Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/8037
LIVEMAGS.NET MARCH>>10 35 From the tender age of seven, Bone has been rap- ping. Of course, now his rapping skills are a little more refined – no longer is he just on the karaoke machine – he's up there on stage rapping for the fans. The Texas native knew his whole life that he would be a famous rapper; there was never any doubt in his mind. His new hit song "Homegurl,", produced by Def Jam Records, hit the airwaves in February. Bone's determination, which has never run dry, coupled with some lucky breaks, such as a studio in his teen workplace, all led to his inevi- table stardom.Of course, Bone's had his fair share of flops – claiming that the first time he heard him- self recorded, he sounded horrible. After studying his favorite rappers like Eminem and Scarface, he got a better idea of what to do. While still in high school he made mixtapes and sold them. Eventually, college and collaborations led to his discovery by Def Jam Records. GENRE: Rap LABEL: Universal WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/heirbone SOUNDS LIKE: Scarface minus the scars SONG: Homegurl Sarah Haze Bone When we wake up to a beautiful day with the sun shining, it's easier to focus on the positive things in our lives. "You have the option to look at your life and see the good," says Sara Haze, explaining the title to her new album My Personal Sky. The line comes from her song "Beautiful Day" in which she states she's "already been through the rain" and now there's "not a cloud" in her "personal sky." While that's where she may have ended up, this sun-bleached blonde Southern Cali- fornia girl explores the whole jour- ney through her music. "This world can be full of hardship and pain, but if you go through these things you'll appreciate what you have and be able to see all the good in the world." Releasing her first major album at the age of 19 has been a long time coming for this songstress, writing fan favorites like "Lovely" and "My Own Hands To Hold" years earlier. Wise beyond her age, Sara writes about growing up in the modern teenage world in a way that connects. "When one of my songs touches someone it means the world to me," exclaims Sara who's had over 30 songs placed in films and television shows. Wanting to be just like her vocalist mother, Sara was singing for crowds by age five. Her self-proclaimed big break came at the young age of 12 when she answered an ad to cut vocals for a song that needed "a girl with soul." Expecting an adult to match the voice, industry veteran Dave Woeck- ener was shocked when the 12-year- old arrived at his beachfront studio proudly dressed to the nines with her parents in tow. Nailing the vo- cals in only 30 minutes, Sara made an impression. "I was floored," says Woeckener. The song was used in television placements 20 times in four years including The Young and the Restless. GENRE: Pop LABEL: Strategic Alliance WEBSITE: www.sarahaze.com SOUNDS LIKE: A white ALicia Keys SONG: Beautiful Day 2010 MUSIC INDUSTRY DRAFT PICS GENRE: Pop-Rock LABEL: Epitaph WEBSITE: www.epitaph.com SOUNDS LIKE: A gentle New Found Glory SONG: Come Around Unlike most pop bands, Sing It Loud is not on a major pop label. Signed by Epitaph, a typically punk-rock label, Sing It Loud has more of a rock musical background but produces pop music. They're proud of this difference, giving off their original and individual vibe. They do sound like a mixture between New Found Glory and other pop- punk bands like Yellowcard. The band is made up of Pat Brown, vocalist/ guitarist; Kieren Smith, guitarist; Nate Flynn, bass; Ben Peterson, keyboard and synthesizer; and Christopher Lee, drums. Adding another interesting twist, Sing It Loud only played seven shows before being signed by Epitaph and their band history is quite a story. Brown and Smith, the epitome of frenemies, had an unexpected familial connection whilst in two rival bands. As their connection was revealed, they found more compatibilities and eventually decided to make their music together, mixing both Brown's love of pop punk with Smith's obsession with arena rock. The band dreams of becoming more than just that, a lifestyle. The album's first single and hit song is "Come Around," immediately inducing head-bopping and catchy melodies. Sing It Loud is going on a cross-country tour in March. SING IT LOUD