With one global challenge after another, the world is undeniably at a place where negativity thrives and hopelessness effortlessly seeks its way in, disrupting people’s lives in the most unpleasant ways possible. Determined to pursue the mission to bring a powerful difference to society, Light Warriors turns to music as a tool to effectively channel encouragement, hope, and love for the world. Ultimately, the rising music group intends to heal and unite people through unique blends of sounds to help them realize what the world truly needs today.

Light Warriors is a surging music powerhouse that navigates through the realms of rock, funk, and reggae sounds while incorporating indie sensibilities that, albeit familiar, also bring a fresh feeling to the listeners. Composed of seven dedicated members, the group of multi-talented artists pools in their creative insights to form music aimed to uplift its listeners and bring positivity. 

Light Warriors places heavy emphasis on bringing positive energy into community. Its musical works focus on collective frequencies that bring love into action. Much of the group’s performances have been described as incredibly uplifting and encouraging. Some of their hit albums include Raise the Frequency, Survival of Joy, and the anti-gun violence single, Rise Above. Their most recent international collaborative release is “Book of One,” described as a true innovation on the single for the music industry, perhaps an industry first. Overall, the group’s sound has been compared to a mixture of music legends such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Sublime, Dispatch, and Bob Marley. “Book of One” covers multiple styles from pop hop and rap to jazzy funk, trap, and reggae, for multiple reconstructed interpretations on the single, “One”. 

While the rising music group is catapulting to success today, the journey toward its present-day milestones has been challenging. What was initially formed by Erik Rabasca as a solo project in 2016 has now grown into a seven-member group with Erik on guitar/vox, Steven Jean Baptiste on drums, Kris Brewer on saxophone, Jamar Jabari in percussion/vox, Karen Johnstone on keyboards/vox, Liz Page on percussion and vocals, and Angel Sanchez on the bass. 

Admittedly, after a few cycles of talented musicians entering and exiting the group between 2016 and 2018, Erik was ready to pursue a solo career. Fortunately, in 2018, he landed a residency in Brooklyn with rotating musicians. But what truly sealed the deal was Angel Sanchez’s initiative to join the project. Eventually, Light Warriors 3.0 was brought to life, with its current lineup coming together by the summer of 2019. The now solidified lineup then explored newer paths that led them to the success they hold today after nearly 40 shows together and a dozen recording sessions that will yield more new music later this year.

Today, Light Warriors remains at the forefront of giving hope and positivity not only through music but also through other philanthropic endeavors. Through the universal language of music, the group now serves as ambassadors to WhyHunger’s Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program, urging artists, industry leaders, innovators, and tastemakers to use their influence, voice, and power to address the systemic challenges that prevent underserved and disadvantaged communities face from accessing nutritious food systems. With the newest “Book of One” release, Light Warriors is donating half of all album proceeds to WhyHunger. 

Their latest single “One” declares, “One, the volume of unity…One, collectively transforming community.” Equipped with their gift in music, the group continues to use their talents to inspire and ignite hope in the hearts of their listeners. 

Learn more about Light Warriors by visiting its official website. Band photos taken by Tucker Mitchell. Album art created by Kimberly Young Sun.

Breaking away from the confines of traditional genres, Kayana Herndon takes on R&B, pop, and hip-hop. The artist grew out of making song cover videos and is pursuing a music career full-time. Her songs embody the journey through fear and hope individuals and communities go through during the pandemic.

As a teenager, the singer-songwriter posted covers on her YouTube channel, “iAmKayana.” Her videos have now gained over 100 thousand views and counting. 

Kayana Herndon lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding herself with more extra time than ever before, she re-committed to her passion for singing and writing music professionally.

The musician hit the ground running and soon released her first original song entitled “Fade Away.” Wanting to build momentum with her productivity, Kayana Herndon recorded her follow-up single. She went a step further, directing her first music video to accompany the song “6 Feet.” Listeners have described the hit single as the “perfect pandemic jingle.”

Kayana Herndon was born in Palm Springs and raised in Oceanside, California. Even as a child, Kayana found opportunities to share her talent in music. Her career as a performer started with roles in school plays and musicals.

Even though she has not been signed to a label yet, the upcoming independent artist is deservedly proud of her journey. Kayana Herndon is enjoying the process of gaining new skills to create and produce music herself. In addition to learning how to engineer songs, Kayana’s goal is to direct, choreograph, and edit music videos for herself and other artists.

Despite the high level of uncertainty brought by the pandemic, Kayana Herndon decided to pursue her passion. Instead of getting discouraged, the artist considers these challenging times a reminder that life is often unpredictable. Kayana hopes to inspire her listeners to make the most of each day.

Like most young adults, the 23-year-old singer dedicates her hard work to providing for her family financially. At this stage in her life, Kayana Herndon’s focus is on establishing a fulfilling career doing what she loves. “My family and my fears of leaving this Earth without pursuing my dreams full force motivates me to build and make a name for myself,” explains the artist.

Kayana Herndon’s personality, style, and branding stand out from other young musicians. In direct contrast to the wild characters preferred by her peers, Kayana describes herself as a family woman. This departure from cultural norms, stemming from her personal convictions, is most evident in the absence of profanity in her songs. Early in Kayana’s career, she vowed only to create the music she felt comfortable listening to around her mother and family. As the eldest of four siblings, the artist is serious about being a role model. Above all else, she plans to make her loved ones proud.Through her music and example, Kayana Herndon is inspiring a growing number of young adults to work within their passion and purpose. For more information on the artist, you can visit her YouTube channel. Kayana Herndon’s music is also available for streaming on Spotify.

The influence of music knows no bounds as it reaches out to impact people in several areas of their life. For certain people, music is their escape from their problems and for others, their motivation. Chucky Royale, a rising artist in the music industry, sees music as a way of life and uses it to inspire others to achieve great things in life.

Chucky Royale was born and raised in Jamaica where he spent several years of his early life. He would later fly over to Orlando, Florida, paving the way to his music career. Chucky Royale took his name from a nickname he received as a baby. According to his uncle, Chucky was such a troublesome child that he reminded him of the Child’s Play character, Chucky. 

In the eighth grade, Chucky added Royale to his stage name. He believes that everyone has the chance to become a self-made king or queen. Chucky believes that not being born into royalty shouldn’t be a reason for people to enjoy the treasures of the world. He believes that the only thing people need is to have a Royale Mindset to achieve anything they want.

As he grew older, Chucky took his beliefs to heart and implemented them as the foundation for his brand. He didn’t like how the world was running and believed that people could be doing more to improve their lives. With a desire to inspire others, Chucky felt that the best way to do so was by building a career in the music industry and creating a clothing line.

As a musician, Chucky’s style is a cross between rap and Jamaican dancehall, separating him from other artists in the industry. By crossing hip-hop, rap, Jamaican dancehall, and reggae, Chucky creates an entirely new sound with a different vibe. 

His music’s content serves as a blueprint to teach and inspire people about improving and becoming the best version of themselves so they can learn about getting rich. Chucky’s music bridges the gap between the haves and the have-nots as he initially started as a have-not. He wants to show people how they can become a ‘have.’

Outside of music, Chucky Royale runs a clothing line called UPNXT. The line is dedicated to using their clothing to empower individuals with their authentic, top quality products. In keeping in line with their mission of celebrating people’s individuality, each piece is only made once. The brand’s motto is “Work hard in silence.”

They are dedicated to improving their customer’s quality of life with their content and clothing. Each piece inspires people to work hard in silence with a strong mentality and reach the next level of life.

Chucky Royale may just be starting in his music career, but he already has his sights on greatness. He hopes to build a following of over a million subscribers on YouTube with millions of social media followers.

To view more of Chucky Royale’s music, you can check out his YouTube channel. You can also find him streaming on Apple Music and Spotify. For updates on his next releases, follow him on Instagram.