Alana profile picture

Alana

LiVe LiFe...with NO reGrets..

About Me

The harmonious vibes of this Songstress flows through the underground of main-street music and the passion expressed in her live performances shed some light on the original roots of soul music-life's lessons. Indeed, the addictive vocal arrangements of Alana have an impact on her audience. Her style of singing is controlled, captivating and inspirational. Her gift of song opens the minds of her listeners and arouses a new depth of soul music. Her distinctive sound extends beyond boundaries as she consistently blends nu-soul with grooves and vibes of hip-hop, reggae, jazz, and a drop of funk.Born in Bronx, New York, to Jamaican parents, Alana, as a toddler would hum the tunes of singers ranging from Gregory Isaac to Donna Summer. Alana's mother would often encourage her only child to entertain herself with her favorite "toy" in their home, her mother's turntable. Alana's exposure to various musical genres at a young age influenced her singing and songwriting styles. She began her musical endeavors at the early age of 7, performing in school plays, charity events and talents shows. By the time she was ten, Alana began writing poetry, competing in oratorical contests, and playing the trumpet in jazz and concert bands.Two years later, she enrolled at the Dillard Center of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; where she excelled in her chosen track of voice and instrumental training. As a student, Alana performed throughout Florida and Bahamas with some of the most talented musicians and singers such as Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson.A graduate of the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alana's strong passion for helping others influenced her decision to study Psychology as well as Music, with a concentration in Voice and Jazz studies. She continued to excel in her studies and performed throughout the Baltimore and DC area. "One day my music will touch the minds, hearts and souls of people across the world, and will increase one's motivation for self discovery, collective consciousness of one's purpose, and the desire to live life freely, with no regrets, only lessons." says Alana, a songwriter who truly understands and respects the healing power of music and conveys her artistic mission through her songs.Since returning to South Florida in 2001, Alana has performed at numerous venues including the premiere screening of Erykah Badu's short film documentary "Hair Stories" at the elegant Nikki Beach Club in South Beach and received admirable reviews from audiences at Seminole Hard Rock, the legendary Eden Rock Resort, and theSouth Florida Unifest.In the lab, Alana has recorded background vocals for various artists and has shared the stage with well-known international artists such as Freddie Jackson, Beres Hammond, Annette Brisette, Luciano, Maxi Priest, and Marcia Griffiths. Alana has also performed at colleges and universities throughout the United States with Poetic Akhu, a group of poets, singers, and musical pioneers that are driven by the desire to give any audience a dose of homegrown soul through poetry, song, and truth.Currently signed to Flaming Star Productions, Inc., out of South Florida, Alana is working on her debut solo album, "My Smoke" which is scheduled for an upcoming release. Alana's first single from the album, "Happy 2 Be Nappy" is an eclectic piece that crosses cultural boundaries and allows her listeners to feel the impact of her musical influences; ranging from the legendary Bob Marley to renowned singers Nina Simone, Rochelle Farrell, and Lauryn Hill. With the drive and passion felt in her music, there is no doubt, that this talented young lady is destined to leave her own mark in the world and make her artistic mission a reality.Alana's First single, "Happy 2 Be Nappy" is available at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alanadacosta and Various digital download sites:MusicNet, Apple iTunes, MP3tunes, Sony Connect, DigitalKiosk, MSN Music, WrapFactory, Liquid Digital MediaAudio Lunchbox BuyMusic iSound GroupieTunes Puretracks Interia MusicNow Next Radio Solutions Tradebit PassAlong Goldmic Rhapsody PayPlay NetMusic AudioLunchbox BuyMusic


My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/23/2005
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Influences: .......First and foremost the everpresent creator of all,the Most High & I, My mother and father for their wicked musical collection from dusty 8-tracks, to 45's, cassettes, and cds, all of which exposed my mind to true freedom through expressive arts and kept my ass out of trouble---well atleast some times. Expressive Arts Freedom fighters in no particular order: Nina Simone, Gregory Issac, Bob Marley, Bach, Dizzy Gillepsie, Billie Holiday, Sizzla, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Boy George and the Culture Club, Aerosmith, Jellie Roll Morton, Dinah Washington, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Dennis Brown, Bahamadia, LL Cool J, Capleton, Lady Saw, Morgan Heritage, Rochelle Farrell, Anita Baker, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Annette Brissette, Jill Scott, Roots, Tribe Called Quest, Jay-Z, Nas, DeLa Soul, Queen Latifah, 2 Pac, Amiri Baraka, Laini Mataka, Erikah Badu, Amel L., Goapele, Marcia Griffith, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Junior Gong, Fyah Blaze, Azizah Isreal, Mary Gardner, Ewan Gardner, Garnett Silk, Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Chaka Khan, Notorious B.I.G., Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Madonna, Brenda Brown, Prince, Green Day, No Doubt, Dionne Farris, Arrested Development, KRS One, Kwame, Big Daddy Kane, Eric B and Rakim, Boys II Men, Stephanie Mills, Natalie Cole, Sade, Seal, Burning Spear, Faith, Beenie Man, Common, I-Wayne, Beenie Man, Buju Baton, Spragga Benz, Tyga, Yellow Man, Frakie Paul, Luciano, Patsy Cline, Beres Hammond, Brenda K. Starr, D'Angelo, Angie Stone, Aretha Franklin, Andrew Sisters, Cesara Evora, Peter Tosh, Audrey Hall, Pebbles, Lee Scratch Perry, Babyface, Salt and Pepa, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Dido, Mary J. Blige, Mahalia, Corinne Baily Rae, Joss Stone, Beatles, Bee Gees, Theloneus Monk, Ziggy Marley andthe Melodymakers, India Arie, Cassandra Wilson, Lionel Ritchie, B B King, Queen Ifrica, Mutabaruka, Alvin Ailey, those who recognize the power of truth and using this power to create change through expressive arts, Honest People, Haters, and Children. My list of influences can go on and on and on.... I strongly believe that all music forms impact our growth and life experience. And that all encounters serves a pupose. BE open to experiencing true freedom only then will you remember your purpose: Live, Life, Freely, with No Regrets, Only Lessons. : : real editor: best profile tools : real editor: best profile tools :

How I made my profile::
I used Dave & Jay's amazing myspace profile editor . : :
Sounds Like: Alana...who Am I supposed to sound like?:

Record Label: FOR BOOKINGs CONTACT 954.822.5949...
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Check out this event: New ReLeAsE... TaKiN iT bAcK...3.22.08

Hosted By: Alana DaCostaWhen: Saturday Mar 22, 2008Where: FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33311United StatesDescription:Alana DaCosta Click Here To View Event...
Posted by Alana on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:51:00 PST

NeW rELeAsE..TaKiN’ iT bAcK!!!!

Greetings Friends... I welcome u to myspace to check out my new single "Takin’ It Back!" ..Let me know what u think..Many Blessings...light and LOVE..1
Posted by Alana on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:09:00 PST

I’m lovin it...

Mmm... i'm just lovin it...even single minute...second..goes by and I am going to take my time to savor each moment...I don't care who knows it...cause this is my  life... I control it.. 1
Posted by Alana on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:35:00 PST

Live Life Freely.

Be Blessed and Open to Receiving You Daily Life Lesson Everything has a purpose. Live Yours Many Blessings AnD rEmEmBeR tO WaLk yOuR TaLk!!
Posted by Alana on Mon, 01 Jan 1900 12:00:00 PST