Business: JULIUS THE MAD THINKER, MI CASA HOLIDAY & YOURPASSION1ST

Posted on September 28, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Phote credit: Power Quevedo

Julius the Mad Thinker (JtMT) is a dynamic producer and must-see international DJ talent. Since the age of 17, Julius has worn many hats while distinguishing himself in the dance music industry. He is a true visionary with infectious energy and amazing music.

In 2009, Julius and business partner Jenn Hurst bridged DJ entertainment with unique travel concepts to co-found MCH (Mi Casa Holiday – www.micasaholiday.com).

In 2012, MCH achieved sold-out status, and since has evolved into the most exciting travel and music community in the US.

In 2017, Julius produced his debut album “Perspective.” It has been described as “an album of epic tunes for the dance floor, ranging from soulful vocals, deep to the classic Chicago sound. A wide array of variety and substance”- Osunlade”

Julius’ reputation for uniting music communities and launching premiere DJ music events has attracted worldwide acceptance and respect as well. His most recent event production to gain international awareness is Mi Casa Holiday (MCH).

He is also affiliated with YourPassion1st. It is an international coaching & mentorship platform focused on helping under-resourced young adults overcome adversity and earn money in the area of their passion.

Through art, music, entertainment, sports, and culinary, YourPassion1st envisions a world where all young adults are inspired to find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce. Young adults in under-resourced communities are challenged in achieving their dreams due to a lack of resources, support, and inspiration. We help young adults succeed through project-based learning, as they learn their value, build their confidence and recognize their innovative instincts and hidden talents.

Our Workforce Readiness Workshops, Festivals, & Events are transformative, collaborative, and entertaining, while our podcast series captivates listeners. You’ll hear a cross-pollination of fresh perspectives, layered with empowering stories from industry leaders and everyday people who have overcome adversity to follow their passion. Ultimately, we believe that inspiring young adults will cause a ripple effect, transforming families and improving communities, while influencing the next generation of youth. Your support helps create life-changing experiences.

Stay tuned and be ready to experience the next wave of JtMT!

GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised and call home?

JtMT: Elgin, IL, but I consider Chicago my home, as I’ve lived in the city since 1993.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you first get involved in music and when did you know that you wanted to be a DJ / Producer?

JtMT: My music Journey started as a kid helping my mom clean the house every Saturday listening to soul music on a big stereo/record system with disco lights in the speakers (lol).

However, the broader story is that I was bored in the suburbs, so I bet my cousin that I could get 500 people to go to a party at my house. I figured that there were at least 500 people in a town of 80,000 that were bored like me. So after pleading with my mom, she finally let me throw a party under two conditions. One, I had to write a business plan and two, if I were to make any money, I promised to give spending money to my sister for her (high school) senior trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. So, I wrote the business plan, was able to get 605 people to the party, and was able to give my sister $500 for her trip to Mexico.

My sister went to Mexico, had the time of her life, then came back and eventually convinced the company who set up her trip (IS Tours formerly USA Student Travel) to hire her on as the youngest student organizer in that company’s history at the time. I went on throwing parties, and along the way started to disagree with the order of songs that our DJ (DJ Beauty) was playing. I became persistent and kept asking him to try, (DJing) until August of ‘94 when I was finally able to sync the beats successfully. The record was Joey Bertram’s “Energy Flash” and I’ll never forget that feeling, and how it inspired me to want more.

So, my sister had 20 + years of travel and hospitality and I had 20 + years of DJing and event production, when in October of 2009, we merged both concepts to create Mi Casa Holiday Travel and Music’s Community & Boutique Events Service. Along the way I always tried to stay ahead of the curve which led me to start producing music and music videos and then eventually an album in 2017. (Perspective)

GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you name yourself “The Mad Thinker” and how would you describe your sound?

JtMT: Actually, I didn’t name myself. I was a creative director and executive producer of a local hip-hop group named the Rec Center, and we were deciding on producing our first music video for our album “Lonely People”. There were 10 MC’s, our main producer, my brother from another mother, DJ Emmaculate, and I. Everyone described their ideas about what the video should be, and I was the last person to speak. After I laid out my vision, it was total silence when “Luck” (MC Bad Luck) in a soft spoken voice said, “the Mad Thinker” (www.themadthinker.com). It felt right, so I embraced it!

I refer to my sound as Global Soul House music. Afro Cuban rhythms meet Electronic sounds through a rollercoaster of emotions.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being an international producer/DJ, you are also a businessman. Please tell our readers about your music & travel event known as Mi Casa Holiday (MCH).

JtMT: Family, Music, Paradise…We curate, and you celebrate! Ultimately, MCH (https://www.instagram.com/micasaholiday) is your personal holiday with the best music, entertainment and the coolest, most inspiring people from around the world. The name Mi Casa Es Su Casa (My house is your house) was a reflection of my sister and I’s diverse upbringing, and holiday is a reminder that taking time for yourself is mandatory, hence…Mi Casa Holiday. The MCH concept was an extension of 3Degrees Global, a previous groundbreaking event and promotional network founded in Chicago (1999). If the world was supposedly separated by 6 people, then we believed that like-minded individuals had to be separated by only 3 people. 3Degrees was Friendster, Myspace, Facebook before their time and we used the concept to bridge the Chicago House music scene each Wednesday from October of 1999 -2007, and we still produce special events to this day.

That event grew so fast that in addition to our weekly Wednesdays, we started producing monthly events in San Francisco, New York & DC, and also big holiday tour events. However, there was one 3Degrees event concept l that we never executed, and it was called the Global House Project. The idea was to take our community to an exotic location. After years of frustration with the unwillingness of nightclubs to invest in new talent, decorations, to sound, to renovations, the fragmentation of the winter music conference, friends and I traveling around the world to hang out, meeting other artists and promoters who were looking to do something new and fresh, and my sister’s annual plead to do a travel event, it all led to producing a weekend in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico in October 2009. Since then, we’ve produced MCH events in Costa Rica, Cuba, US & Mexico. Everyone should experience MCH and Rediscover Amazing!

GO BANG! Magazine: You are also part of an international coaching & mentoring platform known as YourPassion1st. Explain what it is and why you are a part of it.

JtMT: YourPassion1st is an international coaching and mentoring program that inspires young adults to overcome adversity and through art, music, entertainment, sports, and culinary, empowers them to follow their passion as an entrepreneur or leverage their skills to excel in the marketplace.

During the pandemic we decided to produce a live virtual event like many others. However, I will never just do something for the sake of doing it. Therefore, we took our event production hats off and put our tv network hats on and envisioned a week long, 24hr/day cable channel where Mi Casa Holidayers from across the world could display their passions, talents, and most importantly connect at such an important time. I was incredibly excited about this idea because we were essentially building a new product, but something was holding us back. We realized that we had yet to identify a cause that resonated with our idea, when one day, a post came across my Instagram feed that read YourPassion1st. Instantly I was like wow, there is a nonprofit based on passion. This can’t be real. It touched me for a few reasons.

First, the one rule in our household growing up was that we had to have passion for whatever we decided to do. Second, their approach made so much sense. As opposed to force feeding young adults a specific path, instead meet them where they are most interested and equip them with the tools to develop their skill set and inspire them to follow their passion. Third, through MCH, we created an event called Exprésate (express yourself), which targeted young adults to showcase their talents, from Dance, Art, music, skateboarding, murals, fire dancers whatever…. Lastly, through entertainment, young adults have shown us how they’ve influenced the older generations, and through my involvement I’ve learned quite a bit about near peer influence which is about young adults impacting the next generation.

So, after meeting the founder Chris Thomas, we seamlessly integrated his workforce readiness music festival vision into our MCH virtual event, and the MCH community helped to raise over 10k for the YourPassion1st organization. I was incredibly inspired after the live event, where there were 150 content contributors from 19 countries where we generated over 25,000 streams. After the event, I got involved and helped redesign the program, along with the addition of integrating young adults from Brazil and South Africa. This year, our program participants are producing 5 events that will air during the 2nd annual MCH Virtual Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music Festival November 10-17. (https://www.yourpassion1st.com/)

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you have had the opportunity to perform with numerous well-known DJs and talent. Is there anyone or any event in particular that stands out as one of your most memorable?

JtMT: There are so many, however, I’ll never forget Keven Saunderson booking me to play the main stage at Detroit Electronic Music Festival thanks to my friend Monica Lockett. Or when my friends Priti, Monna, the 3Degrees crew & the late great Frankie Knuckles surprised me and he played with me on my birthday. Or when Lil Louis personally called me to book me for his CPR event in Chicago, the first time that I ever played in New York through Body & Soul’s John Davis, and Blaze’s (Josh Milan & Kevin Hedge) came to hear me and were dancing all night. Playing all night with one of my favorite DJ’s of all time, Louie Vega at Cielo, all of the late night Mi Casa Holiday Mexico sets (starting at 4:20am). Sharing the bill with legends like the last Paul Johnson, Terry Hunter, Tony Touch, Joe Claussell, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Dixon, and Heather. The time I played the same club in the Philippines as Tiesto, but more interesting than that, playing on this insane sound system for my good friend Christopher Andrew’s destination wedding, and the first person on the dance floor was Tiesto. Or the event that really catapulted my name around the world, when Large Music’s Jeff Craven asked me to open the main room for Large Music’s first ever Winter Music Conference event in Miami with Dennis Ferrer, Kerri Chandler, Jask & Roy Davis Jr, and asked me to also wanted me to close the back room which ended up getting me to New York and then later around the world.

I’ve been blessed and I feel like my schedule is about to get hectic as I still get the same responses that I was getting 20 years ago, which is people asking me “how do I not know about you, and where can I get more?!”

GO BANG! Magazine: Just recently in August, 2021, we have lost a few prominent DJs due to Covid and other health issues. Many of us haven’t had the time to even grieve. Did you know any of these DJs and how has their deaths affected you.

JtMT: I’m still processing all of them, especially my friend’s DJ Paul Johnson (Chicago), and my friend Reese (Miami). They both had so much spirit, it’s hard to believe. Unfortunately, there have been many amazing friends who were taken too soon like my friends Voodoo Ray (NYC) & Kweston (Chicago) pre-pandemic. I’m less affected about how they all passed, rather the fact that they’re no longer physically here. I think when someone has impacted you, it’s your responsibility to help live out their legacy in the way that they inspired you, so that is what I am doing. I believe that It’s important to understand that no day is promised. Therefore, live your life to the fullest, open your heart and open your mind in a world that thrives off of friction.

GO BANG! Magazine: How are you dealing with the Covid pandemic, pre-vaccine time and post-vaccine times, and how has it affected you or your business?

JtMT: I’ve vowed to not lose any friends regardless of where they stand. It’s disheartening to see so many people pointing their fingers at others when they don’t know nearly as much as they think they do. Especially when they are pointing fingers at people who have previously and consistently brought joy into their lives. It’s sad. The world is made up of complicated issues, and I hope the dance, music, and arts community will be strong enough to respect one another’s journeys and conclusions versus pointing fingers or worse, supporting segregation. Yes segregation, because that is exactly what’s coming if people don’t get their acts together. Art, Dance, music, comedy, it’s up to us to be strong and open. If we can’t come together, then it’s a wrap.

GO BANG! Magazine: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

JtMT: Traveling around the world inspiring people.

GO BANG! Magazine: If you weren’t a DJ/Producer/Businessman, what would you be doing?

JtMT: Probably a consultant and/or motivational speaker.

You an follow Julius The Mad Thinker on ALL social media;

@juliustmt

@micasaholiday

@yourpassion1st

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 and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Music/Business: TYRONE CORBETT & THE CORBETT MUSIC GROUP

Posted on September 28, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Photo credit: Kevin Corbett

Songwriter, Producer, Vocal Arranger/Producer, Recording/Mixing Engineer, Videographer, and Visionary are a few of the hats Tyrone Corbett wears to accomplish his goals in the entertainment industry.

He studied Commercial Music at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va. and has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years.

Tyrone has worked with artists from DK Khaled and Diddy’s TV show, The Four, ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’; artists signed to Wyclef Jean, Kay Gee (Naughty by Nature) and Diddy’s ‘Making the Band’, as well as artists signed to Clive Davis’ J Records, Bad Boy and Def Jam. His work has attracted the attention of record executive, Vince Herbert; producer, Daryl Simmons; legendary songwriter, Carole Bayer Sager; and super producer, David Foster.

In 2020, Mr. Corbett pitched songs to a variety of well-known artists including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Brandy, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, Kem and Joe.

“As a singer, I’ve had the great opportunity to work with some of the industry’s top Jazz and R&B artists”, says Tyrone. The list of esteemed artists includes Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Onaje Allan Gumbs and many others. With these veteran artists, he’s toured nationally and internationally.
Additionally, Tyron has developed a unique ability to work in all genres of music and has a diverse catalog of songs, including releases in R&B, Pop, Gospel, Jazz and Country. His discography includes having worked on a #1 Billboard R&B/Hip Hop album as an engineer, while also providing background vocals on a Grammy winning Folk album.

“I am passionate about music and the artists I work with.” “Music is my life!”

GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised?

Tyrone Corbett: Richmond, VA

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you first get started in the entertainment industry?

Tyrone Corbett: My father use to take my brother and I out and stand us on a shoebox to sing as an opening for his community work in activism.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you get that first “big break” in the industry, where you had an opportunity unlike any other before, up until that point? Please describe it and how you felt.

Tyrone Corbett: My first professional break started during my collegiate tenure as I had a band that opened for artists like MTUME, Miles Jaye, The SOS Band and others. It was an exciting time to be able to share the stage with those I had revered.

Several other big breaks came along my musical journey. As a background singer, working alongside Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Phil Perry and others was another milestone for me.

Later on, being invited to LA to meet songwriting legend, Carole Bayer Sager (Burt Bacharach, Marvin Hamlisch) and super producer, David Foster (Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Toni Braxton) was an incredible milestone as well. As a result of my relationship with Carole and David, I was introduced to Babyface and Daryl Simmons.

As a songwriter, having Lady Gaga record one of my songs has been the absolute highlight of my career, but getting a song recorded is still not the same as getting a placement. There are many factors that are out of the songwriter’s hands, but cutting through circles that big is still an incredible achievement. My fingers remain crossed that the song gets released as I’m not looking for the moral victory. 😉

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve worked with several famous artists over the years. Is there any artist that you would love to work with, that you haven’t as of yet?

Tyrone Corbett: I’ve worked artists signed to Clive Davis, Wyclef Jean, Kay Gee (Naught by Nature), as well as artists who were on American Idol, The Voice and Diddy & DJ Kaled’s tv show, The Four, Ali Caldwell, Anwar Robinson and “Big” Mike Lynche are a few of the artists I’ve worked with.

As a songwriter with an eclectic body of work and large catalog of music, I have songs I’m shopping for artists like Arianna Grande, Beyonce, as well as Andrea Boccelli, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber and others. My work covers R&B, Pop, Gospel, Country and Jazz. I’m always swinging for the fences, so any (and all) of those above are on my radar for song placement.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a multi-talented artist, you are a songwriter, producer, vocal arranger/producer, recording/mixing engineer, videographer and visionary. Of all of the talents and skills that you possess, which do you enjoy doing the most, and why?

Tyrone Corbett: I really enjoy everything about creative process as a whole, so wearing all of those hats are actually exciting and enticing to me, but I think songwriting still sits atop the list as I love telling a story and seeing how it is related to by the listener. I love taking the listener on a journey.

GO BANG! Magazine: The music industry is totally different now, as far as the type of music that is popular and the stars that are doing the performing, in comparison to the “good old days” of music. How would you describe the difference in the industry now, in comparison to let’s say the 90’s or 2000’s?

Tyrone Corbett: The music industry as a whole has evolved…in some ways good, and in others not so much. Recognizing that having a great song or even having a great team can have staggering limitations is sobering, but understanding that evolution can’t be fought is the key to forward movement. There was a time when a great song got you in the door and further, now it’s “How many views do you have?” Networking is still a constant though and a necessity.

Lastly, there is also something to be said about the “good old days” sometimes just being “old days with good memories”.

GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to someone that is trying to get into the “behind the scenes” part of the entertainment industry, the technical or creative side, not the performance side?

Tyrone Corbett: Learning your craft remains high atop any list of advice offerings I have. Obviously though, for someone just starting out, ones skills will be lacking. The advice I give is to pair yourself with someone who can take your game to the next level. Never be afraid to acknowledge your short-comings, as that is the key to overcoming them.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are capable and talented in several genres of music including R&B, Pop, Gospel, Jazz and Country. Who are your favorite artists in each genre?

Tyrone Corbett: Here they are, in the order of genres listed:

R&B: Chris Brown
Pop: Arianna Grande
Gospel: Yolanda Adams
Jazz: Lalah Hathaway
Country: Dan and Shay/Rascal Flatts

GO BANG! Magazine: Who is your overall favorite entertainer, producer, and songwriter? It can be one person or several people.

Tyrone Corbett: This is a difficult question to answer as I love different things about different artists and genres of music. Having said that, I tend to stay with older songwriter / producers because of the longevity of success they have had in the entertainment industry. Considering that, LA, Babyface, Daryl Simmons, as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are amongst my favs.

GO BANG! Magazine: Carrying on the legacy is something that parents want their children to do. I’ve seen you work with your son during the interview that you had with me. Your son seems to have great knowledge of the videography industry. Tell our readers why it is important for you to teach your son the business.

Tyrone Corbett: Having my son work alongside me is the best part of my day. He is talented in music and videography. Teaching him a skillset(s), while also spending that additional quality time, is truly invaluable in my opinion. I remain open and supportive to whatever choices he decides to make career wise, but providing a hands-on experience will prove useful with whichever direction he decides to go.

GO BANG! Magazine: On a personal level, I can tell that family is important to you and you include your son in your business operations. Can you tell us a little about your son, who is somewhat a miracle?

Tyrone Corbett: We found out at birth that my son has a catastrophic brain illness called Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). He is considered both the worst case in the world and the most successful case on record. The ongoing procedures to cure him have as much of a detrimental consequence as the illness itself, as leaving him untreated will cause an aneurysm/stroke, but the repeated treatment to sustain him can cause blindness, mental retardation, paralysis and or death. We were told to anticipate 10 years to life of brain procedures and 25 years later we are still on that course. Saying it’s been difficult is beyond an understatement, but I am grateful that he continues to flourish despite this devastating illness.

Go Bang! Magazine: Looking towards the future, what do you hope to accomplish businesswise, and what would you like your legacy to be?

Tyrone Corbett: I continue to be vibrant in the creative space and have a number of projects at hand…songs and music video releases, I am working on a video interview series, as well as a documentary of my life in music while contending with my sons’ catastrophic brain illness.

In terms of legacy, I’m a southern boy, so I continue to do the work so that my family is proud of me. That’s all there is for me.

You can follow Tyrone by logging on to his website

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 and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Music: DJ LATANYA “LADiiBUG” BRYANT-CALAHAN

Posted on May 2, 2021May 2, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

LaTanya Bryant-Calahan, who is better known to the House community as LADiiBUG, is a Chicago native who has been making a name for herself as a DJ on the Chicago House music scene. LADiiBUG inherited a strong love for music from her parents and her involvement in award-winning choirs and multiple music groups.

Under the watchful eye of her husband and many other talented DJ’s, LADiiBUG began her quest and has become a unique DJ with an eclectic style of her very own. Since 2015, LADiiBUG has been spinning at a variety of venues throughout Chicago, which also helped her become a resident DJ on DaBooth 312, that aired on WIIT 88.9.

Now, her goal is to continue gaining a better understanding of the history and culture of House music by infusing her sets with the “Sounds of Mother Earth” and taking her followers and fans on a musical journey that will leave them wanting more!

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you get started as a DJ?

DJ LADiiBUG: In the 90s, I always wanted to be a Hip Hop DJ, but I never pursued it. So in 2013, I was attending Olive-Harvey College and I was taking a Music Appreciation class. The class was assigned to do a project with partners of different music genres. I was assigned House music. I discovered so much about the culture and was enlightened on more than I thought of the genre and I discovered the artist Black Coffee. So in 2014, I met my husband and he just happened to be a House music DJ. I gained the interest to learn on his equipment in 2015 and now here I am.

GO BANG! Magazine: You describe your style as eclectic and the “Sounds of Mother Earth.” What exactly do you mean by this?

DJ LADiiBUG: My style is for everything, I love music period! When I became a House DJ, I learned to bring what I love to this genre and play all of its styles. It’s what separate me from other DJs and allows me to show my ear or sound for music. It allows me to stretch and push myself to stand out. This is who LADiiBUG is.

The term “Sounds of Mother Earth” is the sound of African drums and beats of this culture. I love bass, drums, instruments and harmonious sound. The blending of two songs is like a group or choir. Every sound has to be in place for it to deliver and this why I fell in love with African House and Soulful House. That’s how I started coming into my own.

GO BANG! Magazine: What DJs inspire or motivate you?

DJ LADiiBUG: My very first DJs were my parents. (laughing) I listened to Jazz, Gospel, Funk, Disco, Soul, R&B in my house growing up. I learned to play records like they did.

My husband motivated me to be the DJ I am by taking me to parties early in our relationship and discovering other DJs/Producers that I admire a lot. To name a few from Chicago and abroad would include Mike Dunn, Tony T, Terry Hunter, Glenn Underground, Anthony Nicholson, Joey Negro, Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, Vick Lavender and a few of my fellow female DJs.

GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, female DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image has changed and why or why not?

DJ LADiiBUG: Great question! Well seeing as how I didn’t come into the House culture until 2015, I’ve heard so much about how women DJs were not considered equal to men. Back in the past I watched and followed the legends like Celeste Alexander, First Lady Khris Hutchinson, Lori Branch, (Pyscho Bitch) Valerie Schein. Now, Dee Jay Alicia, (CZ Boogie) Czarina Mirani and Nicky D’Vine, just to name a few. I asked questions and listened to some of their stories personally or from a far. I believe women have changed the image and have made a huge pathway for newer DJs like myself to be appreciated more. Can I say we are equal? No, but because the ladies put in the work over the years, the image has changed and we are holding our own.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are several DJ’s out there with mad skills. Which do you personally like, which ones would you love to DJ with and which events would you love to spin at?

DJ LADiiBUG: This question is a difficult one because there are several DJ’s with mad skills that I like, familiar and underground ones. But the ones I would personally love to work with, DJ with and just learn the business from are Mike Dunn and Terry Hunter.

The events that I would like to play at is definitely the Chosen Few Picnic, The Silver Room Block party main stage and Mi Casa Su Casa. Others would include the event in Amsterdam and to have my own Boiler Room set. Lastly, wherever God wants to send me! I’m just his vessel anyway.

GO BANG! Magazine: Our readers want to know more about your residency. Please tell us more about your time at DaBooth 312.

DJ LADiiBUG: The opportunity came when Derek “Smokin” Jones put up a post on Facebook and he tagged me in it. DaBooth was looking for a female DJ to audition. I wasn’t going to do it at first but God lead me. I reached out to him, came in the studio, played my set and he reached back and invited me back to the Studio. He asked me did I want to be apart and I said Yes!

The crew of DaBooth Mix 6/DaBooth 312 consisted of myself, Bobby Q Bobby, Derek, Rob Waite, Ron Tinsley and Jesse Velasco. It was such a great opportunity, especially being able to play for a broader audience on the Southside and Northside.

GO BANG! Magazine: Besides being a DJ, you are also involved in the arts, being involved in award-winning choirs and music groups. Please tell our readers about your other musical talents and experiences.

DJ LADiiBUG: I used to sing with Walt Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago for 5 years and later sang with other various choirs and groups.

GO BANG! Magazine: By being gifted in music as a performer and a DJ, have you ever considered putting those skills to use as a music producer and produce tracks or songs?

DJ LADiiBUG: Yes! It’s funny because I thought I had to go to school to become a DJ, so I enrolled into Columbia College and took up Sound Engineering. What I didn’t know is this major was teaching me how to produce music. I always have sounds and ideas to make tracks.

My desire is to have creative control of my brand, LADIIBUGMUZIK LLC. I want to connect with various musical geniuses from this city and the culture, to make great House music and continue to keep it alive.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about the House community that attracts you to it, as a DJ?

DJ LADiiBUG: What attracts me most about the community is dance, the love and the sound of House music. It speaks to your soul and demonstrates such versatility for all people. It unifies us! There are many DJs and many different genres, and those who play the sounds that they like, they stay in their lane.

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

DJ LADiiBUG: By staying home with my sons, staying masked up, playing music on social media and keeping away from close knit parties until it finally over. God has been Faithful to me and my family during this pandemic.

YOU CAN FOLLOW LADiiBUG:

Facebook: @Ladiibug Bryant

Twitch tv: @ladiibugtheeclecticdj

Instagram: @ladiibugmuzic

Mixcloud: http://www.mixcloud.com/latanyasbryant

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/ladiibug1974

For booking information: ladiibugtheeclecticdj@gmail.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/Radio/Business: DJ MICHELLE “MeMe” HUGHES

Posted on May 2, 2021May 3, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

“From Miss Gucci to Mizz MeMe to the infamous FoxXxy!”

THE LOVE FOR THE MUSIC STARTED AT 13 IN 8TH GRADE. LISTENING TO ANYTHING SHE COULD GET HER HANDS ON AND THEN GOING TO THE PARTIES @ 14, SNEAKING IN THE POWER PLANT (HOT CLUB IN CHICAGO EARLY 80’S) TO EXPERIENCE (NOT HEAR) FRANKIE KNUCKLES PLAY SHE WAS TOTALLY HOOKED.

IN 1986 SHE WAS TAUGHT AND BROUGHT UNDER THE WINGS OF JOHN HUNT & STEVE POINDEXTER WHICH TOGETHER WERE “GUCCI PROMOTIONS”. “MS GUCCI” BECAME THE HOSTESS FOR ONE OF THE TOP YOUNG ADULT PROMOTIONS IN THE CITY BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1986-1991. BEST KNOWN FOR PARTIES @ HIGH SCHOOLS SUCH AS HALES & LEO AND ON TO THE CONGRESS HOTEL, POWERHOUSE, AND OF COURSE THE RACKETBALL CLUB, GUCCI PROMOTIONS WERE KNOWN FOR HAVING THE HOTTEST YOUNG DJ LINE UP AND KEEPING THE HOUSE PACKED.

DJ’S THAT STARTED WITH GUCCI PROMOTIONS WERE ANDRE HATCHETT, PHARRIS THOMAS, GENE HUNT AND TERRY HUNTER, TALENTED YOUNG MEN THAT GREW TO BE NOT JUST DJ’S, BUT PRODUCERS & RECORDING ARTIST AS WELL. GUCCI PROMOTIONS LIVED ON THROUGH HER, MIZZ MEME MANAGEMENT & PROMOTIONS. HOSTING PARTIES AS WELL AS PROMOTIONS AND BOOKING FROM 2007 TO PRESENT, SHE IS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN DOING DIFFERENT THINGS AND HAVING SUCCESSFUL EVENTS.

IN 2009, SHE WAS FAVORED TO DO AN INTERNET RADIO SHOW WITH CHICAGO HOUSE RADIO/LLOYD DEV “THE DEEP DIS” RETRO HOUSE SHOW WHERE SHE CO-HOSTED WITH TWO WONDERFUL PEOPLE (MIKE HOTT/NOSHALUV) WHERE THEY TALKED ABOUT DJ’S, PARTIES, MUSIC AND CURRENT EVENTS.

IN JANUARY 2010, JUS MUZIK (THE SHOW) WAS BORN ON A PUBLIC SITE (STICKAM.COM). A SPIN-OFF FROM BEING ON “THE DEEP DIS”/CHICAGO HOUSE RADIO IT CONTINUED WITH STILL THE SAME SUBJECTS; INTRODUCING TALENT, MUSIC EDUCATION, PROMOTIONS, ETC.

BEING A TALK SHOW HOST AND HAVING SOME OF CHICAGO FINEST DJ’S AS GUEST GREW AND JUS MUZIK THE SHOW BECAME THE #1 INTERNET RADIO SHOW IN CHICAGO WITH OVER 100,000 VIEWERS IN 6 MONTHS (FROM 2010-2014).
MOTHERS DAY 2010 JUS MUZIK (THE SHOW) WITH CYBERJAMZ .COM (2ND SHOW) WAS ADDED WHERE “FoxXxy” WAS BORN. JUS MUZIK- CYBERJAMZ , SHOWCASED HER KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC AS WELL AS EDUCATING HER IN HER ABILITY TO PLAY.

CURRENTLY FOXXXY NOW HAS GROWN HER SHOW “JUS MUZIK”, INTO “JUS MUZIK RADIO”(2015) WHERE SHE STARTED TO SHOWCASE DIFFERENT DJS EVERY WEEK DOING LIVE SHOWS (AUDIO, VIDEO.) SHE TOOK A LITTLE HIATUS UNTIL 2020 WHERE JUS MUZIK RADIO (WWW.JUSMUZIKRADIO.COM) WAS LAUNCHED WITH A WEBSITE.

SHE IS THE ONLY AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN OWNING AN INTERNET RADIO STATION! IT IS BUDDING INTO SOMETHING GREAT. JUS MUZIK RADIO WILL SHOWCASE DJ’S AND MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD LIVE, GIVING ARTIST A PLATFORM TO SHOW THE WORLD THEIR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE, AS WELL AS THEIR CREATIVITY, ARTISTRY AND EXPERIENCE.

SHE CONTINUES TO PLAY MUSIC LOCALLY IN CHICAGO, STILL DOING HER INTERNET RADIO SHOW AND STILL TEACHING AND MENTORING.

SO STAY TUNED…

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first get that spark in you to want to learn to DJ?

Meme Hughes: I first got that spark back in 2008. I was meeting so many people at the time. I was just hosting, throwing and promoting parties and I tried it a couple of times and was discouraged. Years later, it fell on me as I was doing my show because some of my guest DJs did not want to play my intermission music, so I was forced to play my own to keep the show in its format. Once I started doing a show on CYBERJAMZ in May 2010, I pretty much started then.

GO BANG! Magazine: What was it about the House scene that made you want to be a part of it as a young teenager?

Meme Hughes: It was the music and the people. To this day, throwing events and being a part of other events, I love to see people dance and have a good time.

GO BANG! Magazine: You and I grew up in the same South Shore neighborhood in Chicago and know many of the same people. DJ Steve Poindexter and John Hunt formed Gucci Promotions and you were a part of it, as Ms. Gucci. This was your foundation and beginning in the Entertainment industry. How did this time in your life influence the woman that you are today?

Meme Hughes: It brought me joy. I learned so much from them and I took that knowledge with my own twist and made it something different and great from a woman’s point of view. Watching them, it just seemed like things flowed because even though they had people they looked up to and learned from, most things for them came naturally from using their own ideas and moving in their own way and I am like that. I have taught myself most things from doing research and reading to experiencing blessed ideas. I say blessed ideas because they come out of nowhere and I just do it.

GO BANG! Magazine: Gucci Promotions was the foundation for several people, who later became great DJs of today. Is there anything that you would like to say to Steve Poindexter and John Hunt that you can share here with our readers?

Meme Hughes: I would like to say thank you and I love you guys forever! You were a part of my youth and didn’t realize how much you taught me and raised me to be the lady that I am today.

Thank you John Hunt!
Thank you Steve Poindexter!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to share the turntable stage with several prominent DJs over the years. Is there any DJ or DJs in particular that you want to DJ with or any events/venues that you’d love to spin at?

Meme Hughes:OMG YES! Everybody knows how much I Love Louie Vega! I would love to open up for him and it doesn’t matter where it is. To open up for him would be epically incredible! Is that even a word? LOL

I have played locally in many places from north to south of Chicago, places that I’d never imagined that I would play at. It’s been a super incredible ride!

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the DJs that you admire or who inspire you, past and/or present?

Meme Hughes:I was crazy about Frankie Knuckles. He did parties for Gucci Promotions but I first heard him when I was 14 at the Power Plant. I got in twice, but the third time they got me at the door. I was not old enough to get in at that time, but I did get that club experience at an early age. I like Ron Hardy too. His energy was atomic! I was around Pharris Thomas a lot. He was amazing. Watching Terry Hunter and Gene Hunt grow… these were the young men that I used to watch when I was younger, even though I am older than them. The Fantastic Four (Celeste Alexander, Khrisse Henderson, Kenya Lenoir) SheJays back then, let young women know that they too can play music too, just as well as the fellas.

I taught myself how to play and I am still learning. The learning never stops with all the different equipment that is used these days. It’s never ending education.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your talents range further than just being a DJ. You are also an entrepreneur, owning Mizz MeMe Management & Promotions. Please share with our readers more information about your business.

Meme Hughes: Mizz MeMe Management & Promotions was formed in 2007. I was hired to promote their events. I would go “old school” going to different parties and promote with flyers and small banners as well as host them. As time went on, I got into booking different talent for parties. This only lasted a few years, because I got my hands into other things.

GO BANG! Magazine: Then there’s even more talent flowing out of you, being an internet radio host. Tell us more about “The Deep Dis”, “Jus Muzik” and “Cyberjamz.com.”

Meme Hughes:I first started being a radio host with Chicago House Radio (Lloyd Dev) which was an “up and coming” radio station at the time (2009). This started me on my journey to radio. I always knew I was different and I do love radio. I was asked to do a show “The Deep Dis” with two other co-hosts, Noshaluv and Mike Hott. Every Tuesday night at 8pm, we would discuss and debate the music scene here in Chicago, along with a guest DJ playing music after our discussions. It was great and we did that for about a year. I woke up one day and said, “I want to do my own show.” I had so many ideas and I just put them into fruition.

January 18, 2010, Jus Muzik (The Show), was born. I would invite DJs from all over the city to interview and play a set. At the time, I was using a free LIVE streaming site called Stickam.com that became very popular at that time for many. I taught myself the ins and outs of audio/video. Jus Muzik W/MizzMeMe was the #1 Internet Radio Show for three years, reaching over 100,000 viewers in its first six months of airing.

As I was growing, I didn’t realize the growth. I was just enjoying doing it, as well as the music education that I was presenting with all genres of dance music. People from all over the world were tuning in faithfully every Monday night at 8pm. I had people telling me that I was part of their Monday night football regimen, with Mizz MeMe on one screen and football on the other.

Sammy Rock owner and founder of CYBERJAMZ was one of my many viewers who loved the show, reached out to me and asked me to bring Jus Muzik to CYBERJAMZ. I was so honored because at that time Sammy Rock and CYBERJAMZ was the hottest station moving with all dance music broadcasters. Everybody wanted to do CYBERJAMZ, so for me to get a prime-time slot on his station was everything. The way my show was formatted and the way the broadcasters were on CYBERJAMZ, I was a little timid about bringing my format to his station, so I switched it up and just played a 2 hour set. At that time my mixing was not the greatest but my programming made up for it. He pretty much let me be me and I taught myself to mix just by doing his show.

It was great to be encouraged so much and the east coast gave me much love and nickname “The FoxXx That RoxXx the BoxXx.” Right after, I changed my name to FoxXxy in credit of Greg Gray who was already a programmer and one of the first to do shows when the CYBERJAMZ station was growing. FoxXxy came from me doing my shows on CYBERJAMZ. I did two shows a week for years, Monday nights, producing my own show and Tuesday nights Jus Muzik on CYBERJAMZ.

GO BANG! Magazine: More recently, you launched “Jus Muzic Radio.” This accomplishment places you in a class by yourself, being one of the only African American women to own an internet radio station. Please tell us about the station and describe to our readers how that makes you feel.

Meme Hughes:As I said before, I have always felt different from others. I wanted to take this show to other levels, knowing that years ago dance music mixes were taken off the FM dial for a long time. I wanted to bring that back, but with a new flavor and that was internet radio.

I started the station back in 2014 with 15 broadcasters on another free LIVE streaming site which took more than I could even imagine. It was put on hold for a bit and now Jus Muzik Radio has an actual seven page website which is growing, but still needs a lot of work to be where I feel it should be. I am honored and pleased to know that I am the first African American woman to build an internet radio station, bringing some of the best and up to date music there is. I am still in the growing process and looking forward to the future.

GO BANG! Magazine: You also are passionate about teaching, mentoring and giving back to the community. Please describe some of the things that you do, for the love of your people.

Meme Hughes: I love music. I feel that every time I play a set, even if sometimes it’s not received, I am teaching. The radio station is a platform for people to express their talent. Whether you want to add to your resume, give knowledge with your view (talk), express your knowledge of music (broadcaster), Jus Muzik Radio is the platform to help you live your dream and add on to your future.

My future plans are teaching and mentoring some of the youth who are interested in becoming talk/music show host, as well as having pop-ups to spread the word in the community and giving back with different functions to bring the neighborhood together in unity. I feel that it is important that people who love music and have the talent, to be able to express and show their talents to the world. I feel that I have a platform just for them.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any projects that you are currently working on that you can share with our readers?

Meme Hughes:I’m still growing and building the station. There will be an annual festival coming at the end of July. “Jus Muzik Radio’s 1st Annual Festival” where there will be music all day for the community. We will be also celebrating our first year anniversary in September as an actual radio website. Then there’s Breast Cancer Awareness in October, Thanksgiving Food giveaway in November and a Clothes & Toy drive for the children in December.

Stay tuned…

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

Meme Hughes:It was so scary, but I have learned to cope and just continue living and accomplishing my goals and dreams safely.

Peace & Blessings to everyone and Safely Social Distance.

Thank you so much!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re soooo welcome!

FOLLOW MeMe Hughes AT:
MeMe Hughes/FoxXxy Email: jusmuzikradio@gmail.com
FoxXxy Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/foxytriplex Jus Muzik Radio Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jusmuzik Jus Muzik Radio Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JusMuzikRadio FoxXxy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusmuzikradiofoxy Jus Muzik Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusmuzikradio Jus Muzik Radio Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jusmuzik_radio FoxXxy MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/FoXXXy/ Jus Muzik Radio MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/Jus_Muzik_Radio/ Jus Muzik Radio SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jusmuzikradio

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/Business: DJ GREG GRAY & NU BANG COLLECTIVE

Posted on May 2, 2021May 2, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Emmett V. Nicholas

Music is one man’s expression to the world. As a DJ, we convey that message to the masses.

Greg Gray was exposed to a variety of music at a young age. Growing up in the ‘70s, Disco, R&B, Funk and Blues were the foundation from which his love of music would be built upon.

Greg started playing records at age 12 and has been playing ever since. As mixing became more popular in the ‘80s, Greg began to take DJing seriously. While in high school, the mixes he would hear at parties turned him on to the music scene. With his DJ crew, Greg began playing at high school events and house parties. “We weren’t old enough to get into the clubs, but we would get tapes from some of the older heads who were regulars there.”

When asked about his style, Greg would say his style of playing music was influenced by Frankie Knuckles (R.I.P.), Ron Hardy (R.I.P.), and Farley Keith. “Farley’s skills on the tables were unmatched when it came to DJ tricks. Ron Hardy was awesome. He could play for days on end, cut after cut after cut. I was a Box-Head (Music Box regular) until I met Frankie Knuckles. I was fortunate to spend two summers as an intern at Frankie’s club the Power Plant while I was in college. I give much love and respect to Frankie because he showed me how music could touch a person’s soul.”

As president of the Attic Music Co. (AMC), Greg was able to establish himself in the industry as a DJ, sound engineer, and business owner. Armed with a crew of DJs, Greg and his AMC crew provided complete package of DJs, sound equipment, and producers at a moment’s notice. As one of the founding members of the Nu Bang Clan/Nu Bang Collective, Greg was recognized as one the 100 Most Influential DJs in Chicago. Live musicians, percussionists, tribal rhythms, broken beats and electronica are all a part of his musical sets.

As a DJ, Greg has played in a number of venues around the country and overseas. In addition to Chicago, Greg has played clubs in New York, New Jersey, Miami, Atlanta, Phoenix, Baltimore, as well as Manchester in the UK to name a few. In addition to his travel schedule, Greg has hosted a live 3 hour mix show every Wednesday night on Cyberjamz Internet radio since 2005.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you first get interested and bit by the DJ bug?

DJ Greg Gray: I would say around 1975-76. My older cousin would make tapes from the stereo and play them. I liked the response he got from that. I wanted to get that same response from people.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe the DJ Greg Gray sound to our readers and what separates you from other DJs?

DJ Greg Gray: My “sound” is all over the place. I grew up in Disco, lived the House years of the 80s, found new music in the 90s and never looked back. I have a diverse playlist from Classics to Tech-House. What I feel separates me from other DJ’s is my ability to cross genres fluently while I am playing. I can go from Soulful to Disco to Deep to Afro seamlessly. Good music is good music. Why can’t I play it?

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are your mentors, who inspire you and who motivates you?

DJ Greg Gray: My musical mentors were Frankie, Ronnie, Farley and Lee Pearson. I studied under Frankie for a few years during the Power Plant days. Frankie taught me how music can touch people. We have the power to impact lives through music. Ron Hardy was a master at what he did. Ronnie was unafraid to take risks and somehow he would make that shyt werk!!! Farley was the DJ everyone wanted to be back in high school. He knew all the tricks, could scratch mix and all that stuff. He was unmatched in that arena. Lee Pearson introduced me to the Classics. He has been a mentor for most of my DJ career. We still sit and talk today about where the industry is headed, how we as DJs fit in and what’s next on the horizon. He is a great friend.

What inspires me? Music inspires me. Let me catch a tune that grabs my attention, I wanna play that! I also get inspired when I hear a DJ play a blazin’ azz set. It’s not to try to out-do anyone, not at all. A hott dj set will make you want to get up and connect to that vibe and want to be a part of it!

I am motivated by the people who support and love what we do just as much as I do. We are a community of House music lovers who convene to share our experiences on the dance floor. I am just honored to be able to share what I love with like-minded people.

GO BANG! Magazine: While you were in college, you had the opportunity to spend two summers interning with the late and great DJ Frankie Knuckles at the legendary Power Plant. Please describe how that opportunity came your way, what you did as an intern, how Frankie treated you and lastly, what you learned from that experience.

DJ Greg Gray: I was home for the summer in 1984. I was in Importes Etc. buying records. I met Craig Loftis, who was the sound engineer at the Power Plant. I was bugging him about what type of equipment they were using. He invited me down to check it out. I fell in love with 1015 (Power Plant). They couldn’t keep me outta there. I was helping out running some speaker wires, Frankie asked Craig “Who was that?” Craig said I was “the summer intern.” My primary duty was to help Craig with the sound system repair/maintenance and provide support to the lighting system. On party night, my job was to monitor the door to the DJ booth.

Working with Frankie was a once in a lifetime opportunity, you just don’t realize it at the time it is happening. I have learned so much just from observing how Frankie played such as, when do you bring in the mix to get maximum WOW factor? I got to see how music can really touch people and allow them to release their energy on a dance floor. That is what we DJs are always looking for. That energy from the dance floor when we drop something that’s hott and the crowd goes crazy!!! That’s what we live for!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re not only a DJ, you’re an entrepreneur, as president of Attic Music Company (AMC). Please describe AMC to our readers as well as your role in the business and the goal of the company.

DJ Greg Gray: I started the Attic Music Company (AMC) back in 1991 with my business partner, Olumide Olupitan. AMC is essentially a musical consultant company. We provided DJs, performers, sound engineers, event planners to clients in the Chicagoland area. I manage the day to day operations of AMC and our other ventures. These days, AMC is more of a parent company. As we continue to expand globally, AMC will still hold the reigns.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also one of the founding members of the Nu Bang Clan/Nu Bang Collective. What exactly is this organization and who are some of its members?

DJ Greg Gray: Nu Bang Clan and Nu Bang Collective are both networks of DJs, artists, dancers, planners, and performers. Originally, we were 10 DJs here in Chicago who liked to play the new soulful music at the parties. We took the name because we were a “Clan” who like to “Bang” the “Nu” music. We currently have members in the US, Canada, Jamaica, UK, South Africa and Japan. We are striving to become a global entity.

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you’ve worked with quite a few well-known DJs. Are there any DJs that you would love to work with now that you haven’t?

DJ Greg Gray: Sean Ali, Terry Hunter & Eric Welton, Jihad Muhammad, Big Logan

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve experienced the House community as a DJ, from various cities of America and abroad. Could you please describe the House scene here in Chicago and compare and contrast the scene to other locations you’ve been?

DJ Greg Gray: As for other cities I have traveled to, I would say there are a lot of similarities. A lot of cities are saturated with DJs now. There is a lot of new competition out here now and they are getting some looks too. There are DJs who appear to get all the work in each city. There are vinyl vs. digital debates in each city. We are all passionate about our craft and we are expressive by nature.

The difference I see is that when we visit a city, we are only there for a day or two. We do our thing and then we are gone. We had a good time and we left. We didn’t get bogged down in the conversation about “how dead the scene is here.” We were too busy rocking your party to notice!!

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe how you incorporate live musicians and percussionists in your musical sets.

DJ Greg Gray: If the percussionist is someone I know or have worked with before, we pretty much have a good understanding of each other’s boundaries. I will strip back a few of the songs so they can get some solo time. I don’t need a bongo solo over every song I am playing. I will give you some space to get loose and do your thing. Let’s compliment, not battle each other.

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

DJ Greg Gray: I have been doing my best to stay safe. Trying to find a little piece of happiness to connect with and share with the world.

YOU CAN FOLLOW GREG GRAY AND NU SOUL COLLECTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBERJAMZ INTERNET RADIO

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: UPDATE ON LOFIET BROWNS’ “LET’S WORK!” GOSPEL HOUSE SONG

Posted on May 1, 2021May 2, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Here is an update to an interview GO BANG! Magazine had with Mr. Lofiet Brown which published in the July 1, 2020 issue:
(Previously published 7/1/20 interview):
Click here: https://gobangmagazine.com/2020/07/01/music-lofiet-brown-gospel-house/

UPDATE:

Since the 7/1/20 interview in Go Bang! Magazine, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and such a blessing. The interview allowed me to reach people all over the world, to introduce many to Gospel House music and give my testimony regarding my health. I wanted to shed light on renal failure through my personal journey.

I continue to promote the Gospel House song “Let’s Work (aka the Gospel Workout).” It has received 17 Gospel Award nominations and still counting! It has been very humbling and a blessing to be nominated. Also, it is groundbreaking to have Gospel House music be recognized and appreciated by the Greater Gospel community. It has been so amazing to see people doing the “Gospel House Workout Challenge” on Facebook and TikTok!

DJ Slugo, Eric and I are so honored our song has been played on stations all over the country. Special thanks to: Derek “Smoke House” sessions, Angel Bennett Show, V Network, D. Curtis Randall, Synergy 1 Radio, EGP Radio, NIA Network, One Way Radio, Lynn White Gospel Train, Bishop Shane Paisley, Shunice Hill Sullivan, Janice Peterson Townsend, VSC Network, Beacon Of Light Gospel Radio station, Sir Sax Gospel Skate Party, JAM OKC 86, Love Life Community Radio, Life 97.5 Radio (Kingdoms Shakers) GMAP Radio, Tyrone Bowman WTMR Radio, Shonique’s Sweet Sounds, and so many more!

God has also blessed me to be featured in multiple magazines including Gospel USA Magazine and Keep the Faith Magazine (UK) to name a few.

We were also blessed to chart as high as #2 on the Independent charts in the Gospel USA Magazine. As independent artists, we know that this is a big accomplishment. Independent artist rely on networking and true appreciation from all the listeners to have their music received so positively, so this means so much more.

Special thanks to all of the people that shared and promoted our material and/or assisted with anything contributing to the success of Get Down Gospel song “Let’s Work” , including Reggie Grantham, Debra Curry, Trina Ruffin, Shontelle Yvette, Bradford Howard Jr., James Birdsong, My Father and My Wife, who help me religiously.

At this time, Eric and I are working on a hot new Gospel House track to follow the “Let’s work” track. Also, soon to come out from Get Down Gospel label, the talented Bernetta Donaldson. Bernetta, aka Netta B is right out of the Chicago Mass Choir and she will be dropping her track on the Get Down Gospel label in the near future.

Thank You Go Bang! Magazine!

GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You’re welcome bro! Continued success to you and good health to you and yours! PEACE!

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 freelanced 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 and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Event/TV/Music/Radio: ANDREW KITCHEN & “ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE” TV SHOW RECORD RELEASE

Posted on April 1, 2021April 2, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Photo Credit: Roy “Doc” Kemp

(L to R) Go Bang!Magazine’s Pierre A. Evans, Andrew Kitchen, Harold Leffridge and Roy “Doc” Kemp

APRIL 1, 2021 UPDATE!!!!

ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE PREMIERS FRIDAY, APRIL 9th AT MIDNIGHT ON WJYS Channel 62 in Chicago & SYNDICATED Nationally in 25 cities

Andrew Kitchen comes to us from right here in Chicago. He started as a dancer and toured with the two-time award winning group ”Kitchen, and his Dancin’ Magicians, which he founded. He became an original Soul Train dancer in 1971 at the tender age of 11 years old, after lying about his age to meet the high school age requirement of the show.

Recently, the Soul Train dancer veteran, who was also the host of hundreds of episodes of his own tv dance show, the legendary Attack of the Boogie (1983-2014) on local cable access network (CAN TV), celebrated the reissue of his dance show’s 1984 theme song. His original release “Attack of the Boogie” is still today one of the most popular and in-demand songs in France and it’s hard to find here in the U.S.

Kitchen’s latest project is a remix of the tv show’s theme song, which is available on a compilation 12-inch from Chicago label Star Creature Universal Vibrations. Kitchen is thinking about rebooting Attack of the Boogie tv show and renaming it Attack of the Boogie Reloaded.

“Attack of the Boogie” 1984 Pilot (Fashion edition) link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFYGG60IfRo

Classic “Attack Of The Boogie” tv show link (kids edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Jl2TX8c6E

GO BANG! Magazine had a chance to meet and hang out with Andrew Kitchen at his record-release party, which was held in Chicago at the Promontory (upper patio) in Chicago’s trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. He attended, along with his longtime DJ Kool Hersh, who hosted the event. Of course RSVPs, masks and temperature checks were required, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic the world is currently going through.

Even with a pandemic going on, the event turned out great and it was such an honor and pleasure to meet and chill with him, his family and friends.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to professionally be a part of the entertainment industry as a dancer?

Andrew Kitchen: Well, I was dipping into art, doing sketches, drawing comic books, pictures, until one day my dad said to me, ”WOW’, you’re a good artist! You’re gonna make a lot of money after you die.” I was done. (lol) I started watching local tv dance shows and got interested in dancing fast.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a former dancer on the original Soul Train show is quite an honor and historic. Please describe to our readers what it felt like to be an 11 year-old boy on the set of Soul Train.

Andrew Kitchen: It felt like another world, knowing that everyone was at least a few years older than me. But they made me feel welcome. Especially after a few dance moves that always turned out different than the original dance moves everyone else was doing. Which caught the host’s attention..

GO BANG! Magazine: How long did you dance on Soul Train and what is one of your best memories from the show?

Andrew Kitchen: I danced on the show for at least five years. My best memory from the show was performing in two high energy dance groups:

1.) The Ten Commandments (but there were only 5 of us, so we change the name to ”THE COMMANDMENTS”

2.) Dancing Super Heros”.

GO BANG! Magazine: Don Cornelius, the founder of Soul Train, was a talented but complicated Black man. Please describe to our readers your memory of him.

Andrew Kitchen: Don was sort of complicated. Kind of hard headed at times. But he knew what he wanted. He wanted to do SOUL TRAIN so bad, that after Channel 26 (WCIU) picked it up and the show got popular, Channel 26 could have taken the show and the rights and replaced Don. Don did not own the rights to the show at the time. His idea was never copyright / registered. Lucky for him his associates informed him so he could take immediate action.

GO BANG! Magazine: Having an entrepreneurial drive, you founded and hosted your own tv dance show, Attack of the Boogie in 1983. Why did you think that you could launch a dance show, host it and make it successful?

Andrew Kitchen: After Soul Train ended in Chicago, I felt there was a void. I always wanted to have my own dance show, but wanted it to stand out more. After the success that Don had with Soul Train in Chicago, I knew it was time for something new. So, I did what no other dance show has ever done. I created ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE” (the name had to stand out and get people talking) The dancers had to live up to the name when performing. We also did something that no other dance show had ever done at the time. We added a live studio audience to cheer the dancers on, along with a Fashion segment for up and coming models and designers/boutiques. The show was only 30 minutes, but had a big impact and the excitement to keep fans tuning in every week. After a few years, there was a waiting list, for up to a year, to be part of the studio audience.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many of our readers remember the tv show and especially the catchy theme song. What made you decide to re-release the theme song as a remix?

Andrew Kitchen: After seeing copies online like ebay bidding as high as a couple of hundred (dollars) and constant requests for any available copies anywhere, I didn’t have any idea where to go until DJ Kool Hersh contacted me about a reissue of the theme as a remix on vinyl.

GO BANG! Magazine: At the recent record release party in Chicago, your longtime DJ Kool Hersh hosted the event. How did you two first meet and what is it that keeps you two working together?

Andrew Kitchen: Our first meeting was at Starbucks, where he told me he was a big fan of the theme song (he had won the bid on ebay to purchase it.) He told me about the labels plans (Star Creature Records) to release a vinyl 12-inch featuring the theme song as a remix and title the Vinyl Release ”Attack Of The Chicago Boogie.” I like the direction the label is going. I like working with DJ Kool Hersh because he has great communication and fresh ideas to keep moving forward in this ever changing music world.

GO BANG! Magazine: There’s also talk about you bringing Attack of the Boogie dance show back to television. Tell us if this is true and if so, tell us more about the rebooted show.

Andrew Kitchen: Yes! We are working on bringing the show back to fans, because we love our fans, and this is something that they have asked and requested for years. So there will be not one, but two versions.

First off, while Covid-19 is still in effect, in early 2021 we will be releasing a weekly re-edited version of the show called ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE RELOADED” featuring classic episodes with fresh new interviews from your favorite dancers and classic performances from big name artists and entertainers.

After Covid-19 has ended, (being positive), we will be bringing back a full NEW live version of ”ATTACK OF THE BOOGIE.” We promise it will be just as entertaining as the Original and it will still feature the popular ”POWER DANCE CIRCLE!”

GO BANG! Magazine: The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened and ruined the entire year of 2020 thus far, for many people. They are dealing with it in various ways. Some are doing just fine, while others are depressed because of loneliness or death to loved ones, due to the virus. How has the pandemic affected you?

Andrew Kitchen: You are so correct. It has done damage for many people, businesses and entertainers in so many ways. Many projects for me also stopped, due to no studio audience and the lack of dancers and actors to complete the production in a quality way. The challenge of staying healthy is still at risk. I’m praying for everyone for a positive and healthy outcome.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a Black man in America today is dangerous on a daily basis. We have ALL experienced it in different ways. How have you been affected by systematic racism and have you witnessed White privilege? If so, please describe the instance for our readers.

Andrew Kitchen: During the years of my career, I have experienced more than my share. From being in the right place at the wrong time to being pulled over for taking friends home (and did I mention not making it home?) It’s something that we have to be smarter about in certain situations if you want to get through it. But, it is always easier said than done)

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what are your current plans for the future?

Andrew: We are producing a NEW FRIDAY MORNING WAKE UP ENTERTAINMENT SHOW CALLED: ”THE WEEKEND PARTY” that I will be hosting along with a co-host (to assist people to get up for that final drive to work for the weekend with energy, incentives, music, on-location events, guest and a happy/fun feeling to make it through the final work day before the weekend.)

The show will premiere in EARLY 2021 (On local Broadcast Channels) ALSO A BRAND NEW NU-POP/SINGLE WILL BE RELEASE IN A THE NEXT MONTH OR SO ENTITLED: ”MY HEART PLAYS FOR YOU” (ANDREW KITCHEN-FEATURING PEPPER GOMEZ) I feel this is my best musical work to date. (Original & Fresh) I hope you enjoy it.

Lastly, to To GO BANG! Magazine, “THANK YOU and MUCH SUCCESS to you.

YOU CAN WATCH
“Attack Of The Boogie” Andrew Kitchen 4 Real Music Official Video Edit By Marcus Mixx
Video Link: https://youtu.be/izEEgP0OMoc

Follow Andrew Kitchen on ALL social media formats @Andrew Kitchen

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 / Business: ANDRE “MUSIC MAN” WILLIAMS / A&W ECSTASY RECORDS

Posted on March 31, 2021April 2, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Andre was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. He has performed at many venues throughout the Midwest, East Coast & West Coast. Andre is a true entertainer / writer / producer / vocalist. Singing has always been a passion of his. Andre’s genuine love and appreciation for music has allowed him to emerge as one of the hottest new R&B artist today.

Andre’s music is refreshing and edgy. He is the founder of independent label A&W Ecstasy Records (www.twitter.com/Music007), which consists of producer Lothario Lee and Executive Producer Andre Williams “Music Man.”

Andre’s latest release “Them Girls,” (feat. Tony Poole) is a soulful delight of hip-hop and funk. Andre’s music is available on all digital download platforms worldwide, including Google Play, iHeart Radio, Tidal, Target Music, Amazon On Demand, Groove, Youtube Music, Spotify, E-Music, Simfy Africa, Shazam, iTunes & Apple Store, Rhapsody, Deezer, Juke, Claromusica, N.Music, & 8 Tracks.

To all of our fans & to all of the DJ’s who have been playing our songs and supporting us, “Much Love!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you first become involved in music?

Andre Williams: My father Oscar Williams was in the music industry. As a young child, he taught me how to perform and dance. My mother, Jazz singer Loretta Lee, would have me singing alongside her during some of her performances. So, I guess it came naturally.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many of our readers may already know, some may not, that your mother, Ms. Loretta Lee, is a well-known entertainer as well. She’s an excellent Jazz singer, who portrays Billie Holiday, as well as performs excellently as herself. I happen to know her, even before I met you, through me working in the theater industry with the A Taste Of Theatre company, years ago. Tell us about your mother and how she did or did not influence your choice to enter the music business.

Andre Williams: My mother, Loretta Lee, would have me sing alongside of her and performing in some of her shows. Her influence taught me how music allows my creativity to be expressed through my voice. My message to the world changes the heart, just as music binds us even in diversity.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to be involved in the Entertainment industry professionally?

Andre Williams: I started writing my own songs and met mega-producer Lothario Lee and we started collaborating, I released my first single to many radio stations and they were very receptive. We received good responses from radio stations and audiences. Then, we released my first album “Permission”, which is available on all social media platforms.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe to our readers, the “Music Man” sound and discuss your independent label A&W Ecstasy Records.

Andre Williams: My sound is a diverse and distinctive rhythm of Soul, Jazz, Pop, R&B and Hip Hop, inter-twisting and contrasting, with vocals using a falsetto voice. A&W Ecstasy Records was founded in 2013 and it was my transition into being an independent record label artist

GO BANG! Magazine: As a Black man in the Entertainment industry and owning your own business, you are an inspiration to many. What advice would you give to a young person that’s trying to break into the Music industry or want to start their own business?

Andre Williams: We are interested in uplifting the culture and being a part of a positive movement. If you feel singing is a life-calling passion, then you would want to pursue it. There, between you and the rest of the world, is a door which can put your talents, passion, ideals, voice, and strengths in the public’s eye. You could make music a significant place to stand up in the music industry as musician and entrepreneur, live your dream, express yourself, become rich and even travel the world.

GO BANG! Magazine: I have personally witnessed you participating in several community events. I’ve participated with you on a couple as well. Why is it important for you to give back to the community?

Andre Williams: Giving back to the community allows you to know your community and its citizens. As you develop and grow as a person, your actions make an impact on others. It also contributes to the promotion of your business and a way to gain exposure as an artist.

GO BANG! Magazine: One such community event that we participated in together was an Entrepreneurial Business panel event organized by your Booking Manager Barbara Giles. I’m also friends with her and met her before I met you. Please tell our readers about Ms. Giles and how you two decided to work together.

Andre Williams: Oh yes, it was called “The 4-M’s to Brightening your future in Business of Music, Money, Media, and Mentorship.” Her panel connected many of the renowned go-getters in each of the industries. The panel included me, you, television star Harry Lennix (The Black List), Terry Bishop (WVON), Lady Royalty (Model) and Fred Mitchell (Sports commentator).

Ms. Giles is an innovative, nontraditional lady and go-getter in Business. She is what is called a connector in our industry. She connects artists of all strides together and through the use of viral marketing, allowing their connection to become a beacon for success. We met when I was introduce to her six years ago through my former manager, Joe Ali. He passed due to Covid-19 last year in 2020. He was an icon in “the business.” He will be missed.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Andre Williams: Presently we are looking to bring out my new recording with Jazz of Dru Hill. It will be released on my new album “Penetration” which I plan to release this year. My new single “Them Girls” features Tony Poole, is on the charts @www.Biggsradio.com. Radio Personality Dinahlynn Biggs of Radio.Net continues to get our music out. We also want to thank Cleveland’s KFSM Radio Network LLC and Mixleplix TV on Roku TV and Taiwan Barber of Intoodeep. There and so many other radio stations that I can’t remember, but want to mention. There’s too many to name. Much love from all of us.

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

Andre Williams: Yes, Covid-19 has been a world-wind halt for many in the music industry. I have been dealing with it by continuing to invent new ways to get more music out to my fans. The internet and Smule app allows me to do that and keeps me on my toes. But, I look forward to starting to travel again and doing shows for the public.

“Them Girls” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53wgON2QRto

“Hit The Spot” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vkemF-fLaY

“Let’s Party Feat. King Camil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o6YeWrOaio

“Coming Home To You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZH7qSUWEqU

“Happy” feat. King Camil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWKdgJn3eBs

Follow Andre Williams on all social media @Andre Williams Music Man.

Email: andrewilliamsmusicman@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndreWilliamsMusicMan

https://www.soundclick.com/bands3/default.cfm?bandID=1429516

https://music.amazon.com/albums/B01A7HCVTI

https://www.reverbnation.com/andrewilliamsmusicman

https://jp.linkedin.com/in/andre-williams-music-man-43649783

For Bookings:
Barbara Giles,
Envisioning Mgmt. B.G.T
773-993-7324

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 and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Music/Business: DJ MARKISS KNOBS/HOUSE OF THE SUN/TURTLE WAX RECORDINGS

Posted on February 1, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Photo credit: http://www.cassiehastuphotography.com/

DJ/Producer/Label Owner Markiss Knobs has devoted over 25 years of his life to House music. Playing across the globe alongside top DJ’s and upcoming DJs at all types of venues from festivals, raves, clubs, lounges, bars, beach parties and underground parties including Pacha (Ibiza) and Oh! Marbella (Marbella).

For over a decade, he decided to put more focus on school and in 2004 and studied Audio Engineering, Mastering and Sound Design at the world renowned SAE Institute in Los Angeles, CA (School Of Audio Engineering), where he earned BME, BA, BS degrees. After graduation, he received an offer to be Director of Operations and Program Director for three channels on an online radio station geared to Online Gaming. During this time, he developed an extended network with labels, clubs, promoters, producers, studios, engineers and musicians.

His productions are influenced by growing up in a home where all music was accepted and enjoyed. They infuse Hip Hop, Freestyle, Disco, Funk, Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Blues with styles of Jackin House, Deep House, Funky/Disco House, Tribal and Breakbeats. They have been released on labels such as Instereo Recordings, Turtle Wax Recordings, House of the Sun (HOTS), Blackliquid Music, Paraiso Recordings, Groove Ventures Music, Fett Recordings, Midwest Hustle, Wetsuit Recordings, True House LA, Disco Balls Records, LB Recordings, Suitebeats and Clubbers Culture, just to name a few.

In 2019, Markiss Knobs established Turtle Wax Recordings (TWR). TWR is Hawaii’s first premiere House music label bringing world-class artists to focus on spreading the “aloha spirit” with our mana of Jackin’, Funky, Disco House with a splash of NuDisco Mai Tai’s.

In 2020, he launched a second label to represent Maui and Hawaii; House of the Sun (HOTS). This label focuses on wider range of Tech House, Techno, House, Afro House, Progressive House, Minimal, Deep House, Soulful House, NuDisco/Indie Dance, and Broken Beat from upcoming and world-known artists.

At the same time of launching HOTS, he announced his pseudonym project of Pasifika infused with House music elements…. Shaka Shakes.

Stay tuned!

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Markiss Knobs: With European and American blood, it was in between both. But if I truly had to call a place a home of my growth it would be a small town in Southern California called Palm Springs. And no, nothing from that town inspired my music. I was leap years beyond what they were into even into the 90’s.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did your childhood influence your musical style?

Markiss Knobs: I had an amazing family that was very eclectic and open to all types of music. I am the youngest of five kids. My father was into Classic Rock. He played acoustic guitar and Rhodes keys. My idol and brother Sam (R.I.P), was into Rap since 1982. My other brother Dan was into everything and was the person who introduced me to real House music. My biggest influencers were my brother Sam and my mother. She listened to everything from Jazz, Blues, Contemporary, Disco, Funk, Classical, Classic Rock and Pop Music. My mother allowed me to make my own choices from as young as four years old with music, which led to early experiments with making mixed tapes. You can hear a touch of each influence in my productions.

GO BANG! Magazine: How and when did you get involved in DJ’ing and producing?

Markiss Knobs: I actually started off producing first in 1994 to help make Hip Hop beats for my friends that had the original Akai MPC. With very limited resources of sounds, I noticed how other guys were just using instrumentals from either cassettes or vinyl. I connected with a friend in the same class that was learning how to DJ and had gear. I played around for a few months to chop up beats, but there was no passion to spin Hip Hop for me.

In 1996, my brother Dan played me a mix from DJ Dan and my whole life changed listening to it. It was a blend of every style of music, pumpin’ with hard beats. It was electrifying, inspiring and there was a feeling inside I never felt from music before. I immediately focused all my attention on learning how to mix vinyl.

In 1999, I started producing House/Techno/Trance/Breakbeats, along with going to school for music production, audio engineering and mastering, while earning a Master Degree at the world wide known School of Audio Engineering.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you relocate to Hawaii and why?

Markiss Knobs: I moved to Maui, Hawai’i in 2017 to have a better family life with my kids and to raise them in an environment with nature, culture and a community of kind people. Best choice of my life.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is the House music scene like in Hawaii?

Markiss Knobs: It’s very unique as Hawaii is itself. Each island has its own vibe, but at the same time all Hawaii style. Oahu has more of a night life than the other islands. Good clubs, solid DJ’s and promoters. Big Island has had cool events and definitely has potential in the future to really build a strong scene. Kauai has small but very nice gatherings with solid DJs and promoters pushing there. Maui has a special close-knit ‘ohana. A handful of venues that host House music, intimate beach parties, really good local DJs, community support, and we are just getting started. We’ve brought acts like DJ Dan, Rescue, Joel DeMarzo, Thee-O, Trent Cantrelle, Mark Farina, Marques Wyatt, JJ Flores, Anthony Attalla, Joey Avila, Donald Claude, Scotty Boy and many more to help build the support inside the community and the future will continue bringing top level acts to showcase their talent and spread the sound of House to the Pacific.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a DJ and Producer, how would you describe your sound and style?

Markiss Knobs: As a DJ, my sound covers everything HOUSE… from Deep, Funky, Disco, Jackin, Techy and Tribal and my style is a platter of smooth seamless transitions, track flow, reconstruction of remixes and programming on the fly along with tons of tricks in the mix.

Production wise, I allow my feelings and the vibe during the session to guide the sound and I always stamp my signature jackin’ beats and arrangements.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also the label owner of Turtle Wax Records and House of the Sun. Please describe your record labels and some of the prominent artists in your stable.

Markiss Knobs: I’ve thought about starting a brand of labels for nearly 20 years. Each time my hold up was that I couldn’t commit to building a brand and help promote these amazing talented artists as well. I’ve spent over a decade building other labels and finally when I moved to Maui, I felt I had the correct balance and best inspiration to build a label.

Turtle Wax Recordings (TWR) is focused on Jackin, Disco, Nu-Disco and House Music. 2020 was an amazing year for TWR with two tracks in the Top 10, 38 Tracks in Top 100, 17 Tracks in the Hype Charts, 5 Weekend Weapons, 55 Essential Charts and featured on 370 Artists Charts at Traxsource. There’s so many amazing people on the label, and I hate to leave anyone out.

First, I have the gifted artist Curtis C. Flush and my right hand braddah Benjamin Jay for bringing my vision to life. Spot on with the logo design. Artists of the label include Superfunk, C. Da Afro, Fred Dekker, JedX, Disco Ball’z, Rhythm Staircase, AVA(IT), Col Lawton, Moon Disco (US) Dan Ros, Alex Rai, Federfunk, Max Esposito, DJ Threejay, Agent Stereo, Filta Freqz, Rick Marshall, Da Funk Junkies, Loris Altafini, Omson, Mike Chenery, Tony Garcia, Dafunkeetomato, PC Pat, Claud Santo, Paco Caniza, Kevin Allen, DiscoGalactiX, Oggie B, Marshall (UK), Sam Sky (Sam Righetti), Doc Link, Bonetti to name a few. TWR’s 100th release will release exactly one year to the date of the first release on Feb 22nd with a full length album by The Stoned.

House of the Sun (HOTS) is inspired by Maui’s myth of the island’s highest mountain Haleakala (House of the Sun) the label is all HOUSE. The first release was in September 2020 and within three months had two tracks in the Top 10, three tracks in Top 100, one track in Hype Chart, one track in the Weekend Weapons, two tracks in the Essential Charts, and featured in 24 artist charts. Artists of the label include Joel DeMarzo, Porgie, David Britton, Chris Kiser, Atlows, Kennedy, Gregory Charlz, Brejner & The Teacher along with many more. I am extremely grateful and blessed for my long term relationships with most of the artists in the ‘ohana (Family)

GO BANG! Magazine: House music in Hawaii is probably much different than House in Chicago? Can you compare and contrast the House music in Hawaii, as compared to here in Chicago?

Markiss Knobs: Yes, for sure. Chicago, from my experiences, has been a city of acceptance of whatever House you want to throw down. It’s the birth of HOUSE and regardless of time of the day, day of the week, and the venue, Chicago has a vibe of jack! There’s no question about that. Park parties in Chicago are more appreciated and loved by the thousands over most places in the world on the grandest stage. Hawaii is smaller, intimate and the gathering embraces the music as long as the vibe of the party is jivin’.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world, in the name of House. How would you describe House’s acceptance in other countries, in comparison to here in the States?

Markiss Knobs: This is the hardest to explain to anyone that hasn’t experienced it before. There are a few cities in the US that you can find House music that have a good following. Europe House music is a pleasure every day, at coffee shops, juice bars, restaurants, retail and more. It’s part of their culture because it’s considered popular music. In the US, it’s completely different.. The scene is much smaller. The network of people that have embraced their lives into House Music isn’t the same compared to Europe. This isn’t a new subject either. Americans love to party and do drugs. But for the masses, they aren’t there for the music.

In other parts of the world, they are there for the music, good company and vibes. This is something that has been an issue ever since I started international gigs. Places like Europe, Australia and Asia have pushed the scene into another level, compared to the US, with focusing 100% on EDM.

GO BANG! Magazine: Would you agree that House music has been commercially embraced in other countries, and not so much here in the USA? Why do you think that is?

Markiss Knobs: Absolutely! I believe that House music wasn’t formulated for the US culture of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. Although it’s the birthplace, I feel it wasn’t accepted in the US because of the money behind Hip Hop culture during the time. US have “no F’s given” when it comes to a culture of music. They are only focused on the culture of money making. House wasn’t going to sell top 10’s on the billboard so they don’t care. They did the same about Latin music until they realized it was sold more worldwide than their music that they focused on artists like Selina to make a profit. Of course, as a musician you want to make money off your material… regardless. Most artists worldwide enjoy “The Nod” more. From my experiences “The Nod” has always been more powerful and it’s the motivation I excel off of.

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve also accomplished great success as a producer. You’ve worked with many icons in the House music industry as well. Who are some of the DJs and artists you’ve had the opportunity to work with?

Markiss Knobs: I’ve worked with many talented people… The ones that have either set my bar higher or pushed my limits and have always been honest with me are DJ Dan, Superfunk, Rescue, Sam Sky (Sam Righetti), Kendo, The Stoned, Kennedy and many more.

GO BANG! Magazine: After working with such high ranking DJs over the years, are there any DJs that you would love to work with now?

Markiss Knobs: There are many I would love to work with. But, the top three that I’ve been itching to work with for 25 years is Hatiras, Conga Squad, and Jay Vegas. One of them is most likely releasing on TWR in 2021. Keep an eye out to see which legend!

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Markiss Knobs: I am always working on new tunes, remixes and helping others tighten up their productions. I have over 50 tracks for release in 2021 from many different labels. 2021 is an extremely busy year for myself and both labels Turtle Wax Recordings (TWR) and House of the Sun (HOTS).

TWR will break its 200th release within 2021. HOTS will break its 100th release and two full length albums by Kennedy and Shaka Shakes (aka Markiss Knobs) within 2021. The main mission for the labels is to spread the love of House music in the Pacific. I trust with my ‘ohana we’ll complete the task. I’m extremely grateful for the ‘ohana I was able to build. Words can’t express. Without my extended ‘ohana, this year would have sucked like everyone felt. But, to be completely honest, my ‘ohana has made my year fabulous, very enjoyable and refreshing. To that I owe them all my love and respect.

ONE LOVE TO MY TWR & HOTS ‘Ohana. Check out all of Turtle Wax Recordings and House of the Sun releases.

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

Markiss Knobs: Covid did stop the movement of the parties for Hawaii and the groundbreaking events that were in the forecast. But, like I said before, my TWR & HOTS ‘ohana has made 2020 a fabulous year. The long convos, debates, and just love for each other is something special. I credit 100% of it to HOUSE MUSIC.

I’m looking forward to having all ‘ohana members join us in Maui for a show. The whole mission for the labels… bringing world class artists to the Pacific!

YOU CAN FOLLOW MARKISS KNOBS:
http://www.markissknobs.com
https://www.facebook.com/markissknobs
https://www.mixcloud.com/markissknobs
https://www.facebook.com/ShakaShakes808
https://www.facebook.com/TurtleWaxRec

You can also check out music at the following:
Markiss Knobs | Traxsource: https://www.traxsource.com/search?term=Markiss+Knobs
Turtle Wax Recordings Tracks & Releases on Traxsource: https://www.traxsource.com/label/48876/turtle-wax-recordings
House of the Sun Tracks & Releases on Traxsource: https://www.traxsource.com/label/53325/house-of-the-sun

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 / Radio/ Business: DJ CELESTE ALEXANDER & SOPHISTICADO RECORDINGS

Posted on January 1, 2021 by GO BANG MAG

Photo by Marcus Pizer

Make up by Viola Nicholson

While other women were watching the game in the industry, DJ Celeste Alexander dared to play it.

Wife, mother, DJ and co-owner of a music label, Celeste manages to balance these responsibilities while delivering and creating some of the deepest, soulful mixes in today’s house music landscape.

Celeste was introduced to DJing by the legendary Steve “Silk” Hurley in 1982. During that time, dance music was still young, being shaped into a culture and genre that is now known worldwide as House Music. Celeste was learning her craft with the likes of many Chicago’s pioneers in the industry such as: Terry Hunter, Maurice Joshua, Ron Carroll, Ron Trent, Vick Lavender, Jamie 3:26, Mike Dunn and Gene Hunt, along with countless other DJs and producers from the Chicago area that have grown to giants in the industry. Celeste was the daring female in an otherwise male dominated industry, holding her own and making a name for herself in the Chicago music scene. She, to this very day, remains the only female who has played with the late legend Ron Hardy in his home, “The Music Box”.

Celeste’s motivation is to continue to play while debunking the myth that mixing was gender specific. Through mentorship and tutelage of such icons as Frankie Knuckles & Andre Hatchett, and the unwavering support of such noted DJs as Wayne Williams, Celeste has and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Celeste took a hiatus for about 10 years, returning in 2006 with the desire to again be a part of the culture she left. She fell in love with how house music had progressed and wanted more than ever to play again.

In 2007, she didn’t miss a beat. With an offer of an opportunity to have her own internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com. This was the springboard to give Celeste a worldwide platform to express herself. Her show, The Celestial Odyssey is still going strong since its debut Cyberjamz.com. As a part of the Cyberjamz family for more than 13 years, she now is using The Celestial Odyssey as a personal brand on various internet mediums.

In 2009, she joined forces with Vick Lavender and Steven Stewart to become co-owner of Sophisticado Recordings, which is one of today’s most quality labels in the industry. To her credit, she has released several tracks under the Sophisticado name. “Nasty Bitch”, her collaboration with legendary pioneer Terry Hunter, was released that year and hit top 10 on the charts. Two years later, Celeste was named one of the top 100 most influential DJs in Chicago house history.

In 2013, she joined forces with BlondBabe Promotions. Under this management, she successfully maintained a residency at Chicago’s Underground Wonder Bar with “An Evening with The Lady of House” and quickly became one of the best experiences of music and dance on the Chicago House Scene.

In 2015, she was inducted to the DJ Hall of Fame and received the Frankie Knuckles Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Chosen Few Picnic.

Celeste has played in various clubs in various cities nationwide and has shared the decks with names like Ron Carroll, The Chosen Few, Jihad Muhammad, Ian Friday, Boo Williams, Lou Gorbea, and Grammy winning DJ Louie Vega, among many others. Today, she is the Musical Director/Talent Liaison for The Summer Oasis Festival in historic Idlewild, Michigan. She has played various festivals including Being the first female to play The Chosen Few Picnic, The Chicago House Music Festival, Divas of House, Herstory @ Chicago’s Dailey Plaza, several of The Silver Room Block club parties, The Attic Picnic, and at Coney Island in NY. She recently had a feature article in the re-launch of “Faith Fanzine” and closed out The Ron Hardy Tribute and fundraiser in grand fashion. She has partnered with Tastemaker Duane Powell in Sound Rotation events and been featured several times with the Honeycomb Music Radio show featuring Josh Milan, all while maintaining her internet radio show every Saturday now exclusively on Twitch.tv

“When I first started playing public, I would wear baggy clothes and a baseball cap so the people wouldn’t know it was a female playing,” says Celeste. “After I got them dancing, I would take off the sweatshirt, and baseball cap so they could see that they were dancing to a female playing. I love the shock factor!”

Staying true to her craft and shattering stereotypes remains to be Celeste motivation and dedication to an industry that is far more main stream than many give credit to.

Funky, Fearless, and Forever one of Chicago’s First Ladies of House!

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first get started as a DJ, and what did you like most about it?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I started learning in 1981. My first paid gig was in spring of 1982. My first love was learning the technical side of mixing and blending. At the time it was thought mixing was gender specific, that females could not grasp the skillset. I was really into shattering that stereotype.

GO BANG! Magazine: It is truly incredible that you were introduced in to Djing by Steve “Silk” Hurley, the 4-Time GRAMMY® Nominated Remixer. Please describe how you two met and how he eventually introduced you to the 1s & 2s.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Steve and I went to college together (Loop Jr. aka Harold Washington Jr. College). I had quite the crush on him back then. We had a couple of classes together and use to hang out in the lunchroom together. He always talked about “hot-mixing”

I asked him what it was, and he described it to me. I asked were there any girls doing it, he told me no. The myth was that women couldn’t (as in we didn’t have the coordination for it) but, he knew it was a myth because he had taught his younger sister how to do it. That whole part about females not being able to do it kind of stuck with me. It made me want to dig deeper and learn. Steve was the catalyst to me wanting to learn more about the craft. Eventually we ended up playing a lot of parties together and doing a lot of record shopping together.

GO BANG! Magazine: While pursuing your DJ career, you broke down a lot of barriers that were up against women. You were literally one of the first lady DJs. Please describe to our readers how you felt at the time, when you were trailblazing a path for women in DJ’ing.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Most times, especially after being accepted by some of my male counterparts, the experiences were great. I had a lot of fun, both honing my skills, learning the craft and playing parties. There were other times when it was difficult. Being a “first” woman breaking into any male dominated field ALWAYS has its difficulties. I didn’t consider myself a trailblazer at the time, by the time I was in regular rotations, and grinding with the rest of the fellas, I was learning, creating, partying and having fun. I don’t think any of us thought this culture would be as large as it is now back then. We were just out having constructive fun.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House music, you are recognized as one of the first female DJs. You were also one of the only women to perform with the late Ron Hardy at the legendary Music Box. What influence, if any, do you feel you have had on DJs and the House music scene? Also, how has House influenced you?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I was the ONLY woman to play with Ronnie at the Music Box, lol. And to be honest I can’t say what influences I may have had on someone else. I do know that I have mentored both women and men who are either breaking or grinding on the scene now. House music and the culture is one of the biggest influences of my life. Music has ALWAYS provided me with a place to be free. The underground dance scene is the place where I grew up, became an adult. House/Dance music has always provided a space of comfort and expression.

GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, female DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image has changed and why or why not?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I have Never considered myself a novelty period. My grind is hard. I’ve ALWAYS strived to improve upon skillset and work ethic, I am constantly seeking out music and how to present it. Now a non-believer may consider me a novelty upon a first encounter, until they experience me playing!

Truth is presentation is everything. If you present yourself as a gimmick, that’s how you will be received. There are MANY Female’s in the field that are the REAL DEAL, because that’s how the present themselves, back that up with mastery of your skills, how can anyone NOT take you seriously? BUT, there are still many women that represent themselves with everything, but seriousness and true craftsmanship. If you show up like a joke, who is going to take you serious? Yes, some of the overall imagery has changed, but that’s because the glass ceilings have been broken in many areas, and many more women have stepped out and been extremely successful in doing so.

GO BANG! Magazine: You mentioned that in your early DJ years, you used to wear baggy clothes and a baseball cap, so that people wouldn’t know that it was a female playing. Then you would do your reveal and shock them. Please describe to our readers, one of your most memorable times when you made your revealed.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Until I had established myself as a DJ/mix-artist, I always wore baggy clothes. The baseball cap was added because when I did my first party, I showed up with lipstick on and clearly female when you saw me, I was not received well at all. In fact, I was booed and never actually given a chance to play. I was taken off the decks after my 3 songs, all based upon being female. The patrons had never seen a girl play before. I clearly was not a part of the scenario of their expectations.

I figured if the crowd didn’t know who was playing and assumed it was a guy playing, I would at least have the chance TO play. See, I needed the MUSIC to speak if allowed. So, after a few songs and the crowd doing what they came to do, DANCE, I would turn my back, to look for another record and return forward without the cap. After a couple of more songs, I would do the same and remove my sweatshirt, (with a tank top or tee-shirt underneath of course)! By then I had them there was nothing left to do but dance cause by then the crowd was rocking!

GO BANG! Magazine: In 2015, SolKat established “The Queens of House Picnic” here in Chicago. How does it feel to see the seeds that you planted years ago, currently sprouting and prospering in the House community?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I am proud to see the ladies finally getting the shine they deserve. I have played a couple of the Queens of House Picnics myself. It’s good to see women that are finally getting the respect, and to watch those seeds prosper and thrive.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are several DJ’s out there with mad skills, both male and female. Which ones do you personally like and which ones would you love to DJ with, but haven’t thus far?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I’ve been blessed over the years to make some awesome connections to other DJ’s I admire in the industry, and even more fortunate to have played with many of them. There are quite a few I would love to play with again. I have a plethora of personal favorites, too many to name them all. I think my desire is to play more-so in places I’ve never been, to cultures I have never experienced. For me it not Who I want to play with, its more Where I would love to play at!

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a DJ, you’re a successful businesswoman. Please introduce our readers to your internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com.

DJ Celeste Alexander: I was afforded an opportunity to have my own internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com back in 2007. I was given a shot by my NuBang Collective brother Sammy Rock. Cyberjamz was at the time the first and only independently owned radio station totally dedicated to House Music platforms. My show The Celestial Odyssey ran every week until the end of 2019. In 2020, I went independent with the brand and started doing shows on FB Live and now exclusively on TwitchTV. 2020 and COVID bought a whole different set of challenges to many DJ’s. For the past 9-10 months, we all have been trying to find platforms to consistently showcase our talents. Fortunately for me, I had Cyberjamz, so live interactive video/audio/chat was not foreign to me as it may have been to many so the adjustment was not as major as it may have been for many. As of right now, you can catch The Celestial Odyssey- The Journey Continues live, every Saturday from 3-5 pm (CST) on Twitch.tv/Celestethedj I also have audio podcast on multiple platforms including PodOMatic.com, Apple Music, Google Music and soon to be on Amazon music. I will always be grateful to Sammy and my Cyberjamz family for the times spent on their station. If it weren’t for it, I would never have broken the siloed patterns that many Chicago DJ’s had fallen into. Due to my exposure through cyberjamz, I have been able to make connections to music lovers, other DJ’s, producers, artist, musicians from across the world. Cyberjamz opened up the world for me and made it my oyster.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also “Married with Children.” Has business or the music bug rubbed off on your children, or are they not interested in the entertainment industry?

DJ Celeste Alexander: Both of my sons love music of all kinds, my eldest probably went to more House music events than the average Househead growing up. Lol, my youngest is in college and dabbles in studio work currently, but loves the hip-hop culture.

I helped teach my husband how to play. He is one hellova DJ in his own right!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve joined forces with Vick Lavender and Steven Stewart to become co-owner of Sophisticado Records. How did this partnership come about and what is the mission of the record label?

DJ Celeste Alexander: Vick and I became very good friends after meeting at the WMC in 2008, I think it was. We have been very close ever since, he’s like a younger brother to me. While he was trying to get his label off the ground, I helped in any way I could. My contributions to the label would be more of the business and contractual side of the brand and business. I have however learned a whole lot about next level facets of the music industry through our connection. Vick is an incredible and very creative talent. He has a vision of his music and how he wants it presented. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow and flourish in the industry. It has been even more of a pleasure to be a part of it. ~ If it ain’t Soul, we don’t do it~

Go Bang Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects that you would like to mention to our readers?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I have a couple of things in the works musically. I am the Musical Director for The Summer Oasis Music Festival held in Idlewild Michigan annually. Of course, COVID did a job on us this year, but we are already in the planning phases for 2021 and beyond. Now that I am an “Empty Nester” I have the freedom to spread my wings a little more, we will see what 2021 brings.

GO BANG! Magazine: The world just recently lost DJ Angie Stone, another DJ Queen. What do you remember most about her? If you have a fond memory of her, please share it with our readers.

DJ Celeste Alexander: I miss Anji. We were sisters and friends. I mostly appreciated her tenacity; she reminded me very much of myself when I was a younger DJ. The word “NO” was not acceptable; she would make her own way successfully. She was determined to make her own “Yes” and she did JUST THAT! Rest in Musical Paradise My Dear Sister of Sound.

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

DJ Celeste Alexander: One day at a time. A lot of prayer. Keeping busy inside as much as possible. Staying positive that this too shall pass. Staying diligent with my weekly show, the music and any music related projects that I have been able to immerse myself into. Trying to keep myself busy and my brand relevant, because one day the world will open back up, and I want to be ready to go jump in and play!!!

You can follow DJ Celeste Alexander:

FB: fan page https://www.facebook.com/celestethedjknowshouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestethedj
The Celestial Odyssey- TJC -Every Saturday from 3-5 pm cst onhttps://www.twitch.tv/celestethedj

Podcast:
PodOmatic: Celeste’s podcast- The Celestial Odyssey- Celestethedj Alexander
Apple Podcast /ITunes: ‎Celeste’s podcast- The Celestial Odyssey- Celestethedj Alexander on Apple Podcasts
Mixcloud:https://www.mixcloud.com/celestethedj-alexander/
HeartThis: https://hearthis.at/celestethedj-alexander-gk

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

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