|
|
|
|
|
Courtesy Exile Records
Mark Unthank |
|
Mark Unthank - Living and Breathing Urban Rock
By Steven Fullwood
Mark Unthank is a 33-year old self-described nerd. In fact, his nickname is
CoolNerd, a name he embraces as much as he does Exile Records USA, a boutique record label
he created in 1997 that specializes in signing and developing urban rock artists. At this
point you may be asking exactly what is an urban rock artist?
|
|
|
|
"[An urban rock artist] blend(s) rock with hip-hop,
blues, funk, electronica, jazz and spoken word," says Unthank. Think of Lenny
Kravitz, Macy Gray, Dionne Farris, Neneh Cherry, Rage Against The Machine, Kina, Eagle Eye
Cherry, Seal and Kid Rock. Ok, so now we know. Other labels have produced such artists, so
what makes Exile Records special?
"I wanted to make my own outlet for the many people I know like myself who like
artists who push the envelope, play there own instruments, blend different elements
together, write about more than romance or gutter ideas, don't make race, creed, color the
defining characteristics in their artistry," said Unthank. "I want Exile to be a
place for musicians and artists who want to express themselves, without the confines of
stereotypes."
|
|
|
|
Two good examples of urban rock
artists-Reese and Bobby Bell-currently head up Exile's roster. Reese was born in Brooklyn,
but raised in Greensboro, North Carolina and Brooklyn. As you might imagine, these
distinct environments exposed him to a variety of music including folk, gospel, R&B
and rock. As a result, that eclecticism informs Reese's powerful, gritty vocal and unique
writing style. His self-titled CD and the latest single from the forthcoming CD
"Eclectic Soul" called "Love to Spare" are high-spirited and
thoroughly enjoyable.
|
|
Short Cuts
Bobby Bell ('Bout Time)
Reese (Reese)
|
|
|
|
Bell hails from Boston, and like Reese, was exposed to a
variety of music genres. This blues man taught himself to play the guitar and cut his
musical teeth by studying the legendary Jimi Hendrix (his greatest teacher), and by
watching acts like Parliament Funkadelic, Led Zeppelin, Santana and The Allman Brothers,
among others. To date, Bell has released two CDs, 'Bout Time and Bobby Bell Live.
As the three-year old label continues to make its name in the street, Unthank winces at
the though of being called a "black rock producer."
"Well, first, the way in which you asked the question, could be construed to be a
producer who deals with "black rock," as if [it were] a genre," he says.
"It's a struggle to break through the stereotypes and be out of the box." Point
taken. Correction: urban rock producer.
He elaborates. "Recently I watched Charlie Pride receive a Lifetime Achievement Award
from the CMAs. In an interview he replied to the question regarding him being the first
Black American to receive the award by basically saying he wants the industry and world to
evolve so the next Black American to receive the award will not be asked that
question."
For more information about Exile Records, Reese or Bobby Bell, you can contact Mark
Unthank by phone at (212) 689-4641 or via e-mail info@exilerecords.com . You can also
check out their website at http://exilerecords.com.
M
December 2000
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Vote for MO'
Make Donation Below |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
