Josh Milan is one of those rare artists in this business whose musicis truly timeless. You can play his remix(along with co-producer KevinHedge) of
Cold Cut featuring Lisa Stansfield’s pop dance hit, “People Hold On”, today and it still sounds as fresh as it did 16 years ago, or Blaze’s, “Can’t Win for Losing”, you’ll find lyrics that are forever relevant. His catalog totals
over two-hundred published works, making it the largest catalog produced by any
single entity in the genre. As artist and businessman, he has been involved in almost every facet of the music business. From producing to performing to managing to distributing music, not many can come close to the artistry and business of Josh Milan.Blaze(Josh Milan, Kevin Hedge and Chris Herbert) started writing music together in 1984. The three decided to form a production team after Chris introduced Joshand Kevin and encouraged them to become a recording group. In the beginning,
the three would meet in Kevin’s bedroom for writing sessions. That is where they
laid the
foundation for what they became most respected for – great spiritually uplifting
songs. “Songs have always been our
main production focus.” Josh Milan explains. “It’s the lyrics and melodies of our
musical heroes that have
influenced us the most.” Josh has influences that range from Stevie Wonder to
James Taylor and beyond. But it’s the combination of deeply soulful melodies,
his blend of Afro, Jazz, Soul and Gospel, and
the positive world views in their lyrics that makes most people compare his music
to the legendary Earth, Wind &
Fire.
Josh started to develop demo recordings in the style of the day’s popular club
music. With “DJ” Kevin Hedge at the
controls, they turned out song
after song for other artists and producers to record. Some included “This Time”
by Colonel Abrams knock off
Hunter Hayes, “One Man” by Chanelle and “Reachin’” by Phase II. The three
ultimately signed their first record
deal with the newly formed Quark records in 1985, producing three major club
hits of the time; “Whatcha Gonna
Do”, “If You Should Need A Friend” and “Can’t Win For Losing”.
The Blaze sound caught the ear of then Motown Vice-president of A&R, Timmy
Regisford, who immediately put
them to work on numerous Motown projects. “These guys were making
productions that were raw enough to
move the club, but always kept the integrity of the songs,” says Regisford on
Blaze. By now, the Blaze sound
was capturing the spirit of dancers in the clubs and the hearts of radio listeners in
New York. As a remixer, Josh(along with Kevin Hedge) has worked on projects
for Diana Ross, Aretha
Franklin, Macy Gray, Jamiroquai, Lisa Stansfield, Babyface, and countless
others. As overdub musicians, they
have worked with DJ/producers David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Timmy
Regisford, Masters at Work and many
others.
After touring with bands and playing at such incredible venues and cities as
Wimbley Arena, most of the
Carribean islands and major cities in the U.S. Following a tour, Josh returned
home to start businesses that
included real estate, car services, retail stores and night clubs (Kevin and Josh
co-owned and promoted the
Club Shelter in NYC).
Josh went on to produce three more albums under the Blaze banner(along with
Kevin): “Basic Blaze” on
Slip-n-Slide/UK, “Natural Blaze: The James Toney Jr. Project” on Life Line/Japan
and “Spiritually Speaking” on
Slip-n-Slide/UK. Also, you will find many compilation albums that comprise some
of his greatest hits, a few
are: “6 Hubert St.” on Avex/Japan, “Pure Blaze” on Easy Street/US, “Blaze
Productions” on Playhouse/Germany
and “Spiritually Speaking…Then and Now” on West End/US. In 1995, Josh
scored his biggest co-writing success with a song called “Hideaway” performed
by De’lacy. The song reached the top ten on the UK charts
and was added to a vast array of compilations, racking up sales in the millions.
Josh also cowrote
charts hits for Amira “Desire” and himself with the #1 dance hit, “Breathe”. This
helped him to become one of the most sought after writers, producers and
remixers in the business, along with his partner Kevin.
Musically, Josh has collaborated with super DJ/Producer Louie Vega (one half of
the production
team Masters at Work) to assist him with producing his first solo album,
“Elements of Life”.
Finally, after 25 years on the scene, Josh Milan is just as current as he was then,
producing relevant hits today as he did back in 1985. “I’m doing what I’m
suppose to be doing.” Josh further explains, “Music is Gods voice and my ears
are pressed against his lips.”
JOSH MILAN has been a student of music ever since he was in grade school in
Brooklyn, NY. At an early age,
through the influence of his mother, he learned to appreciate music from many
different genres. “I believe that
music is an extension of a man’s inner self” Josh says. He grew up in a religious
household, and learned to play
the organ in the church. He later teamed up with Chris Herbert and Kevin Hedge
and the three of them formed
the performing/production team known as Blaze. Co-writing and producing many
artists, along with Hedge,
became the primary focus.
As his career blossomed, Josh learned to arrange vocal harmony, and vocal
performance. “Donny Hathaway
is my main vocal influence. He has touched my musicality in such a way that I
find myself listening, and learning
from him even today.” Josh has made many guest appearances as vocalist for
artist such as YUKIHIRO
FUKUTOMI, Louie Vega, and Chieko Kinbara to name a small few.
Josh’s artistry takes on many turns. He is a Jazz music collector, a photographer
and a painter. He is currently
the Minister of Music at his church, and very proud of it. After 20 years of writing,
arranging, and performing
music, Josh is yet playing in the church and staying true to his roots in Gospel
music.
Josh Milan is writing and producing a full length CD that will feature songs written
and produced by him. “Sandra St. Victor, Chinah Blac, Crystal Johnson,
Cinnamon Brown, Honey Sweet, and a few others have lent their talents to
complete this project. It’s going to be awesome” Josh says. “There is a lot of live
instrumentation that the industry has gotten away from. That’s the main reason
I’m starting Honeycomb Music. I wanted to be in full control of the music that
comes out. Labels like to have a hand in your music. The industry has a way of
dictating what some producers feel they should produce. I’m choosing to march
to my own BEAT.
After that project comes out sometime this Summer, I will be finishing my solo
project. I’m looking forward to an extremely creative year!”�
