Massari
It isn't every day that Canadian independent urban artists achieve Top 20 radio and video success on their initial offerings. For Ottawa-based R&B singer Massari and record label Capital Prophet Records, this achievement is the result of many years of hard work and perseverance.
The 24-year old Sagittarius, born in Beirut, Lebanon, moved to Montreal at the age of 10 and at 13 he moved to Ottawa where he currently resides. The trilingual artist - he speaks English, French and Arabic fluently - cites Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin as musical influences. However, growing up he has been exposed to various styles of music and because of that his biggest influence is legendary Arabic singer George Wassouf. "I sing from my heart and George Wassouf taught me to do that", says Massari about how this legendary singer has affected his music.
In 2002, Massari recorded and released "Spitfire" which garnered heavy rotation on Ottawa radio stations. Since then, Massari has been steadily writing and developing his sound. He returned in 2005 with his self-titled debut album release on May 31st, 2005 through MapleNationWide/ Universal, which sold out nationwide in only two days. The lead single off the release "Smile For Me" features former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist Loon. "I'm definitely very selective about the records I get on. It didn't matter if he was an established artist or not, it was just the quality of the record, the quality of the music that made me want to get involved", says Loon about his involvement with Massari and the Capital Prophet Records crew. "I'm very proud to be one of the first Canadian male R&B singers to record with a major recording artist from the States", says Massari. The end result was a hit single that spent 24 weeks on the Top 40 chart, peaking at #18 (BDS CHR) in Canada. Canadian award-winning music video director RT! was responsible for making the "Smile For Me" video one of the hottest urban videos by a Canadian artist. The video was immediately added to heavy rotation at MuchMusic, MuchVibe, and MTV Canada. The video received two MuchMusic Video Award nominations for Best Independent Video and MuchVibe Best Rap Video. Canada and the United States were the first to play "Smile For Me", however other countries such as Germany, Australia, Brazil and the UK have begun playing the hit song.
With the release of Massari's much-anticipated second single "Be Easy", the pressure was on to keep the momentum going in the weeks leading up to the debut album release. "Be Easy" received early support from radio stations across Canada and is currently Top 10 (peaking at #4) on the Top 40 Chart (BDS CHR). The video, once again directed by music video director RT!, was instantly added to heavy rotation across the board on video outlets.
For this record, Massari worked closely with Da Heala of the Capital Prophet Records production team. "His vibe is a perfect match for my sound and style", explains Massari. The album draws influences from his middle-eastern origins. "Because of my background, my music is heavily influenced with middle-eastern melodies. Over the past few years so many artists are trying to bring Arabic styles into their music, but mine is authentic." Along with its culturally rich sound the album with its upbeat club-style tracks, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads pays special tribute to the ladies. "My music is made for the ladies because that's where I get my inspiration. You'll notice a lot of the music is upbeat and positive. Women give off so much energy; it's hard not to be inspired by them."
Massari's self-titled debut album in stores now.
The 24-year old Sagittarius, born in Beirut, Lebanon, moved to Montreal at the age of 10 and at 13 he moved to Ottawa where he currently resides. The trilingual artist - he speaks English, French and Arabic fluently - cites Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin as musical influences. However, growing up he has been exposed to various styles of music and because of that his biggest influence is legendary Arabic singer George Wassouf. "I sing from my heart and George Wassouf taught me to do that", says Massari about how this legendary singer has affected his music.
In 2002, Massari recorded and released "Spitfire" which garnered heavy rotation on Ottawa radio stations. Since then, Massari has been steadily writing and developing his sound. He returned in 2005 with his self-titled debut album release on May 31st, 2005 through MapleNationWide/ Universal, which sold out nationwide in only two days. The lead single off the release "Smile For Me" features former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist Loon. "I'm definitely very selective about the records I get on. It didn't matter if he was an established artist or not, it was just the quality of the record, the quality of the music that made me want to get involved", says Loon about his involvement with Massari and the Capital Prophet Records crew. "I'm very proud to be one of the first Canadian male R&B singers to record with a major recording artist from the States", says Massari. The end result was a hit single that spent 24 weeks on the Top 40 chart, peaking at #18 (BDS CHR) in Canada. Canadian award-winning music video director RT! was responsible for making the "Smile For Me" video one of the hottest urban videos by a Canadian artist. The video was immediately added to heavy rotation at MuchMusic, MuchVibe, and MTV Canada. The video received two MuchMusic Video Award nominations for Best Independent Video and MuchVibe Best Rap Video. Canada and the United States were the first to play "Smile For Me", however other countries such as Germany, Australia, Brazil and the UK have begun playing the hit song.
With the release of Massari's much-anticipated second single "Be Easy", the pressure was on to keep the momentum going in the weeks leading up to the debut album release. "Be Easy" received early support from radio stations across Canada and is currently Top 10 (peaking at #4) on the Top 40 Chart (BDS CHR). The video, once again directed by music video director RT!, was instantly added to heavy rotation across the board on video outlets.
For this record, Massari worked closely with Da Heala of the Capital Prophet Records production team. "His vibe is a perfect match for my sound and style", explains Massari. The album draws influences from his middle-eastern origins. "Because of my background, my music is heavily influenced with middle-eastern melodies. Over the past few years so many artists are trying to bring Arabic styles into their music, but mine is authentic." Along with its culturally rich sound the album with its upbeat club-style tracks, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads pays special tribute to the ladies. "My music is made for the ladies because that's where I get my inspiration. You'll notice a lot of the music is upbeat and positive. Women give off so much energy; it's hard not to be inspired by them."
Massari's self-titled debut album in stores now.
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Artists
-
- Justin Bieber
- + Become A Fan
-
- Avril Lavigne
- + Become A Fan
-
- Rihanna
- + Become A Fan
-
- Beyonce
- + Become A Fan
-
- LMFAO
- + Become A Fan
-
- Marianas Trench
- + Become A Fan
-
- Selena Gomez
- + Become A Fan
Top Tracks
-
- Robin Thicke
- Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Daft Punk
- Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams)
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
- Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Zach Sobiech
- Clouds
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- P!nk
- Just Give Me a Reason (feat. Nate Ruess)
-
+ Preview & Buy
Top Albums
-
- Daft Punk
- Random Access Memories
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- A Firm Handshake
- Fix Me Up (feat. Zach Sobiech & Sammy Brown)
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Various Artists
- 30 Stars of the 80's
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Lady Antebellum
- Golden
-
+ Preview & Buy
-
- Justin Timberlake
- The 20/20 Experience (Deluxe Version)
-
+ Preview & Buy
Top Ringtones
- Mumford & Sons
- I Will Wait
- + Preview & Buy
- Ke$ha
- Die Young
- + Preview & Buy
- Rihanna
- Diamonds
- + Preview & Buy
- Lil Wayne feat. Detail
- No Worries
- + Preview & Buy
- Phillip Phillips
- Where We Came From
- + Preview & Buy
What's New And Hot On MuchMusic.com
MuchMusic.com
MuchMusic is Canada's No. 1 destination for music videos, live performances and interviews with today's hottest celebrities; plus music downloads, ringtones, artist profiles, concert listings & music countdown.
Hot Spots: Watch full episodes of MTV ShowtownGet the latest MTV NewsCheck out hot celeb pics
© 2013Bell MediaAll Rights Reserved. Bell Media Television | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy