20th Annual Awards Ceremony Performers
THE SHINDELLAS
Beatnik group The Shindellas are a female band formed under the belief that when women come together, powerful things can happen. The Shindellas are comprised of three brilliantly talented women, Kasi Jones (Singer), Stacy Johnson (Singer/Guitarist) and Tamara Chauniece (Singer). Each member was introduced by multi-platinum, Grammynominated, songwriting and production duo, Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly, also known as the progressive band Louis York. The Shindellas explore Jazz, Soul and true R&B to create a unique genre of music for their audience. They are proponents of self-love, empowerment, and elegance, which are tenets they work hard to spread through their music. Meet Kasi Jones- who hails from Seattle, Washington, where her childhood hobby progressed into an adult passion. After high school, the self- proclaimed storyteller and safe space, moved to LA to pursue a career in music, while attending American Musical and Dramatic Academy. During her incredible journey at AMDA, the young phenom was able to tap into and explore her other gifts such as acting, writing and directing.
While cultivating her musical and theatrical career, she joined the cast of Big Band Beat at Tokyo Disney Sea. While in Tokyo, Kasi began writing original music and attending open mics and jam sessions, building a solid fan base. Encouraged, she returned to the US where she recorded her first EP. While touring the world performing, Kasi met Chuck Harmony and the rest is history. She is now a proud member of The Shindellas living by her favorite quote, “Think thoughts of joy, speak words of peace and always find your light.” Meet Stacy Johnson - a Northern Chicago native of Jamaican descent, who at 15 began her musical quest with a family-owned production company called Joy Art Music. They provided a safe space for her to learn all aspects of the entertainment industry. She fearlessly dove into a career as a jingle singer and voice over artist. It was during this time that she was able to learn guitar (self-taught) and first used her voice and sound to express herself through writing and releasing her own music.
While on this journey, she developed an infinite love for the arts and was inspired to take her gifts to Los Angeles where she met Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly. Divinely aligned with the two, she joined their expedition to Nashville, TN where she was key in helping to establish a hub for development and creative freedom and commenced her greatest endeavor as a live performer. Under their leadership, Stacy was able to further refine her skills and is now following her dreams along-side not only her bandmates, but sisters for life.
Meet Tamara Chauniece - A Texas bred Singer/Songwriter, who got her start in church at the tender age of seven years old. Her innate and prodigious abilities launched her into a career as a young Gospel Recording Artist, which continued well into her teens. Driven to reach a broader audience, Tamara auditioned for NBC’s The Voice, Season 5 and earned a Top 20 spot. She utilized this platform to build a substantial social media following by posting short clips of herself singing covers. One of her viral videos caught the attention of Claude Kelly, who was led to reach out to her. Without hesitation, Tamara made the decision to take her talents to Nashville, TN and the best is still unwritten. She believes that joining Weirdo Workshop as a Shindella has been a supreme reward and with the incredible light and force of her two sisters, the greatness and possibilities are immeasurable! Go, God!
The vitality of their three voices blending in effortless harmony coupled with their alluringly graceful and poised disposition, will put you in a trance. Since forming, The Shindellas have graced stages across the country, including Essence Festival 2018. Their three recently released singles, “Reconsider”, “Ain’t that the Truth” and “Happy To See You”, are the perfect preface to their debut album, soon to be released under Weirdo Workshop. If you haven’t already, it’s in your best interest to familiarize yourself with The Shindellas, as they are bound to steal hearts and a few top spots on the charts!
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KENDRICK P.
Memphis has a unique and electric vibe; you can feel it in the art, the storytelling, and the music. It’s the place that birthed singer, songwriter, and musician Kendrick P., a genius-level performer who represents that same energy. The 25-year-old inherited the musical DNA handed down from his grandfather and mother’s generations, prolific sounds that would establish the foundation for his career. From Al Green, Sam Cooke, Usher, Dru Hill, Donnell Jones, and Boyz II Men, to Yo Gotti, 8Ball & MJG, Three 6 Mafia, Nas and T.I., Kendrick’s style is a mix of old-school r&b and hip-hop. Raised in a household of singers, the gifted vocalist began practicing his craft and hitting notes at six. Even then, he had a mature and heavy tone. The young virtuoso dabbled in production throughout his sophomore year, but his passion for songwriting, a raw talent his older brother encouraged, never wavered. In 2014, Kendrick curated an entire project before turning 18 and, upon graduating, released the body of work that generated a solid street buzz. During this time, he was coping with the loss of his best friend to a firearm accident. Being in the studio became a safe space and therapeutic outlet that helped him renew his life purpose.
Kendrick has been on a transformative journey over the past few years, demonstrating growth and consistency, both professionally and personally. On his new material, he sings, and he spits, delivering quality flows that combine emotion drenched vocals.
Get What You Give is a very personal record for me. It’s about working on myself to not give energy in places or people that leave me empty. Being a giving person can set you up to be taking advantage of. Feeling misused, I figured I’d only give what I get from people. Let them set the bar on where we stand & simply react.
BRYANT TAYLORR
Bryant Taylorr is an artist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Nashville, TN and is at the forefront of the bubbling Hip-Hop/R&B music scene growing rapidly there. With his crooning vocals, Taylorr's captivating and effortless sound sets him far apart from others. His live performance is just as magical, allowing Bryant to open for major artists like Lucky Daye and BJ the Chicago Kid, in addition to partnering with Red Bull and super producer Tay Keith for a sold-out industry showcase in his hometown. Bryant has been featured on NPR, Okay Player, The Tennessean and The Nashville Scene (amongst others), and receives continuous support from Nashville's #1 Hip-Hop station, 101.1 The Beat.
Of late, Bryant joined Dr. Luke's publishing company Prescription Songs, helping pen "Amnesia" from Kai's platinum selling mini album titled Kai, and in the room with artists like Tone Stith (RCA), Trinidad James, and Baby Tate (Warner). Taylorr continues to build his film/tv track record with numerous placements, including: Rap Sh!t (HBO Max), Harlem (Amazon), Uncorked (Netflix), Good Trouble (Freeform), Frito-Lay (Super Bowl LV), Fox Sports (MLB World Series), ACC Network, CBS series The Equalizer (Queen Latifah) and film The Violent Heart (Mary J. Blige). Shortly after signing with Rx Songs, Bryant self-released his EP titled RARE (Rules Aren't Really Explained), where he displays his knack for crafting melodies that are both catchy and unexpected, as well as his emotive songwriting and serious vocal chops.
AUGUST RAYNE
August Rayne is a singer/songwriter from Little Rock, Arkansas. Growing up singing in the church choir, August Rayne brings back traditional R&B by showcasing vocal abilities made famous by the R&B legends.
August Rayne possesses a talent described in TuneLoud Magazine, "Her knack for specifics and tailored delivery puts you right there beside her, as the story unfolds. There’s something special about music that makes you feel things, and August Rayne excels in this department."
With influences, ranging from Brandy to H.E.R August’s newest single “I.L.Y” (I Like You) brings 90s R&B energy to a modern track, that serves as the perfect soundtrack for a night in with your favorite person. I.L.Y is now streaming on all platforms.
Follow August Rayne on Instagram
KATO STACKZ
Fascinated by the different melodies of R&B and sharp dance styles, upcoming artist Kato Stackz is on the mission to show the world that Memphis, Tennessee has more to offer than just rap. Kato Stackz is a recording artist born and raised in Memphis. At the age of 19-years-old, Kato Stackz realized his passion for writing and recording music. Being raised around a musical family, Kato has always had a natural talent for music. Music was an outlet, which he would use to express himself and tell meaningful stories through his lyrics and unique sound.
Social Media/Music Platforms Kato Stacks
JOHN LEE aka TAKE FLIGHT
Hailing from Ocean Springs, MS. John Lee is a college graduate of Tougaloo College, a Historically Black College. John Lee started rapping when I was in High School and performed locally and several talent shows. After receiving his niche and very positive feedback from his initial journey, John Lee later found himself in local recording studios many nights after completing his college classes each day. John Lee finds his inspiration for his music from the ability it gives him to express his creativity and passion. John Lee hopes that one day he can be a positive inspiration and role model in someone's life.
You can find John’s music on virtually every platform from YouTube to Apple Music, he’s 100% independent and just wants to leave his mark on the world. Performing under the name Take Flight, John says that the name was given to him because he stands out, so it’s time to “take flight.”
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