-Not your average girl group
THROUGHOUT the history of pop music, only a handful of female groups have been able to stake their claim in and place their mark on the music industry.

Determined to leave an indelible impression, ELECTRIK RED, Def Jam’s latest all-girl group comprised of triple-threat performers, has taken front stage of the industry’s roster of upcoming artists.

In the past, notable hit-makers like the legendary Quincy Jones and the maverick Timbaland have transformed singers from prepubescent songbirds to global icons like Michael Jackson, and the All-American Justin Timberlake into well-rounded performers

The all-girl group, Electrik Red

Staying in line with this formula for success, Def Jam redirected the face of popular music with all-girl group, ELECTRIK RED.

Paired with Grammy Award-winning writing/production team, The Dream and Tricky Stewart (Rihanna’s Umbrella), ELECTRIK RED’s edgy brand of hip-hop and Rhythm & Blues exemplifies the future sound of music.

ELECTRIK RED’s members hail from New York City and Toronto, Canada. Binkie and Lesley attended New York City’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, and crossed paths with their Canadian starlet friends, Sarah and Naomi, while individually pursuing dance careers, touring with artists like Usher, Mariah Carey and Ciara.

After countless encounters at auditions and on stage, the quartet formed a friendship. “For some of us,” explains Binkie, “the ultimate goal was getting to work with amazing performers like Janet Jackson or Madonna. But once you hit that mark, you quest for more!” Making their own music was the next logical step!

While their individual careers started with dance, the girls all grew up studying music. Binkie learned the business early from her father, who was a member of the legendary Caribbean-soul group, Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Lesley and Naomi began vocal training at the age of three, while Sarah studied the piano as a young girl.

The natural chemistry among the four girls was undeniable and infectious, and the mixture of talent and their affinity for each other gave birth to ELECTRIK RED.

The decision to step into the forefront may have seemed risky, but there was no doubt in their minds that they were ready. “Everyone had lucrative careers,” says Lesley, “but we had the confidence and drive to say we’ve got something unique and exciting that the industry is lacking.”

In 2005, the foursome recorded a ‘demo’ and decided to keep their new project under wraps instead of calling on their long list of ‘connects’. “We never really shopped the ‘demo’; we were protective of our music and new sound,” says Naomi. “We felt like we couldn’t go to an executive at a label until we had the best representation of our music possible. We believe you only have one shot.”

The Guyanese influence in Electrik Red, Lesley Lewis, with her dad, Leslie; mom, Marlene, who hails from the Pomeroon; and older sister, Sonia

In February 2008, that ‘one shot’ came when ELECTRIK RED secured a deal with Def Jam behind closed doors in an overnight signing meeting!

The girls were then paired with the hottest hit-makers, The Dream and Tricky Stewart, who had worked with chart-toppers, from Mary J. Blige to Beyonce.

The multi-talented group has since released their debut album, ‘How to Be a Lady Vol. 1’. They have toured the United States and opened for fellow label mates, multi-Grammy-Award nominated Ne-Yo and Musiq Soulchild, as well as Keri Hilson. ELECTRIK RED has also opened for the Grammy-Award winning rapper, Lil Wayne on his ‘I am Music’ tour.

The foursome were creatively involved in all of their videos, and have been featured in a host of magazines: Honey; Men’s Fitness; Blender, and Vibe. They have built a sizeable fan base through their active social networks — Facebook, Twitter, MySpace — and have launched the ELECTRIK RED lightning bolt tattoo phenom, as evidenced in their logo!

Their unique approach to performing, incorporating precise dance moves, showgirl vocals and theatrical staging sets them apart from other girl groups.

“Back then, the Spice Girls had Girl Power!” admits Sarah. “With us, it’s Lady Power; Girl Power amplified!”
Adds Lesley:  “We are four, strong women, extremely comfortable in our skin, and we have a lot to offer through our music and message! We will be heard!”

Their Bios…
Lesley is the Caribbean princess of Brooklyn, where she was born and raised. A true ‘American Gangster’, Leslie is named after doting and devoted dad, Leslie Lewis, and is the niece of former Police Commissioner of Guyana, Laurie Lewis. So, the West Indian in her flares like a brushfire at the mere sound of Reggae music. She has been preparing to be a performer all her life. She has had extensive vocal training since the age of seven, and continues to work on her craft. She attended the Performing Arts H.S. in NYC, and throughout the years, her headstrong attitude and determination have allowed her to follow her dreams… which eventually brought her to LA.

Sarah was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She brings lots of flavour to the group because of her Swedish/ Pilipino/ Russian background. She’s attended a Performing Arts School from the age of 10 to 18 where she sang in different choir groups over the years. She minored in vocals and also studied piano, which gives her an excellent ear for hearing and arranging melodies and harmonies.
She is not called ‘Auntie Harmony’ for nothing! Following her dreams, she ended up on a Greyhound Bus to NYC with hopes of pursuing a dance career. She’s been blessed with the opportunity of touring the world with a multitude of #1 top multi-platinum selling artistes. Six years ago, she decided to put her own artistry first and joined forces with the other ladies of Electrik Red.

Binkie
This Harlem Hottie has been around the world, and feels that no place beats NYC. She makes up half of the ‘American Gangsters’. With her raspy sexy vocals and her urban edge, she adds ambience and texture to the Electrik Red sound. Trained in musical theatre since the age of 10, and with her father being a musician, she has become the resident drummer of the group! She is an accomplished actress and dancer, as well as an aspiring writer and director. She is a city girl with a down-to-earth feel, but with 5th Avenue appeal. Binkie loves being a part of this group and invites anyone that thinks they are ready to come along for the ride.

Naomi makes up the other half of the ‘Canadian Cartel’. She is also from Toronto, Canada. She is the product of British Canadian and Jamaican parents. She started dancing and singing at the tender age of three. She continued her vocal training throughout High School, and currently trains with Robert Edwards and John Deaver. She is
an amazing actress, as well as the producer of the hit MTV reality show, ‘G’s to Gents’. She has had the opportunity to perform with many of today’s hottest stars all across the world. She now resides in LA, where Electrik Red is her main priority.