Vertical Horizon
Launched in 1991 as a folk-based acoustic duo, Vertical Horizon gradually molded itself into a slick pop/rock outfit, culminating in the band’s brief (but significant) heyday at the turn of the 21st century. Matt Scannell and Keith Kane first performed together at Georgetown University, where the two undergraduates honed their harmonized vocals at parties and local coffeehouses. Shortly after graduation, they relocated to Boston to record a debut LP, 1992’s There and Back Again, and returned to their native D.C. after the album’s release. They later crossed paths with Jackopierce, another acoustic rock act, and the two groups soon launched a multi-week package tour that introduced Vertical Horizon to a wider audience. Backup musicians were hired to fill out Vertical Horizon’s evolving sound, and a tour alongside the Dave Matthews Band proved to be especially fortuitous, as drummer Carter Beauford — a newfound fan of the band — agreed to handle percussion duties on the sophomore effort Running on Ice. Bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Ed Toth were added to the lineup in 1996, thus making Vertical Horizon a permanent four-piece, and 1997’s Live Stages captured the quartet’s strength in concert. Such momentum wasn’t lost on the major labels, and RCA ultimately offered the group a contract as the ’90s drew to a close.
Vertical Horizon reissued its three previous LPs after signing with RCA, and the band’s major-label debut, Everything You Want, followed in July 1999. The album went double platinum on the success of the title track (a number one hit) and three additional singles, and Vertical Horizon supported its release with a string of American and European tour dates. Although originally intending to issue a follow-up album in late 2002, the bandmates struggled with their representation at RCA, and ultimately left the label after Go’s release in September 2003. A new contract was inked with Hybrid Recordings in 2005, but Toth left the band that same year, choosing to join the Doobie Brothers’ touring lineup instead. The band continued to work on a new record in his absence, with famed Rush percussionist Neil Peart lending his help to several tracks. Burning the Days was ultimately released in 2009. A year later, Kane announced he had left the band to focus on his solo career. In 2013, Vertical Horizon returned with their fifth studio album, Echoes from the Underground, which once again featured Peart on two tracks. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi
Tom Cochrane
Juno Award winner Tom Cochrane gained prominence in the 1980s as the lead singer of the well-known Canadian rock band Red Rider, alongside members like guitarist Ken Greer, drummer Rob Baker, and keyboardist Peter Boynton. Transitioning to a successful solo career in the following decade, Cochrane embarked on extensive tours across Canada and achieved recognition in the United States. His musical journey from Red Rider to solo artist was marked by hit songs like “Life Is a Highway,” reflecting years of dedication and hard work since his early days crafting music in his childhood.
Born in 1953 in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada, Cochrane’s musical talent emerged at a young age when he wrote his first song at 11 and received his first guitar before his teens. Despite initial setbacks with his debut album, Cochrane persevered through various jobs to sustain his passion for music. Joining Red Rider in 1980, Cochrane contributed to the band’s success with albums like Don’t Fight It and hit singles such as “White Hot.” Post Red Rider, Tom Cochrane continued his musical journey with successful solo releases like Mad Mad World and collaborations with Capitol Records and EMI for albums like Ashes to Diamonds: A Collection. His discography includes notable works like Ragged Ass Road, Songs of a Circling Spirit, and Anthology, solidifying his status as a respected artist in the music industry.
Poison
Poison, a rock band that emerged in the ’80s era of party anthems and power ballads, soared to immense popularity, ranking just below Bon Jovi and Def Leppard in sales. The group’s success extended beyond their catchy pop-metal hits to their legendary stage performances, ensuring their enduring fame even after the decline of pop-metal in the late ’80s. Frontman Bret Michaels transitioned into a reality TV personality in 2007, starring in hit shows like Rock of Love and Celebrity Apprentice, which kept the band in the spotlight.
Originally named Paris, Poison was founded in 1984 by Bret Michaels, along with bassist Bobby Dall and drummer Rikki Rockett. After relocating to L.A., the band added guitarist C.C. Deville to complete their lineup. With a glammy image and a knack for self-promotion, Poison quickly found success with their debut album ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In,’ featuring hits like ‘Talk Dirty to Me’ and ‘I Won’t Forget You.’ The band went on to achieve commercial breakthroughs with albums like ‘Open Up & Say…Ahhh!’ and ‘Flesh and Blood,’ but internal conflicts and lineup changes marked the end of their glory days.
Big Mountain
American reggae band Big Mountain, similar to UB40, brought a mainstream version of Jamaican music with their hit cover of Peter Frampton’s ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ in 1994. The band’s albums feature reggae roots music and reputable Jamaican musicians Tony Chin and Santa Davis, known for their work with Peter Tosh and the Soul Syndicate.
Originally known as the Rainbow Warriors, Big Mountain, based in San Diego, went through lineup changes before settling with Quino as the vocalist. Their debut album ‘Wake Up’ released in 1992 followed by the chart-topping single ‘Touch My Light.’ The band found success with ‘Baby, I Love Your Way,’ reaching top positions globally. Despite commercial success, Big Mountain remained popular in the reggae community and continued to tour worldwide.
Big Mountain’s music resonated with fans globally, showcasing a blend of reggae and R&B influences. With reputable musicians and a diverse sound, the band’s success with hits like ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ solidified their place in the music industry. Their commitment to reggae roots and memorable covers has garnered them a loyal fan base and international recognition.
Luan Santana
Luan Rafael Domingos Santana, nascido em 13 de março de 1991 em Campo Grande, é um renomado cantor e compositor brasileiro. Sua trajetória musical teve início em 2009 com o lançamento do álbum independente “Tô de Cara”, catapultando sua ascensão ao estrelato com o sucesso da canção “Meteoro”. Ao longo dos anos, Luan Santana tem conquistado o público com sua música envolvente e cativante, demonstrando talento tanto como intérprete quanto como criador de composições marcantes. Seus álbuns, como o aclamado “Ao Vivo no Rio” e “Quando Chega a Noite”, alcançaram grande sucesso, rendendo-lhe reconhecimento internacional, inclusive com indicações ao Grammy Latino. Com singles de destaque e álbuns multi-platina, Luan Santana se consagrou como um dos maiores nomes da música sertaneja no Brasil.
A incessante jornada artística de Luan Santana o levou a lançar diversos projetos musicais bem-sucedidos, incluindo os álbuns ao vivo “O Nosso Tempo É Hoje” e “Acústico”, que dominaram as paradas musicais e conquistaram milhares de fãs em todo o país. Em 2016, o cantor surpreendeu o público com seu terceiro álbum de estúdio, intitulado “1977”, uma homenagem singela às mulheres que inspiram sua arte. Os singles desse álbum, como “Eu, Você, o Mar e Ela” e “Dia, Lugar e Hora”, se tornaram sucessos instantâneos, consolidando ainda mais a carreira brilhante de Luan. Com múltiplos reconhecimentos e colaborações notáveis, como as parcerias com artistas renomados, Luan Santana continua a emocionar e entreter seu público, mantendo-se como um dos artistas mais influentes e talentosos do cenário musical brasileiro.
Ashanti
Ashanti, the artist celebrated for her yearning love songs and captivating hooks, emerged as a significant pop-R&B sensation in 2002. That year, she made history by becoming only the second artist after The Beatles to have her first three charting singles simultaneously in the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100. From featuring on hits like ‘Always on Time’ with Ja Rule and ‘What’s Luv?’ with Fat Joe to her solo debut ‘Foolish,’ Ashanti’s musical journey skyrocketed. Her self-titled debut album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and went on to achieve triple-platinum status, winning her a Grammy.
Hailing from Long Island, Ashanti Douglas began her artistic endeavors at a young age, excelling in singing, songwriting, and acting. Despite a promising athletic career, Ashanti chose the path of music and flourished under the guidance of Irv Gotti at Murder Inc. Records. Her breakthrough hits like ‘Rock wit U (Aww Baby)’ and ‘Rain on Me’ from ‘Chapter II’ showcased her versatility. Over the years, Ashanti’s discography expanded with successful albums like ‘Concrete Rose’ and ‘The Declaration,’ each contributing to her remarkable legacy in the music industry. Ashanti’s passion for music continued with her independent success on ‘Braveheart’ and subsequent collaborations with various artists, proving her enduring talent and influence.
In a career marked by accolades and achievements, Ashanti’s journey saw her evolve as a versatile artist with a string of hits that resonated across genres. Her transition from chart-topping singles to acclaimed albums like ‘Chapter II’ and ‘Concrete Rose’ solidified her position in the music scene. Moving beyond her collaboration with Murder Inc., Ashanti’s later works displayed a more independent and diverse approach to music, evident in her album ‘Braveheart.’ With a blend of soulful ballads, captivating hooks, and powerful vocals, Ashanti continues to captivate audiences globally, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
MGMT
MGMT is an American rock band that originated in Middletown, Connecticut in 2002. The band was co-founded by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, both talented singers and multi-instrumentalists. Initially, MGMT was under Cantora Records, led by NYU undergrad Will Griggs. Later, they signed with Columbia and RED Ink in 2006, and their debut album ‘Oracular Spectacular’ was released the following year. Over the years, the band evolved, with Richardson, Berman, and Matthew Asti joining for their studio album ‘Congratulations’ in 2010. Their third studio album, named after the band, was released on September 17, 2013, marking a significant milestone. MGMT’s fourth studio album, ‘Little Dark Age,’ signified their departure from Columbia, as they ventured into independent music production beginning in 2019. Noteworthy is their single ‘In the Afternoon’ released in late 2019, showcasing their fully self-produced work.
MGMT gained critical acclaim and recognition in the music industry. They were honored as ‘Artist of the Day’ by Spin on October 5, 2007, and identified as a top ten ‘Artist to Watch’ in 2008 by Rolling Stone. ‘Oracular Spectacular’ received high praise, being ranked 494 in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest albums of all time. Moreover, the band secured the ninth position in BBC’s Sound of 2008 Top Ten Poll and was Last.fm’s most played new artist in 2008. At the 51st Grammy Awards, their song ‘Electric Feel’ won the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, showcasing their musical diversity. Additionally, MGMT was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and their track ‘Kids’ was recognized in the Best Pop Performance category at the 52nd Grammy Awards.
Avicii
Avicii, the Grammy-nominated Swedish producer, emerged in 2008 as one of the most popular DJs during the late-2000s EDM boom. With his uplifting house anthems, he quickly rose to chart-topping success in multiple countries and gained global recognition. Avicii’s breakout hit, ‘Levels,’ became a certified platinum track worldwide, propelling him into the mainstream music scene. His debut album, ‘True,’ released in 2013, featured hit singles like ‘Wake Me Up,’ ‘You Make Me,’ and ‘Hey Brother,’ solidifying his position as a leading figure in electronic music. Despite his young age, Avicii successfully navigated between the underground and the mainstream, consistently delivering fresh sounds through EPs and DJ mixes. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 28 in Oman, leaving behind a legacy that would continue through posthumous releases like the album ‘TIM’.
Born as Tim Bergling in Stockholm in 1989, Avicii started his musical journey at 18, creating and remixing tracks from his bedroom. Influenced by iconic artists like Daft Punk and Steve Angello, his melodic house sound quickly gained a massive following, earning him support from legends like Tiësto and Pete Tong. Avicii’s singles, including ‘Bromance’ and ‘My Feelings for You,’ paved the way for his groundbreaking track ‘Levels’ in 2011, which propelled him to international stardom. With hits like ‘Wake Me Up’ and collaborations with artists like Aloe Blacc and Coldplay, Avicii continued to dominate the charts with his unique ‘folktronica’ style. His journey took him through successful albums like ‘True’ and ‘Stories,’ ultimately leading to a bittersweet farewell from the live scene in 2016 due to health concerns. Despite the challenges, Avicii kept creating, releasing the EP ‘Avici (01)’ in 2017 before his untimely passing in 2018, leaving a void in the music industry that was later celebrated through the posthumous release of ‘TIM,’ featuring a lineup of renowned artists like Aloe Blacc, Vargas & Lagola, Imagine Dragons, and Chris Martin.
Assata Renay
Assata Renay is a multi-talented artist with skills in singing, songwriting, acting, and entertainment, as well as a flair for entrepreneurship. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Assata was raised in a family deeply rooted in music, with her grandfather being a blues guitarist and her parents excelling in the radio industry. Her musical journey began with a strong influence of old-school rhythm & blues, introduced to her by her family at a young age. Attending concerts and meeting musical icons through her parents’ connections fueled her passion for music and performance, setting the stage for her own artistic path.
In 2019, Assata made a significant breakthrough by appearing on ABC’s popular show ‘American Idol,’ showcasing her vocal talent through multiple rounds, including the challenging Hollywood week in California. Her journey on the show culminated in a memorable experience in Hawaii, where she emerged as an ‘American Idol Top 40 Finalist,’ solidifying her presence in the music industry. Continuing her success, Assata secured a starring role as ‘Rachel Marron’ in The Bodyguard Musical at The Anthony Bean Theater in May 2023, stepping into the iconic role immortalized by the legendary Whitney Houston.
Shawty Lo
Atlanta-born trap rapper Shawty Lo, born as Carlos Walker, rose to fame not through his street-hustling lyrics but by introducing the ‘snap dance’ trend with the chart-topping track ‘Laffy Taffy’ as part of the four-member crew, D4L, in 2005. Despite his initial plan to work behind the scenes, Shawty Lo co-founded D4L and D4L Records in 2003. The group’s first single, ‘Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me,’ foreshadowed their crossover success in Georgia in 2004. However, before witnessing this triumph, Shawty Lo faced legal troubles, serving a one-year prison term on drug charges. Upon his release in July 2005, ‘Laffy Taffy’ climbed the charts, setting records in digital and ringtone sales and propelling D4L into the limelight. Shawty Lo, gaining confidence in his own rap skills, released his solo piece ‘I’m da Man’ from the Down for Life album locally in 2006. Subsequently, after collaborating on mixtapes with DJ Scream, he signed a record deal with Asylum in 2007, unveiling his debut album, ‘Units in the City,’ the following year. The album’s lead single, ‘Dey Know,’ made waves in the hip-hop and R&B charts. Over the years, Shawty Lo remained active with numerous mixtape drops and groundwork for his next album, ‘Still Got Units.’ Tragically, on September 21, 2016, Shawty Lo passed away in a fatal hit-and-run incident outside an Atlanta nightclub at the age of 40.
Read MoreCourtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett is a renowned artist who has the exceptional ability to transform mundane aspects of daily life into captivating narratives. Her proficiency as a lyricist and guitarist sets her apart, making her a symbol of contemporary cleverness and a highly successful musical figure from Australia. Residing primarily in Melbourne, Barnett initially gained recognition with the critically acclaimed release of The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas in 2013. Breaking into the mainstream scene with her debut album in 2015, titled Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Barnett received accolades such as a prestigious Best New Artist Grammy nomination, solidifying the album’s status as a timeless piece of art. She continued her musical journey with collaborative ventures like 2017’s Lotta Sea Lice with Kurt Vile, showcasing her versatility. In 2018, Barnett took a different approach with Tell Me How You Really Feel, a poignant and politically charged sophomore album featuring the impactful single “Nameless, Faceless”, inspired by Margaret Atwood. Transitioning into a new phase of her career, Barnett released the groundbreaking album Things Take Time, Take Time in 2021, marking a significant evolution in her artistic expression.
Aside from her remarkable studio work, Barnett is also known for delivering electrifying performances on stage. Her live shows have graced prestigious festivals worldwide, including Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, Primavera, and Lollapalooza, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic force in the music industry. With a distinctive blend of insightful storytelling and musical prowess, Courtney Barnett continues to captivate audiences globally, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary music landscape.
Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter, known for his deep, expressive voice, keen wit, and deft poetic sense, has established himself as a prominent figure in folk and Americana music. His musical journey began in 1999 with the debut album named after him, leading to a breakthrough in 2007 with ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter,’ blending rock, country, and blues influences. Subsequent releases like ‘Beast in Its Tracks’ (2013), ‘Gathering’ (2017), and ‘Fever Breaks’ (2019) showcased Ritter’s continual exploration of boundaries, solidifying his position as a remarkable singer-songwriter. In 2023, he unveiled ‘Spectral Lines,’ his 11th album, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
Hailing from Idaho, Josh Ritter’s musical aspirations ignited after encountering the timeless works of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Fascinated by the songs of Leonard Cohen and Gillian Welch during his college days in Ohio, Ritter shifted his focus from neuroscience to music, ultimately pursuing his dream in Boston. His self-titled debut in 1999 was a stepping stone to success, with ‘The Golden Age of Radio’ (2002) garnering critical acclaim and establishing him in the folk music scene. The subsequent albums, endorsement by major labels like V2, and collaborations with renowned artists like the Frames propelled Ritter’s career to new heights, setting the stage for an enduring musical legacy.
Josh Ritter’s artistic evolution saw significant milestones, including the well-received ‘Hello Starling’ (2003) and the rock-oriented ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter’ (2007). His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Pytheas Recordings, enabling him to release music on his terms. With albums like ‘So Runs the World Away’ (2010) and ‘The Beast in Its Tracks’ (2013), Ritter’s storytelling prowess and emotional depth shone through. Collaborations with esteemed producers and musicians, such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, further enriched his repertoire. Recent projects like ‘Fever Breaks’ (2019) and ‘Spectral Lines’ (2023) demonstrate Ritter’s enduring creativity and dedication to crafting poignant, heartfelt music.