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By Emerald Salazar, Special to The Manila
Times and Rome Jorge, Lifestyle Editor
He is hip-hop music’s Renaissance man—a
producer, arranger, composer, guitarist, keyboardist and the
country’s most authentic soul singer. His name, Artstrong J.
Clarion, fits him perfectly. A man whose brawny talent can marshal
the music world’s finest, he is leading the call to take back the
music and put in on the street where it belongs.
His live vocal performances are unforgettable,
each verse a tattoo on one’s soul. Long after witnessing his
awe-inspiring talent, his distinctive beats become one’s pulse;
his sincere and impassioned voice becomes one’s hallelujah.
Artstrong is our rap, jazz, rhythm ’n blues and soul revival.
But fans are wondering, where is he now? After
coming on strong in 2005 and winning for Best Rap, Best
Alternative/World Music, Best Jazz and Best Male Performer at the
Year18th Annual Awit Music Awards, his record label then pulled his
much-sought-after album off the shelves.
The man didn’t go anywhere. He is still in the
music business with the Beatmathics Production Team, an all-star
crew composed of Jamir of the multi-awarded nu-metal rock band
Slapshock; Nathan–J, formerly of the highly acclaimed Seven Shots
of Wisdom; Dj Red-I; Mighty Joe Young; and Lowkey the Boy Wonder.
Artstrong is more than just more than just raw
power and emotion onstage. Behind the scene, he is, like his fellow
Beatmathics, a meticulous and masterful Svengali blessed with a
Bodhisattva’s heart. Legends in their own time, Artstrong and the
rest of the Beatmathics Team are now busy building their own music
pantheon.
This June, get set for the debut album of D-Coy.
For him, the Beatmathics Team has crafted songs about unity, peace,
Filipino pride and the issues that today’s youth face. A preview
of the tracks reveals songs that are sinfully likable. You can’t
help but groove. D-Coy and the Beatmathics Team were responsible for
the recent sports tribute song “Suntok ni Pacquiao.”
Posh is another group of artists that the
Beatmathics Team is producing. Bringing together powerful vocals and
irresistible sex appeal, the all female group benefits from the
Beatmathics’ addictive melodies, sharp lyrics and propulsive
beats.
Artstrong’s recent accomplishments have also
been behind the scenes. The hit Hollywood dance movie Step Up
featured a track sung by Gina Rene entitled “You Must Be”—an
Artstrong original with which he was not credited for. He reveals
that hit-making rhythm n’ blues singer Keith Martin will soon go
back to the US to do justice to his song.
Still, it is Armstrong’s own solo effort that
people anticipate the most. But a selfless producer allows his
talents to enjoy the limelight before staging his own comeback. And
an artist who refuses to compromise takes his time to craft his
masterpieces.
Staying true
Artstrong reveals that his refusal to be
repackaged by his former record label led him to part ways with
them. “I didn’t want to be marketed the way they want me to be
marketed. Coming from the hip-hop realm, it doesn’t run like
that,” he says. “You got to go to the people and make them feel
what you feel so they’re going to love you the way they want to,
not to design you to be loved.”
His career is proof of his uncompromising
artistry. He has become part of such highly acclaimed hip-hop acts
such as Masta Plann and Kulay and funk jazz band Third World
Project. Artstrong’s jazz roots run deep; his father is jazz
artist and stand up comedian Dinky Doo of the 1960 duo Pat Salem and
Dinky Doo. It is from his father Artstrong derives his passion for
music. Even today, Artstrong remains true to his legacy.
Multitalented and yet modest, Artstrong J.
Clarion is the man to lead the charge and make music real again. We
await.
To listen to their music and know more about
Artstrong Clarion and the Beatmathics Team, visit www.myspace.com/aestrong
and www.myspace.com/beatmathics.
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