What Is AdMusic™?
AdMusic™ is a unique initiative that gives music artists visibility and exposure opportunities within the advertising, marketing and media industry. The goal is to help better position artists and their music brand, such that they may be able to develop brand partnerships and collaborations that align well with product and service brands. The annual ADCOLOR® Awards AdMusic™ compilation is one of the first steps in creating a path for artists to be discovered and nurtured for genuine and mutually beneficial brand alignment opportunities.
Select an artist from the player above to hear their music. Below, you can view each artist’s profile. Please take a moment to review the artists’s music brand and comment on what you see and hear. Your feedback is an important step towards starting a dialogue between artists and brands to create well matched and compelling alignments.
Please also tweet your comments and include #ADMUSIC in the body of text, so that we can track your feedback and ideas through Twitter.com.
Thank you in advance for listening and participating.
2011 ADCOLOR® Awards AdMusic™ Artist Profiles
Committed
There’s no more compelling instrument than the human voice, and nowhere is that more evident than the debut album by Committed, the six man group that won Season 2 of NBC’s hit a capella singing competition series “The Sing-Off.” Beyond the stellar lead vocals, soaring harmonies and innovative arrangements, Committed impressed more than nine million TV viewers with their engaging stage presence, easy going camaraderie and dedication to sharing their faith. “One of the things that made us want to be on ‘The Sing-Off’ is that it would be a great opportunity for people to know who we are and what we are about,” says Maurice Staple. The popular competition series, which earned Committed a contract with Epic Records and a $100,000 cash prize, exposed the Alabama-based group to a national audience. “The Sing-Off” ranked No. 1 in its timeslot and Committed received a record number of votes, sold more than 110,000 tracks, garnered 25,000 Facebook friends and 7,000 followers on Twitter—all components that have provided a strong launch pad for one of music’s most talked about new group.
The men of Committed have seen the power of the human voice to entertain and, more importantly, its power to change lives. They respect their calling and are focused on what matters most. “We are committed to God first and foremost and we are committed to each other,” says Baptiste. “And we’re committed to our music.”
Committed’s AdMusic™ Q&A
What kind of impact do you see your music making in today’s content driven world?
I think our music can make a big impact on the world. Being young and talented, we inspire a lot of people and after hearing us you can’t help to be inspired or uplifted. We are one of the few A Capella groups signed to a major label. So we have a large platform to share our music, which is something we are very excited about. We look forward to bringing good music to the masses for many years to come.
If you could partner with a brand, what would it be and why that particular brand?
If we could partner with a brand, we would probably choose McDonalds. Not because we eat their oatmeal every morning whenever we’re out on the road touring, but because McDonalds uses music and lots of catchy jingles to market their stuff. We are very interested in doing jingles, and providing music for a corporation that utilizes musicality and innovativeness to promote their products. We believe it would be the perfect fit for us, being an A Capella group.
Committed’s Links
Baiyu
From a young age, Baiyu has been forging her musical path. Female icons Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston captivated her, and the emotion and power from these soulful divas sparked a new found romance in Baiyu for vocal performance.
While singing has always been the core of Baiyu’s creative experience, she also immersed herself in activities outside of music such as dance and theatrical arts. As a model and actress, she has worked with Seventeen Magazine, appeared in multiple independent films, and was a host for MTVu’s hit show “The Freshmen” for three years.
Baiyu released her first EP in 2010 which generated buzz and received airplay on numerous college radio stations. She has since then been featured in Celebuzz, The Source, MTVIggy, SoulTrain.com, Global Grind, Hip Hop Weekly, and various other blogs and magazines.
In 2011 Baiyu has decided to donate all profits from her latest EP, “Fan Fair” towards Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. The music video for “Together”, the first official single off of that album, was soon after picked up by MTV Networks. Armed with intelligence, beauty and ingenuity, Baiyu will pave the way for a new generation of R&B singers.
Baiyu’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
ADCOLOR® provides a platform that screams “yes I can” when so many artists continue to hear, on an ongoing basis, the words “no you can’t”. Especially as an Asian American pop artist that plays in the urban space, it’s quite difficult, at times, for some folks to give me a chance or a second glance. What sets me aside and makes me so incredibly unique can also be what makes me a challenge in the eyes of some. ADCOLOR® provides me, and the music industry as a whole, a way to get noticed by the right individuals and on the basis of raw talent, which is in itself is commendable.
What kind of impact do you see your music making in today’s content driven world?
When I write music, I tap into personal experiences in the truth of my triumphs as well as defeats. I truly believe music that comes from the heart has an intrinsic quality in the way that it speaks to us, and impacts us as human beings. In a content driven world, and given such content overload, a song and artist that is really able to touch or be personally relatable to an audience is what is going to make that song or artist really stand out amongst the pack. That musical connection also allows any related content to attain a direct line of communication with today’s audiences in a language that they can understand.
Baiyu’s Links
Ant Grant
Ant Grant is more than just a rapper. He is the type of artist who inspires others to want to be better. His music offers a window into his life, a life driven by sheer determination and inspiration. Ant’s hard working blue-collar quality is one that speaks to a new generation of music lovers. He is the new face of Hip-Hop.
Ant has worked with some of the music industry’s hottest producers such as Jeff Brown and Lex Luger. As of late, he has been in studios working with seasoned producers like Darren “Chum” Lewis, a producer of 20 years and newcomer super-producer MaZzi Ramos. The three have collaborated on Ant’s soon to be released freshman album “The Wait is Over”.
Through his tireless work, Ant’s music has been featured on both the 2009 and 2010 ADCOLOR® Awards Compilation Projects with the likes of MC Lyte and R&B singers Jazmine Sullivan, Heather Headley and Avant. He was also awarded Songwriter of the Month by the music publishing company Akande Music, LLC. Though steadily, Ant Grant’s star is definitely rising. The word is out about Ant Grant.
“There’s the triple threat and then there’s Ant Grant. The multi-talented Canadian bred rapper, actor, model, writer, and athlete, is soon to take the music world by storm” – Untapped Music & Fashion
Ant Grant’s AdMusic™ Q&A
As an established artist, how important is it for you to explore alternative exposure opportunities to grow your brand?
Alternative exposure is very important to build my brand especially nowadays. It seems as though many artists are still knocking on the same old door expecting new results. I think that new and long lasting music careers can be forged outside of the traditional music industry way.
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
It goes back to what I said about what artists expect and what they are actually getting… or better yet “not getting”. AdMusic™ is providing an alternate entrance, a back door if you will, into opportunities beyond the traditional way of the music industry.
Ant Grant’s Links
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ant-Grant/1628802841
Marsha Ambrosius
Already proven as a talented, sought after songwriter and revered platinum-selling artist, Marsha Ambrosius is meeting the next challenge in her already impressive musical career by reinventing herself as a solo artist. Her J Records debut disc LATE NIGHTS/EARLY MORNINGS is due later this year.
Fans first got a taste of Marsha’s talent as the singing half of the duo Floetry. Their 2000 debut Floetic produced signature singles like “Say Yes” and “Getting Late” as well as four Grammy nods. Marsha continued to build a name for herself as a songwriter and producer, creating “Butterflies” for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas. She’s been nominated for a total of six Grammys and has been honored by BMI as their Songwriter of the Year.
LATE NIGHTS/EARLY MORNINGS is destined to be a classic, as Marsha offers a candid glimpse of her life and perspectives as a woman. “My pen and my point of view has a certain aggression to it because I’ve listened to a lot of male influenced music, which I think makes me one of the most outspoken writers out here. Sometimes as a woman you don’t wanna say what’s on your mind for fear of being judged. But why wouldn’t I say it like that if that’s how I felt?” Musical peers recruited to contribute to the project include Alicia Keys, Dre and Vidal, Just Blaze and Focus.
While her success in the industry is already solidified, Marsha knows it’s never easy to win over fans as a solo artist. Fortunately, she says, “It’s like being thrown in the Deep End. ‘Okay I have to swim? Oh well.’ I’ve taken that attitude and it’s carried me forward.”
Marsha Ambrosius’s Links
www.myspace.com/marshaambrosius
Samantha Natalie
Born and raised in Miami Beach, FL, Samantha Natalie has been working with music since age four. She was classically trained in piano and is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Music. She began writing original compositions at age six, and then began to incorporate lyric writing at age 14.
“When I was younger, I quickly learned that writing a song had no barriers, no limits, so I loved it all the more for that. I felt like I could write something and enjoy it, and know that there was no wrong way to do it!”
She has been writing original songs for over 15 years now, and had her first self-titled EP released in June of 2007. Some describe her music as soulful and fun, while others add that her lyrics really lend to reaching parts of her emotions that other pop artists don’t usually get to. Her melodic writing is something that is quite memorable, and can be attributed to growing up listening to artists like Carol King, James Taylor, and more recently, the female singer/songwriters of her time, including Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Sarah McLachlan.
Samantha Natalie’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
Collaborations in music is something that has been done for many years now. Collaboration of genres in music is something that I believe is still relatively new and will continue to evolve. ADCOLOR/AdMusic is supporting even further the collaboration of people from different cultures and backgrounds, and I think that’s a great thing for our music industry! Along with that, in the marketing world, whether it be for make-up or presidential campaigns, music is a great way to convey and pass along messages to people in a universal way. Working with ADCOLOR/ADMusic, the music industry will have another avenue in which they could influence a listener.
What kind of impact do you see your music making in today’s content driven world?
I only hope that my music will affect this world in a way where emotions are not ignored, but instead embraced. When you can tap into someone’s emotions through music, (when they’re happy, when they’re depressed, when they’re insecure, when they’re confident), then you can really bring out a different part in a person. Sometimes this is used for marketing plans, and selling products. I just hope to have someone say, “wow, that reminds me of when I felt like…”.
If you could partner with a brand, what would it be and why that particular brand?
If I could partner with a brand, I would say I’d partner with a company/brand that promoted products made from biodegradable products, and that helped to keep our environment cleaner. I would preferably go for a smaller, not so well-known group so that I may help their business grow, and, at the same time, I would be small businesses.
Samantha Natalie’s Links
www.listn.to/samanthanataliemusic
Saidah Baba Talibah
Satisfying and soulful. Raw and raunchy. Inspiring, tantalizing and scandalous. Dripping with sensuality. Saidah Baba Talibah will take you on a trip, get you high, bring you to your knees and take you to that place called grace, all in one album. The Toronto rock soul songtress has been described as Living Color-meets-Erykah Badu.
Similarly, following the cues of innovators like Radiohead and Public Enemy, Saidah took an unorthodox approach to funding her upcoming album, letting fans pre-invest in it via a campaign where fans were rewarded with various gifts, including autographed Saidah albums, raw vegan meals prepared by Saidah and private dinner performances complete with burlesque dancers, depending on the level of investment. Saidah hoped inviting her fans to be involved so integrally in her career by pre-purchasing and thus funding the creation of her album, would strengthen the connection between her and her supporters, and it has. Saidah’s fans are invested, heart and soul, and it comes across in the energy the crowd feeds her, and of course, she throws it right back at ‘em, with the strength and gusto that only a seasoned performer like Saidah can.
Saidah Baba Talibah’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
Creating platforms such as this compilation are hugely beneficial to both artists and the music industry, because it’s creating opportunity for unheard artists, exposing them to a greater audience through the possible relationships built between artist and ad company. It’s beneficial to the music industry, because it creates more revenue.
If you could partner with a brand, what would it be and why that particular brand?
If I could partner with a certain brand, I would partner with eco-friendly, earth conscious, natural, organic and vegan focused types of brands. I choose to align myself with those particular types of brands because I live a natural lifestyle and would want to reflect who I am. Mind you, due to the nature and range of my music, I would be open to partnering with alcohol brands like (Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort) and car companies (Cheverolet, BMW, Volkswagen).
Saidah Baba Talibah’s Links
http://www.facebook.com/SaidahBabaTalibah
Eric Roberson
Singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Roberson (affectionately known as “Erro” by friends and fans) continues to break boundaries in an industry predominantly influenced by major record labels, manufactured sounds, and mainstream radio. His countless achievements as an independent artist has established him as a leader in which he has been able to reach levels of great success once never imaginable by an unsigned artist. Eric has truly created a path of success of his own to follow.
“Erro” has earned the great respect and admiration of his peers and fans. Recognized for his undeniable talents, he became the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in 2007 and was the recipient of the Underground Artist of the Year BETJ Virtual Award with Rahsaan Patterson in 2008. Released in late summer 2009, his album Music Fan First debuted in the top 10 on the ITunes R&B/Soul Charts. The album went on to entering into the top 100 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the song “Borrow You”, the Top 100 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for the album itself. In both 2010 and 2011, Eric Roberson received Grammy Award nominations in the category of Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the songs “A Tale of Two” and “Still” respectively, an amazing accomplishment for an independent artist.
Eric Roberson’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
When I sit to write a song i usually have a picture in my head. AdMusic allows an artist’s picture to be amplified over a product or brand that people enjoy. Therefore connecting the consumer with a feeling they may not have gotten just by the song. It helps the music industry tremendously because it uplifts our music, and spreads it to a mass audience who may not have heard it before.
What kind of impact do you see your music making in today’s content driven world?
I see my music having a big impact in today’s content driven world. I try to write with a certain level of depth and passion that can transcend genres and cultures. Attached to the right product i feel it will enhance people’s desires to discover more about all the brands involved. Including my own.
What recommendations would you make to advertising professionals in regards to the way artists and their music are utilized?
I would recommend that they align themselves with artists that already embodies what their brand stands for. Look beyond the number of eyeballs an artist brings and focus more on a true and more organic synergy. People can see right through the gimmicks. With that being said, if the artist and brand association is genuine, the campaign as a whole will feel more natural. You can’t ask for anything more than that.
Eric Roberson’s Links
Kameron Corvet
Like Lenny Kravitz before him, the Atlanta-based singer/songwriter that is Kameron Corvet proves that there is always room in music for a young man with alluring vocals and compelling lyrics. Kameron’s mix of rock and soul music combine the sultry vocals of Maxwell, the literate class of Sting, and the musicianship of Prince. Despite comparisons, make no mistake about his individual uniqueness. “Kameron Corvet’s music is a breath of fresh air and a welcomed changed in an industry full of cookie-cutter artists who don’t translate live. While it’s easy to describe Kameron as a young Lenny Kravitz, he’s definitely a unique talent and proficient showman with an organic approach to artistry”. – Jawn Murray, Tom Joyner Morning Show/AOL Black Voices
His live performance is full of riffs, refrains and teardrops of falsetto rivaled by few and not to be missed. Kameron continues to carve out his own group of loyal fans around the world opening for artists ranging from Tamia to Grammy winner Adele. We believe Kameron when he says, “making music allows one to be imperfectly vulnerable”. Using a candid sense of sincerity, Kameron has set himself aside to rain upon the music industry as an innovator.
Kameron Corvet’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
Adcolor provides a vehicle for my music to cross genre lines and reach different people who are fervent consumers of those other genres. The music industry benefits from Adcolor because it gives music another chance at reaching the masses. Adcolor gives the music industry an opportunity to be non-invasive yet still provide the soundtrack to people’s lives through products with similar styles.
If you could partner with a brand, what would it be and why that particular brand?
I would partner with Wrigley’s because I’ve been chewing the same gum (Doublemint) since I was 14 and it’s somewhat of family tradition. Additionally, it’s a part of my rider and I often chew it while on stage and while singing. Although not recommended by vocal coaches including ones I’ve had, it’s something that in my opinion, gives my vocals the “oil” they need in order to be smooth.
Kameron Corvet’s Links
Vikter Duplaix
GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Producer/DJ/lifestyle event curator Vikter Duplaix is a musical alchemist weaving global culture, independent thought, fine arts and progressive music into a purely golden lifestyle.
Vikter, a Philadelphia native, began his career early studying music and singing in touring choirs and was mentored in the fine art of business by none other than Philadelphia International’s own Kenny Gamble. As a producer, Vikter has worked with the likes of Erykah Badu, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jill Scott, Common, Eric Benet and many others.
Vikter released his second full-length release “Bold and Beautiful” in 2006, which featured guest appearances and collaborative production work with the likes of Raphael Saadiq and many others. ‘Make A Baby’, the album’s definitive single, was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2008 for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Vikter’s music has appeared in several feature films, including: “Just Wright”, “Two Can Play That Game” & “The Wash”.
In addition to his talents as a singer/producer, Vikter is is currently co-starring on the BET reality DJ competition series “Smirnoff’s Master of the Mix”, which begins its second season on November 5th.
Vikter Duplaix’s AdMusic™ Q&A
In what way do you see opportunities such as this (ADCOLOR®/AdMusic™) beneficial to not only you as an artist, but to the music industry as a whole?
The relationship between advertising and music is both unique and symbiotic. Music plays an integral role across a wide variety of advertising mediums. What ADCOLOR provides is an opportunity for creative minds to become more tuned into the rhythm and tempo of the advertising industry; how songs are placed, artists are picked, events are supported, etc. ADCOLOR/Admusic is integral in creating essential dialogue between these two groups so we can further understand our respective processes. Hopefully this will lead to future collaborations that exceed the expectations of both parties.
What kind of impact do you see your music making in today’s content driven world?
Classy creativity and imagery is disturbingly absent from the “presently relevant” urban space. We think too much in terms of skin color, street cred, and age demos vs maturity, mental capacity, and basic human need. I appeal to the person who wants, needs and is ready for an experience that’s a step or two beyond instant gratification and microwave content. I’m out to establish a uniquely pleasurable position that becomes irreplaceable through time.
What recommendations would you make to advertising professionals in regards to the way artists and their music are utilized?
I hope that advertising professionals and brands continue down the path of supporting the arts. However, I also hope that a better balance between brand objectives and and brand responsibility to the artists’ “art” is found. To most musical creatives, their art is a living thing and essential to their life process. Often times, advertising professionals co-option of of artists and their work, with the goal of increasing sales, is handled like corporate takeover. I think advertising professionals / brands would benefit greatly from involving artists at the point of “creation”, not just at the point of “creative execution”.
If you could partner with a brand, what would it be and why that particular brand?
The actual list of names is long, but my overall goal is to connect with brands that truly understand my artistic sensibility and audience: urban class, forward thinking and modern ingenuity. Over the years, I have worked with several prominent brands and through those experiences I have developed a strong set of preferences for brands that are: data/ROI/activation driven, willing to try numerous small things versus one “big” thing, that understand the importance of online “Klout/influence” versus “follower count”, interested in partnering over the long-term versus one campaign and most importantly, have a strong interest in “creating” cool instead of “chasing” cool.
Vikter Duplaix’s Links
Your Feedback
In the form below, please be sure to comment on what you have seen and heard. Please include the name of the artist for which you have feedback, ideas or comments. Your input counts! If you have an interest in working with any of the artists, please contact Akintayo Adewole at 973-432-7087 or send an email to tayo@akandeinc.com to help with coordination. Thank you!
“AdMusic™ to ADCOLOR®”
2011 AdMusic™ Contributors & YOU
We want to add you to this list next time around! Please provide your contact info in the form below to find out more about getting involved.
Thank you to the ADCOLOR® Industry Coalition and to the AdMusic™ program for their creative efforts and diligence to help make this compilation possible. A humble thanks to the 2011 ADCOLOR® Honorees for your courage, sacrifice and success. A very special thanks to Tiffany R. Warren of Omnicom Group for the ADCOLOR® Industry Coalition, Akintayo Adewole for Akande Music, LLC, Darren “Chum” Lewis for Enterprize Entertainment, Dani Jackson for the aD aRtist Agency, Mike Warner for Mike Warner Enterprises, Colleen Finnegan for Sonicbids and Gary Mack for NBA for their contributions and efforts to make this compilation happen.
If you have an interest in working with any of the artists above, please contact Akintayo Adewole at 973-432-7087 or send an email to tayo@akandeinc.com to help with coordination. Thank you!
