T.Ana Cole is a fighter.  Whether you’re a no good man, hater, or the music industry at large, the west-end based singer has definitely set out to kick some ass.  Since entering Seneca’s Independent Music Production program in 2006, this Honey Jam alum has turned her gift for singing and songwriting into a hustle, taking her music from a form of therapy and self expression, to a serious business that she’s taking across Canada to Montreal and Ottawa, and back to Buffalo, NY.  Working with the some of Toronto’s hypest producers including Rich Kidd and the infamous 2Rude, winning a factor demo grant, and opening for Mariah Carey at the ACC, are just a few notches on her belt.  This gorgeous, and totally down to earth singer with the mega heart, and 90′s rnb voice took a minute from promoting her new single ‘Individual’ to talk about her music, and putting up a fight to make it as an up and comer in Toronto’s music scene.

Photos: Scott Christie, www.christiephotography.ca, with special thanks to photo assistant: Joe Kar and stylist: Julie Desrocher

Space: Bloor Street Boxing and Fitness, 2295 Dundas St. west @ Dundas West station

What do you find to be the biggest obstacle or challenge you’ve faced in your career thus far?

The biggest obstacle is the lack of industry support in my city. Ironically, I get more support outside of Toronto and from fellow musicians who are also my competition. I learned quickly in my 4 years as an independent artist in Toronto that our industry does not nurture new talent. I know many musicians with the coveted ‘Full Package’ (talent, marketability, business sense, drive), ready to be shipped into stardom. They do many shows and have many fans, but lack the industry support they need to make it to the next career level. This city seems to put a cap on how successful you can be to keep everyone on the same level, stifling creative growth. Despite this, I dare to stand up and stand out, to break the crippling mold.

Do you find other women in the music industry to be supportive of your career?

Honestly, I’ve come across some female musicians who do support my music, but they are rare.  Majority of my musician friends/supporters are male. I find that as female musicians, there’s this invisible separation wall up between us where we all just don’t associate with each other, and I think its so ridiculous! Sometimes, I’ll go to a music event and see my competition there and we all know and see each other but don’t say a thing! The tunnel vision is turned on and we walk around trying to avoid an inevitable awkward meeting of eyes. It’s not funny but I laugh because I’m guilty of it too. However, I think we should all just swallow our pride and pre-conceptions about each other, and just come together to help each other out in this male dominated industry.

Do you feel that artists are role models, and should they be held accountable for their actions?

I believe no matter how you slice it, that if you want to be in the public eye, you are a role model. Whether you like it or not, you will be held accountable. When I started doing music, I made sure I knew what I was signing up for, which included people of all ages watching my every move and hanging on my every word. Because of this, I try to always have a positive message in my songs for young and old. I don’t try to be a role model but I do want to make sure that people walk away with something positive after listening to my music, viewing my pictures and watching my videos. I stand by what I do, and welcome others to share in my experiences through my music.

How has your music and career helped you grow?

Music is my therapy, period. When I first started writing, I felt like I was finally finding myself and who I wanted to be. I used to be a shy and quiet girl, but music has forced me to be more confident, sociable and brave enough to speak my mind. Sometimes, I learn things about myself after writing songs because thats how my mind makes sense of the experiences I’ve gone through in life.

What word of advice would you give young female artists on the come up?

I think you should ask yourself a few questions before you go full force into this industry:

Do I absolutely LOVE and ENJOY what I am doing/ want to do with my music?  Why do I want to work in the music industry? (Is it for superficial reasons?) Is this something I see myself doing for a long time?  Am I prepared to face rejection, criticism in a known-to-be harsh industry throughout my career?  Will I be able to preserve my morals in such a superficial industry?  Am I prepared to never give up no matter what?

What’s next?

What’s next is another hot single! This song is called ‘Individual’. This one’s different from most of my other songs because I speak directly about myself and experiences in the industry. I wanted my fans to know a little bit about my personality and what I go through sometimes as an artist.

Last words?

Thank you Moni and cityonmyback.com, for your support of local talent and taking an interest in my music!  Thanks to all my fans who continue to show me support through purchasing, downloading and voting for my music.  Shout out to all of my fellow musicians on the grind who also show me love…You know who you are…too many to name! Shout out to my team RefleLife Brand! Thanks for always having my back. Watch out for music by Cori Green & Tredelle McLennon! For dates and info on my upcoming shows/events, make sure to check out my fan page!

Find more T.Ana @

http://www.facebook.com/pages/T-Ana-Cole/50943691510
http://www.myspace.com/tanacole
http://twitter.com/T_Ana_Cole
http://www.youtube.com/tanacoletv
http://www.vimeo.com/tanacole

Tonight!!! Brendan Philip, with special guests Shi Wisdom and PG will host an intimate night of soul, love and sounds of “MUD” at Central, 603 Markham St. (Bloor and Bathurst).  ”The goal of this show is to get myself over to Europe so that I can do a few gigs to help get the word out in some over seas countries”, says Philip.  As the first ever “solo” Brendan Philip Show, this deeply-real soulman plays alongside his signature acoustic guitar and a live band.

Check him out tonight!

FB Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141211772575472&ref=ts

www.brendanphilip.com

www.myspace.com/brendanphilip

twitter.com/brndnphlp

Soundbattle Royale is doing exactly what they said they would do and bringing light to some of the city’s most talented, yet under-discovered beat makers.  Round 2 winner Memorecks is now added to the line up of who will battle it out for $1500 cash!! You could join him: ENTER TODAY!  Submissions can be made via www.soundbattleroyale.com and the deadline for submissions is August 3rd.  Can YOU flip it?

This Friday July 16^th at  Augusta House, another 8 of the city’s dopest beatmakers will take it to the stage to flip, cut, mix, chop, and do whatever it takes to win $1500 cash and the title of Toronto’s hottest producer.  The never done before, live production event Sound Battle Royal, kicked off their 5 part series last month, providing Toronto and it’s talent a new platform for appreciating a very important aspect of the production process: CREATIVITY!  And who better to judge his fellow beatmakers on how to make it hot (literally!!), than T-Dot’s own Rico Suave on the boards, Rich Kidd.  Producing for some of hip hop biggest talents such as Drake, Frank and Dank, Ill Bill and more, Rich knows a thing or 2 about making music for the masses and shares this knowledge with up and comers in the production game.

Full interview after the jump!

A BIG congrats to Melanie Fiona for winning ‘rnb single of the year’ at this year’s Stylus Awards !!  The grammy nominated soulstress was missed this weekend as she is currently on tour with Alicia Keys in Europe, but that doesn’t stop this Scarborough native from repping T. Dot !!  This Monday, June 7th catch her at the Invest+Empower=Achieve event, a celebration of Toronto youth and neighbourhoods.

This event is FREE!! and will include a performance by spoken word artist P-Air.

Details after the jump!

Date: Monday, June 7
Time: 6 p.m. (event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Location: Metro Square, behind Metro Hall, 55 John St.
Refreshments will be served

The public is invited to take part in this community event, which celebrates the successful conclusion of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel on making a Safe City Safer.

The event will showcase the achievements of the many programs, investments and individuals that have contributed to community safety since the inception of the panel in April 2004. This free event will also feature a live DJ, talented Hip Hop and R’n'B artists, breakdancers, spoken word, live mural painting, community voices and an on-site social media team.

Melanie Fiona, a Toronto artist, has roots in the Jane and Finch community. She actively mentors young people in the Remix Project – an arts, cultural and life skills incubator for youth that was initiated through the Mayor’s Advisory Panel. The Remix Project is an active member of the panel.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/nan.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Media contacts:
Shane Gerard, Senior Coordinator, Promotions and Communications, 416-397-5711 or 647-269-6428, sgerard@toronto.ca
Cher Jones, Senior Coordinator, Promotions and Communications, 416-392-5349, cjones5@toronto.ca

You’ve never seen a contest like this before.  T-Dot producers are challenged to take their skill from the basement to the stage for a chance to wear the crown of Toronto’s hottest producer and $1500 cash!

Deadline June 1st.

Check out www.soundbattleroyale.com for more deets!

Check out a full spectrum of the city’s young talent, panels by industry professionals and eats…all FREE!!! Presented by ArtReach Toronto: the Youth Arts Showcase happens TODAY at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario), 317 Dundas St West.

Hosted by Big Norm!!

Featuring panelists:
Weyni Mengesha
Che Kothari
David “Click” Cox
Libydo
Syrus Marcus Ware
Jesse Ohtake
and the Bossy Girls*

Full line up after the jump!

Show starts at 5pm SHARP!!

Featuring music, dance, visual arts, theatre, spoken word, films, photography, graphic design and more by ArtReach funded projects and artists including:

Lost Lyrics ft. Rich Kidd & Obie
Blitz (Schools Without Borders)
Baby Boyz
Beatz 2 da Streetz
UrbanArts
Kapisanan Phillipine Centre
Nomanzland
IMPACT
People Project
TSZ
ReVeAL Dance Creation
Royalz
Manifesto
Travis Blackman
Project Building Blocks
Elevated Grounds
EGR
SEYA
NISE Clothing
Arts in my Neighbourhood
7th Generation Image Makers
Asian Arts Freedom School
Domanique Grant
Mary Dytyniak
Jae Thou
Zanette Singh
Elle Alconcel
Krystel Pasignasigna
Kristina Guison
Highclass

….and more!

***

ArtReach Toronto is a program designed to support arts initiatives that engage youth who have experienced exclusion in under-served areas of Toronto. ArtReach Toronto is made up of partners from all three levels of government and many funding organizations.  For more information, please visit our website: www.artreachtoronto.ca.

This year, Toronto’s long standing institution for promoting female talent “Honey Jam” turns 15! Auditions for the August 15th Showcase will take place Sunday June 13th at the Mod Club, 722 College Street.

After many years of providing a platform for female vocalists to gain local and international exposure, Phem Phat Productions continues to support women in the music industry by going beyond the stage. Honey Jam finalists will get industry insight from international recording artists, as well vocal training and development support through artist workshops.  The event also offers an opportunity for people interested in getting into the music scene a great chance to network and build with the many professionals who have been involved with the event over the past 15 years.

For more information or to volunteer, email: honeyjaminfo@gmail.com

Official press release after the jump!

HONEY JAM

NATIONAL TALENT SEARCH
For Immediate Release
May, 2010

Toronto – Honey Jam, produced by PhemPhat Entertainment Group, is the longest running all-female talent showcase in Canada and the search is on for this year’s line up of undiscovered talent!

While the live auditions are in Toronto, THIS IS A NATIONAL SEARCH. Artists unable to make the audition on Sunday June 13 at The Mod Club @ 722 College Street, can email a link to one of their live performances, even if it’s in their basement! All of the details are on www.honeyjam.com

Please note, there is no charge to audition, but audition spectators will be charged $5 at the door.

Judges include vocal coach Elaine Overholt who worked with actors in the Oscar award-winning film Chicago. The panel will also include reps from A&R departments, radio, music media, artist funding bodies, producers, managers and artists.

Honey Jam, which celebrates their 15th anniversary this year, has delivered one of the summer’s hottest shows featuring some of the electrifying live performances. Whether hip hop, R&B, rock, pop, jazz, soul, country, classical, dancehall – talented female vocalists representing all musical genres can take part.

Artists chosen to perform at this year’s showcase, which will take place on Sunday, August 15 will be announced at the media launch in July. They will have the opportunity to attend a free artist workshop sponsored by PhemPhat and the Harris Institute for the Arts to give them some insight into the industry in keeping with PhemPhat’s mandate to educate and mentor, as well as give exposure to up and coming female artists.

To help fund the show and workshop, a fundraising raffle will be held over the summer. Tickets are $20 and prizes include a 1 week hotel stay at Amaryllis Beach Resort in Barbados.

For info on the history of the Honey Jam and more details about the auditions and showcase, please check out the following websites:

www.honeyjam.com
www.myspace.com/honeyjam
www.twitter.com/thehoneyjam
Facebook: HONEY JAM

Sponsors include Slaight Communications Inc., Nelstar Entertainment, TD Bank, Factor, Yamaha Canada Music, MuchMusic, VerveGirl Magazine, the New FLOW 93.5, Exlaim.ca, Universal Music Canada, The Canadian Independent Recording Artists Association, Ontario Arts Council, the SOCAN Foundation, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, Canadian Musician and World Vision.

Questions or inquiries can be directed to honeyjaminfo@gmail.com

“As an artist you still need to know about the business side of things to be successful.” says Junia-T, Toronto MC, producer, businessman and big brother to so much young talent in this city.  “Since I was 15 years old (spitting in our school cafeteria ‘Cafrica’) I was observing and getting mentored by my crew SMC out in Sauga”.

From building schools in India to defining success for himself over 10 years of taking in the GTA music scene, Junia has paid close attention to his fellow scene makers and learnt from some of Toronto’s dopest promoters and artists on how to develop a versatile career.  “I essentially started out as a water-boy.  I was too young to get into shows my crew was performing at so my boys brought me in as the dude with the drinks.  They took me everywhere.  I learned a lot of what I know now from those days”. Since then Junia has continued repping his west side crews Ridgeway and Hustle & Flip, at the same time building up his repertoire downtown and in each corner of the City.

Full interview after the jump!

Photos: Danielle Da Silva www.danielledasilva.com
Space: Czehoski’s, 678 Queen Street West www.czehoski.com

Junia is also one half of rap duo ‘Smash Brovaz” made up of himself and Crook.  Throughout the years, each has grown into their lyrical style and are ready to take their music to another level pushing out various video and audio releases this year.  On the group side, Smash Brovaz is putting out another album this year and hoping to throw down another successful Boom Box Saints event, which has consistently rammed spots over the past few years.  On a solo tip, Junia is putting out a self produced tribute to 90’s beats.  “A lot of people don’t know I make beats, but I produced the first Smash Brovaz album”.  The new rnb inspired album will feature the sweet sounds of Toronto up and coming soul Diva (shes sweet as pie though) T. Ana Cole and Ishe from Cali.  All this to say Junia is a pretty busy guy and he’s been chopping it up since his preschool days.

I heard you had a pretty well connected reading buddy in kindergarten.  Did he inspire your music career?
AH! You mean Dave Guenette! Yes I was lucky to have a connect reading buddy. He actually indirectly inspired me to do music through what he read to me. He lived down the street, and I didn’t realize he was in the music scene until my older cousin brought home a copy of the first “Tumi And The Volume” CD. Shortly after Crook and I released our first LP, I was reunited with Dave at Alto Basso on a Monday night. I gave him a copy of our record, and since then he has always supported the movements.

Who are the people in the Toronto music scene that have supported your development as an artist?
Wow, there are many…but to mention a few…I’d have to start with Drex & Gavin from The Remix Project. Before there was Remix, there was a studio in the lakeshore area called “Inner City Visions” where myself and Crook learned a lot of our foundation skills in the studio, and met a lot of the people we still work closely with today. For example, Bryan “Be” Espiritu did the artwork for our first LP, Big Pops (Northern Profit) and I also was given an opportunity to go to Cuba through ICV.

Outside of ICV, I.James.Jones also influenced my development a lot. When Crook went to Australia to live for a year, I.James kept a brova sharp through building a lot of music with me during that year, and keeping me on a stage performing. While I was learning the ropes with I.James, I was re-introduced to DJ NaNa through the Good Music Party, which I ended up hosting with I.James . Through the Good Music Party, Nana decided to add me to his movement, and has continually kept be busy and challenged with new opportunities.

And Finally, my home teams…Hustle & Flip Ent, and Ridgeway Ent. Having people like Rich Kidd, Northern Profit, Kemikal and a business minds like Murdock, Addy & Courtney in your circle, you can do nothing but get stronger, and more wise.

You are also a part of rap duo Smash Brovaz.  Who else is part of that crew and what are your upcoming releases?

The crew consists of Crook and myself. We’ve been a team since 2005, and haven’t stopped banging em joints. After we released our EP last year, we decided to take what we’ve learned over the years, and put them into practice for 2010. We’re releasing a full length project supported by videos and all that good stuff. This time around we’re working with all of the people in the city we’ve always wanted to link up with.  From producers, emcees even visual artists. Gonna be a good year…..yuh zee it!

When did you guys start getting commercial play?
Around May last year. We’ve always had the college DJs supporting us, but didn’t really know how to get the music to the next level. After we attended the Stylus awards, we linked up with Ty & Arcee, then the rotations began. BAM! Phat shouts to Real Freqs & OTA LIVE for supporting Smash Brovaz indeed!

Not only do you rap, but I heard you make some sick beats.  Who have you produced for and what new production projects are you working on?
Im glad you’re asking me this question.lol. I’ve been out here for a while, and many heads still don’t know I produce!! I produced 22 tracks on the first Smash Brovaz record, and put out a solo mixtape where I did most of the production too! hahaha. Anyhow, I’ve been producing for I.James.Jones, T Ana Cole, PG, Kofi Kain, Roshin, Rayhaan & Ishe from Cali. As far as projects, I’m looking forward to my R&B compilation. It’s currently untitled, but keep your eyes open for it! It’s gonna be a blast to the past!

I know you have been a part of the REMIX movement.  What other projects are you working on and why do you feel it is important to work with youth?

I’m currently working with a non-profit group called ‘Gettin’ Schooled’ which is raising funds to build schools in India for Dalit children. I first started building on this project when my good friend Danielle Da Silva came back from India, and was inspired to be a part of the change needed over there. At the time I had already worked with “Turning The Tables” through Schools Without Borders, and had also mentored at “Artistic Effusion” and was experienced enough to effectively support her.

They say children are the future, and being an older brother has truly proved that to me. My brothers look up to me, and my influence does cause an effect. Once I realized that, I started to take my power of influence seriously and haven’t stopped helping the youth ever since.

How can we support your project in India.
If you want to support the project, keep up with the website igetschooled.org . Also, you can join the group on facebook. Keep you’re eyes open, they’re will always be opportunities to support!

Why Czehoski’s?
Czehoski’s has been supporting that quality hip-hop for a minute now. The Beat Lounge has been there for a while, and they’ve had a solid Sunday night with my favorite DJs! Toronto is lucky to have a spot where there’s a dope patio, and they play classic music. Can’t go wrong with that combo! Also Dj NaNa & I will be doing a new friday night weekly there. So come through and see what I mean.

Check out Czehoski’s for yourself.  Every Friday Junia, DJ Nana and the likes of Mensa and L’Oquenz hold it down.  It’s a Party…TONIGHT!!!!!

www.twitter.com/deejayNaNa: http://www.twitter.com/deejayNaNa
facebook: Deejay NaNa
www.myspace.com/deejaynana: http://www.myspace.com/deejaynana
www.epresskitz.com/djNaNa: http://www.epresskitz.com/djNaNa

Full interview after the jump!

Photos: Kevin Robert Fong www.copymyrecords.com
Space: Rivoli, 334 Queen Street W. www.rivoli.ca

After two hours of spilling my guts to someone I hardly even knew, but felt like I had known for years, I realized where Tanika’s inspiration comes from.  This woman really knows a thing or two about love’s ups and downs and silly happy wild’s.  And it’s not just her own experiences that tell the vivid and core shaking stories we have heard on “Think of you” and “Dancing with your Ghost”.  Tanika has definitely come up with some strong women who know a thing or two about soul.  Managed by the multi-talented community educator, Deejay L’Oqenz and back up singer for her dear friend Zaki Ibrahim, Tanika has travelled the world singing her heart out and speaking on life situations that all of us can relate to.  It’s almost surprising when she admits that she never meant to be a singer and actually started out as a dancer with a keen eye for fashion.  After meeting up with Zaki through a mutual friend and kick-starting their all girl group ‘Xavia Zen’ back in Vancouver, it was obvious to both herself and Zaki that there was a future for Mz. Chawls in singing.  And sing she did.  Although Toronto has been it’s usual sleepy self when catching on to the immense talent we have here, Tanika has already toured the world with groups like Bedouin Soundclash and shared the stage with the Roots, Estelle, Erykah Badu and more.

So most people know you from the work you have done with Zaki Ibrahim. How did you get linked up with her?

I met Zaki through a mutual friend while living in Vancouver. Basically, the day we met we were inseparable! We had so many similarities from our choice of music to humor and style. We’ve performed so many shows together I don’t even know where to begin..The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mishka and Platinum Pied Pipers just to name a few…

You mentioned that you were more into dancing than singing. When did you start singing seriously? What were your influences?

Well, I’ve always sang around the house and at talent shows in school but I never thought to pursue it as a career. I thought I was going to be a stand-up comedian! Seriously! My friends always told me to be an actress or do voice- overs because I was always so animated! My father was a huge influence. He played a lot of Jazz and R&B in the house growing up…Quincy Jones, Bob James, Spyro, Gyra, Earth Wind and Fire, and he would make us sit down and listen to riffs that were played or notes that singers made you know. He’d wanted my brothers and I to enjoy the music as much as he had.

You have a very original style that’s reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s Harlem. What inspires your look?

Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge and Billie Holiday..Such passionate music was made during turmoil in their personal lives. I’d like to assume it was love and heartache. Ultimately, their voices, lyrics and the classy style in which they presented themselves.

That’s my inspiration.

Canada is still catching up to you Mz. Chawls! What have been your favorite international spots when touring and where would you like to go next?

Hmm..I think my favorite spots to tour were South Africa and Belgium. I would LOVE to see the world of course, but Asia..I’d like to experience for sure!!

Shoot for the stars!! *insert signature eye twinkle here*

Who are other Canadian artists you would like to work with?

SAUKRATES, I.JAMES JONES (Dope Toronto MC), Omar Khan (The Hastings Set Vancouver), Styrofoam Ones, Emma-Lee Dee, Glenn Lewis, Sarah Shafey…Should I keep going or…..

Whats next for Tanika Charles?

EP Release party May 8th @ Revival first of all… and I’m actually working on my album as we speak!

Why Rivoli?

My very first live show was at Rivoli! For a ‘Good People Party’ in 2007/08..Remember those? Such a great response considering I was new to the city.

So many great hip-hop shows have happened and continue to happen there!

Such fond memories….

Last words?

Well, this is what my dad says to me EVERYTIME we finish speaking on the phone..I’d think this is fitting for last words..haha

“Tanik, Drink yuh Milk ,Take yuh Vitamins, Doh smoke and Doh drink, ok?”(spoken in a thick Trini accent)

“OK Dad.”

Listen to your parents! They are wise.

Tanika’s pops isn’t the only wise one….Take in some Mz. Chawlz’ soul shaking wisdom tomorrow night at Revival, 783 College Street!!

SATURDAY MAY 8th, 2010
The Main Ingredient @ Revival Night Club
783 College St. (at Shaw)

MZ.CHAWLS EP RELEASE CONCERT

w/ Special Guest Deejay
DJ L’OQENZ (DOUBLE DRAGON)

feat. Resident Deejays
AGILE (MORE)
SEAN SAX (SOUL ON ICE/CHUUNE)

Hosted By
WAN LUV

and in the STONE LOUNGE…

THE SIDE DISH

FEATURES
SPANKDELICIOUS (DOWN ONE) REUNION

FEATURING…
DJ ROYALE (GRAND GROOVE/HEAVY ROTATION)
BIG PHILLY (SOLE PURPOSE/HIP HOP LOVE)

COST: $15 CONCERT+PARTY l $10 CONCERT ONLY l $10 PARTY ONLY
REDUCED GUESTLIST RSVP
DOORS OPEN AT 10PM | 19+EVENT