Eclectic, cutting-edge,
soulful and bold are just a few adjectives that describe Moonshyne-a multitalented
singer, songwriter, producer and engineer. Moonshyne’s musical journey
began more than 10 years ago, while growing up in Florida.
In High School,
Moonshyne studied under the instruction of Jazz musician Pete Mingus.He continued
his formal training at Florida A&M University and studied Music Education
under Dr. William P. Foster, Moonshyne’s strong work ethic, appreciation
for music and discipline was fostered as a member of the world famous “Marching
100.” These experiences are just a few of many that helped build the
foundation for Moonshyne’s musical footprint -“ghetto rock.”
A gifted musician,
Moonshyne plays the bass and lead guitars, piano, clarinet, drums, tenor and
alto saxophones. He was heavily influenced by the smooth vibes of Sly and
the Family Stone, the sweet guitar of Jimi Hendrix and the psychedelic grooves
of George Clinton. Moonshyne’s lyrics and music combine the essence of
neo-funk and soul.
A versatile talent,
Moonshyne has a broad range of creative abilities and technical expertise.
Over the years, he has amassed an impressive resume of production and engineering
credits. His production skills have been showcased on projects with Sleepy
Brown of Organized Noize, Curtis Mayfield, Too Short featuring Father MC,
Chae, Slick, Mercy, Lyph, Society, Catero and Shank, Mad Man and Bunny Wailer.
In addition, Moonshyne has engineered projects for such incredible talents
as TLC and Bobby Womack. His movie soundtrack credits include “Dirty
South” and the “Jerry Springer Movie.”
Currently, Moonshyne’s
“ghetto rock” can be experienced in Rainforest Film’s cult
smash motion picture “Pandora’s Box.” The film features three
musical selections, “Na Na,” “Sally,” and “Sticky,”
from his soon to be released independent debut project “High As The Moon..”
A double CD,
“High As The Moon” will be released on Ghetto Rock International
and independent Record Label where Moonshyne serves as President and CEO.
He demonstrates his incredible versatility on “High As The Moon,”
by performing, producing, arranging and composing all 18 songs. “My music
is rebel music with no boundaries. It’s grassroots and a blueprint for
change in Black music,” Moonshyne adds. The album was recorded in its
entirety in his bedroom.
Moonshyne is
preparing for a grassroots promotional campaign for “High As The Moon,”
and recently visited Bethune-Cookman College where he served as a guest panelist
for its Eighth Annual Mass Communications Conference. Moonshyne gave insight
on the qualities that it takes to be sustainable and persevere in the music
industry, while remaining true to yourself and your art.
Moonshyne’s
multiple musical contributions to “Pandora’s Box” provided
perfect synergy for the film’s sultry plot and will be featured on the
Movie Soundtrack to be released in December, 2002 by The Bigga Picture, Inc.
and Rainforest Films. The soundtrack’s Executive Producers are James
“J.B.” Brown, Rob Hardy, Soul Dog, Ali Muhammad and Will Packer.
Expect to hear
much more from Moonshyne, as he prepares for several upcoming projects that
will help further introduce his brand of “ghetto rock” to the world.
He has been selected to provide music for an upcoming promotional mix CD for
a major retail clothing store and there are even greater things in his bright
future. So, remember his name and where you were the first time you heard
it.
“My name
has a special significance because just like the alcohol, my music is strong
and intoxicating. And, just like the light of the moon, my lyrics are pure
with no pretense,” he adds
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