MEM Artist Advisory Council

Addison is a life-long Memphian with a passion for all aspects of the arts, including music, fashion, and photography. Her career in the music industry began in 2015 when she joined the team at Ardent Studios, where she served as Branding and Social Media Manager. There she managed and created digital content for Ardent's record label, recording studio, and recording artists such as Big Star, Greyhounds, and Those Pretty Wrongs. From 2017 to May 2022, Addison was the Communications and Partnerships Manager at The Blues Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote blues music and artists. Addison’s current position at Obsidian Public Relations allows her to work with clients across all fields. Through this role, she continues her work in digital communications, development, and community engagement. Supporting and advocating for the arts and creators are an essential part of her personal endeavors. On any given night you can find her networking at the latest happy hour or enjoying live music.

Victor Sawyer is a freelance trombonist based in Memphis, TN. As a performer he has recorded at legendary studios such as Sun, Royal, and Ardent. Sawyer has also performed with Memphis legends such as 8Ball and MJG, Valerie June, Steve Cropper, and many more As a Teaching Artist, Sawyer serves as a Fellowship Coach for the Memphis Music Initiative, supporting a team of 10-12 professional music Teaching Artists who support and enhance music programming in Memphis area middle and high schools. Victor Sawyer attended the Manhattan School of Music for a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance.

Manager, Marketer, and Writer are best used to describe McKenzii Webster. The Memphis, TN, native is the Crosstown Arts Musician & Artist Services Manager, as well as the founder of The Web MGMT. She also serves as the Marketing Director for Yonas Media. McKenzii uses her passion for music and connecting the dots between creativity and strategy to help creatives strengthen their online presence and grow sustainable audiences. McKenzii attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, for her undergraduate studies; and then went on to attend Harris Institute in Toronto, ON, where she studied music business. McKenzii served as a contributing writer for EARMILK for 4+ years. Currently, McKenzii serves on the Overton Park Shell Young Professionals Board, a member of Music Export Memphis’ Artist Advisory Council, and a Class Agent for Wesleyan University’s Class of 2013.

Alice Hasen is a Memphis-based violinist, recording artist and songwriter. Alice is known for her unique style which combines the virtuosity of her classical upbringing with soaring improvisation. She has been called “one in a million” by Alan Rowoth, founder of folkmusic.org. Alice formed her solo project, Alice Hasen & the Blaze, in 2018 to allow herself total freedom in songwriting and playing. Her five-piece “fiddle-powered groove band” is rooted in the Memphis heritage of funk, rock and jazz but can stray into pop, blues, and experimental territory. In 2019, she released her debut album, Violintro, which Radio Memphis called "one of the most dynamic sounds out there." In addition to serving on the Artist Advisory Council, Alice also serves on the Board of Directors of Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA).

David Higgins is an award winning (Artsy Best Live Band, Indie Memphis Film,) guitarist/vocalist for local bands Chinese Connection Dub Embassy (reggae buck ragga) and Negro Terror (hardcore punk) based out of Memphis TN. David Higgins has been playing guitar professionally in church and music venues around the country since the age of 19. David grew up in a musical family with parents that encouraged education, arts and to remember anything is possible with the strength of Christ. I hope to continue to add achievements to my personal music arts legacy and to inspire all ages in the arts communities while representing the city of Memphis.

Mario Monterosso is an Italian-born musician, producer, songwriter, and cabaret and theater performer. Originally from Sicily, Monterosso worked professionally in Rome, and is currently based in Memphis, Tennessee in The United States. He is best known for his production work with rock and roll musician Tav Falco, and is a current member of his backing band Tav Falco's Panther Burns.

Born to the land of Woodstock, TN, Corey Martin, known affectionately as Corey Lou, came into this world as a born-to-be performer. Gifted with a heart for soul and the ear of a true musician, Lou began his journey as an artist from the young age of five singing the deep gospel sound of the Memphis choirs, to the rugged soul riffs so well trained at the infamous Stax Music Academy, to the polished classical content worthy of Carnegie Hall's stages. It’s safe to say that Lou does it all. A self-proclaimed “lover-boy”, the words of Lou’s work reflect a man in contemplation over life lessons, laments, and most deeply, love. Out of his desire to make meaning of these things, Lou takes each verse and chord as the chance to communicate a message of power with the world. His greatest hope is that in doing so, he can set a standard of success and true expression beyond the mainstream. As a child, Lou's mother would always quote the saying,"it takes a village to raise a child" and that saying never left his heart propelling him to create his own village. In the year of 2020, Mr. Lou created his backing band officially naming it "Corey Lou & Da Village." He also established DaVillage Entertainment in 2022. To Mr. Lou, his music is his child to help change the culture of the world and spaces around him, while also creating a standard of success and true expression beyond the mainstream. Corey Lou’s glorious timbres ricochet through your mind in a prominent manner that has his allure drawing you towards the compelling quintessence of his artistry and persona. The energy that he showcases through the seemingly smooth vibes takes you into a whirlwind of resonance that continues to intensify as his records progress. Incorporating his gospel choir roots that scream out Memphis, there’s the originality that comes from this inimitable lane he has carved out for himself. Corey Lou & Da Village make it so you get everything you need through their intricately crafted soundscapes that are dedicated to making you feel the emotion within. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases of Corey Lou’s latest expressions in his Debut Project. Move through the tale of intimacy as the storyteller expresses his deepest truth with an abundance of love. With a hope that his music reaches whomever is meant to hear the message, Corey Lou creates music with the intention for it to be a vehicle of "generational peace, good energy, and fellowship for the world."

Nick Black is a fun, optimistic, and authentic artist from Memphis, TN. Influenced by the feel-good music of Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, and the musicality of legacy acts such as Al Green and Sting, Nick has created his music to sound modern and unique, yet familiar and nostalgic. His stage presence as an entertainer is quite something to behold. Nick pulls the audience in and doesn’t let them go. He creates an experience that he wants everyone to be part of. Pulling people up from the crowd, singing to a fan in the front row...everyone's included. He grew up between two worlds: his family’s deep ties to church, and his hometown of Memphis where Soul, RnB, Rock N’ Roll, and Blues legends made names for themselves, Black’s sound is an organically grown phenomenon, honed at open mic nights, in church, at hundreds of club gigs, and now on larger stages across the USA. Since his first album in 2012, The Soul Diaries, his authenticity and passion has been the foundation of his identity, both as a person and as an artist. In March and April of 2020, with touring being shut down, Nick embarked on a record-setting 45 songs in 45 days called “Nick Black’s $ongs from $cratch” on his Twitch channel writing songs in real time from samples, riffs and lyric lines sent in by viewers. He has since written over 100 songs in front of a quickly growing live streaming audience, 12 of which landed on his 2022 album TWITCH #1, which has over 100,000 streams on Spotify. Nick also just put out his new single “Futureman” to rave reviews.

Instrumentalist. Producer creating sounds with RnB vibes, drunk overdrive leads, moved by 70’s inspired drum arrangements. MadameFraankie is a self-taught musician and photographer based in Memphis,Tennessee. Her music inspiration comes from artists such as D’Angelo, James Blake, Prince, Nina Simone, Led Zeppelin, and others. MadameFraankie has performed in several live music pop-ups at Crosstown Concourse this past spring. She’s also performed at the Sundance Film Festival and the Levitt Shell. She works as the Marketing Director for TONE, an arts and culture nonprofit elevating the full spectrum of Black communities in Memphis.

Cyrena Wages spent the better part of ten years in Nashville, Tennessee—but eventually it came time to make a change. After singing background vocals in several country bands and working as a nanny and bartender, it was finally coming home to Memphis that gave her the space to discover her own voice... and the clarity with which to make it heard. “Memphis is a part of the tapestry of my soul. There’s something different about this place. It’s honest, it’s heavy, it’s raw.” Wages fell in love with music on the country back roads between Millington and Shelby Forest, two small towns north of Memphis. Wages’ upcoming debut album is both an exercise in rebellion against her conditioning, as well as her way of processing her own struggles, healing, and growth. As much as Memphis shaped her positively, there were aspects of growing up in the South that didn’t align with who she wanted to become—the stifling effects of small-town religion, the burden of “ladylike perfectionism,” and the pressure to marry young and marry “well.” For production on her upcoming record, “Vanity Project,” Cyrena tapped producer Matt Ross-Spang (Charley Crockett, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Margo Price) at Southern Grooves Studio in Memphis. Most of the album’s songs she penned with her creative collaborator, Memphis guitar player Joe Restivo (Don Bryant, William Bell, Otis Clay). Joe grew up in a transitional era of Memphis music, when the old Blues masters still on Beale Street were coexisting with a new generation of musicians exploring hip-hop, garage rock, and the evolution of Memphis soul. That upbringing, as well as a jaunt in New York City studying jazz and contemporary music, gave him a diverse musical background that lends more sophisticated chord voicings to a traditional form, coalescing seamlessly to create an evocative base for Cyrena’s heartfelt and confessional lyrics. Through this process, the songs for Wages’ first album came to life. Cyrena Wages has a lot to say... and she’s waited a long time for her chance to say it.

Musician, Producer, and DJ Qemist has been a staple in the Memphis underground community since 2014. With multiple releases under Memphis-based multimedia label/lifestyle brand Future-Everything and being a MEM ambassador, he continues to reshape electronic music in the city and is a pillar in the Memphis dance music scene. With his classical training on the piano and keen ear to house, techno, footwork, and club music, Qemist has created his own musical atmosphere in which he has been able to meld multiple production techniques to create his own signature sound imprint.

Joseph Higgins is a Memphis TN. raised artist by way of Brooklyn NY. He’s been apart of one of Memphis’s pioneer Reggae bands Chinese Connection Dub Embassy created by him, and his brothers (David Higgins & Omar Higgins) as well as a fixture in many Memphis areas with different churches and organizations from Memphis and surrounding areas. As well he is an Ambassador for Musicians for Lebonheur since 2013. Him and his band have toured around the Country spreading Irie Reggae Vibes, as well opening for musical powerhouses such as The Wailers, T-Pain, Big Sean, Collie Buddz and many more. Also he’s preformed on many stages such as Beale Street Music Festival, SXSW, Wakarusa and many more. In all his efforts he hopes to bring people together through Music and Spreading to message of Love/Truth & Rights to the masses.

Born and raised in Memphis, John Miller has worked in the local music community since 2007 when he was hired by Archer Records to assist with legal issues, artist project coordination, and marketing efforts. He then took a position with the Memphis Music Foundation as Resource Center Coordinator, working with artists to help develop and implement specific career goals, as well as creating educational music business materials and opportunities, and representing Memphis artists at national festivals and conferences. Since then, he has held a variety of roles in the local music community: tour manager, talent buyer for venues, community events and festivals, and is currently co-owner at Shangri-La Records and Misspent Records, a label dedicated to releasing music from Memphis artists. Additionally, Miller serves as Music Coordinator for the Indie Memphis Film Festival, booking artists to perform throughout the festival as well as working with programmers to coordinate music documentaries and live performances.

With over a decade of experience in the Entertainment field; Keia has made a name for herself as the multifaceted Artist that attacks each opportunity with gusto and her signature smile. Keia was born in San Antonio, TX but grew up all over the world in a Military family. She listened to a wide range of artists growing up, but it was the move to Memphis that helped her establish her sound and performance style. She has performed on some of the most Iconic stages in Memphis (The Orpheum, Cannon Center & festivals) & with some of the best talent Memphis has to offer, like Justin Timberlake, Wendy Moten, The Bar-Kays, and David Porter of Stax Records. Years later, It was American Idol that served as the true catalyst for Keia to recognize who she was as an Artist, the talent competition led her to Hollywood where “Miss Congeniality” wowed the judges for two seasons. Her audition performance of Celine Dion’s vocally rigorous “My Heart Will Go On” prompted guest judge and musical role model Mary J. Blige to simply declare: “She can sing!” In 2016, the world seemed to open up for Keia as she travelled for 3 years with the BB King Allstar band on Holland America Cruise lines singing Blues, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Classic R&B and Soul. She officially launched KJ Management, an Entertainment Agency in 2021. Under which she had developed exclusive Memphis Soul and Jazz shows for riverboats. She gives private Vocal lessons to Artists & Students as well as Artist development. She is currently writing/producing shows and musicals for regional Theaters and stages. Make sure to keep up with her at XperiencEntertainment.com

Ezra is a native Memphian who, despite lacking any musical talent of his own, has been lucky enough to ingrain himself into the local music scene. After years of living in New Orleans and Seoul, South Korea, Ezra returned to Memphis in 2015 where he began serving as the Program Director at both the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. During this time, he created the award-winning podcast Memphis Musicology. Now serving as the Music Editor for We Are Memphis Music and as an employee at Shangri-La Records, Ezra has also contributed as a music writer for the Daily Memphian and Choose901 and provided support for the Beale Street Music Fest and Mempho Fest. He is also the host of the weekly radio show “Dead Wax” on WYXR, which focuses primarily on soul, funk, and R&B.

RANEEM IMAM IS AN ARAB-AMERICAN SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND PRODUCER FROM MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. HER STYLISTIC INFLUENCES ARE A DIVERSE MIX OF R&B, POP, AND ALTERNATIVE GENRES, AND SHE CONSIDERS HERSELF TO BE A GENRE-BENDING SONGSTRESS WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT EXPLORING THE ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS. SHE HAS WORKED AT RECORDING STUDIOS AROUND MEMPHIS SUCH AS ROYAL STUDIOS, YOUNG AVENUE SOUND, MUSIC + ARTS, AND MAGNETIC RECORDING STUDIO. SINCE THE DEBUT OF HER SINGLE “WISE UP” IN 2018, SHE’S WRITTEN AND RELEASED MULTIPLE RECORDS LEADING UP TO HER 2021 DEBUT EXTENDED PLAY ALBUM “PEACE OF MIND” WHICH HAS GARNERED HER MORE SUPPORT AND ATTENTION IN THE MEMPHIS MUSIC SCENE AND BEYOND. AS A WRITER, RANEEM DRAWS MUCH INSPIRATION FROM THE UNSAID AND THE UNFELT EMOTIONS, FEARS, AND EXPERIENCES OF LIFE. FROM THE PRODUCTION AND CREATIVE DIRECTION TO THE LYRICS AND HARMONIES, SHE THRIVES ON THE ADRENALINE RUSH OF CREATING MUSIC THAT IS CONSCIOUS AND REAL TO EVERY ONE OF OUR HUMAN SENSES. HER MISSION IN THIS WORLD IS TO CONTINUE WRITING THE SONGS AND ANTHEMS THAT HELP US ALL GET THROUGH ANOTHER DAY.

Terence F. Clark is a Memphis based drummer, producer, composer, Artist and overall creative. Known for his impeccable and soulful performances, professionalism and discipline of craft, Terence has traveled the world building relationships with and through music. As Terence finds inspiration in his travels and engaging other cultures, he always lends inspiration with his unique brand of performance, solid groove, creativity, musical knowledge and excellence. It's always been more than “just about the music”, for Terence; it's about serving the artist, creating the very best and discovering a community of artists with which to learn from and create with along the way. Terence began his music adventure at the age of two. His father, Marc Clark, an organist and pianist and grandfather Loyce F. Clark, a guitarist and legendary quartet vocalist, became his early mentors along with music producers, Kevin Paige, Niko Lyras and David Porter. Terence developed the refined yet gritty elements of his style while playing with local bands on Beale Street and recording with legendary recording musicians and artist of Memphis. Those experiences stirred up his love for the city’s music legacy and heartbeat of all musical forms. His professional career has spanned from touring nationally and internationally as well as recording with an eclectic array of artists of many genres. He currently tours with country legend, Keith Urban. A musical education and real-life experiences continue to refine his talents. Terence is also a Producer, Artist and Co-Founder of The Undertone Collective, a production company that enables artists by providing a vast range of media and production services. He's passionate about furthering the legendary music that Memphis has always heralded, while creating a support and resource system for new and experiences artists. Terence is currently mentored by Steve Jordan, Richard Cousins, Willie Weeks and his father, Marc Clark. His musical inspiration stems from the likes of Steve Jordan, Al Jackson Jr., Howard Grimes, Steve Gadd, James Gadson, Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, William Kennedy, Freddy Below, Earl Palmer, Dave Weckl, Marvin McQuitty, and many others. Working with Terence means working with an artist whose creativity and versatility are only matched by his personal warmth and dedication to the project. His passion is not only for the art, but for the artist.

#JordanOccasionally or JD (they/them) is a Black, Nonbinary, Independent Dance Pop/RNB Artist and Activist with nearly 1.9 Million streams, 5.9 Million likes on Tik Tok, and over 120,000 followers across social media. Now based in Chicago, IL, Jordan Occasionally is a touring global artist with most of their fans coming from NY, LA, and the UK. JD’s fanbase is purely grassroots, having started in their hometown, Memphis, TN, and gaining critical acclaim with their first EP “1998”. However it was their album Indigo that solidified their route to the top. This album which was an homage to their identity as a Young Black Queer Femme opened up doors that haven’t closed yet, leading them to stages as big as the Genius Open Mic Stage, and landing them on several editorial playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds Indie, Pop and RNB, and Tidal’s Black Artist and Indie RNB Playlists. No stranger to the stage, Jordan Occasionally has lead talks at institutions such as Rhodes and the University of Memphis on what it means to intersect identity into your artistry. A community organizer, Jordan Occasionally also won the University of Memphis’s first Student Communicator Award in 2021. It is safe to say that “Jordan Occasionally” will be a name to remember for decades to come.