DMKR STUDIOS

Founded in 2006, DMKR Studios is the record label for the rock bands One Floor Away, Finding Tomorrow, and the Hip Hop team New Rap Union and other Independent artists.. Since its founding, DMKR has added musicians, songwriters, and singers across the state of New York and is continuing to grow. In 2010, DMKR Studios added DJ C-Dub from Albany, NY to its roster.

MISSION

At the heart of DMKR is its commitment to promoting Christian moral values and producing quality entertainment. DMKR is a growing label and seeks to add artists of any make who are committed to the goal of producing clean entertainment.

While we make no claims to be perfect ourselves, we strive to produce art whose purpose is to show people the “way things can be”.  Our commitment to producing high-quality entertainment is seen in our desire to bring in and develop highly talented artists and musicians.

HISTORY

In the summer of 2005, Ithaca, NY area musician KC Sawyer began the process of pooling local talent to form a rock band. His goal was to create a band that would promote Christian moral values yet be extremely entertaining at the same time. Teaming up with local drummer Caleb White and Shanequa Lee, the group worked diligently to add musicians to form the band.

In November 2005, their goals were realized and “New Rock Union” held their first practice. The band was short-lived, however, and only held 1 practice. But the bond between KC, Caleb, and Shanequa grew stronger.

On January 1, 2006 the trio, joined by Shanique Lee, formed the hip hop band New Rap Union. Later that month, a visitor to the group’s home church, Oasis Christian Fellowship, gave the band $10,000 worth of gear to start a small recording studio. As the band practiced, KC Sawyer understood that the bands long-term success needed to be managed. Additionally, the group needed a way to bring supporters and new artists into the fold.

In November 2006, KC Sawyer, Shanequa Lee, and Caleb White co-founded DMKR Studios LLC. This new business would serve as the umbrella organization for New Rap Union and would help make new talent available and help facilitate growth and support.

MILESTONES

• February 2007: New Rap Union (NRU) releases 1st album
• February 2007: NRU gives first performance
• March 2007: NRU performs at Haunt
• August 2007: Producer Ajemo Haltom joins what will become DMKR Studios
• August 2007: NRU performs in front of 400 during Chuck Pierce visit to Ithaca, NY
• March 2008: DMKR Studios adds singers Elishma Farquharson and Jessica Achtschin
• May 2008: Rap artist Xavier Borne joins NRU
• September 2008: Singer/songwriter Erika Harrington joins DMKR Studios
• January 2009: Singer/songwriter/guitarist Marty Sears Joins DMKR Studios
• May 2009: Rock Band One Floor Away is founded with Marty Sears as lead singer
• May 2009: Bassist Timothy Hamilton joins One Floor Away
• November 2009: One Floor Away debuts
• January 2010: DJ C-Dub of Albany, NY joins DMKR Studios
• January 2010: DMKRStudios.com re-launches
• January 2010: Matt Ploss joins One Floor Away as a guitarist
• Feb. 2010: Announced Urban Dance School
• Feb. 2010: Announced LATE NIGHT INSOMNIA
• March 2010: Launched DMKR Studios Online Store
• May 2010: Late Night Insomnia attracts over 200 people and raises $175 for Haiti
• May 2010: Rock band Finding Tomorrow joins DMKR Studios