About Dretonio
It's all in the name. This musical alter ego personifies the eclectic artist known as Dretonio, a lyricist/ singer/ songwriter that is a refreshing addition to home grown UK talent. The saying that 'Music is in the blood' is true for Dretonio who cites his R'n'B singing father 'Sinclair' as one of his early inspirations.
An honest artist who is not afraid to diversify with his musical persona, he gives life to his hard hitting hip hop inspired music. From an early age of 13 years, he found MC'ing as a channel to express the world around him, a place that he is not ashamed to explore with his audience from an angle that can only be described as positive and insightful. As an artist he is not afraid to put his heart and soul into his music. His energy comes alive in his speaker thumping, hard hitting rapping whilst having you chilling out and winding down to his soulful singing, always carrying a positive vibe.
History
Being the Son of Singer Songwriter (Sinclair), it all began at a tender age of 8 with Dretonio always listening to music in and out of the studio, singing his father's and Michael Jackson's songs with his sister singer Gina Marie .
Professionally, it started when Dretonio entered talent shows and showcases in and around London to help build confidence. In 1995, at the age of 11 listening to a lot of Rap music he took a liking to MC'ing to jungle as he found it as a channel to express the world around him. Named Tower the great by his peers for his early inspirational rhymes, Dretonio's first national exposure performance to a huge audience was at Stanmore College where he took the crowd by storm. Dretonio continued to sing cover songs at shows as well as MC'ing on DJ sets with friends, until at the age 15 he wrote a song titled 'I believe'. This song opened his mind to creativity and inspired him to achieve more.
In the year 2000, Dretonio continued his education to college to study Information Technology and Business for two years at Uxbridge College, then Sound Engineering with CMS Music. Keen to learn more about the industry, Dretonio attended a Music Business and Management course at ECAB (Eastside records) in east London in 2004. Working on the UK Showcase at UK Flow.tv as co - host and an artist performing every week was a great way to establish him on the UK urban scene, which eventually opened many doors. He began to perform at several popular London events and venues including Bar Rhumba with 1xtra's Mista Jam, Kof (urbeatz), Nutty P, Twissman, Aggro and many more.
Mixtapes
Over the last three years, Dretonio has taken his time to mature as an artist and has released four (4) mixtapes. Two underground mixtapes, the first titled 'Lyrical View Vol.1', featured Smart Kid, Tempr, Kritical, Weapon Cross just to name but a few. The follow up 'Lyrical View Vol.2 – The Prequel' had features from Urbeatz artist Future and some exclusive remixes (available for free download on http://www.mediafire.com/?nys9jevy0pc). In November 2008, he released his first official mixtape 'Enter The Tower Of Knowledge', available for download from iTunes and Amazon, which features Gina Marie, Kof, and R.D.M, as well as producers such as Sermtyle, Defiance, J.O Productions and many more.
We can never expect anything less but utter determination and commitment from Dretonio as in March 2010, he cemented his position in the UK urban scene with his 4th mixtape 'Fusion' and the popular single 'Swagger on point' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bia3skWT0c0) available on itunes. Dretonio's EP ''The Difference'' is due for release on 25th July, 2011 by independent label Blaqbone Records; to be followed by his highly anticipated debut Album, which is sure to please his current fans and add many more.
Another side of Dretonio, is his entrepreneurial spirit as he is simultaneously busy with writing and producing for other artists, video editing, working with Blaqbone Media developing new artists, creating a new brand of merchandise, as well as event management. He has also now set his eyes on fashion and Modelling having worked for H. By Harris, Modelling Network.
Media Appearances
Dretonio has made a name for himself in the media circle. He has worked with UkFlow.tv (an internet radio station based in north London), where he took part in hosting, organising and performing at the UK Showcase with co-host Dj Clipper. Dretonio featured on Ras Kwame's Homegrown Show on BBC 1xtra in 2008 on two occasions with his tracks 'UK Takeover' and 'Never Too Late'. He has also been interviewed by Dj Twista at Platinum 87.5 Fm, Dj Ashley J. at Freeze 92.7 Fm, Emski at Radio Cardiff 98.7fm, Dj Lee at Newport City Radio, Ujima Radio (Bristol), Kbit Radio (Luton), VOA 94FM (London), Switch106Radio and his tracks have received airplay in Australia, Spain, South Africa, Ghana etc.
Dretonio was nominated for Radio Cardiff Awards 'Best Local Artist' in 2009 and a top 10 finalist at Urban Music Crown 2010 and 2011. In addition, he has supported the likes of Tinie Tempah (twice), Lemar, Example, Ms Dynamite, Donaeo, Shola Ama, Bobby Valentino, Whoo Kid, Face SFX, McLean, Young Lloyd, US R&B group Next, Maxwell D, Scortcher, Wretch 32, Tribal Magz, Dj Luck and Mc neat, Young Lion (BBC 1xtra) to mention but a few. Since moving to Wales from London, Dretonio has captured the hearts of those in Wales with a constant demand for his appearance and performance on local and community radios, night clubs such as Oceana, Revolution, Soda Bar, Life, 411; St David's Hotel; local and national events such as the Radio Cardiff Music Awards 2009, Beach Break Live 2011, Notting Hill Carnival 2009 and also scheduled for 2011 as well as St Pauls Carnival 2011, Urban Music Crown Festival 2011, Ghana Rocks 2011.
Recognised for his commitment to the community and spreading a positive message Dretonio was invited to perform at Bourne to Entertain Event in September 2009, which was attended and broadcasted by ITV Fixers. He also supported the ASDA charity Tinkled Pink for Breast Cancer Concert, British Heart Foundation among others.
In conclusion, Dretonio is not confined to just singing or rapping, Dretonio is an overall entertainer who connects and adapt easily to different stage and clientèle.
THE DIFFERENCE EP NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE - ORDER ON ITUNES OFFICIAL RELEASE 25TH JULY
