music
Iranian born photographer and filmmaker Afshin Shahidi first met Prince in 1993. After working as his cinematographer on numerous video projects he was invited to document his 2002 One Night Alone Tour, and would become Prince’s personal photographer for a decade. This unexpected journey led to a close friendship, sleepless nights, frantic last-minute flights, and the distinction of being the only photographer granted access to Prince’s private 3121 parties.
Prince: A Private View takes you behind the lens on an intimate trip through the extraordinary life of the legendary musician through never-before-seen photos and personal recollections.
Nathan Pacheco is a classically trained tenor who has a passion for reaching out and uplifting people through music. Hailing from Northern Virginia with Brazilian heritage, Nathan’s exceptional voice and singing in native languages has wowed audiences worldwide. He has been featured globally including touring the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Yanni; performing with Latin singing sensation Olga Tañon; touring England, Scotland, and Wales with Katherine Jenkins and the National Symphony Orchestra; performing for Prince Charles in conjunction with the British Forces Foundation and the USO; performing with the San Diego Symphony and has been featured in various PBS television specials.
BREAKAWAY DAILY: When did you first
realize that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
Akua:
It’s funny. I waited about seven or eight years after graduating with my
BFA to really consider singing professionally. The ban of smoking in clubs had
a lot to do with my decision. But, most importantly, I had started my family
with my hugely supportive husband, and he pushed me to pursue my passion as a
performing musician. When I graduated I was young and I felt like the music
business was a bit too intimidating for me to navigate at that time.
BREAKAWAY DAILY: When did you first realize you had a passion for entertainment?
FRANKIE: I realized I had a passion for entertainment when I was 7 years old. The first solo I sang in church was entitled I Shall Wear a Crown! After seeing the congregation’s reaction, I knew then I was destined for greatness in the entertainment industry.
BREAKAWAY DAILY: Who have been some of your earliest influences?
FRANKIE: My early influences were Lecresia Campbell, Toni Braxton, Kirk Franklin and Family, Michael Jackson, and Donnie McClurkin.
Self taught composer Zaalen Tallis was born into a very creative and musical family from Perth, Western Australia and has been composing music since he was the age of twelve. He played the trombone and studied classical and jazz music for a very brief time in his early teen years however he left studying music to just focus on creating music. Since then he has composed music for projects in Australia, America and China and has been nominated four times for Best Original Music Award at the West Australian Screen Awards and in 2004 he received the Western Australian Swan District Education Award for Excellence In Music.
Italian born Flavio Sala has been captivating all kinds of audiences around the world with his amazing abilities on the guitar. He has played as a soloist and with orchestras around the world, in important festivals, theatres and concert halls. No matter if he is playing Bach or Santana Flavio Sala moves hot only his fingers, but his audience. After releasing several albums as a soloist and featuring renowned artists from Classical, Flamenco, Jazz, Latin, Pop and Rock, he has just released his new discographical project “Mi Guitarra y Mis Amores” (“My Guitar and My Loves”).
Eleri embraces contrast on her gorgeously lush full-length debut, Love Cyanidation where she delivers a plaintive tale of unrequited love. She remains entrenched in the classical training she received in her youth while also forging into the electronic expanse mined by mavericks such as Imogen Heap, Nine Inch Nails, Björk, and deadmau5. As a result, the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer conjures up a seductive sound that is unequivocally her own.
Growing up in a small town just north of Chicago, Eleri immersed herself in music, taking guitar, voice, and piano lessons and frequenting Berklee College of Music summer programs.
Doublehead Music consists of Shaun; a composer, vocalist, drummer, and keyboardist. He also dabbles in some slide guitar now and then. He studied jazz dumset performance at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) that includes notable alumni such as Tim Burton, Katy Sagal, Dustin Hoffman, and Sofia Coppola. When Shaun is not making music, he teaches drums privately. How’s that for beating to the tune of your own drum!
Shaun’s music is not intended to be modeled after a certain style, but authentic self-expression. His music is influenced heavily by jazz, triphop, and fearless self-expressionists like Bjork, Portishead, and Radiohead.