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Transplanted from New Orleans into the metropolis of New York, Tondrae Kemp has been growing exponentially since his departure to the big city. Where he was once known as a soul singer, he is now expounding on that notion by adding the potential for any genre to find its way into the music. From Hip Hop to Reggae, Rock, Electronic and always Soulful, TK could take you anywhere at any moment. Always with a fresh approach and always unhindered. Imagine Zappa influenced by Public Enemy and Stevie Wonder. Something Different and sincere. As funny as it is musically fresh.

What was once described by SoulSorts.com as "Classic soul for the new century" when they voted Tondrae's "Still Searching" as one of the best soul albums of 2005, has given way to growth and could better be described as "Boundless" or "Eclectic" Soul. Tondrae would say that he's "Just channeling whatever comes out. A true expression that I haven't attempted to gate or limit by description. An honest flow and expression." It has since been dubbed "ShiNola Flow". This term has also been given as the title to Tondrae's upcoming release, set to be completed by summer 08.

Theres a certain charisma, a certain depth, a certain je ne sais quoi about Tondrae. You can hear it in his lyrics, his voice, you can feel it in his vibe, and see it in his eyes. A thinker, an aritst, a free spirit and an undeniable energy.When asked about his musical purpose, Tondrae says, "To make the personal universal. To elevate the listener beyond his situation to a higher consciousness of the world around them or to just make them say, ' Man, I can really relate to that, would ya turn that sh*t up please?!" Tondrae turns a mirror to the world thru his frank commentary on world issues as well as revealing his own experiences with life, love and even the most common and mundane moments that we all share. He'll tell you that the "mundane is full of treasures. As a writer, thats where you'll find the nuggets...the little things that we all go thru."

Broadening his appeal over the past 2 years by performing, writing and recording in the UK and Holland as well, Tondrae has garnered an international audience and reputation for his versatility in styles and the energy of his live show

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2008 should be full of European and Stateside EP projects and collaborations. Having recently recorded tracks with London production duo Block 16 and Dutch Soul/Breakbeat producer D-Felic,as well as Meshell Ndegeocello frequent collaborator/keyboardist/producer Michael Cane,TK is set to become a household name in both a local and global market.

Presently, you can find him playing venues, events, benefits and festivals between NYC and N.O. while constantly recording and colaborating. He also finds the time to infuse his film background by writing a semi-autobiographical screenplay and soundtrack about his move to NYC from New Orleans entitled, "Cool Landlord".

Tondrae's History

Tondrae began singing in church at the age of 10 in his native Baton Rouge. As a teen, inspired by hip-hop pioneers Rakim, Public Enemy and Main Source, he took to the stage as a rapper. However, during his adventures in hip-hop he had a revelation, in his words "every rapper wants to sing., you can just express more" Finding that singing afforded him more freedom to express ideas and emotion, he joined an acapella group called All 4 Love where he could expand upon his vocal growth. Infuenced by what he calls "The Soul Starter Kit" of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Withers, Dinnie Hathaway, and Marley, he honed his voice and picked up the pen.

Tondrae Kemp worked to develop his repertoire of original song while in film school at the University of New Orleans with friends and musical counterparts guitarist/ producer Dani Kartel (first to produce a Multi-Platinum Artist from New Orleans) and bassist/ producer Roderick "Bassheavy" Tillman (most sought after musician from the Crescent City) then began performing with a full band in clubs throughout New Orleans. It wasn't long before Tondrae's show was captivating large audiences at the 2003 thru 2005 and 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals, and the 2002 & 2004 Essence Music Festivals.

Tondrae has shared the stage with legends like Allen Touissaint, Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Ivan Neville (Neville Bros.) and Irma Thomas. Through hard work and undeniable talent, Tondrae is now a well respected and established performing and recording artist. In 2005 he released his first full length album "Still Searching", with surefire hits like the infectuously funky "Don't Trust Ya, But I Love Ya" and the "Amen!" evoking, "Still Searching". Later in the year "Tondrae Live at Jazzfest 2005" was released on Munchmix recordings.

Other artists whom Tondrae has performed with and shared bills

Goapele, Kem, Ledesi, Steel Pulse, Kenny Latimore, Chante Moore, Carl Thomas,Common, The Roots, Charlie Hunter, The Dirty Dozen, Toni Blackmon, Daniel Beddingfield, Papa Mali, Eska, Jhelisa, Heidi Vogel, Don E, Marlon Jordan among others...

Tondrae Discography

"The Lottery Ticket"- Film Soundtrack- Independant Film 1999

Soul Remedy -album: Soul Remedy -song: "Let It Shine" 2000

Bionik Brown - album: Darkness and the Light song:"Do Your Thing" 2000

The Young Lions- album: The New Era- Various songs 2002

Mia X - single: "Get Together" 2003

Tondrae Kemp: album: Still Searching 2005

Tondrae Kemp album: Tondrae Live from JazzFest 2005

Block 16 Compilation coming 2008

Michael Cain Project (longtime Meshell Ndegeocello keyboardist/collaborator) coming 2008

Tondrae Kemp album: ShiNola Flow coming Summer 2008!

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