SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER BIOS
RICK BARNES
Rick Barnes has worked with Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Lucky Boys Confusion, Cameron McGill, Alice Peacock, Nicholas Tremulis, and many other top Chicago acts. He engineered and co-produced the Grammy-nominated album "Heres The Deal" by Liquid Soul. He also engineered a huge chunk of the classic early Chicago house music tracks that spawned a whole new genre of electronica. Rick's involvement in electronic music played a large role in shaping Monica's signature sound.
BRETT RATNER
Brett Ratner has written and produced music featured on network
television shows such as "Criminal Minds," "My Name is Earl," "Saving Grace," and "The Wedding Bells." Brett also keeps his guitar chops sharp by playing weekly gigs with AcoustiKaraoke. Founded by Brett and Chicago area favorite Liz Berg, the "Live Band Karaoke" acoustic duo boasts a 200+ song set list and an uncanny ability to keep bars full of happy people late into the night.
Brett has also been a contributing writer to publications such as Guitar Player, Musician, Electronic Musician, Music and Computers, Harmonycentral.com, Music Row Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Nashville Tennessean, and The Nashville Scene. He also worked as a freelance publicity writer for several Nashville-based record labels.
MONICA DRISCOLL
Monica Driscoll is artist Monica da Silva
JAY LAZAROFF AND ERIK ISAACS
Jay Lazaroff and Erik Isaacs are L.A. based songwriter/producers who are bubbling under as the next hot writing/production team. As songwriters, this dynamic team is never limited when it comes to style and diversity. “For us, it’s all about the song. We’re really songwriters first. That’s our main thing. We're often asked what style of music do you write? I say pretty much all. You can take a Country song and produce it R&B or Pop. If it has a great melody and lyric, a great song can go anywhere”, says Erik. Jay adds “Over the last year or so we’ve been focusing on bettering our production sound and skills by investing in our own pro quality digital studio with high-end mic’s, pre’s, compressors and working with veteran songwriter/producers.”.
Realizing their strengths at songwriting, over the last year especially, their main focus has been to work with established “name” songwriter/producers in an effort to improve their record quality/radio ready production sound giving their songs the best chance to be heard and placed. To that end, they have been successful on many levels working with several #1 hit/Grammy winning and nominated, and veteran “name” songwriters, producers, and artists including Allan Rich, Humberto Gatica, KC Porter, Dave Merenda, Ralf Stemmann, Jorge Callendrelli, We3Kings, etc. This year they have already setup several new collaborations forging ahead with their goal to work with the finest in the industry while building their story and reputation.
Over the years, Erik and Jay have been working with various established and developing artists, TV shows and films (soundtracks, cues, and appearances), and major studio released film soundtracks. To date, their credits include Reprise/Warner, Sony/MJJ, MCA, Hollywood Records, Disney Records, Paramount Pictures, The Disney Channel, ABC, NBC, CBS, TBS, etc. Along the way, Erik and Jay have garnered several awards and achievements including having songs featured on a #1 and #2 Billboard's "Top Soundtracks", a #2 "Top 200" albums, #2 "Top Kids" album, other Billboard charting entries, RIAA Certified multi platinum, Omni Youth Award Best New Indie Album, and others.
Having worked with many "name" artists, songwriters, and producers, and represented by veteran entertainment attorney Kim Guggenheim and Music Manager Jamie Talbot (Immortal Management), Erik and Jay have a proven track record, a solid reputation, and are truly music business professionals. With their own professional digital studio and versatility in many genres of music including Rock, Pop, Dance, R&B, Hip Hop, Latin, Adult Contemporary, Folk, and Country, Erik and Jay are quick to deliver the right song for any given project. Whether they are working with an established artist, developing an artist for tomorrow, or writing for specific TV and Film projects, Erik and Jay have the experience, skills, and most importantly the songwriting talents to take any project to the next level.
Erik and Jay are members of BMI, NARAS, AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers), CCC (California Copyright Conference), and Oneness (a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial unity through music, the arts, and education).
WE3KINGS
bio coming soon!
JAY CONDIOTTI
It would be hard to turn on your TV at any time of the day and not hear music produced by Jay Condiotti; aka 'NoizyNinja'. Here's a partial list of shows licensing his music:
Ed (NBC), All My Children, Felicity (WB), MTV Road Rules & The Real World, Jumping Ship (Disney Channel), Bratz, Meet My Folks (Fox), Property Ladder – TLC. Road Rules (MTV), Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Real World (MTV), American Idol Rewind, Laguna Beach, My First Home – TLC, The Bachelor, Cities Of The Underworld - History Channel, The Bachelorette, America's Got Talent – NBC, Rank, Dr. 90210 - E!, Revealed, E! Xtra Edition, True Hollywood Stories, The Sharon Osborne Show, The NBA, Celebrity Justice, Popstars, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Kitchen Confidential, Style Network, The Tyra Banks Show, E! Entertainment Television, and Smallville.
It doesn't stop there though. He's had a platinum record with 3LW's (Sony/Epic ) debut album along with two gold records with Raven Symone (Hollywood Records) and one with Coco Lee (Sony/Epic). He's also had songs in The Ice Princess, Scary Movie, The Other Brother and National Lampoon's Repli-kate.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Jay began playing guitar at 9 and eventually doing his first pro gig at 15 for a local cover band. When it came time for college Jay decided to stop playing and study. Every once in while he would pull out his guitar and play for his roommates who would wonder why he wasn't playing in a rock band. Eventually all that studying landed Jay in medical school (Downstate Medical College in Brooklyn) where he did 2 full years and passed part one of his medical boards. During that stint at med school Jay found time to go to jams in nearby Manhattan clubs and the music bug once again bit him. Taking a leave of absence he hasn't looked back since.
His first gig out of med school was with the brat packer Anthony Michael Hall with whom he co-wrote several songs along with appearing on MTV and in Rolling Stone magazine. Jay found himself deep in NY's rock/funk/jazz/fusion/reggae scene playing with some of the greatest musicians around: Dennis Chambers (world renowned jazz and funk drummer), Will Calhoun (drummer for the band Living Colour), Kenny Aronoff (drummer for Melissa Etheridge and Avril Lavigne), Richard Bona (virtuoso bassist) to name a few. He also played with Caribbean legend Bankie Banx of Anguilla. Touring around the Caribbean he played huge reggae festivals opening for Third World and Inner Circle. Some other artists Jay has toured the world with are Gloria Gaynor and Liza Minelli.
He's also appeared as a guitarist for the Jungle Book 2 soundtrack, Geppetto with Drew Carey, Elmo Goes To Grouchland, Superstar (Molly Shannon and Will Farrel) and Winnie The Pooh: The Tigger Story. This gave Jay a chance to work side by side with many of L.A.'s finest musicians and producers including mega producer Arif Mardin (over 40 gold and platinum albums, over 15 Grammy nominations and 12 Grammy Awards).
Jay has also done producing, arranging and session work for Matthew Gerrard (Kelly Clarkson, Hilary Duff, High School Musical), Robbie Nevil (Jesse McCartney, Ashlee Simpson), Stephen Schwartz (Pocahontas, Prince Of Egypt, Geppetto, Wicked) and Allan Menken (Beauty And The Beast, The Little Mermaid).
In 2005 Jay and his wife Nadia Fay won the grand prize in the Chick Singer Night competition for their song 'Before It Gets Good' where they got to work along side legendary producer Al Schmitt (fifteen-time Grammy Award winning recording engineer and record producer) at The Village Recorder L.A.
Most recently Jay has been working with Trilogy Production's Andrew Lane (2 Pac, The Backstreet Boys, High School Musical, Hannah Montana Soundtrack) and Eddie Galan (High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Nick Lachey) on many projects including Devon Werkheiser's debut album on Universal and a song for his new Nickelodeon film, "Shredderman Rules.
EDDIE GALAN
Known in industry circles as "Eddie G.", Eddie Galan has worked with some of the
industry's hottest superstars such as the Backstreet Boys, B5, O-Town, Myra,
Jesse McCartney, Nina Sky, and the Young Bloods. As a producer/songwriter,
Eddie G. has received gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for his work on
various major label projects. He has achieved 4 Billboard #1's in one year
(2006), with his work on High School Musical (#1 Highest Selling Album of 2006)
and Hannah Montana (#8 Highest Selling Album of 2006), to go along with his
Billboard Award Nomination (Album of The Year), Billboard Award Winning
(Soundtrackof The Year), and American Music Award Nomination (Album Of The Year).
Eddie was born in Monterey Park, CA and grew up in South Pasadena, learning his
appreciation for music from his father's constant affection for the Motown
sound. Through his early years, Eddie would join school and church choirs, which further
led to his desire to pursue a music career.
Eddie graduated from Occidental College in 2001 and began his first songwriting
and production company. Eddie has worked with such industry acts as Nina Sky,
O Town, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and has since taken the industry by storm.
Most recently he has been in the studio with Interscope's Clique Girlz, Wright
Entertainment Group's Katelyn Tarver, Britney Christian, Second Nature, The Jackie
Boyz and has co-produced with Jae Staxx, Chad Beatz, Andrew Fromm, Jay Condiotti
and The Hardknoxx.
ANDREW LANE
Known in industry circles as "Drew", Andrew Lane has worked with some of the industry's hottest superstars such as Dave Hollister,T-boz, Backstreet, Killa Mike, Chyna White, Backstreet Boys, Trillville, YoungBloods, & Dogmatic of the 8 Mile Shady Famly, & Irene Cara. As producer/songwriter, he has received gold and platinum sales for his work with R&B mega-artists Speech, Keith Sweat, and Alosu, as well as for songs on Platinum selling records High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Disneymania 4, and Manny Fresh.
Andrew has a long, celebrated history of achievement in music. At the young age of 8 he began playing the flute later drums and bass, practicing diligently and developing a sincere affection for music. Andrew was born in San Diego CA. Andrew grew In Compton and Long beach CA under the guidance of R&B And Hip Hop And Jazz Greats .
In 1995 Andrew headed for the “Motown of the South” also known as Atlanta, GA. It is here that he formed his company Drew Right Music, Inc.. In the fall of 1998 the industry would finally begin to take notice of Andrew's many emerging talents when he received the Producing/Songwriting credit for three songs on Keith Sweat's "Didn’t See Me Coming" album "featuring T-Boz of TLC And Dave Hollister.
In December of 1998, Andrew introduced his talents to Nashville writers to produce and convert country songs to R&B Pop. That resulted in millions of records sold by the princes of pop The Backstreet Boys . Over the course of the next three years, Andrew would continue to emerge as one of the industry's rising talents in producing/songwriting projects for Universal, Elektra and EMI labels.
Anyone who has worked with Andrew knows that he is a tireless workaholic that demands perfection in his music. He has set his sights on becoming a great songwriter and dreams of one day winning a Grammy Award as "Producer of the Year", as well as running a successful record label.
In 2000 Andrew Lane ‘s song
"Solo" performed by Russian pop princes Alosu (released on Universal Music Russia) became Russia’s highest ever selling single.From Alsou's website: "She’s now the first Russian artist signed by an international record company and her debut single "Solo" in English went platinum , the biggest figure for single sales in Russia". Alsou came 2nd with "Solo" in The Eurovision Song Contest 2000 which was held in Stockholm, Sweden and viewed by 200 million viewers. The compilation CD Eurovision Song Contest Stockholm 2000 featuring "Solo" and the other 23 song entries in the contest was released on BMG in 2000. Alsou's debut English album (featuring "Solo") called "Alsou" was released in 2001 in Russia where it topped the charts for several weeks.
In 2003 Drew Right Music Joined Forces with Teen Faces Media which gets over
2 million hits a month. Also in 2003
Andrew Lane’s produced and co-written the song "Don’t Even Try It" which was used as
a principle part of the Disney original movie "Pixel Perfect" and became part of the
soundtrack that charted for several weeks on billboard.
In 2006 Andrew, along with other named writers and producers worked on High School Musical, the highest seller in 2006, selling over 4.7 million copies. Andrew as the producer/mixer/programmer for B5”s version of "Get Your Head in tha Game". Andrew also had the good fortune to work on Hanna Montana’s soundtrack which has sold over 3.7 million copies.
Continuing his success,
Andrew has a number of singles coming out in 2008 with acts world wide.
SHAWN LOPES
Shawn Lopes is a professional lyricist who is slowly
becoming recognized for his years of hard work. Shawn
co-owns Song Factory Productions with his partner
Producer Jim Oddo. Shawn has 5 songs in the Warner
Brothers movie "The Utopian Society" starring Malin
Akerman (Heartbreak Kid, 27 Dresses) He recently
worked with George Tobin and Mike Piccirillo on a
major project. George and Mike have had great success
in the music industry writing, producing and managing
acts such as Tiffany, Smokey Robinson, New Edition,
Kenny Rogers and many more.
Over the years Shawn has co-written songs with many
successful songwriters. Some of those include:
Lou Pardini ("Just To See Her" by Smokey Robinson),
Arne Hovda (Robbie Williams, Tim Mcgraw),
Myra ("Miracles Happen"),
Stargate (producers of Mariah Carey, Ne-yo, N Sync,
Jojo and many more),
Nat Robinson (Eamon, Milk Dee, Mc Lyte),
David Lashley (James Taylor),
Andrew Fromm (Backstreet Boys),
Eddie Galan and Andrew Lane (B5, High School Musical),
and Jay Condiotti (Raven Simone, 3LW and tons of tv spots).
Shawn currently has a song on hold with Norweigian
Sensation Kine Ludvigsen, and a song on hold for theTV shows "Instant Star" and "Gimme Sugar".
SEAN ALEXANDER
Sean began his music career playing guitar in many rock, punk, and
hardcore
bands. As a teenager, Sean spent his time writing, recording,
rehearsing, and playing live shows. It wasn't until 2000 that Sean
became interested in pop
music. He began to play in a pop/rock band,
meanwhile learning how to engineer.
After a couple of tours and CD's were released, the group disbanded. Sean
decided to further pursue his
career in music by attending the Musicians Institute
in Hollywood. It
was there that Sean advanced his skills by expanding his training
through taking classes on guitar, keyboard, theory, ear-training,
recording and songwriting classes. It was at M.I. that Sean found his
passion for songwriting
and producing. After M.I, he decided to put
everything he had into his music.
"I just couldn't see myself leaving
M.I and going back to doing music on the side
of a normal day job like
before," Sean says. So he started charging for demos to make a living
while he strengthened his skills of songwriting, producing, and
engineering. "I started off charging $100 for full production which
ended up
being about 40 hours of work. I know that seems crazy but I
was just blessed
to be doing what I love full time," Sean said. His
complete focus on music fully enabled Sean to excel in his craft.
Cases of top ramen later, Sean received his first big break assisting as an
engineer and vocal producer on the multi-platinum, two time #1
Billboard album, "Hannah Montana". At that time, Sean began to make a
name for himself in
the music industry for his songwriting, producing, and great ears as an engineer.
Sean recently had a song he co-wrote,"Femmelicious," placed with Belgium girl group Cru5h 5. "Femmelicious"
is also the theme song for "Belgium's Next Top
Model." The song has been placed on two different compilation CD's as
well. Sean has also received some television placements of his music.
Currently, Sean is working with EMI recording artist Varsity on their debut album. Meanwhile, Sean also has some songs on hold for other
major label artists. The future definitely looks bright for Sean Alexander.
J MICHAEL HUEY
Michael Huey is a music publisher based in Los Angeles.
JOHNNY ELKINS
Johnny has had over 70 songs recorded for CD, film, dvd, itunes, and television, by various artists including, Vanessa Williams, Aurora and Jennifer Love Hewitt. In the summer of 2007, Johnny had a top 5 single by one of the Europe's Pop-Idol winners. Johnny's songs have been on such shows as, American Idol, The Unit, Everwood, Grosse Pointe, Amazing Race, and King of the Hill. He has co-written with Andrew Lane (producer on Disney's High School Musical and Hannah Montana CD), Jon Shanks (producer/writer Kelley Clarkson, Ashlee Simpson, Backstreet Boys) Cutfather & Joe (producers for Christina Aguilera), Hector Delgado (Eminem co-writer/producer) and Alexz Johnson (star of Instant Star on The N).
CJ VANSTON
CJ Vanston is a producer/arranger/songwriter and keyboardist /composer who has worked with the top artists in the industry, including Prince, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, N’Sync, Barbra Streisand, Jann Arden, Chris Botti, Kenny Loggins, Chaka Khan, Hole, etc. etc... on hundreds of albums. As a songwriter CJ has written songs for film and records with some of the most talented songwriters of our time as his co-writers. He owns and operates The Treehouse Recording, N. Hollywood.
CJ has composed the music for Christopher Guests films "Waiting for Guffman," "Almost Heroes," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," and "For Your Consideration," and has been keyboardist/musical director and producer for Spinal Tap for the last 14 years. Through this time with Tap, CJ has emerged relatively unscathed except for a mysterious rash that started in Philadelphia in 1992.
Currently CJ is currently working on music for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and a ventriloquist yodeling record with golfing legend Abe Flavin. You can visit his website at cjvanston.com.
JODY WHITESIDES
Jody Whitesides was born in New York City but moved to Park City, Utah when Jody was nine years old. It would be in Park City where young Jody would begin his journey into the wonderful world of exploring curiosities and possibilities. Jody began playing little league baseball, soon to be followed by a deep love for racing Radio Control cars. By the time Jody was 17 he won the number one driver of the year in the Stock Car Class. Jody also found he had a special talent and skill for freestyle skiing; Jody was at one point ranked in the top twenty nationally. By the time Jody was twenty he had learned how to play lead guitar, so he enrolled for a semester in the prestigious Berklee College of music in Boston, Massachusetts. When a friend called Jody and told him his chances of making it would be better in Hollywood, Jody then enrolled in the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, California.
Jody’s goal was to become an accomplished songwriter as well as an exciting stage performer and lead vocalist. His hard work and determinationbegan paying off with a performance at a nightclub gig where a talent scout, Marvin Spruill, spotted him. After blowing Marvin away with his stage magic and countless strong future hit songs, Marvin arranged a phone conversation between Jody and legendary hit record producer, promoter and star maker Maurice (The General) Starr. Starr is known around the world for discovering producing and promoting pop teen icons New Kids On The Block, R& B hit teen sensation New Edition and Spanish heart throbs Menudo featuring Ricky Martin. Starr’s music has sold over 500 million records worldwide and earned him more than 750 gold and platinum awards. When Jody asked Maurice to join his On Records team, he directed Maurice to his website where Starr would find himself blown away by Jody’s soulful rich vocal style. Starr immediately became an entertainment consultant to Jody’s Practical Insanity CD project.
Now that Jody feels like he is finally on his way to the top of the entertainment business, his humanitarian side would like to one day create a music festival much like the Sundance Film Festival. Jody looks forward to performing for all of his current and future fans, and he wants everyone to take note that Jody Whitesides is America’s, and the world’s, next big thing.
PETER ROBERTS
Peter Roberts is an award winning producer and songwriter who also has recorded several highly acclaimed albums of his own material.
While living in Europe he was a well known session guitar player as well as a touring musician.
Later on he established himself as a producer/songwriter for numerous major and independent record labels.
So far over 200 of his songs were recorded and released by various artists.
After relocating to Los Angeles, Peter wrote and produced songs for La Toya Jackson, George Benson, ATC, Bryan Duncan, Lou Bega, Jimi Jamison´s Survivor, Vesta Williams, The New York Voices, Irene Cara, Lisa Frazier, Vann Johnson, the Roberts Bros. and many others.
Many of his songs and recordings are also being used on TV shows and feature films.
Peter's song "Fearless", sung by rising star Daechelle, was a featured song in the 2007 Lionsgate feature film "Bratz - the movie".
The same song recently also won the Pop Category of the 2007 Billboard World Songwriting Competition as well as the People's Voice of the International Songwriting Competition 2006.
Peter's songs were on the charts in different genres like Pop, Rock, Dance, Smooth Jazz and Christian.
He is currently working on Daechelle's first album, on new artist Aleesha's first album and he just released a new album of his own Smooth Jazz project "The Roberts Bros." entitled "Twins".
For more information please visit Peter Roberts' official website: www.BlueDanubeMusicProduction.com
JJ FARRIS
bio coming soon!
JASON COLLUM
bio coming soon!
SEAN HOLT
bio coming soon!
NATHAN WALTERS
bio coming soon!
BRIAN VAN METER
bio coming soon!
PERRIN LAMB
bio coming soon!
