The Uncle Earl

“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.” – Nikos Kazantzakis

The art of success begins first within your heart, no better example to attain this claim than the man of many talents that we have come to know thru the years in the industry as Lacy Phillips.

LDP aka Uncle Earl is an accomplished Actor, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Music Producer, Songwriter, Teacher, Producer, Radio Personality & DJ.

Lacy choreographed and staged the National Tour of The Wiz starring Grace Jones and Peabo Bryson. He was the Associate Director/Choreographer for the Mariah Carey Around The World Tour and Assistant Director/Choreographer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered (A Celebration Of Stevie Wonder) at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas starring Chaka Khan, Peabo Bryson and Melissa Manchester.

Under Mentor Debbie Allen, Lacy was an assistant and also performed on such projects as: A Different World, The Academy Awards, Sammy Davis Jr. 60th Anniversary Tribute, Polly I & II for Disney and the CBS T.V. Movie Stompin’ At The Savoy featured as Teddy The M.C. and Cool Women.

He is currently Creator/Producer of Ultimate Underground, which is a global music, arts and education project. He is the Host/DJ of his own successful weekly radio pod cast title The Ultimate Underground Experience Radio Show with Uncle Earl that airs on Radioactive Broadcasting Network.

Lacy’s new venture Earl Hitz Records is inspired by the culture of dancing at The Paradise Garage, in NYC. As a culture curator of performance & music for the world he wanted to create a new outlet to cater to this new digital experience. Earl Hitz Records is a NYC label created to embrace the sounds of house, dance, electronic pop, and funk music.

Affluent Records CEO Oscar Sanchez says, “Lacy has a great vision, when we sat down and spoke, I was so impressed with his passion to create in 2016 a NEW DIGITAL PARADISE GARAGE EXPERIENCE.” After tossing ideas back and forth it was clear Lacy had the talent, business, and a clear understanding of his brand for his fan base. This is why I gave him the opportunity to create this new outlet under the Affluent brand. I believe in his success.”

His international debut Dance/House Compilation is slated for release Summer 2016 worldwide digital through Earl Hitz Records/Affluent/Orchard/Sony.

For more information on Lacy Phillips or Earl Hitz Records contact via his website https://earlhitzrecords.wordpress.com - Music Industry News Network

'R U Ready' is one of the most energizing dance cuts to hit the floor this year. The Uncle Earl is a genius of self-expression, and this is the kind of work that confirms his reputation.

We have a theory as to how Uncle Earl conceived this ingenious dance track. You see, most of the time people creating EDM material do their work in software using abstract (even cryptic) technological processes to conceive the kind of sounds that will induce a kinetic reaction on the dance floor. By and large this works, if somewhat counterintuitively. But we think Uncle Earl subconsciously employed his vast experience as a dancer and movement coordinator to reverse-engineer the process from the locale of the floor, in essence assembling 'R U Ready' from his own physical instincts - and thereby furnishing one of the funkiest club cuts this year. We submit his music video as proof of our thesis; watch him groove out yourself and see if you can trace the underlying aesthetic back to his track. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the charismatic artist to talk about his career (which includes stints with Mariah Carey, Grace Jones, Bette Davis and many others), his growing multimedia empire, and his hopes and ambitions for the coming days.

LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open - What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
UNCLE EARL: The craziest thing that’s happened in my music career was performing with the legendary Ms. Grace Jones for the Gay Games in Amsterdam on the docks. There were over 10,000 screaming fans, which was a very surreal experience. I managed to learn the whole show on the flight from New York to Amsterdam: Vocals and choreography. What a trip! Needless to say, it was fantastic and everything went off without a hitch. I love her madly!

LAUREN: Your song ‘R U Ready' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
UNCLE EARL: When I first heard ‘R U Ready’ played on the radio, I got teary-eyed because it was truly a labor of love writing, performing and co-producing with DJ N-Joy (Leo Stella) from Switzerland and it was a longtime dream come true. As an artist, all you can do is your personal best. To be well received by your peers and the public around the world is like no other sensation. I want to send a huge thank you to all the listeners and fans around the world for their constant love and support.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
UNCLE EARL: ‘R U Ready’ was meant to inspire people to have a good time. Do what you feel, just as long as you don’t disrespect or hurt anyone else in the process.

LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
UNCLE EARL: The ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for my desire to create music is total expression. Music is the creation of tonal vibrations which can cause either a negative or positive reaction. We as ‘human beings’ respond to these vibrations differently. These vibrations and sounds are around us every day and night. The key is awareness and having the ability to use them in a positive and intelligent manner.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
UNCLE EARL: As an artist, I am all about being free, down-to-earth, curious, challenging, fun-loving, an envelope pusher, serious, dedicated, a canvas to be painted on, open and available to receive knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
UNCLE EARL: The experience of working with other people on my team has been awesome and an eye opener. I have gained a wealth of experience through creativity and production thus far in my career, however I can always learn something new and I welcome constructive criticism during the process of creating new music.

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
UNCLE EARL: I actually did come from an entertainment family with a rich and exciting background in the arts. From childhood, my mother, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, was and still is a singer, actress, writer and producer. She was even singing while pregnant with me so I guess I got some of my talents naturally through osmosis. She is most known for playing Mrs. Powers in the film ‘Lean On Me’ starring opposite Morgan Freeman. My sister, Marishka S. Phillips, is also a very talented actress, singer, writer, director and drama coach to the stars. She now runs the Marishka Phillips Theatrical Preparatory in New York and Los Angeles. My now deceased father, William Lacy Phillips, did sing for a spell but decided to do the responsible thing and become a blue collar worker to take care of our family.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
UNCLE EARL: The thing that I find most rewarding about being an artist is having a platform for the ultimate showcase of expression from every inch of my being and body. The most challenging thing is having so much music and creativity pumping through my veins that I can’t produce or get it out fast enough, which results in countless episodes of insomnia...I just can’t turn it off!

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
UNCLE EARL: My role models in the music industry are too many for one answer, however I will list a few: Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osbourne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Al Jarreau and the late, great Frankie Knuckles.

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
UNCLE EARL: My best or most memorable performance... once again, there were so many, but working with the incredible and beautiful Mariah Carey as personal movement coach, associate director and choreographer for her ‘Butterfly Tour’ was a major highlight... and I got to perform with her on stage. Amazing!

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
UNCLE EARL: The advice I would give to young artists out there who are unsure and need guidance is to be a ‘human sponge.’ Soak up and learn everything about your craft! Not only on the performance tip, but the production and technical end as well. Basically, learn every part of what makes the whole engine run, and be mindful and respectful to everyone because you never know who knows who.

LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
UNCLE EARL: The next thing for me as an artist is to build a successful multimedia conglomerate consisting of radio, television, film, video, theater and music production. In 2008 with the assistance of a friend, Clayton Karush, I formulated ‘Ultimate Underground’, which is a global music, arts and education project. The main mission is to bridge the gaps between humanity using arts and education as tools. The present objective is to become a game changer in how the industry conducts, promotes and distributes the music business and protects the artists. For the record, there is a new international dance music compilation in the works for 2015/2016. It is untitled right now but I wish to wow the electronic dance music community and reignite an era gone by. I am working with some of the most talented, up and coming producers, artists and DJ’s from around the world, including myself. The phenomenal roster includes: Project Preatorian/Revitalized Records (Netherlands), DJC Cru Productions/David Burnett, Jerome ‘Scorpiochild’ Dickens, Caprice Starbrite (NYC), The Melendrez Brothers/Alex Gaston & William (NYC), Jordy Briard (Belgium), Double Z/Zak Zuul (UK), Sava Boric (NYC), Trevor Sewell (UK), Frankie D’Augusta (NYC), Nino Bellemo (LA), Ian Bel/Norwegian Underground (Norway), Nemanja Kostic (Serbia), Andy Allwood (UK), OKKO/Oliver Klung (Switzerland), Shehab Rehmani (UK), Alyson Williams (NYC), Lonnie Gordon (UK), G-Man/Sugarhill Gang (North Carolina)....to name a few hahaha! Get Ready! Special mentions for Donald Tyler, Barbara Beach/Radioactive Broadcasting Network, Mike McCready & Staff at MusicXray in NYC for guidance and support. To God Be The Glory!

LAUREN: Thank you so much Lacy for taking the time to speak about your past in music and dance and the life experiences that led you down that path. Your new EDM single is killer and we expect to hear great things about your career soon!
http://www.UltimateUnderground.com
© 2016 Marquix Global Network - Marquis Global Network

“A Man Of Many Talents! - Shine On Hollywood

At what age did you realize you had the talent to pursue a professional career in entertainment?

Well, actually I did not realize that I had talent but my mother did. She is Actress/Singer Sandra Reaves-Phillips. I used to sing and dance around the house and when I was nine years old, she heard about a musical looking for children. She had an audition for herself and asked me to go. I was kicking and screaming but I ended up going and booking the gig. Turns out that it was the stage adaptation of a film "The Corn Is Green" starring Bette Davis called "Miss Moffat." After I got the 1st paycheck, I knew I had the talent! LOL

As a multi-talented entertainer (encompassing dancing, acting, singing, choreography, songwriting, and teaching) which talent, do you enjoy doing the most?

Honestly, it is very difficult for me to pick just one because I was brought up in the ARTS. It's my Life and what i do! Back in the day, it was performing (acting, singing, dancing) but now I love producing, directing and choreography. It gives me a chance to unleash my imagination, share the jewels in my "tool box" and help shape careers.

Your resume is quite extensive, including participating in numerous stage plays, movies, and projects thus far. What has been your greatest accomplishment…What moments where influential in helping you become the entertainer you are today?

It is really difficult to say what my greatest influential moments were because I've had so many! One or two in particular was working with the Iconic Late Choreographer Bob Fosse. I grew up watching his work on TV and in the movies and then I was in the room working with him and his wife Gwen Verdon on the revival of "Sweet Charity" starring Debbie Allen. I soon after became one of Ms. Allen's assistants for about 10 years. Those years of experience were most invaluable and at the time I did not realize all the gifts that she had bestowed upon me.

My greatest accomplishment has been being afforded the opportunities to work on both sides of the table in the Business. Many of the Director/Choreographers that I have worked with in my Life, like the late Michael Peters, Lester Wilson, Michael Kidd, Michael Smuin, Claudia Asbury, Larry Fuller and Al Perryman, allowed me to fully express all my talents artistically and creatively and sometimes with a "heavy hand." Sandblasting the diamond, so to speak.

With such a busy schedule, what is a typical day like for Lacy Darryl Phillips?

WOW...that is a BIG question! My days fluctuate drastically. Usually, the phone starts ringing at 7 or 8 am, then I'm on my PC checking the website and my various social sites which takes a few hours. Around 11 or Noon, I might grab a shower and bite to eat. More phone calls and e-mails. A meeting or two with my business associates or at the radio station. Marketing and promoting my shows for the week being on two radio stations. Prepping mp3's for posting after broadcast. Scheduling interviews for future shows. OH I Might Eat hahahahahaha :O)) After a day at the radio station, I go to a screening, festival or networking event and then go home to once again check e-mails and/or update all social networks. Eat...Have A Cocktail and then Shut It Down to start all over again......But I Love It !

You are currently involved with the Explore South Africa Tour set for 2013. How did that opportunity present itself? How does it feel to be a part of that experience?

Being involved with the Explore South Africa Tour is like a dream come true! First of all, to visit the Motherland is something I've always wanted to do and sharing this experience with such Talent and Creative Individuals is awesome.

I was approached by Carla B. of EOTM, after engaging in a panel discussion at the LA Convention Center with the team from Da Radio Show. She and I hit it off immediately, I invited her on my show "The underground Experience with Uncle Earl", she in turn invite me on her show "E Buzz" and the rest is History!

What are some of your responsibilities as an expert on the Future of Music Global Industry Panel on the tour? What topics are of discussion?

Some of my responsibilities may include, but not limited to, helping Artists find their Voice, showcase their Artistry, affording maximum exposure while creating a platform or "safe haven" for total creative expression. There are many topics to tackle but the strongest message that I'd like to convey is that there is a great need to " break" or should I say "burn the box" that Artists have been imprisoned in and help to absolve genres. The Industry should be about Good Music or Bad Music, Good Artists or Bad Artists PERIOD!!!!!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now professionally and personally?

In 5 years from now, professionally, I see myself running a fully functional multimedia production house "Ultimate Underground Compound" with all the dressings including: Soundstage, Recording Studios, Theater Space, Radio Broadcasting, Rehearsal Space, Guest Quarters, Restaurant & Cabaret and Performing Arts Academy!

Personally, I'd like to leave that option open because there are so many possibilities and I'd like to remain open to whatever the Universe places in my path which will bring me joy, happiness and peace of mind!

As a well established entertainer, what advice do you have for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?

DON'T DO IT!!!!! LOL.....no just kidding! I would say to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry is to be completely open, come like a clean canvas to be painted on and to be a "Human Sponge." Learn everyone's role on any project or production, on stage and behind the scenes. It takes every position to make the wheel work and everyone is important. The person holding the electrical cables might in turn one day be your Producer, Director, Fellow Actor, etc. Be respectful and don't burn bridges!

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know what’s your craziest “Where they do that at?!” moment…

OK...this is really a stretch but I'm gonna go there for you. As a young man, I was very expressive, creative and dared to be different. I was and still am a huge fan of Grace Jones. I even had the privilege of working with her as a Choreographer for a tour of "The Wiz" musical and perform with her for the Gay Games in Amsterdam. I was working in Las Vegas performing in Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Ladies." We use to have theme parties because we got bored. Someone suggested a Grace Jones Party and that was all I needed to know. I had the nerve to dress up like her in leggings, an Issey Miyake wrap coat, boots, a cane, dark sunglasses and a Lamp shade from my apartment on my head. I went to the party, sat alone staring out the window and did not speak to anyone all night! hahahahahahaha OMG...I just liberated myself :O))

For more information on Lacy Darryl Phillips aka Uncle Earl, The Underground Experience Radio Show or any other Projects, please visit the website: www.UltimateUnderground.com
Posted 23rd February 2012 by thehypemagazine - The Hype Magazine