Carmela Antonio (born October 10th, 1984) is a Canadian singer/songwriter based out of Toronto, Canada. She grew up surrounded by an eclectic array of artistic and musical influences. Carmela began singing at the age of three making her debut performance at a cousin’s birthday party. So while other toddlers were still trying to pronounce new words, Carmela was busy learning showtunes. “I remember my aunt teaching me, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him,’ from Jesus Christ Superstar. I didn’t even know how to read.” This early exposure paved the way for her natural thirst for music.
Carmela released her debut EP independently in the fall of 2008, entitled “Slow Me Down”. The record did not succeed as she hoped, and after the release, Carmela felt detached from it. “It was a bizarre feeling. I was too eager, and I just really wanted to put myself out there. I really wasn’t ready.” Her challenging initial foray was an eye-opening experience. In addition, a series of life-altering events (including a break-up, and a major falling-out with her family) definitely called for a step back, which turned into a two-year hiatus.
During this break, Carmela sought refuge in music. “Music sort of found me, in a manner of speaking. All these wonderful records kept coming my way.” She immersed herself in the sounds of Miike Snow, Gil Scott-Heron, Julian Casablancas, Lykke Li, Little Dragon, Janelle Monaé, Friendly Fires, The Black Keys and her list could go on and on.
With newfound inspiration, Carmela departed from the “Slow-Me-Down-era” and took on a completely different musical direction. In this short EP, PAPER DOLLS, Carmela tells the story of finding yourself in the midst of chaos. Producer Diego Las Heras captured the very essence of the subject matter and allowed Carmela’s artistic sensibilities to truly thrive. The evolution in both her lyrics and delivery is clearly evident. The marriage of genres it plays with boasts alternative, pop, rock, grunge, jazz, electronic, and soul.
In the fall of 2011, Carmela won a trip to New York Fashion Week to see the Marc Jacobs SS12 Collection Show. The whole experience was filmed from start to finish, and the EP’s title track “Paper Dolls” was featured on the video, under the Marc Jacobs Intl. YouTube channel.
Paper Dolls is now available on iTunes!
“There’s no shortage of talent with singer-songwriter Carmela Antonio. Rooted in an indie-pop/RnB sound effortlessly combined with elements of hip-hop, dub, and world influences, Antonio delivered powerfully sweet vocals-equally soulful and edgy-radiating an onstage charisma and sass to a receptive audience. Backed by musicians on conga drums and keyboards, she performed enticing, energy-fueled songs highlighted by a three song medley and a dedication to her grandfather. Embracing a feisty attitude and dynamic presence, this talented songstress is clearly worthy of more attention.”
- The Lonely Vagabond
http://lonelyvagabond.com/2012/01/24/carmela-antonio-the-drake/