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

Humorist Benjamin Marquis will set the stage as Master of Ceremony of the event which will offer a number of performances by the worlds most talented Burlesque artists, such as Coco Lectric, Miss Sugarpuss, Bonbon Bombay et Michelle L’amour.

Burlesque Performer and Founder of the Festival Miss Scarlett James will grace the stage alongside special guests April March, Satan’s Angel and Tiffany Carter. “The Festival is in honor of this amazing period in time when night life was synonymous for Glamour and good times.” Says Scarlett.

A Fashion show will kick of the Festivities on the 25th, showcasing fine Parisian Lingerie from Lise Charmel as well as a sneak peak of the NEVIK Fall /Winter Collection by Montreal Designer Kevin Allwood.

The Fashion show will be followed by a music show “Oh Canada” featuring Canadian performers, headlined by Montreal’s own, singer ASHLEY KING.

This is merely just the beginning, as the whole weekend will be filled with sexy glamour at the Montreal Burlesque Festival 2011.

Visit www.montrealburlesquefestival.ca for tickets and information.

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!

ALL, 100% of proceeds are donated to the MJH Foundation. This year, give back with MJH and KA Magazine

www.myjamaicanheaven.org

Price of Bracelet : $35.00 (CAN)

For questions or to order your MJH Prayer Bead Bracelet, please contact us at the form below:

[contact-form]

Join us and Donna Feldman as we celebrate this issue’s Best of Canada 2010 – while benefitting

children’s  charities such as the My Jamaican Heaven Foundation and ONEXONE.

FOR TICKET REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Teresa Silvano

514.969.6263

info@kabestofcanada.com

WWW.KABESTOFCANADA.COM

To hear more of Ashley King’s Love Revolution Album, visit her site at www.ashleykingmusic.com

(song playing on homepage of website)

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

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