Known as Khaada, Bare soul, Dwells within , Aud, and One, Marshall "J" Blalock presents his deep respect and admiration for music, whether electronica, chill-out, downtempo, afro-brazilian, jazz, rock, soul, or hip hop.

Along with his partner, Robert Crawford, he continues to make and distribute music at his own pace, on his own terms. To date, his label, DIY.COLLAB(k)Recordings, has released five discs, with a sixth by Rob to be released very soon.

"Rob and I were the founders of cipher:First Son, an unsigned, but respected hip-hop group in Philadelphia, PA. Upon the conclusion of cipher:First Son, Rob and I continued recording without concern for genre or commercialism. With voracious appetites for music, we continued to nurture our appreciation for music, and then interpreted what we revered most in our own voices- me with my Bare soul, Aud and Khaada projects, Rob with his spoken word/hip hop hybrid. What you hear now is strictly love for music in all of its forms, and maturity in mind and soul."

Blacksun925 is basically myself and all of my musical personalities. Khaada is the Afro-Brazilian side, Aud is the downtempo side, Bare Soul takes care of the rock-jazz-r&b duties, Dwells Within creates the moody beats, and One is the grown up hip hop head.

Why this name?
The idea of the sun being pitch black yet shining brilliantly intrigues me.....

Do you play live?
I am solely a recording artist.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Individuals such as myself can create and distribute their music with less hassle. More individuals can gain access to the music you create and give you a listen without having to take a greater risk on buying a physical product in hopes of scoring a great experience.

Would you still sign a record contract with a major label?
Probably not. I like working at my own pace, and in my own space and time.

Band History:
Marshall J Blalock, also known as Bare soul, dwells within , aud, Khaada, and One.
Under these guises, J presents his deep respect and admiration for music, whether electronica, chill- out, downtempo, afro-brazilian, jazz, rock, soul, or hip hop.
Along with his partner, Robert Crawford, he continues to make and distribute music at his own pace, on his own terms. To date, his label, DIY.COLLAB(k)Recordings, has released five discs, with a sixth by Rob to be released very soon.

"Rob and I were the founders of cipher:First Son, an unsigned, but respected hip-hop group in Philadelphia, PA. Upon the conclusion of cipher:First Son, Rob and I continued recording without concern for genre or commercialism. With voracious appetites for music, we continued to nurture our appreciation for music, and then interpreted what we revered most in our own voices- me with my Bare soul, Aud and Khaada projects, Rob with his spoken word/hip hop hybrid. What you hear now is strictly love for music in all of its forms, and maturity in mind and soul."

Your influences?
Roy Ayers, Extended Spirit, Herbie Hancock, Catalyst, Jazzanova, The Crusaders, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, and the list goes on and on and on....

Favorite spot?
New York City

Equipment used:
Yamaha DAW, Yamaha Motif ES Rack, Akai MPC2000XL, Roland MS-1, Event monitors, E-MU Proteus 2000, etc.

Anything else...?
I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen to tracks by an unknown, everyone who has taken a chance and bought my limited releases over the years. Take that all the way back to Cipher:FirstSon(for those in the know).