24: Season Two

JOVAN DAIS There is an undeniable vibe around an artist destined for stardom that speaks to you before they utter a single word. Sitting across from Jovan Dais you can feel the creative energy in the room; it pulls you in and keeps you riveted on this young man whose personality seems to fluctuate from the smooth charm of a ladies man to the street swagger of a bad boy. Grounded in the classical sounds of rhythm and blues with an updated twist, the musical talent of Jovan Dais and his artistic confidence are what set him apart. The 6-foot, charismatic singer, personifies class, style and creativity which is expressed in his self-penned lyrics, and displayed in his approachable image. Jovan's story is every bit as multifaceted as what he brings to the table artistically. Born in the Bronx and raised in Atlanta, Jovan's childhood memories are split between a mother who loved R&B and introduced him to music by playing artists like Marvin Gaye, Blue Magic, Harold Melvin and Blue Notes around the house and a father who would moonlight as a deejay and managed various musical acts (such as the popular 90's Latin group Barrio Boyzz). Jovan's father exposed his talented son to his business early on by taking him around innovators in the business including industry legends Teddy Riley and Maurice Star. His father's connections also afforded Jovan the opportunity to travel on the road with artists like early 90's R&B group The Boyz (Dial My Heart, Crazy), which introduced the impressionable youngster to the entertainment lifestyle. As a teen, Jovan played drums in his high school marching band and performed in several music groups, including a gospel rap clique, God's Little Angels, in which he rapped, produced tracks and wrote hooks. Although the group would eventually disband, this experience would prepare him for things to come. As a solo artist Jovan experienced years of spending hard earned money at local overpriced studios and leaving with poor quality recordings. Jovan realized he needed to create his own environment to make music to meet his outstanding expectations of being a world wide star. In 2002, with a $5,000 loan from his father, Jovan moved into an empty warehouse space near downtown, purchased some wood, recording equipment and began construction on his own studio. Working with a limited budget he single-handedly built a bedroom and recording booth, and began working on his demo with tracks from producers DJ Toomp and Sanchez. A few years later another connection through his father resulted in an opportunity for Jovan to travel overseas to record. I ended up signing an international management deal and going over to Belgium to record. They had me doing stuff that just wasn't me. While the trip didn't result in Jovan's big break he believes it was a turning point in finding out who he was as an artist and his character as a man. The trip also resulted in Jovan penning his first breakout hit 'FedEx'. It was a great opportunity but, I was so lonely over there. I was missing home and all the things I'd taken for granted. As I was sitting in a caf I noticed a FedEx truck passing by and I started writing on a napkin about how I wished I could FedEx myself home, Jovan recalls. Upon returning stateside Jovan enlisted local producer Kevven K-Hamp Hamilton to produce the music for 'FedEx', and Anotha Dais Productions was established. 'FedEx' created a buzz and was released with six other songs as an EP. In May 2004, as Jovan's name began to circulate around the Atlanta music scene, he entered a joint venture deal with independent label/marketing firm Cloud 9 Entertainment. Through Cloud 9, Jovan was able to work with established producers Ryan Leslie (Britney Spears, Beyonce, Cassie) and former Bad Boy producers Stevie J and J-Dub, who produced Jovan's first official single, 'Need You' featuring former Bad Boy rapper Loon. Though the track sold a respectable number of copies, generating regional airplay, it did not lead to a major distribution deal and the companies parted ways. While, Jovan would prefer to perform w