Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles is stepping out from behind the shadow of her famous elder sister, pop diva Beyonce, and distinguishing herself as a versatile and talented pop artist in her own right.

In 2009, she was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award in the category of Best New Artist. In 2010 she is venturing into new creative territory, exploring collaborations with indie rock performers while also working on a new album that will feature moody electronica and a triphop-inspired sound. No release date for the new album has yet been given, but Solange has spoken enthusiastically about it to her fans via Twitter: “I’m excited about continuing to dive in, experiment and create music and art with no boundaries, fears or expectations. Gonna be fun folks.”http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/31/solange-exits-interscope-records/ http://twitter.com/solangeknowles

Her most recent album, "Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams" (2008), bore heavy inspiration from her love of the 1960's and 1970's Motown sound, and produced a single which made it to the top of Billboard magazine's Hot Dance Club Play chart. Upcoming projects will see her exploring the alternative rock genre, beginning with a highly anticipated collaboration with the popular indie artist Kevin Barnes and his band Of Montreal. Solange recently joined Of Montreal onstage at Highline Ballroom in New York (Jan. 2010), singing the Jackson Five's "I Want You Back" as a duet with Kevin Barnes. Plans are underway for Solange to sing on at least one track for Of Montreal's next album, which should be released in the coming year. http://www.andpop.com/2010/01/06/solange-knowles-joins-of-montreal-on-next-album/ http://www.prefixmag.com/news/solange-janelle-monae-to-guest-on-new-of-montreal-/35973/ http://pitchfork.com/news/37707-video-susan-sarandon-and-solange-crash-of-montreal-nyc-show/

Solange began her entertainment career at an early age ... she toured as a dancer with Destiny's Child when she was only 15 years old, and released her debut album on the Columbia record label at the age of 16. In a 2008 interview with Chitra Ramaswamy, she spoke of how her family has inspired her show business aspirations: Both my parents are first generation success stories. I think their work ethic and drive was passed on. Theirs wasn't a generation who had anything handed to them. There are times when there have been challenges because we have different ideas of success, but there is never a question of trust, and that's one of the most important factors in this business." When asked about the influence of her famous sister, she revealed:"We both support each other's work and I feel like I'm her biggest cheerleader and she's mine. It's good to have her advice, but we really have different goals." http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/entertainment/Solange-Knowles-interview--Soul.4650388.jp

Solange has appeared in several TV and film roles, but more recently has expressed apprehension over accepting roles that are not in line with her greater aspirations. On the blog at her official site, she writes: "I made my last acting appearance to date on the cult film series, Bring It On: All Or Nothing, which had the biggest 1st week of sales in the history of straight-to-DVD releases - selling over 750,000 copies. Although it was quite the accomplishment, it was time for me to express myself creatively in the true sense of where I was in my life. I decided this would be the last time I would attach myself to something because of an opportunity instead of an artistic expression." http://www.solangemusic.com/bio/