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THE IBU STORY

IBU, short for Inspired By U, the name they chose as they claim to be inspired by the people they sing to. IBUs uniquely rich harmonies and outstanding dance skills quickly earned them the distinction as Chicagos most sought after Asian-American performing group. Now on its 5th year, IBU continues to make headlines, thrusting itself more and more to the forefront of the mainstream music scene. WGN/WB Channel 9 Chicago called them Chicagos hottest boy group, and 102.3FM introduced them as Asians with Soul. In November 2004, IBU competed with 300 artists from around the world at the New York International Music Festival in Manhattan and was voted as the best R&B Group, becoming the first ever and the only Asian-American group to ever win at the festival. In 2005, the festival named them R&B Group of the year. The year before, IBU won the state-sponsored, the Chicago Music Opportunity Project, with Michelle Williams of Destinys Child as one of the judges. Since then, IBU performed at the biggest African-American festival in the country, the Bud Billiken Parade, the prestigious Chicago Music Awards in 2004, and at Chicagos biggest festival, the Taste of Chicago, at the Illinois Lottery Stage in 2004 and at the FOX TV Bandstand in 2005. The group has become a favorite by the world series champion Chicago White Sox, performing the National Anthem at eight games in the 2005. This year they returned to the US Cellular field for three more games, a total of 11 games. Their songs were ranked number 6 by Hot 97.7FM in the bay area and has been played in many radio stations in the US, Asia and Europe. The group has performed from the bay area to the big apple and is one of the busiest Asian American performing groups in the country today. IBU was featured on MTV2 On The Rise. The group has been seen internationally, on various shows ABS-CBN/The Filipino Channel, as well as the International Channel. They made their Manila radio debut on Wave 89.1FM in July of 2004 and continue to be on regular rotation till this day. IBU's songs have ranked 6 on Hot 97.7FM's playlist in April 2006, Voted 13 on 97.3FM Missouri, and 3 on WCH Radio's top 30 songs of 2006. IBU has shared the same stage dozens of Philippine superstars. They have appeared on Fox TV, WGN, Cable Access TV and various TV stations in Honolulu, San Francisco and Seattle. IBU has released its first solo album entitled Redefined, in August 2005, their fourth recording project. The group is featured in several dozen internet music sites including soundclick.com where they have been listed as one of the hottest signed bands for over four years. Chicago Tribune ran a story about the groups struggle to overcome stereotyping of the Asian-American Artists by the Mainstream Music Industry and media in November 2004. IBUs most profound testimonial comes a fan, Robyn, who wrote When you add handsome men with different unique voices, take them out of the cultural environment and throw them into an industry and genre dominated by the African-American community, you have nothing but ingredients for success. I have been exposed to many cultures who attempt R&B, however, none have quite mastered it like you three!

IBU will be releasing it's sophomore album by JUNE 2009.