Based out of Washington, D.C., songstress/ songwriter Veronica King was as unsuspecting natural for music. Though not having received formal vocal training, Veronica discovered her gift while in college. She recorded at studios around the Hampton Roads but it wasn't until several years after graduating that she began to explore the music scene. Today, Veronica King has emerged with a style that is in a category all her own where sweet soul meets electronica. Her hypnotic angelic voice gives you sweet soul of Tweet and Sade while blending the modern electronic synth sounds of FKA Twigs.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

When I think of Artist Empowerment what comes to mind is turning obstacles into stepping stones.

I am empowered because I know who I am and I know where I'm going.

Caits Meissner is an award-winning poet, educator and vibrant creative force dedicated to transformation and healing through storytelling. For over ten years, Caits has extensively facilitated youth and adults in poetry and multi-media expression in prisons, schools and community centers, and has worked long-term instituting innovative arts education programming at cultural institutions such as Tribeca Film Institute. Caits' poetry of witness has been awarded first place prizes from the Pan-African Literary Forum and the Ja'Nai Foundation and she serves as a Founding Editor of The Wide Shore global women's poetry magazine. Caits developed Digging Deep, Facing Self - a 30 day online intensive writing course designed to uplift, heal & transform women into their boldest selves. Widening access, Caits has facilitated the curriculum in live spaces, including incarcerated women, adolescents and various communities across the globe.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

It’s bravery. It’s risk-taking. It’s definitely creative people that want to live beyond boundaries and live beyond boundaries and take back some of that power.

I am empowered because I find strength in vulnerability.

Phia Lynne is a Canadian-born, Ottawa raised, Pop/Adult Contemporary singer. Phia works predominantly as a vocalist, with experiences and education in Event Management, as well as Business Management & Entrepreneurship from Algonquin College in Ottawa. She is an award-winning performer, with several 1st place honors in local shows and competitions, especially in 2009. She was also recognized as the Jazz Ensemble - Most Valuable member - in high school by playing the Alto Saxophone and regularly improving her musicianship skills. Phia is currently working as a solo entrepreneur and aspires to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time musician.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

What comes to mind is being able to pursue your artistic passion, without seeking permission from an outside source, and making a living doing something that is a natural reflection of who YOU are.

I am empowered because I know that I have my own unique message and vision as an artist, which has the potential to not only satisfy my artistic passions, but also has tremendous potential to change lives and make a positive difference in the world. The number of times that I fail will be greatly exceeded by the number of times that I succeed – that’s what makes me the empowered artist that I am today.

Arielle is a musician and songwriter with a courageous and raw soul. In 2011, she was a guitarist for Cee Lo Green at Coachella, after which she was signed to Open E entertainment. By the age of sixteen, she had already worked with such notables in the music industry as Nuno Bettencourt, Michael Angelo Batio, and Uli Jon Roth of Scorpions. Arielle also gained the approval of Brian May of Queen band. Arielle was featured on the cover of Guitar Player Magazine's online magazine, 'Guts & Glitter', in 2011.She teamed with Red Decibel Music Group (Adam Watts & Gannin Arnold) to produce her EP, California,  an acoustic guitar folk/pop track, that became one of her notable and played songs. Her video of the song ranked #3 on CMT Country Pure Charts. Arielle sang with a number of global activists in Taiji to protest dolphin slaughter. She also opened for Heart, Joan Jett & Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills & Nash) at Kiss the Sky in 2014, a concert raising awareness for captive whales and dolphins.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

FINALLY! It's been too long that artists have been deemed powerless over record labels, managers and agencies. To me, it symbolizes a new era of artists finally taking back what is rightfully theirs. Their music, their power, their life.

I am empowered because I know nothing outside of me is needed in order to get my music where it needs to be. I am a co-creator of my life, and the only person who can block the dream from manifesting is myself.

Take the cool intimacy of Norah Jones, the guttural growl of Fiona Apple, and unorthodox guitar work of Ani Difranco - and you've got Aly Tadros. The Half-Egyptian/Half-Texan songstress has performed over 700 shows worldwide since her 2009 debut. Her unique folk-stylings can be traced everywhere from her Egyptian roots, to the instruments she uses on stage. In addition to numerous national radio, print and digital press press, Aly has been featured in USAToday.com, NPR Austin, Paste Magazine, MTV Buzzworthy and spoke at TEDxYouth. Her performance has been named best live show to catch in NYC by The Village Voice.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

Freedom & independence.

I am empowered because I choose to be.

Music is the universal language and Hip Hop artists Deuce Ellis speaks it well. He is a breath of fresh air in an era where "material minded" rappers rule. Deuce embodies the essence of a true poet. His music combines a combination of Hip Hop, Rock and Roll, Dub­Step and more. Deuce Ellis' music is integrity driven. The topics are passionate, ardent and forthright. He writes about observations and personal revelations of the everyday struggle as well as love, war, passion and sex. His latest single is a track entitled "Sanctuary of Holy Colours." The visual for the song is laced with spiritual and mystical images. He writes about a place where "the nobodies meet." Deuce Ellis is on a mission to spark a cult like following with his potent brand of New Age Hip­Hop.

What comes to mind when you hear the words, Artist Empowerment?

"When I think of Artist Empowerment what comes to mind is Freedom. And power. Before being introduced to the concept of artist empowerment, I was talented & driven, but I was waiting for a miracle.

I am empowered because I create my own miracles.