2011 Artists below, 2012 Artists will be announced in July
Ashley Martinez
Born of Romanian and Spanish descent, Ashley Martinez hails from Bradford, Canada—a suburb just outside of Toronto. She’s been singing at the top of her voice since performing for Catholic nuns while attending daycare at the age of five. Back then Ashley learned songs in Italian, Spanish and English. “Even then I knew what I wanted to be,” says Ashley. “I told my Mom, that I wanted to be singing star.”
Ashley’s Mom supported her young daughter’s endeavors. As a teenager, she began singing in high school, performing at various events in and around Toronto, All leading to performing for nearly 500,000 at the Hamilton Mardi Gras a few years ago. “That was a moment in my life that I will never forget,” says Ashley. “It made me realize that the studio and the stage are where I truly belong.”
Ashley is currently working on more music for an upcoming EP but the focus right now is on promoting my first single ‘Glass Kisses.’ “I have faith in this song,” declares Ashley. “I think it can do really well. I’m going to put a lot of my focus into promoting and performing it.”
Website: ashleymartinezmusic.com
Email: ashley.martinez89@gmail.com
Alanna Clarke
Recording artist Alanna Clarke masterfully delivers captivating and relatable songs with stunning vocal prowess.
This enchanting songstress breaks the cultural mold by emerging with her very own signature style of uniquely relevant, longingly bittersweet pop music.
From Cochrane, AB, Alanna, now 19 years old, was 10 when she started pursuing her passion for songwriting, playing music and performing.
Some of Alannas accomplishments so far are a tour of Western and Central Canada (March 2011), performing at Canmore and Edmonton folk music festivals (Summer 2010), song placements in Degrassi, visiting grade schools providing songwriting workshops, and the release of her all original six-song EP ‘Wild Rose’, available on itunes.
Website: alannaclarke.com
Catherine He
Catherine He was born in Toronto in December 2003 and started playing the piano when she was 4 years old. Her piano teacher is Alexandra Weiss (Alexandra’s Piano Studio). Catherine participated in Christopher Norton’s Toronto Spring Tours in 2009 and 2010 and won special prizes (Samba III Christopher Norton Catherine Alexandra Weiss). She won the 1st Place in the 7-year-old group in the 2011 North York Music Festival (NYMF). She was invited to play piano in Rogers TV show “Toronto’s Talent” (Toronto Talent Alexandra’s Piano Studio Piano Prodigy Catherine ) and was interviewed by Toronto CTV (CTV Toronto: Piano genius plays her heart out). Recently she passed RCM grade 9 Piano exam with 91% – First Class Honours with Distinction and her Advanced Theory exam with 91%. Catherine was also a main actress in her piano teacher/videographer Alexandra Weiss’ film “Muse” which premiered on Rogers TV in November 2010. Catherine participated in Scarborough Summer Music Festival in 2010 (Canada’s got talent 2010: Scarborough Village Summer Festival 2010 ).
Courtney Taylor
Born August 16th, 1993 this 17year old from Markham has a well-nurtured talent and an undeniable future in music. A voice that many have called soothing, natural, and heart-warming; Courtney Taylor leaves a mark on anyone who has the pleasure of hearing her. Singing since her elementary days in various school productions, she has the making of a true entertainer. Songs and a voice that can captivate an entire audience and leave them in awe, its certain she has the shinning ‘it factor’ that is hard to come by.
Influenced by an array of musical talents like Feist, Adele, Ella Fitzgerald and India Arie, Courtney has found her niche as a new age acoustic folk-pop artist. Her unique vocal styling and chosen genre sets her apart from a lot of up and coming Canadian artist. Proud graduate of the recording arts program at The Remix Project where she recorded her 1st singles ‘Not Over’ and ‘Useless’ two songs that are guaranteed to touch music lovers from all walks of life. Although very young, Courtney has already started hitting stages all over the city of Toronto including events held by TD Bank, Twestival, Battle of the Bands, Artistree Launch Party, Intimate and Interactive, and the Honest Music label showcase. A musician, songwriter, singer, and composer Courtney Taylor is a force in her own right. With the ability to tell stories of love, pain, and helplessness, she’s proven herself to be gifted way beyond her years.
Twitter: @CourtneyTaylor1
Email: courtneytlr04@gmail.com
DJ Melboogie
Mel has played at every Honey Jam since its inception in 1995 and was named 2011 Stylus Underground DJ of the Year. She also picked up an award for College Radio Show of the Year for Droppin’ Dimez Radio, Canada’s ONLY all-female hip hop show, (www.ckln.fm).
When not on the decks, Mel divides her time between handling PR for artists and other DJs. She was the only DJ selected to participate in Luminato’s Mille Femmes Exhibit, dedicated to Toronto’s most inspiring women in the creative arts, presented by Lancome/L’Oreal.
Twitter: @djmelboogie
website: djmelboogie.wordpress.com
Podcast: djmelboogie.podomatic.com
Giselle
Giselle Mapp, 21, is a Toronto-based musician and film director. Just graduated from Humber College’s Film and Television Production Program Giselle is ready to work on as many film and television productions as possible. But while her passion falls into the visual perspective she also loves to write and sing. Giselle was once a solo rnb singer working on her demo at the Remix Project in Toronto, and that great experience has helped her move forward to work on a group band project called Those Who Run which has an indie pop roady feel to the songs with unique and memorable lyrics and melodies.
Email: giselle.mapp@gmail.com
YouTube: Cavalry (Acoustic Session)
Haley Small
19-year-old Haley Small is an R&B-Pop singer/ songwriter with big talent and big dreams. Striving to make her mark in the music industry, she has been writing, performing, collaborating, and recording and trying to expand her reperoire. Haley’s talent was first recognized at the tender age of 10 when she sang the national anthem at a Blue Jay’s game. Haley trained vocally in Classical Music for four years, and then went on to study Speech Level Singing. Her experience recording began at age 12 with Toronto’s Juno Award Winning Jazz Producer/Writer/Pianist Eddie Bullen, then continued at EMI Publishing Studios at age 14 with Producer/DJ Freq Nasty, and then to various independent studios with different writers and producers in Los Angeles, Toronto and New York. Haley writes and records her own demos at her home studio. She began co-writing with some highly recognized producers such as T-Minus, Kuya Prod., Aliby, D.A, and T-Nyce and has developed a still growing portfolio of over 30 professionally recorded demos. Her most recent accomplishments are a music video with a collaboration with Big City from Norway; collaborations with Devine Evans & The Senate, Kajun (DTP), Harvey Mason JR, Boi-1da, Pro Logic; and a single off of Fool’s Gold Vol 1 Compilation Album (Treasure Fingers – Keep Up ft. Haley Small).
Haley’’s work has been inspired by such greats as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Boys II Men, Neyo, Brandy and Musiq Soulchild. Working with an exclusive network of professional artists, Haley is confident of her abilities and everyone who has witnessed her talent and determination believes that she is the “Next Big Thing”.
Email: haleysmall@gmail.com or eb@ebreinbergs.com
Twitter: twitter.com/haleysmall
Facebook: facebook.com/haley.small
Haviah Mighty
Female empowerment has never been stronger! Proving time and time again that lyrical ability isn’t a gender or age restricted art, 18 year old Haviah Mighty is boldly making her way into the music industry as a new face in Hip Hop and R&B.
At age 12 Haviah began combining her love for music and her love for language. Lucky to have had an early start, Haviah Mighty began vocal training at the age of 4 through the New Conservatory of Music, thus leading to an appearance on the television show ‘Ants In Your Pants,’ performing at Caribana, making it to the final audition stage of the Broadway Show ‘The Lion King’ and having two songs appear on an album in suppport of the fight against cancer with Sick Kids Hospital among other things. She began rapping at age 11 and producing in her teen years. In 2009 she won a competition hosted by Chris Brown Entertainment in which the creator of the best remix of ‘I Can Transform Ya’ would be flown to New Jersey to meet the American singer and attend his show. Jumpstarting her confidence, she went on to release her debut mixtape ‘No Studio’ Hosted by DJ ill Will, one of her tracks appeared on World Star Hip Hop, appearances on mixtapes hosted by industry DJ’s such as DJ Babey Drew, opening shows for Danny Fernandez, Shawn Desman and Karl Wolf and now, performing at the 16th annual Honey Jam! Haviah Mighty is currently working on her 5 track EP to be released this fall.
e-mail: haviahmighty@gmail.com
twitter: @haviahmighty
website: http://www.wix.com/haviahmighty/toronto
Jenny Laws
With distinctive and dynamic vocal artistry, unique and original songwriting skills Jennie Laws has emerged as a beautiful and brilliantly talented new arrival on the cutting edge of today’s music. With songs like “Heavenly,” she mixes contemporary pop/urban grooves with folk-flavored nuances, bringing it all together in one accessible and appealing package.
Manager – Jacqui Thompson: jacqui@mtentinc.com
Website: www.jennielaws.com
Kitana
Envision…a dark and misty night, tall mountains, a full moon with a hint of mystery in the air. In the background a shadow of an eerie
figure stands tall and strong, shining a sword and overlooking the empire….introducing KITANA.
Formerly known as “Ponytailz”, she started in the entertainment industry as a dancer for stars like Sean Paul, Rihanna, P. Diddy, Fabolous. She has been featured in over 36 music videos, 3 major motion picture films including Honey, Take The Lead and How She Move, as well as numerous guest appearances on BET, MTV, CTV and MuchMusic, 106 & Park, MOBO British Music Awards, MuchMusic Video Awards and as a hip hop coach on MTV Canada’s new reality show “Made.”
In 2010, Kitana was featured on an all-Canadian rap female anthem titled “Champion”. Her debut single “Liar” features Capitol Records/EMI recording artist Trish. Her second release “That Girl” featuring Darryl Riley is an R&B/Hip Hop ballad showcasing a softer side to this in your face, kick-ass heroine.
Kitana has an undeniable star power, with her unique style and edgy sex appeal. This modern day heroine is ready to take over the industry with her unique mix of heavy
bass, beat driven, edgy music.
Website: www.iamkitana.com
Email: blackhuskyrecords@gmail.com
Miss David
To make your own decisions, exercise authority, exude confidence, to be your own boss. Jessica is a true artist at heart. A first generation filipina-canadian, this Toronto vocalist is determined to spread a movement of empowerment encouraging women of all ages to be there own Miss, by following her own path and going against the norm.
Touted as Toronto’s best kept secret, Miss Jessica David a former top 30 Canadian idol finalist has collaborated with some of Toronto’s most-coveted producers. including: August Rigo (Justin Bieber Musiq Soulchild), Kuya productions (JRDN, Genuwine, Nelly) and Slakah The Beat Child(Melanie Durant, Divine Brown, Drake). It is no coincidence that Miss David is surrounding herself with people who have a passion for great music but also know how to transcend that love into successful records. For her adding that kind of depth and quality to her work is in line with the career she is building. She admits she is not the kind of artist who settles for being here today and gone tomorrow but instead tries to create, “Music that’s really thought out, not just put out there for a period of time or a moment, but something that’s really timeless.”With her raspy voice and heartfelt lyrics singer/songwriter Miss David is leaving her mark on music by reminding us of the way R&B music used to make us feel without letting us forget what she has to offer.Her most recent single “Are you ready? was released this past March lauching her first music video. With a mix tape underworks for release this fall and an up and coming single featuring reggae artist Snow Miss David is a name you will definetly be hearing more often.
Website: missdavid.com
Email: info@missdavid.com
Reece
Born and raised in Toronto, Reece is a singer/songwriter, a lover of all music and a dreamer who had stopped believing – until now.
Born to immigrant parents, one from Grenada and the other from Sicily, she has been singing since she can remember Both parents are music lovers and her mother is a singer and her father is a talented guitar player. Growing up she was exposed to all types of music from Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind and Fire to James Taylor and the Beatles.
Reece played three instruments in elementary school and in her early teens, she began song writing and performing whenever and wherever possible. She graced the stage with recording artist Frankie Payne and also made a guest appearance on his unreleased single, “Watch What You Say”. She also began recording her own material, but after a number of opportunities and subsequent setbacks she reluctantly returned to school.
Reece is currently singing back-up vocals for local heavyweights Daniel Panetta, Aria Muzik and Andreena Mill, while writing songs for local artists and for her debut release, “Jane Street Symphony”. The EP will feature R&B infused with elements of soul, classical, jazz, rock and hip hop, intricate lyrics, and of course, awesome pipes!
Email: contactmsreece@gmail.com
Twitter: @tweetmsreece
Website: snapblowmange.com
Sam Rose
With a voice that is gentle and pure yet moving, Sam Rose has been able to express herself through music since the age of 4. One of her many goals is to use her own experiences, words and melodies to speak to women so that they may empower themselves and know their worth. She is inspired by a wide range of artists from Erykah Badu to Paulo Nutini, resulting in refreshingly unique, relatable and true music.
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, Sam Rose a.k.a Sam Chang-Gardner was quickly coined as “the singer” and after her first live performance at the age of 7, it was clear to everyone that center stage was exactly where she needed to be. Sam Rose is currently a participant in round 7.0 of The Remix Project where she is recording an EP to be released this winter.
Email: samrosecg@gmail.com
Sandy Duperval
Singer, DJ, Producer and musician (drums, bass, keyboard), Sandy Duperval is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her skills and passion for music are only surpassed by her dedication to the music industry. This impressive talent has won the hearts and the ears of even the most skeptical of critics. She is one of Montreal’s most respected DJs.
With 25 years of experience as a vocalist, it all began when she was 3 years old and performed around North America as a Gospel singer for 18 years running. With 12 years of vocal training and 1 year with Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston’s mother), she’s ready to share the magnitude of her talents with the world. After studying Jazz music in College and University, her music now reveals perfect harmony between mesmerizing beats, lyrical vocals filled with emotions and unexpected treasures.
Email: info@sandyduperval.com
Saya
Montreal artist Saya was always fascinated by music. As a child she took singing and piano lessons and was deeply influenced by the music of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Crystal Waters and Depeche Mode. In 2003 Saya decided to start writing her own songs. She helped put together a few bands before forming Girl Man Girl. The Trio played cover songs from the 50’s to today in many clubs and private parties throughout Quebec with great success. It is while singing her favorite songs with Girl Man Girl that Saya developed her vocal skills.
As a side line Saya worked with RNDM Productions and produced events and managed many artists. This provided her with experience in other aspects of the music industry. Wanting to share her passion, she also collaborates with and gives singing and phonetic classes to emerging artists.
At the moment Saya is working full time on her electro-pop album. She will release it as a testimony of her own personal and authentic artistic expression. Her music reflects the soul that lies deep inside of her.
Saya offers live performances full of energy and describes herself as a “true stage beast”! Experience her unique style. You’’ll want more!!!!!!!!
Email: sayamusik@gmail.com
SoJay
Refreshingly familiar yet distinctively new, “Her voice reminds me of an untamed, raw version of Nora Jones…before she went pop. Her voice has a raspy edge, clearly soulful, smooth like the calm before the storm yet powerful like the storm when it arrives. You’re always left blown away!!! … If her voice doesn’t captivate you her songwriting will. She’s deep, no fluff, real and from the heart. The way music is supposed to be.” Christopher Rudder, Rouge Magazine 2010.
SoJay’s contribution to the Toronto Underground Urban scene has touched many audiences and has helped to develop this artist’s passion, songwriting and performances. The music that is SoJay comes from her soul, it’s about life experiences we can all relate to and the journey towards making our time here all that it can be by living, loving ones self and others. The foundations laid by Jazz, Soul and R&B are very much prevalent in SoJay’s sound and then transcends to an experience that is unique and true. “It’s difficult to express into words how passionate I am about this album. It’s been an extraordinary experience and I hope listeners will sit back, close their eyes, feel the energy and SMILE because this is why I make music.” – SoJay, Canadian singer/songwriter. The album is called ‘It’s Time We Officially Meet’ the artist is named SoJay a.k.a. Sophia Jackson therefore get to know this dynamic talent as your soul will be better for it.
website: sojaysoul.com
email: sojay@sojaysoul.com
Sarah Taylor
Sarah Taylor is back again to Host Honey Jam’s Sweet 16 edition – she is a veteran for all things music, fashion, and the arts. Taylor has thrown to the hottest music videos today, hosted the MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS, and has interviewed some of the biggest celebs in the industry; Sinead O’Connor, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, The Strokes, Jennifer Lopez, and Missy Elliott, just to name a few. Taylor’s instant likeability and presence are what set her apart from the journalistic pack. Taylor has also quickly become a leader in the community, becoming an advocate and spokesperson on several social and women’s issues.
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Taylor began her career with MuchMusic after being discovered in the audience during MUCHONDEMAND. Taylor is a graduate from McMaster University, where she studied English and Women’s Studies. Taylor has solidified her place as a MuchMusic staple, hosting programs such as DISBAND, MY DATE WITH, MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS, MUCHONDEMAND, and numerous series and specials.
Tasha Rozez / Gunz N Rozez
If looks could kill, Gunz N Rozez, the female sound system from Toronto, would ‘done the place’ as they say in the Jamaican dancehall. But in the heated atmosphere of the sound system business, looks alone don’t kill, music does, and Gunz N Rozez, led by Tasha Rozez, has the trophy and the skills to prove it. In addition to bragging rights to go with the first ever Female Sound Clash Champion trophy (2002) on the shelf, and crucial combinations with Kardinall Offishall (“Bad Like We Bad”) and Wio-k (“Footloose”) on the airwaves, Tasha’s smooth mixing and mastery of a sharp lyrical flow put Gunz N Rozez on a different level. Armed with custom songs from world renowned artists, a warrior’s mentality and feminine mystique, Gunz N Rozez performances are as diverse as Tasha’s talents. The three-time DJ Stylus award nominee in her hometown of Toronto, Rozez is also one of the most travelled and sought after DJs out of Canada. Numerous tours through Asia, the United States, Caribbean and Europe have translated into features on MTV Europe and Canada’s equivalent, Much Music. With a new Gunz N Rozez mix and a new combination on the horizon (stay tuned for more information about that) come to Honey Jam and hear what all the buzz is about. Tasha lick down de place every time!
Website: gunznrozez.com
Tiana
At only 17 years old, Tiana Traficante already has a substantial number of performances under her belt. She has now taken her stage presence into the recording studio and is ready to show the world she is a serious artist.
Destined to have a successful and sustainable career in music, Tiana is not only a songstress, but also a dancer and actress and has been making a name for herself all over South-western Ontario. Singing national anthems, Motown’s greatest hits and upbeat popular R&B and Pop anthems for well over a decade.
Tiana has had a lot of successes; from becoming winner of “Stoney Creek Idol” in 2005, being the opening act for Juno Award winning artist David Usher, to performing aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise line ship in the Caribbean.
Currently, Tiana is recording songs for her upcoming debut album set to release in early 2011. Her debut single entitled “Girl’s Night Out” is all about having a great time with her friends, enjoying innocent fun, and simply being a teenager. The debut single is set to be a “girl’s anthem,” in a movement, Tiana is ready to lead; all about young female empowerment, independence, positivity, and fun of course.
Email: mariado@shaw.ca
Twitter: twitter.com/tianaspotlight
Myspace: myspace/tianaspotlight.com
Rebecca Raabis
Singer/songwriter Rebecca Raabis is about to prove dreams really can come true.
Defying all adversity, the self-taught starlet is already making major waves catapulting from church choir to recently opening for punk/emo rockers Marianas Trench—Her raw talent, love of life and stories from the heart prove sky’s the limit.
Shattered at age twelve after losing her mom to a world of drugs, she went to live with her aunt—who’s since become her biggest hero and role model.
“I want to help people who think that they are stuck in life and can’t make it better to keep it moving. I want to be someone’s rock and safe place when everything falls apart.”
Victoria Sol
Rich. Real. Raw: these three words best come to mind when describing Victoria Sol’s emotional brand of Soul/R&B. Brought up in Brampton, Ontario, she surpassed her competitors winning local singing competitions with her gut-wrenching vocals. Now she looks to take on that same attitude when compared to her contemporaries to add new texture to the Toronto music scene. With upcoming projects and collaborations in the works, Victoria Sol is a talent impossible to deny.
Email: vsol.music@gmail.com
