UPDATE ON LEGION OF BEATS & OFFICIAL "LEGION" BIO

Legion of Beats - Bio

Legion creates music that stimulates the senses in 360 degree fashion. His sound is full bodied with a finish that resonates long after the listener’s first taste. Beyond the last kick or high hat, Legion production leaves imprints on fans’ memories because it’s ripe with substance. His beats can’t fade because their contemporary nature is pushed beyond the taste of the day. He infuses an inherent commitment to genuine musical sensibilities. This veteran producer has a cultured ear, acute taste and superior command of his skills. What separates him is not gadgets or gimmicks, but instead his ability to see sound.

“I see colors when I make music,” admits Legion. “The strings I see green, certain bass sounds I see deep solid browns and piano I see bluish-greenish. When I create music I actually close my eyes and let my instincts do their job. That way I can feel, see and hear the music inside myself.”

These musically inclined instincts aren’t without validation however. At four years old Raul aka Legion moved from St. Kitts to Canada with his family and quickly had run ins with music. His father was a drummer in an Rhythm n Blues band. At every chance he got, whenever his parents were out of the house, a keen young Raul would climb behind those drums and search for his rhythm. Without provocation, this young boy was drawn to musical creation in the rawest form and with small steps of success came deep breaths of desire for more.

Having now produced for a Juno Nominated artist, been featured in national publications and even played across the Atlantic in Britain, Legion has further built on his impeccable music experience. The journey really began at thirteen years old when he set his sights on his very own keyboard. After working at Steak n Burger for months, he saved up enough to open the door to what would soon become his dream. Working tirelessly with his new piece of equipment, Legion’ skills began to take form.

In high school he joined a percussion group and stole the show.

“I hadn’t played the actual drums in a while, because my parents hadn’t gone out in a while,” recalls Legion laughing. “But once I got behind there I realized everything was still there inside me. That’s when I first realized my musical senses wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.”

After graduating high school he turned down offers from several universities in a Bachelor of Science to pursue music at Trebas Institute. But after a year and a half he simply was not learning the way he felt he needed to. While expressing his frustration with teacher Gerry Young, he was surprised by a job offer. Young offered Legion an internship as an A&R for his Current Records. Legion was put in the ultimate position for someone with his love of music. He acted as a filter for Young, listening to CDs and demos for hours and separating the good, the bad and the ugly.

While keeping his hand heavy in music, Legion took another path in life and became a financial and systems analyst. In this capacity his personal skills for analyzing music and paying attention to detail served his professional duties well.

“I have a virtual radio station in my head,” says Legion. “It plays all kinds of music and then I pick out songs like I want that. Then I’ll lay it down and leave it until I’m ready. Then I’ll hear the rest of the sounds at a given time and throw down the accompaniments. Then maybe I’ll get inspired by something in my life later on and go back and alter a few things until the product matches with my vision. Again, I like to see my music.”

And he’s seen his music embraced by the new class of artists rising in Canada. Legion keyed the sound to “Niggas of the Year” featuring Mista Bourne and Juno Nominated Rich London. Exclaim Magazine chose his production on Luu Breeze’s swagger laden “Swank For Sale” as their choice pic from “Prince of the Dot Vol. 2.” And Canada’s leading urban lifestyle publication on newsstands – Urbanology chose Mista Bourne’s “Myself” as a track worth hearing in their 2007 winter edition. Most recently industry heavyweight pmpworldwide.com, which serves A&Rs as well as music publishers, featured his content due to the impeccable quality of his music, number of subscribers, traffic stats and page presentation.

With a long history of musical training and drive that can’t be matched by a 9-5 pay grade, Legion is inspired by the room for creation that hip hop allows. As an amalgamation of genres, eras and sensibilities hip hop mirrors Legion.

Jono Bizz Brown


http://www.pmpworldwide.com/legion-of-beats

http://www.myspace.com/legionofbeats