Justin Lovato

Organic Electronica - weaving the layers of hypnotic soundscape, Yoko K. (a.k.a. aphrodizia), a laptop composer/vocalist, aspires to mediate between the sensual and the spiritual life. Soothing yet at times haunting, the flow of her sound inscribes dichotomies such as nature and synthesis; future and nostalgia; urban and primitive; death and life - in harmony.

Born and raised in Japan, Yoko began the study of classical piano at the age of 3, learned to play several music instruments throughout her childhood, sang at jazz clubs, and eventually started to produce music on her laptop. Her production received numerous awards such as Grand Prize at the Artists Forum Electronic Music Competition (Electronic Jazz Category) in 2007, and New Media and Audio Grant by the Washington DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 2006; her debut album "012906" was nominated for "Best Album in Electronica" by the 6th Annual Independent Music Awards, and was selected for "the listener's choice."

Yoko has performed for art galleries, events/happenings, clubs and festivals across the US, and collaborated with various visual and performing artists; in May 2006, her collaborative work has been featured in W/PAC Experimental Media Series at Corcoran Gallery of Art. Her vocals have been featured by producers across the globe, such as Dalminjo (Deeplay Music - Sweden), Holmes Ives (Ova Records - US), Ali Kesanto (Cheeky Punster - Finland), and Danilo Venturi (Italy). She also participates in Dust Galaxy, a solo project of Rob Garza from Thievery Corporation, as a keyboard player and a backing vocalist. Yoko is also keen on utilizing her music as a way of raising awareness for cross-cultural understanding and tolerance; her ongoing projects include "Amahoro" which features the narrative of 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Yoko currently lives in Washington DC.

http://www.aphrodizia.net

Thomas Blondet (aka Tom B) is a Washington DC DJ regarded highly for his impeccable taste and understanding of music. Revered locally and nationally as much for his technical ability as he is for his experience behind the decks, Tom B has for the past 15 years held residencies in several influential DC dance clubs, notably the legendary Club Red. He is currently at the Eighteenth Street Lounge and Club Five on Fridays and Saturdays respectively. Starting at age 14, inspired by the early sounds of Mr Fingers and Masters At Work, Tom developed an informed musical palette. He went on to the natural progression of music production after solidifying his roots on dance floors along the East Coast. In the studio, Tom's House and Latin music influences come to the forefront with releases on Odds and Ends and Rhythm & Culture Recordings, to name a few. With remix credits for such artists as Vivian Green on Sony Music and Marlon D on Jellybean Recordings, Tom B is concentrating on building and expanding his catalogue and pursuing his passion for deejaying. With more tracks ready for release in addition to critical acclaim, Thomas Blondet has truly come into his own.

http://www.rhythmandculture.com/