HOUSE NATION LIVE

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

Australian born Xander James is a music connoisseur, delivering a unique dance music experience. He’s a House DJ and electronic music producer, with a career spanning 20 years, and has numerous original tracks and remixes under his belt.

His productions have been released on music labels across the globe, including Dualism Records, Deep Soul Space, Bizar recordings, Generation Music, and Kingdom Digital. His style is a unique blend of Tech House, combining House & Techno beats with Deep House grooves, Balearic melodies, World sounds, then infused with Afro-Latin percussions.

Xander has collaborated and performed with well-respected international artists including: Ron Carroll, Matt Caseli, Julie McKnight, Andy Caldwell, Marshall Jefferson, Osunlade, Evan Landes (The Groove Junkies), Robert Owens, Chris Samba, Andy Ward (Soul Central, Graham Lord (Audiowhores / Malachi), Neil Pierce (Fanatix), Sean Doyle (Soul Heaven / Hed Kandi), Miss Farina, Aris Kokou, Dimitris Michas, Kim Jay, Sterling Void, Jerry C. King, Malik Boudari and many more.
He’s held residencies at a plethora of reputable venues in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia and traveled the world, while showcasing the sound of Ibiza and recreating the European summer experience.

A visionary, entrepreneur and humanist, he also founded “House for Love”, a not-for-profit initiative and fundraising movement. By collaborating with leaders from various communities and industries, Xander is committed to creating a series of music-focused events to empower those in need to transform their lives, through social connections, music and the values of humanity.

In 2017, Xander co-founded “House Nation Live”, an online radio station and network of DJs across Australia and abroad – including the UK, USA, South Africa and Europe – delivering House music shows in the form of live video streaming. Not interested in mainstream fads and trends, this venture showcases real talent and creates a sense of community among House DJs, producers, artists and House music lovers in the electronic music industry.

Driven by his passion for music and people, Xander loves connecting with like-minded individuals, nurturing new talent and serving up quality dance tunes.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you get interested in music?

Xander James: Music has been a major part of my life since I can remember. From playing with baby-sized musical instruments as a 2-year-old, singing along at family gatherings, and later as a lead in my primary (elementary) school choir, reciting poetry and being part of my local dance troupe, studying church (Byzantine) music and getting involved with my junior high school choir, taking piano lessons and briefly studying classical music, to recording mixtapes on cassette from the radio for myself and close friend. I was always fascinated by sound, rhythm and dance.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you develop an interest in House music?

Xander James: My interest in House music came about in the early ’90. While I was growing up in Greece, during my pre-teens, I discovered a radio station that was playing mainly “English music” – House, Eurodance and other Electronic Music sub-genres… I became fixated, almost instantaneously.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe the House music scene in Australia.

Xander James: The House music scene in Australia is constantly evolving… Similar to the US, there are strong communities of Househeads who primarily celebrate in more intimate gatherings and there is a larger demographic who follows the more crossover/mainstream sound, all the way to EDM. Having said that, the last few years we are seeing a resurgence of weekly Underground parties and large scale one-off events that are focused more on selective quality sounds, somewhat purist in nature; from House to Techno, mainly Tech House, Afro, Deep, Soulful and Classic House, and less mainstream sounds, which is rather refreshing.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a producer/remixer, how would you describe the Xander sound?

Xander James: Both as a producer/remixer and as a DJ, I strive to nourish our feelings and emotions with melody, groove and positive energy, creating spiritual moments and delivering a unique dance music experience. My sound is a unique blend of Tech House – Balearic Tech House as I call it – combining House and Techno beats with Deep House grooves, Balearic melodies and world sounds, usually infused with Afro-Latin percussion.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve collaborated and performed with numerous pioneers of House music that are from my hometown of Chicago. How would you describe the experiences you had working with those legends?

Xander James: Indeed… Having worked, collaborated and performed together with many of the Chicago House music pioneers has enriched my career and life with nothing but pleasantly memorable experiences and positive moments… The connections have always been quite natural and I think this is primarily due to our mutual love and passion for House music, together with the fact I was never big on idolizing and being a pestering fanboy, but instead simply treating everyone with respect, and both as colleagues and friends.

GO BANG! Magazine: “House Nation Live” is an online radio station. Tell our readers why you decided to start the station and what its mission is.

Xander James: House Nation Live (HNL) is an online radio station to a certain extent, but most of all we are a global House DJ collective delivering live video-streamed shows to House music lovers around the world. As we move to our next phase, HNL is soon to become a full online video streaming platform for DJs by DJs, connecting, embracing and serving House music communities all around the world!

For quite a few years now, I have been on a mission to do my bit in keeping House music and its essence alive, while moving forward into the future. Since co-founding House Nation Live in 2017, the brand is focused on diversity and unity, and we are committed to showcasing DJs from multicultural backgrounds, to represent a global House sound. HNL is a multifaceted project with a broad mission and vision that ranges from what you see and experience now, and the platform I have mentioned earlier, to music events, label releases and an industry regulatory board, workshops and mentoring sessions for young aspiring artists and DJs. It also includes fundraising events, creative projects, schools and scholarships for impoverished, underprivileged and indigenous communities, and those fellow human beings who are experiencing homelessness, and are affected by disabilities and addictions.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe what “Balearic – The Sounds of Ibiza” is and how often you have events.

Xander James: Balearic – The Sound of Ibiza is best described as sunny vibes, organic grooves and world sounds; local (and in future global) gatherings with quality electronic music, inspired by the mecca that is Ibiza… Balearic has been on a hiatus for a couple of years now, mainly because I shifted my priorities to House Nation Live and also due to being unable to source and secure the right venue to consistently host our events.

The concept saw a series of 10 hour parties, running primarily on a monthly basis, and the format was starting early in the evening accompanied by downtempo sounds, picking up the tempo after sunset with a proper club vibe, and finishing up late at night (early the next morning), with the idea to recreate the European summer experience in the Mediterranean Sea.
I am obsessively meticulous about the event production, as it reflects a full experience and fusion of the right music and sound, ambience and decor, open-air surroundings and sunset views, food and culture, and very importantly DJs that are very familiar with the White Isle. They understand the concept and have lived the summer experience we are recreating, playing sets that are no less than 2 hours long. I am very confident that Balearic will return bigger and better this coming Australian spring and summer season.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any artists that you would love to work with or events that you would love to participate in that’s here in the States?

Xander James: Exploring collaborative possibilities and working with other artists – new and old, aspiring and established – is something that I’m always open to, and that I thoroughly enjoy!

There are many producers, DJs, singers/vocalists/MCs, songwriters and spoken word artists/poets that I respect and haven’t worked with yet in the States… Some of the more established names that I would love to collaborate with – from House music to Neo Soul and everything in between – include Larry ‘Mr. Fingers’ Heard, Paul Johnson, Mike Dunn, Glenn Underground, Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley & Shannon ‘DJ Skip’ Syas, Joe Smooth, Marshall Jefferson, Tommy Thumbs, Harry Dennis, Ron Trent, DJ Pierre, Lil’ Louis, Terry Hunter, Alan King, Ralphi Rosario, Jesse Saunders, Todd Terry, Dennis Ferrer, Tier Ra Nichi, Little Louie Vega & Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez, Armand Van Helden, Brothers’ Vibe, Doc Martin, Felix Da HouseCat, Erick Morillo, Todd Gardner, Andy Caldwell, DJ Spen, Karizma, Derrick May, Carl Craig, Juan Atkins, Robert Hood, Kenny Larkin, Jeff Mills, Kevin Saunderson, Terrence Parker, Moodymann, DJ Rolando, Eddie Fowlkes, La India, Marc Evans, Ursula Rucker, Josh Milan, Barbara Tucker, Peven Everett, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Musiq Soulchild, Angie Stone, Goapele, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip, Ryan Leslie, Timbaland, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch and the list goes on…

Similarly, there are a number of events that I would be interested to be involved with, participate in and perform at, like the Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival in Chicago, the Miami WMC, Miami Music Week & Ultra Music Festival in Miami, EDC in Las Vegas, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in California, Electric Zoo Festival in New York, Burning Man in Nevada, Elements Music & Arts Festival in Pennsylvania, Movement Electronic in Detroit and more.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is next on the agenda for Xander James that our readers should be on the lookout for?

Xander James: I’m very much focused on the continuous evolution of House Nation Live and my regular live streamed video shows there. There’s also a number of music productions and releases (originals and remixes) that are scheduled for the rest of the year, guest mixes and DJ sets on other online networks and radio stations. Various creative projects and collaborations with both local and international artists and crews, music and community events courtesy of Balearic and a not-for-profit initiative and fundraising movement I founded in 2015 called House For Love.

House For Love brings together leaders from various communities and industries, and empowers those in need to transform their lives through social connectedness, House music and the values of humanity. Then there’s a couple of new business ventures, plenty of mentoring sessions and possible workshops, and a self-empowerment e-book that will serve as a practical (quick-read) guide to fulfilment, for entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, artists and creatives, and anyone who is striving to play a big game in life by pursuing their passions, following their dreams and unlocking their full potential. So stay tuned!

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Xander James: Indeed, and it is very evident that many fellow humans are not dealing too well with everything that is going on at the moment, and over the course of the last three months. It is perfectly understandable too, for I strongly believe that the overall situation has not been handled correctly; too many knee-jerk reactions from “leaders”, a lot of misinformation and unnecessary fear-mongering from the media, leading to panic and hysteria, and dare I say extreme measures of isolation.

Please excuse me for getting too political, but as I frequently say in general discussions across all topics, it all comes down to leadership, and in my opinion, on a global scale, the vast majority of the “leaders of the world” who are in the top decision-making positions of government and health advisory roles have failed us, yet again. Even though I religiously do not follow the mainstream news or watch much TV for that matter – for as Denzel Washington once famously said, “If you don’t read the newspaper (and watch the news) you’re uninformed; if you do read it (and watch them) you’re misinformed…” – from the little that I have been observing, the few select sources that I have been following, and my very own research, it is clear to me that logic has gone out the window.

I’m an optimist. (lol) On a personal level, I have been fortunate enough to not be affected by the situation. Most of all, I haven’t been phased by the self-isolation measures as I usually invest a lot of my time towards being creative at home, making music, doing personal research on matters of interest, reading books, journaling, mentoring, taking nature walks and working on passion projects – all of which can easily be done remotely and with the use of technology and independently. So, in actuality, I have been busier, more productive and more focused than ever.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Xander James: Honestly, if I had to say this situation was unfortunate, I would be too polite and too politically correct, and I can’t be that, for I believe in fairness, which is even above equality. I have been quite vocal about this crime – and it’s not the first time I have publicly weighed in on such matters – sharing my thoughts in a way that I can offer some much-needed perspective and awareness, stimulate rational thinking and set the record straight, because this is not the first time something like this or similar to this has happened, especially against a member of the African American community, resulting in the death of a human being who should still be alive – no matter who they were or what their past said. Not even declared terrorists and individuals who cause terror – through murder and mass killings – are treated this way, which is mind-boggling!

This incident should not have happened, period! The fact that it happened shows that despite the evolution of mankind, we have so much more work to do. I am not a black man, nor can I pretend to understand what it is to be a black man – especially in the States – but I have experienced prejudice through much of my lifetime, as I was uprooted twice, and I have been treated as a foreigner, an immigrant and a second class citizen at times in both my country of origin (Greece) and my country of birth (Australia). So to an extent, these matters hit close to home, and make me feel so appalled that they can even be justified, by any means and to any extent. Again, all this coming from an optimist, but most of all someone who believes in humanity above all.

Police reform is the least we can do about this situation, as it is evidently more of a cultural issue. It’s a deep-rooted cultural issue, not only in governmental departments but in society as a whole. Society has progressed to an extent, but there is still plenty of work to be done. This is a civil and human rights issue. I strongly believe – without segregating on the opposite direction – that the “white community” and “white leaders” need to step up. At least, this is what I intend to do, in whatever capacity I can, so we can cause change and work together with the black community, and all minorities, in order to put an end to the BS and move forward together.
First of all, there is only one race on this planet, the Human race, and the fact some people still don’t get it shows how ignorant some are, who have been taught to be ignorant and then grow up and teach others to be ignorant as well, believing that one skin color or community is better or worse than the other – truly crazy stuff! Perhaps if DNA tests were an everyday thing, people would see how they come from so many different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, but still one race, the human race…all of which began in Africa – Mother Africa.

Racism should not exist, racial profiling and police brutality should not exist, and to be blunt, systematic slavery should not exist either, so let’s not pretend anymore that everything is running smoothly or working clockwise, for it ain’t! Let’s not be “colour blind”, for that’s not a solution either. Now, I’m not calling for an uprising here, for this will be foolish – I doubt it will serve any real purpose or bring long-term results, apart from some short-term band-aid solutions – I’m calling for a revolution of the mind, which can really bring the end of – any form of – oppression. Awareness and conscious initiative is power!

As I said on my first post about this tragic incident and heinous crime, and the whole situation –you can read my full public post here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158726209428296 – “May George Floyd and the many other African Americans who had their lives taken away over the years rest in peace and may their families receive the justice they deserve. The rest of us should reflect on these harsh realities of life, be grateful for the extra privileges we have and not be ignorant or silent. We have a moral responsibility to educate, guide and empower our youth and future generations in order to change the current narrative. More fairness, love and humanity!”

Some really important points were also brought up by Killer Mike during his interview in Atlanta when he addressed the community about this incident, and he spoke about the need for strategic planning and action, not retaliation and rioting, but an organized approach and proper community mobilization, the “black community” in particular. Also, in a video about this civil and human rights matter, and the prejudice against the African American community, Byron F. Wilson (Founder & Headmaster of The Wilson Academy) explained why this is happening and what needs to be done in order to reverse this. He spoke about the fact that ever since the Tulsa riots and the dismantling of the Black Wall Street, there haven’t been fluent eco-systems within black communities that can also make up a bigger nationwide sub-economy of African American owned and operated businesses, schools and services that hold weight, power and influence, like the Jewish community who owns much of Hollywood, the media and many influential businesses in the States. Or even the Italian, Greek and Asian communities for example who also own many restaurants and successful businesses. As such, the black community lacks bartering power in countering legislations that inflict prejudice and oppression against their people, and having the ability to take a stand against inappropriate action by those in uniform and influence important decision making by government officials. Mostly of course because they have been unfairly disadvantaged for years and have not been given equal opportunities.

I very much agree with this, and I believe that there is a need for a more strategic approach by African Americans to invest within their own communities and a unified approach from white Americans to stop any unfair advantages from this point on, supporting the notion that as Americans – in the States – and as humans in all parts of the world we need to move forward together. Each one, teach one, for success breeds success!”

For me it’s always about perspective over perception and just over a week after the incident when protests were well and truly underway – not only in the States, but all around the world –and we also started seeing riots and looting taking place, I made another public post because some were starting to fall into the comparison trap. I will leave you with a couple of extracts and some more perspective – you can read my full second public post here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158760649583296.

“Looters and vandals are not activists or protesters. However, every time there is an African American protest against oppression in the US – or any ‘people of colour’ protesting around the world – where riots break loose, and we see ignorant and irresponsible youth and adults (of any background) looting and vandalising, and gang members joining in to wreak havoc – along with paid agitators who come to cause trouble and “fuel the fire” – we easily identify or we are told to identify everyone in the crowd as part of the same community. Is it right for someone to loot and vandalise? No! Are these individuals there to support and promote the cause of the community who is in protest? No! On the flip side, are innocent people dying because they are being racially profiled? Yes. Are those in uniform getting away with it? Yes. Which one of these is the biggest issue, and which one is a byproduct of the other? Looting and vandalising or police brutality? I think we all know the answer to that. Now, are all police officers bad and prejudice? No. And as such, they need to be singled out and dealt with accordingly – but as history shows, many if not most of the ones who are bad and prejudice, committing crimes against the very citizens they meant to protect and to serve, tend to get away with it because they wear a uniform and badge. So, in the same manner, we ought to single out looters and vandals, and not stereotype them as part of a community because of the colour of their skin, generalising and making ludicrous statements…”
“Unfortunately, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination occurs everywhere, from ‘people of colour’ to immigrants all around the world – African Americans, Africans during the Apartheid and to this day through immigration, Aboriginal Australians, Native Americans and all native tribes worldwide, Latinos and Hispanics, ‘wogs’, Asians, Indians, Pakis and Arabs, the list goes on – which is f*cking crazy…

We have been conditioned to hate, which is ridiculous, and now – more than ever – is the time for us to learn and teach how to love… There’s only one race, the human race that we are all part of, and just because we look and sound different from one another or we follow different traditions and have different religious beliefs, this does not mean that one is better than or superior to the other, or that we should turn against each other… We all bleed the same… Let’s not continue to be pawns on a chessboard…”

When the mainstream media promote a particular topic or event, we always ought to question its validity, and in many cases think almost the opposite of what they’re promoting – that their focal point is not necessarily the actual problem (e.g. looting and rioting) and that the finer details about the topic or event they are constantly bombarding us with, are not accurate or as important as they are perceived to be… They always have an agenda in place – and aside from trying to divert attention and skew people’s perceptions – their aim, in its purest form, is to increase viewership numbers in order to sell advertising…

We need to be united, by empathizing with and empowering one another, be less reactive and simply spread love! Kindness over hatred peeps – perspective over perception.” 🙏❤️✊

“My vision is aspire to inspire while connecting people through music and self-expression… My mission in life is to empower others to explore possibilities and realize their full potential.” – XJ 😎✌️ 1 luv, peace & music-beats d(•_•)b

You can follow Xander on ALL social media formats.

https://www.XanderJamesDJ.com — XJ Official Website
https://www.XanderJamesDJ.com/#contact — XJ Email for Bookings & Enquiries
https://www.facebook.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ Facebook Artist Page
https://twitter.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ Twitter Account
https://www.instagram.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ Instagram Account
https://www.youtube.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ YouTube Channel
https://soundcloud.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ SoundCloud Tracks
https://www.mixcloud.com/XanderJamesDJ — XJ Mixcloud Mixes
https://www.beatport.com/artist/Xander-James/312158 — XJ Profile & Releases on Beatport
https://www.traxsource.com/artist/115540/Xander-James — XJ Profile & Releases on Traxsource
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/XanderJames — XJ Profile on Resident Advisor
https://thedjlist.com/djs/XanderJames — XJ Profile on The DJ List
https://www.facebook.com/MrXanderJames — Personal Facebook Profile
https://www.facebook.com/HouseNationLive — House Nation Live Page
https://www.facebook.com/BalearicParties — Balearic (Events) Page
https://www.facebook.com/HFLmovement — House For Love Page
http://snschicago.com/Xander-James — Music is the highest form of self-expression! – Xander James (an interview with S&S Records, Chicago)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=314465665996092 — Who is Xander James? A video interview with Kym Wilson

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music/Television/Business: “MARCUS MIXX” SHANNON / TRAX RECORDS & TRAX TV

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

Born Marcus Shannon and raised in Chicago, IL, Marcus has been making House music since the mid 80’s, when House music was the “heartbeat” of Chicago’s nightlife.

Over his career, he has recorded different types of House music ranging from Acid to Deep, and from to Techno to Weird. He often experiments with sound and effects that don’t fit into the normal mode.

He’s currently the A&R and Production Manager for TRAX RECORDS.

GO BANG! Magazine: Can you describe your childhood and how it helped develop and form who you are today?

Marcus Mixx: I had one of the best childhood’s that a young person could ever have. Not only was I blessed to have both of my hard working, intelligent, smart, caring, creative, generous and more GOD loving and fearing parents around for all of my youth and many years after that, but I was also provided with the best education, fun times, life lessons and the basic principle of “The Golden Rule.”

When I was eight years old, my family moved from one great part of Chicago to one of the best neighborhoods in town. My folks got a huge house on Longwood Drive that sat upon three hills (two grass and one driveway), with a large back and side yard. The area was still mostly white at that time with a few loud bigots next door, but eventually the racism helped me learn how to ignore those redundant talking points by focusing more on music and humor.

As a young child I started listening to the radio and I found myself liking almost every style of music that was on the FM band. I’d turn the dial very slowly and stop when I heard something that caught my ears. It could be Rock N Roll, R & B, Top 40 and even Country music. I love all types of music. My parents also loved music, but it was mainly Soul/R & B and they had a huge collections of albums and 45’s that I really got into as well. I was also blessed when my parents not only bought a piano and organ, but I also took piano lessons. I really didn’t like the reading and studying music notes part of it, so I started playing by ear and began to have more fun trying to play songs that I liked. I believe that was the beginning of how I really got hooked on wanting to do something in the music business, even if it was just for kicks and not becoming rich and famous like the artists that I adored.

GO BANG! Magazine: You were a House DJ up until 1995. You were also a promoter. You reached great notoriety and many of your tracks were played during the times. You even collaborated with Ron Hardy on music. Please describe those years to our readers, how you became involved with House music, and why you stopped DJing.

Marcus Mixx: “The Hot Mix Five” on WBMX FM 102.7 is one of the main reasons that I got into House music. I didn’t know anything about House or mixing records together until a friend called me and said: “Turn the radio to WBMX and listen to what they’re doing!” I did so and it was so crazy, because the song never ended. I finally figured out that the records were being blended together. Not only did I get a grip on that aspect, but the music was thick, fast and fun! I immediately started recording almost every Hot Mix Five DJ every week for a long time. I’d play the mixes over and over, as well as, duplicate copies and give them to friends of all colors, especially hot babes.

I had heard about certain House music clubs that played this great music all night long and I was fortunate to get into some of the twenty one and older spots where I saw two turntables and a mixer for the first time. I was trapped by the control of the DJ’s who had the audio power to beat and bop the crowds. That week, I purchased a turntable with a pitch control. The week after, I bought another one that wasn’t the same style or design. Then I bought a small off brand mixer and starting invading stores like Importes Etc., Gramaphone, JR’s and others around Chicago to try and find what was being jacked on WBMX and in the clubs.

I made zillions of mixtapes of my blends on Tonemaster cassettes and I finally had enough courage to give some copies to the top club owners/managers, promoters and DJs, to see if I was good enough to spin at some parties. I even got to events an hour early and was star struck when I was able to speak for a moment with a REAL House music DJ. I offered to carry record crates in from their cars, get them drinks (on me) and of course explain that I’d spin for free just to get the chance to play before a big crowd. I swear to GOD, every House DJ that I met was down to earth and nice, even when they told me no thank you. Some gave me numbers to call for other possible gigs and some even called me (out of the blue) with chances to spin.

Quicker than I thought, I was opening parties at 8PM for mega House legends and there were actually a lot of people already on the dance floor. It was a great feeling, especially when some of the other jocks spoke to me and said “What’s Up”! I was blessed to spin in a couple of the most popular locations and high school events, i,e. Mendel high school.

After a while and not often being paid anything or way short of what I was told that I’d get for a session, I decided to go for it and become a promoter. I didn’t know much about that game then with the exception of passing out tons of (card stock) pluggers and hanging posters. I had listened to a few House legends discuss how they didn’t have to pay to get a club night by simply having parties on a dead evening and getting butts in there to buy drinks and snacks, for example, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays were very slow nights in House music, because, people had to work or go to school the next day. The gate/door was all of their money. I took the advice that I heard and approached various venues in all kinds of neighborhoods, even the ones that normally wouldn’t have those types of scenes.

I also had an angle by using Ch.19 in Chicago on my friends (Liam Giagoes) Gitano Cameros’ television show “BOOOM TV”! We’d go live on the air early on Wednesdays and invite people to come out, hang and party with us in a few hours. The clubs and bars loved this. I made great money, but I also drank and gave away great money. After a few years of promoting, not only House music, but Rock based events too.

I focused more on making music and starting a record label called “Missing Records.” Liam, myself and others would hang out all night at his recording studio (Head Studio) and toy around with anything and object that the beer made us do. Unbelievable sounds and noises became part of a lot of our songs. Sometimes the music was put in a computer and looped and other times it was played freestyle. We did a lot of great and fun material, but once again, I started drifting into other things when we were really selling a lot of vinyl.

As far as working with Ron Hardy, that wasn’t really the deal. I often invited the DJ’s and their crews to come chill at the studio after a party that they had spun for, when I was promoting. On a few occasions Ronnie came thru with some people. I didn’t know major stuff about the music business/House music business, but I knew if I had a star like him on my label that it would pump it up big time. So with music pumpin’ in Head Studio, I asked Ronnie to put some headphones on and briefly listen to some of the material that I mixed and was about to put out. I wanted to know which versions of each song he thought he’d play at his parties. I gave him some money right there on the spot just to hear his thoughts. He was very cool about it. After a few tracks, he told me the versions that he liked and I went for it and said “Can I pay you to put your name as the mixer of those tracks?” He said “How much?” I said “$500 each track” He said “O.K., cool” I paid him in cash right there on the spot and we shook hands (in the old skool five minute way). Ronnie never recorded or mixed any of my music. That’s the way that it went down and only the “uninvolved, never there, gossip loving people” seem to have a problem with that moment in time. Tons of “handshake” deals were done back then on all levels of House music.

GO BANG! Magazine: It has been reported that you are or were homeless. If this is true, how did this happen and what are you doing now?

Marcus Mixx: I used to drink beer all day, every day since I was eighteen and it eventually caught up with me out of the blue. I started having multiple seizures that lasted longer and hurt way more than the constant blackouts and hangovers that I got so used to having. After having several major seizures at one of my family’s houses, due to tons of drinking beer, I was taken to Stroger (County) Hospital in Chicago and the doctors put me in the body scanner and did a bunch of test. When I came to, they told me that I have Epilepsy. At the time, I didn’t know the ins and outs of this disease, even though I’d heard the name all of my life. They showed me charts and graphs and explained that the left side of my brain is always expecting consistent alcohol and when there’s a lack of it, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and more potentially deadly events can occur. They said that I can either keep drinking at the high rates that my brain has been getting for years and maintaining those levels or to get cleaned out and stay sober. The third, unadvised version was to drink a lot and then go “cold turkey” for a few hours. Thank GOD that I chose the rehab program at the John Madden Center in Hines, Il.
After thirty days of getting sober and being able to talk to people that actually listed without cutting me off and stating how horrible I was, I decided not to bother any family, friends, etc. So I went to Pacific Garden Mission where I was able to listen to the word of GOD several times a day, have a safe place to crash, free food and rent, and lots of other wonderful perks that I’d never have by trying to live in and on the streets of Chicago. After two years of living at P.G.M., the rules were changed for the guest and it was no longer a place where people could stay as long as they wanted to. It became a thirty days in then you leave for thirty days and come back and so on. When my thirty days ended, I walked around my great city for GOD only knows how long.

I finally decided to visit/hangout at Stroger Hospital and I asked a state cop for any suggestions that he knew regarding homeless shelters. He called 311 and a van came and took me to Walls Shelter on the westside. This place is located in the auditorium of Walls Church. I really liked it there, mainly because they only let in 72 guys a night. After finding out that if I signed the list before we were cleared out every morning at six thirty a.m., then I was guaranteed a bed. Both P.G.M. and Walls helped to save my life in so many ways, even after a guy tried to kill me in Walls Shelter while I was using the washroom. He got angry over a disagreement between me and two other dudes three days before. The guy who stabbed me not only did damage to some of my internal organs that rendered two surgeries, but I’d lost my guaranteed spot at a great facility.

After a few weeks of staying at other places, I came back to Walls, even though the attempted murderer could still be living there. He was banned for a year, but I’d see him on occasion walking around and I held back from pounding his head into a sewer, because as I learned thru experience, I’d get blamed for the action. So for about a year, I continued to make music and videos on my MacBook during the day at Harold Washington Library until it was time to check back in at Walls.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a music producer, you have called your style of music “weird.” What motivates you to create the type music you do?

Marcus Mixx: Sometimes I just like to do music with limited parts and tracks. Then there’s times when I go for lots of sounds and elements to the point where I don’t remember where everything is. I’m all over the highway and open to anything when it comes to creating House. Often, I get sparked by hearing a great track, i.e., a song with lots of piano and/or strings. I totally admit that I get inspired by various artists of all flavors. Sometimes I like using lots of effects piled into one instrument or vocal and I’m still discovering what certain plugins do. As long as the beat is bouncin’ and movin’, I’ll play around with it and build something.

I’m the first to say that a lot of my music SUUUUUUUUUCKS! But, the world is so big, yet small due to the internet, a lot of people like the crap that I produce. I’ve always told the “experts” in House that most of my songs are not traditional, the way that they should be tracks, but I like to have fun and feel the vibes of the moments too. I might be on a Deep House trip in one moment, then an Acid one and the next thing that I know it’s a very bizarre, weird frame of mind. My advice to all artists/musicians “Try and share yourself in your music, but only do so when YOU want to. Do it the way that YOU like it. Lots of folks are going to dig YOU and your music!”

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had a TV show on Chicago’s cable access (CAN TV) for years. Please tell our readers about your show and explain exactly what it is.

Marcus Mixx: I’ve been at C.A.N. TV/Ch.19(Chicago Access Network) since the early ’90’s. It all started when my boy Liam Gallegos aka Gitano Camaro told be how we could go live on television and just trip out and have fun and do whatever we wanted. He came up with a show idea called “BOOOM TV” in which we had people dancing in front of a green screen to a House mix where he added weird and bizarre video clips, i.e., sharks chasing ice cream cones or babes in bikinis pillow fighting while worms were crawling everywhere. I also took a lot of live phone calls during the action behind me and they were very diverse in content. They ranged from people whom were very offended by what they were viewing, to other drunks out there yelling how cool and different the show was. It was weird and mega fun! A lot of our psycho ideas came easily due to all of the booze and weed that we partied with. It was also a great promotional platform to invite people to our parties that were sometimes happening just a few hours from when we went off of the air.

I eventually got into video editing and I’ve been producing two different shows on Ch.19 for roughly 25 years. Even though the names of the programs have been changed around a few times, the basic premise of each one are the same. “Marcus Mixx ON TV” is a music video/variety show in which I play material mainly sent in from small labels and individuals who come from around the world. I feature all forms and styles of music. “First here, first played”. The second show “Marcus Mixxs’ House TV” is a half an hour House Music video mix in which I put video images over mixes supplied by various DJ’s from around the world. Each program is on 4 times a month (8 in total) after 11PM on various nights. They can also be watched on YouTube. I accept all music videos to this email address: mailto:marcusmixxchicago@gmail.com

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you first become involved with TRAX Records and how has your role changed over the years?

Marcus Mixx: The first time I was hired by Trax Records was in the ’90’s when the original owner Larry Sherman was still there. One of the coolest, nicest and most talented House music legends (I can’t name him or he may be scorn by being nice to me) was the A&R/Label manager and was leaving the position and he asked me did I want the job. I thought that he was joking, but I eagerly took the job. To me it was like being in the NBA and playing for my home team “Da Bulls.” I was awestruck by being employed by the classic House music company. I loved making phone calls and sending faxes to stores and distributors around the globe and taking huge orders for all of the vinyl that they wanted. I also enjoyed recycling records that never sold that we purchased from a vinyl guy in town and pressing them into hit songs.

After a few years of living in two homeless shelters, I was blessed and rehired by the current C.E.O. of Trax Records Screamin’ Rachael Cain. Before making a full commitment to work for the new Trax Records, I asked Rachael to let me know what was going on with Trax on every level. I thought about making this move back to Trax a lot, because I needed something stable on the level.

Everything has been amazing, especially when dealing with all of the new music and talent, television, video and movie projects. I’m so blessed and glad that GOD has given this wonderful opportunity to me.

GO BANG! Magazine: TRAX Records has quite a controversial reputation. The main complaint is from former original artists from the labels start, under the leadership of Larry Sherman. Many of the artists say that they never received their due royalty payments, or ANY payments, even to this day. What do you have to say about that?

Marcus Mixx: Back then, a lot of guys would go down to TRAX with a couple of songs, drop them on Larry’s desk and ask for a certain amount of money. After a few minutes of negotiating, the contracts were signed, the money was given and the music was about to be mastered and turned into classic House music.

The one good thing that has been and still is going for the majority of the talent that signed is that Trax Records was very successful is helping to blow up many of their names and brands. If used properly, money can be made. GROW UP! LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES! Last point! But this may take some effort like reading and listening for a brief period so that you can learn about what’s going on currently with Trax Records with the new C.E.O. Screamin’ Rachael Cain. She’s the complete opposite of Larry Sherman. Everybody will learn very soon how she’s been fighting for ALL of the TRAX artists.

Constant slander and uninformed social media slams about her is the equivalent of Klan ERDs calling you the “N” word for no good reason. All of the built in rage and anger that has absolutely nothing to do with Rachael Cain. Shut the -UCK up for a few minutes and learn what’s she’s been doing to try and help all of you. What do you have to lose by contacting her and learning? A few, so called friends on social media! In closing “YES THE ORIGINAL Trax Records CONTRACTS WERE NOT GOOD FOR THE ARTISTS!”

GO BANG! Magazine: How does it feel to be affiliated with such a legendary, but controversial record label?

Marcus Mixx: The label isn’t controversial. As controversial as Larry Sherman was, it’s even more controversial that lots of the same artists would continue to sign away their music, over and over and over again! Were they forced to do so? -UUUUUUCK NO!!!!!!!! The artists made rational and coherent decisions on what actions they were taking each time that they went to the Trax Records warehouse to get their money and sign the contracts.

A lot of these guys don’t have the guts to admit that they (knowingly) screwed themselves. Back then, everybody and their mama new how Trax Records treated its artists. The talent definitely knew that every time they showed up with a finished song that they’d get some quick money and a very popular record pressed out on vinyl in a matter of hours with their name on it. Those records pumped up their names and brands and (for the smart ones) led to lots of fame, fortune and fun.
It’s like a guy that loves to bang all women that he meets on the first and only date without using condoms. The sex was MEGA AWESOME, but now he has two more “baby mommas” and a very painful S.T.D. Of course in his mind, it’s impossible for him to be at fault on any level. It’s the babies fault, as well as the condom companies fault for him not ever wearing one. SHUT THE FUUUUUUUCK UP AND LISTEN TO WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW! Swallow your pride for a moment! You might not only like what you hear, but you’ll at least get the other side of the two sided story.

GO BANG! Magazine: Unfortunately, as a result of your affiliation with TRAX records, many people do not have a positive opinion of you. Is there anything that you would like to say to those individuals, so that they can better understand you and your point of view?

Marcus Mixx: There’s absolutely nothing I can say or do to make some people have a positive opinion of me. I honestly just hope that everyone on GOD’s earth that has been blessed with chances and opportunities that they’ve been seeking, will go for it and do it in a respectful matter. In other words, don’t intentionally harm or screw somebody, even if you hate them. Spend more of your time focused on what you want, even if others around call you crazy or nuts. Go For It!

I hate racist people of all kinds! In order for me not to have very little to do with them, I don’t Google “Klan Rallies”, “Resident Rump material” or attend “White Power” marches holding up signs. It’s called avoiding the situation. It’s O.K. to avoid me in the same way. On the House music tip, I hear nasty rumors and stuff about lots of people whom threaten and slam me. Everybody is two faced and stabs each other in the back eventually! The Golden Rule is for Marcus “Mixx” Shannon.

GO BANG! Magazine: Tell our readers what you are currently doing, what new projects you are working on, and any more information that you want to share with our audience.

Marcus Mixx: As of today, I’m blessed and very fortunate to be the A&R/Label and Office Manager for Trax Records and Rap Trax Records. I sign the majority of new artists and help to promote their music. I also do the video production for our classic and new House music videos, our commercial television show “TRAX TV” which is on 4 times a week here in Chicago on Ch.25 (Mon., Tues. 11:30PM, Thurs. 10:30PM. and 11:30PM.), as well as our latest satellite television venture that debuts worldwide in August “The TRAX TV NETWORK.”

We also have a live Trax Records online party every Friday and Saturdays featuring top DJ’s from around the globe. Go to: http://www.traxparty.com It’s beyond exciting and a realistic dream coming true to be involved with the main pillar of House music during its continued renaissance.

Trax Records is still crapped on in so many ways, including via slander, defamation of character, personal threats, intent to cause physical harm, and so much more on the illegal tip on social media, print, television, etc. But, in truth or a least from another point of view, “Things are being run and handled so much differently than the past!” It’s just a darn shame that a lot of the House music legends won’t even listen to what’s going on now, even on their behalf, because they don’t have the courage to admit that they messed up by not reading a 3 or 4 page legal and binding contract.

The C.E.O. Screamin’ Rachael Cain has been fighting and trying to work out deals with various companies that ACTUALLY own lots of the classic TRAX catalog. She has never had any control over many of the hits that everybody knows and loves. As an artist, many of her tracks are being abused and mishandled in the EXACT same way as so many House legends. Her goal ever since she took over Trax Records has been to change the image completely around from the original days in which she had nothing to do with, expand the TRAX brand into other fields, (like what’s currently happening), and most of all “GETTING MONEY FOR THE ARTIST THAT -UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKED THEMSELVES BY THEIR STUPID AND LAZY ACTS OF NOT READING (OR EVEN CARING AT THE TIME) THE CONTRACTS THAT THEY SIGNED!”

Why has and is she spending so much time, effort and money on lawyers to fix what the people whom botched up their situations? Well, it’s so simple. She knows what it’s like to do so, because “SHE DID THE SAME THING WITH SOME OF HER MUSIC!” Yet and still, folks have made a game and daily habit to repeat the redundant Bull-HIT that they don’t even know is true or not via all media outlets and personal conversations.

Why should people research what they claim? Resident Rump doesn’t do so! If any of the artists would like to LISTEN, not just hear, but LISTEN to her speak about what’s been going on regarding their songs, all they have to do is contact her and here’s the hardest part for most of them: “SHUT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK UP FOR A FEW MINUTES AND LEARN WHAT IS GOING ON!” She’s on all of your sides! Calling her a slave master, a bitch, a racist, etc, has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with (here we go again) “YOUR DUMB ASS MISTAKES FOR SIGNING AWAY PARTS OF YOUR LIFE FOR A SMALL ONE TIME FEE!” Maybe, if the House legends work together with Rachael on trying to recover some, if not all of the money that may be owed to them and yes, even her, things could change for the better.

In the meantime, as I write this, there’s more -UM sucking’ ASSWIPES writing false crap online. My advice to the ones that aren’t even or haven’t ever been involved with Trax Records in any way, but still love slandering and spreading illegal garbage every second about things they know nothing about, ”ROTATE HANDS AND OCCASIONALLY USE A SOCK AND/OR VASOLINE!” GOD Bless!

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Marcus Mixx: COVID-19 has made me so much more aware of how blessed I am by being in a great place and working for and with a great person, Screamin’ Rachael Cain of Trax Records. Last year, I was only a month out of Walls Shelter. If I wasn’t a part of Trax, I’d be in a place with dozens of other people with hardly any room to move around, sleep, etc. Unfortunately, shelters are magnets for possibly getting COVID-19. I’m able to do 90% of my work from my MacBook here in the apartment and also at the Trax Records office. I really hope and pray that there’s a vaccine or cure soon!

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Marcus Mixx: I remember getting pulled over so many times, as soon as I crossed the city limits of Chicago. I would just be going to my grocery store jobs in Blue Island, IL and Merrionette Park, IL. as a kid. I was constantly pulled over and asked “Where the FUCK are you going “N” word?” and “Why Don’t You Go back To Africa?” Even though I had really funny and mind boggling responses to the undouched -UNTS, I always hand my hands at 10 o’clock & 2 o’clock positions and I didn’t move until told to. I always asked may I use my left hand to roll down the window and I kept my driver’s license, insurance and title on the passenger seat when one was sitting there. If so, all of that stuff was in a large ZipLoc bag taped to my dashboard.

My worst experience with cops was one day leaving my job in Merrionette Park, IL and being pulled over by at least six squad cars from all directions. Even the two policemen that guarded the store’s parking lot when I was out bringing all of the carts in were involved. A high ranking officer made me get out of the car and walk toward the cemetery fence and I was surrounded by all of them listening to the same, tired racist talking points. They told me to go work in my own neighborhood and I replied “I am!” So they warned me to get a transfer to a “N” word store or I’d really regret coming back to their village. That next day, I quit Dominicks!

I’ve never had a problem with any Chicago police officers, even in my drinking days. It’s always outside of the city limits. Oh yeah, I’m very smart about not going into areas that are known for hating all colors except for their own. Some call me a punk bitch for that, I call myself safe! I can’t fight more than two people at once. It’s also O.K. to thank cops for their service when you walk by them. All police aren’t -sswipes! Just like all blacks aren’t thugs. Hopefully, Police Reform will come about in a timely way.

You can follow Marcus “Mixx” Shannon on ALL social media platforms

Additional links:
http://www.traxrecords.net
http://www.traxparty.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/traxrecordsofficial
https://marcusmixxshannon1.bandcamp.com/

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Business/Music/Nightlife: TONI SHELTON / ANOTHER TONI SHELTON PRODUCTION

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

When it comes to beauty, Toni Shelton has been at the forefront of identifying and leading a trail of it from coast to coast. As a Chicago native, she has made her mark from Hollywood to New York City and everywhere in between. She’s known for being energetic, sexy, and a one-of-a-kind woman. Whether working with celebrities, commentating about them, hosting House parties, or being the one who is interviewed, she turns heads and opens ears wherever she goes!

Toni is a legend in the House music scene, where she’s referred to as “Disco Toni,” and is known for holding “Another Toni Shelton Production” House music parties, which have been a part of Chicago culture that has included such attendees as Will Smith, four-time Grammy-nominated producer Steve “Silk” Hurley, and more. She was featured in “UNSUNG: Frankie Knuckles”, and was the only black female House music promoter during the 1980s. Her parties were DJ’d by such notables as Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett, Keith Fobs and Wayne Williams, and attended by such people as Bernie Mac, Common, Michael Jordan, R. Kelly, and numerous NFL and NBA athletes.

As the “Queen of House”, she was the second person ever to receive a Chosen Few “I Love Music Award: ‘Disco Toni’ Shelton” for her contribution to the genre. She is also featured in the “Move Your Body: House Music Legends” display at the City of Chicago Cultural Center.

Today, Toni is still playing a major role in the progression of House music by holding annual parties in Chicago, and was also given an award at an event at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago for her dedication and contribution to House music. Her annual “All White” House music parties in Chicago have been a popular event since starting them in 2009. She’s worked with many notable DJs, including Steve “Silk” Hurley, New York DJ Charles Dixon, Farley “Jackmaster Funk”, DaMinista, DJ Kenny Ray, DJ Angel, and Rory McAlister, to name a few.

Toni has also been known as Hollywood’s publicist, having established herself as a popular celebrity commentator. From being a commentator on InsideBlackHollywood.com to working on the “10 Worst Hollywood Divorces” feature for E! Entertainment Television, she has successfully covered it all. She has also worked with a variety of celebrities, provided coaching to others entering the business, and been in the spotlight for events held in her honor. She was also a background singer for Ramsey Lewis’ video “Tonight.”

Whether in front of or behind the camera, Toni has a way of charming those she works with and touches. She has also been recognized several times for her humanitarian efforts, including providing mentoring and helping Hurricane Katrina victims find housing and helping the homeless. Philanthropy is an important part of her life, and she tries to instill that value in others. She has also been a pageant judge for Miss Illinois, and has been featured in numerous publications, commercials, and on billboards.

She has also received awards for her humanitarian and charity work, including the “Women Who Make a Difference” award, as well as being a recipient of the award dedicated in her honor, the “Toni Shelton Humanitarian Award.” She has won additional awards, including the “Trail Blazer Award”, “The Coalition for Enhanced Humanity”, and a “House Music Award.” Toni has also been featured in spots for Miller Genuine Draft and Seagram’s Gins, as well as working with the Make A Difference Youth Foundation. She has also written three books on modeling and the entertainment industry, has been featured on billboards, in commercials, and more. She was also featured in Lift Magazine on an article titled “What Success Looks Like.”

When Toni is not working with celebrities, grooving to House music, or providing on- or off-camera commentary, she hosts events, does public speaking, and combines her strong work ethic with her compassion for others, in order to give back and make a difference. She also worked with actress Lisa Raye to help Hurricane Katrina victims find housing.

As an entrepreneur, Toni has made her mark by owning Tonae’s Hip Hop & Jewelry, and Tonae’s Entertainment Group, both in Chicago. She started out working for the City of Chicago, working on the back of garbage trucks for the department of sanitation. Her childhood got off to a rough start after finding her mother dead at the age of seven, after having been murdered. She went on later to lead a rally after her brother had been beaten in the streets, which brought the community together, and led to the imprisonment of his attackers.

Toni has won numerous awards for the many things she is involved in, and has also been featured in numerous publications, including the likes of the Hyde Park Herald, Chicago Maroon, Sun Times, Chicago Defender, Sister 2 Sister magazine, N’Digo, Ebony Magazine, and more.

As a mother of four, and a five-time serial entrepreneur from the Hyde Park area of Chicago, nothing can slow her down. Toni believes in the beauty found within us all, as well as in our ability to use it for doing good and giving back. At the top of her game, she looks forward to seeing what else is yet to come!

GO BANG! Magazine: Can you please describe your childhood and how the devastating death of your mother, at an early age, affected you and how it helped to shape who you are today?

Toni Shelton: How my mom’s death affected me? My mom’s untimely death shaped me to be the woman I am today indeed. I found my mom dead at the young age of seven years old. I had to grow up fast, take charge, and start thinking about my future at a very young age, while other kids were being a kid.

GO BANG! Magazine: I hear that you owned a business in Hyde Park early in your life. Please tell our readers more about this exciting venture.

Toni Shelton: My business in Hyde Park was called Tonae’s, it was a Hip Hop shop, 1995- 1997. I sold hip hop clothing, skateboard gear, gym shoes, tee’s, (nowadays called Streetwear), jewelry, etc. It was one of the first stores to carry FUBU and other urban brands, before “Streetwear” was a trend. I donated to the community clothes, food, etc. It was a hang-out spot for the neighborhood kids. I hired from the neighborhood. We had all kinds of events, fashion shows, local rappers perform, and local young artist came in to draw/do paintings. We had celebrities stop by like Bernie Mac, KRS, TLC- Chili, Common and others. Tonae’s was featured in Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Defender, Hyde Park Herald, and the University of Chicago Maroon newspapers.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being blessed with beauty, it was only natural for you to be involved in the modeling industry. How was your time in the industry, and what did you learn from that experience?

Toni Shelton: I was signed with Ford. I left Ford, did a lot of freelance and music videos, one was with Ramsey Lewis, as a background singer. I also did print modeling in Ebony, Essence, Sister to Sister Magazine, Billboards, and more. It’s not an easy industry to get in to, but you must stay diligent and believe in yourself. I wasn’t even the normal height and proportions being only 5’7” and 165 lbs., I was heavier and shorter than most models. I wouldn’t change my experiences in the industry. I learned a lot; how to manage myself and push.

GO BANG! Magazine: During your high school days at Chicago’s Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park, you became well-known and even nicknamed “Disco Toni.” How did you get that name and how did you become involved in the House scene, particularly in the promotions area?

Toni Shelton: I lost my mom at a very young age. I used House music to take me away from the pain and loneliness as a child/teen. One of my friends at Kenwood gave me the name “Disco Toni” in my second year of high school. I didn’t know it would stick. I hated it at first, but I learned to embrace it.

I started giving House music parties in 1980. Andre Hatchett, Tony Hatchett, Keith Fobs and Wayne Williams were my main DJ’s. That was before Chosen Few DJs popularity. My ‘logo’ has always been my photo, carried over until today. I modeled for many years, so a photo was easy. I’ve always promoted my own events and I’m always solo. I used radio ads in the early days. There was no social media, so I footed it…me and my crew.

GO BANG! Magazine: Years later, you would become what some would say a legend in the House community. How do you feel about possessing that title?

Toni Shelton: I did not give myself that title, but, I embrace it and the name “Disco Toni.” I was one of the few female House music promoters back then, to date over one-thousand parties. I do not know any other females to date, that have surpassed my record.

GO BANG! Magazine: You relocated to sunny California and raised four beautiful and talented children, each possessing their own goals, accomplishments and talents. What prompted you to make that leap and move to California, and what brought you back to Chicago?

Toni Shelton: My kids are all in their own career paths, I am proud of them. Jen is 35, lives in NY, and is an artist; David is 33, lives in LA., works in promotions; Imani 26, lives in ATL, is in the entertainment industry; and Carl is 21, lives in NY, and is a pro-skateboarder.

Cali is always home and I’ve kept a place in Chicago as well. I love LA! The sun comes out 350 days out of the year. I raised my two youngest in LA, Carl – (my pro skateboarder) and Imani – (Degree in Sociology, 2019.) Jen has been in NY since graduated from Howard University, 2006. David’s been in LA since age 17.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also an author and a businesswoman. What advice would you give to someone that is interested in getting into the business side of entertainment?

Toni Shelton: The business side of entertainment… First you need to decide what your specialty is, promote/advertise your expertise/gift and stay diligent. It’s a hard egg to break. Then, you must find your specific niche and value that you can add to the industry. Finally, networking is KEY. You are your best product, so make sure you are in a constant state of enrichment.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are only a few women involved in the promotion and marketing of House music events, including yourself and Ronda Flowers. (1) How does it feel to be amongst the ones trailblazing a career path for young women of the future to follow, and (2) what advice would you give a young girl that may be interested in pursuing event marketing and promotions?

Toni Shelton: A career in promoting and marketing is rewarding, but not an easy job, especially for a female. I started when I was 17 years old. At that time, there weren’t many female promoters. As far as I know, I’m the only one from back then, that’s still riding that wave. The few that were around did two to five events. I’ve been blessed to have a following for as long as I have. I’ve done over 1000 parties since 1980. I would say it’s a lot easier now because we have “social media” and that there is “The Key.”

My advice would be to give the people what they want. Build on that and stay true. Don’t get all commercialized and start to sell socks and jewelry, just for example. If your thing is House music, stick to House music or whatever your forte is for your production. Last, be consistent, personable, and loyal with your people.

That goes along way!

You can follow Toni Shelton on social media @ToniShelton

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Business/Music/Nightlife: RONDA FLOWERS / RFK PROMOTIONS

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

RONDA FLOWERS, “Queen of House”, is a House music pioneer. As co-founder of RFK Promotions, Ronda Flowers and Koko, “Soulful Saturdays”, “Summer House Series with KoKo, Nick Nonstop & Torin Edmond” and “House Club Tour with Dana Divine”; Ronda specializes in creative social marketing and promotion companies that specializes in hosting events for urban professionals; featuring some of Chicago’s legendary and international DJs that have captivated audiences for nearly 30 years on the Chicago born House music scene.

After years of perseverance, and achieving success with her well-attended signature House music events across Chicago, DJs, colleagues and club owners branded Ronda as the Queen of House. Opening the doors at nightclubs for the House music scene starting in the late 80’s as Timeless Productions was not easy as a young entrepreneur in the Windy City. Her sell-in approach was all she had to pursue the club owners for an opportunity to have weekly House music dance events. From the north side to the south side of Chicago, Ronda Flowers’ name has become respected by clubs throughout the city.

Over the years Ronda Flowers and her company RFK Promotions have branded several weekly House events, beach events on Chicago’s lakefront, and Chicago’s first and only annual House music pub crawl.

With partners Tri M Entertainment, We Jam, and Sound Sanctuary Music, RFK Promotions’ Ronda Flowers & KoKo have a lock on the Chicago House music scene. She is now expanding her influence as a promoter globally and collaborating on several events bringing her very own Chicago style with her select roster of talented DJs.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you get involved in the House music community?

Ronda Flowers: I was not always around house Music. I gave parties in the 70’s in my basement playing R&B, Soul and Funk. I thought if I can get a boy to pull a chic off the wall, then I was having a great party. It’s 1977 and the money is great for a kid my age.

Around 1979 I went to a party and the DJs played all Disco. Man did I have a ball. The people were different from my neighborhood and I met a whole new crew of friends that loved dance music that wasn’t just R&B.

By the time I reached high school I decided to give parties another run. In the early 80’s, I started hosting Disco & Dance Music parties at my home and backyard. At that point I started building a network of followers. By this time the Dance Music was labeled House.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did growing up in the “home of house” Chicago, attending Kenwood Academy, and residing in Hyde Park influence you in becoming a member of the House community.

Ronda Flowers: It was easy as a 13 year old starting to feel the groove til the age of 21. At this point I felt I was a member of the House Community. I was giving parties and going to parties at juice bars as a teenager. The community was humble, non judgemental and about friendship and the love of music; just as my highschool and neighborhood was to me. The good old days.

GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you decide to pursue the business side of House and become involved in marketing and promotions, thru RFK Promotions?

Ronda Flowers: Well I was in college and I needed to pay for it. So in 1989 a very good friend of mine Charles Matlock Esq./ Promoter asked me to give a party with him and James Vincent. I agreed to do a few but they were such fun and profitable events and off the chain that I decided to keep doing them. That’s when I decided to make promotions a business for myself. So Charles and I became business partners as TIMELESS PRODUCTIONS In 1989.

GO BANG! Magazine: RFK Promotions consists of yourself and Robert “Koko” Walker. Can you tell our readers how you two met and how your business partnership developed?

Ronda Flowers: RFK is a creative social marketing and promotions company that specializes in hosting events for urban professionals. It was 2002 When I was introduced to a Robert KoKo Walker who ran a Speakeasy joint. I was giving parties in two locations during the same time on the north side. So another friend of both of us, Brian Sayles, wanted to give parties at the Speakeasy. He asked me to co-host since I had a following to the north side. We met and gave a few parties and later KoKo asked me if I would like to host more parties; I accepted and said yes. Soon the Speakeasy closed. I was still hosting parties at the time at a place called D’Vine and Dante’s. I received a call about my client at the time, Andre Hatchett, a Chosen Few DJ, was playing at Summer Dance Fest along with Joe Smooth. Being Hatchett’s booking agent I wanted to give them an after party. This is when I called KoKo to assist me on the event on the south side named The Dating Game. The party was so packed and exciting the owner asked us if we could do it again on any night we wanted. KoKo and I accepted and we have been partners ever since. Later we were known for the night “ I Live for Wednesdays”.

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you have become what some would consider a legend in the House community. How do you feel about possessing that title?

Ronda Flowers: That’s a big title. I’m humbled and honored. First let me say Thank You. After years of perseverance, and achieving success with well attended signature house music events across Chicago, DJs, colleagues. Opening the doors at nightclubs for a Black Woman in the The House Music scene starting in the late 80’s as Timeless Productions, was not easy as a young entrepreneur in the Windy City. My approach was all I had to pursue the club owners for an opportunity to have weekly House Music dance events. From the north side to the south side of Chicago my name had become respected by clubs throughout the city.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re not only a successful business woman you also have a talent in writing. Recently you wrote a script for production. Can you please give our readers some details on this exciting new venture you’re involved with, and what’s the current status of this project?

Ronda Flowers: I’m excited about my new life’s venture. One day I woke up and started writing. I’ve always had a knack for theater and tv production, which was my major in college. It came to me so naturally. Maybe it’s all about timing and life experiences. I presented one of my scripts to a film producer and it was admired so much, they sent me an acceptance letter to go into production for my script “Sammie” and commended me on the subtle messaging on those that are physically challenged. Yes I’m very excited! Since then I’ve written 4 more scripts. I’m going to keep writing as long as the stories come to me. I won’t stop! In addition to the entertainment industry I’m an educator, teaching primary students Financial Literacy.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are only a few women involved in the promotion & marketing of House music events, including yourself and Toni Shelton. (1) How does it feel to be amongst the ones trailblazing a career path for young women of the future to follow, and (2) what advice would you give a young girl that may be interested in pursuing event marketing and promotions?

Ronda Flowers: It’s nice to be a role model for young women and men. I believe young people behind the scenes are powerful with a voice and vision. I give 150 plus events per year and have expanded globally. I want young women to learn this game as a business and know it’s not all about being at a party. Always remember there are people depending on your service that you provide which is why it should become a business. My advice is to learn the world in person or from a book and follow your desires. Learn about the needs and wants of people and choose your path because you have access to the world.

GO BANG! Magazine: With the current COVID-19 pandemic in effect, many people are afraid and uncertain about returning to large gatherings, such as House parties. This has led to “virtual” events becoming more and more popular. How do you plan to adjust to the changing times and the “new” normal of masks, crowd limits, and social distancing?

Ronda Flowers: I believe there will be a new norm and I feel society will adjust and I’ll adjust with it. New concepts will be created. As far as the large crowds and social distancing, we must maintain the rules for survival. This epidemic was terrifying to me. This was the one that could have ended my life. I wish it hadn’t happened and I want safety first for all of us.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is next on the agenda for you? Do you have any projects lined up for later in the future, after the COVID-19 pandemic that you can tell our readers about?

Ronda Flowers: I have a few events and projects that I’m working on. It will be exciting and love will be spread to everyone as long as we can continue to work together.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it personally?

Ronda Flowers: I give all praises to God. I’m thankful for my health and family. Always staying prepared for the unexpected is crucial for our community. I’ve been blessed to have been able to help those in need and sad about those I have lost. This has broken my heart. I appreciate this gentle life we have and I will never take it for granted. I love all of you.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Ronda Flowers: I am mad at the fact another Black Man has died due to the mentally ill, untrained, racist police officers. My heart goes out to all men, women and children who have died and their families who had to deal with their loss due to an unforeseen masacre. Police officers have been killing Blacks for a very long time. I learned years ago that the racist white man is intimidated by the Black Man and have hid behind their uniforms. We all know, it’s nothing new in America. We’re tired and have had enough. I believe a change will come but we must keep fighting for justice and equality.

You can follow Ronda Flowers and RFK Promotions on social media @RondaFlowers @RFKPromo

Log on their website @https://rfkpromo.com/

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: TP CORLEONE (House, Dance & Funk)

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

TP Corleone is a DJ, musician and radio show host currently making waves in today’s vibrant entertainment world, more specifically in the House, Dance music and Funk scenes. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he began playing piano in the first grade and his dad would buy albums by his favorite P-Funk artists as a reward after each piano recital. As a teen, TP was able to witness first-hand the birth of the Chicago House music movement. He was fortunate enough to have a song recorded by his band The Elect titled “I’m House” featured on Rob Olson’s “Chicago Jack Beat” album. It reached number one on the New Music Express Magazine dance charts. The group disbanded and TP studied journalism in college and took a brief break from the music industry.

He returned to the game in the 90’s, collaborating with local producer EMT to record the theme song to the first rap show on Chicago FM, hosted by Pink House on WGCI (107.5 FM Chicago.) For a brief spell in the 90’s, TP was an exotic dancer and also began recording his own hip hop and ghetto house tracks that he would perform to, as well as contribute to mix tapes of other dancers around Chicago.

In 2000, he purchased his first DJ equipment and was taught by the now deceased DJ/Promoter DJ Stoney, the fundamentals of DJ’ing and immediately began spinning and promoting at clubs such as Strictly Business, Cotton Club, Robin’s Nest and Dating Game just to name a few. During this time, he recorded his first solo album “Da Triple P Principle” released in 2004, which included Hip Hop, Steppin’ and Ghetto House tracks.

In 2012, he became host of the popular “Chi City Funk” radio show on WHPK 89.3 FM in Chicago until 2016. From 2016 to the present, he’s currently the host of the popular “Chi City Funk Show” on WGFMRADIO.COM which features the best in old and new school funk as well as interviews with popular music artist. TP also is featured on “TP’s House”, a DJ mix show on LWR Radio House and also “TP Sizzles” on ChicagoSizzleRadio.com.

Recent popular music releases include “Where The Freaks Be At” with DJ Renay, “House People” with Deep FX, and “It Feels So Good” with Deep FX and Sister Yah on Disco Balls Records. The most recent “Shake (Them Haters Off)” with DJ Renay on Brooklyn Beatdown Music is quickly gaining popularity due to its catchy hook.

TP Corleone ‘s motto has always been “Good Music, Good Times and Good Vibes.” That’s how he lives and what he presents in his art and shows. Keep him cued up on your music and podcast playlists if you want some good vibes in your life in these historic times.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your music has a sound of its own. It’s like a mix of funk, soul and dance music. What do your call your music and how was your sound developed?

TP Corleone: I call it Funkin Dance music or Disco Funk. The very first dance music I was exposed to were the 12 “Disco Single” edits of my favorite funk tunes as a kid by artists like Parliament/Funkadelic, Cameo, Slave, Kraftwerk and Chic to name a few. This along with witnessing and participating in the new local House music movement, very much influenced my creative process. So basically, my sound is based on the groovability of the music. Gotta always start with a funky bass line and everything else will fall in place.

GO BANG! Magazine: You also have a very unique look. Your look shows confidence and uniqueness. How did you develop your visual persona?

TP Corleone: Thanks! I usually like to look how I feel on the inside or at least wanna feel. I also believe that the art is more than just the music. I like to look how the music makes me feel. Sometimes it can be funky fly and sometime it can be weird. Either way, if I feel it, I’m gonna rock the look. If you noticed, the artists whom I mentioned in the previous question are perfect examples of artists who visually capture the vibes of the music they create. G Funk style

GO BANG! Magazine: Funk is heavily apparent in your music. Which funk musicians/bands inspire you or influence your style?

TP Corleone: Rick James, P-Funk, Prince, Morris Day, Nile Rodgers, and Bernard Edwards. Many New Wave artists as well like Devo, Pet Shop Boys, ABC and vintage golden era hip-hop. I was even a fan of 90’s Gangsta Rap/G Funk for a while mainly because of the production and new spin on the old school funk grooves. Hearing Bootsy Collins’ “Stretchin Out” album and Parliament’s “Mothership Connection” album turned me out and made me want to be a songwriter and musician.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being in the music industry, you were also involved in the exotic dancing world as a dancer. Please tell our readers how that came about, your memories about it and how it played a part in your life.

TP Corleone: Well I’m gonna keep it rated PG (lol). I had just started a new job in the 90’s. I befriended a guy who was very popular there and I was broke waiting for my first check. I borrowed $50 from him and he was so cool. He said I didn’t have to pay him back. He also said “I’m gonna show you how to make some fast money on the weekend so you don’t have to ever borrow money anymore. He told me he was a dancer and it just so happen that he overbooked gigs. He asked me to take his place at one of them and I could keep the money. He let me borrow his costume. I was scared as fuck, but I didn’t show it because I got drunk for courage before the show. It was the quickest 100 dollars I made in my life…in 15 minutes. I did it for three years. There were so many fun, some bad but mostly good, experiences. I could write a book about it.

Luther Campbell (Uncle Luke) was held in high regard in those circles because he gave work to the top female dancers whenever he came to town. It made me join a gym and work out more, because I was skinny. It also helped me get some freaky stuff outta my system at the right time in my life. This is why now I’m not impressed or tempted by groupies who wanna freak U just because of who you are. I did that on a local level and still have my health, which I’m grateful for. The dancers used to hire DJs to make their Mix tapes/cds to perform to, but I made my own pause button mixtapes on my boom box and made some for other dancers too. I also used to dance to some of my own ghetto house tracks and put them on the mix cds for the dancers just to see how the crowd would react to the tracks to know if they were hot. I never let them know they were dancing to my music. It went over well.

GO BANG! Magazine: As A DJ, you began spinning in clubs. You have now advanced to spinning on the radio and podcasts. What do you hope to accomplish in your broadcasted music shows?

TP Corleone: I actually haven’t had a residency in about eight years. The last one was at 160 Blue on Halsted in the West Loop. I had to focus on family issues such as my dad getting sick and a new baby etc. But, I had a popular show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago from 2012 – 2016 called the “Chi City Funk Show.” That show led to opportunities at WGFMRADIO.COM, LWR Radio House, and most recently ChicagoSizzleRadio.com. I’m fortunate because these wonderful radio stations feel my flavor and share my musical vision. I always contemplate getting on terrestrial radio, but I’m not a fan of playing a playlist programmed by someone other than me, because I’m a music snob (lol). I want my listeners to know who I am by the music I spin.

I really miss the club scene. I wish everybody would practice social distancing strictly and wear their masks so that we can whip the pandemic like an Ali jab or Deontay Wilder knockout, like New Zealand just did. I wanna get back to partying. My mantra is “Good Music, Good Times and Good Vibes”

I hope to accomplish something very simple and basic with my podcast shows…to connect with listeners/fans that live by that mantra. It creates much needed positivity in the world

GO BANG! Magazine: Currently, you’re making and producing new music. Please tell our readers about your latest releases.

TP Corleone: Thank you, my pleasure. My most recent release is a single produced by Brooklyn native DJ Renay titled “Shake (Them Haters Off).” It’s a nice blend of funk and house released in May on her Brooklyn Beatdown label. There are some 2019 projects that still are hot and steaming. I also have two collabs with producer artist Deep FX: “House People” on 3rdWay Recordings and “It Feels So Good feat Sistah Yah” on Disco Balls Records. I released a downtempo disco funk single early last year titled “Freak U” that is a favorite on The Funk Zone Show on WGFM. I also did a remix of Junior Giscomble’s classic “Mama Used To Say” in 2019 as well.

GO BANG! Magazine: What artists, bands or producers would you love to work with, that would be a dream come true for you? (Please name one from each category)

TP Corleone: Well there are many. Working with Kelis, Chaka Kahn, Jody Watley, Pharrell or Bootsy Collins would be a “dream come true.” I’ve always considered these artists a step ahead of trends and the mainstream. They always do it their way and never let you down. I buy music by them without even hearing it first and know I won’t be disappointed. Add Dawn Robinson (from En Vogue), Dawn Silva (from Brides Of Funkenstein, and N’Dea Davenport from Brand New Heavies, because I’m partial to their voices.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is next on the agenda for you? Do you have any projects lined up for later in the future, after the COVID-19 pandemic that you can tell our readers about?

TP Corleone: I haven’t released an EP since 2011. It’s been even longer than that since I’ve released an album. So I’m looking forward to dropping an EP toward the end of the year, hopefully live performing as well, depending on the pandemic situation. There are some nice surprises. “Funk-a-teers” and “Househeads” alike will appreciate and enjoy, in the not too distant future. No spoiler!

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

TP Corleone: Well it’s a challenge of course. My 20 year old was home for Spring break when it hit hard and had to finish the rest of the semester virtually. At the same time, she was able to help with my six year old, who had to finish her semester out remotely as well. All of this while the wife and I were working in the day. I had planned performances and a video to support my new single “Shake Them Haters Off” which had to be put on hold. There was a big party planned to promote my new mix show on Chicago Sizzle Radio that also got put on hold. But, I’m not trippin’ on that because we have our health, which is most important.

Now I’m focused and have reprogrammed my mind to like a healthy lifestyle indefinitely, not just for a few weeks or months at a time, like I had become accustomed to. I’ve used it as an opportunity to get closer to myself and my loved ones. It’s been cool, but we are strict on the social distancing despite the reopening of the city. Gotta be smart.

I really miss the club life though. I really wonder if it’s ever gonna return to what it used to be. It’s hard to imagine jackin’ my body with a facemask on though. (SMH). Let’s hope for the best because “Housing” was my cardio.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

TP Corleone: It’s a travesty. What’s more sad is that since the social unrest, protests and demonstrations have started, the murderers have stepped up their game with good old fashioned lynching. Black men and women found hanging on trees while the protestors cry and beg for someone, who wants to see them wiped off the face of the earth, to somehow amazingly stop because they cried, sang and marched loud enough to make them change their evil hearts. Also when these news stories are published, I see so much hate in the comment sections from “good Patriotic Americans” who laugh at, make jokes about and support the murder of blacks by police. It could be your next door neighbor, coworker or doctor, you never know.

I hope everyone realizes it is to the benefit of everyone on the planet, even Mother Earth herself that this evil stops. The oppressed have decided not to be oppressed any longer. WE can choose love, peace and prosperity or death and destruction of all including the earth. What an embarrassment that would be for all of humanity on a universal scale, if Earth winds up like Mars because people couldn’t get their shit together and the bullies couldn’t stop bullying, even at the expense of their own destruction. So Let’s Get It Together People!!

Police reform sounds nice but the reformation won’t be found with legislation and laws. It MUST be found from within. I don’t believe in defunding the police. That’s an anarchist, reactionary idea with no real after thought of what will happen once they are no more. They need to be erased and replaced with honest good hearted, humanity loving police, like the mythical “Officer Friendly” guy. He was the one who used to come to our school in 2nd grade.

Not just the police force, but all branches of government where corruption is, must be rebuilt. That’s why we are where we are now. How much can you sweep trash under a rug before it seeps from under it and turns into a trash monster and strangles you to death? That’s the state of America now.

Thanks for the opportunity Pierre and keep up the good work. It’s very important to control your own media as much as possible.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re welcome my brutha! I agree 100%

YOU CAN FOLLOW TP CORLEONE ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:
Funk Zone Radio hosted by TP Corleone Fridays Noon-3pm CST http://www.wgfmradio.com,
TP’s House on LWR Radio House Saturdays 4-6pm CST, 10-Midnight GMT http://lwrradio.com/tpcorleone/
TP Sizzles on http://ChicagoSizzleRadio.com Saturday’s 9-10am, 1-2pm Saturdays
https://www.traxsource.com › artist › 381033 › tp-corleone
https://www.instagram.com › tpcorleone
https://www.facebook.com/tp.corleone
https://open.spotify.com/album/63x6bzmNwz2ATVJgVOLGcB

Music: LOFIET BROWN (Gospel House)

Posted on July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

Lofiet Brown was born in CHicago on November 8, 1975. He became interested in music at an early age. Being inspired by his father and aunt, who would DJ at parties, Lofiet became instantly hooked and fell in love with music.

Lofiet’s mother became saved early in life and started taking Lofiet to church. In church, they both really enjoyed the Gospel style of music so he decided to become a choir member. As Lofiet sat in the pues, he understood the melodic trance of the Gospel sound. The arrangement of the music excited him and he knew at that moment that he wanted to be a part of, “The Gospel,” not only as a hobby, a job, or career, but a lifestyle.

As time went on, Lofiet joined a group called Soun2erff which created an underground sound with their hit song, “Overtime” aka “The Chicago Slide.” Although Lofiet was engaged in different genres and different styles of music, Gospel has always touched him in a special way. This inspired him to launch the Get Down Gospel Record Label. This brand brings soultry, R&B, Hip/hop, and a Funk style of Gospel that will touch and heal the hearts of many who are looking for something that the world can’t offer them.

Once the enemy realized that Lofiet was (is) determined to complete his destiny for Christ, it appears that the enemy wanted to test Lofiet’s faith as he was diagnosed with renal failure that has advanced to stage 4. However, Lofiet will not give up or give in. He puts his trust in God for his healing through God’s hand, or through the hand of a surgeon, as he is on the kidney transplant list.

With music being the international language, the artists of Get Down Gospel will be able to speak to those in search of that personal fulfilment that they have not been able to find in the world through other music. As CEO of the Get Down Gospel label, Lofiet expresses that… “Get Down Gospel Music is an inexplicable feeling that you will have to experience for yourself.”
Mark 16:14-15 states…14) Afterwards he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Lofiet Brown, CEO of Get Down Gospel Music, has accepted the call and is well on his way to complete the purpose of his journey!

GO BANG! Magazine: Have you always been interested in Gospel music or were you once involved with other styles of music?

Lofiet Brown: I grew up in the church, so Gospel music has always been a part of my life. However, I’m a product of the “old school” my father and aunt used to DJ when I was growing up. Therefore, I have always been around many genres of music. So, I have also done R&B and Dance as well.

GO BANG! Magazine: Gospel music has a traditional and a contemporary style. Which style inspires you the most and why?

Lofiet Brown: Contemporary inspires me most because of its modern sound. Although I was raised on the traditional sound.

GO BANG! Magazine: Get Down Gospel Records is a label that you created. What is the mission of your label, your dream for the label, and who are some of your artists?

Lofiet Brown: Get Down Gospel Music’s mission is to continue to give the best quality music to our listeners, fans, and Christian family. Whether it’s Gospel House, Traditional, Contemporary or any other genre, we strive to keep giving the best product. We are committed to excellence, while delivering the Lord’s music.

My dream for my label is to be a pioneer in this style of music. To be the foundation for developing new ways to express the Gospel sound.

Currently, our featured artists are Madiline Hicks and Bernetta Donalson. However, we are currently in talks with new talent and we hope to soon make them a part of the Get Down Gospel family.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you find out that you had Stage 4 renal failure and how did you initially react upon learning of this diagnosis?

Lofiet Brown: I was at work, and did not feel myself. I was sluggish and my body was in a lot of pain. After work, I went straight to the hospital. After running various tests, I was informed that I had no kidney function. My soul dropped to the floor.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are only 5 stages to renal kidney failure. Learning of your advanced kidney failure must have given you a new zest for life. Please explain to our readers how this devastating diagnosis empowered or handicapped you.

Lofiet Brown: It has been life changing. My first dialysis treatment, I was in a room with three other patients. They were a lot older than me and did not appear to have life left inside of them. I found myself crying throughout the treatment. I felt like my life was over. I was so messed up in the head. I told my girlfriend (who is now my wife), to leave me and find someone else.

I tried to work, but my body couldn’t handle it. I have lost 100 pounds up to this point. This condition has your body and mind going through multiple changes. You have to watch your diet, fluid intake, and if you are not strong-minded you can quickly become depressed. I try to stay productive. I am constantly working on my label, researching new sounds, and I have also started writing. I refuse to let this disease beat me.

GO BANG! Magazine: Organ donations and transplants are the difference between life and death for you. Are you on any kidney lists and what would you say to people that are afraid to be organ donors?

Lofiet Brown: I’ve been on the transplant list for five years. I don’t believe people are afraid to be living donors, those are the ones who choose to donate, most often to a loved one or someone they know. I believe that the fear is about having their body destroyed for someone they don’t even know.
I just want to say that so many lives can be saved by one sacrifice. Although that person’s life may be over, their donation (life) will continue to live on by impacting the recipient and their family’s lives for many more years to come.

GO BANG! Magazine: Meeting you was a total random act of God. We just happen to meet and strike up a conversation on Facebook four years ago. That led to further discussion about your music career, which just recently led to your current medical condition and new song. I felt the desire to present you to the world, and share with them the inspiration and spirit that I felt beaming from you. What is your purpose for granting me this interview?

Lofiet Brown: I believe that my story can be an inspiration for others not to give up. I know God has a purpose for my life. I hope that I can be a positive example of following your passion, no matter what obstacles you may face.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your new Gospel workout song, “Let’s Work” has workout moves that go along with the song. Please tell our readers about this new song, how it was born, and the public response that you hope it receives.

Lofiet Brown: The song was inspired by the legendary DJ Slugo. DJ Slugo sent me the track as a gift. He created a sound with my label name in the track. I loved it so much that we spoke about making it into a workout track. Honestly, the track sat on the shelf for almost two years, due to my health issues.

Fortunately, God started giving me production ideas. I knew I had to call a super-talented producer that I know, Eric “Ignatus” Keyes. We have done music in the past, so I was confident that we could do something great. We put our heads together and came out with this wonderful track.
I’m hoping this will take over the world like a Tsunami. They say you have to hear a song at least three times before it really registers in your head, so I’m asking people to keep it on replay, LOL! There is also a video coming very soon.

GO BANG! Magazine: Everyone wants to leave a positive legacy. What do you want the world to remember most about you as your legacy?

Lofiet Brown: I want my legacy to be that I was a genuine person who tried to help all those I could by touching their lives in a positive way.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Lofiet Brown: Like everyone else, I am trying to stay safe by sanitizing, social distancing and only going out when necessary. For me, I have to be extremely careful and cautious with my current health issues. I truly understand how serious the pandemic is, and unfortunately it has hit close to home. I have had multiple family members pass due to the Covid-19 virus. I pray everyone stays healthy and safe during this uncertain time.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Lofiet Brown: As a black man, it was very upsetting to watch. It really saddens me that nothing much has changed in the way we are perceived from back in the 60’s by many (not all) police. There have been many protests from then until now, but I do believe there needs to be something more done along with the protest. New laws and guaranteed accountability need to be seen for things to improve. Perpetrators have to know there will be consequences for biases and unfair treatment on a harsher level when you have been sworn to serve and protect ALL MANKIND.

You can follow Lofiet Brown & Get Down Gospel Music on ALL social media:

@LofietBrown & @GetDownGospel Music

LISTEN TO “Let Work”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1m6vFKORqw

PURCHASE: “Let’s Work” : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lofiet-brown/1488648888

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: ELIJAH LYRICS (Reggae & Dancehall)

Posted on July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

& DancehallA music star was born from a Prophetess from Nigeria, Africa. He was named Elijah Olufisayo Adeyemi Akinpelu, popularly called “Elijah Lyrics.” He grew up between two worlds, one being his family’s deep ties to Christian music in the church of God established by his mother, and the other being years he spent soaking up Reggae music in Lagos, Nigeria. He developed a deep passion for songs and music from an early age.

Elijah Lyrics is an incredible talent. He can easily blow you away with soft songs of love. Having a musical friendship with Chicago’s own Terrae’s and Nigeria’s Slimcase, Elijahlyrics has an extra-ordinary style of cutting straight to the call of his listeners. A singer, songwriter, rapper and socialist who contributed to the Lions Club International, located in Oak Brook, IL, by waxing an album “I Am A Lion.’’ (Lions Clubs International is an international, non-political, service organization established originally in 1917.)

Fisayo Akinpelu (Elijahlyrics) is a bottomless barrel of musical ear candy. Besides being a musician, he loves dancing, stomping, singing and playing the kazoo. Here is a musician that knows how to entertain. From his first releases, “Beautiful Days,” “Bumpa Shot,” and “Give Me Love” to the most recent “I Don’t Care,” he demonstrates excellent musicianship, combined with entertaining showmanship.

Elijah Lyrics is able to create upbeat music with catchy lyrics that makes people of all ages want to sing along. He’s choosing to appeal to a wider array of emotions and topics, most notably to highlight his paternal ancestry that steadily makes waves in the music industry. The songs are recognizable and you will wonder how so much sound can come from one person’s mouth. When it comes to Reggae music and Dancehall, Elijahlyrics is not only special, but amazing!

He sometimes performs with a live band, when the need arises. But, Elijah Lyrics CAN do it ALL, if he had to. He would go at it alone, with no band and nobody else, if he had to. He would write all the parts and all of the lyrics. He would record it himself. He would call all of the business shots as well.
Elijah Lyrics’ lyrics and melodies, combined with his confident vocal powers, truly reveal the sensitivity and artistry of a truly unique and distinct artist, musician and performer.

Upcoming new music includes “Soweto Lady,” “Medalion” and “Baller.”

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get started in music and when did you know that you wanted to be a professional entertainer?

Elijah Lyrics: I started from the church, back in the days. But it became more appealing for me to go that extra length when I started receiving encouraging responses from people and my club members to do more. That motivated me to move further. It is materializing. I don’t regret it.

GO BANG! Magazine: Does your family have talent in music or are you the only member with musical talent?

Elijah Lyrics: Every member of my family sings as choristers in the church. But I’m the only one who went further beyond the church atmosphere.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your music is Reggae and Dancehall. What is it about those styles of music that you like?

Elijah Lyrics: This style of music captures the energy of the artists and the people who follow the music.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your first songs in 2017 “Beautiful Days” and “Bumpa Shot?”

Elijah Lyrics: It was my breakthrough and a rebirth into the music industry. Generally, it gave me the confidence to forge ahead. The people’s acceptance of these two releases spurred me into the limelight. Everything was encouraging. I gave all glory to God who provided this talent and the ability to demonstrate it to the world.

GO BANG! Magazine: More recently, this year you dropped two more tracks, the smooth dance song “Gimme Love” and the sure-to-be dancehall favorite “I Don’t Care.” You can hear the growth from your first releases to these current ones. What have you learned and what type of growth took place between your two music releases?

Elijah Lyrics: Yeah, I’ve learned a lot. My current management is more digitalized and on point with what is happening in the present world. It makes a great difference in my composition to the level of production. The producer did an amazing job. He really brings out the best in me and that solidifies my stand in the music industry. I promise, there is more to come!

GO BANG! Magazine: You consider yourself a socialist. What does that mean to you and how do you express it?

Elijah Lyrics: Yes, I am a man of the people. I relate freely with both the young and the old. It gives me life when I am in the midst of the crowd. I have always hated loneliness. I can mess up easily.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are also a member of Lions Club International. Why did you decide to become a member, what type of public service work you do, and can you describe how your album “I Am Lion” is associated with the organization?

Elijah Lyrics: Membership in Lions Club aids your growth and education in human relations and personal development. That’s the motive of joining the club. Lions Club is a service club, where individuals join together to give valuable time and effort to improve their communities and the world in general. Concerning the album “I Am Lion”, it talks about “Lionism” and the general aims and objectives of the club.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please explain to our readers, which are located across the entire world, your style of music and why they should listen to Elijah Lyrics.

Elijah Lyrics: The root is reggae, but I am more of a Dancehall artist and a rapper. There is more to come, because I’m evolving.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Elijah Lyrics: I’m adhering to the precautionary measures put in place. It’s a real challenge to the world generally, but nothing can stop music from blasting. No virus can stop the music from blowing. I hope to make a release soon about Covid-19.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Elijah Lyrics: It was wickedness, very, very uncalled for. The right measures must be taken to address the menacing act from repeating itself. They must apologize to the black world!

FOLLOW ELIJAH LYRICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Elijahlyrics on social media:
Facebook @elijahlyrics1
Instagram @ElijahLyricsofficial
Twitter @ElijahLyricsofficial
Facebook fan page @ElijahLyricsofficial

LINKS:
“BEAUTIFUL DAYS” / “BUMPA SHOT” EP Single:https://apple.co/2tq8ebj
“Beautiful Days” Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E–8CJcYwuU
“Bumpa Shot” Official Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrdzlJ-FSag

“GIMME LOVE”:
Official VIDEO: https://youtu.be/KF5yUv0u-Zg
https://audiomack.com/song/elijah-lyrics/give-me-love
https://soundcloud.com/user-294060357/gimme-love
https://fanlink.to/ElijahLyrics-GiveMeLove
https://amu.se/share/album/elijah-lyrics-give-me-love

“I DON’T CARE”:
https://soundcloud.com/user-294060357/i-dont-care
https://audiomack.com/song/elijah-lyrics/i-dont-care

Music: KYM SIMS (House)

Posted on July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

Kym Sims, the multi-award winning singer/songwriter, best known throughout the world for her massive ‘90s dance anthem “Too Blind To See It”, a slick funky ‘90s House record with an infectious backing track, with a sensational song and chorus from Kym Sims. It’s a record which still has huge appeal today and doesn’t fail to get the ladies singing every time.

Kym’s story goes way back and actually began at a very early age working for the legendary Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, where she could be seen recording backing vocals for some of the biggest artists and groups of that Motown era.

Kym then successfully went onto to record jingles for well-known TV adverts for McDonalds and the like before announcing herself on the world stage as a solo artist, and the rest as they is history. “Too Blind To See It”, “Take My Advice” and “A Little Bit More” all ensured that Kym Sims became a household name right across the globe.

Still recording to this day, Kym has new songs such as “Dance Floor” & “Turn It Up” as well as performing her classics with a backing DJ or live band.

GO BANG! Magazine: Where are you from and where do you presently call home?

Kym Sims: I’m from Chicago and currently reside in Atlanta.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first know that you were interested in the music industry?

Kym Sims: As a little girl. I’d sing everyday everywhere, family functions, talent shows, and anywhere anyone would listen.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records and what songs were you a part of?

Kym Sims: I actually met him when my uncle worked as his father’s chef. Pops Gordy was his name. He introduced me. Tommy Gordy brought me in just to do demos.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you make the transition from the Motown sound to House music?

Kym Sims: Well, I went straight to jingles. Paul David Wilson gave me my big break. He owned a jingle house called Herschel Commercial. I did major adverts for Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Poppin Fresh Dough. My major spot was with Shasta called “I Wanna Pop!” It’s on YouTube.

GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been performing House music and where have you made appearances at?

Kym Sims: I’ve performed for over 25 years. I’ve performed all around the world, but most recently, Gay 🌈Prides. With the current situation, I’ve been doing on line performances in the UK mainly. Coming up there’s a performance for the Dallas Fort Worth Pride and a benefit appearance in the UK as well.

GO BANG! Magazine: Have you performed in the US or do you plan to tour the US anytime soon? If so when? If not, why not?

Kym Sims: I have, but I’ve had more success overseas. I go where I’m appreciated…not just Tolerated😂

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any artists or producers, American or non-American that you would love to work with, that you haven’t so far?

Kym Sims: Can’t think of any off the top of my head. I’m pretty comfortable with the team I have, Scott Featherstone, Dez Ford, Steve Teasdale, Nath Ward, and my song writer Thomas Arambula. However, I’m open. Lenny Fontana and I have talked about collaborating! And of course Matt Waterhouse and Tim Cox.

GO BANG! Magazine: For our readers here in Chicago, the home of House music, how would you describe your style of House?

Kym Sims: Well I’m from the Chicago. I learned about it from the Chi… However, I think I’m versatile.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is next on the horizon for Kym Sims and what should our readers be on the lookout for from you?

Kym Sims: A cover of the ‘91 version of Kym Sims “Too Blind To See It.” Aaaaaaand a new song called “Loves Got A Hold On Me” (Scott Featherstone Mix!) I’ll send ya a copy! It’s quite nice. Hope to get back to touring in the new year.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Kym Sims: I’m dealing. I don’t go anywhere unless I really have to. Praying and keeping my instrument strong.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Kym Sims: How long do we have? It’s a travesty. I stand in solidarity of injustice for the Black Lives Matter movement. I have a black husband, son, son-in-love and grandsons, friends and family. I have you! Black Lives Matter! I Can’t Breathe! 🏳️🌈 Matters.

Thank you so very much for this interview…Peace and Health to you and your readers.

GO BANG! Magazine: Thank you and you’re welcome Kym!

You can follow Kym Sims:
Kym Sims Fans Official FB page.
Kym Sims FB.
IG@kym_sims_fans_official
KymSims YouTube page.
Twitter@kymsims
Log on to SOULed OUT Events: http://souledoutevents.com/agency.html

Music: SCOTT FEATHERSTONE / SOULed OUT Events

Posted on July 1, 2020July 9, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

PHOTO CREDIT: Edmahoo_Artist

In the 90s, Scott released a series of EPs that went by relatively unnoticed until recently. These records are now highly sought after, having been rediscovered by new school and up and coming DJs worldwide, with veterans such as Desyn Masiello (Seekers) and Alex Picone (Small Black Dots) helping in this rediscovery too.

Tracks on Scott’s DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) label are sought after gems in this era of vinyl records making a return to the underground scene. With digital releases being, in general the same ole, same ole, DAC is perhaps the sound of yesternow…modern, yet classic in style.

Established in 1997 by Scott (Smith) Featherstone, DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) was originally distributed by PHD. Largely thanks to Desyn Masiello, who has helped bring back these records to a new breed of vinyl DJs, Small Black Dots are picking up where PHD dropped off as the distributor and re-launching the DAC label. The DAC sound was influenced from a mix of Acid House, Chicago House and Detroit Techno, with a pinch of Electro.

Scott continues to record, produce and DJ underground House music, working closely with vocalist Kym Sims, along with many other DJs and House artists around the world, as well as working on remix projects for general release.

An accomplished DJ himself, Scott plays regularly at events, clubs and bars.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first show an interest in music?

Scott Featherstone: I spent the first few years of my life in Lagos, Nigeria and got to hear some amazing music there. I don’t remember this, but my Mum told me that I would always dance to live music as soon as I could walk. In 1977, Lagos aired a music festival on the TV and I was hooked on the music and African rhythms I got to listen to. Back in the UK in the early 80s, I liked music with drums and Hip Hop eventually led me to House music

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get introduced to DJing?

Scott Featherstone: I wanted to be like Grand Master Flash in the film “Wild Style” or Chris “The Glove” Taylor in “Breakin’” – so I worked on a building site all summer to get a pair of Technics 1200s. I didn’t even know what the pitch control was for, I just wanted to scratch records and make my own tracks, like I heard the Hip Hop pioneers do.

My introduction to House music was via Acid House and Trax Records – a friend told me the pitch was used to match BPMs. So I bought some House records to learn to mix properly and fell in love with it all. I wanted to make records too, so I began to collect drum machines and keyboards as I’d read about how the Chicago DJs were doing this.

I got a job DJing in a club. It was more due to the fact that my Dad had invested money into the club at the time. The main DJ hated me, as I was young and could scratch and DJ pretty good too, so I took his thunder away I guess.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe your reaction when you first heard Chicago House music, where you were, and what song it was?

Scott Featherstone: (Steve Hurley) Silk’s “Jack Your Body, on the dance floor and I just danced of course. It was more the raw stuff that I really got into, like Armando’s “151”, Mike Dunn’s “Magic Feet” and DJ Pierre’s “Boxed Energy” etc. I just wanted to be a part of it all. Just make records and party with nice people who wanted to dance all night long. Just like I wanted to (I still do to this day!)

GO BANG! Magazine: Many DJs evolve in producing. Please explain when and why you became a producer.

Scott Featherstone: I actually wanted to make records more than play them, but enjoyed doing both, DJing and Writing/Production. I think there is a misuse of the word producer. I’d like to think I’m more of a House music artist, who can produce music too. Production is more than the technical side of making music. The initial ideas come from the heart, and inspiration from life in general, other records and music.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a producer, you are a record label owner. Tell our readers how you decided to launch your own record label.

Scott Featherstone: Quite by accident really. I always wanted to make a record since I started discovering music and buying records in the 70s, 80s and 90s. I went ahead and pressed a record in ‘91 (although I’d already been on a compilation EP the year before). I drove around not knowing really how to market and sell a record, I still don’t know to be honest, but luckily I have SBDs (Small Black Dots) who are in Spain doing all that for me now with a good global following who buy my records.

I released a few EPs in the ‘90s which went by unnoticed until a couple of years back when I received a text message on an old phone from Desyn asking if some old records he played out were mine, which the answer was yes. He told me they were now very sought after by a new generation of vinyl only DJs who sort out rare records, much like the Northern Soul DJs did in the UK before the dawn of House music. SBDs helped me re-launch the DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) label. Meanwhile, I’d set up a label myself called Jupiter Label (name inspired from Lil Louis track “Jupiter”) to mostly help push local artists that were killing it

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the Scott Featherstone sound and what do you have coming up that you can tell our readers about?

Scott Featherstone: Like Bruce Lee’s JKD, the style of no style – I try to record in a different way each time I get an idea or urge to make a track. I like the early House sound, but with a modern punch added to it. I’m a big fan of the Detroit Techno sound too, so that’s also an influence. I work a lot with the lovely Kym Sims, alongside Steve Teasdale and Dez Ford (Rocket Fuel Audio) and we have a track called “Loves Gotta Hold” coming out on our own CT Label (Offshoot of a night in Leeds UK that I’m part of along with Nath, Scott S and Mark).
I have another couple of vinyl projects coming out soon like “Vinaloop” on Faciendo (Desyn’s label) which is highly sought after thanks to a viral clip and Desyn’s general backing of my more edgy and underground music I create. Klasse Wrecks are putting out a re-issue of “Lemmon Grass 121 and Barly” up/road with a couple of alternative tracks to “One O Them”, which featured on the original release, due out in late August/early September. A remake of “Too Blind To See It” is looking likely with Kym taking more of a lead and wanting to put her true soul into the project. Kym is fantastic live and I’m so lucky to work with her, we did a great live band appearance last summer at the legendary Hoochie Coochie bar in Newcastle

GO BANG! Magazine: Have you ever DJ’d in the US? If so when? If not, do you want to or plan to?

Scott Featherstone: I’ve never played in the US but I would really like to, At the moment, I play a lot in the North East of UK and have started venturing across Europe having played in Berlin last summer. This year I was to play in Paris, then Barcelona, etc., but due to what’s happening in the world it has been impossible to do so for now.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some people in the House music industry that inspire you or motivate you, and why?

Scott Featherstone: Pretty much all the early Chicago House pioneers. I don’t really need to name them all but I guess Armando Gallop stands out and was a huge influence with his very raw Acid House sound. I like a lot of local DJs and artists over big name DJs, as they play from the heart and have more to prove in their digging and being creative. I love DJs that introduce me to new and exciting music which also gives me inspiration to make new music. Funny enough, music I don’t care for inspires me too because I think music should sound raw and deep, so I feel the urge to make music how I like to hear it. I just love the whole process.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Scott Featherstone: I always try and turn any negative problems that come my way into some kind of positive. I spent my time in the lockdown keeping fit, building bike trails then jumping them. I’m lucky enough to own some land and lost weight doing so. I looked after my family as best as I could, doing the shopping and the basic stuff.

Of course I recorded music and did a few live streams to help pass the time. On the flip, we had to deal with the loss of all the nights we planned to do this year and bookings for Kym Sims (as SOULed OUT Events, we manage Kym Sims in the UK), festivals, travelling and such. But we are planning for when we can operate again. I don’t want to dwell on the things we’ve all missed out on this year. I just want to keep positive for the future for all of us, in whatever we do.

Follow Scott Featherstone on ALL social media platforms

Log on to SOULed OUT Events: http://souledoutevents.com/agency.html

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: NEW CD RELEASE By Former Isley Brother CHRIS JASPER “For the Love of You”

Posted on June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 by GO BANG MAG

Gold City Music announces a NEW CD RELEASE

By Former Isley Brother CHRIS JASPER

“For the Love of You”

Former Isley Brother CHRIS JASPER goes back to the catalogue of music he wrote for the Isley Brothers during 1973-1983 to cover some of the group’s biggest hits as well as new renditions of some R&B and Pop Classics by Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and More!

CHRIS JASPER was a member and the primary songwriter for the ISLEY BROTHERS from 1973 through 1983 and ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY from 1984 through 1987. In 1988, Chris Jasper went solo and has since released 15 self-contained, self-produced albums with the same soulful R&B and Funk sound he created for the Isleys. Chris Jasper’s arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, have been called the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.”

For his 16th solo album, “FOR THE LOVE OF YOU,” Chris goes back to the catalogue of songs he wrote for the Isleys to put a new spin on some of the group’s biggest hits during this gold and platinum period, including “I Once Had Your Love,” “Go For What You Know,” and the title track “For the Love of You.”

CHRIS JASPER also lends his unique sound to soulful renditions of other R&B and Pop classics, including Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love,” Marvin Gaye’s “God Is Love,” Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately,” Billy Preston’s “You Are So Beautiful,” and Diane Warren’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” a song made famous by Aerosmith in the film Armageddon.

SAMPLE THE NEW CD HERE

“FOR THE LOVE OF YOU” is now available on Chris Jasper’s Gold City Website where you can sample all of Chris’s music and enjoy FREE standard domestic shipping with a BONUS….an Autographed Photo With Every Order!

LISTEN AND PURCHASE HERE: CHRIS JASPER’S GOLD CITY MUSIC WEBSITE

CHECK OUT CHRIS JASPER discussing his musical career with the Isley Brothers in “An Afternoon With Chris Jasper in the Sony Music Legacy Lounge.” In this video, Chris talks about his musical background, his unique sound, and demonstrates how he created music for The Isley Brothers, Isley-Jasper-Isley, and his own solo music.

WATCH AN AFTERNOON WITH CHRIS JASPER HERE

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
BET Lifetime Achievement Award
German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award
National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award
Songwriter’s Hall of Fame

DOWNLOAD Chris Jasper’s music at Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music and more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chris Jasper Website
Chris Jasper on Facebook
Chris Jasper Artist Page
Chris Jasper YouTube Channel
Chris Jasper on Spotify
Chris Jasper Wikipedia
Twitter: @RealChrisJasper

INTRODUCTION

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you know Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, CHRIS JASPER, an integral member of THE ISLEY BROTHERS during the 1970s and 1980s—their gold and platinum years—from the 3+3 (1973) to Between the Sheets (1983) albums. These were the years when THE ISLEY BROTHERS were a self-produced, self-contained group.

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you have heard the music of CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing, arranging and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY, and topped the charts singing lead vocals on “Caravan of Love” (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. “Caravan” was also used in commercials as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music for that commercial formed the basis for “Brother to Brother” from the “Different Drummer” album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at that time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, including “Who’s That Lady” (Swiffer) and “Between The Sheets” (L’Oreal).

When ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY disbanded (1987), CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” to his own solo projects, topping the charts with “SuperBad,” a song promoting the value of education. CHRIS JASPER has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B and Gospel music, as well as other artists, for his independent record label, Gold City Records.

CHRIS JASPER’s music has been covered and sampled by hundreds of new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on. His music has also been used in many movie and television soundtracks.

In 1992, CHRIS JASPER, along with the other members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS, was inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME and in 2014, received a GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. In 2015, CHRIS JASPER received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. Chris also received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous ASCAP awards.

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

Chris Jasper was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 30, 1951, the youngest of seven siblings. While growing up in Cincinnati, Chris studied classical piano starting at the age of 7 years old. After graduating from high school in Cincinnati, he moved to New York to study music composition at the Juilliard School of Music.

Chris received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music composition from C.W. Post College in New York, where he studied under noted jazz pianist and composer, Dr. Billy Taylor. He subsequently received a Juris Doctorate degree from Concord University School of Law.

THE JASPER/ISLEY CONNECTION

The Jasper and Isley families lived in the same apartment complex in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chris’s older sister, Elaine, married Rudolph Isley. The three older Isley brothers, Rudolph, O’Kelly and Ronald, formed a vocal trio (“The Isley Brothers”) and relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey.

While temporarily living in New Jersey as a teenager, Chris and the two younger Isley brothers, Marvin and Ernie, formed a band, “The Jazzmen Trio”, that played locally in New Jersey. Chris played keyboards, Ernie played drums and Marvin played the bass. Along with Chris, Ernie and Marvin also attended C.W. Post College in New York. While in college, Chris, Marvin and Ernie played on the older Isley Brothers recordings, including “It’s Your Thing”.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS YEARS

In 1973, Chris, Marvin and Ernie brought the songwriting and musical component to the older brothers vocal trio, making The Isley Brothers, a self-produced, self-contained six-member group. Their debut release as a 6-member band on their CBS-associated label was the 3+3 album.

Although all 6 members of the Isley Brothers are credited as songwriters on the music from this era, this was a business arrangement and does not reflect the creative reality. Chris was the primary songwriter/musician, producer and arranger of The Isley Brothers music from 1973 (“3+3”) through 1983 (“Between the Sheets”), with contributions by younger members Ernie and Marvin Isley. Chris’s arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards, synthesizers and other instruments, have been credited as the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” In 1984, the 6-member group disbanded due to internal problems.

ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY

In 1984, Chris, Marvin and Ernie formed Isley-Jasper-Isley, a self-produced, self-contained trio, with Chris as the lead singer of the group, continuing his role as the primary songwriter/musician, producer and arranger. Isley-Jasper-Isley recorded 3 albums on their CBS-associated label, and earned recognition with their #1 hit, “Caravan of Love”. “Caravan” was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, who made the song an international #1 hit.

SOLO CAREER

In 1987, Isley-Jasper-Isley disbanded and Chris embarked on a solo career. Chris formed his record label, Gold City Records, and released two albums as a CBS-associated label. His debut single, “Superbad” reached #1 on the R&B charts. Eventually, Marvin and Ernie returned to record under the Isley Brothers group name, and Chris continued his solo career, releasing a total of 14 solo albums to date, including 4 urban contemporary gospel CDs.

Chris’s music has been covered and sampled by numerous new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on. Chris also wrote and produced a track for Chaka Khan’s “CK” album (Make It Last) and recently produced and arranged a cover of “Harvest For The World” for the Average White Band. In 2020,

Chris has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B and Gospel music, as well as produce other artists for his Gold City label. Chris works closely with his 26-year old son, Michael Jasper, who released his debut album “Addictive” on the Gold City label at the age of 16 in 2010. “Addictive” was written and recorded by Michael, and co-produced by Chris. Michael’s recently released “Make It” from his forthcoming CD “Dreams” is scheduled for release in 2020. Chris and Michael are currently working on music for original screenplays by Michael Jasper.

In June 2020, Chris released his 16th self-contained solo album “FOR THE LOVE OF YOU”—a mixture of new renditions of some of the songs that he wrote for the Isley Brothers, and his take on some soul and pop classics. Chris continues to bring that “Isley Brothers sound” he created to music lovers everywhere.

Chris has received numerous gold and platinum albums and music industry awards, including the BET lifetime achievement award and many ASCAP awards for his songwriting. In 1992, Chris, along with the other members of The Isley Brothers, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2014 received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, Chris received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, Chris was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Chris and his wife of 37 years, Margie, live in New York and continue to operate their independent record company, Gold City Records.

DISCOGRAPHY

ISLEY BROTHERS YEARS

3+3 (CBS) 1973

Live It Up (CBS) 1974

The Heat Is On (CBS) 1975

Harvest For The World (CBS) 1976

Go For Your Guns (CBS) 1977

Showdown (CBS) 1978

Winner Takes All (CBS) 1979

Go All The Way (CBS) 1980

Grand Slam (CBS) 1981

Inside You (CBS) 1981

The Real Deal (CBS) 1982

Between The Sheets (CBS) 1983

ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY YEARS

Broadway’s Closer to Sunset Boulevard (CBS) 1984

Caravan of Love (CBS) 1985

Different Drummer (CBS) 1986

SOLO ALBUMS

Superbad (Gold City/CBS Associated) 1988

Time Bomb (Gold City/CBS Associated) 1989

Praise the Eternal (Gold City) 1992

Deep Inside (Gold City) 1994

Faithful & True (Gold City) 2002

Best of Chris Jasper…With Love (Gold City) 2003

Amazing Love (Gold City) 2005

Invincible (Gold City) 2007

Everything I Do (Gold City) 2010

Inspired (Gold City) 2013

Thank You Jesus (Gold City) 2014

The One (Gold City) 2014

The Essential Chris Jasper (Gold City/Sony Legacy) 2015

Share With Me (Gold City) 2016

Dance With You (Gold City) (July 2018)

For The Love Of You (Gold City) (June 2020)

PRODUCTION

Title/Artist/Label

Vicious & Fresh (Liz Hogue) (Gold City/CBS) 1989

Out Front (Out Front) (Gold City) 1995

Brotha 2 Brotha (Brothaz By Choice) (Gold City) 1998

Make It Last (Chaka Khan “CK” album) (WB) 1989

Addictive (Michael Jasper) (Gold City) 2010

Harvest For The World (Average White Band) (Average Enterprises) (2017)

Dreams (Michael Jasper) (Gold City) (Upcoming 2020)

FOR BOOKING AND MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

GOLD CITY MUSIC

Telephone: 914-533-5096/Fax: 914-533-5097/Email: GoldCityMusic@GoldCityMusic.com

Chris Jasper’s Official Website: ChrisJasper.com

Chris Jasper on Facebook: Facebook.com/Chris.H.Jasper

Chris Jasper Fanpage: www.Facebook.com/CHJasper/

Twitter: @RealChrisJasper

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-h-jasper /

YouTubeChanel: www.youtube.com/GoldCityMusic

Gold City Music Website: GoldCityMusic.com

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