August Rigo – “See YOUR Perfect” BRAND NEW VIDEO!
August Rigo – “Satellites”
Justine Skye – “Loco” BRAND NEW VIDEO!
Ginette Claudette – “No Such Thing As Too Late” Acoustic Cover
ERIC NICKS – Founder
Eric Nicks was fresh out of Hampton University when he began co-managing the sister of his best friend, an up and coming rapper, Foxy Brown. He had left the safety net of a corporate job to pursue his dreams of being in the music business.
“It was a struggle. I was broke and on my own. I was hustling, knocking on doors, saying ‘please listen to my demo,’” remembers Nicks.
The hustle paid off and Foxy became a household name before she dropped her first album. It wasn’t long before industry heads took note. In ‘96 Nicks received a call from Lyor Cohen and Chris Lighty, offering him a position at Violator Records and Management where he would help shape the careers of LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, and Noreaga. For six years, Nicks learned the business under the tutelage of Chris Lighty. Always hungry for bigger challenges, he was the president of the records division when he stepped off on his own and started a management company, EVision, with LL Cool J as one of his clients.
“I’ll go anywhere, I’ll do anything to make a record,” says Nicks, who especially enjoys the creative stretch involved when working with artists such as Lyfe Jennings and new artists LeMarvin and Yolanda Renee. He takes a hands-on approach. “I’ve got to be there beat for beat, chorus for chorus, hook for hook,” says Nicks. His attention to detail has resulted in platinum success for Foxy Brown’s Ill NaNa, LL Cool J’s The DEFinition, and Lyfe Jennings’ debut Lyfe 268-192.
Even while working independently, industry executives were still watching. This time the call came from Kevin Liles, former president of Def Jam, for a position as Vice President of A&R at Def Jam. Under Nicks’ tenure, LL dropped his 10th album, which included the number one single, “Love You Better.” In 2003, Nicks left Def Jam to become Sr. Vice President of A&R at Sony Records. He went on to Sr. VP of A&R at Universal Motown Records in 2006. Samuel “Tone” Barnes, one half of the successful Trackmasters production team, has described him as the “ultimate hip-hop executive.”
In 2007, Eric Nicks created R&B Live New York, the music industry’s most exclusive industry showcase. Since its inception, R&B Live has hosted artists such as Fantasia, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Brian McKnight and many more. The star-studded room has included Kevin Lyles, Jay-Z, Denzel Washington, Terrence Howard and many other celebrities and industry executives.
2008 marked Nicks’ entrepreneurial venture. After successfully releasing Lil Kim’s “Download” featuring T-Pain on his independent label Brookland Entertainment, Eric joined forces with August Rigo to build Alpine Music Group.
Very generous with his knowledge and experience, Eric Nicks sits on the board of advisors for the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He is often a guest speaker at a variety of colleges, including NYU, Morehouse, and many others. He visits group homes and transitional homes for young men coming out of prison and speaks to them on various topics.
The Brooklyn native lives by his credo “don’t get caught without a chair when the music stops.” Nicks’ hard work and dedication ensures that he will always have a seat at the table.
AUGUST RIGO – Founder
The present, an era saturated with blatant repetition, ideas and concepts so much so that it would seem as if every note has been heard and every song sung. It is no doubt a pleasant surprise to find an individual who does not conform to the now but is defined as the next.
The future is August.
Born Dan August Rigo, he has been performing and singing since the tender age of 5. However, it wasn’t until he saw Michael Jackson’s legendary performance of Billy Jean for Motown’s 25th anniversary that he knew what his life calling was. He studied his new idol and in so developed a sound and style for himself. It didn’t stop there. Not feeling satisfied in just being a singer, he taught himself to play piano, guitar and drums.
To fully understand August, one only needs to listen and feel his music. Armed with charisma, charm and a knack for the spontaneous, he is a true artist in every sense of the word. In a time where music is lacking in depth and soul, he enters a fresh face and sound to shatter the mold. When he sings he evokes emotion and takes you along for a ride you won’t forget. A blend of Pop, R & B and Soul, August turns heads everywhere he is heard.
Not only a phenomenal singer, August has paralleled his vocal ability with a powerful skill, songwriting, arrangement & production. His ability to blend the abstract with the norm, along with concept driven writing has been a recipe for success. He has penned songs for producers Stargate (Ne-Yo. Beyonce, Rihanna), JR Rotem (Sean Kingston, Flo Rida, Iyaz), The Runners (DJ Khaledm Rick Ross) and many more. Responsible for Justin Bieber’s current hit “U Smile” as well as Iyaz “Solo”, more of August’s work will be climbing the charts in 2010.
This year also marks August’s US debut as an artist, having inked a deal with Def Jam records. August wrote his entire debut album and weaves tales of loves lost, gained and desired. It is through his unique expression of life and experiences that he connects with his captivated audience. Ready to fill the void left by the music of old he is ready for the waiting world.
August is the sound, the voice, and the truth. “I just want to make music that can take you somewhere, hopefully you’ll wanna come with me” – August.
AZAR S. BOGAN – Manager
Azar S. Bogan began her career in music at the age of 16 when she taught herself how to DJ. After having interned at the promotions department of Interscope Records in L.A., secured her own shows on college and community radio stations in Montreal, Canada. Her all-female hiphop radio show Cypher on CKUT 90.3FM garnered international attention and aired from 1998 through 2003.
During this time, Azar held various positions in the local music scene in Montreal. During the demise of Napster, Azar became the urban EJ at FLIPR, the first legitimate peer-to-peer file sharing service for music. Azar further developed her contacts by introducing digital distribution to record labels worldwide.
In 2002, Azar produced and released a 12″ on her own imprint that received accolades from The Source, Elemental, URB and many other publications. The following year, she was accepted into NYU’s elite Music Business Graduate Program.
While completing her Masters, she ran the operations of Day By Day Entertainment, a national independent distribution company based in New York City and was responsible for over 15 releases.
After a brief internship at Universal Motown, she went on to work in the A&R Department under Executive VP of A&R Bruce Carbone as well as Sr. VP of A&R Eric Nicks. While at Universal Motown Records, Eric Nicks took Azar under his wing and involved her in 1st Class Entertainment, the company responsible for the industry’s most influential showcase, R&B Live, an event that has featured exclusive performances by Ne-Yo, Brian McKnight, Fantasia, Mario, Trey Songz, J Holiday and many more.
Under her consulting company PSP, Inc. Azar helped guide the careers of artists such as Poison Pen, Eternia, Duo Live, Brooklyn Academy and The Kin. Today Azar is a manager at Alpine Music Group and right hand to music industry veteran, Eric Nicks.
Justine Skye inked her deal with AlpineMusicGroup/Atlantic Records today, March 8th, 2013. The 17 year-old Brooklyn born singer/songwriter has been making waves online through the release of original material via YouTube and a highly-acclaimed mixtape on DatPiff.com.
Kimera Morrell released her #FreeKimera EP on Feb 3rd, 2013.
Listen/download the EP here.
Ginette Claudette’s “When You Let Me Go” is featured on TheNext2Shine.com’s #Discovery Mixtape Part 2. Listen here.
Jodie Connor released her brand new video for “Take You There” ft. Busta Rhymes today. The single will be out in July 2012 on 3Beat.
Ginette Claudette releases “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” Mixtape on DatPiff. Download here. For more info, go to whoisginetteclaudette.com.
Ginette Claudette releases single “Fade” off of upcoming mixtape “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” dropping May 11th.
Jaicko releases title song off of upcoming mixtape “Gentlemen Don’t Survive” dropping May 14th.
Jaicko Lawrence’s 2nd episode of web series “Gentlemen Don’t Survive” explores his introduction to music. Look out for Jaicko’s mixtape coming soon!
Alpine Music Group recording artist Justine Skye released her debut mixtape “Skye High” today, April 20th, 2012.
“Skye High” speaks on experiences that the 16-year old Brooklyn native has had. “One of my favorite songs is Another Boy. It’s a situation many people find themselves in, especially when you’re young.” The mixtape, boasting a slew of urban-pop records, was produced and co-written by singer/songwriter August Rigo (One Direction’s “Gotta Be You”, Justine Bieber’s “U Smile”, etc.).
With a natural God given talent, stunning good looks, bubbly personality and a daring sense of adventure, Justine Skye is on the fast track to success. Justine lives a double life as a carefree teenager during the day and superstar in training by night.
Justine Skye was born to parents of Jamaican decent on August 24th, 1995. Her mother, Nova Perry, a well-reknowned entertainment attorney, raised Justine in the music industry. Perry realized Justine was serious about being an artist at a music business panel when her daughter raised her hand and asked the room if she could sing. She has been singing and writing ever since.
Alpine Music Group would like to congratulate August Rigo on his new position as Vocal Coach of America’s Got Talent. Stay tuned for more details.
Jaicko Lawrence’s 2nd episode of web series “Gentlemen Don’t Survive” explores his introduction to music. Look out for Jaicko’s mixtape coming soon!
Ginette Claudette’s 3rd episode – Recording – of web series “Who Is Ginette Claudette?”. Look out for mixtape “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” on May 11th 2012.
Ginette Claudette’s 3rd episode – Memory Lane – of web series “Who Is Ginette Claudette?”. Look out for mixtape “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” on May 11th 2012.
Justine Skye releases her new song “TRIPPIN”
JAICKO released his new web series “Gentlemen Don’t Survive” which takes viewers on a journey with him on his Road to Success.
Check out the first episode:
Ginette Claudette released her first episode of her new 10-week web series of “Who Is Ginette Claudette?”
New York, New York — March 9, 2012. Recording artist Ginette Claudette is slated to release the first of 10 mini webisodes entitled “Who Is Ginette Claudette?” today. The web series will lead to the release of her debut mixtape “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” on Friday, May 11th, 2012.
Chronicling her life in and outside of music, the “Who Is Ginette Claudette?” web series will give fans insight into Ginette’s career, personal struggles and passion for music.
“I’m hoping through this self-discovery web series, people will get a sense of who I really am,” says Ginette.
Singing since the age of 3, Claudette dreamt of becoming a performer after watching her mother sing professionally for many years. At 12 she picked up a guitar and began writing songs.
Currently being courted by major labels, Claudette has worked with industry elites the likes of Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, August Rigo and many others. Her debut mixtape “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, due May 11th, 2012, aims for a “soulful, R&B/hip-hop, feel-good” vibe.
“She’s an amazing talent with a powerful voice and an even more powerful personality,” says Rico Love. “A superstar to say the absolute least.“
For the 21-year-old New York native, Ginette Claudette, relying on fond memories like singing with her older sister in the hospital before she passed away or performing at the Apollo Theater, fulfilling the dream of her father, who is also gone, help to keep her balanced. “Music is my outlet,” she says. “It’s what keeps me sane.”
For further info, visit: www.WhoIsGinetteClaudette.com
Jaicko covers Drake’s “Shot For Me”.
Justine Skye pays tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Here is her cover of “Dirty Diana”.
August Rigo’s Late Night cover of Gravity Live from the SLS Hotel Los Angeles.
Ginette Claudette covers Melanie Fiona’s “4am”.
August Rigo releases a video for “Kill Me” off of his Too Big To Fail Mixtape. Shot in his hometown, Toronto, Canada.
Ginette Claudette covers The Fugees’ “Killing Me Softly”
Tune in to Entertainment Tonight on your local Global channel in Canada at 7:30 ET/PT tonight to watch August Rigo’s special feature. We will be posting video after the original airing.
Justine Skye’s cover of All I Want For Christmas Is You
Jaicko – “Are You Coming Home This Christmas”
August Rigo LIVE on Toronto’s G98.7FM right now, tune in! http://www.g987fm.com/
Entertainment Tonight Canada interviewed August Rigo today in his studio in Toronto. Check August out on the Drive Time Show today at 5pm EST on http://g987fm.com/. And tonight, catch August performing at Gift Of Music, Hard Rock Cafe, Toronto.
August Rigo performs at Gift Of Music Toronto at the Hard Rock Cafe tomorrow. Please join and suppor
Justine Skye’s rendition of All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Justine Skye’s rendition of All I Want For Christmas Is You.
August Rigo remakes David Guetta and Usher’s “Without You”
Jaicko’s live cover of Frank Ocean’s “We All Try”
PJay Johnson recreates Rick Ross’ “You The Boss”
Ginette Claudette covers Rihanna’s “You Da One”
Jaicko covers Chris Brown’s “Fools With You”
One Direction’s “Gotta Be You” written by August Rigo #1 on the UK Chart!
August Rigo does an unplugged version of his song “Kill Me” from his TOO BIG TO FAIL mixtape.
Learn more about August Rigo and his journey.
One Direction’s new video for “Gotta Be You” written by August Rigo
Ginette Claudette covers Rihanna’s “We Found Love”
Justine Skye covers Lauryn Hill’s X-Factor.
August Rigo – Kill Me from the mixtape TOO BIG TO FAIL
One Direction fans go wild for “Gotta Be You” written by August Rigo
Jaicko remixes Big Sean’s “Marvin & Chardonnay”
Jaicko remixes Big Sean’s “Marvin & Chardonnay”
LISTEN DOWNLOAD
Ginette Claudette covers “Someone Like You” by Adele.
Future on Mindless Behavior’s “#1 Girl” album, written by August Rigo.
The lovely Ginette Claudette covers “Novacane” by Frank Ocean
August Rigo “Here Comes Trouble” featuring Busta Rhymes
Produced by The Runners
Justine Skye covers Drake’s “Headlines”
Justine Skye covers Drake’s “Headlines”. Video coming soon!
Justine Skye covers Drake’s “Headlines”. Video coming soon!
The 5 Percentas trailer featuring #TeamAlpine All Stars directed by Lenny Len.
Ginette Claudette covers Priscilla Renea’s “I Fell In Love With You”
Rest In Peace Amy Winehouse. Tribute by Alpine Music Group’s Justine Skye.
August Rigo covers Lil Wayne’s “How To Love”.
Here is a snippet of August Rigo’s “This Isn’t Kansas” featuring Ginette Claudette and D-Pryde. The full version can be heard on August’s mixtape “Too Big To Fail” coming out soon on Alpine Music Group. Stay tuned!
Alpine’s 4th of July Cook-Out/Sing-Out featuring August Rigo, Yolanda Renee, Ginette Claudette, D-Pryde
Ginette Claudette remixes “Motivation” by Kelly Rowland
Check out VH1 on Monday June 27th at 8pm EST/7 Central. Alpine Music Group’s Eric Nicks & August Rigo are featured on the next episode of Basketball Wives.
August @ FoundAsians interview and photoshoot – Brooklyn, NY
Yolanda Renee – DJ Suss One presents Yolanda Renee “Girl From The Hood” Mixtape
As a young girl growing up in Southside Jamaica Queens, Yolanda Renée was surrounded by a family of musicians which included her mother, father, brother, uncles and aunts. She recorded her first song “Joys of Life” with her father, Gary DeBerry Sr. formerly of Creative Funk, at the age of 5. She grew up singing in church and became a lead choir singer at the age of 11. She has shared the stage with Lyfe Jennings, Lauryn Hill, Karina Pasion, Nikki Ross, Carl Thomas and Paula White amongst other artists. In May 2007, Yolanda Renée was discovered by Eric Nicks, former SVP of A&R at Universal Motown. She was immediately signed to the label and has since moved on with Eric Nicks to Alpine Music Group. Yolanda is currently in the midst of completing her debut album. Here’s a sneak preview of this powerful songstress with a special presentation by DJ Suss One. We hope you enjoy Yolanda Renee’s “Girl From The Hood” mixtape.
To download the mixtape, click HERE.
Eric Nicks, August Rigo & Justa Beast are headed to a taping of Basketball wives, where Team Alpine will be working with Tami Roman’s daughters “Jazz & Lyric”. Stay tuned for details of when the show will air.
Dark Fantasy cover by August Rigo – directed by Lenny Len
Musiq Soulchild – Anything ft. Swizz Beats written by August Rigo
In good company. Founder of Alpine Music Group, Eric Nicks, gets a mention in Billboard magazine (Fe
Last year, we vowed that 2011 will mark the year that Alpine Music Group will take home a Grammy. Tonight fingers are crossed as Justin Bieber’s “My World 2.0” is nominated and Alpine Music Group’s own August Rigo is responsible for 3 records on the album, including the single “U Smile”. Good luck, August!
While Alpine was bombarded with over 18 inches of snow, August Rigo, E Nicks and I Stax hit sunny Miami for sessions with Jay Sean & The Runners, Super Dup and the one and only Timbaland! Pictures coming soon.
Craig David, August Rigo, Justa Beast and guitarist Mark Pellizzer at Alpine Studios.
Sean Kingston “Sleep All Day (Party All Night)” – written by August Rigo
August Rigo working with the legendary Mary J Blige at Platinum Sounds Studios, NYC.
August Rigo, Justa Beast & Barbados-native group, Coverdrive!
August Rigo and Justa Beast working with the Cimorelli sisters in L.A.
Justin “Justa Beast” Graham, native of Providence, Rhode Island, is a multi-talented producer with a golden ear. Justin was introduced to music as a young boy when his mom enrolled him in piano lessons. His older brother then opened his eyes to production.
With music as his passion, he attended Audio Institute of New England. Upon graduating at the age of 19, Justin worked and saved his money and opened up Trackhouse Recording Studios a year later.
The studio garnered a lot of traffic and created a buzz. Eventually Eric Nicks took Justa Beast under his wing and began managing him as a producer.
Justin has since teamed up with August Rigo and created the production duo “August & The Beast”. Together they have produced records for Victoria Justice, Leona Lewis, Jaheim, Daley and many others.
August Rigo’s jet-setting again! Headed to Miami to work with Jay Sean after working with the talented Cimorelli sisters.
August Rigo & Justa Beast are out on the west coast completing sessions with the Cimorelli sisters.
Yolanda Renee and August Rigo at Alpine Studios.
After a week of Leona Lewis sessions in Los Angeles, the boys are back in town. August Rigo is busy getting it in with Gerry Wonda/Musiq Soulchild during the day, and Stereotypes/Ahmad Belvin in the evenings. Keep your ear out for smashes coming out soon!
The whole team is out in Los Angeles working hard. August Rigo, Justa Beast, Kelly Sheehan and Jaicko are all busy creating beautiful music on the west coast. Stay tuned for more!
Justa Beast, Victoria Justice & August Rigo @ Alpine
Justin Bieber’s latest single “U Smile” is written by August Rigo
The month of August is packed for August Rigo & Alpine Music. After a weekend birthday celebration in Toronto, August flew to Los Angeles to wrap up Jesse McCartney’s album with one last hit! Check out the pictures below:
July has been insane for Alpine Music Group and the month of August is proving to be even crazier. August & The Beast have had sessions with Bridgette Kelly, Stereotypes, The Runners, Kelly Sheehan and more.
Check back for updates!
Kelly Sheehan & August Rigo at Alpine.
August Rigo at BMI’s BET Awards party
Eric Nicks and August Rigo co-hosted the BMI BET Nominees Party in L.A. on June 25th. In attendance were Drake, Birdman, Ray J, Brandy, NeNe Leakes, Chris Tucker, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Vanessa and Angela Simmons, and BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee.
August Rigo with The Noisettes.
Alpine’s presence felt during the NBA finals, as the Vitamin Water commercials’ music was produced by August Rigo and Justa Beast.
What a busy week it has been for Alpine Music! August Rigo, Eric Nicks, Justa Beast and newly signed artist Shianne Phillips took over Los Angeles.
August was in studio with Atlantic recording artist Cody Simpson.
Justa Beast was busy working on music for 2 up and coming TV Shows.
Eric Nicks was introducing newly signed Alpine recording artist Shianne Phillips to the music industry.
Check back here to find out more!
Eric Nicks, Nicole Plantin & August Rigo at BMI Los Angeles
Fat Joe – If It Ain’t About Money f. Trey Songz
Fat Joe ft. Trey Songz “If It Ain’t About Money” written by August Rigo
A sneak peek at August’s photoshoot with Aviva Klein today at Alpine.
Pleasure P “Change Positions” – written by August Rigo
Justin Bieber – Stuck In the Moment
Justin Bieber “Stuck In The Moment” – Written by August Rigo
Writer Autumn Rowe, SRC recording artist C Jones & August Rigo at Alpine Studios.
Justa Beast & August Rigo are producing a track for Vitamin Water with a stellar line-up of MCs! Check back here for updates.
August with The Runners in Miami, working on “Borrowed Time” for Kelly Clarkson.
I just want to make music that can take you somewhere, hopefully you’ll wanna come with me.
“I just want to make music that can take you somewhere, hopefully you’ll wanna come with me,” says pop, R&B and soul songwriting sensation August. And with hits already scattered about the charts—among them teen star Justin Beiber’s platinum second release, My World 2.0, which features three August co-penned tracks, “U Smile,” “Stuck in a Moment” and “Kiss and Tell“ —he’s well on his way to doing just that.
Born Dan August Rigo, August caught the music bug early when he saw Michael Jackson’s legendary performance of “Billy Jean” on Motown’s 25th Anniversary TV show. “Even at that age, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary,” says August. “I think my destiny was etched in stone from that very moment.
While still in his teens, the Toronto-born August, who taught himself to play keyboards and guitar, and who names artists as disparate as Jodeci and the band Chicago as influences, traveled to New York City to meet with producers and record label heads. “Every time I had a new song or two, I’d scrape together whatever money I had and go meet with everybody. It was a hard grind, but eventually it all worked out.”
August’s phenomenal talents and formidable songwriting/production skills soon caught the ear of industry heavyweights such as Eric Nicks, Sha Money, Irv Gotti, and Chaka Khan just to name a few, which led to a head-spinning slew of written songs for artists such as Sean Kingston, Mary J Blige, Leona Lewis, JLS, Pleasure P, Iyaz, and Jessica Jarrel, just to name a few.
“It’s incredible how fast everything has happened in the last couple of years,” says August. “What I think artists and producers like about what I do is, I write with the radio in mind. I try to come up with a hooks and melodies that I can hear on the radio. But I still try to have an edge to what I do.”
Pretty soon August will be bringing those hooks front and center on his own album. A singer of incomparable depth and soul, August has partnered with Justa Beast to form a company and has signed with Island/Def Jam as an artist in his own right.
“Being a self-contained artists is really where I’m headed,” says August. “Songwriting for other acts has been something of a means to an end. But to make my own records and show the world what I’m all about, that’s where my head is at.”
August is co-producing (with Justa Beast) the bulk of his forthcoming album, but he’s going to work with Boi-1da, Stargate, The Runners & Stereotypes. “It’s 80 per cent done at this point,” he says. “It’s exciting. Everything’s been leading up to this. I think when people hear my record, they’ll get a full sense of what I’m all about.”
And with his already proven track record, no doubt music fans will soon be seeing August’s name at the top of the charts.
Singles Written by August Rigo
2011: “Party All Night (Sleep All Day)” (Sean Kingston)
2011: “Anything” (Musiq Soulchild)
2010: “Solo” (Iyaz)
2010: “Change Positions” (Pleasure P)
2010: “Up & Running” (Jessica Jarrell)
Songs Written by August Rigo
Musiq Soulchild – “MusiqIntheMagiq”
1. “Anything”
3. “Sayido”
5. “Silver&Gold”
6. “WaitingStill”
7. “Backtowhere”
13. “Clumsylove” (iTunes bonus track)
Justin Bieber – My World 2.0
3. “Stuck in the Moment”
4. “U Smile”
11. “Kiss and Tell” (iTunes bonus track)”
Iyaz – Replay (Iyaz Album)
2. “Solo (Iyaz Song)”
JLS – Outta This World
3. “Outta This World”
5. “Work”
6. “I Know What She Like”
11. “Love at War”
Girlicious – Rebuilt (album)
5. “Unlearn Me”
9. “Over You (Girlicious song)
Cheryl Cole – Messy Little Raindrops
9. “Better to Lie”
For 19-year-old Ginette Claudette relying on fond memories like singing with her older sister in the hospital before she passed away or performing at the Apollo Theater, fulfilling the dream of her father, who is also gone, help to keep her balanced. “Music is my outlet,” she says. “It’s what’s keeps me sane.”
After a slight tilt of her head, a sweet gaze, and a deep breath the singer-songwriter unleashes her soulful and impacting tone, recalling any idea that she’s just another young dream. Although when she speaks she reminds you that she is in fact a young lady full of giggles and eager anticipation. “I smile from ear to ear,” says the New York native when summing up the emotions surrounding her budding music career. “Even with the ups & downs, how many of us really get to live out our dream like this?”
Singing since the age of 3, Claudette dreamt of becoming a performer after watching her mother sing professionally for many years. At 12 she picked up a guitar and began writing songs.
Now signed to Universal Republic, Claudette has seen sharing studio time with the lights of industry veterans such as Rico Love (Usher, Beyonce, Keri Hilson, Mario, Kelly Rowland), Mario Winans (diddy, Usher, Mary J Blige) & many others, aiming for a “soulful, R&B/hip-hop, feel-good” vibe on her debut album, due 2011.
“She’s an amazing talent with a powerful voice and an even more powerful personality,” says Rico Love. “A superstar to say the absolute least.”
“This is what I was born to do,” says Claudette. “I’m in the right place.”
With a natural God given talent, stunning good looks, bubbly personality and a daring sense of adventure, Justine Skye is on the fast track to success. At only 16 years of age, this Brooklyn born singer/songwriter lives a double life as a carefree teenager during the day and superstar in training by night.
Justine Skye was born to parents of Jamaican decent on August 24th, 1995. Her mother, Nova Perry, a well-reknowned entertainment attorney, raised Justine in the music industry. Perry realized Justine was serious about being an artist at a music business panel when her daughter raised her hand and asked the room if she could sing.
Justine released her mixtape “Skye High” on April 20th, which has over 50,000 views on highly acclaimed Mixtape site DatPiff.com and was recognized as Mixtape of the Week. A self-made online celebrity, Justine has a cult-like following across many social media networks.
March 8th, 2013, Justine Skye inked her deal with Atlantic Records. She is currently working on her debut album for release on AlpineMusicGroup/Atlantic Records.
Justine Skye – LOCO
Justine Skye – You Don’t Know Me
Justin “Justa Beast” Graham, native of Providence, Rhode Island, is a multi-talented producer with a golden ear. Justin was introduced tomusic as a young boy when his mom enrolled him in piano lessons. His older brother then opened his eyes to production.
With music as his passion, he attended Audio Institute of New England. Upon graduating at the age of 19, Justin worked and saved his money and opened up Trackhouse Recording Studios a year later.
The studio garnered a lot of traffic and created a buzz. Eventually Eric Nicks took Justa Beast under his wing and began managing him as a producer.
Justin has since teamed up with August Rigo and created the production duo “August & The Beast”. Together they have produced records for Victoria Justice, Leona Lewis, Jaheim, Daley and many others.
Coming soon….
Coming soon….
James “J-Doe” Smith was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He learned to play drums for his local church at age 9 and taught himself pino and bass guitar during high school. At 16 he met Ricc Rude who became his music mentor and taught him the art of production. Smith began making a name for himself around the city by producing beats for local artists.
J-Doe went on to release producer mixtapes and eventually worked on his own music as an artist. He quickly developed his pen and teamed up with several other writers known as Team BWB. Their first success was placing the single “Damaged” with Making The Band’s Danity Kane.
A triple threat, J-Doe continues to write and produce for other artists while developing himself as an artist. He recently released ”Coke, Dope Crack, Smack” featuring Busta Rhymes, David Banner & T-Pain.
Discography
Unless you’ve been living under the Red Line, chances are you’re familiar with R&B phenom and Chicago native Jeremih. The Billboard chart topping artist’s hit singles include Birthday Sex, Imma Star, and I Like. What you
may not know is another Chicago native’s behind the scene contribution plays a big part in Jeremih success. Songwriter Keith James, a Morgan Park alum and oddly enough culinary school graduate, is the co-writer of not just the aforementioned releases, but is credited for 12 new recordings on Jeremih’s sophomore album entitled “All About You”. James and Jeremih grew up childhood friends and have been working with each other ever since.
Currently, Keith James has entered into a publishing deal with Alpine Music Group/Sony ATV and has been working on recordings with August Rigo (Justin Bieber, Iyaz, One Direction), as well as, production group Da Internz (Rihanna, etc). James also recently had a placement on Maybach Music’s new album “Self Made” featuring Jeremih, Rick Ross, and Wale. James is also planning to start his own company with fellow management team members John Monopoly and Brian “Mase” Freeman (Hustle Management).
Discography
“I was born into a family that moved a lot.” We moved from NY to Michigan to Iowa to Texas and back to NY. I listened to everything the radio stations played in each state we lived in. The list went from: Duran Duran, to Marvin Gaye. “When my family made that final move back to NY it was something special. I was hearing KRS-1, Rakim, LL Cool J, Roxanne Shante, Slick Rick, Nice and Smooth for the first time, but more importantly the beats behind them.” That consumption would turn into a passion.
Jamal “J.N.I.C.E.” Pilgrim has been producing music since 2000, the same year he bought an MPC 2000 drum machine. “My best friend and I created a business and then we signed up for business credit cards. I couldn’t believe they approved us. When the credit card came in the mail, we didn’t waste anytime. We hit Guitar Center and started splurging on equipment.”
While balancing an overnight job and college in the day, J.N.I.C.E. would still find time to produce music. “Producing music became an addiction. I would stay up 2 days straight making beats. I would take 3-hour trips to Woodstock, NY from Queens to buy records that were rare. If I missed a day of making beats, I would be sick.”
Within a year of making his first beat, J.N.I.C.E. would find himself sitting in meetings with A&R’s – by way of steeling 2 way pager numbers out of a well connected music industry persons pager. “I didn’t want to go into meetings with the name Jamal Pilgrim so I created an acronym: J.N.I.C.E. (Jamal.kNow.It.Could.End).”J.N.I.C.E. would go on to meet with Tina Davis, Kevin Liles, Riggs Morales etc. “Just from those meetings, I was referred to other A&R’s.”
A break then came when J.N.I.C.E. received a text from P Diddy asking him to meet with Conrad Dimanche (President of A/R at Bad Boy entertainment.). “Rad loved my production. He loved how I laced samples and how my drums knocked.” J.N.I.C.E. would then be managed under Conrad would then take him under his wing and put him through “boot camp”, having him bang out beats on the weekends at “Daddy’s House”. Working in an environment where The Notorious BIG made hits along with walls decorated with Platinum and gold plaques and sharing the studio with hit making producers around him would mold J.N.I.C.E’s sound increasing his depth in and producing. The ladder of success didn’t stop there.
While still under Conrad’s watch, J.N.I.C.E. would then receive a phone call from his child hood friend Lamar Odom of the LA Lakers. Lamar would recruit J.N.I.C.E. as an in house producer for his new label Rich Soil/Asylum Records. While producing over 30 records for their first artist Ali Vegas, J.N.I.C.E would also work with the likes of: The Broadway musical Wicked, Joel Ortiz, Grafh, Miri Ben Ari (Grammy winning Hip Hop Violinist), Craig Mack, Phife Dog and Tash (Alkaholics).
Today, J.N.I.C.E. is currently signed to Alpine Music group, producing for their roster of writers and artists such August Rigo.
Antmaestro is a first generation multi-talented musician. He plays several instruments including the piano and the trumpet. His interest in music came to him at a very young age. Antmaestro’s resume is filled with accomplishments from participating in Jazz contests at the tender age of 12, leading his high school band, to assisting in the engineering of R&B singer’s, Joe, latest album, Signature.
Majoring in music at the Wesleyan University provided Antmaestro with theory and technicalities behind the subject. His education, street influences, and whim for the auditory arts set a limitless canvas for originality that reflects in his music production. Antmaestro’s mentor is Joshua Thompson (Joe, Tyrese, O-Town). His craft is influenced by prodigies including, Babyface, Stevie Wonder and Max Martin; and his inspiration emerges from the Motown sound.
