BKS1 Radio Network

Ending It All

It's the most haunting news you'll ever hear, and unfortunately we've all heard it before.  Someone has committed suicide.  Tonight, we're tackling an issue most shows won't even touch.  When someone takes their own life, the questions as to why stop you in your tracks.  What kind of pain can drive someone to take their own lives?  Why didn't they reach out to someone for help?  How do you pick up the broken pieces and carry on?

Join us as we have a heart-to-heart about losing loved ones who couldn't defeat their demons.  We will discuss how depression can drive someone to a choice they feel is the only way to escape their inner turmoil. We'll also learn how the statistics stack up demographically in our society when it comes to suicide.  Does it affect one race, gender, or age group over another?  Listen in as we talk to family and friends who have been left behind in the aftermath of such a devastating loss.  Most importantly, share your own stories of how suicide has affected your life.  Are you contemplating ending it all?  While you may be hurting, we want to help.   Tonight on "Live in the Vocal Booth".

Call 646-233-1302 with your thoughts, opinions or tell us if you have battled through these issues or currently battling with them. Your story and experience may help out someone who is going through them. Join the BKS1 Radio experience! Like our Facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Entertainment and follow us on twitter: @bks1radioent

Musical Guest: Thurston Ray

Smooth, soulful, and jazzy are a few words that may describe the musical style of singer-songwriter, Thurston Ray. It may also be described as romantic, optimistic, and uniquely familiar. However it’s described, the Thurston Ray sound has been crafted to take the listener on a journey through emotions, melodies, and sweet inspiration. Thurston Ray is a Brooklyn, NY bass baritone vocalist who blends groovy soul music, jazzy vocals, and messages about real life and love.

Thurston Ray, originally born Timothy Thurston, got his start while growing up in the small town of Montross, VA. From the beginning, Thurston always had a love for the arts, whether drawing, writing, or singing. And growing up in a family rooted in gospel music helped to develop an ear for music and melodies at an early age. Somewhere in the midst of the music, Thurston started writing and reciting poetry as an outlet for creativity in churches, schools, and talent showcases.

After moving to Norfolk, VA to attend Old Dominion University, Thurston gained a name for himself in Virginia’s underground spoken word community as a spoken word artist. Under the stage name ShakespeareBlak, two albums were released. “From Dust” was released in 2003 with the help of a local independent record label, TMS Records. A single from the project, “Harmony”, was later featured on the Compilation CD “Fusion: A Blend of Poetry and Music” which was released through GPM Records-Malaco Music Group in 2005. Also during the same year, “The Mind…The Melody” was released independently and featured a cappella vocal melodies and spoken word. Although neither album gained major commercial success, Thurston was simply satisfied with sharing his gift and touching people through song and poetry.

Today, after years of quiet growth and focus, Thurston Ray is poised to step back into the music scene with more maturity and confidence. Relocation, rededication, and of course time were needed for this moment. Years were spent simply writing songs in his small Brooklyn apartment, and Thurston knew that one day he’d be delivering his music to new audiences. “I didn’t know how it would all come together,” Thurston stated. “I just knew that I had to write, and do what I could with the gift I had.” During this quiet hiatus, the majority of Thurston’s latest project was written. So once Thurston found the producer and place to record, a studio mysteriously located one block away from his apartment, there was an abundance of creativity waiting to be manifested. It was at this studio that Thurston Ray joined forces with producer Matthew “Matlock” Robinson. Together they created a jazzy Soul and R&B sound fused with catchy, sing-a-long hooks and bob-your-head bass lines.

Thurston Ray’s sound and messages are made to stand as a soundtrack to the ups and downs of anyone’s love and life. It marks life’s imperfect journey and reflects on its fresh new beginnings. For everyday is a new beginning. This is the start or restart of something special, something real. This is Thurston Ray.

Check out more on Thurston Ray at www.thurstonray.com

Artists Review: Lionel Richie

Tonight the Live In The Vocal Booth team brings you Lionel Richie's latest release Tuskegee. A blind of country music and r & b music Tuskegee is Lionel Richie's 10th studio album. From being a member of the Commodores to solo artist Richie has delivered multiple classic songs. Lets see if Tuskegee keeps up with the tradition of quality music Richie has been known for to deliver. Read more about Lionel Richie.

Tonight's Topic: Ending It All - Part II

It's the most haunting news you'll ever hear, and unfortunately we've all heard it before.  Someone has committed suicide.  Tonight, we're tackling an issue most shows won't even touch.  When someone takes their own life, the questions as to why stop you in your tracks.  What kind of pain can drive someone to take their own lives?  Why didn't they reach out to someone for help?  How do you pick up the broken pieces and carry on?

Join us as we have a heart-to-heart about losing loved ones who couldn't defeat their demons.  We will discuss how depression can drive someone to a choice they feel is the only way to escape their inner turmoil. We'll also learn how the statistics stack up demographically in our society when it comes to suicide.  Does it affect one race, gender, or age group over another?  Listen in as we talk to family and friends who have been left behind in the aftermath of such a devastating loss.  Most importantly, share your own stories of how suicide has affected your life.  Are you contemplating ending it all?  While you may be hurting, we want to help.   Tonight on "Live in the Vocal Booth".

Call 646-233-1302 with your thoughts, opinions or tell us if you have battled through these issues or currently battling with them. Your story and experience may help out someone who is going through them. Join the BKS1 Radio experience! Like our Facebook fan page: Best Kept Secrets Entertainment and follow us on twitter: @bks1radioent

Special Musical Guest: Kat Doray

Kat Doray is a phenomenal talent who was signed at the young age of 16 and has written songs with the best of them including Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson, Ester Dean and many more. A life changing event required her to step away from the pursuit of her musical dream for a brief time. For the past two years Kat has been growing and developing herself as an artist and is ready to show the world what she has to offer.  Check out her first video for her single A Broken Home and tune in to hear more from Kat Doray.

Tonight's Topic: How Does Relationship Depression Start?

GET READY TONIGHT AT 11PM ET. LIVE ON BKS1RADIO.COM For THE GROWN SEXY SITUATION SHOW. TONIGHT WE DISCUSS "HOW DOES RELATIONSHIP DEPRESSION START?" OUR MUSICAL GUEST TONIGHT IS EBONY ONASSIS. ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF DJ E-RIF. CHAT LIVE OR CALL IN 646-233-1302

Special Guest: Ebony"Onassis" Baker Mars

Ebony “Onassis” Baker Mars was born on February 3rd 1992 in Elizabeth, NJ She is the middle child of four siblings. At the young age of three family and friends learned that Ebony was blessed with a silly and bubbly personality. Onassis grew up in a music oriented home, where both her father and her sister were performers. She easily learned songs knowing lyrics word by word without hesitation. At the tender of twelve Onassis performed in front of thousands at the famous Apollo Theater. She had been encouraged by her fathers motivating words, “Apollo will either make or break you!" The Apollo made her. She went on to sing at The Ritz Theater, as an opening act for rap star, "Lil Kim." Onassis has performed on several stages in New York City, such as: The Soul Shack, Iguanna and The Soul Cafe just to name a few. Onassis received vocal training at Cari Cole, one the best vocal schools in New York City. She has also received artist development from individuals who have industry experience.

Ebony had been told by several individuals that they were astonished by her vocal abilities and unique trends. With such positive praise and in pursuit of her dream, Ebony tried out for TV shows like American Idol, The Voice, and X-Factor. Unfortunately, she was not chosen to appear on any of the shows. Nonetheless, she was very proud that on April 15, 2012 out of about 20,000 other hopefuls who stood along with her in the pouring rain to audition for the TV show "X-Factor, it was Ebony "Onassis" Baker whose face appeared in the Star Ledger newspaper. Encouraged by family and friends Ebony presses on perusing her many goals. “Onassis” has shot two videos to date, her first video "What They Looking At," and the second video "Why We Can’t Fly". Onassis is passionate about more than just singing. She is also sincerely passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Intervention. In March of 2012 Cable vision joined Onassis at her Breast Cancer Awareness Event.

Onassis is currently focused on building her brand, and making a name for herself. She spends her days and nights writing and recording for projects that she knows will one day climb the Billboard charts. When asked what she wants to accomplish her face brightens with excitement, as she answers with confidence; "I want to be an inspiration to all females...”!

Special Guest: SHALIEK RIVERS

Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Shaliek Rivers embodies the establishment of a new vibe, and building on the vision of having a legacy. With influences like Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Michael Jackson, and Sam Cooke, Shaliek’s sound is one with old school passion, yet new age flavor.

It wasn’t long before industry notables started to take notice. Universal Records signed Shaliek Rivers to a record deal.  Immediately, he was put to work and released the buzz worthy single “Get 2 Know Ya” featuring Cash Money/Universal Records Juvenile

As Shaliek continued to prepare for the release of his debut album, he collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys, Bryan Michael Cox,The Underdogs, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis just to name a few.  While the anticipation on the upcoming album began to build, Shaliek had to face an unexpected hurdle.  A strained relationship between his close team members made it very difficult for Shaliek to fulfill obligations with his record label resulting in the album never seeing the light of day.  “I felt like everything I worked so hard for was suddenly taken away from me.  I remember feeling lost”, he adds.

Always one to roll with the punches, Shaliek decided to focus on his other passion, ‘songwriting’, and he teamed up with fellow East Coast penman Cashus C.R.E.A.M. and Derrick Thompson,former VP of Sony BMG, and formed the renowned songwriting team, The Hitterzz. The Hitterzz have coined hits for DAY26, Jordan Knight and many others.

In the Fall of 2011, Shaliek began work on his debut EP “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous,” which includes collaborations from multi-award winning songwriter/producer Andrea Martin (Toni Braxton, Monica, Leona Lewis), Grammy nominated producer Kwame’ (Fantasia, Mary J Blige, Pussy Cat Dolls), Cheri Dennis, Fred The Godson and many more.

After being the Guest Star and ripping the stage at BET’s Music Matters Showcase in New York City, Shaliek took off across the U.S. in support of the “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous {STRIPPED}” tour this past spring. Now that Shaliek has just wrapped up his time on the road and opening up for Lyfe Jennings at the legendary BB Kings Theater, he is focusing on his current project titled Vintage XII, which dropped September 26th 2012.

Vintage XII is a collection of soulful songs that touch on deep dove, hurt, forgiveness, and hope.The projects lead single "Miserable" produced by Jae Orchestra and written by Jaron Hitz is a catchy, up-tempo tune that will have the listener singing along upon the first listen.  As the project progresses, songs like "Don't Leave”, “The Past" and "Blood, Sweat, Tears" proves that Shaliek is a force to be reckoned with.  Vintage XII closes with a song titled, "I'm Here," that talks about having doors being slammed in your face where he simply sings...."I'm here, and that's a beautiful thing."