CHAS
Musician, Composer
Biography
JAY WEINBERG & ENERGY COMMISSION
Singer/Songwriter
Biography
It isn't often you'll find an artist who lives his lyrical metaphors but Jay Weinberg (Epoch Apostle) means what he says and says what he means.
May of 2008, in exchange for a blemish on his criminal record, Jay Weinberg introduced his song "Price Gouge'n" to the nation through a megaphone atop an unlikely stage 25 feet above motorists pumping $4 per gallon gas on the eve of a critical democratic primary election. Within days, the song's unconventional introduction to motorists was capturing airwaves; bandwidth and newspaper ink the world over. The Chicago Tribune, Good Morning America and even far off places such as the India Times picked up the story. Live on Chicago's The Loop 97.9 , Sirius Satellite with Jay Thomas, and an on going relationship with WGN Chicago's John Williams are but a few of the long list of radio interviews Jay has done in the U.S. and abroad.
Mastered pro bono by Grammy-award winning engineer Doug Sax, "Price Gouge'n" has given an outspoken performer operating outside the conventional paths to musical stardom an even larger megaphone. After hearing the song for the first time, Sax, who knows a thing or two about hit records having worked with the likes of The Who, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, said it sounded like Weinberg had a hit on his hands.
Jay's song garnered over 11,000 spins in the course of 14 weeks promotion. It reached position number 18 on the Hot 100 singles chart and number 32 on the top40 according to Spin Tracking Systems, also earning Jay's band (Epoch and the Energy Commission) a nomination for college band of the year at the New Music Weekly Awards. Jay's activism has been the topic of discussion in classrooms amongst scholars and students and Jay has been invited to speak at forums - most recently at the University of Western Michigan. Simply put - people are listening to what Jay has to say.
The day after a challenging and historic court statement, Weinberg scaled the John Logan Statue in Grant Park (Chicago) to fly an Exxon flag. His symbolism ties him to a period of political upheaval and musical revolution earning him comparisons to such iconic figures as - Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. In response to economic bailouts, the manipulation of fuel costs, and what Jay views as a corrupt political system he put his action where his mouth is once again. This time Jay rode a bicycle, which he was able to get donated to him by Trek of North America, some 675 miles - from Indiana to Washington D.C. Turning down sponsorship by one of the largest sports apparel manufacturers in the world in favor of a more conscious No Sweat Apparel is but another testament to Jay's resolve. Playing his culturally scathing songs in front of the White House and asking people to "THINK OUTSIDE THE ballot BOX" on the eve of what's been called the most monumental election in U.S. history has undoubtedly secured a place for Weinberg's message. The only question is - How long is it going to take the rest of us to catch up with an artist so ahead of his time?
JUSTIN BUTLER
Vocal Artist, Composer, Producer
Biography
R&B vocalist Justin Butler has packed a lot into his budding career. The 25-year-old Chicago native has already been performing as a back-up vocalist for some of R&B’s most prolific and influential artists, including Mariah Carey, R. Kelly and Diana Ross. He has also been the opening artist for popular performers such as Boyz II Men, Monica, and 98 Degrees. As a solo artist, he has made several television appearances to great acclaim, and was honored with the prestigious title of “Chicago Idol” in 2005. Now, with his smooth, sensuous vocals, and dynamic performances, he is poised to take the mainstream music world by storm.
Taking cues from his musical influences like Peabo Bryson and Stevie Wonder, Justin is making it his mission to both reclaim and reinvent the art of R&B singing. Bringing the class and sophistication back to a style with such an illustrious history is at the top of his priority list. “It’s time to get back to real singing and singing about what’s real,” he says, “Sometimes you just want to sing about real love. Honesty, genuineness…that’s the key.”
Singing since the age of 10, music has always been a part of Justin’s life. In fact, you might say it’s in his blood. His father, along with several other family members, made up the 1970s funk band, Rasputin Stash. Since his early exposure to music, Justin has been honing his skills through performance groups like The Soul Children of Chicago and The Happiness Club, as well as receiving vocal training in both the classical and pop/R&B techniques.
As an artist, Justin separates himself not only by his vocal versatility and agility, but also in his songwriting ability. He writes all of his material, and is always very involved in the arrangement and production processes. His lyrics span a wide variety of styles and subject matter, everything from inspirational ballads to fun hip-hop infused dance tracks.
As well as being an acclaimed performer, Justin is dedicated to passing on his musical expertise and passion to the next generation. He currently instructs an after-school apprenticeship program on Chicago’s south side, where he teaches Songwriting and Music Production to high-school students. He also serves as the Production Manager for the Happiness Club, where he serves as sound engineer, assists in vocal arrangement, stage presence and performance, and songwriting and recording.
PHOBIA
a.k.a Alicia Cherry
Rapper, Producer, Actress, Engineer
Biography
Though you may have never heard her name, you've definetley heard her music and sang along to her lyrics. Alicia 'Phobia' Cherry is an industry veteran, producing and writing for Sean Combs' Bad Boy Label, TLC's, Left-Eye, and Trick-Daddy's, Slip-n-Slide Label. Alicia was given the name “Phobia” by super producer, and Grammy award winner, Timberland who she credits as "discovering" her.
Phobia's journey began early; she began composing music at the age of eleven, At 19, she mastered the art of producing music. Rapping, songwriting, writing poetry, music arrangement, and artist development are amongst her specialties. Her vast knowledge of music allowed her to be recognized throughout the music industry as an accomplished producer/artist at an early age. As a result, she has established working relationships with today's top artists, producers and actors/actresses in the entertainment industry.
Phobia credits her life expereinces as a source of creative inspiration and depth allowing her to define the word “Phobia” to fit her immense talent as a producer and artist. "Phobia" represents a divine and profound meaning for this talented artist. In order for you to embrace what you are afraid of, Phobia believes that you must become the opposite of your fear.
She is encouraged as an artist by her positive influence on other female artists, as they witness her achieving her goals, she hopes that they will not be afraid to take a step towards conquering their fears. Through Phobia's music, she aims to send the message that anyone can overcome and conquer any fears that have hindered them from succeeding.
Phobia's Career Highlights
Creative’s Way Records
* (1996) Toured with Tounge “ Twista” on album “ Adrenaline Rush”
* Recorded Tracks with Flo & Flare, Toxic, Tracks, and Mastermynde.
Creative way recording artist
Timbaland Productions
* Discovered by Timbaland in (1997) Inspired the name “ Phobia”
* Received Artist Development by Timbaland, Big Rodney, Eric,
Jomo Hankerson (Staff/Crew) of Timbaland Productions, Blackground Records.
* Timbaland’s Production Company helped develop style, concept, and music.
Relativity Records
* Toured with “ Infamous Syndicate” Rashawnna Guy, Lateefa Harland June, (1999)
* Produced music for “Shawnna”- Def Jam, (D.T.P) records.
Ruff Ryders Records
* Received professional artist development by company. Nov (1999)
* Worked with film director “Phenomenon” on video treatments, art directing, Stage shows.
Bad Boy Records
* Recorded tracks for R&B group “ Total ” Jan (2000)
* Received a music production contract from Bad Boy Entertainment.
Noiz Squad Entertainment
* Received a music production contract from Lemoine Alexander C.E.O of company. Jan (2000)
* Designed Music production and Artist development for record label
New-Ark Entertainment
* Collaberated with Vada Nobles and offered an artist recording contract. April (2000)
* Recorded and Produced for Pras from hip-hop group “ The Fugees”.
* Produced professional songs with Vada Nobles on “ Phobia” Album demo.
Phobia Productions Inc.
* Partnered with Dr.David Fontanella owner of Totowa Pain Center, Ram Management Inc.
* Created Phobia Production Company Aug. (2000)
* Purchased professional studio equipment.
* Produced a beat catalog of 378 tracks for sale under Phobia Productions Inc.
MJJ/ Sony records
* Collaborated Ken Komisar V.P of MJJ records Oct. (2000) offered music contract service for Chris Rock movie soundtrack “ Down to Earth”.
* Produced music for Natina Reed from the R&B group Blaque.
* Interned for Corey Rooney at Sony Studios on Jenifer Lopes recording sessions.
Left-Eye Productions
*Worked with Ian Burke (Feb. 2001) and offered opportunity to produce songs for Lisa “ Left-Eye” Lopes of TLC. Offered an In-house production agreement contract with Twin Dragons to produce music for Left-Eye’s Solo album “ Supernova”.
*Worked as company engineer (March 2002)
*Developed music production for Left-eye productions R&B group “ Eygpt”
*Worked with Lisa Lopes on Artist Development for “Eygpt” and Engineered Recording sessions for group.
*Produced the last Lisa Lopes song for her “N.I.N.A” album entitled “Crazy”
*Involved in the fatal car accident in Laceiba, Honduras (April 2002)
*Starring in Lisa Lopes reality television show filmed by Lisa Lopes and Bluebox Entertainment. Contains: One month of exclusive footage of Left-Eye’s Artist Development Boot Camp at Dr.SEBI Usha Village. Release date: N/A
Bluebox Entertainment, Inc.-Motion Picture Company & Record Label
*Signed a three-album production deal with Bluebox Entertainment to produce various hip-hop and R&B acts off the label.
*One of the Co-Host and creative director over Slice Television.
*Actress- starring in “One Red Rose” to be released (April 2007)
*Musical producer for Eddie Long for “Transparent” the Documentary.
Laface/Zomba
*Produced beats for Sean Paul from the hip-hop group “Youngbloodz”
*Recorded with Sean Paul for Phobia new album “ Revolu’sheon” to be released (Dec.2006)
Slip-n-Slide/Atlantic Records
*Produced beats for Rapper, Trina's new album,“The Baddest B**ch Reloaded” to be released (Jan. 2007)
*Toured with Trina on the Glamorest Life Tour (Sept. 2005)
Death Row Records
*Collaborated with Suge Knight June (2002)
*Recorded music for Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes' last album.
*Recorded music with rap artist “Crooked I” on major soundtrack release for movie “Dysfunctional Family” by Eddie Griffen (In stores now)
Dynasty Entertainment
*Starred in “ Life After Death Row” the DVD documentary released Sept. 2006, (In stores now).
SHORTY-K
Rapper
Biography
Following the global and inspirational success of Kanye West, Chicagos hip-hop scene has felt a recent rejuvenation of hope, convincing young Chicago artists like Shorty K that anything is possible. Shorty K, is a 18-year-old rap phenom and rising star from Chicago's South Side; a natural show-stopper, Shorty K's , smooth polished flow, confident swagger, and boyish charm have earned him a large female fan base in and around the Windy City.
Under the guidance of ish ENT, Shorty K has learned that perfecting ones craft is a never-ending process. He continuously works to better himself as an artist, both technically and creatively. Aiming for more than just a deal, Shorty K wants to LeBron James the music industry; he sees himself setting trends and hopes to build an enterprise similar to that of his mentor, 26-year-old CEO of ish Enterprises, Rob Levy. In his development, Shorty K has chosen a name for his future company, Bizniz Boy Inc. Shorty K has always had a hunger and drive for excellence, and he now has the opportunity to show the world that he means buisness.
Busta Rhymes recognized Shorty K's talent and magnetism in person and invited SK to perform in his show at the House of Blues in Chicago. Shorty K opened for famed rappers Mike Jones and Paul Wall last summer. Shorty K walked off the stage to a standing ovation when opening for national stars Ne-Yo in April and Rick Ross in June. Rick Ross has become a huge Shorty K fan and said he wants to drop a verse on the remix of Shorty K's first single, Im A Stunna. Shorty K will also be opening for Young Joc and other national recording artists this summer! In November of 2005, Shorty K performed at Chicago Writing Sessions in front of special guests Roy Hamilton, Dir. A&R, Capitol Records, and the Trak Starz, the platinum production team from St. Louis; both Hamilton and the Trak Starz offered to produce songs for Shorty K's current project.
Shorty K's flow attracted the ear of Jim Tullio, the World Class, two-time Grammy winning producer. Tullio subsequently produced two songs on Shortys current project and described Shorty K as "one of the best talents in music." In agreement with top Chicago DJs such as Shadyville's Sean Mac, DJ World, President of the Soul Selectors DJ Organization, stated that Shorty K is definitely one of the next to blow!
With over 5000 hits a week on his website www.myspace.com/shortykgohard, and over 7000 fans on myspace.com/shortyk5, Shorty K is building a massive international fan base. Hes a stunna with a ballers dream. Hes Chi-Towns Shorty K from ish Enterprises. Get ready, and get on this ish.
The Whispers
R&B, Gospel Singers, Composers
Biography
One of R&B music's most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, The Whispers, began their legendary and timeless career in 1963. Twin brothers Walter and Wallace Scott joined with friends Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson, and Gordy Harmon to form a local singing group. They perfected their tight harmonies on the street corners in the Watts section of Los Angeles and in nightclubs in the in the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area.
They began singing together as "the Eden trio" created by Nicholas Caldwell and Marcus Hutson. Later, they were renamed "The Whispers" by Lou Bedell of Dore Records. The group recorded nine singles for the Dore label between 1964 and 1967. Their fame grew in the Bay Area while performing in a series of what was known as "The Battle of the Bands" where they competed against other local acts for their fans appreciation and affection. In 1969 they released "The Time Will Come" for a small L.A. based label Soul Clock Records, and subsequently recorded their first Top 10 R&B hit, "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong," in 1970 when the group switched to Janus Records. By 1971 Gordy Harmon decided to leave the group and was replaced by Leaveil Degree who had previously sung with "The Friends of Distinction".
The Whispers produced a string of hits over the next two decades and emerged as the leading romantic singers of their generation, racking up one gold album after another and charting numerous R&B hits throughout the seventies and eighties. The Whispers were the first artists featured on the newly formed Soul Train label (co- owned by the TV show's creator and host Don Cornelius and entrepreneur Dick Griffey). They gained national attention with their seventies albums, "One For The Money", "Open Up Your Love", and "Headlights" producing two singles that graced Billboard's Top 20 R&B Charts: "(Let's Go) All the Way" and "(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out".
Their first platinum album "The Whispers" (1980) highlighted "A Song For Donny," a song written by Carrie Lucas in memory of Donny Hathaway, and their biggest hit "And The Beat Goes On." It was their most successful selling album (double platinum). The neoclassic "Lady," written by group member Nicholas Caldwell, is still a favorite at concerts. 1987's "Just Gets Better with Time", went platinum. It featured the R&B number 1 and US Top 10 pop entry "Rock Steady", a collaboration with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.
Their vocal style harkens back to a more genteel era of crooning, preferring soft pillow talk and songs that speak to heartfelt emotions. They are arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeers of their generation and still make women swoon with their silky yet forceful tenors of twins Walter and Scotty. In the 1990s, The Whispers joined the Capitol Records family releasing more favorites. Expanding their creative horizons, brothers Walter and Scotty cut "My Brothers Keeper", a critically acclaimed duet album in 1993, scoring another R&B hit with a cover of the Intruders' "I Wanna Know Your Name." "Toast to the Ladies" released in 1995 featured a collection of love songs dedicated to women all overthe world. In 1997 the group moved to Interscope Records where they featured the works of Babyface once again with their album, "Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface".
Marcus stopped performing with the group in 1989 due to ill health, and in 2000, when he passed on, the Whispers vowed never to replace him. In the new millennium the group still performs around the world to thousands of loyal fans. The group has not made any personnel changes and still consists of Walter Scott, Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree. They have taken Las Vegas by storm, selling out in various casinos and hotels, and they have a tremendous following on the West and East coasts, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, St. Louis, Indiana, and Chicago. On September 23, 2003,
The Whispers' four decades of accomplishments were acknowledged when Charlie Thomas of the Drifters inducted them into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. On June 12, 2005, The San Francisco Chapter of the Grammy Awards presented the Whispers with the prestigious Governors Award, the highest honor bestowed by an Academy Chapter. They continue to perform to sell-out crowds all over the world, and their popularity continues to grow among youth whose parents "raised" them on the Whispers' music.
They are also known for their charitable work with youth that participate in the PAL (Police Athletic League) Reading Program, and their ongoing support to domestic violence organizations and cancer agencies.
They are one of only a few "old School" groups that can boast of having over 40 years in the industry with a worldwide fan base, maintaining their vocal dominance and original members.
The Whispers waited almost a decade to produce a new CD in 2006. This independent product, the first venture of their newly formed company "Satin Tie Productions", is a masterpiece entitled "For Your Ears Only". According to Walter, "This title is a way of saying to our fans that we appreciate everybody's support that has been with us for many, many years." Nick's perspective deals with its essence. He states, "In my opinion, the CD represents the musical DNA and artistic expression of what the Whispers were and have become during their 42 years together. It was conceived to please the ears, hearts and minds of our super- supportive and loyal family of fans. It was a labor of love and I believe a body of work blessed by God.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Four Decades of Pop and R & B Favorites, Seven Gold Albums, Two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty Singles, 40 Charted Hits Since 1970, American Music Award Nominees, Soul Train Award Nominees, Grammy Award Nominees 2003 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees, 2005 Regional Grammy Governors Award, 2002 NAACP Image Award.
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