Def 3
Danny Fernandez (DEF 3) is a Regina-based emcee whose work has paved the way for the province’s Hip Hop scene. His humble and honest approach stands out amongst today’s watered down commercial music scene, yet still maintains an appeal to all genres.
His music represents exactly who he is and where he is from. Since his first record released in 2003, he has continued recording with 6 more releases and continues to perform on a regular basis. He also owns and operates his own indie label, Ship Records Inc., partnered with Universal Music’s Fontana North. He has performed everywhere and anywhere - from award ceremonies, pubs, clubs, galas, festivals and coffee shops.
In 2006, after the release of his video “I Can’t Put My Finger On It”, he was interviewed and featured on Much Music’s “Going Coastal” television show. Also In 2006, he was a chosen alongside Saskatchewan First Nations artist, Eekwol, to perform at the Lieutenant Governor’s Award Gala. Since then he has released another video “Stutter Step” which is currently on rotation on Much Music.
In 2008 his album, with Canadian veteran rapper Moka Only (Swollen Members), charted Number 1 on college radio stations throughout Canada for 14 weeks and was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award. The two were featured showcase artists at the event and also were chosen to perform in the award ceremony in Edmonton. Also in 2008 his band OYE! won the Wolf 104.9/U of R “Battle of the Bands” contest winning the funding for the recording of their first album.
He has received numerous provincial and federal arts board grants for his work within the community and also individually. He has had the opportunity to tour in many places all over the world from right here in Canada, to the United States, Japan, South America and more. He has shared the stage with many artists off all genres such as Michael Franti and Spearhead, Great Lake Swimmers, Jack Semple, Eleye De Cuba, Ndidi Onukwulu, Bellowhead, Corb Lund, Spirit of the West, Nas, Swollen Members, Moka Only, Del The Funkee Homosapien, Souls of Mischief, Myka 9, Sole, Masta Ace, Josh Martinez, Classified, and many more. He has gained international notoriety through his performances at festivals such as Austin’s prestigious indie festival SXSW and his active touring schedule.
2010 will be a busy year for Def 3 as he begins with performances at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in February at the Saskatchewan and Four Host First Nations Pavilions, followed by a one month European Tour in March. He has multiple releases planned for 2010 with OYE!, Moka Only, a solo project and several compilation albums. Check out the latest release from Def 3 and Factor full length LP "Drumbo". Also, check out the new video for the song "Stutter Step" (in stores in Canada at all major retail outlets (HMV, Cd Plus, etc.) and online at all major distributors.
More information about Def 3:
www.def3.ca
www.myspace.com/def3
www.myspace.com/def3mokaonly
www.myspace.com/oyecollective
www.shiprecords.ca
