KALAMAZOO (Mich.)-For nearly five years, there has been a revolution in Kalamazoo. It is a musical revolution set to the beat of passion with a melody of a message. The revolution is called, Truth Tone Records. The label is built on the foundation of friends, and siblings, who sing, rap and perform original music in a unique style.
While their love for singing has led them to performing at such places as Fire, in Kalamazoo, and the World Natural Hair Beauty show in Atlanta, Ga., it is their heart that is most impressive. These young people share the power of the spoken word with their audience as well as teach it to youth in schools.
“We describe what we do as a collection of art,” said Kevin Lavender Jr., one of the label’s founders and performers. “Just like an artist expresses himself through sculpturing or painting, we express ourselves through singing and poetry.
Two of the label’s artists, DC, and Yolanda, were headliners during the Kalamazoo Talent Explosion held at Bible Baptist Church on May 1.
The headline artists have performed for thousands at the Rock the Bells Tour in Detroit, and while they have their sights set on recording contracts, their feet are grounded in inspiring youth. This weekend’s event was organized by them, along with Bible Baptist youth minster, Rev. William Payne, to help showcase the many talented youth in the community. Lavender Jr., whose father is the pastor of Bible Baptist Church, said there is plenty of talent in Kalamazoo, just not many places for youth to showcase their skills.
“(Truth Tone) are a movement,” Lavender Jr. said. “God has provided us with talent, and we are learning the business side of music. We want to create a music empire in Kalamazoo that will allow artist connections outside the city. At the same time, we want to give back to our community.”
The label also is working with nonprofits, and the schools, toward programs which combine music with writing, performance and self esteem.
Kalamazoo Talent Explosion participants included:
-Zachary Lutes (sing) Homeschool
-Cranston Mitchell (guitar) K-Central
-Taylor Johnson (sing, piano) K-Central
-Real Role Models Excited about Leading (R.E.A.L) dance K-Central
-Destiny Lewis (sing) Loy Norrix-Lars Hoffbeck (piano) Homeschool
-Jasmine Franklin (sing) Portage Central
-Anonymous (dance) K-Central
