NATIVE SUN

Originality cannot be contrived or manufactured. It is manifested out of a disciplined determination to authentically relate one's unique soul, voice and diverse life experiences. Jamie Alonge, singer/songwriter and founding member of Native Sun, holds the principles of originality and diversity as his primary musical prerequisites. His new EP, The "My L.A." EP, is a bold yet humble creation beautifully weaving together rock, funk, hip hop and folk elements in an original, intoxicating and uplifting way.

Jamie was born in Van Nuys, Ca. and raised in the predominantly African-American neighborhood of Fox Hills, located on the border of Inglewood and Culver City. While in the 3rd grade, his mother married a musician who introduced the Jewish/Sicilian boy to country-folk music. Jamie would sing along with all the songs his step-dad would play, and when his hands were big enough to grip the guitar, was shown the power of those precious 3 chords: G, C and D. "I was break dancing during the day and playing Willie Nelson songs at night." This duality and appreciation of different styles of music is a theme that serves every aspect of his creative and thought process. Jamie gravitated towards the music of outlaw country and folk artists like David Allen Coe, The Charlie Daniels Band and John Prine. "I loved the masculine, rebel mentality of those troubadours. They marched to the beat of their own drum and never backed down."

Jamie's teen years consisted of learning to play the drums and forming his first rock band as the lead singer/songwriter. He performed all over the Hollywood circuit, eventually longing to incorporate more urban and groove elements. So, he set off on a musical and spiritual journey which included moving to Colorado, meeting the Dali Lama, peyote and sweat ceremonies on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and earning gold medals in Tai Chi competitions throughout the mid-west. The entire time he was writing, recording and performing with many talented artists of different genres including pop, blues, r&b, rock, country and electronica.

Upon returning home, Jamie found that his younger brother Michael Alonge had become a spawn of Flea, freak of nature on the bass guitar. Jamie enlisted his brother and friend/drum instructor, Demian Arriaga of Paul Green's School of Rock, to solidify his funk, rock, folk trio. After writing and performing for a year and a half, they recorded their first 4 song EP in 2007, aiming for a stripped down live sound with no overdubs.

Their latest effort, The "My L.A." EP, was recorded for the sole purpose of the single, "My L.A." A song that is raved about at every live show, "My L.A." tells the story of what Los Angeles is like from a native Angeleno's perspective. The first line says it all: "My L.A. is not The Hills, is not the velvet ropes or the pills. My L.A. is underground, is China-town, is black and brown." Drawing from the palates of hip hop, rock and punk, "My L.A." is a true L.A. anthem highlighting the Cali-love of L.A.'s multi-cultured, laid back locals. As Jamie says in the song, "Somebody's gotta tell it like it really is out here in L.A."

Just when you think you're on a west-coast, funky rock journey, Native Sun transports you to the heights of Alt-Pop songwriting with the irresistibly catchy, "Communication Queen." This Killers meets Foo Fighters dance rocker is a 3-minute, hook-laden tribute to the power of a woman's communication skills. "I was inspired by how bold and fearless women can be when addressing the difficult issues of a relationship," says Jamie. Using alternative subject matter set in a pop context has become the staple of the Native Sun sound.

Native Sun will be writing and performing throughout the summer of 2009 all over southern California. Part Indie, part Urban and part Americana, their music appeals to all walks of life.