Urban Ville Flava

TRUE R&B IN THE VILLE

By Kimberly Cecil

True Soul can be found seeping from the underground movement in the Ville from the group, Klientel. A mix of neo-soul, R&B with a strong jazz and hip hop influence, Klientel has been tagged as the next emerging group from the Ville/Bowling Green nexus. Starting in 1998 in Bowling Green, Klientel was formed when band members Will and CP met by chance and wound up singing together. Their first song was recorded at Tree House Studios in Bowling Green, when Atlantic recording artists Nappy Roots gave them the opportunity to use the studio and to sing background vocals for some of NP's earlier work. Nappy Roots also contributed to Klientel's first CD, Hoping It Pays, handling engineering, producing and recording. In 2001 Klientel snared their first national attention by winning a talent contest through a syndicated radio morning show hosted by Doug Banks. This led to a performance at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York.

Performing in front of major label artists is nothing new to Klientel, with opening slots for Nappy Roots, Jaheim, 112, Juvenile, Mystikal, Ruff Endz and Black Coffey already on the brag sheet. Klientel executive producer Corlan Phillips a.k.a Yah Cor, said that the next major goal for Klientel is to sell more than 10,000 CDs regionally, gain more exposure and continue to stay on the cutting edge of the industry. A new independent CD, Daily Trade, produced and recorded with Soul LinQ Productions is designed to drive their plan to success.

While there is considerable chatter about the potential future for Klientel, including a buzz about a possible "major record label deal," Klientel's first concern is to "bring it" to the people to change lives through their music. From giving away demos and selling over 1,000 units on their first CD, they are doing the work necessary to strengthen the group for the long climb up the industry ladder.

Klientel is banking that their sense of style could compete with major label artists like Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu and The Roots. "Staying positive and creative are key" says Yah Cor. Staying in the studio and vibing with like-minded artists is what is on the regular menu at Soul LinQ Production's studio when Klientel and their producers work on the material.. An atmosphere of enthusiasm was apparent immediately upon entering the studio. A studio is the spot where producers, vocalist, rappers and managers collaborate to make music for Klientel or any other act and the intensity usually found in such places can result in a less-than-friendly greeting for visitors but I was their hospitality. Yah Cor was very modest when talking about the newest CD but, excited about Klientel's upcoming projects and prospects

Keep an eye out for Klientel's new CD can be found all over the city in various record stores. For more information about Klientel, call 502-568-6130.