Elaquent

Canadian-based producer Elaquent is certainly no rookie in the thriving beat scene. Known for his smooth, soulful style; his off-kilter, neck-break beats; and his obsession with Batman and Sega Genesis, Elaquent is finally beginning to reach his full potential. Elaquent, or “eQ” as he is also known by, has been making his mark on the independent beat scene in a big way over the last few years, with a large discography of well received instrumental albums. Since the ninth grade, eQ has been mastering his production techniques, creating a sound uncommon to the crop of other local producers. Citing J Dilla and DJ Premier as some of his earliest influences, eQ has become much of a fan favorite among beat afficionados in Toronto. After a string of successful releases, including “Believing” , “The Scenic Route” and “Green Apples and Oranges”, eQ has begun to take his show on the road, armed with his trusty SP-404sx loaded full of beats. Having toured all around the United States and many parts of Europe, eQ shows no signs of slowing down. Signed to HW&W Recordings (based out of Los Angeles), the enthusiastic producer is already planning a number of albums, live shows and collaborations. Needless to say, Elaquent is on the come-up.

Iman Omari

With the “new sound” of West Coast music upon us, a young prodigy from the left coast is prepared to make his mark on the music industry. With such a diverse display of talents, 22-year old Los Angeles-based composer, producer, writer and singer Iman Omari is using a sound that “can’t be defined” to takeover the game. Taking over the game starts in 2011 for Omari with his debut album “Energy” scheduled for a November release. Through his infectious use of melodic vocals combined with jazz-fusion, hip-hop, soul and R&B he hopes to change the way people listen to music, making it a more passionate and soulful experience. The self-taught musician and former graduate of the Alexander Hamilton High School of Music Academy has already delivered the bubbly sound of the New West to the world. As a self-proclaimed hip-hop lover, he has produced tracks for numerous prominent California rappers including Pac Div, Cee Jay and Dom Kennedy. His unique sound allowed him to land co-production credits on Kendrick Lamar’s 2011 critically acclaimed “Section 80” mixtape. While currently working on various collaborations Omari hopes that his debut album puts him in a section apart from the rest. In a music world full of regurgitated acts the young prodigy finds it hard to define himself as an artist but is aware that what he is creating both vocally and musically is truly rare. Although his musical inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway to Herbie Hancock and Jay Dilla may be of the past; it is clear that his refreshing sound is groundbreaking yet not limited. Just sounds simply syncopated for true music lovers to feel the “Energy.”

EmE

Ryan Goodling (stagename EmE), is a beatmaker, producer, sound enthusiast and dog-lover. Ryan was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. Although extremely shy as a child, Ryan cultivated an imaginative musical world in his mind and has since transformed into one of Asheville’s most promising electronic musicians. EmE’s tracks relax the body, stimulate the mind, and calm the soul. Although his unique sounds are hard to categorize, EmE’s songs give off a psychedelic vibe and ultimately get their roots from hip-hop. His songs can be recognized by a tasteful use of old vinyl samples, wonky synth bass, and complex, off-set beats.
Ryan moved to Asheville in 2009 and began performing with other local artists a couple of years later. Since September 2011, he has been involved with the Asheville Beat Tape Collective, which is one of the best showcases of beat artists in the southeast. Ryan plays many shows with DJ/producer Samuel Paradise’s production company, Gauche Vibrations. He also recently played Activation Music Festival in Boone and opened for Thriftworks with the Left Field Experiment in Atlanta.
Ryan draws musical inspiration from his everyday life, the dream world, and memories of his childhood. Music is his passion and he lives and breathes to create the sounds in his head. EmE’s recent tracks incoporate self-recorded sounds from his environment and original synth melodies for a more personal sound. Over the summer, EmE released his first full length album, which is made up of his favorite tracks from the past two years. The album is titled Channel 0 and is available for your downloading pleasure at ememusic.bandcamp.com/album/channel-0.