What is a Cellar Dweller?
Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Punk, R&B and Pop.
All of these art forms and more encompasses the landscape of the modern American music scene.
For every platinum selling artist like Eminem, Britney Spears, Pearl Jam or N Sync, there's literally thousands of aspiring artists practicing and jamming in their garages and basements hoping to be the next "Big Thing".
These Cellar Dwellers are the heart and soul of the music industry.
Unrecognized and many times under appreciated these artists are the ones creating some of the most vibrant and innovative music being recorded.
With the onset of the Internet and the development of music compression technology such as MP3 files, more and more mainstream music lovers worldwide are starting to discover and bring to light these Cellar Dwellers.
Underground, Daring, Creative and Cutting Edge, these artists are pushing the envelope and paving new grounds in the musical landscape.
This CD is dedicated to all those artists who spend countless hours and resources creating, captivating and inspiring their audiences.
Are YOU A Cellar Dweller?
THE BIOS
Kim Fetters
Singing professionally for over 10 years, Kim is recognized as one of Syracuse's most talented vocalist. Nominated for numerous SAMY awards, her CD "In My Wildest Dreams" debuted on Syracuse New Times Top 5 Local Album at #2. The CD quickly rose in the following issue to the #1 position. In the summer of 1999, Kim was asked to perform the National Anthem for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton at the annual New York State Comptroller's Luncheon. Currently, Kim has been performing with Benny Mardones and the Hurricane's band mate Andy Rudy in various venues around the Syracuse area.
Jazzmin
Jazzmin is a very diverse and eclectic blend of homemade jazz. Coming from three unique worlds of musical training, the members, which includes Lindsay Brown, Aaron Fried and Mike Massenzio comes together to create a powerful blend of different styles of jazz ranging from traditional to the avant-garde. Jazzmin speaks a style all of their own. Jazzmin steps out on their original compositions and takes jazz standards in many directions.
Zip Digit
Originally formed in the mid '80, the band was re-established in 1998. Band members includes Jim Payne, Michele DuBois-Payne, Andy Rudy, Dan Cerchia, Bob Driscoll and Stan Przepiora, Their first CD "Virgins No More" had the title cut hit #3 on MP3.com in its musical genre and consistently stayed in the top 50 for 9 months. The band is currently writing songs and will return to the studio to start on their next CD project.
ASA
ASA was formed in early 1998 and includes John Wachunas, Zach Papaleoni and Joe Wachunas. ASA's original songs are not only talented but also incredibly powerful. They combine alternative rock, pop and some punk into an exceptional blend of both catchy and meaningful songs. Their first album, "Charlie Free" was recently re-issued in September 2000 after the initial release in April 1999 that quickly sold 300 copies in a matter of weeks. ASA is a band with tremendous potential that is always looking to expand their fan base and musical abilities through performing at new venues.
The August Project
The August Project was formed in the spring of 1998 by Syracuse University students Jason Klug and Brad Tukey. Latter band members Jesse Salucci and Kinyatta King were added to the roster. Their musical style is self described as a signature funk rock sound. The band opened for the John Popper Band on September 6, 1999 and also appeared in front of a sold out show at the Landmark Theatre opening for the Blessid Union of Souls.
Pull
Pull was formed in early 1997 when several members from the now defunct band Solace Mourner decided to reorganize and pursue a more serious direction. It didn't take long for Pull to establish themselves as an enthusiastic band with a cutting edge for "High Energy Rock & Roll". The band consists of Jeff Garrett, Edward Kinney, Nathan Horton and Mykull. The band was chosen from thousands of entries to play Woodstock '99. Currently Pull has released its first CD entitled "Ahead". They're touring extensively in support of their album while still working on new material for an upcoming release due out this fall.
Billie Dixon
Billie Dixon has been performing since he was eleven years old mastering many styles. Born and raised in Syracuse N.Y., he has traveled across the country perfecting his craft. While most MC's follow the normal format for their area, Billie stretches all boundaries. His up-tempo adult humor and seriousness flash at you making you want to laugh and dance. Billie Dixon is a master wordsmith and when he performs, the crowd interacts with him. Billie is the past, present and future Hip Hop, Rap and a touch of R&B.
Candid Daydream
Combining equal amounts of rock, pop, jazz, funk and a dash of hip hop, Candid Daydream cooks up a catchy gumbo that anybody can feed on. Since its inception in 1997, Candid Daydream has plowed to the forefront of the Central New York music scene and has shared the stage with numerous national acts. The band has independently sold upwards of 1000 copies of "The Soma Project", their demo CD and is currently in the process of recording a follow-up album as yet untitled.
Erika Cieply
Erika's musical interest began at a very young age. She started by singing in her church's choir and continued her musical education at Ithaca College where she became a member and eventually the conductor of Amani, the school's gospel choir. Erika has won many talent competitions and opened for major recording acts. Due to her popularity, she has won a SAMY award for Best Urban Act. Currently, Erika is working on new material and feels that she's ready to move to the next level.
Keith Ward
Keith has been playing and performing music since the age of 9. He began his performing career in musical theater in the Syracuse area working with people such as Joseph Lotito and Christine Lightcap. His passion for the stage and performing led him to study piano and voice. In the last few years Keith has written over 25 original songs and compositions. Keith has been fortunate to work with several bands in the Tri-State area and is currently working on his initial CD project.
Khalid Bey The Most Talented
Coming off performances at the Billboard 2000 Hip Hop/R&B Conference and the Fordham Road Bonanza which was sponsored in part by MTV and BET, The Most Talented is definitely on the rise. A native Syracusean, The Most Talented is a prolific writer and genuine artist who want his audience to take a journey through his mind and make them feel his music and message. Unlike most rappers who glorify the ghetto fabulous philosophy, The Most Talented uses his music to empower and inform those unfamiliar about the urban setting, the joy and pain of the streets. Look out for The Most Talented later this year on his next CD project on Blue Funk Records.
Rebel Riot
Rebel Riot is a punk rock band based in Oswego N.Y.
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