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..

www.ashleykingmusic.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0WCB8rLeNc

The Ashley King LIVE at St. James Benefit Concert was to raise awareness for the My Heaven Foundation — Building schools and orphanages in Jamaica.  Miss King delivered a smooth and sultry sound which the walls of the XO had never heard before — A truly memorable experience.

Singer Anna Liani also made a guest appearance on the 15th singing 3 songs from her upcoming album.

Enjoy these images from the evening —

The XO at the St. James Hotel

Sound and lights being set up for the show

Setting up the donation table with KA MAGAZINE + Ashley King Albums

The entrance to the XO

Geni from KA MAGAZINE

Donations, Magazines and Music…

The room

" I Love KA "

Ashley King takes the stage

Ashley King performs songs from her album "Love Revolution"

Anna Liani performs 3 amazing songs during intermission

Ashley King rocks the 2nd half

The band

In fashion, there is a saying that just because you are able to put a print on a bought American Apparel T-shirt, does not make you a designer. The same can be said in the world of DJs, where with the advent of the “DJ stars” gimmick, has taken over from clear raw talent.

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.

row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream — merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily — Life is but a DREAM

Angels Angels Angels…I believe in Angels…

Who is… Ashley King?

Photo : Kevin Allwood

Set : Opus Hotel — Montreal

Clothing : Kevin Allwood