mixtape sessions // about us

ABOUT ADAM CRUZ

2011-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

SHORT BIO:
Adam Cruz has been a DJ since he was 10 years old and a music producer for over a decade. His love of music led him to work directly with historic dance music label MAW Records for producing duo "Little Louie" Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez (known as Masters at Work) and later, with the legendary disco label West End Records, founded by disco pioneer Mel Cheren (called "The Godfather of Disco.") In 2004, Adam became the A&R and Production Director for that illustrious label and in 2009, he was appointed Vice President. Adam has signed over 50 musical copyrights, co-produced a documentary film about Mel Cheren and worked with producers and artists from all over the world, including: Blaze, MAW, DJ Spinna, hip-hop pioneers Marley Marl and Red Alert, and many others.

Today, Adam runs his own record label, Mixtape Sessions, and his own distribution company, the Cruz Music Group. For Mixtape Sessions, he has just released his debut "Life and Times" Deluxe Edition, a collection of beautiful songs he wrote and produced over a three year period. As a producer, he has built a solid reputation for his creative production style and song-writing prowess. Adam has recorded with award winning artists such as: Eddie Nicholas, Flora Cruz, Gerideau, Lillias White, Manchildblack, queen AaMinah and several others. As a DJ, he spins an energetic blend of Jazz, Funk, Latin, and soulful Dance music. When he's not hard at work promoting his partners or his new album, Adam continues to build a solid base of loyal listeners, broadcasting his weekly "Mixtape Sessions" radio show live on http://cyberjamz.com every Thursday from 7-9PM EST.

For more information about Adam Cruz and the "Life and Times" Deluxe Edition, please visit: http://mixtapesessions.com

SHORTER BIO:
Adam Cruz is an extremely creative music producer, DJ, songwriter, recording artist, record label executive, curator and collaborator. Adam has worked with disco music legend Mel Cheren, Grammy award winner "Little Louie" Vega, dance music giants Josh Milan and Kevin Hedge, Tony award winner Lillias White and many notable others. His new "Life and Times" Deluxe Edition LP is available now at your favorite digital music retailer and at http://mixtapesessions.com.

DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT:
http://mixtapesessions.com/adamcruz-press.zip

WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY SHORT ABOUT ADAM CRUZ
FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: adam (at) mixtapesessions (dot) com

ADAM CRUZ: CLUB AND VENUE APPEARANCES

A-Bar – MIAMI, FL
A.S.H. Lounge – BLOOMFIELD, NJ
Axiom Studios – NEWARK, NJ
Bang The Party @ Frank's Lounge – BROOKLYN, NYC
Brighten Beach Pavillion - BROOKLYN, NYC
Château Noir @ Nativa – MANHATTAN, NYC
Chesterfield Hotel – MIAMI, FL
Club Andalu – WASHINGTON, DC
Club Elevation – IRVINGTON, NJ
Club Red – WASHINGTON, DC
Coffee Cave – NEWARK, NJ
Deep See – MANHATTAN, NYC
Dolce Lounge – ELIZABETH, NJ
Expansions @ Club 667 – BROOKLYN, NYC
Five Club – WASHINGTON, DC
Goodlove Bar – BALTIMORE, MD
Humble Beginnings – MONTCLAIR, NJ
Mixtape Sessions @ Halcyon – BROOKLYN, NYC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Sounds of the City - NEWARK, NJ
Punch Lounge – MANHATTAN, NYC
Remi Lounge – MIAMI, FL
Roots @ Cielo – MANHATTAN, NYC
St. Augustine Hotel – MIAMI, FL
Sullivan Room – MANHATTAN, NYC
The Gamut – MANHATTAN, NYC
Think Soul @ Café Euphoria – NEWARK, NJ
Twelve West @ Cheetah – MANHATTAN, NYC
Underground Collective @ Filter 14 – MANHATTAN, NYC
Webster Hall - MANHATTAN, NYC

Labour of Love @ The Williams – LONDON
Notting Hill Arts Club – LONDON
Soshomatch – LONDON
The Elbow Room – LONDON
Soul Eyes @ Club Core – TOKYO

ADAM CRUZ: FULL DISCOGRAPHY

LABEL DISCOGRAPHY
Flora Cruz "Overcome EP" [MSM1000]
Flora Cruz "Overcome" (Remixes) [MSM1001]
Flora Cruz "Let the Sunshine Out" (Remixes) [MSM1002]
Eddie Nicholas "Ghumbah" [MSM1003]
Manchildblack "My Mind's I" EP [MSM1004]
Flora Cruz "Dulce Melodia" LP [MSM1005]
Flora Cruz "Raise It Up" [MSM1006]
Adam Cruz and Gerideau "Letitflow" [MSM1007]
The Robotnix "Needle" [MSM1008]
Adam Cruz "Humble Beginnings" [MSM1009]
Eddie Nicholas "Ghumbah" (Jalal Johnson Remixes) [MSM1010]
Adam Cruz "Life and Times" LP [MSM1011]
Adam Cruz and Flora Cruz "Life and Times" (Single) [MSM1012]
Fresh Sol vs. Mixtape Sessions "Harmonize" (Single) [MSM1013]
Flora Cruz "Time for Reality" (Single) [MSM1014]
Flora Cruz "Dulce Melodia" Deluxe Edition (LP) [MSM1015]
Jaidene Vega "Soul Size Love (for Japan)" (Single) [MSM1016]
Adam Cruz "Dancer In The Dark" (Single) [MSM1017]
Adam Cruz "Life and Times" Deluxe Edition (LP) [MSM1018]
Adam Cruz "Nothing But Me" (Single) [MSM1019]
Eddie Nicholas "Time Marches On" (John Crockett Mixes) (Single) [MSM1020]
95 North "Ay-Tu-Bah" (Single) [MSM1021]

A&R / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Alexander Hope "Big Mistake"
Anderson Soares "Muito Soul EP"
Autosoul feat. Ijeoma "Believe"
Blaze "Found Love" (Remixes)
Blaze "Gloria's Muse" (Remixes)
Cazwell "All Over Your Face"
Chocolate Thai "Tip The Bar" Part 1
Dawn Tallman "Save A Place On The Dance Floor For Me" (Blaze Mixes)
Dawn Tallman "Save A Play On The Dance Floor For Me" (Original Mixes)
Diversity feat. Muema "We Can Do It" (Mixtape Sessions Mixes)
DJ Dove vs. NYC Peech Boys "Don't Make Me Wait 2007"
DJ Genesis feat. Darnell Kendricks "Wiling"
DJ Gomi feat. Byron Stingily "Hot Nights" (Kenny Dope Mixes)
DJ Marley Marl "Urban House EP"
DJ Marley Marl feat. MC Shan "Move Like This"
DJ Marley Marl Presents: West End Breaks Vol. #1
DJ Pierre feat. Erica Darden "My Club"
Ian Friday "Carib's Leap"
Ian Friday "Carib's Leap" (Remixes)
Jalal Johnson and Drew Lockhart "Mello Yello"
Jalal Johnson "What About Jersey?"
Johnick Meets FTL "A Breath of Fresh Air"
Josh Milan "Your Body"
Josh Milan featuring Chinahblac "Till You Go Home"
Leela James "Good Time" (Jihad Muhammad Mixes)
Loose Joints "Tell You (Today)"
Manchildblack "Awake In A Dream EP"
Martino "Do What Feels Right"
Mateo and Matos "Soul Spirit EP"
Mr. A.L.I. "I Feel You" (Bobby and Steve and James Ratcliff Mixes)
Mr. A.l.I. feat. Carla Prather "Cast Your Spell"
Mr. A.L.I. feat. Carla Prather "Rainy Day"
Raw Silk "Do It To The Music" (Blaze Mixes)
Sherell Rowe "Sherell Rowe EP"
Steal Vybe "Electronic Arrangements EP"
Steal Vybe feat. Chris Dockins "Strong"
Stephanie Cooke "Love Will"
Stephanie Cooke "Lovers' Holiday"
Taana Gardner "Paradise Express" Remixes
The Kings of Late Night feat. Billy Love "Fly Away EP"
West End International Music Search 2003-2004 TOP 10 FINALISTS
Yerba Buena "Fever" (Blaze Mixes)

REMIXES AND EDITS
Panyard "Baby 3 Times" [Diaspora Recordings 2003]
Eddie Nicholas "Groovin' (Mixtape Sessions Mixes) [Slaag Records 2004]
Diversity feat. Muema "We Can Do It" (Mixtape Sessions Mixes) [West End Records 2006]
DJ Gomi feat. Byron Stingily "Hot Nights" (K-Dope Beats) [West End Records 2006]
Yerba Buena "Fever" (Roots Rawka Beats) [West End Records 2006]
Eddie Nichols "You Left Me" (Mixtape Sessions Mixes) [Slaag Records 2008]
Eddie NIcholas "Come N2 My" (Adam Cruz Wicked Dub) [Mantree Records 2009]
Sounds of Inner City "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (Adam Cruz Tribute Version) [West End Records 2010]
Taana Gardner "Heartbeat" (Adam Cruz Anthology Edit) [West End Records 2010]

CD COMPILATIONS
"Bar SuSu: New York to Ibiza" [SuSu Records 2005] (mixed by Adam Cruz)
"DJ Marley Marl: Mixtape Sessions Vol. #1" [West End Records 2005]
"Original Soundtrack to the Documentary 'Gay Sex in the 70s'" [West End Records 2006] (mixed by Adam Cruz)
"Keep On Dancin': A Tribute to the Godfather of Disco Mel Cheren" [West End Records 2010]

ABOUT MIXTAPE SESSIONS

2010-07-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

Founded by former West End Records' Vice President and DJ/Producer Adam Cruz, Mixtape Sessions is an incredible indie music company based out of the NYC metropolitan area. The label features fresh new artists, their music and live performances. The label’s style crosses musical genres but remains steadfastly funk and dance in terms of its sound. This sound also has heavy influences in jazz, soul, and inspirational music. Unlike other music companies, Mixtape Sessions offers its enthusiasts a multi-media experience complete with original music, documentary shorts, live shows, merchandise, active online social networking and heavy fan interactions. Artists working with Mixtape Sessions include Adam Cruz, Eddie Nicholas, Flora Cruz, Gerideau, Tony Award winner Lillias White, Manchildblack, queen AaMinah and many others.

Mixtape Sessions. Music for the People.
http://mixtapesessions.com

DOWNLOAD PRESS LINK:
http://mixtapesessions.com/mixtapesessions-press.zip

ABOUT EDDIE NICHOLAS

2010-07-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Eddie Nicholas is an incredible vocalist, stage performer and event promoter. Since his break out hit "You Make Me Carry On" (released on Strictly Rhythm in 1995), Eddie has appeared with the Virginia State University Concert choir in concert with Barry Manilow, the Winter Music Conference (WMC Miami) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC Sounds of the City). As a recording artist, he has worked with many prominent producers over the years, including Harley & Muscle, Paul Scott, Glenn Thornton, Rasmir Mantree and Adam Cruz.

He has traveled the world participating in various international events, including the Italian Music Conference and the Amsterdam Dance Event. In 2007, he acted as host for the ‘Chicago Body Music / Slaag Records’ showcase at the Sand (Amsterdam) for over 2500 people. The event featured Ce Ce Peniston, Dawn Tallman and many others. In 2008 and 2009, Eddie participated as a volunteer in the Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark NJ. In 2010, Eddie was appointed co-host of the 5th Annual music festival that celebrates the one of Newark’s oldest cultural districts.

When he's not performing or promoting, Eddie is hard at work on his debut album, forthcoming on Slaag Records. Stay tuned and listen for new material from Eddie Nicholas, Educator, Vocalist, Song Writer and Promoter.

DOWNLOAD PRESS LINK:
http://mixtapesessions.com/eddienicholas-press.zip

ABOUT FLORA CRUZ

2010-07-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

From a young age, Flora Cruz knew that she was connected to music in a powerful way. Fortunately, it was her experiences singing and performing as a young girl that played a key role in developing her strong vocal prowess. Finally in 2007, Flora teamed up with her brother, DJ/producer Adam Cruz, and recorded a collection of songs that became her debut album entitled “Dulce Melodia” (which translates to ‘Sweet Melody’ in Spanish.) Released on label, Mixtape Sessions, “Dulce Melodia” LP is fun and energetic, but also poignant and meaningful. It’s a journey of hard lessons learned, the celebration of life and the rewards of perseverance.

Currently hard at work promoting her brand “Dulce Melodia” Deluxe Edition album and her new single, “Time for Reality,” Flora continues to write with her brother, Adam Cruz, and record music with an uplifting message that speaks to everyone around the world.

DOWNLOAD PRESS LINK:
http://mixtapesessions.com/floracruz-press.zip

CHECK OUT FLORA CRUZ LIVE
@ THE 6th ANNUAL LINCOLN PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL

ABOUT MANCHILDBLACK

2010-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

From singer/songwriter to recording artist to taste-maker to event promoter, Manchildblack is this generation's true Renaissance man. His music and mission are both clear and powerful and deeply resonates with audiences around the world. In 2006, Manchildblack was signed to legendary record label West End Records and has since collaborated with such incredible producers as Ian Friday, Rich Medina and many others. Additionally, he has performed to packed audiences at such notable venues as Blue Note, BAM Cafe, Joe's Pub, Sugar Bar, Symphony Space and even Central Park Summerstage, where he shared the stage with Vernon Reid, Corey Glover, Caron Wheeler and the Black Rock Coalition.

When he's not hard at work on his debut album, Manchildblack produces and promotes his regular NYC based events, Libation at the Sullivan Room and Sol Ascension at the legendary SOBs. On his amazing accomplishments so far, Manchildblack says: "This is about more than me. It's about a movement and I plan to be one of the leaders in the forefront of the change that's coming."

DOWNLOAD PRESS LINK:
http://mixtapesessions.com/manchildblack-press.zip