About Collective Hallucination
Amidst the polarized climate of today’s music with artist sounding more and more alike, it takes both courage and creativity to do what Collective Hallucination does. Real singing, real music, with real songs about real life. Collective Hallucination does it well. So well in fact artist like Joyce Cooling and Eric Benet have visited the band’s MySpace site and left wonderful comments about the music of this diverse funky, pop, soul, jazz outfit.
"It’s all about the music man", says Ant Boogie, guitarist and band leader for Collective Hallucination. "We want to play, record and perform good, quality music that touches everyone all over the world."
The music of Collective Hallucination falls into the category of timeless many have said. The music of CH is the kind of music that survives and resurfaces every time the airwaves get filled with clutter and other stuff that is "for the moment".
In terms of great music with great singing, songwriting and sound, the Houston based band has found it’s love and fandom from both blacks and whites, rock lovers and soul music purveyors, jazz aficionados and pop purist with their exciting and accessible, honest and emotive recordings and live shows.
To experience a Collective Hallucination song or show is to witness a band of pure unadulterated artistic and soulful significance and elegance. Collective Hallucination is a band who keeps the listener involved and moved from head to heart, from soul to feet, from waist to butt!
With their soulful sound, slow jam numbers and jazzy groove laden pop tunes, the band is a testament to innovative artistry, sensitive musicality and individuality which not only showcases their talent but also their unwillingness to be pigeonholed as an "urban band". Because of the diversity of their sound it’s hard to label such a tremendous group of individuals. Collective Hallucination does not like labels. Collective Hallucination is the real deal with their cutting edge, emotionally raw, and warm sensual songs.
With a quiet, undeniable confidence combining the raw energy of an all live band with true diversity, Collective Hallucination combines a wide spectrum of musical influences that meld into one. Collective Hallucination has opted to create and expand it’s own sound as opposed to being a carbon copy of current sounds and fads.
Musicianship that is tight and in-sync, on time and in the pocket Brian "B-Funk" Baldwin on bass, Bro Chris D on percussions/drums/vocals, and Ant Boogie on guitar along with carefully created tunes with layered harmonies and powerful lead vocals and raps courtesy of a bevy of wonderful vocalists, guest musicians and rappers to deliver an honesty and sincerity in music that will be felt and followed by many for years to come.
MEET THE BAND
Ant Boogie (Guitars)
Few artist in Houston have had the boldness to step out on faith and do the things Ant Boogie has done, good or bad. Determined to build a fan base and “portfolio” by doing it his way, Ant Boogie has meticulously carved out a name for himself and his band by doing original songs as opposed to cover tunes and by financing and setting up their own shows. Shows which in the beginning seemed like a bad idea, but today Ant says were the smartest thing he could have done.
“No one would give CH a chance”, (referring to the clubs and venues in Houston), “because we were an original band doing original tunes that no one had heard. So I started putting on my own shows. I started taking my own money, getting merchandise made, renting venues, printing up flyers and distributing them myself all over the city of Houston just to build a name for the band. I lost a few friends and a lot of money along the way, but looking back it was well worth it. Those “friends” weren’t friends anyway!
Being the only original member in Collective Hallucination, Ant Boogie says he feels it’s up to him to carry the name and the dream worldwide.
Growing up on the sounds of rock, rap, soul, gospel, jazz, country and blues, Ant is well versed in it all. Having worked in the music business since he was a teenager at music stores, before opening his own store and writing for many Houston based publications, Ant Boogie equipped himself for the inevitable…His Own Band and label.
Not wanting to rely on drum machines and samples Ant spent years immersed in the music that helped shape and define his artistry. A self taught guitarist, (he took a few lessons when he was young but couldn’t afford to continue), Ant says he’s not the best you’ve heard, but he’s the one you’re gonna love!!!! After years and thousands of cds, tapes and lps Ant started writing songs for what would soon become Collective Hallucination.
Ant is the principle writer of the band and he has collaborated in the past with other Houston based writers including Renee’ VanNifterik, John Broussard and Ant’s alter ego-Anthony Frazier.
Ant says he likes to surround himself with the best musicians around which is what he’s always done, because they help inspire and push him harder. He says they keep him focused on what lies ahead.
Ant’s musical inspirations include—Prince, INXS, Ernie Isley, Jesse Johnson, Loose Ends, Carleen Anderson, Des’ree, BB King, Dwight Yoakum, Sandra St. Victor, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Lenny Kravitz, Basia, Sade, Davey Johstone Incognito, Geoffrey Williams, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Keith Urban, Freddie King, Mavis Staples and a host of others.
Brian “B-Funk” Baldwin (Bass)
When it comes to that thump, no one does it quite like Brian “B Funk” Baldwin, who joined Collective Hallucination in late ’06 just as the band was starting to record it’s latest cd.
B-Funk grew up on the good grooves. The rock and soul of the 70’s that helped define what bass playing was. The kind of music that took it’s cue from what artist felt, not what labels felt artist should feel.
This native Houstonian of white and Hispanic heritage got his first feel for playing bass at the age of 7 when he heard Motley Crue.
He picked up the bass at the age of 12 and learned songs by artist as vast as the Commodores and Cliff Burton. A self taught musician, B-Funk began playing in bands at the age of 16. He got his first big break when he joined the now defunct band Droplet in 1996.
After 4 years of playing in the band the members went their separate ways. Brian spent a few years honing his craft before joining The Googe, a great rockchestral, (rock and orchestra) outfit that landed the band many sponsors and fans. Unfortunately just as the band was starting to shine, right before the band releasing it’s second cd, they called it quits.
Brian, (who was already a great friend of Ant Boogie’s), got the call to join Collective Hallucination as Ant Boogie was in the process of recording the band’s 4th cd. B-Funk jumped at the opportunity and he hasn’t looked back.
His musical inspirations include Cliff Burton, Bill Dickens, Larry Graham, and Ron LaPread.
Chris Delaney (Drums and Percussions)
Chris Delaney was born in 1987 during the period of what has been known as one of the best decades in music. The Houston native started playing drums at the very young age of 9 at New Life Missionary Baptist Church in Alvin, TX where his grandmother was the church organist/pianist.
Chris grew up admiring Neal Peart of Rush, Travis Barker of Blink 182 and Lars Owens of Metallica and he sites those three has his main inspiration for wanting to become a world class drummer.
His dad, a multi instrumentalist and his mom a vocalist encouraged Chris at a very early start to get involved with music. He performed in many bands including a high school band at Lee High where he met Ant Boogie in 2005 who got his number and waited until he graduated before making the call that would change his life forever.
Chris is also a classically trained vocalist and he plays keys as well. He says drums are his first love though when you talk to him about music.
The Houston Baptist University student has big plans for the future as he’s working on a solo cd as well as with the pop/gospel band 3 Point Crossing.
MEET THE FRIENDS
Chelsa “Mocha” Johnson (Drums)
When it comes to keeping it in the pocket and on the one with a sexiness that turns heads every time Collective Hallucination hits the stage, no musician does it better than Chelsa “Mocha” Johnson.
Chelsa started playing drums when she was 15 years old and she has never stopped. She says because she always noticed guys playing drums everywhere she went and every time she turned on the tv, she decided to rise to the challenge of being a female drummer ala Sheila E., Terri Lynn Carrington and others.
Mocha worked long and hard and practiced even harder to improve her chops once her mom Lillie Johnson bought her first kit. Chelsa started playing in her church Logos Christian Center and jumped at the opportunity to join Collective Hallucination when Ant Boogie went on a search to replace the drummer who helped define the sound of Collective Hallucination so well. Ant says Mocha has helped redefine the sound and make it more sexy and less aggressive. The funny thing about it is it works!!!
Always up for a challenge, Mocha says she loves it when guys challenge her on the skins and she beats them. It leaves a smile on her face that gives her a certain smugness. Chelsa remains humble and says all the fan fare she receives hasn’t changed her one bit.
In a word Mocha is HAWT and she brings a sexiness to the band as a musician that wasn’t there before.
Her musical inspirations include Destiny’s Child, Sheila E., Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight.
Jamila Hodges (Vocals)
THE GREATEST THING IN LIFE FOR ME TO DO ARE THE THINGS THAT EVERYONE SAYS I CANNOT DO
Jamila Hodges was born in San Antonio and calls herself a class one Army Brat. She started singing at g at Macedonia Baptist Church -First Time to Lead the Choir 6 years old and fell in love with it when she heard artist like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, who she says were her favorites growing up. These days Jamila not only sings, but she writes, acts, (she was an extra in the movie “Friday Night Lights” with Billy Bob Thornton.
Jamila has also appeared in the Prilosec commercial for the Superbowl in the past.
Jamila also adds to her credits being a part of the University of Houston Cheerleading team for more than 5 years. Through the UH Cheerleading team they’ve been crowned National Champions.
Jamila is also a TRAINED PROFESSIONAL DANCER: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SHOWS HOUSTON MONARAIL FEATURING MICHELLE WILLIAMS PLANET FUNK ACADEMY BACK and she does choreography as well.
But that’s just a part of the package, Jamila is a true vocalist. The kind who can go in the studio or on stage and leave you mesmerized. Her voice is strong, yet tender, it soars and it glides. Jamila has trained her voice to the point where vocal acrobatics are nothing but a thought.
Jamila is the real deal, whether on covers or originals, you’ll fall in love with her and her voice.
Mona Anderson (Vocals)
Standing at 5’6 ½”, Mona Anderson, the stunning beauty from Flint, Michigan who now calls Houston home, has been singing since 1983. She started out as a model doing work for companies such as Von Jourese of Detroit, Janet Hair Collection, Seagram’s Gin, Midwest Entertainment and Apex Models. Mona was also an on air personality for Flava Network of Detroit, MI.
Mona started singing by imitating Michael Jackson and her mother Joy Anderson, who sang in church. She says she went to rehearsal with her mom and would sing along to the church tunes that were emanating through her psyche.
As Mona got older she realized singing was her spiritual gift and she immersed herself in music by artist like Prince, Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston and others. Mona studied the music of these legendary artists and would sing to their songs whenever she could. Singing had become a part of her everyday being. Mona says the more she sang, the happier she was.
Though it was hard, Mona felt the need to spread her wings and move away from Flint, Michigan with her musical family, (her brother, sisters, father and step mother are all musicians), where she found a place to hone her skills even further by relocating to Houston. Upon arriving in Houston, Mona performed for Houston based bands Music Tones as well as Direct Effect before joining a local cover band called Something Unique.
After a short stint with Something Unique, Ant Boogie auditioned Mona for Collective Hallucination. Upon hearing Mona sing a Sade song, Ant Boogie was floored by the talented and wonderful voice emanating from the beautiful vocalist.
Ant immediately scheduled rehearsals with Mona and started recording Mona’s vocals for the Collective Hallucination cd. Ant has remarked Mona is his musical muse. He has been writing loads of new material specifically for Mona.
Only time will tell, but we can say for now…The rest is history!
Smurk (Raps)
Cynical Dialogue aka Smurk is no stranger to the game. A member of FBG in the late 80’s and into the 90’s, Smurk has graced many stages throughout the City Of Houston showcasing his incredible talents as a lyricist/performer.
In 2002 Smurk released his debut cd “Born In 2 It” where the cd landed in Billboard on the Heatseekers charts. Due to internal disputes at the label, the cd never reached it’s full potential and was soon off the charts and out of the minds of consumers.
That didn’t stop Smurk though. He went back into the lab and continued to write and record. He appeared in a number of shows with Houston hip hop legend OG Style and he’s been featured on a number of mix tapes, videos and television shows.
He’s currently working with O.M.O. Recordings and is set to release his second release in 2008. He’s also teamed up with local rappers Fame and Braudway to form FSB and they are working on a debut cd. You can catch Smurk on stage with Houston based band Collective Hallucination as he’s a full fledged member of the band doing his raps over the cool/smooth sounds of Collective Hallucination.
Trinity (Vocals and Poetry)
"Trinity" is a native Houstonian who at the age of fifteen left the big city to reside in San Diego, California so she could refine her lifestyle as an entrepreneur. She is also an accomplished writer, actor, and promoter.
Trinity has been actively involved in the entertainment industry since the early 1980s, with several music projects, stage plays, and runway modeling contracts to her credit.
She began writing in 1983 where she became an All American Academic Scholar for Arts and Poetry. After spending 8 years in California perfecting her craft, she now dedicates her time helping others to obtain their dreams while she lives hers.
Her dreams include perfecting her craft while providing a catalyst for poets, artists, and musicians. With that being said, Ms. Skinner is a very important part of the CH family, as she has become Ant Boogie’s right hand helping with marketing and promotional ideas for the band and related artist.
As she moves up in the industry as one of the best, well known spoken word artist in Houston she plans to continue to raise the awareness of the talent displayed in the art of Spoken Word for the entire world to enjoy.
Stacy Butler (Vocals)
Of all the ways to measure great singing, from vocal technique to purity of tone, none is more sincere than the honest, naked emotion found in the vocal powerhouse Ms. Butler. Very few can compare themselves to the power of this Flint, Michigan native who excels beyond measure.
Stacy Butler's love affair with music started at the tender age of 5 in the Angel Choir at Twelfth Street Church of God, now known as Community Church. She sang solos of old church hymns and contemporary gospel tunes.
At the age of 18 Stacy knew she wanted to go pro and she worked hard at it singing in talent shows and variety shows improving her chops and skills as a vocalist.
At the age of 22 Stacy packed up and moved to San Antonio where she landed gigs singing hooks and background vocals for rappers and other artist.
She later moved to Houston where she began singing background vocals for Erin Stephenson, Corey Stoot and a few cover bands in and around the Houston area.
Stacy was introduced to Ant Boogie in summer 2005 through a mutual acquaintance. Ant Boogie instantly fell in love with Stacy's voice and he declared her the voice of Collective Hallucination. Ant has been quoted as saying Stacy has the most powerful voice he has ever heard in person and he wonders what took so long for someone to put her front and center singing lead vocals.
Stacy's musical inspirations include Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Angela Winbush. She hopes to one day have a chance to share the stage with at least one of, if not all of these very powerful vocalist. Ms. Butler, as Ant Boogie puts it, is a real singer with real vocal abilities.
