Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Maybe Toronto has soul after all. Montreal-to-Hogtown transplant Dana Edmonds has certainly found some, after swearing by power pop with P.E.Z. in the mid-'90s. With one hand in electronica, one hand in pop and two feet in R&B, Edmonds has a natural way with a sophisticated groove. At first it seems a bit too natural, but the richness in her monochrome, smoky-grey voice comes out on repeated listens. The fantastic single Dream Sequence has the potential to rally pop, soul and dance audiences all at once, and is about as high-octane as the album gets. Edmonds is more suited for the chill-out room than the dance floor. A few more Dream Sequence-calibre hooks could lead to the crossover success she seems to be courting; for now, in Hybrid Being she has a solid statement of intent and a very attractive calling card. — Jordan Zivitz, The Montreal Gazette.
- The Montreal Gazette
"This debut album from Toronto-based singer, songwriter Dana Edmonds is an impressive entrance. This 10-track, full length CD is a fusion of down tempo vibe coupled with, at times acoustic/rock guitar flavoured, soul sounds. Th ink Res and you get the idea. Appropriately titled, this hybrid album is easy on the ear with enough variety throughout, all of which is nicely complemented by Dana’s unhurried singing style. Favourite tracks here include the tasty down tempo styled “I Was Done,” “Smoke (You + I,)” and “Dream Sequence” which is presented twice with a nice remix version that should get the attention of the dance music crowd as well. Hope we get to see her live soon."
— WORD Magazine 2004
- WORD Magazine
Canadian Dana Edmonds’ debut album positions the singer/songwriter as sort of a more soulful Nelly Furtado: the songs are a pleasant jazzy mix of laid-back R&B grooves and her sexy vocals.
— Times & Transcript
- Times & Transcript
Yikes! Dana got hot! This former (and honorary) Montrealer - one-time bassist for P.E.Z. and Rise - comes out smokin' in all senses on this solo debut. R'n'B teased pop is the new vocal MO, and she rocks it on all fronts, from soulful bottom to the hip-hop top. Congrats, girl!
— Jamie O’Meara, HOUR Magazine
- HOUR Magazine
"Hybrid being, hybrid sound. A tasteful balance of featherweight funkiness and gentle indie pop is what Edmonds has aimed for with her solo debut. Montrealers might remember this ex-pat from her time with local trio P.E.Z. in the mid-'90s, in which she handled bass and vocals. A fun band, but not as elegant and refined as what Edmonds is doing now. In fact, the closest thing that comes to mind is latter-day St. Etienne, except that Edmonds' vocals are far more grounded and true than the overly precious cooing of St. E's Sarah Cracknell."
— Rupert Bottenberg, MONTREAL MIRROR 2004
- MONTREAL MIRROR
“Dana’s bass playing, songwriting and vocals are so roughly honest, it’s scary. Her kickback appeal caresses you through every song.” — Vice Magazine
- Vice Magazine
“la bassiste apporte un jolie grain de voix.”— Ouest-France
- Ouest-France
Discography
Hybrid Being
©2004, Dana Edmonds
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
BIo
Dana Edmonds, sultry songstress and talented musician, her collection of tracks from her debut album “Hybrid Being” define Alternative Groove. The lyric’s clean simplicity and depth, delivered with Edmonds creamy rich tone haunt you. One listen and you find the songs replay on an endless loop in your head. Just a hint of the broad consumer appeal that lays ahead.
Edmonds started her musical career as a singer/
songwriter/bass player in Montreal in 1995 as part of the power pop buzz band P.E.Z. formed along with ex-Me Mom and Morgentaler percussionist John Britton.
By 1998 she left P.E.Z. and Montreal to travel across the USA and Canada, living in Vancouver and finally settling in Toronto. There she opened her vision to the union of Pop and Electronica, i.e. Alternative Groove, clever tunes layered with insightful lyrics alongside hip hop grooves, melodic, ambient sounds and a dash of subtle hooks, aiming to offer laid-back grooves for chilled out souls in this fast paced world.
Dana showcased at Honey Jam and Brown Girls in Da Ring
as part of the 2K and 2K2 Urban Music Festival in Toronto to a glowing response. Along with performances at both the notable Canada Music Week and North by North East Festival 2002 and 2003.
Her talent catching the attention of seasoned producers Ron Lopata, Juno winner and Jacksoul keyboardist and James McCollum, co-creator of Prözzak/guitarist for the Philosopher Kings. As well as Terry Sawchuk (Alanis Morrisette and I Mother Earth) who engineered and mixed the album.
Dana’s independent full length album “Hybrid Being” is scheduled to be released summer 2004 on Hotcomb Music and is distributed nationally by ‘Nuff Entertainment. The album was produced by Ron Lopata except “We realize” produced by James McCollum and was engineered and mixed by Terry Sawchuk.
No doubt this nascent artist is well on her way to bringing her sound, Alternative Groove, to the world making it synonymous with the name Dana Edmonds.
Inlfuenced by several artists over the years - past and present. It is always changing and evolving. The permenant ones though are Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, old school soul, Prince, Morecheeba, Sade, The Smiths, etc...
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