Chesternique

BAHAMIAN gospel singers who signed distribution deals with management group KLR Management are on their way to being heard on the international scene.

#Peter Runks, Chesternique, C R E A M, Jaynelle, Sunae Russel, Preston Wallace, Denero Williams, Lynn Terez Davis, Johnathan Farrignton, Stefan the Scientist, Avalanchee and Demetrius Stubbs are all involved in the movement.

#Keith Rolle, president of the KLR Management Group, said as a result of reaching out and signing a distribution agreement with an international company called Integra Interactive, the work of these local artists will now be available for purchase on the myMEDIA BurnBar. This application is available for worldwide audiences to burn on-demand music CDs, software titles, video game titles, and audio books.

#According to Integra Interactive’s website, for more than a decade they have consistently developed innovative applications that facilitate the discovery, demonstration/sampling, and purchasing of Christian products.

#Being involved in retail, Mr Rolle said he learned a lot about distribution. “Automatically when I started working with local artists through KLR Management, I understood the value of getting their music into retail stores,” he said.

#Mr Rolle said in the Bahamas, there are a lot of retail stores that have been closed down, such as the Juke Box. This made it difficult for musicians to find places to sell their music.

#“Seeing this, I looked at other avenues out of the country to assist. I thought about how I could get this broad spectrum of music into retail stores. As a result of that, there are now Bahamian artists that have their music side by side with international artists,” said Mr Rolle.

#He said: “I am 37 years old, but I have had the chance to work in a lot of the local music here, in different capacities. April will make 10 years since I’ve been on radio at Island FM. I also worked with the Caribbean Gospel Marlin Awards for 13 years,” said Mr Rolle.

#He said he is really proud to see the improvement in Bahamian artists. He said some of them have already had the chance to perform side by side with international artists and represent the Bahamas.

#Just recently, Mr Rolle said KLR Management Group artists received nine nominations for the 2013 South Florida Gospel Music Awards. He said he is very proud of the musicians Lynn Terez Davis (Best Female Gospel Artist 2013), Preston Wallace (Best Male Gospel Artist 2013), Demetrius Stubbs (Best Male Gospel Artist 2013) and Denero Williams (Best Male Gospel Artist 2013). - The Tribune 242

“That awkward moment when gospel star Damita Haddon, one of the people you’ve listened to and admired musically the opening act at your live album release concert.”

Sure, it sounds like the stuff made up in social media status heaven, but for Chesternique Bullard, the first female signed to Elevation Records, this weekend it will be a reality. “It’s surreal!”Chesternique says of the months of rehearsing, getting sponsorship and work leading up to the Expressions of the Heart concert taking place at Living Waters Kingdom Ministries. “Cliché,but it all feels like a good dream, one in which I do not want to wake up from but I want to see the ‘they all lived happily ever after’ at the end.”

Happily ever after is now within reach for Chesternique, who is thrilled to be putting on a concert of this magnitude. Joining Chesternique in concert will be local Bahamian artists Lyrically Blessed, V-Mac, Jonathan Farrington and dancer Lenelle Michelle. Then of course, there is Detroit-born gospel diva Damita Haddon whose songs such as No Looking Back and It All Belongs To You are in heavy rotation locally and internationally.

“I’m still not over the fact that she’s coming to be a part of my concert!” squealed Chesternique. “I'm delighted that her first trip to The Bahamas will be as a guest performer in my concert. I owe it all to the Almighty who has favored me countless number of times.” The concert, she added is the fruition of hard work and support of her professional family at Elevation Records, and immediate family, especially her husband and brother who are both musicians.

Although she is looking to see how far the album will take her, Chesternique is still focusing on her Christian foundation and hoping that people will look past her vocals, described by Bahamian pop star/producer Sammi Starr as “unbelievably smooth and beautiful” and realize the ministry behind the music.

“The album is really intimate and the atmosphere of the concert will be too,” she admits. “I want my audience to see and understand that God desires more from us. As children of God we have to constantly seek ways to enhance our relationship with him and not be afraid to admit our wrongs, and not be afraid to come back home after straying away from home, and saying sorry. It's not just claiming to be His own, but living up to it.” - Bahamas Local

Nassau, The Bahamas - It may have taken over 25 years but this Christmas, a childhood dream is coming true for up and coming Bahamian singer, Chesternique. The newlywed and Get My Praise On singer has become the first artist to sign a recording deal with Elevation Records.

Chesternique is already enjoying the perks of her new contract which includes a team of song writers, producers, an Atlanta-based publicist, free studio access in Nassau and two US cities, a photoshoot and music mentoring. Best of all, her full length album will be released internationally in fall 2012, complete with a music video – all at no cost to Chesternique.

“For the past five years God has connected me with persons in the industry like V-Mac, Mr. Lynx and my husband and personal musician, Ketlinado to help prepare me for this new season of my life as a solo artist,” said Chesternique during an exclusive media meet and greet last week. “Signing with Elevation Records has opened the door for the possibility to pursue a lifelong dream of eventually being fulltime in music ministry. And now as an official artist I will be able to spread my wings and take the gospel music of the Bahamas to another level.”

“There was a point in my life when I thought of my singing ability as just a talent,” Chesternique revealed at an exclusive media meet and greet last week. “I never really considered a career in music, although it had been suggested many times by family, friends and those who heard me sing. My family has been blessed with either great vocal or instrument playing skills, however, none of them took their talent to the extreme of making a career out of it for themselves.”

She added that she was most comfortable singing in church or home but a turning point came and she decided to accept invitations to sing at more public venues.

“[That was when] I got recognition from persons already in the music industry and was challenged to take my talent and turn it into a ministry and career,” said Chesternique. “I then realized that this gift given to me by God was too grand to be limited. And this is what brought me to the point of pursuing a professional career in music.”

“Improvisation is one of my strengths therefore jazz has become one of my best friends,” admits Chesternique. “My sound has drawn comparison to artists like Lisa McClendon and Lauren Hill. However, my musical influence is Yolanda Adams. I love the passion she brings into the industry. When listening to her music I literally feel cold chills go down my spine. She has a powerful anointing.”

Vincent V-Mac MacDonald, CEO of Elevation Records added that he is pleased with the decision to officially sign his longtime friend and former collaborator as the first artist to his label. He explained his reason for signing Chesternique.

“With me also being a gospel promoter, I always found it hard to find good local female talent in The Bahamas, so I felt that it was time for a change and a time to take the Bahamian gospel music industry to a next level,” he said. “Chesternique’s potential is beyond Elevation Records and myself. I truly believe that when her album drops God will open many doors and she will be a trailblazer for many Bahamian female artists to follow. We will be responsible for distributing her project to both the local and international markets.” - The Bahamas Weekly

What motivates you? The very first breath I take each morning is my main motivation. I look at it as a special gift from God, one that confirms, He isn't done with me just yet. It's like an energy booster, giving me strength and pushing me to work harder than the day before. My family is also a major motivation! I've been graced with such a wonderful husband. He's not only my biggest supporter, but also my biggest critic. He's my third and fourth eye and ears. I love that man! Our soon to be, 9 month old, plays such a huge role too! Looking into his big, beautiful eyes reminds me of the promise I made, to make him proud to call me "mommy".

What is one of your goals? I would absolutely love to not only be a nominee of, but the winner of a DOVE Award. I've got a ways to go, but my eyes are on the prize!

What is something you're passionate about or love to do? I LOVE singing! I think I have my dad to blame. Lol! Growing up, I hated washing dishes with a passion! He often told my brother and I, "If you do something you like to do while doing something you don't like to do, it'll make it much easier". So, I started singing while washing dishes and he was right! I didn't feel the time when I sang while washing the dishes.

Besides singing, I've always had an interest and passion in assisting the less fortunate, which propelled me to study what I did in college-Social Work. How effective would we be if we pass through this life without lending a helping hand to those in need? No, everyone won't be able to give monetarily or of their goods, but time and a little love is all some people need.

I also love experimenting with hair, make-up, and jewelry. - Spot27

We are excited to announce that contemporary gospel artist Chesternique will be a special guest at Indiana Wesleyan's Fusion Youth Conference on April 7-8 along with Grammy nominated Reliant K, multi platinum selling band Zealand and national speaker Nicole Reyes. Tickets are only $10 and anyone is welcome to attend. Purchase tickets online at https://tickets.vendine.com or by calling the IWU you box office at 765-677-2610. Doors open at 7 PM. Concert begins at 8 PM. - The SEGway News