Seattle-Based Hip-Hop Collective Project Lionheart Makes Sound Records Debut with "The Art of Resistance," Connects Hip-Hop With Activism

Online, December 2, 2009 (Newswire.com) - PRANA MARKETING
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Seattle-Based Hip-Hop Collective Project Lionheart Makes Sound Records Debut with "The Art of Resistance," Connects Hip-Hop With Activism

New York, NY (December 2, 2009) - The foundation of hip-hop culture is built upon the backs of the people walking the pavement. In today's market, it's difficult to find an artist or a group willing to put those people first, but Seattle-based Project Lionheart is making an effort to reconnect with tradition and do just that. With co-signs from emcees like Canibus, Crooked-I and Erick Sermon songs with American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis and endorsements from Red Bull, Evo and URB Magazine, the group is looking to make 2010 a year of pure, positive hip-hop for anyone willing to listen.

Initially founded in 2001 as a side project by frontman and MC Caleb Cunningham, the group has found its identity almost a decade later with songs infused with traditional African rhythms and undertones of activism. After quickly establishing themselves in the Northwest's talented hip-hop scene, Project Lionheart signed to indie start-up Sound Records in 2009 and have re-released their debut album "The Art of Resistance" with all new remixes and re-mastered songs (as well as four brand new cuts) for their label debut. "The Art of Resistance: Special Edition," hit digital racks October 26, 2009, and the group is fully expecting good things to happen.

"We chose the title 'The Art of Resistance' as a way of communicating to fans and listeners to stop and think about their lives and the world around them," Cunningham says. "I'm not a teacher or a politician; I'm an artist, writer and musician, and this is my way of expressing what's on my mind and how I think I can impact people's lives. I've learned over the years that music can be as powerful a force as politics to bring out issues that need to be addressed, and the things like what we touch on here, like the prison industry and the way children are being raised, will open eyes. Though I ran away from reggae, I like to think I approach my craft like Bob Marley, making socially conscious songs that are also fun to sing along and dance to!"

Cunningham was once the drummer for popular Seattle hip-hop/rock/reggae band The Mob Law. Having toured the East Coast and gained a measure of fame with the group, however, Cunningham remained in search of musical focus and began to realize that Project Lionheart was ultimately where his attention was best served. He left The Mob Law in 2007 and recruited onetime Mob Law guitarist TJ Berry, bassist Jarrod Keith (who Cunningham knew from his first reggae band), local drumming savant Steven Barci and the incredible Senegalese percussionist Thione Diop to give the group it's unique sound. Combing through Cunningham's stash of beats and unfinished songs, the group put together a few sets and began performing in the Seattle area in January 2008 and quickly built a following while working on their debut album. In addition to regular "home base" gigs at The Nectar Lounge, Project Lionheart began playing hotspots like The Wild Buffalo near Western Washington University and ultimately earned the opportunity to perform as part of Rock The Bells when the tour stopped at The Showbox.

"The Art of Resistance: Special Edition" is a sonic palate that blends live instrumentation and electronic sampling with conscious, passionate lyrics. With the Northwest hip-hop scene ready to explode, the group has aligned itself with local businesses and other artists to become torchbearers for the region, while at the same time, bringing out their own message. Plans are being made for a tour in support of their album. Check www.projectlionheart.com for more info. Available on itunes.com

About Sound Records
Launched in 2008, Sound Records is the vision of partners/principals - and music fans - Kenny Stumbo and Noah Hartkopf, who serve as President and VP, respectively. The independent startup sports a roster of established and emerging artists from the rap to pop/rock worlds, including Keith Murray and Canibus (AKA The UNDERGODS), Bronze Nazareth, Project Lionheart and Bekker. Sound Records is focused on delivering music from all genres with a mission to build a mutually beneficial haven for talented and hardworking artists whose music resonates with many. Hartkopf declares, "Seattle is ready to explode again."

For booking or interviews, contact Angela Thomas at Prana Marketing: (201) 503-1333