Singer-songwriter and author, Elbie Williams III (also known as Elbie Smoov), bears his heart in this episode as he discusses the story behind his lyrics in his original song, "Listen to My Heart."  His hope is that in his vulnerability, young women and young men will understand the importance of transparency in relationships.

Originally from PG County, MD. Elbie Smoov grew up in the church singing in the choir and listening to ''Oldies but Goodies.  He primarily played sports and gained a full football scholarship to Delaware State University. 

After performing at on-campus talent shows and events, then tearing his UCL in his senior football season, Elbie made the decision to pursue music full-time by collaborating with local DMV artists.  He recently performed at the Filmore.  Find out more about E. Smoov on Instagram at elbie_smoove.

On April 15, 2017, we held our first Cage Free Voices Radio Talent Showcase at Impact HUB DC. This particular episode highlights Matthew Shell of MTS Music, who served as a judge for the CFV showcase and is also one of our partners. In this episode, he talks about the importance of preparation and the art of writing music.

Based in Alexandria, VA, MTS Music is a publishing house and production company founded on integrity with the goal to provide the highest quality services and products.

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Founder and CEO, Matthew Shell (aka MTS) is a music producer, audio production engineer, music business instructor, and producer for the music competition "The O" (as seen at www.WPGC.com/TheO).

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Shell’s work on the production for Marcus Johnson’s album "Flo: Chill" reached #7 on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Chart in 2009. Later that year he worked as the engineer on O.A.R.’s album "Rain or Shine" that reached #5 on the Independent Albums Chart and also #7 on the US Alternative Albums Chart. In 2011, his work on Grammy Nominee Carolyn Malachi’s "Beautiful Dreamer" was featured on FOX 5 DC Morning News.

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In 2012, Shell's album "Freedom", his collaboration with Trey Eley was launched by the Recording Academy via a Worldwide Exclusive First Listen at GRAMMY.com in 2012.

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​In 2013, Shell collaborated with Arun Shenoy on "Genesis", a jazz instrumental that became the lead single on the full length album, "Victorious". The video for "Genesis" was released via Steven Slate's YouTube channel in a cross-promotion for the Raven MTX.

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Shell released his next album "Spiritual Relationship: The Deeper Meaning" in 2015, that saw media coverage from Sirius XM's Maggie Linton, WPFW 89.3 FM's Keanna Faircloth, WPGC 95.5's DJ Flexx, Hybrid Jazz Radio's Trish Hennessey, and more, thanks to the lead single "My Baby" which Shell produced and co-wrote as a gift for his wife. The music on the album was conceived by Shell over a period of 15 years.

As a freelance audio production engineer, Shell has produced for several other artists including Kenny Wesley, Gerald Albright, Greg Adams, Paul Jackson Jr. (GRAMMY winner), Wouter Kellerman (GRAMMY winner), Rocio Marron (GRAMMY winner), Vicu Schek, Lana Lubany, Kenny McNeil, Collin Brooks, Substantial, Sydni Alexander, Rafael the Drummer, D2D, Kolten Perine, Javier Starks, Trey Eley, and Marcus Johnson, has remixed for Selena Gomez, assistant engineered for Philip Lawrence (GRAMMY winner with Bruno Mars), engineered for O.A.R. (platinum selling), and mixed for Free, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Kej (GRAMMY winner), and Marcus Mitchell, among others.

Shell is currently busy with the production of an hour-long jazz opus titled "First Light". The complex arrangement featuring 17 key changes and 20 tempo changes was created by Shell in a single twelve hour session, and has been brought to life on the recording by Vahagn Stepanyan on the piano and upright bass, Kenny Wesley on vocals, Kenny Darby on keys, Curtis McCain on percussion, Nicolas Laget on flute and sax, Yoed Nir on cello, and Shell himself on guitar. The album is slated for release on Aug. 30, 2017.

Find out more about Matthew Shell here: https://www.mtsmusic.net/about

On April 15, 2017, we held our first Cage Free Voices Radio Talent Showcase at Impact HUB DC. Producer, Matthew Miller, graced us with his presence as a judge, providing his expertise on what it takes to be a well-rounded artist.

Miller has worked with Ashante, Biggie Smalls, Tyrese, Aaron Hall and many others.

Matthew has a sincere heart and works to positively impact the lives of those he encounters. We were honored to have him at the event, not only due to his knowledge base, but because of who he is as a person--humble, compassionate, and willing to lend a helping hand.

Find out more about producer, Matthew Miller at @DaSpotRecordingStudio on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Cage Free Voices Ambassador, Corey Wise, talks about his spiritual journey after his amazing performance at our CFV Radio Talent Showcase. Listen in to hear from an artist who uses his music to discuss his love for God. Corey Wise has been featured on Rapzilla and has an album releasing in July.

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

WPGC contestant, Zhanel discusses how she is able to pursue music and business while homeschooling. She's young and introverted but taking strides toward her musical career while taking Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Find out more about Zhanel on Instagram at zhanel_g.

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

WPGC contestant, Zhanel discusses how she is able to pursue music and business while homeschooling. She's young and introverted but taking strides toward her musical career while taking Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Find out more about Zhanel on Instagram at zhanel_g.

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

Kate Brunotts is a young humanitarian in that she uses her art to fight pediatric cancer. FInd out more about what this musical genius is doing to support others by using her gifts and talents here: youtube.com/thebeanieful

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

Kate Brunotts is a young humanitarian in that she uses her art to fight pediatric cancer. FInd out more about what this musical genius is doing to support others by using her gifts and talents here: youtube.com/thebeanieful

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

Jeyhan Turker is a 17-year-old with incredible range and talent. His stage presence speaks volumes about his charismatic character and ability to brighten up a room.

Cage Free Voices Radio partnered with WPGC's, The Opportunity with DJ Flexx, MTS Music, MixMaster Studios and BlueRoom Productions to participate in an even larger platform for youth and young adults to compete for a record deal. The next few episodes will feature youth and young adults in the DMV area.

Jeyhan Turker is a 17-year-old with incredible range and talent. His stage presence speaks volumes about his charismatic character and ability to brighten up a room.