MikeStarr aka BabyMike

Video Profits to United Way
Published: 02-18-2009

MUSCLE SHOALS – The video “Don’t You Wanna Ride” by UNA Entertainment Media student, Michael Gayles, Jr. is on sale locally at Pegasus Records, Tapes & CDs and the Smokehouse Grill in Florence and Pam’s Place in Sheffield. The double disc CD/DVD combos are $10 with all proceeds from the first 500 copies going to the United Way of the Shoals.
Gayles co-founded the local record label StarrDog Entertainment last year with his older brother, Carlos Gayles. - Courier Journal

By Lisa Singleton-Rickman
Staff Writer

Published: Friday, August 15, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 11:12 p.m.

A lot has changed since Michael Gayles Sr., of Muscle Shoals, produced his first video 10 years ago titled, "Stop the Stupid Stuff."

That video, which carried an anti-crime and gang message, was the first project of its kind filmed in the Shoals aimed at providing an intense message to teens.

Now, Gayles' sons, Carlos, 27, and Michael Jr., 16, are in the production business and have recently completed the filming of a new CD and DVD titled "Don't You Wanna Ride."

Produced by StarrDog Entertainment and owned by Carlos and Michael Jr., the video shows all aspects of life in the Shoals area, from the scenic beauty in the countryside to nightlife and dining in each of the four Colbert and Lauderdale cities.

"The premise is that the Shoals is a great place to live, work and just enjoy life," Michael Sr. said. "We moved here from Detroit, Michigan, and even though we lived in what was considered a more upper middle class neighborhood, my kids still knew what it was to have to lay in the floor to dodge bullets.

"We love the way of life here, and for those who have always had it, it often goes unappreciated. But my family appreciates it. Every day we appreciate it, and this video captures what makes this place so great."

The double disc DVD and CD will be available to the public Aug. 19 for $10. Copies may be purchased at the United Way of the Shoals office in Florence, Pegasus Records on Tennessee Street in Florence or Pam's Place at 1702 Montgomery Ave. in Sheffield.

Carlos Gayles said the project was a tribute, of sorts, to the Shoals, but also a way of recognizing what there is to do and see in the area.

"We took it up a level through a hip-hop perspective, but we reference all four cities and just show what goes on around here," Carlos said.

"I don't think everybody really knows what all there is to do. The idea is to attract people to come to the Quad-Cities. This area has grown a lot since we moved here, but it still hasn't reached it potential. We're just trying to show the area as the fun place it is."

Proceeds from the first 500 copies sold will go to the United Way of the Shoals.

"We just really love this community and want to give back," Michael Sr. said. "As for my sons, they're just combining their passions for music and production with their appreciation of the Shoals."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.
- Times Daily NEWS - NEWS