Introducing: Electrik Red

MUSIC : Snapshot

Fitting, that the world’s most important scientific phenomenon and the rainbow’s brightest shade create an alias for one of the most explosive new music groups. Funny how nothing imagined can compare, on its best day, to the energy and animation that is one of Def Jam’s newest groups: Electrik Red. About five years ago after continuously running into one another at various entertainment events, four friends decided to leave their lucrative careers as performers and singers to venture out on their own, creating the show stopping experience that is Electrik Red.

And ‘experience’ is the only befitting way to describe these four ladies. From their colorful and unique style to their unshakable vigor, Electrik Red brings a new look and “lady power” as they call it, to the face of music. They re-create the concept of originality with a new genre of music they enthusiastically call “Urban World.” Mixing hip-hop, pop, rock, R&B, and hints of other classic genres Electrik Red’s sound and style is unlike any other girl group. With their brutally honest lyrics, they tell all; something the industry has needed desperately. Being politically correct does not rank high on these Top Rankin’ ladies’ list of priorities. Naomi, Lesley, Binkie, and Sarah radiate in their own unique auras.

Having performed as back-up dancers for artists like Usher, Mariah Carey and Ciara these ladies had the experience and confidence to step out and allow their collective talents to command them a spotlight. “We’d get together on our off time, and strategize,” says Naomi. “For some of us the ultimate was getting to work with an amazing performer, like a Janet or Madonna,” explains Binkie. “But once you hit that mark it’s like ok, now where do I want to take it? In our case, making music was the next plateau to aim for.”

They decided to make a name for themselves in the industry with no help from anyone with whom they had worked. On May 26, 2009 Electrik Red hit their first benchmark. Their first album “How To Be A Lady: Vol. 1” dropped successfully with a few hit singles. “So Good,” which was produced by The Dream and Tricky Stewart, digs into the mindset of a woman who has gotten deeply involved with a man who is already spoken for. The beat is fun and light as is the simple but unique video with fun neon colors on a white backdrop. “Drank In My Cup,” is a definite club banger, its video showing the ladies’ edgy sex appeal and attitude. “[The message],” says a giggly Binkie in an interview with BossLady for DrJays.com, “is to drink responsibly while listening to Electrik Red.” Their upbeat 80s-like track “Friend Lover,” is a bright bubbly record. Its video showing off the ladies versatile dance moves is reminiscent of early Motown with mic stands and synchronized gyrations and features a cameo from Jackie Long of the 2006 film, ATL.

The entire album was written by producer extraordinaire, The Dream. “He comes up with stuff off the dome,” explains Naomi. “He [writes with] this confident, cocky, arrogant classy undertone that I don’t think a lot of people are used to,” says Lesley. “Generally just being a girl group people perceive you to act a certain way…hence the whole title, “How To Be A Lady.”

Electrik Red’s video “So Good”

The curly-haired Naomi who has been singing and performing since she was 8 years old knew what she wanted to do all her life. “I grew up in Toronto, Canada and I moved to Los Angeles after going to the University of Toronto for a year.” Since she was a toddler she would dress up and sing, performing for her family and friends. She has had the chance to dance with some of the biggest musical stars and is now watching her own star rise as a part of Electrik Red.

Binkie’s outspoken and outgoing nature was apparent early on in life. “When I was around 8 I met Debbie Allen and introduced myself and did a split and a jete.” Trained in musical theater since the tender age of 10 and raised in Harlem, NY, one of the nation’s most historic musical hotspots, Binkie has developed her raspy vocals and has even become the resident drummer of the group. She is a successful actress and performer and has goals to be a writer and director.

Lesley was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Caribbean parents. She has been training for performing all her life and attending the Performing Arts High School in NYC. She is very clear on her calling. “If I wasn’t born to be a rockstar, I would’ve ended up becoming a child psychiatrist.” Lesley is very religious and prays regularly. Her trait for being headstrong has been a great asset to her, leading her to L.A and allowing her to find her place in Electrik Red.

Sarah, like Naomi, was born and raised in Toronto, Canada with dreams of making it big. After attending a Performing Arts High School, studying the piano and minoring in vocal she packed her bags and boarded a Greyhound bus bound for NYC to pursue her career. Electrik Red soon was born. It’s so easy to just get into auto pilot and move, move, move but when I stop and really think about how much me and my gals have accomplished with Electrik Red and all the exciting stuff we are experiencing and are about to endure I get an overwhelming high like no other.” She’s the mother of a beautiful 5-year-old girl named Phoenix whom she loves to watch dance at her dance classes.

“Everybody’s story is worth hearing,” Naomi explains. And Electrik Red definitely has told their own story loud and clear with their debut album.
When asked what can be expected from Electrik Red in the future, these four ladies enthusiastically blurt out two words with maniacal laughter, “WORLD DOMINATION!” And with their contagious confidence and body-rocking fusion of music style, the world is now ready to be dominated.

Electrik Red’s video “Friend Lover”
Friend Lover

Stop by the Official Electrik Red Myspace page!