CP Alx_Zndr
The Bronx, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2005 | SELF
Music
Press
I Am One Of A Kind- I Salute You (Audio)
A high energy track that is paying homage to all the influential people of music and what they mean to The I Am One Of A Kind artists "CP" & "Deacon" - Spate Magazine
“What I don’t like about it is that New York has lost it’s voice. A lot of NY based artists are trying to sound like other styles to fit in instead of staying true to what a NY style artist is. It saddens me to see this because it makes it seem like we are no longer unique…”
Check out the interview with C.P. exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.
SKILLY: How were you able to start your journey in the entertainment business? Where did this all start?
C.P.: I actually started in junior high school. I was accepted to a performing arts school (Harbor School of the Performing Arts) on a vocal scholarship. Before that, I knew I could sing, but was not confident I could do it on a professional level. After being accepted, I saw that I could hold my own and even act as well. Touring and performing around the NY tri-state area, and even out of the country made me see that I can do it. I fell deeply in love with the music industry. I saw this was something I definitely want to do as a profession and not just a hobby.
What are some of the creative ways you use to promote your music?
Outside of the obvious performing at showcases, I use social media like any and everyone else, but I do something called “Cover Song Thursdays” or “CST”; where I do a cover song every Thursday to showcase my skills and love for all kinds of artists. My band members join in on the fun as well.
What is the greatest challenge you face in today’s entertainment business? How do you overcome them?
In today’s business, it seems like no one wants to support the up and coming artist until they hit a certain plateau, which is very challenging due to the fact that many labels want to see your following. Many of us have a following but not all of them truly come out when it counts. It makes it look like we have no one supporting us. That makes my journey of getting to the top that much harder.
How is the music scene like in your hometown? What do you like about it and what don’t you like?
The music scene in New York is very saturated and congested with good music and not so good music. What I like about it is that it makes you work hard to be better than the next man or woman and gives you a tough skin when grinding out here especially with NY being the Mecca. What I don’t like about it is that New York has lost it’s voice. A lot of NY based artists are trying to sound like other styles to fit in instead of staying true to what a NY style artist is. It saddens me to see this because it makes it seem like we are no longer unique.
What advice can you give to other upcoming artists and musicians trying to achieve success?
Make sure your business is in line first before anything else. Make sure you have a good team that is in your corner to support you. Lastly, never lose your love for the art and never stop reinventing your craft and skills.
What inspires you to write your next song?
Everything and anything can inspire me. My first love is songwriting. A word, A beat, something I saw, an idea; anything and everything inspires me.
What are the steps you take to make a song?
I need an idea. Once I have the idea, I can build my song together. Having a beat makes the song writing process much easier but it all stems from the idea for me.
What do you think makes a great song?
A great song has a perfect balance from start to finish with different highs and lows; valleys and mountain tops. The song can tell a story and make you feel like you have experienced what the artist is talking about. When that connection is made, you know you have a great song on your hands - Skilly
There is no doubt music is Charles Caldwell’s, C.P. (Chocolate Pleasure), salvation as it’s been woven into the fabric of his life enhancing, lifting, and giving him purpose; most importantly enabling him to give a voice to experiences we all can share. As one of the highest paid child models, his short career came crashing to a halt at the age of 6 when he suffered 3rd degree burns over 85% of his body shattering his dreams. Not letting the blisters burst his bubble, his craving for self-expression was strong and his passion for music emerged from its hiding place. “Growing up my mother would play all types of genres of music and I would go around singing and imitating the artists. My connection to music was definitely brought into my life from the experiences of my childhood years and I’m thankful for it,” recalls C.P.
Harlem born and Bronx raised, C.P. attended Harbor School of Performing Arts on a singing scholarship and it’s where he began to cultivate strong vocal abilities and began to write poetry. As a member of the school choir he had the opportunity to perform across the tri-state area as well as on a 10 city tour in Italy. As he matured as a teenager his family moved to Eastchester, New York where he faced racism and prejudice in high school triggering anger. Instead of lashing outward he pushed that energy toward his writing and music keeping him in balance. He graduated high school and began a new chapter in his life when he was accepted to St. John’s University in Queens.
It was during C.P.’s freshmen year at St. John’s that he met Dwayne “Deacon” Jackson and a friendship developed leading to performances at local showcases. In 2002 the duo formed One of A Kind infusing R&B and Hip Hop evoking emotion filled songs that makes listeners take a pause. With a clear understanding that music needs to evolve to be unique and be a seamless blend of genres in order to stand out, they welcomed Leon “Big Lee” Harris in 2006. This lyrical commander completed the One of A Kind sound making them a contemporary group that delivers a solid music experience. - RBL
As a member of the successful R&B group, I AM One Of A Kind, CP Caldwell has developed a nice catalog of music and has been applauded for his performance. Now focusing on the release of his solo effort, Chocolate, CP Caldwell is stepping out of the group setting and into the arena of a solo artist. I sat down to talk the new project, challenges of going solo for the time being and more. Check out our exclusive interview via Street Khemistry:
Jason Bourne: Charles, you are well known for your role in the R&B group I Am One Of A Kind; can you talk to us about the decision to throw your hat in the ring as a solo artist?
CP Caldwell: To be perfectly honest, I Am One Of A Kind is a fusion of solo artists; it was naturally my turn after my brother & business partner, Deacon, dropped his solo project, LOST. Big Lee and group albums are coming as well.
Jason Bourne: Often times people think there is a break up when an individual goes solo, is that the case with you guys?
CP Caldwell: No not at all. This OOAK movement is more than just business or music; it’s a family thing so our “roots” are deeper than many people may think or understand.
Jason Bourne: Ok good. Talk to us about the difference of putting a project together as an individual as a opposed to doing it with your group.
CP Caldwell: Putting an album together with a group or with my brothers is so much easier than individually. See you can coast with the support of others with you on tracks. When it is just you, the mind-set changes in terms of what songs you pick, and how you want the album to flow. Everything down to the packaging is a decision you make on your own, which is something that I would have input from my brothers on when it is a group project.
Jason Bourne: The title Chocolate seems straight forward; any inspiration from R Kelly’s Chocolate Factory?
CP Caldwell: The only similarity would be the word “chocolate” but I honestly was not thinking of R. Kelly’s album when I chose the title. The title and album is a direct representation of me as an artist and as a person. I am a dark skinned man. Also, let’s be real, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Jason Bourne: The project is available now correct?
CP Caldwell: That is correct
Jason Bourne: Where can the audience find it?
CP Caldwell: It is available on all the major digital music outlets. Just search: CP Chocolate but I like to make stuff easy for my supporters, so you can use these links:
https://itun.es/us/eCWy_
or
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/CP_Chocolate?id=Bwt65ta3uyv3n73z536ab6eosn4
or
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01925SRD0?vs=1
Jason Bourne: Talk to us about some of the contributors to the project; who did you work with?
CP Caldwell: Well of course I got features from two of my band members , my brother Deacon and Ms. Ripa (the 1st lady of OOAK); a lot of people don’t know we have a female on our team but we do and she’s a beast as you’ll hear. I also worked with producers such as OSYMBEATS, Flawless Tracks, Mr. Kooman, and a brother of mine, PA. I definitely cannot forget about my audio engineer/mastering engineer, Rezon of The Hitroom Studios; his input during our sessions along with my brother D helped me tremendously.
Jason Bourne: Your personal favorite track on the album?
CP Caldwell: My single “Chocolate”
Jason Bourne: What’s the one record that people would have least expected from you on this project?
CP Caldwell: “VIP Dance”
Jason Bourne: It has been said that “R&B is dead” how do you feel about that?
CP Caldwell: R&B is not dead. Truth is, the genre is evolving. In my opinion that is great. The different styles are actually giving new life to the genre. R&B is very much alive
Jason Bourne: Where can anyone looking to connect with you or possibly collaborate contact you?
CP Caldwell: Through management: Andre Woodard via dreshouse2014@gmail.com. Social Media: FB-IAMOOAKCP or Instagram: @CP_CALDWELL. My email: talkmusicshowcp@gmail.com
Jason Bourne: What can we expect for the rest of 2016?
CP Caldwell: More shows, more interviews, music placements, and definitely more music to be released. Hopefully some more awards and accolades to add to my résumé. I have a movie coming out and I am also working on a few TV shows. You never know. Sky is the limit for me and my OOAK family - Jason Bourne
Check out the latest single and record from Chocolate P and support our independent movement in hip-hop and music. The new R&B Soul Hip Hop record mixes his original blends to showcase the overall vibe. Make sure to check out the Soundcloud page and links for more music and content. - Hip Hop Global
Discography
Single - Tell Me How Ft Goonie B
Photos
Bio
Meet I Am One Of A Kind’s
Charles “C.P.” Caldwell
There is no doubt music is Charles “C.P.” Caldwell’s salvation. It
has been woven into the fabric of his life—enhancing, lifting,
and giving him purpose but most importantly enabling him to
give voice to experiences we all can share.
C.P.’s career as one of the highest paid child models came to a
crashing halt at the age of 6. He suffered 3rd degree burns over
85 percent of his body shattering dreams. However, his craving
for self-expression was strong and his passion for music
emerged from its hiding place.
“Growing up my mother would play all types of genres of music
and I would go around singing and imitating the artists,”
recalled C.P., which stands for Chocolate Pleasure. “My connection to music was definitely bought into life from
the experiences of my childhood years and I’m thankful for it.”
Born in Harlem but primarily raised in the Bronx, C.P. attended Harbor School of Performing Arts junior high
school, on a singing scholarship. It was here he began to write poetry and cultivate strong vocal abilities. C.P. was
also a member of a choir and had the opportunity to perform around the tri-state area as well as a 10-city tour in
Italy.
“I always feel at home on stage,” said C.P. “You don’t think of anything but being in that moment. It’s an
indescribable rush that I never get tired of experiencing.”
In his teenage years, C.P and his family moved to Eastchester, NY, where his stepfather made a huge impact on his
life, imparting a strong business sense as well as a hunger for success. High school wasn’t easy for C.P., who came
face to face with racism and prejudice, triggering anger. But instead of lashing outward he pushed that energy
toward his writing and music and that kept him balance. He graduated high school and began a new chapter in his
life when he was accepted to St. John’s University in Queens.
“I poured myself into writing poetry and songs, performing open mic/talent showcases,” said C.P. “I used the raw
emotions of my life experiences to communicate my sentiments honestly— my music became my healing balm
and I applied it to all the wounds of life.
As fate would have it, C.P.’s first year at St. John’s he met Dwayne “Deacon” Jackson. They quickly developed a
friendship and soon after began performing at college and local showcases around the tri-state area together. In
2002, they formed One Of A Kind infusing rhythm and blues and hip hop, evoking emotion filled songs that make
listeners take pause. However, understanding that a unique and seamless blend of music genres is what makes
new artists stand out, they welcomed Leon “Big Lee” Harris in 2006. This lyrical commander completed the One Of
A Kind sound making them a contemporary group that delivers a solid music experience.
“Music is my passion and my passion runs deep within my soul,” said C.P. “Without music I would not be the
person I am—this isn’t a job for me it is a way of life.”
Band Members
Links
