PHOENIX, AZ. (Aezra Records/ www.aezra.com) - Southern California native Billy Miles is set to release her self-titled Aezra/EMI debut album on
September 21, and like the artist herself, the 13-song collection is exotic, eclectic ... and stunning. Raised in a multi-racial family, the singer-songwriter grew up absorbing the diverse musical tastes of her African-American father and Eurasian (British-Japanese) mother. The contrast resounds beautifully in Billy's performances.
Both coolly stylish and playfully trippy, Billy's earthy yet elegant sound blends soul, jazz, R&B, pop, rock and hip-hop. Her debut disc Billy Miles is currently generating considerable buzz at Urban AC and Smooth Jazz radio with the sultry lead single "Sunshine," recorded at L.A.-based Greenhouse Productions with the production team of Guy Erez and Emerson Swinford (P. J. Olsson, Brooke, Eagle Eye Cherry). Powered by an uplifting groove and sinuous hooks, the track dramatically spotlights Miles' nuanced phrasing and soul-deep delivery.
And, at the same time, the track "A Friend Like You" has become a breakthrough favorite on the influential program "Morning Becomes Eclectic" on the Santa Monica, CA-based National Public Radio outlet KCRW-FM. This alternative airplay gives Miles significant exposure in an entirely different arena on a trend-setting show known for helping to break new artists.
A songwriter since her early teens, Billy Miles' professional career began as one-half of a short-lived duo whose lone album for A&M Records was never released. What Miles calls her "folkie era" followed, as she embarked on a solo career playing clubs throughout L.A.'s colorful indie/underground scene.
It was during this time that Billy's current producer and co-writer Andre Williams (A.K. Bros. Entertainment Group) became acquainted with her talents. What evolved through their collaboration is a soulful and organic vibe that fits Billy's rich, smoky vocals like a satin-lined glove. Also woven into her sensual sound are the varied musical influences that have moved her, including a rainbow of stellar female vocalists. Listen behind Billy's beat and you'll hear echoes of a genre and generation-spanning sisterhood that includes legends Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, and Eartha Kitt, as well as contemporary stars Sade, Stevie Nicks, Esthero, Macy Gray, and Norah Jones.
In addition to the single "Sunshine" and "A Friend Like You," standout selections include "Feelin' Me," driven by a jazzy melody over a beat-heavy underpinning, and crisp production from Andre Williams and Jeeve (Where's My Cut Productions). The album also features a wealth of tracks spotlighting Billy's insightful lyrics and spot-on production by Andre and A.K., among them the intense, bluesy number "Your Love's A Lie," and the funky, reggae-inflected "I Know."
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Whatever the musical flavor, Miles' confident vocals and authentic delivery tie it all together. Billy Miles introduces one of music's most distinctive new voices.
In support of Billy Miles, the artist will perform special industry showcases in New York City and Los Angeles. She has just completed a taping of Don Cornelius's production, Soul Train to air October 9th and will soon embark on a nationwide promotional tour.
Distributed by EMI, Aezra Records was founded in 1999. The company is located at 14040 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022-6117. Their telephone number is (602) 482-6518, and they can be found on the worldwide web at https://www.aezra.com.
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