There are many entertainers in the world of theatre, music and dance. Keith Middleton is a special one, in this interview you will surely see why!
Copa: Where are you from Keith?
Keith: I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY!!!! Bushwick and Park Slope
Keith: I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY!!!! Bushwick and Park Slope
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Keith: I attended PS 39 then JHS 51 and was awarded a full 3 year academic scholarship to attend Westtown School, in Westtown PA.That was "The Game Changer" for me. I fell in love with writing and performing music there. I later attended Five Towns and BMCC colleges.
Keith: I attended PS 39 then JHS 51 and was awarded a full 3 year academic scholarship to attend Westtown School, in Westtown PA.That was "The Game Changer" for me. I fell in love with writing and performing music there. I later attended Five Towns and BMCC colleges.
Copa: When and where were your earlier influences in theater and the arts?
Keith: Definitely my crazy family has influenced every aspect of my life, since birth. My parents always played music in the house, all genres.They always encouraged us to enjoy music, dance and expression. My Great Uncle, Clarence Collins, is in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. His group is Little Anthony and the Imperials. They have a slew of hits. His nephew Pepe Willie was his right hand man and taught him songwriting and the ins and outs of the music biz. Pepe later went on to write for artists and form his own group. His wife was from Minnesota and convinced Pepe to move back there, she also introduced him to her then 14 year old cousin and his garage band of like minded musicians. Pepe took the young man under his wing and taught him as Clarence taught Pepe. He later took the young musician to various labels ending up at Warner Bro's where he got his first deal. That young man's name was Prince.
Keith: Definitely my crazy family has influenced every aspect of my life, since birth. My parents always played music in the house, all genres.They always encouraged us to enjoy music, dance and expression. My Great Uncle, Clarence Collins, is in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. His group is Little Anthony and the Imperials. They have a slew of hits. His nephew Pepe Willie was his right hand man and taught him songwriting and the ins and outs of the music biz. Pepe later went on to write for artists and form his own group. His wife was from Minnesota and convinced Pepe to move back there, she also introduced him to her then 14 year old cousin and his garage band of like minded musicians. Pepe took the young man under his wing and taught him as Clarence taught Pepe. He later took the young musician to various labels ending up at Warner Bro's where he got his first deal. That young man's name was Prince.
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Copa: What were the first theatrical skills you developed?
Keith: Hahaha in Grade school.. I was the "CLASS CLOWN"! I was in talent shows and school bands and it was Ms. Valerie Mcyntyre who gave me the bug for acting. She cast me in her version of The Wiz as the scare crow hahahah... So much fun!That role landed me a two year summer scholarship for acting classes at Brooklyn College.. I was 13.
Keith: Hahaha in Grade school.. I was the "CLASS CLOWN"! I was in talent shows and school bands and it was Ms. Valerie Mcyntyre who gave me the bug for acting. She cast me in her version of The Wiz as the scare crow hahahah... So much fun!That role landed me a two year summer scholarship for acting classes at Brooklyn College.. I was 13.
Copa: What instruments do you play?
Keith: I can get around a guitar and keyboard where I'd sit and work out tunes till I got it right. My main instruments are hand drums.
Keith: I can get around a guitar and keyboard where I'd sit and work out tunes till I got it right. My main instruments are hand drums.
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Copa: How did you become a cast member of STOMP?
Keith: I saw the show on a hot date...Man we had a great time! I was so jazzed about it. I told all of my dancer friends.They told me they knew about Stomp because they had auditioned for it a month prior. I asked why had no one mentioned the audition to me. Their reply was,"we didn't get it, so you wouldn't have."I read in a publication that Stomp would hold auditions again. So I went for it and voila, here I am almost 19 years later still loving it. |
Copa: Would you please share some of your amazing experiences with STOMP?
Keith: STOMP is the love of my life..Imagine performing with talented people, creating in every show, new magical moments all around the world.With STOMP, created by Luke Cresswell and Steve Mcnicholas, I have performed and more countries than I can remember. All over Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, India, North and South America, Serbia, Romania, England, Switzerland and more. I've performed in commercials and tv shows, films like Stomp Out Loud and Starred in PULSE A Stomp Odyssey.Sesame street to the Oscars to talk shows, it's been an incredible unbelievable journey. |
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Copa: Please share with our readers what you are doing with music now.
Keith: I have always had aspirations of combining my spoken word poetry with my original music. I never shared it with anyone because it was too exposing, too private. I was living in Vegas in '08 performing in the STOMP show there at Planet Hollywood, when I was in a horrible car wreck. From my hospital bed I made a vow to start my project and share my work. "Transitions" is my debut album. In it, you'll hear all of my musical influences and all of my thoughts on love, loss, life, laughter and light. |
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Copa: What's the next step for you?
Keith: My next step, release my album on my own label MCMI records. Travel the world performing my music. Japan tour in Aug and Sept.I'm playing with some really heavy cats from there. More producing my rap group HYDRA. My sons are heavy in the arts as well so supporting their dreams is vital. |
Copa: What great advice would you give to any young person who wishes to pursue a career in the arts.
Keith: I am a product of "I can" don't ever let anyone deter you from your dreams. At an early age I knew to get away from certain things and position myself so that I would be seen and get the support that I needed, like scholarships to schools and colleges, to jobs to performances to jam sessions, to gigs, to life.Work hard even if you have a natural talent, the greatest ones always practice to enhance their skill set.Read, read, read and always be honest with yourself.Carpe Diem because we're not promised tomorrow.Take it from me. Peace and Rhythm ~ Keith
For more information on Keith Middleton:
http://www.keithwildchild.com/
https://www.facebook.com/keithwildchild
www.mcmireport.com
Twitter:
@keithwildchild
@keithwildchildmiddleton
~Copa
Keith: I am a product of "I can" don't ever let anyone deter you from your dreams. At an early age I knew to get away from certain things and position myself so that I would be seen and get the support that I needed, like scholarships to schools and colleges, to jobs to performances to jam sessions, to gigs, to life.Work hard even if you have a natural talent, the greatest ones always practice to enhance their skill set.Read, read, read and always be honest with yourself.Carpe Diem because we're not promised tomorrow.Take it from me. Peace and Rhythm ~ Keith
For more information on Keith Middleton:
http://www.keithwildchild.com/
https://www.facebook.com/keithwildchild
www.mcmireport.com
Twitter:
@keithwildchild
@keithwildchildmiddleton
~Copa