MAIN 718-513-6122
IN THE NEWS
Never Miss a Beat!
October 19, 2020
When will the "last" time be the LAST time?
Brooklyn, NY -- Four months after its JUNETEENTH 2020 release, Chris Oledude's single "George Floyd" has now been re-presented in the video entitled "George Floyd: Say Their Names."
"The murder of George Floyd focused attention on police brutality against people of color, and racism in general, in a way that few moments have in American history," says Chris Oledude. "As an artist, I had to speak out in my way, right away, because I was just as angry as everyone else."
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was nearly impossible to record this song the way he heard it in his head, says Oledude, but it was going to be recorded somehow.
"This song came together over the course of a few days as I witnessed -- with gratitude, tears and surprise -- the breadth and depth of the emerging multi-racial 'change coalition.'"
Oledude gathered socially-distanced vocalists in an upstate backyard to supplement the tracks he had created digitally. The result is a powerful and somber, yet rhythmic, memorial march.
The video, filmed in the heart of Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant community, highlights the perspective of women -- victims, witnesses, survivors, and those left behind to address the consequences of police brutality. The video also re-presents the action agenda that will be pursued by everyone is seeking real changes by law enforcement in this nation.
For Chris Oledude, art is an essential part of the struggle for social justice -- and art requires both creators and consumers. He is appealing to both casual listeners and fans: "Please spread the word to your friends to buy this song, to 'rock the message,' and to support change."
Chris Oledude wants this recording to generate resources for those on the front lines of the street and legal struggles. Accordingly, every penny in revenue generated by sales will be donated directly to three non-profit organizations: engaged in the ongoing struggles for our safety, our respect, our dignity and our rights: Black Lives Matter (blacklivesmatter.com), the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (naacpldf.org), and the Alliance of Families for Justice (afj-ny.org).
Chris Oledude acknowledges and greatly appreciates the work of the artists involved with the video's production, particularly the work of Co-Director and Editor, Alyssa Dann.
###
CESO GOES UNDERGROUND WITH BEATS
August 31, 2020
CESO Enterprises, Inc. has recruited beat maker UNKNIGHTED to enrich its musical offerings -- provide artists with more creative options.
UNKNIGHTED is a young beat maker looking to work with a different sound.
CHRIS OLEDUDE TAKES ON TRUMP
August 20, 2020
Third release on CESO is a blues scorcher
"I need desire's fire to burn through those orange blues!"
Brooklyn, NY -- AUGUST 20 is the official release date of Chris Oledude's third single, "ORANGE BLUES."
"Almost everyone around the world deals daily with the insanity of Trumpocracy," says Chris Oledude. "As an artist, my job is to acknowledge the oppressive and depressing nature of our President's behavior and policies, but I have to do it through the lens of the Blues writers and performers who have done this for years."
Oledude highlights the human condition when discussing "ORANGE BLUES": "When we're upset, we need to be comforted. Hugs work really well! Kisses can be extremely effective! I am channeling that crisis-grounded need for physical love that we are all experiencing right now."
"'ORANGE BLUES' is a tribute to every man and woman who feels overwhelmed these days. Between COVID-19 and Trumpocracy, there's plenty of stress for all. As the Republican National Convention approaches, however, our message is clear: Trumpocracy must go; but whether it disappears or not, WE will endure, survive and prove victorious."
Oledude wants to reward his fans: "Our strong supporters will get early access to 'ORANGE BLUES' starting August 13th," he points out. "They have earned it!"
Oledude gathered socially-distanced musicians in a backyard up in Woodstock, New York. "A beautiful June Sunday made our recording possible."
Chris Oledude acknowledges and greatly appreciates the contributions of recording engineer Mark Dann, co-lyricist and vocalist Wendy A. Ward, saxophonist Charles Frommer, lead guitarist Ned Matura, rhythm guitarist Geoffrey Owens, drummer Eric Parker, and pianist and organist Ross Rice.
Oledude, whose profile is expanding in music circles, already released two singles this year prior to "ORANGE BLUES." "My Tower" was an anti-COVID protest song, and "George Floyd" was a response to law enforcement abuses.
Oledude 's songs have been heard by thousands of internet radio listeners around the world and in the United States. They have both earned critical praise.
CHRIS OLEDUDE HONORS "GEORGE FLOYD"
June 19, 2020
CESO's second release celebrates Juneteenth by taking on the times
When will the "last" time be the LAST time?
Brooklyn, NY -- JUNETEENTH 2020 was the release date of Chris Oledude's second single work, "George Floyd."
"The murder of George Floyd focused attention on police brutality against people of color, and racism in general, in a way that few moments have in American history," says Chris Oledude. "As an artist, I had to speak out in my way, right away, because I was just as angry as everyone else."
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was nearly impossible to record this song the way he heard it in his head, says Oledude, but it was going to be recorded somehow.
"This song came together over the course of a few days as I witnessed -- with gratitude, tears and surprise -- the breadth and depth of the emerging multi-racial 'change coalition.'"
Oledude gathered socially-distanced vocalists in an upstate backyard to supplement the tracks he had created digitally. The result is powerful.
Chris Oledude wants this recording to generate resources for those on the front lines of the street and legal struggles. Accordingly, every penny in revenue generated by sales will be donated directly to three non-profit organizations: engaged in the ongoing struggles for our safety, our respect, our dignity and our rights: Black Lives Matter (blacklivesmatter.com), the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (naacpldf.org), and the Alliance of Families for Justice (afj-ny.org).
For Chris Oledude, art is an essential part of the struggle for social justice -- and art requires both creators and consumers.
He is appealing to both casual listeners and fans: "Please spread the word to your friends to buy this song, to 'rock the message,' and to support change."
Chris Oledude acknowledges and greatly appreciates the contributions of recording engineer Mark Dann, his daughter and "narrator", Alyssa, researcher Bessie Wong, and musicians Charles Frommer, Geoffrey Owens, Eric Parker, Ross Reed, Nancy Donnelly Swart (lead vocal), and Wendy Ward (lead vocal).
CHRIS OLEDUDE MAKES HIS DEBUT
June 19, 2020
MY TOWER is CESO's first artist release
One man's frustration and determination
Brooklyn, NY -- The artist now known as Chris Oledude was driven to write this song by the COVID pandemic.
"MY TOWER is dedicated to all those who have died from COVID-19; to all those who have worked to protect us from COVID-19; and to my late wife, Sandra E. Dixon, who left us before this pandemic exploded -- and I am glad of it, though I miss her terribly," he says.
Chris composes music that "rocks the message," as he likes to say. Most of his songs take the listener on a journey to personal and social empowerment. MY TOWER is no different.
"The tension we feel will be resolved when each of us resolves to take the steps necessary to stay safe and to keep others safe. COVID-19 has both cursed and blessed us and it is up to each and every one one of us to decide that our blessings are more important than our curses."
Musically, MY TOWER blends "ole school" R&B with blues, pop and Broadway sound to infect you with its hook and the optimism that can succeed fear and rage.
Chris Oledude embraces hope as a healing power. "Maybe it's because I'm an Aries, or maybe it's because my parents never stopped believing that we can be better than we have been," he says.
"But I know that as long as we can love, sing and dance, we will overcome most challenges. So, MY TOWER is one more hopeful and determined song on my life album."
Enjoy!
CESO ENTERPRISES, INC. LAUNCHES IN BROOKLYN
June 1, 2020
New Recording Company Will Focus on "Rocking The Message"
CESO Enterprises, Inc. is a new record label and music publisher based in Brooklyn, New York.
Dedicated to the memory of the late Sandra E. Dixon, her husband, Christopher R. Owens, and their two sons, Elijah and Sampson are looking to bring music to the public that promotes social justice and international peace.
The first artist signed to CESO is CHRIS OLEDUDE. New releases will take place starting in June, 2020. The second artist is the OWENS BROTHERS BAND. Additional artists are expected to sign in the near future.