LOCAL HERO

This month's local hero is: Chris Wiltsee

By: Theresa Smith

The music industry is filled with many successful artists who have created great music. In Oakland, Chris Wiltsee is helping to introduce a young, new set talent to this industry, hoping that the world will enjoy the sounds of some of the Bay Area’s most universal talent. With his Youth Movement Records (YMR), Wiltsee plans to put together a slew of projects where the youngsters can work on their established solo careers, as well as collectively. In addition, opportunities exist for students to work with assigned mentors whom they can follow closely on music projects.

The program is geared toward youth ages 13 to 19, which according to Wiltsee are a tough age group to target. He said the positivity of the YMR environment lures young kids in; they want to be involved, which makes recruiting easy.

Founded in October 2003, YMR has worked with over 300 youth to help bring out a sound, image and voice that’ll allow kids to come alive in their work. At YMR, the youth are also involved in many behind-the-scenes projects, which entail prepping for events, dealing with sound, mic check, administrative duties, and other related work. Currently, the organization oversees 75 members, of whom 45 of them are emerging rappers, singers, producers and instrumentalist.

YMR recently completed their first-female album “Taste Test,” which features hip-hop and R&B songs from YMR artist. The artists write, and produce, as well as record their own music. YMR is working on establishing a new membership process that will allow incoming participants to earn their membership status. “The next wave of participants will have to undergo auditions, trainings, and a probationary period before becoming an official YMR representative,” Wiltsee said.

One of the benefits of being a part of this organization is that members can participate in events that allow them to meet music greats such as the very talented songwriter, producer and musician, Kenneth “BabyFace” Edmonds. Recently, the 10-time Grammy winner appeared at the Paramount in Oakland for a sound check and performed a few numbers for the students, who also enjoyed a Q&A session. Hosted by the Grammy foundation’s Sound Check program, as well as the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy, the event allowed young aspiring kids to see how artist prep themselves for concerts.

This non-for-profit organization is a free program for high school aged youth and is funded by much community support, foundations and earned income from sold merchandise, such as t-shirts, CDs, and events. Merchandise is available for purchase on the YMR Web site.

With a two-man staff (Wiltsee and Brutha Los, Program Director), YMR has created functions for kids of all ages to come out and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. “The program has numerous contracts with professionals to provide services and mentoring opportunities on a range of skills including audio engineering, marketing, business plan development, fundraising, and artistic classes and workshops.

Wiltsee said he enjoys seeing the reactions of the kids who attend such intimate functions because it allows them to get a behind-the-scenes feel of the very serious process it takes to hone their skills. This experience gives students a reality check on whether they are actually serious about pursuing a career in music. Longevity and commitment shows face for those who can handle the industry. As part of the process through YMR, the members also learn several skills including self-promotion, in which they sell their own production in order to understand the grind and hustle to get their music out to listeners.

Wiltsee said the kids get motivated from attending the events because it shows them the reality of how much effort, dedication, and time is needed to be successful in that industry.

YMR started out with roughly 30 kids in La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley. The program has since expanded its head offices to downtown Oakland.

Wiltsee continues to work with the kids to promote positive circumstances. Currently, he and his YMR team are in the beginning stages of developing an internship program that will provide youth with meaningful work opportunities.

“There will be an internship opportunity within YMR and with other great community partners, which will include opportunities with other record labels, at recording studios, management companies, production facilities, and other businesses,” said Wiltsee.

“This opportunity will be a foundational experience for those young people to move towards high–skilled, high-wage work within the creative sector.”

With a fourth album scheduled to be released in the early Spring, YMR is also working on their first major event production moving from a venue that accommodates 150 to 300 people, to one that supports 1,200 to 2,500.

“We will be working with a national act on this project, so keep an eye on our Web site for upcoming updates.”

Please visit Youth Movement Records at:
drupalart.org/ymr