Bylli Crayone

Bylli Crayone, this "Colorful" individual was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts - a city best known for its Latin and hip-hop culture. Raised by his mother, he was encouraged in the belief that with hard work and dedication he could and would realize his goals in life. Inspired by the work of 80s icons Cyndi Lauper and Boy George, Bylli began his pursuit of a music career in high school, when he and his friend Jose Aponte formed the short-lived but memorable dance group The Sound System, birthing the debut songs Dance Control & Teen Power.

Though the duo soon split, Bylli remained focused on music, creating a "Sight and Sound" all his own.

In 1990, he had written a break-up letter for his aunt to give to her at the time boyfriend. The letter inspired Bylli and he realized his passion for song writing was stronger than ever. So in 1991, while in Miami, Florida he took that break-up letter and turned it into his very first single solo demo "Girl, Hang it Up!". Produced by Claudio Berella of Debonaire Productions in Miami, Florida. The song was released on 200 cassette singles. A release Bylli was very proud of as he released and promoted it himself. In support of the single, he performed at various night clubs and roller rinks that year.

In 1992, Bylli was informed of a song writing competition that had to be about the prevention of teen pregnancy. The song he wrote and recorded as a demo was called "You're Still Young". The song features a young Bylli rapping to a dance beat that he co-produced at a Boston recording studio. The song went on to win first place in the song writing competion. As a result, the song and song title became the new slogan for the area hospital and teen outreach program. On the night of the award, Bylli dressed as a long lost brother of 80s music star Howard Jones and like Howard, Bylli played "You're Still Young" live using 2 keyboards and a programmed drum machine. After his performance of this song, Bylli recieved a standing ovation from the public audience. This was Bylli's first major achievement in the world of music.

Throughout the 90s, Bylli Crayone has recorded more than a handful of demos. Many of which are now lost and will never see the light of day. Some of these early recordings included such songs as "I Can't Wait Forever", "Shut Up & Dance" and "You Are The One", all of which he wrote himself. Finally, in 1999 Bylli Crayone released his first full length album entitled Original/Unique. This album consisted of several demo recordings from the 90s along with 3 songs recorded that year. They were "What's The Answer", "Can't Fight The Attraction" and a song called "Cute Boys" which was written & produced by Bylli Crayone but performed by Lil Star. This album was a CD release and limited to 100 copies. It was not released digitally.

From 2001 to 2004, Bylli Crayone teamed up with several producers to work of his first full length studio album. Lawrence Sterling, producer of the songs "Touch Me All Over" and "Drop Those Pants" were among the favorites that Bylli Crayone had worked with. The song "Touch Me All Over" earned Bylli Crayone an award nomination in the UK for "Best New Artist Dance".

Another producer/artist involved with the album was Domenic Marte. Domenic had also made a name for himself within the local music scene as a producer and recording artist. They worked together on a few songs that would be featured on Bylli Crayone's 2005 "Self Titled" album. On this album Domenic Marte was a background singer and producer for the following songs: "Mi Corazon Belongs To You" and "Toyfriend". In addition to those 2 songs, Domenic Marte is also featured on the background and chorus vocals to the controversial single "Boy Next Door". (Not available on the "Self Titled" album). In 2004, Domenic Marte signed with J&N / Sony DISCOS and released an international album entitled Intimamente launching the singles "Ven Tu" and "Find Another Man". See Domenic Marte's Biography on Billboard.com and notice a mention of work and features with Bylli Crayone.

In 2006 Bylli Crayone was still writing new material for a next studio album. Funusual Records decided to release a remix album featuring several of the songs from the "Self Titled" album newly remixed for this special compilation. However, the remix album did include 2 new songs "Dizzy Boi" (2006 Version) and "Boy Next Door" (featuring Domenic Marte). When asked whether after going it alone thus far he would consider signing with a major label, Bylli explained that he would opt to stay independent.

March 8th, 2008 introduced Bylli Crayone's third full length studio album "NOT A TYPO" is more on a personal level. Songs like "Run To My Rescue" and "Mixed Signals" were written on experience and what he was going through at the time. While his cover version of "Change of Heart" was a tribute to his idol Cyndi Lauper. But it was the song "Dizzy Boi" that took off as the albums lead single.

"Dizzy Boi" was a monster hit and took on a life of its own. It went on to become a club favorite and made the Top Ten Dance Charts both in the US and overseas. The song was featured on a national compilation album that caters to radio and club DJs nationwide. The company being "Promo Only". In December of 2007, "Dizzy Boi" landed a spot on the Mainstream Promo Only release "Club Remixes". The compilation album featured such names as Rihanna, The Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Lopez.

This new version of "Dizzy Boi" as featured on the "Not a Typo" album was produced and remixed by Canadian super-producer OrangeFUZZZ. His Remixography includes work for Madonna, RuPaul, Amber and Britney Spears. OrangeFUZZZ produced 4 of the 14 tracks on the "Not a Typo" album.

Summer of 2008, - "Dizzy Boi" landed a spot on a global gay dance album called "G2". The compilation album features dance music from artists all over the world (14 countries). The album was released as a double CD and also as a digital release.

A year after the albums release - March 3rd, 2009 - "Dizzy Boi" once again lands a spot on a dance compilation album, this time it being a "Freestyle" dance album called "Bangin' Beats" Then & Now Volume 4 on MicMac Records. The album features legendary freestyle artists such as Johnny O, Tiana, Cynthia and Clear Touch. Bylli grown up listening to these artists and here he is now years later on the same album with them. The Freestyle remix to "Dizzy Boi" (3Style Profession Remix) was produced and remixed by Pawel Kolinski of Poland.

Bylli Crayone has not only been writing for himself, but he has also written for other artists. Songs that have been recorded and released include the following: "Homework", "I Go Where I Go", "Cant Explain It" all by Sonchild. "Be Free" by Anthony B, "Aye, Aye, Aye" by Reality and "Cute Boys" by Lil' Star. He has also wrote songs for Ricky Martin, Lisa Lisa, Paula Abdul and most recently Debbie Deb. Debbie Deb doing a revised version of "Girl, Hang It Up!" simply entitiled "Boy Hang It Up!".

In 2009, a "Best of" type of album called "Kalidascope" (The Crayone Collection) was released and it featured many Crayone Classics. From "Touch Me All Over" and "Drop Those Pants" to "Dizzy Boi" and "Change of Heart". It will also include 3 unreleased early 90s recordings including the award winning song "You're Still Young". The album was released on June 16th, 2009. CD & Digital.

February 8th, 2010 - Bylli Crayone single handedly formed LawTown Voice. A group of 20 artists "Singers & Rappers" from his hometown of Lawrence, MA to record the Charity single "TRUST & BELIEVE" with all proceeds from digital sales going to Haiti. It was a month long process that featured meetings, practice and a lot of media coverage within the city. Local TV, Radio and Newspapers were all over this before the song was even recorded. The CD single features 3 tracks. Radio version, Kemper Klub Mix and an Interview with Bylli Crayone by Noah Bombard of The Eagle Tribune.

Of the 20 artists involved with the LawTown Voice project, Bylli Crayone signed 2 artists for 1 single deal with Funusual Records. Their names are Destiny Williams and Lianson Tejeda. Together they recorded a cover of the 1984 "Footloose" love theme called "Almost Paradise". The song was released on March 16th as a CD Maxi single and Digital Download. Produced by Keith Kemper. All proceeds from this single are also going to Haiti.

March 17th, 2010 - Bylli had an Interview with LegendsofFreestyle.com. On this day Bylli Crayone was declared a "Freestyle Legend". Lost in confusion, Bylli stated that he could not accept the term "Legend" as he didn't have the amount of hits or popularity as the Major Freestyle Legends did. He was reminded that his first freestyle single was 1991's "Girl Hang It Up!" (2011 making it its 20th Anniversary). He was also reminded that he has been active in the Freestyle music community for the same amount of time. Bylli was having a very hard time accepting this new "Legend" status. But that all changed when he started receiving phone calls from other Freestyle Legends congratulating him on his new status. Everyone from LISA LISA and GEORGE LAMOND to the girls of SWEET SENSATION and GIGGLES called to congradulate him.

March 14th 2010 - An idea was born between Bylli and his long time friend LISA LISA of "LISA LISA & CULT JAM". A brainstorm idea of recording an album featuring artists of the 80s. No one else was doing it and the timing couldnt be any better. Bylli reached out to many of his celebrity friends of the 80s. Asking if they would like to record with him for a new album that would feature guest spots by artists of the 80s. Everyone from SAMANTHA FOX and NOCERA to ROB BASE and ORAN JUICE JONES showed an interest. So through out the year, the songs were being written and recorded.

His first recording was with SAMANTHA FOX, best known for the hits "Touch Me" and "Naughty Girls". Back in the early 90s Bylli wrote a song called "London To LawTown". * The song has been recorded but sadly, not included on the album.

Another song recorded for the album that did not make the final cut was "Take Us To The Disco" featuring the legendary BOY GEORGE. The song however is a free download via SoundCloud.com for those interested in this rare unreleased track.

The first single from the album was "Waste of Time". A very Lady Gaga inspired dance track that was written back in 1993 but not recorded until 2010. The song was produced by Keith Kemper as was most of the album.

The second single was "He Winked At me" a fun breakbeat dance track. This one was written in 2010 and produced by Dalton Blaire.

In December the 3rd single from the album was released. This one being "IT'S OKAY BOY" featuring 80s Pop Princess TIFFANY. Yes, That TIFFANY of 'I Think Were Alone Now' fame. The single has been making a lot of noise on the dance curcuit. Fans of Crayone, Tiffany and 80s Music Fans in general are loving it. The reviews on Amazon.com speak for them self.

January 18th, 2011 introduced the world to the new album "PRESTO: ELEMENT OF SURPRISE". This album features many collaborations with some of his favorite artists of the 80s. Album includes an intro by the legendary SPINDERELLA of SALT N PEPA and ends with the 20th Anniversary remix of his 1991 freestyle / dance hit "Girl Hang It Up!".