In the 70’s with entertainment icons Gamble & Huff and again in the 90’s with the emergence of “Neo Soul”, Philadelphia was characterized along with NYC and LA as major hotbeds of popular music innovation and production. Now, local Come Kleen Productions, is poised to reignite the City’s recording industry and usher in the latest crop of local young artists with its focus on “Feel Good” music.
“Our projects and events are designed to promote area talent and expose their unique sound and products to a broader market”, said Come Kleen CEO, John Barber III, a longtime entertainment promoter, who has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment including <em>Common, Jill Scott, The Roots, John Legend, Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, & Cedric “the Entertainer.”
His most recent venture, Come Kleen Productions, consists of Livepod Records which is producing a compilation CD featuring the label’s artists and Philly Livepod, a weekly event featuring performances by up and coming singers and musicians.
“We believe that aggressively taking advantage of our affiliates as well as increased radio, internet and television exposure will restore Philadelphia to its rightful place among the recording Capitals of the United States,” said Barber.
Film, television and theater actress as well as recording artist, Lee Mekhai learned first-hand how tough it is for new artists to break into this competitive industry when she left her comfortable securities broker job and salary to pursue her entertainment interests full time in 2008.
“The opportunities to grow and excel are lacking in Philly unlike Atlanta or New York where artists and executives are accessible to one another with little distance in between,” said Mekhai.
Since she began her journey into this dynamic world, Mekhai has expanded her background, with future plans to direct and produce in film and television.
“John gives artists a playground to try new things, learn from others and hone their craft which is crucial now that few new artists are getting signed to developmental deals, with labels or production companies. When it comes down to it, you have to approach the labels with a ready to go ‘product’ consisting of image, sound, performance and material.”
Area talent manager and promoter, Chris Lyons of Lyons’ Den Music Group agrees that without John Barber and his work in Philadelphia, many local artists would have little chance of getting signed by major labels.
“Not only do events like LivePod give aspiring artists the critical opportunity to perform with a live band backing them up, it also allows managers and promoters a chance to see who’s hot and who has been working hard at their chosen craft,” said Lyons.
Barber recently began taking Philly Livepod and its artists on the road with upcoming stops scheduled for Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte. Come Kleen Productions has also launched an initiative with the Recording Academy of Philadelphia to promote the Academy’s services to the local music community.
“Now it’s time to spread the message across the country that Philly is back on the industry’s map,” said Barber. “And this time, we’re here to stay.”
