Album Notes

"If you like music from The Black Eyed Peas, Outkast and Justin Timberlake, but prefer a tougher sound with more attitude, then you're going to love the music of Kephra: The Midnight Sun" Kephra: The Midnight Sun (midnightsun@killthecrap.com) No Matter How Dark it Seems, the Sun will Always Shine Dead beat dad, missing mom, foster care, homelessness, the substance of his sound. Kephra: The Midnight Sun is an artist who combines creative and energetic beats with a powerful message in his new ‘The Sequel‘. His music blends hip hop, house, reggae and rock for a new style that will move even the shyest to the dance floor. “Kephra”, when translated means “The Midnight Sun”. His name was derived from an Egyptian proverb that says “no matter how dark it seems, the sun will always shine”. It’s ironic that his own name would become the philosophy to keep him alive through endless darkness and heartache since it was the parents who gave him his name that were in part the very cause of it all. His father left when he was born. His mother had lost her grip on reality shortly after. Her paranoia and lack of stability bounced Kephra back and fourth between home and foster care up until his late teens. Sent to more then 12 foster homes in That time, all but two offered a much worse environment then anything he experienced at home. Child protection services were put in place to help children find a better life. But what Kephra, and almost every other foster child he had met along the way found was something far darker. He experienced molestation, physical, verbal and mental abuse. He was put into slavery, picking beans in a field with a basket larger then his torso to fill a daily quota when he was only 5 years old. Kephra was even starved and frequently forced to watch as others were beaten in front of him. As he did not have anyone to turn to for help without risking punishment, The Midnight Sun found refuge in his creativity. Unfortunately, his ominous tones of fear, anger and pain caused his artistic outlets to be restricted. At certain homes he wasn’t even permitted to draw. Finding it difficult to completely express himself, Kephra’s outgoing and playful personality was replaced with a shy, quiet shell, plagued with angry outbursts and inconsistent behavior. Finally being freed from the foster care cycle at 16, he was struck with guilt. The people he left behind would continue to suffer while he escaped. Over time he grew more independent and immersed himself in the arts he was once denied in an effort to cope. Martial arts, philosophy, creative writing, visual arts along with acting and music gave The Midnight Sun a chance to stand up to the demons he had since ran from. As a result of such a mix of art forms coming into his life, Kephra has the powerful ability to add a visual tone to his music. Often his music is based or inspired by actual events. His theatrical flair creates an album that takes the listener on journey as easily as it takes them to the dance floor. A few years after leaving the foster care system, he was homeless. The fear and anger that had once ruled his life was replaced with sadness and depression as he was faced with this new conflict. It is often difficult for Kephra to comment about what changed to make him conquer yet another disappointment. Kephra had asked a man leaving his job if he knew where he could he find work. The man looked at him, as if revolted by the question, and Kephra himself. The man then crossed the street, and laughed while walking away. It was as if he felt Kephra didn't even deserve to be here, he didn't even deserve a chance. He’d prove that man and the world wrong. The entire spectrum of emotion is felt in The Midnight Sun’s new album ‘The Sequel’. Not only do you hear it, but you feel it when The Midnight Sun says that not matter dark it seems, he will always shine. Anger had been his driving force. His desire to prove people wrong and show the world he deserved better began to evolve into a more constructive path. The Midnight Sun learned that destiny is simply the end of the path that you walk on, but there are an endless number of paths you can choose from. Through his music he found the strength to forgive the people that had caused him such pain, to forgive himself for leaving so many behind. He now has a new album and a new path. One where no matter how dark it seems, the sun will always shine. Tragedy comes to us all, people will always be there to tell us we will fail. Others will tell us to push on and shine in the darkest times. Who you choose to listen to is what matters most. The Midnight Sun invites you to listen to his new album titled “The Sequel” an album that hopes to reaffirm what you already know inside, no matter how dark it seems, you deserve to shine. The Midnight Sun invites you to listen to his new album titled “Without A Label” an album that hopes to reaffirm what you already know inside, that you deserve to shine. And if the world wants to tell you different… just turn the volume up to maximum. Kephra: The Midnight Sun offers a new style of club music that bridges the gap between hip hop and house, infused with raw emotion and an unapologetic view of the world, “Without A Label” offers thrilling and energetic beats, thumping bass, and a message. Get it right here on cdbaby.com Check out what people are saying: "I just think it's amazing how an album this good was made with only 200 bucks. He says it gets you high, maybe not like pot or anything, but I sure did walk away feeling damn good after listening to it, and yes, I did feel like a new man. Kill The Crap, I just love that." Bob Chester, age 42, M, NY "i really enjoyed the album, i felt as i was listening i was being told a story, i felt like i was there with kephra and could feel what he was feeling and understood where he was coming from.... you don't hear too much of anything you can relate to that is real anymore, with this album it is all real and very raw emotion, i think no matter who you are you will walk away from this album with a new found appreciation for an artist who has busted his ass with next to nothing to bring you true and honest music." Alicia Singleton, F, age 22, KY "When I listened to the CD it made me think I was no longer the only one that felt that way. It was nice to have someone else out there who could put my feelings into words. It was as if you were talking TO me." Minga B., F, age 29, TX "The style is very varied across the album. It's awesome how some songs can seem almost calm, yet you can clearly see the passion put into them. A few songs are really amazing at making you want to just get up and like....fucking beat the shit out of something, really gets you pumped and I really like the interludes you have in there too, they help show where you're coming from and what you're all about. " Eric Foster, M, age 19, NY "I'm so sick of the radio, I'm sick of MTV, it's about time somebody made something worth listening to. I recommend this album to everyone who isn't a pussy. I recommend this album to everyone who thinks they're worthy of this album. Kill The Crap, it's a great philosophy and this is some great music. Buy the album or unless you're a loser, then you should go listen to Puffy." James Lynch, M, age 20, NY "It's addictive" Paul Digiavonni, M, age 16, NY "Without A Label is by far the best 12 bucks I spent on a cd, awesome lyrics, awesome beats, this album is a break through and a future, because there's so much crap out there and Midnight Sun is going to Kill The Crap I garauntee it" Chris Desario, M, age 19, NY more quotes from people who bought this album: http://www.killthecrap.com/quotes.htm