About Me
ARTICLES
+ Listen to my Voice Podcast Interview on The Beat!
+ CSUMB grad discovers The Art of Being Alive in Monterey Herald
+ Savage Sun CD Review on 209Vibe
+ Savage Sun pays it forward on Atomic Town
+ The Savage Sun has something to prove in the Stockton Record
+ The Savage Sun half page spread in Reactor Magazine (PDF)
+ MP3 Review for Ghosts of the Gangs on Tri-City Music Archive
+ The Savage Sun Interviewed by The Bullhorn (PDF)
I’m changin' the game. I’m elevating music to a level where inspiration coalesces with spiritual evolution, and hopefully bringin' some hope back to a dying culture. Too ambitious? Maybe...but if I pull it off, you will say I've made history.
Carving the Journey:
(1996-2001)
The development as a songwriter/mc began long before The Savage Sun was ever manifested. Born and Raised in NorCal (outside of S.F.), I began freestyling and writing rhymes in 1996 purely for personal enjoyment (after discovering the dark beats and methodical lyrics of the Wu-Tang Clan), and began recording Hip-Hop jams in professional studios in that same year (although, I remember growing up in elementary and junior high school, listening to the likes of Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Run-DMC, Fat Boys, Ice-T, and Beastie Boys, among others). 1996-1997 proved to be an essential time in terms of my development as an artist, although the need emerged to transform my lyrical style into something purely unique, and clearly my own. 1998-1999 witnessed the beginning stage of this transformation and redefining of my style, while recording became a real important focus for me. Performances for the most part, remained irrelevant until New Year's Eve, 1999, when I kicked off my first of 3 International performances in New Zealand.
(2002-2004)
Fast Forward. The artist/stage name "the Savage Sun" came to me after experiencing a lucid and intensely frightening nightmare, which ironically coincided with a drastic turning point in my writing and style as an artist. This name was also fitting, considering my native roots. In 2002, being a part of putting out legitimate album compilations became a reality for me. After the release of the Character Development LP, I intensified my aspirations and ambitions, which included a string of shows in the central valley and the bay area of California. I also experienced my first street performance in Europe in 2002, entertaining passerbys on the streets of Brussels, Belgium. 2003 witnessed the launch of my website (www.savagesun.com). Coming to a crossroads in 2004, events led me to the northwest, while staying well rooted in the west coast. This time tested my desire and abilities, and was the catalyst for a period of tremendous growth in my artistic development. I wrote the greatest number of songs ever in 2004, showcasing a blend of unique jams and an undeniable talent as a songwriter. I also padded my resume with another respectable international performance in San Antonio, Costa Rica. 2004 held other milestones as well, as I completed shooting my first professional music video and launched my own music business; Sentient Productions (a music resource management and consultant company - see blog titled "Sentient Productions" for rates).
(2005-2008)
2005 and beyond has witnessed a number of shows in the northwest and midwest, press, as well as many high quality songs. During the past decade plus, I have gained a fair amount of respect and acclaim within the Hip-Hop community, and considerable notoriety along the west coast of the United States, as well as abroad. I finished recording my freshman solo joint in 2006, laying to rest any doubts about my conviction to my art. 2007 brought a temporary move to St. Louis, MO, in part to gain important exposure in the midwest. I have slowly begun the process of winning over the tentative people from the "show me" state through blazing performances, strong networking, radio station interviews, and promotion of my new album. 2008 started off strong with performances, newspaper press in both California and Washington, as well as a promotional tour in Europe, where I secured distribution of my album in 2 stores in Scotland. What began as a seed of thought bloomed into an idea, which in turn grew into well-rooted tree of reality. From one single moment of clarity, with pen and paper in hand to CDs, DVDs, radio broadcasts, interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, a music video, clothing sponsorships and worldwide exposure, I just keep living a dream. Desire and self belief carried me from where I stood before to where I stand today and I haven't looked back since. And in case you were wondering, I never sleep.
Styles and Proficiencies:
Artistically speaking, I grab the mic, the guitar and the pen. I write in all forms. I maintain a relentless focus on attaining as many creative goals as possible in this beautifully amazing, yet fleeting lifetime. I take pride in perfecting songs through a slow and deliberate process, hence the unique sound to each individual song. I would never compare my style to anyone. Mother Earth - Father Sky connected, therefore no definition is needed. I never stay with one style for too long for any reason, as my intention is to create and evolve, not maintain or stagnate. My sound possesses an edge of both darkness and light. Although my style cannot be pigeon-holed, essentially it can be translated through the following qualities: deeply descriptive and thoughtfully profound lyrical expression; heart wrenching yet inspirational artistic alchemy; fierce but uplifting and ever believing true-tale stories from the street, as seen through the eyes of one man. Don't blink or you'll miss it. Topics Include: praise to the Most High; social rebellion against government crimes; maintaining warrior status; respect for Hip-Hop culture; hope in the face of impossible struggle; honor of the self; storms of the heart.
Resume:
Recording and Performing: Professional Recording Artist of more than a decade. I have recorded at least 28 hip-hop jams since 1996, and at least 33 songs in total. I have written, produced, and released one solo album. I've been blessed to record music with artists such as Honest Jon (the Ladybird Unition) and Rocket One (True Consumers). I have been featured on albums with Dj Premier (Gangstar) and Little Vic, The Neurologists, and Pete (The Cuf).
5 time International Performing Artist (New Zealand, Belgium, Costa Rica). 2004-2006 Performances include California, Oregon, Washington and Costa Rica. Featured on 8 additional albums (5 of which were pressed in 1000+ Units, including the "Character Development" Sampler (2003) ~ an underground classic. One Professionally Produced Music Video. Performed in at least 16 cities; 4 states; 4 countries. Performed on a side stage at the Big Day Out in New Zealand, which included artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink 182, Foo Fighters, Chemical Brothers, Nine Inch Nails, Atari Teenage Riot, Basement Jaxx, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Beth Orton, Frenzal Rhomb, Goldie and MC Rage. I have performed with other artists, including Bicasso and Sunspot Jonz (Living Legends), Himself (Netherworlds), Pete and Nate the Great (The Cuf), and D.J. Vegan of Quivah. I was the replacement act for Bone Thugs & Harmony at the Jungle in Kennewick, WA in 2005, where I tore the house down. The funny thing is.. I ain't even really tried yet.
Press, Accomplishments, Honors:
In June, 2008, my music video for the song "Tight Grip on Nothing" received 5 YouTube honors, including an honor for the most watched video in France (musician category). In April, 2008, I was featured in a podcast interview (The Beat) and an interview in the Monterey Herald (montereyherald.com). In March, 2008, I was featured in an article in the Tri-City Herald (tricityherald.com), and also in an interview on Atomic Town (atomictown.com). In February, 2008, I was mentioned in the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) weekly publication for my benefit performance at Saint Louis' University's first Multi Cultural Eve. In December 2007, I united with Thrust Clothing, receiving an official clothing sponsorship and endorsement from this quality east coast company. In October, 2007, I was featured in an article in the Stockton Record (recordnet.com), and also on 209Vibe (209vibe.com). In Fall 2007, I was featured in an article in California State University Monterey Bay's "Alma Otter". In Summer 2007, I was featured in a half page article by Reactor Magazine (reactormag.com), along with photos in 2 separate pages. I was honored as the number 1 featured artist by the Tri-City Music Archive in the month of December, 2005 (12/4/05-12/10/05), which included a very favorable song review for "Ghosts of the Gangs". I have been featured in interviews such as a beautiful piece written by The Bullhorn, which was one of the top read interviews out of all the artist interviews showcased by the Bullhorn. My music has been on an album that has gained much media exposure from newspaper articles (Stockton Record) and in magazines (Murder Dog Magazine - Vol. 10, No. 1). I was also a featured artist in My Network TV's "Band Call Out" (FOX), where I ended up second overall, after 2 extremely competitive rounds of competition. I have been featured on an illustration for 11:23 productions as a promotional artist. I have been broadcasted on the radio (99.1) promoting local hip-hop and I have also had steady rotation on Internet radio, including current rotation on Hiphopphilosophy.com and Riverfrontradio.com.
Current Developments:
My full length freshman joint, titled "The Art of Being Alive" has been released and can be purchased on this page, or through CD Baby or iTunes. My music video for the song "Tight Grip on Nothing" is out and can be viewed on this page or by going to youtube.com (Producer: David Strayer). Savage Sun merchandise (Men's T-Shirts; Women's A-Shirts; Posters; Cd/DVD combo) is available and can be purchased by contacting me through this page.
Savage Sun has already begun working on the follow up album to "The Art of Being Alive". The new album, titled "Await Rescue" does not yet have a release date, however, when it is finished, it will put the stamp on Savage Sun's undeniable and eternal legacy as a creative visionary. The new album will feature songs such as "Solar Powered", "Deliverance", and "I Can Change". The album will also feature production and/or appearances from Billy Hughes (Ladybird Unition), Mars Madness, Shane Christensen, and Lightborn, among others. Savage Sun is also in the early stages of production of the new music video for the song "Forced". David Strayer will again be showcasing his video production skills on this one. Get ready for that next level of creative artistry!
For booking shows and events, please contact me through Myspace.
