In Tune: Citizen Cope

It is hard enough making it these days in the cut-throat music industry. It is even harder to break through to the popular mainstream and garner radio airplay with a major label distribution push. But to actually make it, and then turn your back on the major labels, can be a risk that can ultimately work in your favor, but can more than likely leave you behind in the dust. However, if you are taking notes, producing other artists and building strong relationships along the way, then the path that Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, chose to take may work out for you as it definitely has for him.

Born in Memphis, Greenwood spent much of his childhood in various U.S. cities before settling in Washington, D.C. He broke into the music scene as a DJ for a hip-hop group, but he soon ventured out on his own. Throughout his career, he has been courted and signed by a few major record labels, including Capitol, Arista, DreamWorks and RCA. After relocating to Brooklyn, he eventually grew tired of label restraints and never looked back, producing most of his albums, eventually starting his own label, Rainwater Recordings, which has released his last two albums. This brave move has allowed for more creative control in his music and career, just as Greenwood prefers.

His signature blend of soul, blues and folk, mixed at times with an acoustic guitar and even mellow hip-hop beats, not only helped him differentiate from other mainstream artists, but helped him build a dedicated fanbase, as well gain the attention of other famous musicians. He has recorded songs for Carlos Santana, Sheryl Crow, Richie Havens and Dido, and even shared the stage with guitar great, Eric Clapton.

Known for his years of constant touring with more than 100 concerts per year, Citizen Cope is currently on an intimate solo acoustic tour.

CITIZEN COPE will be AT CHATTANOOGA'S Track 29 on Monday, March 18.

Check out Citizen Cope online!

www.citizencope.com ' Myspace ' Facebook