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.

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

Photo credit:  SEED LYNN

Duane Powell’s love for music started an early age growing up in the 1970’s being exposed to Chicago’s rich Soul music scene. His uncles were disc jockeys until the mid 80’s and artists including Minnie Riperton, The Emotions, Chaka Khan, Miki Howard and The Staple Singers were their classmates and/or family friends.

In 1985, Duane entered into the world of street promotions pounding the pavement promoting events for prominent DJs within Chicago’s burgeoning House music scene starting with Lil Louis. In a five-year span, because of their Avante Garde style and presence, Duane and his crew became the “go to” individuals in marketing to get all of the “cool kids” to events. By 1990, Duane had done street promotions and served as Marketing Manager and Consultant for many clubs and DJs including the historic Powerhouse. In 1998, he became an Import Buyer for Cargo Music Distribution and by the end of that year, an employer at one of Chicago’s most legendary record stores, Dr. Wax Records. It was his 12 years there that the title of “tastemaker” really took shape by almost single-handedly breaking several artists in the market, including Ledisi, Eric Roberson, Julie Dexter, Jill Scott, Raheem Devaughn, N’Dambi and many more.

As a promoter, he launched the SOUNDROTATION brand in 1999, further cultivating the underground soul scene in Chicago giving many of those acts their performance debuts in the market. Through this, he became a fixture on the global Soul scene and began speaking about his knowledge of the business on panels and workshops including The International Soul Summit (ATL), Urban Organic (Detroit), I Got Soul Conference (Dallas), Chicago Artist Resource and the Chicago Cultural Center.

As a DJ, he had a popular internet radio program on Swank Society. He has spun at and has residencies at many of the most popular venues around the city including the House Of Blues, Virgin Hotel, The Promontory and Reggie’s Music Club. In addition, he has opened for many heavyweights in Soul music including opening for Frankie Beverly & Maze at The Taste Of Chicago and has shared the bill with many legendary DJ’s and Grammy-winning producers in the Dance music world including Joe Claussell, DJ Spinna, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Maurice Joshua, Josh Milan, Timmy Regisford, Ron Trent and more.

Thousands of people are glued to his social media pages for his updates on music, as well as his knowledgeable tributes to the greats in music history. He also served as the Soulful Sundays Editor for the reputable Hip-Hop blog kevinnottingham.com. According to his following, his SOUNDROTATION compilations create sonic satisfaction that impinge on their emotions and lend freedom to their souls.

Duane’s choice of music genres include Soul, Jazz House, Acid Jazz, Nu Grooves, Broken Beat, Bossanova and Afro Rhythms.

Lastly, his influences include Ron Hardy, Lil Louis, DJ Rush, The Twilite Tone, Ron Trent, Oscar McMillan and countless other Chicago legends.


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

Duane Powell: Predominantly Roseland with Auburn-Gresham and Englewood in the mix.

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

Duane Powell: I’ve been a lover of music as early as three years old. My Mom tells a story of how at that age I would tell her which records to put on and what side to play just by seeing the label. (I couldn’t quite read yet of course). She also says that when I was three she bought me a tricycle, but instead of riding it I would lay it on its side, put 45 records on the wheel and spin it thinking it would make a sound. lol. All of her brothers were DJs all throughout my childhood and one of them in particular, my uncle Buster, was my first inspiration. His record collection was VAST and his knowledge of music was unmatched.

GO BANG! Magazine: There was a time when you were homeless. Please describe that moment in your life and how you overcame it?

Duane Powell: This happened when I was 27 years old. I just left a job that I hated with no clear path as to what to do next. Things got ugly with my roommate and me, but it was his place so I had to leave. I didn’t have a great relationship with my stepfather at all so going home wasn’t an option and I had no other immediate relatives in the city at the time. I had a few friends who’d let me sleep over, here and there, including Eric Williams who had just opened his new business The Silver Room. I started a new job as an Import Music Buyer at a distribution company but needed to work a bit to get up enough money to get on my feet again. I hated asking people for help, so I put my belongings in a storage facility right across the street from my job and pretty much lived out of it. Slept a few nights on the blue line train, a few nights in Wicker Park (the actual park on Damen) before finally moving into The Milshire Hotel, this transient hotel on Milwaukee in Logan Square where lots of addicts resided. (No, I never did drugs lol). My luck again, the company I worked for was going under so I moved out of the hotel and moved in with my brother DJ Rush who had just come home for a spell, but was still residing in Germany. The next day after moving in, I started my new job at Dr. Wax in Hyde Park and remained there for 12 years. A year into that job, I finally moved into my own apartment in Hyde Park. I also have to mention reading metaphysical books including Celestine Prophecy, Seat Of The Soul and Conversations With God helped me immensely during those times. It was actually a game changer.

GO BANG! Magazine: Working at the legendary Dr. Wax record shop in Hyde Park changed your life. Can you please explain to our readers the impact that job had on you?

Duane Powell: Being the person putting great new music into the hands and homes of the people was invigorating. I created so many relationships, friendships and bonds in that time. Music is truly the healing force of the world and seeing others enjoy the natural high, as I did, was life. So many artists became household names because of us at Dr. Wax pushing the music.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a successful DJ, you are also an entrepreneur. In 1999 you launched the Soundrotation brand and blog. Please describe what Soundrotation is.

Duane Powell: Soundrotation initially was the name of a weekly event I used to host with Anthony Nicholson and Joe Bryl when Joe was managing the Buddha Lounge. We were in love with music and artists on the Nujazz, Nu-Soul and Broken Beat scenes of the UK, Japan and other places around the globe and desired to showcase them here, as no other venue was doing it at the time. We brought in acts and DJs like Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova, Phil Asher, Joe Claussell to name a few. I held on to the name as a brand for all things related to promoting the good music I loved. I started throwing concerts for up and coming Indie Soul artists as well as consulting them. Grammy nominated singer Ledisi’s Chicago debut performance was with me at the Buddha. I did Soundrotation compilation cds. I had a blog to promote all the great music from around the world that I felt wasn’t getting the shine it should and eventually had a Soundrotation radio show which will be revived soon.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are known as the ‘Tastemaker’ in the Soul music world, breaking new Soul artists on a regular. How do you select artists and know which songs are gonna be hits?

Duane Powell: That was a title given to me lol. I’m not sure. I just love great produced music and you know it when you hear it. The senses are aroused. Something funky in the beat pattern that make you frown up, a chord change that make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck or that voice and phrasing that just soothes or give you goosebumps. It’s a feeling.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House music, you are recognized as one of the Soul music DJ pioneers. What influence, if any, do you feel you have brought to the House music scene and how has House music influenced you?

Duane Powell: I’d like to think I bring or have brought freshness to the House scene. I’m always thinking progressively and since the 90s, I’ve always influenced those younger to experience the scene and the culture. It’s the only way it’ll survive. I love what House culture has done for the city. This city is known in a negative light as being segregated. House culture broke down those barriers for me and many others. We got out of our insular bubbles, our hoods and experienced all sides of the city and surrounding areas following the music. I lived in the 100s but partied and hung out downtown, far north, west, and even as far as Dekalb, IL. We went where the music was. Because of this, we partied, fellowshipped and formed bonds with people from all walks of life and still do til this day. It liberated us.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the DJ Duane Powell sound?

Duane Powell: In terms of DJing, I’m influenced by the very things that created the genre of House; Soul, Jazz Funk, New Wave, Italo, Industrial, B Sides, etc., etc. so I have to have a combination of it. Nothing is off limits. I love music with great energy. I was a dancer in dance crews years and years before I threw my hat in the DJ ring. I gotta have movement, peaks and valley…a journey…a climax.

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

Duane Powell: There are several I would love to share a bill with. Lil Louis, Theo Parrish, Louie Vega, Dego, and Jamal Ahmad are the first names that come to mind.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a DJ, you’ve traveled extensively over the years, but you’re still down to earth, humble and a considerate person. When others in the entertainment industry reach the level of success that you have, some of them go “Hollywood” and become arrogant and cold-hearted. You seem to have not gone down that path. How have you maintained your level-headedness and why is that important to you?

Duane Powell: Well, a couple of things. I haven’t nearly traveled as much as more accomplished DJs have, but even if I did, I don’t see the need for anyone to not be a nice person. We all have fallen on hard times at one point or another. I always treat people how I want to be treated.

I will say though that sometimes people would label someone “arrogant” “difficult” or say someone has gone “Hollywood” when that person knows his worth and asks to compensated accordingly. If you’ve worked hard to build your brand, your name and your audience, you’re not gonna continue to accept $100+ gigs. You’ve earned that right.

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

Duane Powell: This year has been rough to say the least. I was deeply depressed for a second, although not from the virus itself. I lost a lot of loved ones and losing my sister to cancer in September was/is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to live with it. Outside of that, I shook off my depression and was able to navigate in the virtual world and gigged online between DJ sets, artist talks and history panels. I’m one of the few DJs that are lucky enough to get paid work online. It filled in the gaps a bit, although nothing can replace the feeling of playing live and being out, feeling that vibration amongst a crowd. Also, there was soooo much great music that came out this year, in the midst of it all, that kept my spirit lifted.

You can follow Duane here: https://allmylinks.com/djduanepowell

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.

Photo Credit:  Victor Price

Growing up in Chicago in the South Shore area, Tony Evans (DJ Tony Madd) fell in love with music. His creativity was sparked, being able to walk out of his back door and hear live bands playing nearby. In the 70’s and 80’s Tony was fortunate to grow up with friends who were attracted to music and the Chicago music scene.

Tony would hang out in the neighborhood record store, and was able to listen to good music and hone his ear for great mixes. He carried crates, moved speakers, dug in crates, promoted and partied with different friends, crews and DJs that created HOUSE MUSIC!

Tony Madd later joined the ARMY and relocated to Germany. While overseas, he had the luxury of spinning in military clubs, as well as securing resident DJ spots in Europe. After 15 years overseas, Tony returned to the United States with a MADD original style and the sound of Chicago mixing!

You can hear the passion and love in his mixes!

GO BANG! Magazine: Can you please explain the origins of your DJ names Tony “SunDance” and Tony “Madd?”

Great question!

DJ Tony Madd: DJ Tony SunDance originated with my introduction to House music in my neighborhood, 68th and South Shore Dr.. My buddies and I would hang out at a record store on 71st Street. In the back, aspiring DJs would be mixing music. Vincent Spark ran/owned the shop and he had a group called ISE (Infinity, Space, & Eclipse). Infinity was girl dancers, Space boy dancers, and Eclipse the DJs. I would later join the dancers so I could hang out, get in the parties for free and learn how to DJ. My favorite thing is the SUN, and I always danced, so Tony Sun-Dance.

DJ Tony Madd began in Germany. I was in the Army. One month after I arrived, I landed a DJ job at the local club, off post. I use to run a talent show called the “Apollo Show” on Sunday nights. I met a civilian brother, Derek Clark, who entered a show and he could really sing. We joined together and won about 20 something shows singing R&B hits. They made him the MC because they couldn’t pay us anymore, after 500 DM. On our last show together we had tough competition. It was a young brother, named Mike “Booze” aka Polo, who was in Germany with his family. We won the last competition and we thought he should have won!

The name M.A.D. originated from Michael, Anthony and Derek. We formed a rap group called The MAD FAM and I was the Producer/DJ, Tony Madd. The name later changed to mean Making A Difference Daily.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did growing up hearing live bands playing spark an interest in you to want to become a DJ?

DJ Tony Madd: Hearing live bands sparked my interest in music, which has become a life-driving force. Spending summers in Morgan Park, you could come out of your back door and hear bands practicing Earth Wind & Fire and Con Funk Shun live. That gave me an ear for great music. I always followed good music, which led me to hangin’ at the record shop on 71st Street. I heard some great DJs practice there. That led me to dance and hang out at parties. We passed out flyers, hung posters, carried equipment and crates for Darryl Willams, Butch Mcaffee, Mario Short, David Allen, Chip Mitchell and Steve Poindexter! (Name Drops, Name Drops)

GO BANG! Magazine: Growing up in the South Shore area of Chicago is something that we have in common. Being a DJ too, I spent lots of my time in record shops going thru the new music. Scorpio Records on 71st and Crandon was one record shop, and then later another record shop emerged, Track One Records on 71st & Jeffrey, owned by the late Dedry Jones. What record shops did you hang out in as a youth and what knowledge did you gain from those experiences?

DJ Tony Madd: Those record shops on 71st Street were the ones I went to also. I bought my first 45 there on Crandon. After making some money from my first job at age 13, I walked up there and bought “Me and Ms. Jones.” Everybody in my hood use to go there.

I learned to read the album covers and how to take care of my collection. After joining ISE, I learned how to take care of my collection and count BPM’s (beats per minute). I learned what genres were. I also learned how to pick good sounding music. Lastly, I learned what intro, hooks, verses, bars counting, back ground singers and harmonies were!

GO BANG! Magazine: Before you actually became a DJ, you were more like an apprentice/roadie for several other DJs. Who were some of those DJs and what did you learn during those years of training?

DJ Tony Madd: Darryl Willams, Butch Mcaffee, Mario Short, David Allen, Chip Mitchell and Steve Poindexter. They all started before me. I had to pay my dues before I could touch some turntables. I never got to play in the shop. Maurice Macklin, First Lady (Krissy Hutchinson) and Pharris Thomas came up after me and split to different groups.

I learned patience, timing, how to pick the next song and when to mix the next song. I learned that DJ’in is a competition. You gotta have the hot music and know when to play it at a party. I learned how to rock a crowd. I learned about hooking up DJ equipment and how the music should sound in different rooms, like Sauer’s vs. Mendel. I learned how to white out my 12” (records) from Import Etc. (record shop) so no DJ’s looking over my shoulder would know who made it, and much more!
GO BANG! Magazine: When did you get your first chance at DJ’ing for a crowd and how did that opportunity happen?
DJ Tony Madd: Oh Snap!

My first time DJ’in solo and rocking the house was a night when my crew; Chip, Steve, David, and Mario Short, all had parties at different spots: South Shore Prom, Aquinas H.S., some other place, and a house party.

By then I had started my own crate, which had a little to nothing in it. We wanted all that money, so I was solo dolo and I only had scraps of the main crates, which went to the bigger parties. I was dropped off early and used the last basic system we had for a birthday party. Well after the other parties were over, equipment packed up and everything, I was the last one to be picked up.

When they came into the party, the walls were sweating and kids were jackin’! When my crew brought in the crates, they let me know I did my thang and let me play them hits for the rest of the night!

GO BANG! Magazine: Sometime later, you joined the ARMY (thank you for your service) and relocated to Germany. While there for 15 years, you perfected your DJ’ing by spinning in military clubs and DJ residences in Europe. Please describe that time of your life and how that had an influence on you, as a person and as a DJ.

DJ Tony Madd: I joined the Army in 1985. I took my mismatched turntables with me. To my surprise, no one in North Carolina liked House music. So, I would bang out R&B and Jazz in the barracks and unit functions. In 1988-89, I went to Germany. It was the best time in my life! I got my first residency, after being there a month. I mixed R&B, Hip-Hop and any House I could squeeze in, ‘cause there were people from all over the world, some from Chicago! I played in Germany until I returned home in 2005.

I have DJ’d all over Germany, on-post, off-post civilian and military crowds. I’ve played at Club Jimmy’z for the Prince of Monte Carlo and for thousands at an open air venue in Austria. I’ve opened up for Aaliyah, DJ Kool, Keith Sweat, 69 Boyz, and Luniz, amongst other! We actually were on tour with the Luniz, while in Germany, when “I Got Five On It” was hot. We were “The Madd Famm!”

GO BANG! Magazine: After 15 years in the military overseas, you returned to the US. What year was this, how would you describe the DJ Tony Madd sound, and what did you do to get your name out into the House music scene?

DJ Tony Madd: I returned to the States in 2005, way after House music did its thing, always wishing I had stayed on the scene and at the same time not caring because I did things I’ve always wanted to do, mix and travel. I was home and a childhood friend that had always loved House music, Ken White (DJ Big Ken), had heard one of my mix tapes that he jacked from his cousin British Ford back in the day. We connected because he was on the scene mixing in Chicago. We vibed and decided to make a crew to DJ, promote, and what we called “saving” house music.

He had an idea to call a crew Scandalous Gentz Entertainment. I joined in and said let’s call it Scandalous Gentz International. One of our old school friends stated we could never do it, so we did. I designed the first “I Love House Music” T-Shirt and began to promote. We got 15 years and counting,

SGI IS THE SQUAD!

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any DJs that motivate or inspire you, past and present?

DJ Tony Madd: So many DJs inspired me, and still do…(name drop time) RIH Frankie Knuckles, Darryl Williams and Butch Mcaffee. Then there’s Andre Hatchet, Lori Branch, Celeste Alexander, Craig Loftis, Farley Keith and Jesse Saunders were my influences before I left Chicago.

I’m still inspired! Nowadays, it’s Big Ken, Reverb Kirb, DJ Vernell Byrd, Timothy Tripplet, DJ Brett, Fiddy Millz, DJ Peace RTG, DJ Alicia, Mike Dunn, Terry Hunter, DJ Kemit and Black Coffee, to name a few!

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a DJ, in 2005 you started working with SGI Entertainment. Please describe to our readers what SGI Entertainment is and what it does.

DJ Tony Madd: SGI was created to promote parties, mix good music, throw live parties / events, and to keep the House Nation informed of the community. Also, as I said before, SGI is the Squad! It’s a DJ crew. But, it was mainly created to keep House music alive, so that the world understands we started this in Chicago! There are many stories in House music. How it started? House was banging in many different neighborhoods at the same time!

GO BANG! Magazine: You, your wife Yvette, and I affectionately call ourselves cousins, because we share the Evans last name, although we’re not related. Since meeting the both of you years ago, there have been nothing but good times and good vibes between us. You all supported my book, “Inside The Minds Of Entertainers” and I supported your Madd House Group T-shirt line. As one of my favorite married couples of the House community, how did you two meet and how has House enhanced your relationship?

DJ Tony Madd: Alright cuzzin’, Grumpy and I met when I was 18 and she was 16. My best friend came to my house and said there were some fine girls where he was going and I should come. I was skeptical, but went! Little did I know that it was a cotillion and he had his date already. When I got there, I was paired up with a partner on the first day. I did not know that Grumpy had a plan. She told her brother, who was her escort, that he was going to take my partner and she would be mine, and it happened! We were boyfriend/girlfriend after that and I was in love. But me being older, on the scene and moving and grooving, we grew apart and I joined the Army.

When I returned to Chicago, I returned to the House scene. I always would go to the Hatchets’ picnic aka Chosen Few Picnic (CFP). The same friend that took me to the cotillion told me he saw Grumpy at the picnic after the picnic was over.

During one CFP, I think it was 2011, I ran into her with her friends and we hugged and those feelings came back to me, but I was with someone and left the city. After a conversation, and some added correspondence, I was compelled to return to her! Madd & Grumpy! She and I are hugh fans of House and she has acquired a good ear for music. She is my greatest supporter!

House music is our life!

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.

DJ Tony Madd: As a Black man in Chi-Town, I grew up in an era when I could ride my 10-speed bike from the north side to the south and back, at night, without any issues.

My neighborhoods were special. My family wasn’t rich, but being middle class at that time, I never went without. As a single child I was always moving and have friends from different walks of life, some rich, some not, some preppy, some thug, pimps, playas, and hustlers! I learned from all and have walked with them all. I hung out with groups that might not ever interact, except by knowing me.

Returning from Germany gave me a larger perspective on life and I realized what being a Black man was really about. I realized how we are viewed and treated and how I want to be treated as a man, a Black man! I’ve never been more FREE and respected like I was in Germany, but not just Germany. I have traveled to more countries than states in this country, before I was 18. I learned that the Constitution was not made for us, even though we made everything in this great country. I learned that everything that we made is stolen and all advancements we make are destroyed. I learned that we are systematically being destroyed and that we own nothing in this country.

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?

DJ Tony Madd: I worked at a Mental Health hospital for seven years and I’ve watched as Covid-19 gets worse, depression and racism get worse. I’ve watched White people treat co-workers that are there to help them, so degrading. I’ve watched Administration not care if you are spit on or called nigger! It’s business as usual. What can you do, because you need that job.

As a first responder, large facilities will not pay these workers decent benefits or proper pay for being on the frontlines of mental illness! Still waiting to get my just due!

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the House community, as far as how it is dealing during these times of the pandemic?

DJ Tony Madd: I’ve witnessed some DJs squad up and use other platforms to keep their name out in the public. I’ve seen some DJ’s fold. I’ve been lucky enough to have different platforms to get my mixes to the public. Like most DJs, ego is involved and I just wanna be heard and acknowledged!

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, although you’ve had the opportunity to spin at several well-known venues/events and with numerous DJ’s, please describe one or more venues that you would like to spin at, as well as any DJ or DJ’s that you would love to spin with, if any, that you haven’t thus far in your career.

DJ Tony Madd: Man…I’d like to play at the Boiler Room, The Cocoon Club (Ibiza), Back @ The Airport (GE), Barcelona, and at any House music spot where people dance versus taking selfies. I’d like to play with Terry Hunter, Black Coffee, Mike Dunn, Louie Vega, DJ Spen, Dennis Ferrer, and Martin Solveig. JOE CLAUSSELL is a Beast…!

But, I will play wit anyone who understands “Blends Matter!”

You are welcome!

Follow DJ Tony Madd on:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tony-madd
Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/djtonymadd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djtonymadd

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