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SOULSHOCK & KARLIN
Wile the "emergence of celebrities like Jam & Lewis and
Babyface has tended to obscure some of the other behind-the-boards
farces making waves in the R&B world these days ,Denmark's dynamic
duo, Soulshock & Karlin, are quickly rising in those ranks," The
duo's production credits include hits such as Whitney Houston's
"Heartbreak Hotel," Toni Braxton's" I Love Me Some Him, "Monica's"
Before You Walk Out of My Life," and 2Pac's "Do For Love" and "Heaven
Got A Ghetto." Their remix credits include Madonna's "Love Don't Live
Here Anymore",Jon B.'s "They Don't Know," and "Brokenhearted" by Brandy
and Wanya Morris of Boyz ? Men. As noted in Blues & Soul, "Although
technically, Brandy's 'BrokenHearted' was classed as a remix, in
actuality it was a reproduction as both vocalists came in and re-sang
the song over a new track created by Karlin & Soulshock."
But success did not come over-night for the Danish duo.
Soulshock began his career as a hip-hop club DJ, spinning records in his
bedroom. His big break came in1989 when ht took third place in the
prestigious DMC Mixing Championships in London. The contest victory led
to a DJ position on the European Tour for the Jungle Brothers, Queen
Latifah, and Chill Rob G. That gig, in turn, gave Soulshock the
opportunity to remix songs for Queen Latifah among others. With his
remixes playing on KIIS-FM, Soulshock came out to New York to study
under DJ Red Alert. But as Soulshock recalls, "I went back to Denmark,
because it was so tough being in New York and I was making no money at
all."
Fortunately for Soulshock, EMI/Medley ha offered him a label
deal in Denmark. In1990, he opened SoulPower Productions and Records.
Moving toward more of an R&B vibe, Soulshock needed a great keyboard
player, and found one in Karlin. A fan of jazz greats such as Bob James
and Stanley Clarke, Karlin was an "integral part of Denmark's jazz
scene" before joining with Soulshock on an MC Lyte remix. A musician in
the traditional sense of the word, Karlin says, "I think our different
backgrounds is what make our tracks interesting. "While the future
overseas looked bright, Soulshock & Karlin felt that the "brand of
R&B/hip-hop they specialized in was being overshadowed in Europe by
electronic dance and house music."
The duo made the move to Los Angeles and, after months of
struggling, finally had a break through with Ce Ce Peniston. Their
single "I'm In The Mood" came out and made some noise. With the ball
rolling, Soulshock & Karlin scored their first big hit with Monica's
#1 R&B single "Before You Walk Out of My Life," which they wrote
and produced. Hits with artists such as Toni Braxton, Brandy,
Brownstone, Silk and 2Pac followed.
Soulshock & Karlin enjoyed another #1 single in 1999 with
Whitney Houston's "Heartbreak Hotel" which was just nominated for two
Grammys: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Vocalist. In addition,
Soulshock & Karlin produced the album "Tracie" for Tracie Spencer,
new songs for Mary J. Blige ("Memories"), Chico DBarge ("Give You What
You Want"), and the latest track from 2Pac featuring the Outlawz and
H.E.A.T. ("Baby Don't Cry"). In addition, Soulshock & Karlin will be
releasing albums from their new female-group, H.E.A.T.
(SoulPower/Columbia), and their male rapper, SES, in 2000. Next up for
Soulshock & Karlin: a duet with Destiny's Child & Signature, and
new songs from 98 Degrees, and Jennifer Lopez. For Publicity please
contact Mellissa Dishell at Dishell Multimedia Group 310-470-6310. For
all other inquiries, please contact Management: Randy Cohen at Edmonds
Entertainment 323-860-0300. Visit Soulshock &Karlin at
www.soulpower.net
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