Lil Cracker
The artist, with a name that resonates with creativity and passion, expresses a crucial message to future employers through their music. It is important for employers to understand that the artist’s music should not be perceived as a representation of their professional skills or conduct in a workplace setting. Each melody, each lyric crafted by the artist is a unique piece of art that reflects their artistic vision and emotional depth. Emphasizing the distinction between their musical expression and their professional demeanor, the artist invites employers to appreciate the creativity and individuality expressed through their music, separate from their performance in a workplace environment.
Read MoreAsking Alexandria
Metal Hammer declared See What’s On The Inside (2021), “an outrageously infectious ode to classic rock.” Forbes noted the album’s visceral connection to early Asking Alexandria influences like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Pantera. After “Alone Again” hit No. 1 on Active Rock, “Never Gonna Learn” (from the 2022 E.P. of the same name) went to No. 6. The band boasts over 1.4B combined streams and over 700 million views of their music videos on YouTube.
Asking Alexandria offers reverence to touchstone icons like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Queen, with a relentless urgency harkening back to their early days as metalcore upstarts. In 2023, long-time comrades Ben Bruce (lead guitar), Danny Worsnop (vocals), Cameron Liddell (guitar), Sam Bettley (bass), and James Cassells (drums) ride a creative high with their forthcoming eighth studio album kicked off by the immediate success of the arresting, catchy, and sober “Dark Void.”
“With the world seemingly getting darker and darker, so many of us struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness,” Bruce says of the next album’s themes. “We are all on our own journey with unique challenges, but we have our inner strength to fall back on.” Even as their creative ambitions continue to grow, that transcendent connection between Artist Audience remains the essential lifeblood pumping through the heart of Asking Alexandria. From personal struggles to career highs and everything in between, this band truly understands.
MercyMe
MercyMe is a contemporary Christian music band formed in 1994 and signed with Fair Trade Services. With over 9 million units in cumulative sales, MercyMe has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. They have celebrated 28 songs reaching No. 1 across various radio formats, alongside four mainstream radio hits. Their unforgettable track, “I Can Only Imagine,” made history as the first digital single in Christian music to receive platinum and double-platinum certifications. MercyMe’s impact extends further as in 2009, Billboard honored them by naming “Word Of God Speak” as the No. 1 Song of the Decade, and the group as the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories. Their accolades also include multiple GRAMMY® nominations, American Music Awards, and GMA Dove Awards, recognizing their musical excellence. The band’s popularity is evident through sold-out shows across the US and Canada, as well as appearances on prestigious platforms like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Their widespread recognition has been acknowledged by major publications like Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times. Even today, MercyMe remains a prominent force in the music scene, constantly touring and achieving more No. 1 hits with each performance.
Continuing their journey of success, MercyMe released their ninth studio album, ‘Lifer,’ in March 2017 to critical acclaim. ‘Lifer’ soared to No. 1 on Christian Soundscan and secured the 10th spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart in its debut week, solidifying the band’s place in the industry. Currently, MercyMe is actively involved in promoting the highly anticipated feature film, ‘I Can Only Imagine.’ The movie is a poignant depiction of lead singer Bart Millard’s life story, who penned the renowned song after the loss of his father to cancer. Scheduled for release in March 2018, the film promises to captivate audiences with its emotional narrative and powerful message. With a remarkable legacy and a dedicated fan base, MercyMe’s impact on the music and entertainment world continues to resonate, defining them as one of the most influential Christian music bands of our time.
Sting
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, famously known as Sting, is a prominent English musician and actor. Sting gained widespread recognition as the frontman, songwriter, and bassist for the influential new wave band, the Police, during their tenure from 1977 to 1986. Following the band’s disbandment, Sting embarked on a successful solo career in 1985, showcasing a diverse range of musical influences in his work, including rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new-age, and worldbeat. Over the years, both as a solo artist and as part of the Police, Sting has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including 17 Grammy Awards and multiple Brit Awards. His iconic song “Every Breath You Take” won Song of the Year, solidifying his place in music history.
Sting’s contributions to the music industry have been widely recognized with prestigious awards and honors. He received the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Sting was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his remarkable contributions to music. His impact extends beyond traditional boundaries, as he collaborated with various artists across genres, introducing audiences to unique musical styles. Sting’s innovative spirit led to the fusion of Western and North African music in hits like “Desert Rose” with Cheb Mami. In recent years, Sting’s musical evolution continued with successful collaborations such as the Grammy-winning album 44/876 with Jamaican artist Shaggy, showcasing his versatility and enduring influence in the industry.
John Lennon
John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. Lennon’s work included music, writing, drawings, and film. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history. Born in Liverpool, Lennon became involved in the skiffle craze as a teenager. In 1956, he formed The Quarrymen, which evolved into the Beatles in 1960. Sometimes called ‘the smart Beatle’, Lennon initially was the group’s de facto leader, a role he gradually ceded to McCartney. Through his songwriting in the Beatles, Lennon embraced a myriad of musical influences, initially writing and co-writing rock and pop-oriented hit songs in the band’s early years, then later incorporating experimental elements into his compositions in the latter half of the Beatles’ career as his songs became known for their increasing innovation. Lennon soon expanded his work into other media by participating in numerous films, including How I Won the War, and authoring In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works, both collections of nonsense writings and line drawings. Starting with ‘All You Need Is Love’, his songs were adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger counterculture of the 1960s. In 1969, he started the Plastic Ono Band with his second wife, the multimedia artist Yoko Ono, held the two-week-long anti-war demonstration Bed-ins for Peace, and left the Beatles to embark on a solo career.
Between 1968 and 1972, Lennon and Ono collaborated on many works, including a trilogy of avant-garde albums, several more films, his solo debut John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, and the international top-10 singles ‘Give Peace a Chance’, ‘Instant Karma!’, ‘Imagine’, and ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’. Moving to New York City in 1971, his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in a three-year deportation attempt by the Nixon administration. Lennon and Ono separated from 1973 to 1975, during which time he produced Harry Nilsson’s album Pussy Cats. He also had chart-topping collaborations with Elton John (‘Whatever Gets You thru the Night’) and David Bowie (‘Fame’). Following a five-year hiatus, Lennon returned to music in 1980 with the Ono collaboration Double Fantasy. He was murdered by a Beatles fan, Mark David Chapman, three weeks after the album’s release. As a performer, writer, or co-writer, Lennon had 25 number-one singles in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Double Fantasy, his best-selling album, won the 1981 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. In 1982, Lennon won the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2002, Lennon was voted eighth in a BBC history poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth-greatest singer and 38th greatest…
En Vogue
En Vogue, along with Boyz II Men, have been iconic figures in the R&B music scene for over three decades. Since their debut in 1990, En Vogue has been compared to legendary groups like the Supremes and the Pointer Sisters, showcasing their versatile vocal abilities and timeless style. Their albums, including Born to Sing, Funky Divas, and EV3, have produced hit singles like “Hold On,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” and “Don’t Let Go (Love),” solidifying their place in music history. The group, consisting of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, and Dawn Robinson, was brought together by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy with a vision to blend R&B traditions with new jack swing rhythms.
En Vogue’s journey continued with various collaborations and successful albums like Masterpiece Theatre and Electric Café, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining their signature sound. The group faced changes in their lineup over the years, but their passion for music and dedication to their craft remained constant. En Vogue’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, with multiple Grammy nominations and chart-topping hits that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Their resilience and commitment to their artistry have solidified En Vogue as one of the most influential R&B vocal groups of all time, continuously enchanting audiences with their soulful performances and timeless music.
Duncan Sheik
On June 24th, Grammy, and two-time Tony award winning songwriter and composer Duncan Sheik will release his new album Claptrap, the first release for Sheik since 2015’s Legerdemain on New York-based record label AntiFragile Music. Claptrap is the latest installment from Sheik who has crafted a multi-faceted career as a successful singer-songwriter, producer, film composer and theatre composer, namely the Broadway & West End musical Spring Awakening for which Sheik collaborated with lyricist Steven Sater and composed an original score. Described by Variety as “the most startling and exciting rock tuner to hit the boards since ‘Rent’,” Spring Awakening won the Olivier Award for “Best New Musical” and eight Tony awards, with Sheik earning two Tony awards for “Best Orchestration” and “Best Original Score” as well as a Grammy award for “Best Musical Show Album.” HBO will release a documentary on May 3, 2022 which chronicles the 15th Anniversary concert of Spring Awakening which raised funds and awareness for The Actor’s Fund. Other notable theatrical accomplishments include American Psycho (Broadway 2016), The Secret Life of Bees, Alice By Heart and Whisper House.
Duncan Sheik launched his musical career in 1996 with his self-titled debut album Duncan Sheik, which earned him a Grammy nomination for “Best Male Vocal”, spurned the pop hit “Barely Breathing” and went on to sell 750,000 copies, Certified Gold by the RIAA.
The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters, a legendary sibling group, showcased a versatility reminiscent of David Bowie. They collaborated with renowned artists like Grace Slick and Boz Scaggs, ventured into various genres, and achieved remarkable milestones such as winning a country Grammy and starring in the hit movie Car Wash. Their musical journey from the early ’70s on Blue Thumb to the ’80s on Planet and RCA labels was a testament to their adaptability, exploring boogie-woogie, disco, funk, and more with ease. The sisters garnered success with 15 Top 40 Hot 100 singles and maintained a strong presence on multiple music charts.
Ruth, Anita, Bonnie, and June Pointer’s upbringing in Oakland, California, rooted in gospel music, led them to explore secular music genres through social gatherings and music programs. Initially limited to church performances, Bonnie and June eventually formed a duo, later joined by Anita, providing background vocals for various artists. Their breakthrough came with the release of singles under the Atlantic label, showcasing their potential. Transitioning through different labels, the quartet’s success peaked with hits like “Fairytale” and appearances on prestigious platforms like the Grand Ole Opry and Sesame Street.
MSM ALVI
M. Salam Murshid Alvi, also known as MSM ALVI or ALVI Vai, is a talented Bangladeshi Music Producer and Songwriter. His journey in the music industry began in 2016 at the young age of 14, starting his musical career from his own bedroom with no prior connections. Despite facing initial challenges and not experiencing immediate success, he persevered and began creating remixes. His dedication and hard work paid off when he received recognition for his remix of New Rules in 2017, a remix that transformed the original pop music into a captivating hip-hop version. This led to a shoutout from the renowned artist Dua Lipa during one of her shows, propelling Alvi into the spotlight and earning him contracts with major record labels. After two years of consistent work, Alvi took a hiatus for an additional two years before reemerging with a new single titled Løve in September 2022.
Born on the 29th of October 2001 to a Chittagonian family, M. Salam Murshid Alvi’s early life was shaped by his father Md Saiful Alam, a government employee, and his mother Mst Shamima Akter, a dedicated housewife. Raised in a large joint family at his grandparents’ house in Nandan Kanan, Chittagong, Alvi’s upbringing provided a supportive environment for his musical pursuits and personal growth.
Rockwell
Born Kennedy William Gordy, Rockwell is the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. He changed his name so as to avoid charges of nepotism, wanting to make it in the music business on his talent alone, and he signed to Motown as a solo artist without his father’s knowledge. His first single, ‘Somebody’s Watching Me,’ which featured backing vocals from both Michael and Jermaine Jackson, was released in 1983, shot into the Top Ten, peaked at number two on Billboard’s Hot 100, and went gold. His identity was eventually revealed. This, however, was his peak of success. The follow-up single, ‘Obscene Phone Caller,’ fizzled. Neither Captured (1985) nor The Genie (1986) fared well commercially, and Rockwell subsequently left the industry.
Read MoreDave Matthews Band
With a career spanning over 30 years, Dave Matthews Band is one of the most influential bands in rock history. In 1991, Dave Matthews decided to put songs he had written on tape and sought the assistance of drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who were both accomplished jazz musicians in the Charlottesville, VA music scene. Bassist Stefan Lessard came on board shortly thereafter. Their sound garnered early attention and a die-hard fan base, catapulting the band into one of the most successful touring acts of the past 3 decades, selling more than 25M tickets since its inception, making them the second largest ticket-seller in history.
The band will release their 10th studio album, Walk Around the Moon, 5/19/23 on RCA Records. Their 9 studio albums and numerous live recordings, have sold a collective 38M CDs and DVDs since the 1994 release of its label debut, Under the Table and Dreaming. Founding member LeRoi Moore passed away in 2008. DMB has since welcomed longtime collaborators Jeff Coffin, Rashawn Ross and Tim Reynolds into the lineup and, most recently Buddy Strong. With 2018’s Come Tomorrow, DMB became the 1st group in history to have 7 consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group’s Bama Works Fund has raised more than $65M for philanthropic initiatives. Named as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador in 2019, DMB has a history of reducing their environmental footprint, going back to their first shows in 1991.
Nathan Morris
With millions of streams under his belt, nearly one million followers across all socials, and two singles breaking into the Billboard Top 20, Nathan Morris is no stranger to creating music that resonates on a deep level. His upcoming single, “A Minute More,” set to release on October 11, captures the emotional complexity of love and hope, drawing from personal reflections and life experiences. These are pop songs about gut-wrenching reality, stacked high with R&B textures, climactic vocal hooks, and the resilience of a man who’s never stopped pushing himself. As the world changes, Nathan Morris continues to evolve alongside it, finding new ways to spread his music and message, making his art uniquely impactful. His earlier works, like the widely acclaimed “Yet,” have solidified his reputation as an artist who doesn’t shy away from raw emotion and authenticity.
Whether performing live or connecting with his growing audience on TikTok and Instagram, Nathan’s voice reaches beyond the music, touching on themes of loss, resilience, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.