Nu-soul with an urban mutually exclusive flavor

4 MP3 Songs
URBAN/R&B: Present-day urban, HIP HOP/RAP: Alternative Hip Hop

Happy 2 Be Nappy Songs


Details:
Alana DaCosta
Singer, Songwriter, Poet

The appropriate vibes of this Songstress flows

through the clandestine of main-street music and

the passion expressed in her live performances

shed some light on the original roots of soul music-

life's lessons. Indeed, the addictive vocal

arrangements of Alana DaCosta have an impact on

her audience. Her style of singing is controlled,

captivating and inspirational. Her gift of song

opens the minds of her listeners and arouses a

new depth of soul music. Her distinctive sound

extends beyond boundaries as she consistently

blends nu-soul with grooves and vibes of hip-hop,

reggae, jazz, and a drop of funk.

Born in Bronx, New York, to Jamaican parents,

Alana DaCosta, as a toddler would hum the tunes

of singers ranging from Gregory Isaac to Donna

Summer. Alana's mother would often encourage

her only child to entertain herself with her "most

favorite toy" in their home, her mother's turntable.

Alana's exposure to various musical genres at a

young age influenced her singing and songwriting

styles. She began her musical endeavors at the

early age of 7, performing in school plays, charity

events and talents shows. By the time she was

ten, Alana began writing poetry, competing in

oratorical contests, and playing the trumpet in a

jazz and concert band. Two years later, she

enrolled at the Dillard Center of the Performing Arts

in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; where she excelled in

her chosen track of voice and instrumental training.

As a student, Alana performed throughout Florida

and Bahamas with some of the most talented

musicians and singers such as Roberta Flack and

Peabo Bryson.


A graduate of the prestigious Howard University in

Washington, D.C., Alana's strong passion for

helping others influenced her decision to study

Psychology as well as Music, with a concentration

in Voice and Jazz studies. She continued to excel in

her studies and performed throughout the

Baltimore and DC area. "One day my music will

touch the minds, hearts and souls of people across

the world, and will increase one's motivation for

self discovery and the desire to live life freely",

says Alana, a songwriter who truly understands

and respects the healing power of music and

conveys her artistic mission through her songs.


Since returning to South Florida in 2001, Alana has

performed at numerous venues including the

premiere screening of Erykah Badu's short film

documentary "Hair Stories" at the elegant Nikki

Beach Club in South Beach. Alana received

admirable reviews from her audiences at Hard Rock

Café Bayside and at "Urban Nights" held at the

legendary Eden Rock Resort.


In the recording studio, Alana has recorded

background vocals for various artists and has

shared the stage with well-known reggae artists

such as Beres Hammond, Luciano, Maxi Priest, and

Marcia Griffiths. Alana also performs at colleges and

universities throughout the United States with

Poetic Akhu, a group of poets, singers, and musical

pioneers that are driven by the desire to expose

any audience to "homegrown" soul through poetry

and song.

Currently signed to Flaming Star Productions, Inc.,

out of South Florida, Alana is working on her debut

solo album, "My SmOkE", which will be released

the end of 2005. Alana's first single from the

album, "Happy 2 Be Nappy" is an eclectic piece that

crosses cultural boundaries and allows her

listeners to feel the impact of her musical

influences; ranging from the legendary Bob Marley

to renowned singers Nina Simone, Rochelle Farrell,

and Lauryn Hill.


With the drive and passion felt in her music, there

is no doubt, that this talented young lady is

destined to leave her own mark in the world and

make her artistic mission a reality.


Alana's HOT new single, "Happy 2 Be Nappy" is now available at:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alanadacosta
and
Various digital download sites:

MusicNet
Apple iTunes
MP3tunes
Sony Connect
DigitalKiosk
MSN Music
WrapFactory