I've been blessed, over and over again, starting out in Azusa, a small Mexican community outside of LA. Born a product of a hardcore heroin addict and repeat convict-offender along with siblings who were born either deaf & blind or who later followed the same footsteps of my biological mother, but God had other plans for me. After being transferred from foster home to foster home, I was later adopted by a family from New York who I would eventually come to know as the people that mean the most to me...my mom, dad and brother. The same people who gave me the things that I ordinarily would not have come to know had I been left where I had come from in my first years.
Along with my new and most loving parents, came a better childhood with the opportunity to go to school in a middle class environment where I later learned of my most valued passion...MUSIC. I discovered that I enjoyed singing at a young age when at the dinner table, I hummed with every bite, At the age of five, I began instruction in the Suzuki Method of piano, which is based on learning by listening. With Suzuki, students listen to the repertoire every night into their sleep, and visually imitate their piano teachers during lessons. I memorize the songs I write with the way the keys both look and sound on the piano. While many students transition from the Suzuki method of training into the more traditional method within a few years, I found the Suzuki method so rewarding that I continued with it.
I later developed a deep appreciation of singing early on, starting with in the church choir and eventually becoming a professional soloist. In high school, I was selected repeatedly to sing in the "All Shore Chorus" and then New Jersey's competitive "All State Choir". At this time, I also began composing music on the piano. I composed her H.S. graduating class's 'Alma Mater', which I also sang at my graduation music concert. As a result of my accomplishments in high school, I received one of the highest-awarded music scholarships within the school's music department.
I continued my vocal and composition work in college, where I sang in my college Gospel Choir. During this time, I gained a developed a deep appreciation of spiritual singing. In 1996, I closed the chapter of her college years, by being selected to sing my University's 'Alma Mater' at Continental Airlines Arena where my graduation commencement exercises were held in the presence of my biggest audience, 12,000 people.
Also during college, I would go to this one particular dance club with my friends on a regular basis, and although a private person, I would sit down on the piano in the lobby and play my music sometimes. One night some club-goers gathered around and listened. After I was done, I found $18 on the piano. This inspired me to concentrate on my composing skills.
As I began to play my music in public more often, I developed a style that lent itself to film scores. I sought advice from a reputable entertainment attorney in New York, and he confirmed that my music had potential for dramatic underscores in film. "Shades" listed here has been featured in "Brothers in Blue", a 2003 documentary film on the NJ/NY policemen and firefighters that lent their support during September 11 terrorist attacks. I've had pieces featured in MTV documentaries such as Jennifer Lopez episode of "Borrow My Crew" and "My Super Sweet 16", ESPN's "Tilt" and placements in two new indie films that will be making its way through the film festival circuit during 2008.
I thank God first, for the people he's brought into my life. I've learned to take nothing for granted and it could be far much worse for me than it sometimes seems. I have been saved...Amen...Alleluia!
I'm currently collaborating with other writers/producers that work in all types of music and have my hands in a multitude of business projects within the industry, including developing other writers/producers/composers in preparation in getting music placements on tv/film/video/etc. This year alone, I have placed well over 175 tracks in TV/film/video through my company, InDigi Music, so if you are NOT signed to a major record label through artist or production deals but can come to the table with just as much as someone who is, please feel free to send 3-5 mp3's to [email protected] or a send me a direct link to your music and we'll go from there.
Faces In The Crowd artist showcase - 3/20/07
Faces In The Crowd artist showcase and the birthday celebration! 2/20/07Get Your Own! | View Slideshow
Coalition DVD release - Nov. 7, 2006 featuring Raekwon, Frank Vincent, Chuck Zito and more... Coalition motion picture soundtrack release - February 6, 2007 featuring Raekwon, DJ Premier, Gleamz, LaFonda and many more...Get Your Own! | View SlideshowFaces in the Crowd - artist showcase - 10/24/06. Featured artist: Melissa J. - be on the lookout for her album early next year.
Get Your Own! | View Slideshow
Faces in the Crowd "Bes of the Best" artist showcase - 10/2006
Industry Standard Producer Showcase - October 2006
Reality's Birthday Bash 9/06
Faces In The Crowd - Hip hop/R&B artist showcase - June 2006
Yankees Game 5.27.06 - Reality, Nomad, Chalant, Mr. Rey, Alina, Nik - Yankees kicked ass!
Industry Standard Producer Showcase - May 2006
I edited my profile with
LL Cool J's record release party - April 2006
