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Illicit Life Entertainment is a lesbian owned independent record label. They are located in Dallas, Texas, however, the messages that they bring forth with their artists and their music are nationwide. In this interview, Treazuremag.com speaks with Lacontria "Nicky" Harper, C.E.O, Founder and Executive Producer of Illicit Life Entertainment. Niky emphasizes the importance of representing the GLBT artists to the fullest capacity and talks about how the I.L.E. is on it's way to the T.O.P.!
TM: When did IllicitLife Entertainment begin?
I.L.E: IllicitLife Entertainment began as a recording studio in the summer of 2005 with Lacontria "Niky" Harper as the founder/CEO and executive producer; and Sparkle "Sparksfly" Ensley as label underwriter and communication coordinator. Each partner holds a Bachelor’s degree and each partner carries a passion for entrepreneurship.
TM: How many artists do you have and who are they? Who writes and produces the lyrics and music for the artist?
I.L.E: We have six talented artists including our founder, Niky, that make up the I.L.E. They are Code Red, Jay, Alsace Carcione, Shawty B, and Dymond. Niky and Code Red produce music for the label and each artist writes their own lyrics.
The first artists to team up with Niky were Jay and Code Red, who worked previously with Niky on several projects in the past. The three released "Get Ready" in April 2006 with the aim of enlivening popular R&B and hip hop music.
TM: Tell us about ILE current and future projects
I.L.E: Dymond and Alsace Carcione joined our recording team in summer 2006. We released The ILE Volume 1 in January 2007 and it quickly led to many more supporters. Our latest release, Alsace Carcione’s The Adopted Chyl of the South, was available for the Fourth of July holiday.
We have performed over one hundred shows, presenting music from the three CDs and mix show CDs. Our music is regularly featured on K104.5 during its local artist highlights and our CDs can be found in local stores as well as online.
Currently, we are working on The ILE Volume 2, which introduces Shawty B and displays her many talents.
TM: What inspired you to be open about who you are and what is your vision for I.L.E?
I.L.E: We began with the purpose of reaching the demands of the gay and lesbian community as well as being a catalyst for gay artists. Gay artists are not fairly represented by the major labels in the music industry. Many times, gay artist are groomed into something jaded and commercial. So, we decided to challenge the industry standard by being open and honest. Our label sends a clear message of uniqueness and we are working hard to grow into a key contributor or contender of the major corporations in this industry.
TM: What were the challenges that you face in the industry?
I.L.E: So far, the only challenge that we’ve faced has been radio play on some radio stations because of the sexual innuendos in our music. It is simply discrimination because our music contains far less sexual content and obscenities than what is currently being played during prime broadcasts.
TM: What does Illicit Life mean?
I.L.E: It is the connection and duality of being socially prohibited, banned, or forbidden; while at the same time, being "in demand" because of our contribution to our community.
Check out the I.L.E. on the website@
www.Illicitlife.com - Treazuremag.com
Discography
"Triple Threat "Get Ready" - released spring 2006
"The I.L.E., vol. 1" -released fall 2007
"Alsace Carcione~The adopted chyl of da south" - released Summer 2007
There are tracks from all of these cd's available for streaming at myspace.com/illicitlife
Photos
Bio
In fall 2005, IllicitLife Entertainment (ILE) began a sweet musical adventure into the intrigue of the underground gay community with its intoxicating first release, Triple Threat’s "Get Ready." Excitement and popularity spread at home, while internet exposure and increase electronic sales spread the label around globe. The I.L.E. Volume 1, an energetic and exhilarating project, was released in January 2007 and quickly became a favorite among local DJs. The label provided its supporters with a new experience in mid summer with the release of Alsace Carcione’s "The Adopted Chyl of da South" creating additional heat for the Fourth of July celebration in Texas.
The exclusive partnership between the owners, Niky (Nik) Harper and Sparkle ‘Sparksfly’ Ensley has been unbreakable. Nik has a background in gospel singing and has organized choirs and ensembles for the past fifteen years, creating one of the original stud groups, "Tomboy." 'Sparksfly' uses her strategic business and management skills to keep this operation moving.
ILE has ignited the fires of such artist as Jay, Finesse, Shawty B, and D-Baby. They have been instrumental in rekindling the flames of such artists as CodeRed and Dymond. And facilitated the explosive debut launch of solo artist Alsace Carcione.
ILE is changing the face of today’s music. Because of its desire to be fairly represented, the gay community encourages and embraces ILE’s efforts. Because of its fascination with moral duty and its relation to sexuality, the straight community recognizes and regards ILE as underground legends for expressing truth and honesty in their music.
This year, ILE affiliated artists, have opened shows for several nationally recognized artists including Rasheeda with her mega hit BubbleGum, Joe (I Can Do This) and for TrapStars with the street booming track Get It Big. They are continuing their quest with several upcoming projects for 429 local artists..so stay tuned!!
Niky,
CEO, IllicitLife Entertainment
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