| Local recording studio creates internet show |
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| Written by Tim Crisp, Daily Vidette Reporter |
| Wednesday, 24 September 2008 18:00 |
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Independent musicians dream of their "big break," the moment where someone understands the message trying to be sent and makes sure the rest of the world hears it. For local artists within the hip-hop and R&B community, the answer could be found right here in Normal. Radar Recording Studio opened in Normal in 2007. The studio's co-owners are Antonio "Tizone" Street and Lenore Lockwood. "[Tizone and I] work great as a team so when one of us comes up with an idea we just expand on each other's ideas and it always turns out to be bigger than we both imagined," Lockwood said. Tizone, a 12-year veteran of the music business, is the studio's chief engineer. His career includes collaborations with Keith Sweat, R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige. He also received a Gold Record for his work on the soundtrack to the movie, "Don't Be a Menace." Tizone is responsible for recording, mixing and mastering the music. Lockwood is the studio's manager and personal consultant. An ISU public relations graduate of 2004, Lockwood said the experience with Radar has already greatly exceeded her expectations. The studio is committed to "detecting real talent" and providing services that live up to standards of the music industry. This goes beyond providing a strong recording. Radar provides packaging deals, press kits and distribution. The studio's label, Radar, currently has four artists on its roster. According to Lockwood, the studio's website (radarrecordingstudio.com) has received over 100,000 hits since it was put online three months ago. These hits range from countries across the world, including Spain, Romania and China. With the studio's rapid growth, Tizone and Lockwood chose to take the next step forward, launching the first episode of their Internet TV show, "Under The Radar," earlier this month. "We started with the concept of doing a local show but realized this show is so much more," Lockwood said. "We had to broadcast on the Internet so everyone around the world can get a chance for Radar to detect their talent." The show features performances, interviews and videos, allowing artists to showcase their talent to a wide-ranging audience. Produced and edited by Tizone, the show has already made strides with its first four episodes. The show has quickly gained a world-wide audience providing attention to the studio and its artists the owners could have only dreamed of. The first two episodes have received over 20,000 hits from across the world according to a press release. "Not all artists can make it on MTV, BET, VH1 or American Idol," Tizone said. "We decided to create this show so artists can have a way of being seen and heard. We want artists to have a way to play their videos, perform their music, this is the only way some artists will have that chance." Lockwood said that as the show progresses, she hopes it will be posted on a regular schedule. "We would like for the shows to air on a weekly basis but this depends on the number of events or artists we have to perform and videos we have to air," Lockwood said. As always, the vision of Tizone and Lockwood is set only on making the show bigger and better. According to a press release, the studio plans to include Open Mic nights, Radar Idol, Concerts and dance and rap battles. The studio encourages all local artists to try their hand at Open Mic or Radar Idol. Demos and other recordings are not necessary, but prospective performers will need to audition. Lockwood is the contact for both the show and for information on recording at the studio and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Look for Under The Radar on the web at www.theradarshow.com. |
