Jo'Leon Davenue

JoLeon Davenue aka J.O.D is an East London poet/vocalist/rapper and songwriter, with a 10-year committed dedication and drive for a career in the music industry. Inspirations for JoLeon lie within music from artists such as Jamiroquai, Earth, Wind and Fire, Bebel Gilberto to Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Jay Dilla.

JoLeon achievements of the millennium so far include:

• Collaborations with the likes of Paul Wall (from Swisha House/ Atlantic Records), The GritBoys and MC El Axel

• Supporting acts such as Blu Cantrell and Brother Ali

• Performing at the “Smash Hits Tour”; the Notting Hill Arts Club; Bar Rumba and Fez Club; plus A&R showcases for unsigned UK Soul and Hiphop artists (artistandrepetoire.co.uk)

• TV Appearances as an actor on Mark Ronson..s music video “Oh My God feat. Lily Allen”; plus Channel U on JoLeon video “Imagine”

• Radio Appearances: 1Xtra, GalaxyFM, Radio1, ChoiceFM, Kiss

• Nominee of Indy Music Awards 2008

His first mixtape album in 2006 “My Soul in Writing” figured over 10,000 downloads to count to date, featuring his unique song “Imagine”, shortly following was second mixtape “Something Special” and track “Frustrated”.

As an unsigned, independant artist JoLeon has managed his path and direction streamfully as what he calls, as “an honest artist”, calling all the shots, to what brings us to 2008.

For JoLeon the digital revolution plays as the key instrument into him making a global movement and network as an artist.

Mellow Defiance

Welcome to Mellow Defiance the much anticipated debut album by self-acclaimed “mood music” artist JoLeon Davenue aka J.O.D.

The release Mellow Defiance emerges from the underground scene to touch surfaces with the popular, a collective and psychodelic fusion of sounds and lyrics, set to storm a range of genres: capitalising in Hiphop, Soul and Jazz, making Mood Music.

JoLeon..s debut album features production from Norweign Harry West, Bishop and Jonesy; UK Shuri-Kan and U.S.A Chris Rockaway, alongside vocal appearances from Enrico, Bekky plus the UK..s fastest rapper V Double O.

Apart from the British accent, JoLeon..s voice is reminiscent of the late Barry White, presenting J.O.D as a new vocalist and generation of the deep, sexy and utmost distinctive.

“Café Cloud 9” is the first single to Mellow Defiance, an uplifting and mesmerizing experimental piece, blending grains of electro-pop, soulful house and smooth lyricist rhymes.

JoLeon creates an album to make a stance in World Music, not marginalizing his sound to a singular market, and abandoning the stereotypical testosterone generic of rap music, focusing instead on real life stories and messages. Lyrics to reflect JoLeon..s “mellow defiance” are illustrated through the themes of love and music, ultimately to deliver messages of education, experience and inspiration.

He builds his blocks and steps towards recognition and success in music and life via the J.O.D. philosophy of forcing your way in.

“Mellow Defiance” is released worldwide on Monday 1st September 2008 under Unique Mood Recordings and available for purchase on most digital download stores and at various independent record stores of the UK.