Bio
Born in St. Thomas USVI, raised in Durham NC, Menes’ first memories of music were Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. After moving to North Carolina at age 7, he was introduced to Hip Hop by two underground artists from New York, Dread and Bones. His formal introduction into the culture included acts like KRS-One, NWA, and EPMD. By age 10 he had made his first recording and by 12 he was producing music with a Casio keyboard; tape to tape recording demos with a dual-cassette boombox. Overtime Kedar evolved as an emcee by competing on the freestyle battle and open mic circuit in Durham, where he’d meet the Phonte and 9th Wonder of Justus League. After Menes completed High School in 2001 and went off to NCSU to study Art and Design, 9th would eventually produce Kedar’s first professional record, “Vista Mas Alta.”
From then on Menes would produce multiple albums and mix tapes, while performing around the region. Hip Hop had become ultra-violent and commercial, and the artist would venture back to his roots; Bob Marley. Inspired by artists like The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and Nirvana, he began playing acoustic guitar, and then electric. The artist studied old blues acts like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and BB King. After rediscovering Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Cream, his style expanded into rock music, merging it with his Hip Hop and Reggae roots, forging an entirely new sound. After graduating from college with a BA in Art and Design, Kedar moved to New York, turned down a record deal, started a band, and a media firm, iWave.Energy. Menes then attained an MS in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. His most recent single “Higher” was published in July 2023, which presents a genre bending, futuristic, and mature sound with an enlightening take on life experiences.
Photos
Equipment
- Electric Guitar
- Acoustic Guitar
- Digitech guitar pedal
- Ableton Live
- Macbook Pro
- Wireless Headset Mic
Video
Discography
Singles:
Albums:
Select Performances
Reviews
Media Coverage
Press Release
Diverse Musical Artist Menes Kedar Breaks Boundaries with Fusion of Hip Hop, Reggae, Rock, and Electro Influences
Brooklyn, NY – August 13, 2023 – Emerging from a unique blend of cultural influences and a deep appreciation for diverse genres, Menes has established himself as a boundary-pushing artist whose music transcends conventional labels. Hailing from St. Thomas, USVI, and raised in Durham, NC, Menes’ artistic journey reflects a captivating fusion of Hip Hop, Reggae, and Rock elements, resulting in a genre-defying sound that captivates audiences worldwide.
Early Musical Impressions and Evolution
Menes’ journey into the world of music began with fond memories of iconic artists such as Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. A pivotal shift occurred when he was introduced to Hip Hop by underground artists Dread and Bones from New York. These early influences laid the foundation for his musical exploration. Inspired by legends like KRS-One, NWA, and EPMD, Menes embarked on a path that would see him recording his first tracks by the age of 10 and producing music using a Casio keyboard and a dual-cassette boombox at age 12.
His progression as an emcee was marked by his participation in freestyle battles and open mic events, where he crossed paths with industry luminaries like Phonte and 9th Wonder of Justus League. After high school, Menes pursued his passion for music while studying Art and Design at NCSU, leading to a pivotal collaboration with 9th Wonder on his debut professional record, “Vista Mas Alta.”
Genre Fusion and Musical Growth
Menes’ artistic trajectory took a fascinating turn as he delved into his roots and rediscovered artists like Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix. Inspired by the likes of The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and Nirvana, he began to explore acoustic and electric guitar, eventually studying the blues legends Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and BB King. With this diverse musical palette, Menes ventured into rock music, seamlessly melding it with his Hip Hop and Reggae foundations, culminating in a distinct and pioneering sound.
A Journey to Innovation
Graduating with a BA in Art and Design, Menes made the bold move to New York City, where he turned down a record deal to pursue his vision on his terms. He founded both a band and a media firm, iWave.Energy, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and multifaceted talents. Eager to further his knowledge, Menes earned an MS in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, solidifying his expertise in the industry.
“Higher” – A Glimpse into the Future
Menes’ latest single, “Higher,” released in July 2023, serves as a testament to his continuous artistic evolution. The track embodies a forward-looking, genre-bending approach that exemplifies his mature and enlightening perspective on life experiences. With “Higher,” Menes seamlessly merges diverse influences to create a futuristic and soul-stirring sound that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
As Menes continues to redefine musical boundaries and challenge genre norms, his unique journey and groundbreaking compositions position him as an artist to watch. His commitment to innovation, combined with his profound connection to various musical genres, ensures that Menes’ impact on the global music scene will only continue to grow.
Branding
Conclusion
In a world where music often finds its place within predefined boundaries, Menes stands as a shining example of an artist who refuses to be confined. His musical journey from the shores of St. Thomas to the bustling streets of New York City embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity. By fusing Hip Hop, Reggae, and Rock influences, Menes has not only broken musical barriers but has also crafted a sound that speaks to the diversity of human experience. As his captivating melodies continue to resonate with listeners across the globe, Menes’ legacy as a genre-defying artist remains firmly cemented.
Contact
Menes Kedar
(914) 719-7429
create@iwave.energy