Artist Development, Branding, Recording, Photography, Marketing, Music Production…who needs big mainstream labels anymore?

With the ever growing saturation of generic pop artists and mainstream radio these days – We are all left wondering: Where has all the good music gone? Where are all the unique artists and singers that stand out from all the rest? You know… the kind of music that becomes timeless! Where is the Etta James of 2011? She must be out there somewhere…

The whole concept behind Buddhafish Music is to create moving music that quite simply – wows people! That’s it. That’s all. The label also gives its artist’s the option of fully integrating themselves into various aspects of the company, allowing them to go beyond just the creativity and also learn the ins and outs of the business end. Ultimately, they could end up having a hand in cultivating their own careers and watching it magically unfold before their eyes.

How did this fast-growing Boutique Music Agency begin?
It all started in 2009, when Founder of Buddhafish, noticed a raw talent in one of his then employees. At the time, he didn’t know much about the music recording industry – but his musical ear definitely did not fail in discovering such a star as Ashley King. The two started modestly writing and recording music together, only to see Ms. King explode onto the Montreal Music scene – having been nominated as “Best New Canadian Artist for 2010” in KA Magazine, as well as acquiring a significant amount of positive press coverage and a number of gigs at some of the hottest events/ festivals to take place in Canada.

Two Albums later, Ashley King can now be seen performing and promoting her fresh “electro-soul” music. With her angelic yet powerful voice mixed with heavy yet sultry beats, Ashley seems to turn people into die-hard fans wherever she goes. She is thrilled to be the first artist signed with Buddhafish Music, and watch as all her dreams come true! With its recent move to a chic and trendy loft close to the Atwater Market on St – Ambroise Street, you’d think you were walking into a over the top studio only seen in LA or New York! Who can believe we now have one in the heart of our fabulous little city – Montreal. Having begun with Ashley King, followed by Anna Liani, the label has naturally expanded its roster of talents and added new “family” members to the team: Inus*Aso, Lanisa Dawn, Stallz, and Ibo Natra.

Buddhafish Music – A full-service Artist Development Agency that does everything from working with an artist on song writing, music recording and production, all the way to the promotions side of photography, graphics, marketing and web design. The specialty of musical style is mainly soul, electronic, R&B, hip hop, house, and urban music. Buddhafish Music is also open to (and has already begun) collaborating in song-writing, and other ventures with artists who prefer to work independently – but still interested in joining forces for intriguing projects that fit with the Buddhafish vision.

For music lovers out there, keep an eye (or ear) on releases and shows by Buddhafish Music!

www.buddhafishmusic.com

Manuel DeLaMare is this year’s TOP REMIXER – a prestigious award given by the biggest digital music store BEATPORT.

He is first and foremost a musician, creating a global movement of good vibes through his music. Here is a glimpse into the life of this rising DJ.

KA –  What is your motivation to go out night after night, flight after flight and always stay at the top of your game?

MD – I feel recharged from the big fun I’ve during my gigs and the love people show to me, when you cross the globe and you find even a single person waiting for your music is amazing. Yesterday at LA airport I was boarding and a kid behind me was explaining to his mother who I am, isn’t it motivating enough?! And is not about fame, it’s rather being happy because I can communicate with the music.

KA –  What was your most life-changing experience that shapes the way you create today?

MD – The only life changing experience I had was when I was twenty and I had some health problems. It made me realize I will do only exclusively what I love, no space for  bad feelings that just make us waste our time.

KA – Which City in the world inspires you the most and challenges you to be your best

always?

MD – With no doubts that city is Tokyo. People there are extremely elegant, and they reflect this in all aspects of their life, as in the clubs as while they walk in the street. Sometimes I feel I’m the animal, they are the Humans, but I feel also a good contact with them, cause they fully enjoy dance, food and all kinds of art with their own peculiar language.

KA – You’ve started 303Lovers and Hotfingers Music Labels with Alex Kenji and Marshall, where has this venture brought you so far?

MD – We are now free to release what music, when and how we want. And it let us collaborate with many artists far from Italy creating a connection between different countries and cultures through music

KA – Tell us what’s next for Manuel De La Mare?

MD – Many busy weekends, and many hours in the studio. No big news sorry! (lol)

KA – What’s on your playlist?

MD – I always like to listen Beatles, they was sounding so new for that time; in an interview, I heard Lennon saying that the new generations should be more innovative without taking elements from the past, and everytime I sample some old tracks I hear the voice of Lennon saying bad things to me.

And well in my gigs I always play “Alex Kenji & Thomas Gold – Whats up”, “Roys Rosenfeld & Luigi Rocca – Pimpin in Sanaa” and another big tune from Mark Kinght  “You got the love”

KA –  Who is Manuel?

MD – A musician.

www.manueldelamare.com

Anna Liani’s journey began years ago as a teenager who was heading for certain fame and then, the nightmare hap- pened. The manager of her then young group completely “lost it” after he began suffering from depression – locking himself away with all their hopes and dreams held on a string. This caused a chain reaction for Anna and her band mates, resulting in her young careering derailing. Undeterred, Anna continued her career by singing for none other than the Cirque du Soleil. Now, under a new label (KA), Anna is doing her thing once again and is truly proof positive that giving up is not a part of the game. Anna is hands down one of the best voices we have heard in a long time, and she is also a huge role model for women out there. Anyone who thinks that they should stop because they have passed “their time”, well the success of Ms. Liani is testament that there is no “time”. Giving Anna Liani Best of Canada 2010 is that much sweeter, considering her journey to now.

KA —Why do you think that people are afraid of wanting it all?

AL — We are scared to be judged….it’s a sin to want it all. We feel guilty to say yes…..but the confidence that you give to yourself can bring spectacular moments. You can have it all in one piece, then you can decide to take as many bites as you want …it’s yours …you have it ….have fun with it!!!

KA — How did you reconcile with the fact that you are worth it and that it is fine to follow your dream?

AL — I gave up the thought that I was not important. I decided to just be……to take all that was being given to me as a blessing. Today I see that all that surrounds me is for me and that me and my dream are worth it!

KA — Your music, your voice, your style has made a complete 360. What was that process like?

AL — It was goooood….a complete 360 !!!! Have you ever seen that??!!!

I decided to just be… to take everything that was being given to me as a bles”sing.

KA — When you are in the creative vibe of the studio, when do you know that it is the good take?

AL — When I sing my songs, I need to feel like I just had the greatest party in bed!!

KA — How has the last few months of creating your album been?

AL — I did not suffer….I did not cry…..

KA — What feeling does being a Canadian artist bring to your work?

AL — FREEDOM

KA — How important is being sexy to your creative freedom?

AL — Sexiness needs to be present….You need that. There is no compromise. How fade is love without sex…..?

KA — Who is Anna Liani?

AL — Anna Liani needs her music…..it brings her joy…if she doesn’t have it….then she’s not Anna Liani.

www.annalianimusic.com

One night at a JoJo Flores session and you will be hooked. The man is really that good! Playing now for over 25 years, JoJo is from the school of the mixed tapes (remember when DJs used to make mixed tapes?!). That rare brand of DJs that had to make it the hard way: with talent and lots of it. Doing it when the audience had no real idea what “it” was and still was rocking the house. JoJo Flores is KA Magazine’s 2010 Best of Canada (soulful house music) now, that’s cool.

KA — How do you keep fresh with your music and DJing?

JF — I maintain a fresh sound by communicating with other touring djs; asking them what they’re banging at the moment or what tracks they’re feeling. When I play with djs who open or co-headline, I take notes on what and how they play; the crowd’s reaction to certain songs. On nights off I check out club nights, or international djs who are in town playing. I’m also fortunate enough to be on many record label promo lists. And a few A-list producers send me tracks to test out for sound quality and dance floor reaction.

KA — With so many choices in music, do you find it more difficult to choose the good stuff?

JF — Yes, it is a very long process to filter through all the promos. There are tons of bad music being made by djs who try to produce. Out of 10 tracks I’ll probably find 1 I can rock. Online record or MP3 shops should definitely focus on quality not quantity.

KA — With the amount of influence that DJ’s have on the music that people listen to, how do you recon- cile your personal taste with hearing a talented musician that should be out there?

JF — Good music is good music. Most djs, when we hear a song that we like, even if it’s not in our genre or personal taste, we’ll remix it. e.g. Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, and Broken Social Scene. My bias will always be towards good music.

KA — When traveling, does being from Canada create a positive response from the people you meet?

JF — Very positive! People love & respect Canadians. But, it’s also because fans of Deep Soulful House are very passionate. And I’m lucky to be one of the few artists in this niche that gets to travel to as many countries as I do. So yes they like Canadians, but they love House music too. I just happen to cover both areas.

KA — How does it feel to be called out by KA Magazine as the Best of Canada on such a short list?

JF — I appreciate any recognition, especially coming from a hometown magazine. Sometimes people are so familiar with you locally as a person that you don’t get the recognition as an artist until you travel internationally. The real value coming from any award is recognition for the whole Soulful House genre. Even though MY name is on the award, I see it as acknowledgement of the work done by all the pioneers and current artists: Osunlade, Kerri Chandler, Nick Holder, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, all the way back to Larry Heard. That’s why I proudly list these awards on my websites and blogs.

KA — What project are you currently working on that is not public yet?

JF — I’m busy working on a Therapy compilation, and in the spring I expect to begin production on my first studio album featuring new original music in collaboration with renowned artists including legends that I have admired all my life. Also, My partner Rom and I just released a Jamsteady remix of Broken Social Scene’s “All To All.” I’m looking forward to possibly completing at least one John Legend remix before the holiday season (fingers crossed). In addition my partners and I are really trying to strengthen the Therapy & Gotsoul brand worldwide through merchandise and really well executed events. Straight up, our goal is to make Gotsoul/Therapy two of the strongest brand in electronic music.

KA — Who is Jojo?

JF — Jojo is: Family man, Music lover, Hockey fan, Workaholic, Very detailed, Somewhat stylish, Lacking sleep..

KA — How important is charity to you, and tell us what you are doing these days?

NF — Giving back is important. I keep most of my charity interests private, but I will say that I feel smaller, community-based projects are really impor- tant and often overlooked.

KA — When you create a new album, how much of your time do you actually invest in such a project?

NF — An album can take as little as 6 months to as long as three years.. It depends on craft, songs, time dedication and inspiration.

KA — Which other artists are you currently listening to?

NF — Always listening to K’naan, Emm Gryner, Dylan Murray. Great Cana- dians.

KA — How important is love to you in the context of waking up in the morn- ing and living each day?

NF — Love is essential. Love is everything.

KA — Where are you most at peace?

NF — Inside my mind.

KA — When you’re in studio, how do you know when you have “The take”?

NF — When it just feels right and gives you the goose bumps.

KA — Do you have a specific ritual that you do before recording or perform- ing live?

NF — I drink lots of tea and I make sure my lyrics are scribbled and as messy as possible on the page!

KA — What was the last book that you read that inspired you the most?

NF — Paulo Coelho’s “Winner Stands Alone”. All his books have incredible meaning that can be applied to everyday life.

KA — Do you have a hero in your life?

NF — My heroines are all my female ancestors. Portuguese domestic warriors who pounded the earth with their fists and washed their clothes in the sea.

KA — When doing a magazine, there is so much work in the production of it that by the time it goes to print and is on the news stands, I have seen it a thousand times. I actually have to wait a few weeks before visiting a store and pretending that it is the first time (still I am not fooled) to get a slight feeling of “surprise”. How do you get your slight feeling of surprise after working on an album or song so intensely?

NF — As soon as I hear one of the songs on the radio, it suddenly feels “real” to me, and I have a chance to really reflect on the energy and vibration of the music.

KA — Who is Nelly Furtado?

NF — To quote the awesome Erykah Badu, from her album “Mama’s Gun”

I’m an “analogue girl in a digital world”.

KA — When we look at your resume, it seems that it must be humanly impos- sible to do as much as you do. However you seem to do it with seeming ease, what’s your secret?

CS — I surround myself with great people and I try to spend quality time doing quality things.

KA — Everyone seems to believe, or want to believe that “it” is easy; that others always have it easier than they do, and that’s why that person reached some sort of success. I think that somewhere along the line, someone always had to give us a hand up, who was that “someone” for you?

CS — I believe the team I surround myself with at any given point in my career is responsible for assisting me in getting me to the next level.

KA — In order to manage the careers of others, what is the most useful char- acter trait to have?

CS — Being an active listener.

KA — KA Magazine has voted you Best of Canada 2010, one of the reasons was to create more awareness of the person behind the scenes; the necessary one that by design is over-looked but completely necessary in the success of the client. Why do you think that in general the people in your profession keep such a low profile?

CS — It is important to keep a low profile, as you never want your personal ego or attitude to transfer to your clients’ goodwill.

KA — If you could have a clone, what would he be doing as a job?

CS — He will be doing interviews and sleeping for me.

KA — What motivates you on a daily basis to do your best, even when there is no one else seeing it?

CS — Providing for my family and knowing that I have people’s dreams in my hands.

KA — How important is family to you?

CS — I love my family and I want to make them proud.

KA — What music is on your playlist?

CS — Candi Staton and all my artists.

KA — What single act of kindness have you witnessed recently that brought a smile to your face?

CS — Witnessing my mother’s volunteer work in her town.

KA — Tell us something about Chris that we need to know?

CS — I am a dreamer and it takes me a while to accept reality.

KA — Who is Chris?

CS — Honestly, I am not completely sure who I am. My only

certainty is what I want to do.

KA — How important is gratitude in your creative process?

AK — Gratitude is the most important as I wouldn’t have nearly the amount of blessings I have if it wasn’t for the amazing people and support around me. Without this, I might as well be creating in a vacuum.

KA — When we create, we have a vision of how we wish things to prog- ress. Has your reality been in line with your vision?

AK — I think that when creating, it’s best to let go and be completely taken over by the “creator within” and let this be the leader. I have found that when I try to imagine what the future will hold, it usually keeps me away from focusing on what’s right in front of me. When you let go, the reality always surpasses whatever your vision could be.

KA — What is your mantra?

AK — I am blessed.

KA — What is it about Canada that makes the artists so humble in your opinion?

AK — I find that Canadian artists need to work a little “harder” to be heard in this country – which is a good thing, it builds character and helps the artist get better at their craft. In the “manufactured” music world of the States, I feel that Canada is sticking to a clearer musical vision – one that is about the music, and less about the money. This, I believe keeps you humble.

KA — You have chosen the laid back organic approach to your career. What made you choose that approach instead of the regular “send your work out to as many people as possible and pray to be picked up by a major”?

AK — Great question! It was a little tough for me to get it at first too. I tried sending my music out, I sent out the packages…and I just didn’t like how it felt. It seemed as if I was sending my soul to be “accepted or not” by some judge that I did not know… it was not very cool. It was then that I really made the choice to just stick to making music, putting it out, and building my fan base organically. Not skip steps – just live each day one at a time and appreciate the fans I have. I love the way this feels, because it keeps me centered and eager to keep creating good music – and that’s what it’s all about.

KA — What has been the most pleasant professional surprise this year that made you know you were indeed on the right path?

AK — That ones easy! A few weeks ago actually I was asked by a wonder- ful Canadian company to be their spokesperson: Glace Iceberg Water. I was just so happy to know that there are people – such as the ones from Glace – who truly see the potential in an artist like myself. This topped off by the fact that I was placed on a beautiful huge billboard in downtown Montreal during the World Film Festival along with my music blasting from the speakers, really was a pleasant surprise!

KA — Who is Ashley King…for now? AK — I just recently decided to become a “love-atarian”…no longer a “fear-avore”…what a feeling!

KA — When you are traveling, what is it about Canada that makes you the most proud?

MA — For one, just how vast, beautiful and rich the landscape of this country truly is. When I’m traveling, I am most proud to be Canadian since we are viewed as a civilized, peaceful and giving nation that care. Canada is also a multi-cultural country, which helped shape what we are today. I like to think that we live in a progressive and liberal society.

When abroad and asked what my nationality is, people always have good things to say about Canada. I also love the fact that we have two official languages in our country; French & English which spices it all up. The standard of living in Canada is quite good as compared to many other developed countries in the world. I think this is especially true for Québec (except for the taxes we pay…), where housing and real estate is still affordable overall. Let’s not forget about all the knowledge and talent in the educational, medical, business, arts sectors, etc. that comes from here and is exported worldwide. It is good to be Canadian- Canada rocks!!!

KA — What has affected you the most in your life so far?

MA — I think the answer to that one would have to be raising my two young children; they are a couple of happy-go-lucky smart cookies that are always on the move. Besides, getting to raise my children as I see fit and seeing them develop (at an alarming rate!) is priceless. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am fortunate to have my office and studio in my home however, finding a balance between the creative, business, and raising my children can be quite the challenge at times. Needless to say, that for the past few years, I’ve had full days and sometimes full nights. Thank God the nightlife schedule has somewhat prepared me for this madness!

I’m grateful that my business partner is also my wife and the mother of our kids. Having someone share the same passion as yours is a blessing in disguise. Due to the workload that it all represents, we would probably not be able to get it all done or rarely see each other, if it weren’t so.

KA — You did the 64 Prince warehouse parties in Montreal when Prince Street and Old Montreal wasn’t even a destination, what do you think you can do now to be “new” and fresh?

MA — For the most part, the club scene in the late 80s and early 90s was saturated with commercial music and lacking a dance venue that we could call our own. So, we created these parties in warehouses to have a place to “get down” to the music we liked and cared so much about. These parties in question gave birth to the afterhours scene, as we know it today. So naturally, I am still creating new events such as my latest; F_cker which showcases the music I produce and play and which is an explicit exploration into sensuality and decadence that meets the dancefloor.

Furthermore, we’re starting a new weekly club night on Sundays at U.N. Nightclub that promises to feature an eclectic crowd of music lovers and aficionados set in a beautiful venue in historic and trendy Old Montreal- back to my roots!

One thing is for sure, is that I’m always looking around the corner to try and see what’s coming up and how I can take it to the next level. We have lots of projects and ideas that we are constantly looking into exploiting. Along with my two new priorities in life, the plan just seems to always expand!

KA — Who is Mark Anthony?

MA — I’m essentially an artist who is passionate about his craft and all that surrounds it. I have an equal love for the music as well as the nightlife. I’ve always wanted to create the ultimate night clubbing experience. Being a professional DJ, music producer, sound engineer and event producer permits me to create and work in the many facets of the industry that I live for.

I get to travel the world and discover the diverse architecture, design, cuisine and way of life of the various cultures that compose the beautiful world we are fortunate to live in. All of which certainly inspires me both in business and on a personal level.

I cherish our planet and can only trust that we will become better at giving it the respect and care it deserves. We all have to do our part no matter how little or insignificant it might seem.

All in all, I consider myself extremely lucky to be doing what I love for a living. It can get quite confusing when you wear many different hats but at the end of the day, all that is most important to me is under one roof!!!

www.markanthonymusic.com

Jojo Flores is the real deal, this DJ’s been spinning now for over 25 years. He is what makes you want to go out again and again…and again — and brings to mind the song by Fat Boy Slim “If this don’t make your booty move, your booty must be dead.”

Adding to a long list of accomplishments, Jojo has just recently been added as resident Dj at New York’s famed club, Cielo. He also spins at club Pink (San Fransisco, Chicago, Miami) and at Deep, in LA. There isn’t a party place left on this planet this man hasn’t rocked. He was voted “Best International DJ” four years running {2002-2005} by NYC’s Underground Archives. As if playing the music wasn’t enough, this maverick is adding music production to the list with Gotsoul Records — mixing Kinkysweet’s Afterdark Montreal CD.  Jojo’s Therapy Nights have been a Montreal hit for more years running now than any other. Jojo has also added the most challenging and rewarding of roles to his roster of accomplishments; that of a proud father to a beautiful son and step-daughter. KA Magazine voted Jojo Flores as the best DJ in Montreal.

KA — How do you do it to travel, live out of suitcases and perform top shape at the end of touch down…only to repack and do it again in another city?

JF — Sometimes I ask myself the same question!?  I just tell myself to “do it”.  I am here or there to perform for a crowd and my responsibility to give them what they came for is predominant in me.  I have an immense sense of gratitude and obligation to “rock the house” for individuals that come out to support me.  I also realise the need for some people to escape through music, to help them leave their problems behind, albeit for a brief time.  Music is therapy and I enjoy delivering it to the best of my ability.  I absolutely hate letting people down in this way, so I have disciplined myself to be in top shape and I physically do this by taking lots of naps, exercising (hockey 2-3 times a week), and trying my hardest to maintain a healthy diet. Mentally, I am a kid all over again.  I LOVE playing to/for a crowd, it is really second nature to me.  It is the best feeling in the world, I have no difficulties whatsoever even if I am extremely drained physically. I am drug free, alcohol free, now caffeine free and my Ayurvedic treatments help keep me grounded. Now, if I could just stay away from desserts!

KA — What city did you have the best time playing in and what about that city did it for you?

JF — Definitely Athens… always a great party. The history of this place is insane, the food is delicious, the Acropolis, the beautiful islands (Santorini is magical), and the people.  Mostly the people do it for me. They are so friendly, inviting, hospitable and down to earth… they really appreciate the music. There is a mix of artistic, wealthy, and business people that I have been able to incorporate like no other place.  The music has been able to break down certain class barriers that is very hard to achieve considering Soulful House is not mainstream music.  Most importantly, the majority of cities I play in, I stay in hotels, but not Athens. I have met some truly amazing people whom I now consider close friends, they treat me like family. They offer me their home as if it were my own.  Thank you Tiki and Larry.

KA — Now that Djs are “stars”, do you think this is getting in the way of creating good music for the love of good music?

JF — Yes, I do think the star status has been in the way of creating good music, for at least the last five years. To maintain or elevate their status, Djs have to release music consistently therefore not dedicating enough time for each production. And often times, this process (from start to finish) of producing a track is considerably D.I.Y.  Hence, a lot of music is now more “disposable” than ever before. Due to this phenomenon, it is rare to have a “club anthem”.  For example, the “Whistle Song”, Ultra Nate’s “Free”, “Gypsy Woman”— when these songs came out, all the House Dj’s worldwide were playing them for three to five months. Presently, you would be lucky to produce a hit song and have it played internationally for a month or two. There’s so much music coming out every week, even I have a hard time keeping up.

KA — You were doing demo tapes when no one in Montreal was pushing their music that way. You were creating your own signature club night experience when Djs were at the mercy of club owners and promoters. What’s next — where do you see this going?

JF —For starters, I have developers in San Francisco working on a Jojoflores iPhone application due out at the end of summer. I’m also endorsing a niche social networking site for House music. Think Facebook, but for House music lovers.  I see people using these platforms to listen and purchase music and merchandise.  It becomes a place for them to socialise, learn about their favorite artists and be exposed to new artists of the same genre all in an environment that is like minded.  Like a one stop shop.  Also, I consider myself a world traveller, therefore I am always thinking outside of Montreal, Canada. My goal is to take Gotsoul, Therapy & Jojoflores worldwide, by using the aforementioned as well as yesterdays old school (grass roots) marketing – which I still have great faith in, there is nothing like the old school to maintain personal interaction.