Two UA students have started their own music label in hopes of bringing national respect to Arizona musicians.
Jason Wadsworth, a sociology sophomore, and Chris Hudson, a music business sophomore, met in class, and their shared passion for music led them to create their own record label.
“”(I) was hanging out one night with Jason and he said, ‘Hey, we should start a label,'”” Hudson said.
So Wadsworth and Hudson took the next big step and created Chase Recording Group because, in Wadsworth’s words, they are “”chasing (their) dreams.””
Hudson, who originally wanted to be an in-house producer of hip-hop music, said it was Wadsworth’s history in the music industry that gave him the confidence to jump on board with the project.
Wadsworth’s early connection to the music industry came from his mother, who was a concert promoter in Portland, Ore. She worked with such acts as Tony! Toni! TonǸ!, Brian McKnight and Joe.
“”They have all been to my house,”” Wadsworth said. “”I know a lot of musicians.””
Wadsworth said he is eager to find local musicians and help them get into the music scene.
“”We are looking for artists having a tough time getting signed because they are from Phoenix and Tucson,”” Wadsworth said. “”They have talent to go very, very far. But they can’t get signed.””
That’s when Chase Recording Group steps in, Wadsworth said.
“”I want to take these guys under my belt,”” Wadsworth said. “”Under Chase’s belt.””
Hudson sees producing out of Tucson as both a blessing and a curse.
“”Being from Tucson will help (with) taking over the Southwest music scene,”” Hudson said. “”Going national is what’s difficult because people don’t respect Tucson.””
Wadsworth has a plan to gain respect for the label and Tucson musicians.
“”I’m not putting my foot in it,”” Wadsworth said. “”I’m kicking down the door.””
Hudson became the director of music management for Chase Recording Group two months ago, and Wadsworth is now the chief executive officer and president of the recording label.
The hardest part was finding the funds to develop the
label.
The backing for the label will come from a group of investors from the Dominican Republic, who Wadsworth said are eager to put up the money. The label isn’t relying 100 percent on international investors, though.
“”We’ll give our business plans to as many wealthy people as we can,”” Wadsworth said.
Taking cues from Motown Records, the group will be setting up their recording studio in a yet-to-be-named house and plan to have it operational by May or June.
“”It’s going to be pricey,”” Wadsworth said. “”Two of us will probably be living in it.””
Wadsworth already has artists ready to record in his studio, including his 16-year-old brother from Las Vegas who is currently working with Easy Love Entertainment, and psychedelic-classical-blues guitarist Andy Wilson, a UA psychology junior.
The label will be signing three new artists by April. Prospects include Bryan O’Connor, an anthropology freshman, and two Wu-Tang-esque groups from Las Vegas called Life Cycle and Classic Crew.
The goal of Chase Recording Group is to have a melting pot of musicians at hand to avoid having to outsource recordings.
“”If someone says they need a pianist, I know where to go,”” Wadsworth said. “”I got a bucket (of musicians).””
Chase Recording Group will be showcasing several of their artists during their incorporation party at the end of the month. The showcase will be in a party format and is being dubbed “”Chase Unplugged.””
