NBDY

R&B singer-songwriter NBDY (pronounced Nobody) may be a self-described “lone wolf,” but he’s leading the pack for those in his generation choosing to pave their own way.

Having grown up moving from one neighborhood to the next in Essex County New Jersey, in a family of musicians, NBDY found it difficult to be seen for his individuality and learned to operate with fierce independence and determination at a young age.

“I moved around so much as a kid, I was never at a school long enough to really make lasting friends. My mom worked two jobs, so me and my siblings had little adult supervision. In a way we raised ourselves and learned to depend on Nobody,” he says. “But that really helped us grow up and understand what we wanted. It made me go after my dreams even harder and not end up a product of my environment.”

But even after finding early success as a singer, NBDY fell prey to a different set of obstacles that stifled his integrity as pressure from the online community mounted to conform.

Now, performing under the moniker NBDY, the 24-year-old musician shares his truth while leading the charge for others to do the same. In doing so, he presents a uniquely multifaceted R&B style using sensory elements in both his lyrical choosings and melodies, weaving together his sonic influences and his personal life experience.

“The ones who stand out, who go for what they want and who don’t let labels define who they are,” says NBDY. “That’s what a wolf is. That’s what a Nobody is.”

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ASIAHN

“A breath of fresh air”. That’s the phrase most often used to describe Asia Bryant. Whether referring to her phenomenal vocal range, her worldly songwriting perspective, her humble aura, or just the complex simplicity of her records, Asia has managed to be a refreshing change in an industry that badly needs a makeover. But, to know Asia’s story is to understand how she’s been so able to embrace change and thrive within it.

Since birth, it seems as if Asia has been in constant transition. At eight months old, Asia’s mother made the decision to move the family away from the crime and violence of inner city Patterson, NJ to the more family-oriented Carolinas, finally settling in Charleston, SC. “That move was big because most of my extended family was in New Jersey. I had no family in South Carolina and nothing I really knew was there”. Compound the move with the fact that her parents would divorce soon after, which came especially hard for the “daddy’s girl” who would never see her father again due to the strain of the separation. Then, fast forward a few years to top this rough period off with the tragic loss of her younger brother to an asthma attack. Asia says, “I guess music became a release, a way to get away from everything, a way to talk about what was going on without actually saying the words, I could just write songs about it.”

In 2001, Asia decided to take control of the many changes in her life. Determined to pursue her dreams, she spent the weekends of her 10th thru 12th grade years of high school taking Greyhound buses back and forth to Atlanta attempting to network with industry professionals. On one of those weekend treks, during a random stop at the popular Varsity restaurant, she ran into Craig A. King – a talented producer who has worked with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Kanye West, Aaliyah, Will Smith, and more. Only moments into their encounter, Craig decided to take Asia under his wing.

After working together for a few years, King introduced Asia to James “Choir Boi” Bennett – acclaimed, songwriter, producer and A&R for multi-platinum hip hop artist, Ludacris. The three decided to take Asia’s natural talent and develop a unique sound which she described as “prissy, edgy, hood”. She would go on to perform on stage alongside names such as Lyfe Jennings and Yung Joc. She also got her feet wet in arranging by arranging a choral performance for Ludacris’s VIBE awards performance of “Georgia”. Asia also headlined numerous shows of her own. Not to mention having the #1 song in the Carolina’s “Geechie” and being the voice of the big station in Charleston SC – Z-93.

But as time passed, the trio’s progress began to plateau and eventually stall all together. Feeling the need for change in order to regroup and reevaluate their current circumstances, Asia was prompted to return to Charleston, unsure when she’d return to Atlanta to complete her musical journey. Questions loomed.

Reluctant to return, even after a lengthy period of deliberation, Asia was pushed into one last ditch effort. She auditioned for a spot in a female R&B group that another multi-platinum hip hop artist, Young Jeezy, was putting together. Although Asia was against being in a group and knew her calling was as a solo artist, she obliged. During the audition, Asia’s amazing voice caught the attention of Nick Love, former VP of Marketing & Promotions for Jeezy’s record label.

Young Jeezy’s group never made it out of the starting gate but Nick and Asia kept in touch. Making no promises, Nick agreed to take her on as a client, only as a songwriter. But Nick’s partner, Tiffany Jones, saw something special in Asia and pushed to do more with her, as an artist. That decision proved wise.

After only 3 months, Asia was back in the mix churning out hooks and songs for several of the biggest, artists and producers in Atlanta. One of her most special creations, her single, “Can’t Help It” – a record that embodies Asia’s urban/alternative/world sound yet still oozes with the soul of all of those who have influenced her like Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner and Lalah Hathaway

Now, armed with a new look, a new direction, a new team, and a seemingly unlimited supply of fantastic new music, Asia is ready to conquer the charts and the world!!!

This is . . . ASIAHN.

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