Industry Spotlight

Thomas Bernard – You

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Soulful vocalist and singer/songwriter set to dropped emotional Pop Ballad ‘You’  

ST. LOUIS, MO – Thomas Bernard is a young singer/songwriter from St. Louis whose new single “You” is set to make him break out big waysin the music industry. Driven by strong piano chords that serve as the perfect platform for Bernard’s soaring and heartfelt vocals, “You” is a Pop ballad that’s reminiscent of some of the greatest names in music today.Listeners of the song will immediately feel the emotion in his voice as he sings. And it’s that emotion that makes it a song that’s immediately accessible for a wide audience.  

“I wrote it about the relationship I’m currently in,” Bernard said. “There was a time when my girlfriend felt like I didn’t consider her to be 100 percent the one for me. But I wanted to let her know that she was the only one in my eyes.” 

Bernard said fans who listen to his music will certainly feel the influences of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd. That said, he has his own unique sound and style that is definitely carving out a niche within the crowded music marketplace. His voice is tailor–made for radio – to the point that he was a contestant on both American Idol and The Voice. He brings a little bit of an R&B soulful vibe to his music, and the lyrics he creates are genuine and filled with emotion. 

“I try to make them as real and relatable as possible,” he said. “I just want to create music that people can feel rather than just hear. I feel like today’s generation is leaning toward music that just has a good beat in the back, but not everyone is really saying much with their lyrics. Only a select few artists today put out good stories, and that’s what I want to do. I want people to listen to my music and relate to it and really feel it rather than just listening to something that sounds nice in the moment.” 

Bernard first came on the music scene at age 15 when he started going to his local recording studio in downtown St. Louis and creating new tracks. He spent many years honing his craft and writing songs that he knew would one day connect with people. Along the way, he has posted videos of himself singing on multiple social media platforms, building a strong fanbase that continues to grow every day.  

“You” is dropped across all streaming platforms. Bernard said he has two more singles set to release in the coming months. 

To listen to his music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links: 

https://thomasbernard.hearnow.com/ 

https://show.co/1itOoi4 

https://www.instagram.com/thomasbernardmusic/ 

https://www.facebook.com/thomasbernardmusic/ 

Twitter: @thomasbernard__ 

TikTok: @thomas_bernard111

Shalisa – It’s Too Late

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Shalisa celebrates ‘Five Decades’ of music with beautiful new album 

ORLANDO, FL – Shalisa James has been a professional vocalist, pianist and music director for more than 30 years. And as she approaches her 50th birthday, she’s preparing to launch an album that not only celebrates a life of music but which also shows other female artists that it’s never too late to live out their dreams. 

After singing on five albums with her group Toxic Audio over the years, as well as singing on other artists’ albums and tackling thousands of studio projects, Shalisa decided she wanted her own album to celebrate turning 50. “Five Decades” is a 14-track project that showcases a variety of sounds and styles perfectly suited to display Shalisa’s beautiful vocals.  

“I wanted to share that even at this age, I’m in the best voice of my life,” Shalisa said. “I chose music from all five decades of my life for mostly covers but with a twist. Another interesting thing about this album is that it was a pandemic project, providing income and collaborative opportunities for more than 20 musicians during the lockdown months of April through July. We worked totally remotely with many band members for tracks, never even meeting in person.” 

Shalisa is no stranger to the recording process and entertainment industry. Her company, Entertainment Central, has produced music acts and shows at major attractions worldwide. She’s worked with Universal Studios and Warner Brothers to create the Frog Choir Show for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She collaborated with the Tonight Show team and Universal to create the show for the Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon attraction. And her video for the song she wrote with her husband, “Couldn’t Get a Sitter,” has seen more than a million views on its way to winning a Telly Award for Best Comedic Music Video. She’s also done work on Broadway with her lead vocal on the Broadway Concert version of “Hair” being nominated for a Grammy Award with her group Toxic Audio. Shalisa has also been named Female Vocalist of the Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. Her voice has been heard on more than 1,000 radio jingles across the U.S. 

Now with her new album, Shalisa is ready to show the world a new twist on the music her fans have come to know and love from her for the past 50 years. A lot of the songs on the album have layered vocals because she loves harmonies, and many of the covers will feel familiar to listeners while also presenting a unique vibe that’s more modern. The last track on the album features all members of her family – her husband sings, her son plays guitar and beat-boxes, as well as plays guitar. Her younger son – who is a screenwriter and singer – contributes to the song. And her daughter – who at 26 is studying to become a doctor and fronts a Rock band at her med school – also added some vocals to the song. 

With tracks that explore love and meaningful relationships in all its forms, Shalisa said “Five Decades” is a fun album for music lovers of all ages and demographics. But more than anything, she hopes the album will inspire other women out there to continue pursuing their dreams no matter what the challenges. 

“I hear a lot of women talking about how they were so much better when they were younger and that they’re losing their range or their chops or they don’t have stamina,” Shalisa said. “That’s a narrative that women have heard a lot and buy into. I wanted to let people know and show them proof that you can still sing as well as you’ve ever sung in your life when you’re hitting 50. At this age, we’re getting better and better and working at our craft. My life experience comes through in the music, which adds layers that I wouldn’t have been able to bring at age 20. So I hope this album inspires others to see that they can be at their best if they stick with it and don’t buy into a negative narrative. The world likes to tell people they’re not as good as they were, and I, with this album, I wanted to say, ‘No! I’m actually singing better than I’ve ever sung.’” 

To listen to Shalisa’s music or to follow her on social media, please visit: 

https://www.shalisajames.com/ 

https://twitter.com/ShalisaJames1 

https://www.instagram.com/shalisasloanjames/ 

https://www.facebook.com/shalisa.s.james 

“Five Decades”
https://music.apple.com/us/album/five-decades/1540416887

Blog Producing in a Pandemic: 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qSAMQ7RgybY&t=2s
 

 

LD – Trying and No Limit

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Midwest Artist LD Has Released “Trying” & “No Limit”You Can Stream Both On Spotify & All DSP’s

19 November 2020 (Madison, WI) – After a successful couple of months following the release of Only Can Make It, today LD releases his highly anticipated two song project Expected.

“‘I put my everything into these two tracks, and seriously can’t be more proud of the results,’ says LD. ‘Somehow by following tragedy I found my way out. I encourage you to sit back and take in my story, as I so maliciously placed throughout this project.’”

LD writes about himself, which evidently enough is not like your typical rapper. Rather he creates something much more relatable for the average hip-hop fan, and in turn much more emotionally impactful. LD opens the project with the soul-driven and tragedy struck track, “Trying,” which features an attention-stealing beat, mixed perfectly by Minneapolis based producer Casey Golden (who did the whole project).

Finally, LD concludes the project with the mesmerizing track, “No Limit,” which features an enchanting vocal mix. You can stream “No Limit” below on SPotify, or find it on any digital streaming outlet.

How do you rate “Trying” and “No Limit”? Will you add either of these songs to your playlists? You can stream this on Spotify, or find it on any digital streaming outlet.

LD – Trying
Overall Score: ★★★☆☆
Lyrics: ★★★★☆ | Hook: ★★★☆☆ | Flow/Delivery ★★★★☆ | Production: ★★★☆☆
Overall Sound: ★★★☆☆ | Radio/club ready: ★★☆☆☆ | Marketability: ★★☆☆☆

LD – No Limit
Overall Score: ★★★★☆
Lyrics: ★★★★☆ | Hook: ★★★★☆ | Flow/Delivery ★★★☆☆ | Production: ★★★☆☆
Overall Sound: ★★★☆☆ | Radio/club ready: ★★☆☆☆ | Marketability: ★★★☆☆

Say in tune with LD on ALL social media outlets.

Web: https://solo.to/ldthekid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldthekid_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LDtheKid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldthekidmusic

Chakalatay Berry – Sweaty Affairs

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Chicago Artist Chakalatay Berry Is back With Another Slamming Single Titled “Sweaty Affairs” Now Available On All Digital Streaming Platforms

Chakalatay Berry is a singer, songwriter from Chicago. At a very young age, she was a
professional. She would get booked for all types of events, including; weddings, funerals, and birthday parties, just to name a few. Thus far in her music career, she has had the pleasure of collaborating with various artists and musicians across the greater Chicago area.

Ms. Berry is a devoted single mother of two boys; they are her world. All she is working toward is to provide a stable, loving environment for her beautiful children. Although we all have been struggling with this pandemic, it did not stop nor discourage Chakalatay from working towards her goals.
Recently, she has released a hot new single, Gametime. This is a motivational anthem, that
inspires many to get up, push forward, and work hard for what is wanted.

In the midst of all this chaos in the world, she released another powerful, uplifting song called, Rise, This hot song is an inspirational piece that calls for people to never give up and rise above all the things that might distract or deter them from their goals. In the past, Ms. Berry released a song called, Put on for My City, which has become an anthem for togetherness. In the midst of this pandemic and while creating classic music, she has started her own catering/food service business called Berry Good Foods.

This young lady is the epitome of greatness. Once the world gets a glimpse of Chakalatay Berry and her many talents everyone will cling to her like glue.

Social Media Info:
Instagram: @chakaberrymusic
Twitter: @ChakaBerryMusic
Facebook: @CHAKALATAYBERRY
Spotify: Chakalatay Berry

Steven Xia – Ruthless

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Midwest Artist Steven Xia Has A Brand New Single Titled “Ruthless” That’s’ Taking Off

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs as a second-generation Chinese-American, Steven’s range of musical influence is as vast as it is idiosyncratic. From The Eagles to NLE Choppa, he’s derived inspiration from a slew of seemingly disparate artists. This amalgam of sounds is ever-present in his genre-bending production and vocals.

Steven challenges the erroneous notion that an artist has to reside in a particular sonic sphere. Instead, he prioritizes authenticity in his craft as he seeks to push musical boundaries and embolden the next generation of Asian-Americans.

Keep up wit Steven Xia on social media!
Instagram: _stevenxia_
Twitter: @stevenxia_
Spotify artist profile: Steven Xia

Lyfe Happenz – God Still

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Lyfe Happenz offers timely single for a weary world 

HOUSTON, TX – An inspirational street Gospel song from Houston artist Lyfe Happenz is offering the world a timely message of hope and motivation. “God Still (Working on Me)” is a feel good fusion of sounds and vibes that underlies a lyrical message that Lyfe Happenz hopes will uplift millions of people worldwide during one of the more difficult times in Earth’s history. Featuring fellow artists Greg3G and Eddie, “God Still” has a beat with an almost cinematic feel, emphasizing influences from Gospel, Hip Hop, Blues, R&B and Soul. 

“The idea behind the song is that I’m not always perfect, but God is still working on me,” Lyfe Happenz said. “The sound has a lot of elements in there. There’s Gospel. There’s rapping. There’s a choir like in the old church days. It’s very original and different – like nothing else out there. And the end result is just true reality which is basically how it is when life happens. A friend told me that this song gives us an excuse and a hope whenever we make mistakes. Sometimes you just can’t get it right and you’re fighting demons constantly and facing that spiritual battle to reinvent yourself. Trying to change is hard, and trying to do good in the world when no one is perfect is a challenge. But God is always working.” 

The smooth Jazz vibe of the song offers a great bedrock for the high-pitched vocals from Greg3G, while Lyfe Happenz’s deep baritone offers the perfect counterpoint. The song has a certain kind of swag to it with a kind of syncopated rhythm that feels equal parts familiar and yet genre-less. And at the end of the day, it’s the perfect example of the kind of genre-bending sound and style that this veteran of the music industry has become known for over the years.  

At 35 years of age, Lyfe Happenz has seen his fair share of ups and downs in music. He’s been a writer, composer and beat maker since his teenage years and got his first big break when he was younger when he was part of a group that got pretty big in the Southwest part of the U.S. His journey through music mirrors his travels around the country – from Texas to Atlanta to the Bay Area of California, and more. Though his sound and style have evolved in the years since, he has always been known as a smooth artist with a street edge who isn’t afraid to mash together multiple genres that might not, at first glance, feel like they should be put together.  

“Back in Houston, I’m one of the artists that most people would recognize as soon as they heard the beat to one of my songs,” he said. “I’ve been in music for a while and just kept with it, getting better and better with process after process. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve reinvented myself. More often than not I’ve been behind the scenes because I’ve always had an ability to write and compose and make productions for other artists. But this song is more of me at the foreground. I wanted to let people see who the guy is behind all this music. Life is what we go through, and I’m creating music that’s reality. This is life and it’s not simple, and it’s all about what you get out of it. All of my songs are relatable in that way because we’re all going through similar things at the end of the day. And the best thing to say is that when life happens, let life happen – the good, the bad, and whatever else comes with it.” 

To listen to Lyfe Happenz’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/god-still/1532845493?i=1532845495

Blackmagic Tuddadirt – Zero Tolerance

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

BlackMagic TuddaDirt isn’t letting anything get in his way with new single ‘Zero Tolerance’ 

ELKHART, IN – BlackMagic TuddaDirt is a man whose name literally means Unbelievable Power Until Death. His music depicts just that. With his most recent release “Zero Tolerance” out, BlackMagic is truly proving that he is an unstoppable force. 

BlackMagic began his musical career in the underground Midwest scene. “I started making music around 2008. I was kind of in the underground scene. I’ve always been a big fan of Midwest flow. I was just doing an underground thing for a while, and then I linked up with a promoter/DJ who is actually my manager right now. We’ve been linking and doing a lot of things in a lot of different areas. We’re really just trying to push the music. That’s where we are right now.” 

Much of BlackMagic’s music is influenced by the underground scene and Midwest Fast Rap artists such as Twista and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He also draws influence from Rap icons such as Scarface, Tupac and Biggie. “I am a pretty versatile artist, but I would say that my main sound is Midwest Fast Rap. I like to make sure that my music has a story to it. Really, my main goal is to create music with a substance to it. There is so much music out there that just sounds good but has no message, and that just isn’t the kind of artist I want to be.” 

The sound of BlackMagic’s latest track, “Zero Tolerance,” is a mix of the Midwest and a down South aesthetic. He defines this song as being the music of the core of the Midwest and a form of the original Midwest Fast Rap. “This song is about going in one hundred percent and not accepting any excuses. It taps into the core of the Midwest which is what I represent. I feel like this track really focuses on the original form of Midwest Fast Rap. I think that recently, we’ve gotten away from that sound and “Zero Tolerance” really brings you back to it. It is like bringing the Midwest back to those original fans.” 

“Zero Tolerance” focuses on the idea that you have to keep working in order to get the things that you really want. “The song is about being real. There are a lot of people out there who make music about being real and don’t really focus on what it takes to get there. That teaches people that they can hop into that fame without putting in the effort and that just isn’t true.” 

BlackMagic hopes to create songs that will stand the test of time. “I don’t want to be a flash in the pan. I want to be somebody that’s going to be relevant 40 years from now, with songs that people are still actively enjoying. Really, I just want to make music that is timeless.” 

BlackMagic has more to come. Keep an eye out for his next single “Enough is Enough” which is a more politically leaning track about the issues that are going on in the United States today.  

For more information on BlackMagic TuddaDirt, check out the links that are listed below. 

https://www.facebook.com/blackmagicbleu23 

https://twitter.com/Bigblackmp1984 

https://www.instagram.com/blackmagic_tuddadirt/ 

SnapChat – @BlackMagic_TuddaDirt

Street Sinatra – Saved By The Yay

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Street Sinatra uses trauma of his life to inspire others on new album ‘Phenom’ 

LONDON, UK – Smooth flows meet gritty street vibes on the new album “Phenom” from London based Hip Hop artist Street Sinatra. Hailing from Woowich, Southeast London, Street Sinatra is well-versed in the journey of the underdog, and he shares those stories with a global audience on his new project which features the breakout single “Saved By The Yay.” Ushering in an all-new sound and vibe, Street Sinatra has worked tirelessly over the past year to release six albums, with “Phenom” marking his seventh completed project of the year. 

“With this project in particular I wanted to give people a chance to gain more insight into the inner workings of my life,” he said. “All the way from the bleak to the triumph. It’s all a range of emotions that’s meshed with daringly big beats, classic melodies and cadences accompanied with smooth and swift flow changes. In short, it’s me displaying in short form all the different types of realms I can go into musically while also showing a part of my personality.” 

Over the course of his young career, Street Sinatra has become known for having an adept ability to mesh classic cadences, phenomenal flows and emotionally provoking beats to convey his perspective of trials and tribulations for the young black man growing up in the inner city of London. With a hands-on approach, he produces, mixes and masters his own projects, displaying a multitalented range as an artist. And his unwavering determination not to cut corners makes him one of the hottest new artists on the scene.  

This is perhaps best displayed on the debut single from the new album. “Saved by the Yay” is a literal depiction of the life of a young person living on the streets entrenched in drugs and violence. It’s a song that explores all the reasons why someone would choose to live that lifestyle knowing the short odds on living a long and fulfilling life when participating in a lifestyle of drug trafficking. 

“It’s about a person who always looks at the glass as half full, which is what leads them into bad habits and a terrible lifestyles,” Street Sinatra said. “It’s presented from a kind of two-sided coin standpoint because I’m a young black man from the inner city London, and there are a heap of men in my position. But I prefer to examine the psychology of our actions instead of looking at the more shallow reasons why someone would enter that lifestyle. My whole idea behind this is to give listeners a peek into the mind of someone who would choose the street life so that there’s more understanding of that lifestyle and ultimately, so that more people can find their way up out of it.” 

At the end of the day, Street Sinatra said he wants his music to be known for the unadulterated truth of the streets paired with vibes that are fun. He’s using the trauma of his life to inspire others by way of a different perspective with enjoyable beats and melodies along the way. 

To listen to Street Sinatra’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/1streetsinatra 

https://www.twitter.com/1streetsinatra 

“Phenom” 

https://unitedmasters.com/m/1PHENOM

Sherry Lewis – People

Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

International Rising Star Sherry Lewis pens inspiring message to the masses with new single ‘People’ 

NEW YORK, NY – The latest single from international rising artist Sherry Lewis is more than just a captivating blend of Rock, Pop, Funk and Soul that bends the mind with its catchy groove and intriguing rhythms. “People” is also an important piece of work to inspire a world weary from sickness, violence and division. 

“People” is the very essence of unity, both in its lyrical approach and in Lewis’ fusion of so many different genres and influences of sound and style. Serving as a perfect platform for her sultry and soulful vocals, “People” is in one moment a Synth Pop track with a Rock edge, and at other moments a Funky Soul groove with electric guitar riffs. At times, Lewis’ voice takes on a raspy and satisfying growl, while at other times her beautiful contralto soars over the keys with such beauty that it brings a tear to the eye. “People” is one of those tracks that comes at you from out of nowhere and immediately makes you want to know more about the artist who wrote it.  

“It’s a song that just came to me back in March when I was on a plane flying home from Florida,” Lewis said. “I always write about my experiences in life – what I’m feeling and what’s happening around me – and at the time we were just being hit with COVID. There were so many reactions to that at the time, so many people were scared or traumatized and no one was traveling. I was reading stories of people losing loved ones, and it all just hit home for me in that moment on the plane. So I started writing. The lyrics touch on things happening in our nation with systemic racism and political division and quarantine and so many other things that are causing so much fear and division. The message is ultimately about spreading love. I’m a uniter and a lover. We need to understand that we need to love one another. We’re all one – no matter what color you are or where you’re from, we’re still people. When we’re united as one, we can accomplish anything. Love is always the conqueror. It wins over anything that is not love. And so with ‘People’ I want to inspire others and motivate them to spread love. I want to help people know that they’re not the only ones suffering or feeling alone. We’re all hurting, but we’re all in this together and hopefully this is a song that will make people feel good and inspire them.” 

That irrepressible spirit is something that has shone through Lewis’ music for many years. She’s a performer who has been charming audiences for years. In 2016, she wrote and dedicated a powerful music video tribute to the then leaders of the White House. In 2019, she followed up with another spectacular, heart-wrenching music video tribute to the late Michael Jackson on the 10th anniversary of his passing. But long before that, Lewis started a career that would see her performing in places all over the world. After graduating from the On Broadway Training Program for the Performing Arts, Lewis joined Enchantment – an R&B/Pop female group that was blazing a trail in her home country of Trinidad at the time. The group’s runaway success led to performances at the Caribbean’s premier nightclubs and saw them opening for international recording artists and celebrities at major venues. Eventually, Lewis chose to pursue a solo career and moved to the U.S. It wasn’t long after she was wowing audiences at clubs and venues in the Big Apple. She caught the attention of international talent spotters and began headlining shows on the nightclub circuit in Italy, France and Monte Carlo. 

That journey has led her to 2020, a year in which she was given the blessing in disguise of time alone and off the stage. That dedicated and focused time away from the touring life gave her the opportunity to create an album, which she said should release in early summer 2021. “People” will be the debut single from that project. 

To listen to Lewis’ music or to follow her on social media, please visit: 

www.instagram.com/sherrylewismusic 

https://www.facebook.com/sherrylewismusic 

http://www.twitter.com/sherrylewisnyc 

“People” 

https://sherrylewis1.bandcamp.com/releases 

www.soundcloud.com/sherrylewismusic/people

Lil Jiggy – Love You

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

YouTube sensation Lil Jiggy helps heal hearts with new single ‘Love You’ 

EAST COAST – Anyone who’s ever been through a hard breakup knows just how tough it is to get back on your feet and move on. East Coast artist Lil Jiggy offers a kind of pick-me-up track to all those trying to get back on their feet with his latest single “Love You.” With a catchy flow and a melodic vibe, this R&B and Hip Hop fusion showcases Lil Jiggy’s signature sound and style – a style that’s both young and fresh while also paying homage to some of the legends of the past.  

“It’s a song that I’ve worked on for more than two years and it’s been getting a lot of good response from people all over the world,” Lil Jiggy said. “I’ve been doing skits on YouTube for a long time and as I’ve been building my audience, I’ve started doing music and putting videos on my channel. My first track, ‘Catch Up,’ did well that I decided to do even more songs, and ‘Love You’ is doing just as good, if not better.” 

Lil Jiggy said aside from the comedy that comes across through his skits and his infectious smile, the sound that he brings through his music is something that makes him stand out in a crowded music industry. He said he’s proud of the fact that he can be so versatile, and that his work as an actor over so many episodes on his channel has helped him put in hours and hours of practice and perfection. 

“My sound is just different because of that,” he said. “I can give somebody a love song, or I can come a different way and give you more of a hype song. I can give you two types of melodies. Plus, I was originally born in Brazil so I can also sing in Portuguese and give you more of that Latin feel. I started as a YouTuber, but I’ve become more of an all-around artist and I want people to take me seriously for my music as well as my YouTube videos.” 

At the end of the day, Lil Jiggy said he hopes his music is known for inspiring others and helping them through whatever difficult times they might be facing. He’s excited about the future, as he already has a couple of collaborations lined up and he’s looking to get some features on new singles that he’s written. One single in particular is slated to drop at the end of December.  

To listen to Lil Jiggy’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/jiggyrique/
https://soundcloud.com/itsliljiggy/love-you 

“Love You”

https://open.spotify.com/track/40zFRYrFfLK2v8re3FcTc4