BAY AREA MUSIC VET BONNIE ARTIGA HEADS MUSIC DEPARTMENT AT EMERGING RADIO STATION

(Boston, MA) - Singer Bonnie Artiga (aka Boni Facia) has been named Music Director for BlackBerry Soul Radio, the Internet radio station boasting thousands of daily global listeners. Bonnie began as host of the very popular “Indie GO! Blendz” radio show, which airs Friday and Saturday nights 9-11pm EST. Each weekend, she showcases music from unsigned and independent artists for two hours, staying true to her passion for the music and the artists that make it.

For over 34 years, the seasoned songstress and lyricist know as “Boni Facia” has given music her soul and kept her axe to the grind in the ever-changing industry where artists usually throw in the towel to pursue other ventures. Bonnie Artiga’s passion for music won’t allow her to do so. It doesn’t take a Gold or Platinum record to move this Bay Area Latina. Her drive for music is far deeper.

We spoke with Bonnie who confessed that her passion became even stronger when her Dad, not so happy with her report card at school; hid her boom box, cassettes, piano, keyboard and microphone – and cancelled her piano lessons until she got her grades back up to par. In the end, Dad knew best and Bonnie is doing even better at her craft.

Bonnie’s ultimate dream since childhood and to this day is: “to be that Mujer Latina at a huge red carpet event ‘reporting live’ kind of a thing. But what I am excited about and cannot wait to do is stream live from a local event. Getting those one on one interviews with artists. As an artist myself, my focus and support will always be to all of the Indie Artists. That is #1 for me. The fact that I am bilingual opens many other avenues for myself and also for any indie artist out there that also sings in Spanish. That's a total rush. Anyone can tell you, such a comedian. I love people. I am not shy and love the camera! I vibe off of people. Especially people who understand the passion of music.”

Born in San Francisco, Bonnie is a bona-fide “415 ‘Frisco girl’, whose musical influences include: Whitney Houston [whose passing devastated Bonnie], Sandi Patti and Bebe & Cece Winans, when she was growing up. Today’s influences include: Jennifer Hudson, Leela James [“number 1”], Mary J Blidge, Angie Stone, Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse.

Bonnie has worked on music in the studio with the likes of Freddie White, Caliboi (Chris Reese), Mondisa, Nicole VanHook, Erika D Lawrence, Pete Wiggins. She believes the deceptive and dishonest practice in the music industry have led artists to distrust and ultimately disbelieve in the industry and themselves.

Bonnie sums up the music industry as such: “We need to focus on music - which is business - but not lose the true meaning of what music is all about. Connecting with the words, with the audience. Music used to bring people together, not disengaged and full of negative influences. Being aware, and smart and knowing who you are as a person first then as an artist with business smarts so it's a positive growth in all areas.”

Bonnie promises to tell a story through her music that will lyrically showcase her sexiness, her soulful, R&B sound and a natural Latin twist.

“My long term goals with BlackBerry Soul Radio is to continue to support the unsigned indie artists hands-on, by attending their events and streaming live from those events as well. Do one-on-one interviews with the artists, hold events where we can have a line up of our local artists and have these concerts. Showcase, press passes, I want this to be huge but better than the rest.”

As you can see, Bonnie Artiga aka Boni Facia has her mind on her music and her music on her mind. She’s serious about the advancement of musicians worldwide through media and radio, and her advancement to Music Director. Ever so humble, Bonnie gives all the praise for her new position to God:

“He [God] places people in our lives for many reasons, I believe and know that this was ‘that time’ and it's been amazing. A true blessing.”