A few negative comments on Facebook did not stop DJ iShine — local producer Christopher Summers — from dropping his album, Suite 11: The Registration, on Friday.
“Criticism is something that you have to deal with as a musician, and I’m fortunate enough to have developed a tough exterior,” said Summers, a senior studying telecommunications and audio music production. “I’m not going to force my music down anyone’s throat; I’m just asking for an open mind.”
This mindset is spurring the DJ’s pursuit of his career forward, and he is excited for the release.
“For me, it’s something I’ve never really done before and I’m proud of the project and the opportunity,” Summers said. “Working on the project has been a lot of fun, I had the chance to meet and work with a lot of great people along the way.“
The album, originally intended to become a mix tape, has expanded into a large collaboration between the artists of Summers’ producing company, 1Side Music Entertainment. After a year of hard work, Summers and his contributors — including local artists Beni Boom, Jean P and E. White — are ready for the album’s debut.
“It was a great experience,” said Beni Addisem (Beni Boom), a sophomore studying theater production currently taking a break from school. “The album has turned out to be great and has a whole range of different sounds.”
Fellow hip-hop artist and contributor, Ethan White (E. White) from Ohio State University, said he believes the album will be successful for a number of reasons.
“I think the album mixes a lot of (different) artists and sounds and gives them a chance to shine,” he said. “It’s a new sound. It’s definitely not radio music, which is not to say that it shouldn’t be as popular, but it’s just something that a lot of people haven’t heard before.”
Summers is perhaps best known in Athens for his work with local rapper Jean P, but he hopes to move beyond the partnership.
“I want people to know me as more than just Jean P’s right hand man,” Summers said. “I’ll continue to work with him, but I want to be known for my music, sound and production.”
Summers said he has created a versatile music style, hoping to widen his fan base and further distribute his talents.
“It’s a good thing and bad thing, but I’m not trying to be known as an OU DJ,” he said. “I have been pushing a lot to work in other places. I’m not as known as I would like to be, but I am able to do a little bit of everything and I think that will be a big part of my development as a DJ and a producer.”
The album’s expected release is Friday at noon and will be available at 1sidemusic.org. Suite 11: The Registration, however, will be Summers’ last album featuring his own music for the next two years.
“I love music, but I want to focus on my career and the producing side of things,” Summers said. “I want other things in life too, like a job and a family, so I’ll just be spacing out my music and taking a break.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
