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Melody Beats Entertainment was created by
CEO-President Undrea "Big Dre" Woods in 1995.
Mr. Woods had a vision to develop his own
independent production label. Dre has been playing
music in his family's church, Miracle Temple Church
of God In Christ in Minneapolis, MN as an organist
since the age of 4.

Since beginning his start with gospel music, Undrea
has perfected his skills on the guitar, electric bass
guitar, saxophone, keyboard, drums/percussion, as
well as many other aspects of music. Because this
producer has been playing in church every Sunday
for the last 25 years, without a doubt he has an
expertise and passion that no one has been able to
touch. Dre Woods has a hot set of hands.

                                          Melody Beats Entertainment and its affiliates are
                                          completing a compilation of artists and music produced by
                                          Dre Woods. The compilation album is composed of R&B,
                                          Soul and Hip-Hop selections. Currently, there are 20
                                          tracks completed. The theme of the album is "We gon'
                                          take ya' 2 da WOODS", and the album features Midwest's
                                          First Fam. The family is composed of the following R&B
                                          Soul and Hip-Hop artists: Monica Marquette, Tony & Bell,
                                          Anonimus, Coop DeVille and Brian D.

                                          Melody Beats Entertainment's compilation album is the
                                          most highly anticipated album coming out of the Midwest,
                                          and has something brewing for the future that cannot be
                                          understood by the common man or woman. No longer will
                                          the beat go beat-less, nor will an artist working with Dre
                                          be told to 'go back to the lab.' Producers in Minneapolis have attempted to make a change, but can not come close to what Dre has done or will do.

The mainstream audience of Minneapolis-St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs is looking for someone and something that simulates what our parents felt when Prince began his reign. A sense of pride has been missing from professionally composed music, with a mainstream sound, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dre Woods is a rare commodity who can produce a deliverable product.

 

 

Undrea Woods, better known as "Big 'Dre" or the
honored title of "Black Schroeder", was born in
Winona, Mississippi on October 13, 1974 to
parents Mary & James Woods. Undrea Woods is
the third of nine children born to
Mr. & Mrs. Woods. Since the age of 4, Undrea
Woods has played the Hammond B3 organ
among many other instruments. While attending
St. Louis Park Senior High, in St. Louis Park,
Minnesota, Undrea pursed athletic aspirations,
his knowledge of the saxophone,
drums/percussion and keyboard synthesizer.

Throughout his high school years Undrea gained
experience working with polished lyricists.
His undiscovered talent for working with R&B
artists went untouched.

Undrea Woods' influences come from a Church of
God in Christ background and his father,
Pastor James Woods, who felt that gospel music
was an important aspect. At Miracle Temple was
where Undrea gained his love and appreciation for performing music.

In 1997, after the purchase of a Korg X3 music workstation, the polishing and building of a library database of beats of melodically composed tunes has grown exponentially. After much time and consideration, Mr. Woods' 2001 debut, as not only a composer, but also as a producer of R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul, is overdue. In 2002, 'Dre added a Korg Pro X Triton 88 weighted key synthesizer and has something brewing that cannot be understood by the common man or woman. No longer will the beat go beat-less, nor will an artist working with 'Dre be told to go back to the lab.

As a Minneapolis artist and the CEO & President of Melody Beats Entertainment announces to the professional music business, "the cold weather here is a snow-cover for mainstream platinum records." As the professional clientele growth & attitude continue, Mr. Woods is a clean, fresh reminder of what Minneapolis, Minnesota brings to the table.

 

 

VP Asiel "Erek" Woods is brother to CEO Dre Woods, and has been in the background working hard to connect with the Hip-Hop and R&B listeners.
Asiel will be managing the artists' schedules and appearances.

For more information e-mail Asiel
at asiel@melodybeats.com.

 

 

A native Chicagoan, Erika Blackwell brings a
freshness to Melody Beats Entertainment.
Citing her family as her most important
inspiration and centering force, her music focuses
on love and life from the perspective of a female
twenty-something that thinks she's got it all
figured out. Her voice has the strength to wail
out the high notes, yet conveys a sensitivity that
will touch your soul. She is a senior at the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. After
graduation she plans to pursue her career in
singing and modeling full time. "This is what I
have been preparing and waiting for over half of
my life, now is the time to dedicate myself to my
dream."

At an early age Erika became passionate about
using music to inform and educate her peers.
From 1995 through 1998, Erika became involved
in 'Good Vibes!', a young dance troupe that
traveled throughout Chicago-land schools,
incorporating hip-hop, dance, spoken word, theater skits and R&B to convey a message of love in the community. "We spoke, sang, danced, stomped...it was pretty innovative when I think about it. That was the first time that I saw how other people went to school, with metal detectors and no books or clean bathrooms. We saw a lot of hurt, but those kids, they saw themselves mirrored onstage and we got 100 times the love for our effort."

Blessed with a strong stage presence, Blackwell also participated in school musicals, as well as classical vocal ensembles and contests in high school. By the time of her graduation, Erika was an Illinois All-State musician and the first recipient of a vocal scholarship sponsored by her music teacher. Scholarship offers from music conservatories were enticing, but she decided to attend the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. "Most important to me was options. I didn't want to be limited to the music IN the university. I wanted a community, a CITY with color and life. I was and still am impressed with Minneapolis's vibe. It is an untapped resource in terms of talent, really."

At an early age, she relished the attention she got when onstage and her parents pushed her to perform, realizing music kept her focused and positive. After five years of violin lessons and two years of piano, she focused her energy on singing, completing 8 years of classical voice training. She studied with teachers from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Northwestern University and University of Minnesota. Grateful for the technical skill she acquired during those years, she has the most praise for the band at Park Avenue Methodist Church in South Minneapolis, and friend Keith McCutchin, a local jazz artist. "I learned more in church than I ever did while being a music major. These cats could PLAY. You needed above average chops just to feel right on stage next to them." Blackwell also began singing as a freelance studio artist and solo singer. "I was doing odd jobs like Christmas parties, weddings, University lecture series, I even sang the National Anthem for the Gophers Basketball team a couple of times. I did other free stuff too, guest appearances on University jazz band concerts, talent shows, open mics, stuff like that." After ups and downs with other local producers, Blackwell feels lucky to be a part of Melody Beats Entertainment. "I have worked with other producers before, but Dre is the best. A genuinely kind-hearted person, and ridiculously talented. The best part is, he doesn't try to control what I do, and I can let my creativity shine."

As a vocalist, Erika looks to soul artists like Amel Larrieux, Maxwell, Dwele, Brian McKnight, Take 6, Erykah Badu and Rapheal Saadiq for inspiration. "But don't get it twisted, I love other stuff too. I used to want TO BE Janet Jackson. Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, John Mayer, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Rae and Christian, Norah Jones, I can't categorize my taste." And with her talent and drive, we cannot categorize her potential, or how far this songbird will fly. She is currently working on her album, and collaborations with other Melody Beats Artists. She is optimistic about her career and anticipates success. "I am excited about my career. My voice is my instrument, a gift from God. I have the ability to touch people's hearts, and I cannot wait to show the world what I can do."

For booking information please contact Asiel Woods at 612-919-6703 or asiel@melodybeats.com.

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