three turntables live on KUBE 93FM Mon-Thurs 7:45-8:30pm "Mixtape at 8" and "Traffic Jam" every Friday from 4:30-7pm.
Aside from his individual accolades, Scene is a member of the Seattle trio Boom Bap Project, and he provided scratches and production for the group's forthcoming album featuring Dilated Peoples, Blackalicious, Lifesavas and more. The new album Reprogram is set to drop on Rhymesayers Entertainment June 21 2005.
(courtesy of DJ-Scene.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center Amphitheatre mainstage, Saturday July 16th between 3:35 PM - 4:40 PM.
Strik 9 & Krusal
Strik 9
J.Micheal Spencer, a.k.a. Strik 9 has a very unique style. At times he tongue twists his lyrics and other times he just kicks back and lets the rhymes flow. Strik has been rapping since the age of twelve and started performing at about thirteen. But it wasn't until years later that he would get his chance to showcase his skills. The opportunity was presented when Strik was performing at a local talent show put on by WayOut Records. His performance sparked the interest of WayOut's producer, Bigg Squigg, and soon Strik was on his way to the studio. Finally, Strik got his chance to prove himself and featured on the WayOut Records release Ananize "What Would You Do?" album with Ananize and Yze. WayOut Records was so impressed that, soon after that, Strik began to work on his solo songs for the upcoming compilation, "Its Still Rainin," a follow up from the first compilation,"Its Rainin Dope". When we asked Strik what are some of his hobbies he sat back in his chair, gave a grin, and said, girls, rapping, sports, and hanging out with the famm. So watch out world... Strik 9 is one hot item, and he will be sure to blaze the industry with his heat.
Krusal
Rolondo Berring, a.k.a. Krusal, is a heavy hitter. The strong force behind his voice is what grabbed the attention of WayOut Records. Krusal brings his own flavor to the mic, his unique style clears a place for him in a class all by himself. Krusal has been working on his solo songs for the upcoming compilation album "Its Still Rainin" and will surely shake the rap world with his style.
(courtesy of WayOutRecords.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center in the Center House Saturday July 16th at 6:22 PM - 6:37 PM.
DJ SupaSam
This energetic, business-minded DJ and radio personality has arrived to take his place in the entertainment world. DJ Supasam knew as a child in Marion, SC, that music would be a big part in his life. As a youngster, Supa was infatuated with the rhythms and intensity of Hip-Hop and Soul superstars like Curtis Blow, Al Green, Grandmaster Flash, Teddy Pendergrass, and UTFO. With influences like DJ Red Alert, DJ Capri, and Russell Simmons, Supasam is not ashamed to admit the idolization or his desire to exceed the accomplishments of the very talents that bred his burning desire to be the industry's hottest DJ.
If you want to catch Supasam these days, you'll catch him during traffic jam on KUBE 93.3, at Seattle Sonics games, on BET Rap City or DJ'ing parties in Seattle for Proliic, Russell Simmons, Lil Jon, Outkast, Kanye West, Rocawear, Baby Phat, Nick Cannon, Snoop Dogg, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, The Seattle Seahawks, and Hollywood Nights.
(courtesy of DJSupaSam.com)
Performance: At the Seattle Center Amphitheatre mainstage, Saturday July 16th between 3:35 PM - 4:40 PM.
Traedonya
Traedonya fell in love with hip-hop because of Run D.M.C which later helped to develop her mc-ing skills. Traedonya met Pumpkin "The King of The Beats", who later introduced her to Aaron Fuchs, which landed Traedonya her first recording contract,"Do The Boogaloo" and was her first solo recording at the age of 13.
Traedonya recorded and toured with the innovative and infamous X-Clan, and "Years of The Nine" was one of the main tracks that featured and showed her poetic soulful vocals. This was the foundation of what is now called Hip Opera by worldwide press and publications. Traedonya continued her growth and studied Jazz at The New School / Mannes in New York City and also studied with Bernard Purdie, Chico Hamilton and Reggie Workman, who all very much influenced her musical pedigree.
Combining her jazz and hip-hop background with funk and house music, Traedonya debuted her new sound on the single Beloved, released in 2003 by Prohibition.
(courtesy of Traedonya.com and AOL Music)
Performance: At The Mayor's Awards at the Columbia City Theatre Friday July 15th between 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. And at the Seattle Center Amphitheatre mainstage, Saturday July 16th at 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM.
Unexpected Arrival
22-year-old Seattle rapper Neema Khorammi, better known as Unexpected Arrival, is busy crafting a new sound for the hip hop game. A versatile artist, this two time Northwest Artist of the Year Award winner (2002-2003) is not afraid to combine a commercial sound with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with emotions in each of us. Khorammi is not afraid to open up to his listeners, and bring to light topics that many of us might be afraid to address. Unexpected Arrival constantly pushes the boundaries of hip hop to ensure his voice is heard.
Along the way, UA has worked with/opened for many national artists including Twista and Kurupt (who both appear on his as yet untitled album), JIN, Mystikal, DJ Quik, YoungBloodz, Jurassic 5, and Christina Aguilera. Some of his work is already receiving national recognition. The first single from his upcoming album, Everything, featuring Twista, is currently in rotation on DMX digital music. UA has also appeared on several national mixtapes. Unexpected Arrival is currently working on his 4th release, which is slated for completion by March of 2004. This album looks to be a huge record for UA and is sure to move him into the national spotlight.
(courtesy of Unexpectedarrival.com)
Performance: At the Columbia City Theatre Saturday July 16th between 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM. And at the Seattle Center in the Center House Sunday July 17th at 5:40 PM - 6:00 PM.