the illustrious Michael Campbell, Founder / CEO of Brooklyn West Records, is a distinguished Musician, Composer, Producer, Musical Director and an extraordinary Educator! Incessant tapping of drum sticks provide the beginning score of Michael Campbell's career. At the prepubescent age of just 14, Michael Campbell along with his childhood cohorts, Daryl Kelly and Glen Jones, started a band in hopes of participating in their school's talent show. Located in Michael's hometown of Brooklyn, Winthrop Junior High School Annex's annual talent show was the catalyst that ignited Michael's once hibernating talent. Barely a year later, at the mere age of 15, his band, New Experience, was a semi-finalist in a CBS Records talent competition held at the Billie Holiday Theater in Brooklyn, New York. Recognized for remarkable talent, the emerging musical prodigy was chosen as an apprentice of Atlantic Records (co-founded by Herb Abramson) at A-1 Recording Studios in New York City.
Diligently working as an Assistant Engineer to such artists as Bernard Purdy, Lloyd Price, Otis Blackwell, Roy Ayres (and countless other musical pioneers who specialized in abounding forms of music; even dozens of Broadway soundtracks) provided essential training from Master Recording Engineers and Producers. This priceless privilege equipped Michael Campbell with the utmost knowledge of production, mastering, mixing and microphone placement techniques. Equipping himself with these invaluable skills has help to erect Michael Campbell's invincible musical foundation. Many of today's engineers are incapable of delivering half of Michael's effortless artistry. Thoroughly examining every aspect of music at A-1 Recording Studios, it was here that Michael Campbell learned the intricate techniques necessary to become a highly skilled, instantly sought-after Recording Engineer. All the while, Michael's spirit was earnestly dedicated to the thumping of his drums as he still performed as a musician with the New Experience Band. His insistent, passionate heart kept the perfect beat with the thudding of his drumsticks, his first true love.
Serving as personal engineer to Otis Blackwell and his Colisa Record Label, (started by Otis and his long time friend Frank Mewborn) will always be a cherished experience of this adept entrepreneur. The legendary studio, located in a storefront at 767 Rogers Ave in Brooklyn, will always house the memories of this revered time. Otis Blackwell is the writer of most of Elvis Presley's most popular songs like, "Don't Be Cruel" and "Return to Sender." Blackwell's distinct voice and style, so avant-garde at the time, intrigued and compelled "The King" to unconsciously share Otis Blackwells' legacy with the masses. Otis also penned the electrifying, "Blue Suede Shoes."
Being surrounded by such impeccable talent provoked Michael to undertake his strenuous journeyto greatness. As Maya Angelou candidly states, "All great achievements require time." Conscious of time's emphatic hands, Michael sought to challenge himself so that his sound would remain fresh and appreciated. As fate would have it, Michael Campbell was bound to run across Michael "Keyboard Money Mike" Williams. Along with this songwriting and production partner and legendary producer; ( he and Michael are aptly referred to as The Power Team) a collaboration was produced both stateside and abroad Instantly their competitive work compelled them to make award-winning history so that their paired genius will always be available for the world's listening pleasure.
Responsible for many hits and releases during the Disco era, Michael formed a new band, High Voltage, which became one of the most popular back up bands for artists during that strobe-lit decade. Salsoul Records recording artist's, such as First Choice and Loletta Hollaway, Sam Records Recording artists Vicky "D" and West end recording artist, Taana Gardner, are among the VIP participants who experienced the Michael Campbell's expertise. The expansive list of artists reads as a virtual "who's who" of the New York disco scene. Peter Brown and Patrick Adams were the bridge that Michael frequented to popular New York labels: P&P Records; Queen Constance Records; and many of the popular New York underground labels. Eddie Rivera, Founder of the IDRC Record Pool of New York, helped facilitate many of these ventures.
With the blink of an eye, the adventurous '70s gave way to the adamant '80s. Just as the public expanded its auditory palate, Michael began investing into Hip-Hop while it was still in its infancy. Being one of the inaugural Hip-Hop producers enabled the beatsmith to establish connections with B-Boy Records. Not only was Michael producing for the label, he also contributed his copious abilities as both a skilled engineer and musician (playing the Drums, the Bass, the Guitar, and the piano). B-Boy's artists, JVC Force, Boogie Down Productions, KRS One and many others Michael worked with have gone on to great success. As MC Lyte's first producer, Michael was one of the first to integrate live musicians within Hip-Hop. Independent Hip Label Pioneers, Paul Winley, Eddie O' Loughlin and Bobby Robinson all worked with Michael Campbell and acknowledged his musical acumen. Possessing a forward-thinking spirit enabled Michael Campbell to devote his time to an emerging female lyricist, Lana Michele Moorer. This lyricist would eventually become transformed into MC Lyte. Michael Campbell is the producer that is responsible for discovering and crafting her recognizable sound. His latest projects include development and production on the Warner Bros./Asylm recording artists The New Boyz, and R&B artists Keisha Liu and Dinah Butler.
Despite his amassing accomplishments, (existing beneath the radar and almost ignoring the limelight), Michael Campbell focused on and refined his love for music. There have been countless hit records that have benefited from his expertise; yet, these same records haven't been accurately credited to Mr. Campbell. Unfortunately this lack of recognition and compensation was a shared, common, experience for many young Blacks in the entertainment industry. At present as the Founder/CEO of Brooklyn West Records, an innovative record label, which is positioning itself to become the paragon of the independent labels as it embraces digital distribution; he has secured a distribution and support services deal through Universal / Bungalo Records. Michael Campbell's amassed cache of creativity will be implemented as he continues to erect his empire through Brooklyn West Records.
Michael Campbell moved his record company to Las Vegas where he produced shows for TV and the Las Vegas audience.
