Anna Givens is a truly gifted Jazz singer from Toledo, Ohio. Music has been in and out of her life while growing up. She quite enjoyed it, but found the music business something that was not of interest to her. However, through many mutual friends in the music business, music came back into her life before she could blink. During 2004, she toured around the US with legendary Denver guitar player Eddie Turner and after that the rest was history. In 2008 she officially got in the studio to record a couple of songs and now finds herself more involved in music than ever before. Her debut album “SkyLark” showcases the cutting edge of jazz vocals and her ability to be a compelling story teller.

Edward Burns has been teaching and studying music professionally for 20 years now. He is a former student of Marylhurst University where he graduated with honors as a Guitar Performance Major. He is well known for his unique and refined teaching style which he contributes to an online guitar course taught from Portland Community College. Little do people know that he composes his own music and hopes to share it with the world. His first album “All Of Me” explores the balances of acoustic and electronic sounds and haunting subject matters.

There’s a refreshing feeling to discovering a new artist you know has put in a lot of time, energy, and love into their work. Hip Hop duo The Chosin Few from Stockton, California have officially been putting out music together since 2006 and after taking it all in, I can wholeheartedly say that it would be a wise decision to check out their music. Their music is fresh out of the oven and will leave you wanting more with their most recent album “Million Dollar Plot.” “Going Crazy 6-6-06 Remix” serves as the introduction for the whole album and presents the duo as the self-described hardcore and hyphy musicians. “Devastation is Upon Us**” is completely different than the song mentioned before. It’s heavy, dark, and touches on a subject that many rappers shy away from. Many people fail to realize that the world is slowly running its course. The song also questions our freedom with the lyrics “Freedom comes at a price.” While the song might make more sense to people who are conscious of the world around them, it is a song that can teach us all to be more self aware and take action. The Chosin Few’s clean production elevates this 15-track collection from a non-descript product to a notable contribution to the underground hip-hop scene. They are pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and are putting their heart and soul into their music. It’s hard to ignore the heart felt lyrics to “U.N Breakable” which highlights the group’s strength in not letting the negativity of the world get to them. They will always rise above and prevail. The group is currently playing shows through out Northern California so check them out!

Hailing from the dirty south of Atlanta and now residing in Pasadena, California Jay Bills is looking to mark his territory in the rap game. His lyrics are best described as unapologetic and season to the tee. He has no problem with expressing his disinterest with the current state of hip-hop and its thin line of talent. Lyrically, the album is driven by the feeling of rising above others “Vince Carter” embodies that, literally. For those who don’t know Vince Carter was once a great basketball player and a great figure to use as Jay Bills declares “You might ball, but I ball harder…the flow is way harder.” “Outta Sight” drafty and dark beats show the production diversity of his music. Pasadena, California isn’t known for its rappers, but Jay Bills is here to put it on the map with the anthem “Put My Hood On It.” The song features an unknown rapper turning it into a great collaboration where the chemistry is shining through out the song. The result of Jay Bills confrontational lyrics and bass hitting production is a slick, accessible rapper that is sure to make a difference in the industry. His debut mix tape “Closing Time” was an instant hit in Atlanta. Now he is ready to make the same impact in Southern California with his second mix tape “Kalifornia Nation”, under his production company, Cash Me Out (CMO). With the amount of talent Jay Bills has, he will have no problem continuing his success in California.

Cheryl Angela is a gifted Harp player from Nottingham, England. Since childhood Chery has had a deep appreciation for things that many of us take for granted such as; all things art, beauty in the world, and the spirituality that surrounds us increasing our awareness of not only our surroundings, but also ourselves. Music is one of the many things that continue to take Cheryl on her spiritual journey. Her ability to be a therapist through her Harp playing has helped people all around the world get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. One of her many original compositions “Moon Shining On Water”, is very soothing and allows for a piece of mind. The track is beautifully arranged and should be listened to when under stress or just having the feeling of closing your eyes and getting lost in your thoughts. The track has no sudden rhythmic changes and is the type of music that is known to to produce satisfying effects in your brain (the brain shifts to issuing alpha waves). It facilitates the circulation of subtle energy through your body and makes to relax your breathing and clear your mind. If you ever need to renew your spirit, then Cheryl music is the perfect choice. Let her relaxing music swift you away into unknown lands. Her new album “A Sacred Journey” is on sale. You don’t want to miss out.

Missing a little inspiration in your life? Benjamin Thomas is here to bring light to these dark times. Benjamin’s passion for music is you could say genetic. His family has immersed themselves in the musical activities ever since Benjamin could remember. His father sang in gospel groups and played a variety of instruments, always filling the house with sweet sounds. However, Benjamin had other plans and for personal reasons decided to pursue a life in business. Ultimately, music would find its way back into Benjamin’s life. In 2011, a peculiar melody along with solid lyrics began to creep up on him leaving him no choice but to put it down on paper. Unknowingly, this was the beginning of his musical career. The song has already been praised by fans and critics within the Washington, DC area. The intro to the song has an African drum vibe before bringing in the alluring sounds of an violin and piano. As the chorus hits his refined and soulful voice reminds us of the importance of sharing the love “It doesn’t matter what color you are we all gifts to share, I hope you touch someone.” The songs beautiful message will become a staple for Benjamin and we hope he continues to spread the love.

Written by Dylan Gallagher Welcome to the world of Ant WILD, the premier and fantastic new rapper with an aggressive sound in the style of E-40 or Busta Rhymes. This Sacramento native has rapped and spit lyrics all over California. His music uses effects, standard beats, and cool samples to dress up his thick, grungy voice. Ant WILD has arrived with a golden platter of songs that, while maybe not meant for ALL audiences, certainly will appease those who like rap and hip-hop. Ant WILD’s song “Takeover” is an underground favorite that has a very angst-filled, angry tone. The lyrics are in-your-face and the beat is strong. The chorus of guys chanting in the background lifts up Ant WILD’s voice as he rhymes about his take over. The Ant uprising is coming, and “Takeover” is only the beginning. The song “Monster” samples some classical music to great effect. The song lifts off and shoots into outer space, though, as Ant WILD comes in wielding his tongue like a rapier. His grizzly, angered voice tells us how a monster lives within him, and he continues to explain how “ill” his spitting is. Other notable songs by Ant WILD are “Strugglin’,” and “Blame It (On the Ant WILD) the G-Mix),” which is a sample of Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It.” If you’d like to hear more from Ant WILD, then you should definitely listen to all his music. It’s captivating and interesting as it borrows from classics and contemporaries alike. Give Ant WILD a try. He won’t bite; he may just rhyme your ears right off. Explore Ant WILD’s ant hill here: https://www.reverbnation.com/antwild

Written by Dylan Gallagher So I’m not going to lie, I was pretty surprised by Daniel Whelan. Sometimes, his guitar is crunchy and his vocals erratic, while at other times his music is serene, peaceful and melancholic. Daniel Whelan’s overall tone reminds me of an indie-punk rock band mixed with the heavier aspects of punk rock and the occasional folk tune thrown in for good measure. Looking at his picture, I only could see a long haired white kid in a T-shirt, not even looking at the camera. His look isn’t professional, but don’t let that keep you from listening to his music. You, too, will be surprised. “Saying Goodbye” is definitely my favorite Daniel Whelan tune, as it most aptly displays his talents in guitar, vocals, and songwriting. There are multiple effects on the lyrics and guitar, but they work together to make an awesome indie-punk sound that I think Daniel Whelan should strive for in all of his songs. “Saying Goodbye” is both enjoyable to the ears and technically interesting. The song “Snaggle Tooth” has a distinct distorted sound that I feel would be great to listen to while driving fast. It’s long, repetitive chord progressions remind me of other indie bands, which is where I see the connection between the hard rock/punk and the indie music. Daniel Whelan’s other songs have similar tones and effects over them, and his progression as an artist is clear when you look through his 200 plus songs. Daniel Whelan reminds me of a young Kurt Cobain. Some other songs worth checking out are “Prison Camp,” “You,” and the very different “Celtic Gloom,” which is a step in a folkier, more melancholic direction. Check out all of Daniel Whelan’s many songs here at his website: https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1060558