Metal Declassified
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
This crushing and controversial style of music has been given a popularity boost this year, thanks to the release of the DVD documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey - but to the people living on the outside of the Metal circle, the documentary and what it proposes brings up more questions than answers.
The segment of the DVD that explains the different styles of Metal would be perceived by many Metal fans as being sketchy at best - even though it would be unfair to assume that so much historical fact could be fitted onto a single documentary. The segment would also be too complicated for those still new to the genre or wish to learn more about it, and it would take a considerable amount of time to educate the viewers as well.
Here is a brief guide to the different styles of Metal for beginners.
Black Metal
The scary sibling of Metal, Black Metal has its roots planted firmly in the frozen lands of Norway. Black Metal is can be broken down to the Extreme or Melodic sub-genres, and generally utilizes the use of keyboards and complex orchestral arrangements for atmospheric effects. Controversies and brutal suicides aside, Black Metal is perhaps the most versatile of all styles of Metal, with their frequent use of classical music and Traditional Metal elements. Bands include Emperor, Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral and Immortal.
Thrash Metal
Arguably the heaviest and fastest of the bunch, Thrash Metal sprang from the West Coast of the United States, and from Germany, in the early 80s - thanks to such acts like Slayer, Exodus, Megadeth and Metallica from the US and German bands Kreator, Destruction and Sodom. Thrash Metal emphasizes on the speed and catchiness of guitar riffs, and employs the use of lightning-fast double bass drums. Not as versatile and complex as some other forms of Metal, but is loved for being a pleasant reminder of the early days of Heavy Metal.
Death Metal
Bloody and technical, Death Metal is split in half by its equally popular Brutal and Melodic sub-genres. One of the signatures of Death Metal is the use of growling vocals and palm-muted guitar melodies. Brutal Death is popularized by American bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Death and Nile; and their Melodic Death counterparts are mostly Swedish with bands like In Flames, Opeth, Soilwork and Dark Tranquillity making a name worldwide. The roots of Death Metal can be traced back to the heydays of Black Sabbath.
Power Metal
Power Metal bands are often technical and play at hyper-speeds, and more often than not flaunt their technical skills with instrumental sections within their songs. Influenced heavily by legends of Heavy Metal Iron Maiden, Power Metal bands focus on speedy chord changes and powerful vocal performances as well - and tend to use folklore and fictional work for their musical inspiration. Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray and Iced Earth are some better known Power Metal bands.
Traditional Metal
Traditional Metal bands are influenced by rock ‘n roll just as much as they are influenced by genre-defining Metal bands. As the music of Metal diversifies and transcends borders, not many bands can claim to be Traditional Metal bands - but those who still remain in the business today are the ones who laid out the pillars for the Metal bands of the future. Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Motorhead and Judas Priest are the best examples of groundbreaking Traditional Metal bands.
Doom Metal
As slow as it is painful, even for many Metal fans, Doom Metal is a niche sub-genre of Metal that requires a significant amount of acquired taste for it. Doom Metal songs are set at slower speeds than songs from the other styles of Metal, thus creating a gloomy atmosphere. They owe much of their roots to Black Sabbath, the band that indirectly spawned the groundwork for Thrash Metal and Death Metal as well. My Dying Bride and Anathema are some better known Doom Metal bands.
Iced Earth vs Metallica III
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
The one thing that I find truly disturbing, and sad, is that the newer music fans will never know and understand the greatness that was once Metallica; as MTV and other mainstream venues immediately started to push videos and songs from the worst lowest point in the band’s history, true Metal fans could only watch with our heads hanging in shame.
Up The Irons, Bow To Leper Messiah
One of the brightest flames of Metal in America to have ever scorched the outside world, Iced Earth or in this case, its mastermind Jon Schaffer can be duly credited for having the best influences in Metal history. Jon’s biggest inspirations were, and probably still are, none other than the mighty Iron Maiden and the band that has probably started the whole damned thing we call “Metal” - Black Sabbath. It would be unfair to say that James has been under the wrong influences, pun intended; after all he is a huge fan of Michael Schenker and UFO, and you can’t go wrong with that - as well as some European and New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands too. Where or when, exactly, did Hetfield go wrong?
If I could answer that, I would probably state that James assistant and whiner-in-chief Lars Ulrich has something to do with the bands change in overall style, or in this case, lack of which - disgruntled ex-bassist Jason Newstead has lashed out at one of his former partners in the one of the greatest rhythm sections in Metal history, stating that Lars has been out of touch with his art of drumming and hasn’t practiced in ages. That statement is as cutting as a razor blade, and as true as truth can get - watch Lars pant in fatigue after just a few seconds of bass drum work in Some Kind Of Monster. This isn’t the same man behind the drum kit who characteristically pounded out a thousand bass-drum notes a night, any night - churning out the bass beats of songs like “Fight Fire With Fire” and “Battery”.
Can we safely conclude that Jon has given Iced Earth the direction and creativity it most deservedly possesses because he listens to himself, first and foremost, when he combines his songwriting vision with the inspiration and ideas left for him by the masters of the genre? Nothing in this article has been safe so far and all of my ideas are highly debatable, but know that the proof of my arguments lie in every Metal specialty shop.
Metallica has four highly respected albums, and we all know which ones those are. The self-titled CD which came after the four Metal masterpieces isn’t exactly a thrash-fest; it displays a more mainstream songwriting and musical approach by James, which paid off in terms of sales and maybe a couple of catchy radio-friendly tunes, but gained nothing more than what the band had already achieved during the pinnacle of their career in the late 80s.
Iced Earth has, under its sparkling diamond-studded belt, quite an ensemble of worthy albums - literally a treasure trove of magical musical moments. I won’t explain each and every one, but the ones that really stand out are Night Of The Stormrider (even though this one suffered from a below-average vocalist, its one of Jon’s pinnacles in songwriting), Something Wicked This Way Comes, Burnt Offerings, Horror Show, The Dark Saga, Alive In Athens, The Glorious Burden…mind you, these are just the standout CDs. See the difference?
It would be tragic to see Metallica - one time Kings of Heavy Metal - disappear completely from the planes of the music world, but their sad demise is inevitable. The band, and especially the remaining members, aged before their time and we have been witnessing their gradual burnout in the past several years. We can, however, pray for at least one more noteworthy release from them before their retirement, but that would be wishful thinking - I’m not holding my breath for that to happen.
Iced Earth vs Metallica II
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
“Red Baron” has to be heard to be believed - Ripper Owens really lets his vocals run wild in this one, check out the screams in the chorus of the song! Finally, the last stand-out moment of the album’s first CD (the second CD is the Gettysburg Trilogy with 3 really epic tracks - more on that later) is the song Valley Forge. The song starts off slow, with acoustic guitars and lyrics which detail a very personal account of war through the eyes of a soldier, and gradually builds up to a catchy chorus. Listen to this one right to the end, folks…the guitar solo in this one has got to be the best guitar solo in any Iced Earth song!
The Gettysburg Trilogy: I’ll keep this part short and simple. Take the time to listen to the entire CD from start to end, and read the lyrics as you do. It’s an amazing experience, really! Tim’s vocals and the band’s music really does it for me, and the war scenes that progress together with the songs are products of a brilliant visionary and are truly touches of songwriting class.
The Stormrider vs. Saint Anger
Being the mastermind of one of the greatest Metal bands of all time isn’t a walk in the park. Just ask James Hetfield of you-know-which-band (your 13 year old sister has probably seen them on MTV). Nothing against the man behind one of Metal’s living legends (after the mid 80s and most parts of the 90s that is, but that’s OK, MTV still wants them), but when Bob Rock said he wanted to get the band to release something a band jamming for the first time in a garage would, I couldn’t keep a straight face and put the blame solely on Rock’s head. Jon Schaffer, on the other hand - albeit not having a single companion with him through the times (maybe its better to not have a Lars Ulrich in your band, eh?) has not only carried Iced Earth through the harsh environments of the 90s (I can name you at least 10 Metal bands who haven’t gotten through the 90s without changing their musical style) but has in fact allowed his band to flourish with his iron grip dictatorship. Maybe that is the best way to run and lead a band; after all he has given countless band mates the boot for not being up to his standards. James, on the other hand, allows a whiny, trash-talking Dane to step all over his head. See the difference now? I thought so.
It’s impossible, at least to me, to not compare these two giants. After all, they have so many similarities - being rhythm guitarists and chief songwriters of their respective bands, being exemplary front men and leaders, and both trying to climb up the ladder of Metal Stardom in flourishing Metal hotbeds (Hetfield in California: home of thrash giants Slayer and Exodus, among others - while Jon and his working prototype Iced Earth - with now-defunct band members - jammed in warehouse complexes in Tampa Bay alongside the likes of Obituary and Overkill).
Strangely, Jon looks up to James and Metallica, even though he has obviously proved to be the better leader. One would have to admit that James wasn’t as strong as many in the Metal scene would have wanted him to be after seeing him self-destruct due to alcoholism and the stereotypical rock ‘n roll lifestyle, among other things (Get the Some Kind Of Monster documentary - it somehow gives you a fresh perspective on the abomination which was St. Anger) that led to Metallica’s slow demise.
Iced Earth vs Metallica I
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
Iced Earth’s Upcoming Curse
It’s been warm for far too long, but America’s Great Hope of Heavy Metal Iced Earth is preparing - hopefully, not a concluding - icy attack on all of its fans worldwide. Mastermind Jon Schaffer has given us a rough idea of what’s to expect from his fresh line-up of more-than-willing warriors; only vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens has prior experience with the band - after having contributed his vocal duties the Glorious Burden, and drum maestro Bobby Jarzombek has worked with Jon in the second Demons & Wizards offering Touched by the Crimson King.
Schaffer has revealed his intentions of creating a massive aural experience in the upcoming album (ironically, as he has done with all of the band’s previous albums) through the vision he has had with the Something Wicked This Way Comes album. This is a very salivating premise; the last three songs stand as the foundation, so to speak, of the album and also offer us a thrilling end to one of the most complete Metal albums ever released by any band. A complete album, a double-disc affair no less, based on the Something Wicked Trilogy… now this idea provides some salvation and a sense of hope to those who weren’t as keen to engage in battle, with a burden on their backs, as Jon and his comrades were with the last studio release.
The Glorious Burden
The Glorious Burden was not an average album by any means, but sadly, it was an average album from a great band that has given us so much in such a relatively short time. Good isn’t good enough when it comes to Iced Earth, and this really shows in The Glorious Burden. Still recovering from the tragic departure of Matt Barlow from the band to pursue his greater ambitions, it might take us more time to get used to, let alone truly embrace and enjoy, the dynamic vocals of Tim Owens. Owens, who has a greater voice control and an even greater exposure to the world of Heavy Metal (Judas Priest, anyone?) than Barlow, sadly lacks the emotion to convey the bands more heart-wrenching tracks. Barlow, however, cannot match Owens in multi-range vocals and screams - Ripper Owens is simply a master of the art, lets not forget that he did fill in for none other than Rob Halford.
From my constant observations and endless hours of listening to the “new” and “old” Iced Earth, I can conclude that Barlow simply fit the band better - he was the melancholic holy martyr, he was the relentless prince of pain, he was The Stormrider. Owens, however, can probably handle the songs with more screams better than Barlow - for instance, saying that Owens singing “The Burning Times” sounded better to me than Barlow’s take in the studio would probably get me in hot water, but I can include a mitigation with that statement by saying that Barlow would have probably been better off handling certain songs in The Glorious Burden like “When The Eagle Cries” - where pure emotion was the main theme of the track.
The Glorious Burden, although turning off some Iced Earth fans with its strong military and war-themed songs, did have some truly golden moments which would make the album truly worthy of the Iced Earth name even to the most harshest of critics. For starters, there are at three powerful songs in the album that truly stand out, and are really powerful songs in every aspect - “Declaration Day” and “The Reckoning” and “Red Baron/Blue Max”. The first two songs I mentioned are solid, rocking songs which are, very simply, classic Iced Earth-sounding.
Who’s Hot & Who’s Not: Rock
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
The scene of modern music is always moving and constantly changing - there is nothing that stays put for certain, and no fate is pre-determined in any way. Endless factors and variables control the fate of rock bands, be it for the better, or for worse. Let’s take a look at Who’s Hot & Who’s Not in the modern rock scene today - as predicted by me, judging from recent events and developments.
Hot: Rage Against The Machine
These highly-acclaimed modern rock heroes of the 90s have reunited for at least one rock festival, and their future seems bright indeed. After having disbanded some years ago due to worsening internal disputes between frontman Zack de la Rocha and the rest of the band - guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk - they have seemingly cast aside whatever differences they have had earlier to reunite the monstrous Rage Against The Machine. Apparently, the solo career of Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell did, more or less, affect the three musicians to find solace in the band that got them where they are now - and speaking of solo careers, de la Rocha’s very own didn’t take off either. Here’s praying that they will stick together for a good several more years!
Not: Guns N’ Roses
Axl Rose’s band of replacement musicians have a task that’s too much for any band to handle: to win the hearts of old time GNR fans who have grown to know and love the “real” GNR - the GNR with Slash, Duff and Izzy on board. Axl’s atrocious lying about the release of the long-awaited Chinese Democracy album isn’t helping much either, and judging by the tracks leaked on the internet the album isn’t too great anyway. The current GNR is akin to a corpse being resurrected by a mad scientist, to the chagrin of the townspeople. Let it go, Axl.
Hot: Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins are back! After a short-lived project by the name of Zwan and a forgettable solo album, Billy Corgan is trying his level best to get the Pumpkins in line for a much welcomed comeback very, very soon. Although some former Pumpkins members will not be a part of this new lineup, it is rumored that long-time skinsman Jimmy Chamberlin will once again team up with the brilliant Corgan, while ex-guitarist James Iha hasn’t shown any interest in this reunion of sorts. May we see this happen within the year!
Not: The Darkness
The Darkness is a band destined for premature burn-up, or so it seems. After the release of their first album, Permission To Land, their bassist left the fold after citing his distaste for the commercial attention the band had received. And now, after the release of their second album, singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins has been admitted to a rehabilitation facility for his deteriorating drug addiction. He is keen on coming up with a solo album and a soundtrack album for a movie, but has not stated on whether he will ever return to The Darkness. Since Justin IS the face and voice of The Darkness, it’s unlikely that the band will continue touring and recording without him. A sad demise to one of the brightest rock outfits today.
Hot: Red Hot Chili Peppers
The band seems to be doing only the right things at all the right times. After the highly acclaimed Californication and By The Way, the Peppers came out with the gigantic Stadium Arcadium - also to raving reviews the world over. For a band that has survived such tumultuous times for so long, they seem to have in abundance what many bands lose after a period of time: passion. Their performing and songwriting skills haven’t waned even a little, but in fact, have grown even better over time. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis belts out the vocal tunes like he hasn’t aged a bit, and guitarist John Frusciante seems to be on the constant rise to being one of the best rock guitarists of our times.
Who’s Hot & Who’s Not: Metal
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
The scene of modern music is always moving and constantly changing - there is nothing that stays put for certain, and no fate is pre-determined in any way. Endless factors and variables control the fate of metal bands, be it for the better, or for worse. Let’s take a look at Who’s Hot & Who’s Not in the metal scene today - as predicted by me, judging from recent events and developments.
Hot: Lamb Of God
After the release of the brilliant Sacrament, these young rebels have proven their critics wrong - that they are, indeed, here to stay. It would seem that commercial success would slow down a band - take, for instance, Metallica or Megadeth - but there’s no stopping this maniacal quintet. They are true contenders for the throne of thrash metal - after Slayer and Nevermore are long gone, of course - and will stop at nothing to hold the flag of American Metal up high.
Not: Metallica
Oh, boy…a real surprise here. Metallica seems to be fumbling deeper and deeper into nothingness, breaking under the pressure of commercial success and their inner struggles. They seem to be inside a constant vortex of dreariness - there’s just no creative juice left in their tanks anymore. While they are in the recording studios finishing up their next album, true metalheads know that the real Metallica died a long time ago.
Hot: Nevermore
Nevermore has never released a weak album; all of their efforts have either been good or fucking awesome - and their last album This Godless Endeavor fell into the latter category. It was a brilliant display of imaginative songwriting, groundbreaking technicality and stood firmly as a solid concept album, all on its own. Having ex-Testament guitarist Steve Smyth on board has helped a lot - founding member and guitar virtuoso Jeff Loomis says he has never felt more comfortable working with any other guitarist in his career - and the old guns are firing harder than ever before. Vocalist Warrel Dane, bassist Jim Sheppard and drum maestro Van Williams are at the top of their game - even though it’s already been 12 years since their self-titled debut came out. There seems to be no stopping them, and a lot more can be expected from these guys from Seattle.
Not: Megadeth
I have completely given up hope on this new incarnation of Megadeth - main man Dave Mustaine seems to have his priorities on being endorsed by as many guitar companies as he possibly can, instead of focusing on quality material. His egomaniacal nature has seen the exit of many former members of the band, yet he is quite confident of his upcoming album entitled United Abominations - when the songs from that album which are already out don’t seem to be the least impressive. Megadeth is another dinosaur roaming the earth, waiting for its demise.
Hot: Deicide
If The Stench Of Redemption is anything to go by, than Deicide has been rejuvenated and is ready to cause some widespread damage! Newly appointed guns Ralph Santolla and Jack Owens have given the band a much needed boost in the guitar department, while drummer Steve Acsheim and frontman/bassist Glen Benton seem to be at the top of their game. The Stench Of Redemption was a solid and worthy release by the band last year - and was able to hold it’s own against the releases from better known bands - and this year we hope to see so much more from the band who has given so much to Death Metal in recent years.
Do Looks Matter?
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
Call it looks. Call it physical features. Call it bodily appearance. Call it whatever you want, but looks really have figured quite imminently in the music of our generation.
The biggest, and most obvious proof of this, would be the stars of mainstream music today. Justim Timberlake. Fergie. Paris Hilton (she isn’t in mainstream music for her singing talents). Britney Spears (not so much today, but damn, she was huge - pun intended - not too long ago).
Anyone - and I mean anyone, can argue about their singing skills - but not many, including myself, can argue about the way they have been marketed and packaged, ever so attractively, by the corporate bigwigs behind their big desks in their big offices.
The fact remains that looks DO sell.
This fact drives a huge proportion of the mainstream music industry (or pop music, in layman’s terms). I was actually pretty fuckin’ surprised when that white-haired guy won the American Idol - sorry, but his name escapes me now. Ah yes, Taylor Hicks. Taylor has the charming persona of a performer who tries harder than his better looking brethren - just so he can safely float above the cold, frigid waters that is the music business. And surprisingly, he won the title of American Idol - beating other better (and younger) looking contestants who would, without a doubt, appeal more to the fans of pop music.
I have to say that this American Idol incident was a fluke.
There was simply no denying Taylor’s talents as a singer and well-rounded performer, and he managed to scrape through because he is way more versatile than his one trick pony peers. His raspy, bluesy voice and down to earth persona was way more appealing than the other dime a dozen pretty boy and girl next door types.
American Idol aside, the music industry counts on the pretty faces mentioned above to make big bucks.
Paris Hilton doesn’t write her own songs, and survives on the damned autotune functions in the studio mixers. Justin Timberlake has nothing to do with the beats in his songs - that’s the job of a certain guy named after a popular shoe brand. Fergie would be pretty much useless without her being in some irritating silly-named band and her sex appeal. Yet, they have the lion’s share of radio play around the globe - giving the impression to millions of people that they are the bee’s knees when it comes to belting a tune - when they are merely vehicles of ridiculous profits.
That is exactly why it sickens me to see thousands of people, who are naturally gifted in music, are completely ignored by the media.
Ask a teenager on the street if they have ever heard of The Carpenters, or Jimi Hendrix. Sadly, they’re long forgotten and only survive within the hearts and minds of real music aficionados who know, and care about, some of the greatest talent the music world has ever seen. Damn it, Karen Carpenter was one amazing singer with a great voice! RIP Karen, and thanks for the amazing music!
Call me an old dinosaur - at the ripe old age of 23, no less - but I know real talent when I hear one. Be it in pop, blues, rock or metal - talent is undeniable, and it would take a tone deaf moron to not appreciate the classics of yesteryear. It deals me an extreme amount of pain to see people nowadays ignoring the fact that great music does exist, outside of the narrow scope of our radio stations. All they need to do is get themselves into a decent record store and check out some classic albums - nothing newer than music made in the 80s! - to see what the hell I’m ranting about.
Buy Original
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
Why should we obtain original recordings - be it CDs, DVDs, or even cassette tapes or LPs (hey, some people still prefer to go analogue)? Why should we spend our hard earned cash buying these exorbitantly priced pieces of plastic and paper?
It would be easier, for us Malaysians, to resort to pirated CDs and other forms of recordings, but here are some reasons why it does pay to be original.
Do It For Value
When was the last time you bought an original piece of recording and treated yourself to its outstanding, crystal clear recording qualities? If you can’t remember this, then you should be ashamed of yourself.
If music is your thing, and if you take pride in being a music enthusiast, then you should also take the initiative in purchasing original recordings of your favorite artistes. The reason being that if you get a licensed record, then you can be sure of the quality of the recording.
Many would argue that for the price of an original record, we can get 5 or even 10 pirated recordings - but are you sure that you’re hearing the best of what your favorite band has to offer? Are you even sure that you will enjoy looking at the cheaply printed cover?
Do It For The Musicians
Musicians survive on the sales of their records, and they also earn a little from doing shows and merchandise sales - but their bread and butter will always rely on the successes of their hard work.
It is disheartening to know that many musicians are surviving from paycheck to paycheck - unlike some of the wealthy pop stars - so buying their original recordings the right thing to do? I wouldn’t want my money to go to some organized crime syndicate that produces illegal copies of music albums - in fact, it makes me sleep better at night knowing that the few hundred ringgit or so I spend every month on music recordings and memorabilia goes directly to the people making the music I find great joy listening to.
Do It For The Future
How long can musicians survive if piracy keeps getting more and more rampant? What if the widespread piracy disease of Asia spreads to The US and Europe?
Musicians can only survive if they are getting paid for their honest work - they can’t do much if they have to quit the music industry to make a living in another industry. That’s exactly why it’s up to us, the consumer, to keep them alive and running.
Also, piracy will die off if there is no one to support pirated recordings - you are killing two birds with one stone if you stick to buying original recordings.
Do It For Yourself
What would you rather have - an unimpressive stash of 40 gigabytes of illegally downloaded music files on your computer, or a CD rack full of original imported CDs - complete with their vibrantly colored covers and informative liner notes inside?
Admit it, being a supporter of pirated music just isn’t cool. I wish I was paid to spread this message around, but I’m doing it out of my own conscience.
There is no greater passion for me in this life than listening and playing the music I love - and now since I can afford original CDs, I only resort to buying those - it was definitely harder when I was a student with little pocket money to splurge on CDs and music memorabilia.
Do your idols and yourself a favor the next time you think of buying an album.
Indie Band Marketing with Clell Tickle?
January 28, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
Was browsing YouTube again today, and stumbled upon this funny video. It’s about Clell Tickle, a fictional character acted out by Aziz Ansari (www.azizisbored.com), labeled as the “Indie Marketing Guru”.
His fool-proof method of getting your band famous if you sign-up with him:
Step 1: Get bloggers onboard
Step 2: Get the music to the people
Step 3: Get a good review on Pitch Fork Media
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This was obviously a marketing ploy by Pitch Fork Media, but hey I think it works! It got over 400,000 page views on YouTube, and probably a lot of phone calls for Pitch Fork Media.
Mia Rose Heats Up YouTube
January 28, 2007 by Jo Minor · Leave a Comment
Mia Rose, an unsigned act heats up YouTube with her gorgeous looks and innocent smile (and good voice).
Looking at her stats, she’s got over 300,000 views of a video of her singing L.O.V.E, the one below:
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YouTube is a great way for unsigned acts to get attention. If you’re a cutie with a great voice like Mia, this should happen overnight (or so they say).
A lil’ bit more about Mia from her official site:
Mia Rose’s full name is Maria Antonia Sampaio Rosa and she was born on the 26th of January 1988 in Wimbledon Village, London. Mia is a natural that began singing at a tender age and has put a lot of time and effort into developing her passion for music. For a short period Mia spent some time modeling for an agency called “Young faces of London” before leaving for Portugal for a number of years. Mia has performed, participated and enjoyed many entertainment roles including Theatre Plays, Music Concerts with live audiences of around 800+, arts and cultural festivals and spending many, many hours composing her own music.
Check out her sites:
