Biography
LORD TOPH Bio
Music has always been an essential component of life for LORD TOPH. At a very early age he was introduced to different genres of music, from various artists spanning over several decades. With both of his parents being big music enthusiasts, music was constantly being played throughout his household growing up. “When my brothers and I were little kids, a typical day might begin with Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” and go from Leadbelly to Burt Bacharach or Aretha Franklin in the early afternoon. Vicki Carr or Dean Martin might be crooning by the evening time. There was no telling what you might hear towards the end of the night… It could be anything from Engelbert Humperdinck to Jimi Hendrix!” LORD TOPH recalls; but this was typical in the earlier years of his recollection.
With the money saved from their allowance, it wasn’t long before his older brothers were able to collect 45s and LPs of their own to begin their own record collections, which of course, only expanded the appreciation for music in his household.
Being the youngest of four siblings (all boys), LORD TOPH became somewhat of a “music sponge” growing up. “I took in whatever was being played around me,” he adds. “One of my brothers might be listening to the Isley Brothers, while Spirogyra, Frampton or Elton John might be getting played by my other two brothers. It wasn’t hard for me to realize that music was going to play a big part in my life.”
LORD TOPH’s passion for music grew quickly in his primary years. He and his brothers would often come up with their own musical routines to perform for their parents on weekends. While these activities were merely amusement for his brothers, they would become something he would look forward to doing on a more frequent basis.
Paying close attention to the dance, movement, and vocal style of such artists like Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke, or Elvis Presley, LORD TOPH would often mimic these artists, and later combine their moves to begin developing his own style. His mother was an accomplished vocalist, who had experienced little stints at performing on a small scale, but had tucked away that dream in order to raise her four sons. She often sang with the church choir to continue her love for singing. Having taken notice to her youngest son’s strong interest in music and becoming a performer, she began encouraging his talent and coaching him on how to breathe and use his voice as a singer. It wasn’t long before the young LORD TOPH had gone from performing with his brothers for his mother and father, to performing by himself for relatives, neighbors and visiting guests during the summer. He mainly performed songs by Al Green; songs like “Love & Happiness,” “Call me,” “You Ought To Be With Me,” and “Let’s Stay Together.” His Al Green repertoire was occasionally infused with a song or two from Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley or Marvin Gaye.
He began earning tips each time he got to perform, which is how he began earning his summer allowances; an added incentive. These introductory performances not only helped build his confidence, and develop his talent, but they also established his desire and determination to become a performer.
LORD TOPH is an artist, composer, producer, and author. He is the CEO & Executive Producer of Monté CrisToph Multimedia and the creator and founding partner of StarField Stories, a children’s literature publishing company. LORD TOPH is also the founder of the art style, “Empathicism.” His theory and style has been summarized and published by World Wide Art Books, where he has been recognized and praised as an international contemporary master of fine art. LORD TOPH has written several books, and is soon to release his lyrics in four volumes of book publication through the literary branch of Monté CrisToph. Each volume will be accompanied by drafts, candid pictures, and notes for songs.
LORD TOPH has produced several songs for artists that have been part of the Monté CrisToph Music roster. He has written and composed for Folk Acoustic artist, Damen Samuel, Adult Contemporary artists Ebony Anne Isaac and Kyle Whitney, Hip Hop artist, SnowFlake Black, the Classic Blues/Rock act, The Tony Mazza Project, and several other independent artists. LORD TOPH’s newest album is entitled, “Articles in the Cellar.” With this album, LORD TOPH branches beyond his Gothic sound, and pays tribute to his musical roots in this new collection of music. Growing up in the South and being deeply influenced by the sound of Delta Blues, Classic Rock and Soul, he creatively finds a way to infuse these essential genres of music to create a sound all his own.
Posted by Monté CrisToph Music
(Bio on LORD TOPH is being updated)
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