Other top award winners were songwriters Amund Bjørklund and Espen Lind (both members of Norwegian performing right society TONO and represented in the U.S. by BMI), along with Ne-Yo, who received the prestigious Robert S. Musel Award for Song of the Year for Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” The song is published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Stellar Songs Ltd.; the song and songwriters also received the BMI Urban Song of the Year prize earlier this year.

Modest Mouse’s “Dashboard” earned BMI’s College Song of the Year crown for tallying the most performances on American college radio. The infectious lead single off the band’s We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank album, “Dashboard” was co-written by Johnny Marr (PRS), Tom "King Sour" Peloso and Joe Plummer and published by Chrysalis Music.

The BMI Dance Award went to Ian Dench and Amanda Ghost (PRS) for “Beautiful Liar,” recorded by genre-bending combo Beyoncé and Shakira. “Beautiful Liar” was published by Bucks Music Group Ltd. (PRS), EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS) and Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS).

Prestigious “Million-Air” certificates were also presented throughout the evening in recognition of those songs that have achieved more than three million U.S. radio and television performances — the equivalent of more than 17 years of continuous airplay. The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” co-penned by Sir Mick Jagger (PRS) and Keith Richards (PRS), and Eric Clapton’s (PRS) “Layla,” co-written by Clapton and Jim Gordon, both topped the list with seven million performances each, while John Lennon’s (PRS) self-penned “Imagine” was recognized for six million performances. Five-million performance honorees included “Higher Love” co-penned by Steve Winwood (PRS) and Will Jennings; Graham Lyle’s (PRS) “What’s Love Got To Do With It”; and “You Really Got Me,” composed by BMI Icon Ray Davies (PRS). BMI Icon Steve Winwood also composed two more songs in the list: “Gimme Some Loving” (4 million) co-written by Muff Winwood and Spencer Davies (both PRS), and “Valerie” (3 million) which was also co-written by Will Jennings.

Additional award-winners whose compositions soared past the three million performance mark included Shania Twain (PRS), Graham Gouldman (PRS), The Bee Gees’ Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb (all PRS), Sir Paul McCartney (PRS), Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Roxette’s Per Gessle (STIM), Mats Persson (STIM), Paul Herman (PRS), Mort Shuman (SACEM), Wally Badarou (SACEM), Stig Anderson (STIM), and ABBA’s Benny Andersson (STIM) and Björn Ulvaeus (BUMA).

In addition to winning Dance Song of the Year, “Beautiful Liar” garnered BMI Pop and Urban Awards for writers Ian Dench and Amanda Ghost (both PRS); Dench and Ghost also scored Pop Awards for Jordin Sparks’ “Tattoo,” and College Song of the Year “Dashboard” garnered Pop Awards for its creative hive. Kanye West’s “Stronger,” co-written by West, Thomas Bangalter (PRS), Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (PRS) and Michael Dean, earned awards in both Pop and Urban categories as well, as did Song of the Year “Irreplaceable.” Iconic rocker Pete Townsend (PRS) garnered three awards in the TV Music Awards field, while KT Tunstall (PRS) and Julieta Venegas (SGAE) each secured two awards in the Pop and Latin fields, respectively. Composers Rupert Gregson-Williams and George Fenton (both PRS), also earned two awards each: Gregson-Williams in the Film category and Fenton in Film and Emmy Award-winning divisions.

A complete list of award winners is available here.

In English

Gustavo Santaolalla, compositor, productor y ganador de premios Oscar y Grammy será honrado como "Icono de BMI" en la ceremonia anual de premios latinos de BMI, a celebrarse el jueves 12 de junio. Dicho evento tendrá lugar en el Beverly Wilshire de Los Ángeles, en la cual el presidente y CEO de BMI Del Bryant, y la vicepresidenta asistente de la división de música latina de BMI, Delia Orjuela servirán como maestros de ceremonia; en ésta gala formal sólo para invitados también se reconocerá a los compositores y editoras de las canciones latinas con más ejecución el año pasado.

El premio "Icono de BMI" es otorgado a creadores que han demostrado una "influencia única e indeleble en las próximas generaciones de músicos." Mediante un tributo musical estelar se habrá de reconocer los logros de Gustavo Santaolalla, quien se une a la élite de ganadores previos, la cual incluye a grandes exponentes de la música latina como Los Tigres del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra y Carlos Santana, al igual que leyendas como Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton y el fenecido James Brown.

Artista, descubridor de talentos, productor, documentalista y compositor, el genio de Gustavo Santaolalla se expande por numerosas disciplinas. Este hijo de la nación Argentina ayudó a definir el movimiento neonato del rock latino en los años 70 con su innovadora banda de rock Arco Iris, y más tarde como solista. Santaolalla es un maestro del ronroco, un instrumento de cuerdas andino, y ha filmado a varios artistas panamericanos de música folklórica indígena. Su transformación de músico a productor fue inevitable; la unión cultural subsiguiente fue histórica. Junto a su compañero Aníbal Kerpel, unificó las esferas de rock argentino y mexicano, y ganó reconocimiento por su labor de producción en numerosos proyectos de discos de oro y platino. El dúo obtuvo aun mayor visibilidad con el grupo Café Tacuba, cuya colaboración con el dúo Santaolalla/Kerpel produjo no sólo varias nominaciones a los premios Grammy, sino que también logro ganar dicho galardón.

Santaolalla entró triunfante al mundo del cine, donde ha compuesto varias bandas sonoras originales ganadoras de premios BMI, Golden Globe y Oscar para tales películas como Brokeback Mountain y Babel. Su trabajo en Babel y el aclamado Motorcycle Diaries (Diarios de motocicleta) también ganaron premios BAFTA. Mediante la creación de su sello Surco, Santaolalla ha lanzado y fomentado las carreras de varios artistas estelares, incluyendo a la estrella internacional Juanes.

En adición al premio "Icono de BMI", esta ceremonia también premiará la Canción, Compositor y Editor del Año. Entre algunos de los ganadores anteriores de estas categorías podemos mencionar a Juanes, Shakira, Estéfano, Gloria y Emilio Estefan, Wisin y Yandel, Luis Miguel y Cristian Castro.

En Español

Grammy and Oscar award-winning composer and producer Gustavo Santaolalla will become an Icon Thursday, June 12, at BMI's 15th annual Latin Awards. Staged at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles and hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Assistant Vice President, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, the black-tie, invitation-only gala will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year's top BMI Latin songs played on American radio and television.

The BMI Icon award is bestowed on creators who have had a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." An all-star musical tribute will pay homage to the achievements of Gustavo Santaolalla, who joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana, along with legends Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and the late James Brown.

Artist, talent scout, producer, documentarian and composer, Gustavo Santaolalla's genius spills over into numerous disciplines. The Argentina-native helped define the nascent Latin rock movement of the 1970's with his innovative Latino folk/rock band, Arco Iris, and later as a solo artist. Santaolalla has mastered Andean string instrument the ronroco and filmed Pan-American, indigenous folk musicians. His transformation to producer was inevitable; the subsequent cultural unification was historic. Along with partner Anibal Kerpel, he united the traditionally separate Mexican and Argentine rock spheres, gaining recognition for production work on numerous platinum and gold-selling projects. The duo achieved a new level of visibility with band Café Tacuba, whose collaborations with Santaolalla/Kerpel garnered multiple Grammy nominations and a Latin Grammy win. Santaolalla triumphantly entered the world of cinema, where he has composed numerous BMI, Golden Globe and Oscar award-winning original scores for films including Brokeback Mountain and Babel. His work on Babel and the critically-acclaimed Motorcycle Diaries also earned BAFTA honors. Through the creation of his label Surco, Santaolalla has also launched and sustained marquee artists, including international star Juanes.

In addition to the Icon tribute, the ceremony will also recognize the Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year. Previous honorees include Latin superstars Juanes, Shakira, Estéfano, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Wisin & Yandel, Luis Miguel and Cristian Castro.

Those competing for a Golden Globe include Best Original Score nominee Kaki King for Into The Wild, while Best Original Song nominees include Shakira for her musical and lyrical contribution to “Despedida,” from Love in the Time of Cholera; Alan Menken for “That’s How You Know” from Disney’s Enchanted; and John C. Reilly for co-penning “Walk Hard” from The Dewy Cox Story.

Critics’ Choice Award contenders include Alan Menken, up for two awards, including Best Composer and Best Song (“That’s How You Know”) from Enchanted; Best Song nominee Anthony Hamilton for “Do You Feel Me,” from American Gangster; and Best Composer nominee Alexandre Desplat for Lust, Caution.

VH1 will broadcast the 13th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards live on January 7, 2008, while the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards will telecast live on NBC on January 13, 2008.

About the panelists:

KC Porter - This Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer has chart-topping works with such Latin superstars as Carlos Santana, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Ana Gabriel, and the late Selena. Porter has also worked his magic with English-language stars, including Lara Fabian, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men, crossing their hits over to Spanish-speaking and international audiences. One of his latest projects was co-writing and producing Ozomatli’s latest album, Don’t Mess with the Dragon.

Rafa Sardina – Sardina, a Los Angeles based, ten-time Grammy Award-winning mixer/engineer has built an eclectic and impressive client list in the recent years: Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder, Dr Dre, Dru Hill, Jessy Moss, Mariah Carey, Luis Miguel, Sheryl Crow, Soul Coughing, Marc Antoine, Angie Stone and Alejandro Sanz, among others. He has worked with numerous high-profile artists and producers, including Dr Dre, Camara Kambon, Lulu Perez, Babyface, Scott Litt and David Foster. Most recently, Sardina has launched a production company focusing on developing new talent in his state-of-the art studio, open since 2006.

Mark Portman - This Los Angeles-based, Grammy Award-nominated producer/songwriter/musician has worked on over 130 albums, several movies and TV shows. His roster of Latin stars includes Luis Miguel, Julio Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, Jaci Velasquez, Cristian Castro, Luis Fonsi, Olga Tanon, Pedro Fernandez, Reik, Ednita Nazario, and Los Temerarios. He has collaborated and worked with renowned producers including David Foster, Phil Ramone, Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley and Latin producer Rudy Perez. Among his other roster of superstars are Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Carole Bayer Sager, Blackstreet, Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, Brenda Russell, Dave Koz and others.

Sebastian Krys - Based in South Florida, this multiple Grammy Award-winning producer has over 20 top ten Billboard Latin Hits, including 9 No. 1 singles and albums. Krys has worked with artists including Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Sandy & Junior, Shakira, Mana, JD Natasha, Jeremias, Long Beach Dub All Stars w/Black Eyed Peas, Aterciopelados, Ricky Martin, Will Smith, Obie Bermudez, Gian Marco, Luis Fonsi, Gloria Estefan, Soraya, Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lopez, and more.

Homero Patrón – This Grammy Award-winning musician, director and composer has worked with artists such as José José, Emmanuel, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Rocío Durcal, Ray Conniff, Barry White, Tom Jones, Nana Moskoury, Raphael, Nelson Ned, Juan Gabriel, Manoella Torres, Vicky Carr, Gualberto Castro, Angélica María, César Costa, Alberto Vazquez, Charles Aznavour, and Jose Luis Rodríguez “El Puma,” to name just a few. Patrón has also produced albums for such superstars as Juan Gabriel, Lucha Villa, Javier Solís, Angeles Ochoa, Ana Gabriel, Yuri, Pedro Fernandez, Vicky Carr, Olga Tañon, Vicente and Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Lucero, Alicia Villarreal, Pablo Montero, Ana Bárbara, Laura Flores, Nana Mouskouri and Marco Antonio Solís.

Kiko Cibrian - Multi-talented producer, musician and vocal producer who has worked with Luis Miguel, Christian Castro, and up-and-coming artists Innis, Jesse & Joy, Patricia Manterola, Souljahz, and Frankie J, Reik, along with projects such at Billboard’s Latin Series: Best of 1997, Billboard’s Latin Series: Best of Pop 1996, along with the Sinatra Duets.

Marco Flores - Flores has produced and written over 400 songs, four of which placed number one on Billboard's charts in the same year (2000), and has achieved an impressive 14 platinum albums and 22 gold albums. His roster includes works with Richard Marx, Luther Vandross, Selena, Barrio Boyzz, Donna Summer, Toni Braxton, Bonnie Raitt, Thalia, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Ponce, Jordi, Ricky Martin, Jose Feliciano, and many more.

Guerra scored five nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Merengue Album, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Tropical Song, which has he won twice in previous years. In addition, The Latin Recording Academy has named Guerra the 2007 “Person of the Year”.

BMI songwriter/artists Ricky Martin and Calle 13 tied with four nominations each, while Shakira scored a nomination for her “Beautiful Liar” duet with Beyonce.

Martin was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Album, Best Long Form Music Video, and Record of the Year for “Tu Recuerdo (Your Memory)”. Calle 13 received nominations for Album of the Year and Best Urban Music Album for Residente O Visitante, Best Short Form Music Video for "Hay Un Son," and Best Urban Song for "Pal Norte".

Additional BMI songwriter/artists nominated for Latin Grammy’s include Pepe Aguilar, Cristian Castro, Grupo Montez de Durango, Kinky, Panda, Elvis Crespo, Los Horoscopos de Durango, Ivy Queen Graciela Beltran, Oscar D’Leon and Pablo Olivares. The 8th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT.

As a songwriter, Shakira forges her quirky, poetic lyrics into hook-driven Latin anthems. A canny pop sensibility is underscored by hypnotic Middle Eastern rhythms with ancestral roots; legend has it that she first heard the doumbek — a drum that accompanies belly dancing — at her Lebanese father’s favorite restaurant. While these rhythms allegedly inspired her to gyrate on the table to instant acclaim, the nuns at her parochial school were less enthralled with her talents, denying her a spot in the choir because of an insistent vibrato that they declared made her “sing like a goat.”

Fortunately, the professional music industry was more impressed, but initially the record buying public was unmoved. Shakira’s 1991 debut, released when she was only 15 (she had written her first song at age eight), garnered a less-than-stellar response. When the follow-up didn’t fare much better, Shakira returned to finish high school. But eventually experience and tenacity paid off: Powered by “Estoy Aquí”, “¿Dónde Estás Corazón?”, and the song that defined the title, “Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos,” her third studio release, Pies Descalzos, caught fire, selling over five million copies, while a remix album, titled simply The Remixes, moved an additional million copies. Her fourth album, ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones?, produced by Miami mastermind Emilio Estefan, solidified her position as a preeminent Latin artist.

In 2001, Shakira designed the blueprints for her crossover. Collaborating with Gloria Estefan, she wrote and recorded English versions of the tracks from ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? and penned new material for the album, titled Laundry Service. Although created for the English-language market, the rock and Spanish dance-influenced album also featured four Spanish songs, including “Que Me Quedes Tú” (That I Have Left You). Laundry Service cleaned up, with more than 13 million sales worldwide, a massive worldwide hit, “Whenever, Wherever,” and singles “Underneath Your Clothes,” “Te Dejo Madrid” (I Leave You Madrid), “Objection (Tango)” and “The One.” The album and its singles substantiated Shakira’s sway in the mainstream North American market.

Shakira also delivered her Spanish greatest hits volume, Grandes Éxitos, in 2002 and won the International Viewer’s Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards with “Suerte.” Five additional MTV Video Music Awards followed as the crossover strategy continued; for Aerosmith’s MTV Icon Award, Shakira performed “Dude (Looks Like A Lady)” and she joined Celine Dion, Anastacia, Cher and the Dixie Chicks for “VH1 Divas Live: Las Vegas.” A DVD and ten-track compilation album, Live & Off the Record, was also released in 2004, commemorating Shakira’s “Tour of the Mongoose.”

Following this massive media presence, Shakira retreated from the spotlight until revealing the bilingual Oral Fixation concept. Fijación Oral Vol. 1, with songs in Spanish, was released in 2005 as the lead single, “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, spent a record 25 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart. Selling 157,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.S., it was the highest debut ever for a Spanish-language album. In Latin America, on the day of its official release in Venezuela, it went platinum; in Colombia, triple-platinum, and in Mexico, it was sold-out as the album moved a monumental million units in three days.

Oral Fixation Vol. 2, with songs in English, was released later the same year and sold a resounding eight million copies. Two tracks from the album, “How Do You Do” and “Timor,” sparked controversy, allegedly over themes questioning faith, and the CD cover, revealing Shakira’s considerable physical attributes, also had to be altered in several territories. This sensual side of the artist was equally evident on “Hips Don’t Lie” (with special guest Wyclef Jean), her first number one single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Charts. Shakira was subsequently awarded the highest number of MTV Video Music Award nominations for the electrifying video that accompanied the song.

With the success of their previous duet, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz once again teamed up for “Te lo Agradezco, Pero No,” featured on Sanz’s El Tren de los Momentos. Tapping another music icon, Shakira released the single “Illegal,” featuring Carlos Santana, a major hit on both the Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Hot Dance Airplay charts and in Europe.

In early 2007, Shakira paired with Beyoncé Knowles on “Beautiful Liar,” from the deluxe edition of Beyoncé’s B’Day. The single soared an unprecedented 91 positions, from 94 to 3, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, setting the record for the most rapid ascent in the history of the chart.

Another side of Shakira was revealed when she founded Fundación Pies Descalzos, a Colombian charity with special schools for impoverished children. Honored at a United Nations ceremony, she pointedly observed: “Let’s not forget that at the end of this day when we all go home, 960 children will have died in Latin America.” Shakira is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and she performed “Whenever, Wherever” and “La Tortura” on the Live 8 benefit concert at the Palace of Versailles, France.

While an immense international presence is confirmation of Shakira’s global stardom, at the heart of her magic are the songs: rich with purpose, promise and personality. In the Arabic language, the two-time Grammy and eight-time Latin Grammy Award-winning singer’s name might be interpreted as either “full of gratitude” or “full of grace.” Either way, it’s the perfect description for an inspiring star of dazzling magnitude.

S O S
Evan Bogart
Edward Cobb
Jonathan "JR" Rotem
Embassy Music Corporation
Here's Lookin' At You Kidd Music
Jonathan Rotem Music
Reach Global Songs
Southside Independent Music Publishing LLC
Rihanna
SRP/Def Jam/IDJMG

SAVIN' ME
Daniel Adair (SOCAN)
Chad Kroeger (SOCAN)
Mike Kroeger (SOCAN)
Ryan Peake (SOCAN)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Nickelback
Roadrunner/IDJMG Records

SHAKE IT OFF
Mariah Carey
Rye Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Mariah Carey
Island Records

SHE SAYS
Howie Day
HKD Music
Howie Day
Epic Records

SO SICK
Ne-Yo
Super Sayin' Publishing
Zomba Songs
Ne-Yo
Def Jam/IDJMG

SOUL SURVIVOR
Young Jeezy
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Young Jeezy Music
Young Jeezy featuring Akon
Corporate Thugs/Def Jam Records

STICKWITU
Franne Golde
Kasia Livingston
Robert Palmer
Franne Gee Music
Myia’s Koala Bear Music Publishing
Notting Hill Music, Inc.
Parchi Music
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Pussycat Dolls
A & M Records

SUGAR (GIMME SOME)
David Byrne
Trick Daddy
First and Gold Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Trick Daddy featuring Ludacris & Cee-Lo
Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic

SUGAR, WE'RE GOIN' DOWN
Andrew Hurley
Patrick Stump
Joe Trohman
Pete Wentz
Chicago X Softcore Songs
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Fall Out Boy
IDJMG/Fueled By Ramen/Island

TALK
Karl Bartos (GEMA)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Coldplay
Capitol Music Group

UNFAITHFUL
Ne-Yo
Super Sayin' Publishing
Zomba Songs
Rihanna
SRP/Def Jam/IDJMG

UNWRITTEN
Natasha Bedingfield (PRS)
Danielle Brisebois
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Gator Baby
Natasha Bedingfield
Epic Records

WALK AWAY
Kara DioGuardi
K'Stuff Publishing
Kelly Clarkson
RCA/RMG

WHAT HURTS THE MOST
Jeffrey Steele
Gottahaveable Music
Songs of Windswept Pacific
Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street

WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE
Ryan Adams
Barland Music
Tim McGraw
Curb Records

WHERE'D YOU GO
Mike Shinoda
Kenji Kobayashi Music
Zomba Songs
Fort Minor featuring Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Machine Shop/WB

YOU AND ME (2nd Award)
Jude Cole
Jason Wade
Dimensional Songs of the Knoll
G-Chills Music
Jude Cole Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Lifehouse
Geffen Records

YOU 'RE BEAUTIFUL
James Blunt (PRS)
Amanda Ghost (PRS)
Sacha Skarbek
David Platz Music, Inc.
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
James Blunt
Atlantic Records

YOUR BODY
Bigg D
Marcus "Pleasure" Cooper
Jim Jonsin
Corey "Slick' Em" Mathis
Diamond "Baby Blue" Smith
Joseph "Blue" Smith
Spectacular Smith
Black Boy Hatchet Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Pretty Ricky
Atlantic Records

An annual series, “BMI PRESENTS: Latin Music Showcases” will also be held on July 11 (“Verano Alternativo,” rock and alternative rock), September 10 (“Noche Bohemia,” acoustic singer/songwriter) and November 19 (“Al Otro Lado Del Hip-Hop,” Latin/urban). Each event will focus on a different genre of music in the Latino musical landscape and will be held at S.O.B.’s

“Latin music is one of the fastest growing segments in the music business,” said Porfirio Pina, BMI’s Director, Latin Music, New York. “This series showcases some of the most diverse artists and songwriters in New York as well as the world. It’s an opportunity for the industry and public to discover new talent and get hooked on some of the most engaging new artists releasing CDs and music today.”

The U.S. leader in Latin music, BMI represents such Latin songwriters as Shakira, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Santana, Juanes, composer Gustavo Santaolalla, Café Tacuba and many others.

About the bands:

TAXI AMARILLO (yellow cab) - Young Latino duo Cruzmonty and Chris Hierro are creating a unique blend of r&b, soul, salsa, rock, pop and hip-hop. Cruzmonty and Chris were brought together by what some may consider fate. One night as Chris performed at Mirage, a popular nightclub in the Bronx, Cruzmonty sat with his manager in the audience, completely taken aback by what he heard and amazed at how much he could relate to Chris’s musical style. Within minutes, Cruzmonty’s manager arranged to get his artist onstage for a duo with Chris and what happened next was perfect musical chemistry. Once offstage, the two soon became inseparable, endlessly collaborating on lyrics and melodies over the next few months. With lyrics that will move you, voices that will elevate you, and a style that will blow you away, one thing is for sure: You will never be the same once you go on a ride with Taxi Amarillo.

THALISHA - A talented young singer/songwriter who melds the influences experienced growing up as a true urban Latina, Thalisha hails from Washington Heights, New York and her passion for life is her music. Winner of the 2003 Underground Music Awards for Best R&B Female, Thalisha embodies all the elements needed for success in today’s ever-changing music marketplace. Her versatility as a singer/songwriter has garnered her the opportunity to work alongside the same producers who have generated hits for r&b elite Beyonce and Mary J. Blige, and legendary Latin producers who have created hits for acts like Proyecto Uno, Huey Dunbar, Jelly Bean, Shaggy, Notorious B.I.G. and Tito Nieves. Thalisha is already making noise on her U.S. turf and now has a presence overseas. She currently has a song released in France with Barclay/Universal-France recording artists Relic.

FRANCISCO SALICRUP - A singer/songwriter born in La Isla Del Encanto, Puerto Rico from Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, then later raised in the heart of Boston. This young blood captured the attention of the music industry and stole the hearts of fans when he landed on “Objectiva Fama,” the Latin American version of “American Idol” in 2005. Musical influences include singers with true Latin soul, such as Grammy Award crooner Marc Anthony. Francisco merges the influences of salsa, r&b, soul, house, hip-hop and reggae. He feels that to be a singer in this day in age, one must be able to provide entertainment for both teenagers and adults. He loves to sing salsa, bachata, and r&b, but realizes that music is forever changing, so he is open to exploring different genres.

SONIDO SECRETO - This act was once categorized as a blend of grunge and psychedelic rock with subliminal sound effects and samples. As the band went through several line up changes, its sound evolved into a more progressive rock approach, with classic rock, hard rock and blues influences. Sonido Secreto released its first album, Eternal Jam, in April of 2005. Eternal Jam is a psychedelic rock/blues trip of four songs clocking 50 minutes, in total. The long-awaited first full-length album, Voodoo Sonico, is due out in the summer of 2007. Voodoo Sonico would satisfy any rock fan with its mixture of blues, hard rock, psychedelic rock, grunge rock and pop rock. This production will also be Sonido Secreto’s first bilingual album and the first release on Guasabara Records. Live performances are highlighted by the use of abstract visuals, which are conceived by the band.