SotoSoundz

so-to-soundz (n) a mind altering music vibe: 8 tentacles of wonder from the barrel of a shooting star. The Electric Cat's pure expression.

Karen Sotomayor: 7 Arcos Recordings founder, SotoSoundz, Producer, Singer/Songwriter/Musician, Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur, Artist Of The Year 2006-2007 Winner by Makato Musicians, Advocate for Independence, Indie Labels, Indie Artist as well as author of thought provoking blogs about the music industry and other inspirations.

SotoSoundz is a unique, energetic, dynamic force live as well as on CD. SotoSoundz has received many favorable reviews from within the music industry as well as from fans worldwide - featuring Karen Sotomayor, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Multi-instrumentalist, Entrepreneur and "Artist of the Year 2006-2007" by Makato Musicians.

The History

Karen Sotomayor founding member of SotoSoundz, started at the "wee" age of 6 singing a’cappella hit songs in a street group in Chicago along with her sister and 4 friends. "It was a light hearted, fun experience that turned into a lifelong passion. I remember composing music in my head on my walks to school from kindergarten on up…."

"I have a love for many styles of music aside from rock such as Flamenco Guitar, Harpsichord, Gipsy & Classical Baroque Music."

Fast Forward - The Hard Rockin' Days:
I met a guitarist and started a 3 piece band "Saint", with me on lead vocals. We built a rehearsal/recording studio in his parents garage and began writing our own songs. All aspects such as writing, recording, managing, photo shoots, PR, bookings, touring, wardrobe concepts, logos for our t-shirts, badges, stickers, 1st album sleeve (Original Sin an EP), as well as our own record label Heaven Recods,were done by us. We had a good following. But as life is constant change, my relationship with the guitarist & musical differences drove us toward new paths. It was a very educational experience.

The Inception of SotoSoundz 1999:

In the late 90's I built a recording studio in an out building at my Arizona ranch, then purchased an 8 track deck and all the other necessary equipment such as guitars, keyboards, mics, and some percussion, acquired a killer sound system which completed the studio. I recorded a 6 song demo CD, sang and played everything, shopped it a bit. As a result, I was contacted by Jef Peace of Peacework Records, who wanted to sign me to his label. He then sent my CD to producer, Fran Ashcroft, who defined the SotoSoundz "sound" as garage/psychedelic rock and reference Grace Slick with who he heard a resemblance vocally, interesting...I figured I was still sounding a bit "Rob Halford" from my Metal band days. Eventually I found a drummer and once the drum tracking was completed I flew up to Oregon in November of 2002 where I met Fran, he headed up the mix for the new record which became "Octopus Head". Through hard work and proper targeting, "Octopus Head" continues to be received very well by fans as well as reviewers!

Upon my return from Oregon I immediately started writing & recording for the next album. This was a good move as I was contacted by a DJ at an alternative radio station in Brazil who I'd sent a copy of "Octopus Head". He wanted to do a 2 hour special on SotoSoundz! In spring 2003, Fran came to my studio to mix the next album, that record is known as "The Slightly Wicked West". Most of this records feel is based on my life experiences in the Arizona desert & on horseback. That's why it has such a wide-screen feel. In addition, we also put the interview material together for the show in Brazil which became "Brasil FM 145.2" CD.

In June 2004, 7 Arcos Recordings was created and began its history September 1, 2004 with 9 releases on its roster. Released was not only "Octopus Head", "The Slightly Wicked West", the "Situation Opportunist Video Single" (filmed in NW England - July 2003), "Brasil FM 145.2" CD, but all the vintage recordings from my hard rock/heavy metal band days. These recordings have subsequently become collector's items!

In spring 2005, 7 Arcos Recordings secured a world-wide digital distribution deal for the entire catalogue which is now on all the major digital retail stores worldwide such as: iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody, Napster, HMV, Yahoo Music, Virgin Digital & MSN Music (where "The Slightly Wicked West" received 5 stars) !

February 2006, Karen Sotomayor receives a nomination for "Artist of the Year 2006-2007" by Makato Musicians!

April 2006, SotoSoundz releases album #3 called "Your Game!".

January - June 2006, SotoSoundz has received over 55,000+ download, CD and stream sales. Along with a growing worldwide fan base asking us to come play in their town. In additiion, we have bands requesting to open for SotoSoundz!

July 1, 2006 SotoSoundz album Octopus Head, is Top Album at Promonet!

September 11, 2006 SotoSoundz 30 min. interview with host Bazooka Joe on "Small World Podcast - Music Monday" turned out spectacular!

September 14, 2006 Karen Sotomayor in Chicago to film her host spot on the "in your face" rock show "REBEL Access TV".

September 25, 2006 It's Official!!! Karen Sotomayor has won "Artist of the Year 2006-2007" by Makato Musicians!!!

January 1, 2007 Worldwide release of SNAP!

January 17, 2007 "Right To Fight" single from SNAP! is listed as most popular track at eMusic!

January 21, 2007 SotoSoundz tops out at over 110,585+ music streams and is #2 in the "Top Five" in the rock genre at N1M!!! Holding steady for 7 days running!

April 2007, The Worldwide release of "Right To Fight" video! Filmed in Brighton, England.

May 2007, NEW! Worldwide CD on demand distribution now available for the entire 7 Arcos Recordings catalogue at Amazon!

May 2007, 7 Arcos Recordings new distribution outlet that offers worldwide Wholesale Retail and Bulk CD Distribution!

June 10, 2007 The new 7 Arcos Recordings - Amazon.com store goes "live" carrying all SotoSoundz CDs.

2008 will see a new CD release as SotoSoundz is in the studio creating a vibe so intense it will take you from one spectrum of your mind to the other! New videos and new photos.

December 2008 see the release of "SWEET LIFE & LEAD THE WAY" to Radio!

January 2009 "Sweet Life" Digital Album & CD Out Now At Amazon!

February 2009 "Sweet Life" (single) & "Lead The Way" picked up for rotation by 2 radio stations!

March 2009 Worldwide Digital Release of Sweet Life!

April & May 2009 Whew! What can I say!?!....except radio is really taking off for SotoSoundz! Both internet as well as terrestrial - we always list new stations as we get notified of our inclusion on the stations playlists, so check back often!

Sept 1, 2009 Happy Birthday 7 Arcos Recordings! 5 Exciting Years & Counting!

January 2010 begins with reflection, thanks of past successes and plans & implementations for this New Year. A new EP, Live Performance and a eye on a LIVE Album & DVD are all in the works.

February 17, 2010 New Lyric Book of over 30 SotoSoundz Songs to be released this month!

GET INVOLVED IN SOTOSOUNDZ!

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Epilogue: I've never been in a better position in the years I've been in this business than I am today! My success is truly based on talent, merit, hard work and some great people I have been fortunate to work with.

It's a fantastic journey! Karen Sotomayor

Official Website: www.SotoSoundz.com

Email: sotosoundz@sotosoundz.com

Record Label: 7 Arcos Recordings

Website: www.7Arcos.com

Email: contact@7Arcos.com

Bookings, Licensing, Publicity: Infectious Tunez Management

Email: infectioustunezmanagement@yahoo.com

Publishing: Sheba Girl Music ASCAP-MCPS

Merchandising: The Electric Cat's Closet

Discography

Sweet Life - 2009