The Stand
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With the help of a new recording label, local R&B artist Erika Lovette is in the process of creating her second R&B album. She is working with SKY PAD Studios, which launched in April 2010.
New York City natives Tedd Perry, known as SWELL, and his sister, Melissa Parker, are working to help local artists get national exposure. They combine SWELL’s music industry knowledge as a producer for more than 20 years working with artists such as P. Diddy, Fabolous and Jagged Edge, with Parker’s experience in business. She has a master’s degree in finance.
“The R&B opportunities are not here,” Lovette said. “The city is limited. There aren’t as many open-mic nights or radio stations to help you. You really have to travel and get yourself out there.”
Lovette is SKY PAD Studios’ first project. Lovette released her first album — “Love, Life and Everything In Between” — under a different label in February 2010. With SKY PAD, Lovette is working with songwriter Sheree Hicks, who has written songs for R&B artists Tyrese and Anita Baker and is currently writing for Jennifer Hudson’s new album.
“Working with SWELL has been a blessing because of his connections,” Lovette said.