Myles Hunt - Founder
"Hello all! Thanks for heading on over here. To give you a little background on sMyles is easy. It all started with my love for music, color and wild characters. Each bit of those three elements has led me to intern for The Jim Henson Company, puppeteer for Disney and write about global art for Punchland.com. However, after messing around with careers that span all over the spectrum, I wanted to create a new world for people to laugh and share together from my imagination that never seems to settle down. Hence, sMyles was created to sate those desires. I hope you enjoy our clips, stories and adventures to come!"
Jam on.
Monica Rickert-Bolter - Concept Designer
"Animation combines my two passions, art and storytelling. This led me to the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, where I focused on media arts and animation. I have continued to develop my storytelling and illustrations through writing groups, commission designs, and art shows. When I heard about this project, it amazed me how easy it was to become so immersed in this colorful, imaginative world. These are challenging characters that come with their own unique flavor and being able to express that artistically has gotten me out of my comfort zone. It's hard not to fall in love with this band and their adventures. I can't wait to see this world come alive."
Cast
Janet S. Kim
Janet S. Kim is a filmmaker based in Brooklyn. She has created and produced content for various clients such as, NBC, HBO, Verizon, Philip Morris, Pepsi, and Amazon. She also directed music videos for recording artists Aria Jay and Attis Clopton.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7677805/
Gregory Max Duckoff
Greg is a Brooklyn native with a whole lot to say. He has traditionally spent his career working in customer support and client services for educational technology companies. Greg has also been working as a production assistant in the film production industry on the side for years. He has quite the eclectic music taste, listening to all genres from hip-hop to country music. Currently, he is jamming out to tons of French rap. In his personal life he is addicted to sneakers and cheese. There’s nothing Greg adores and appreciates more than good company and a deep conversation.
https://twitter.com/thelastduckoff
Che Broadnax
Che Broadnax is a Brooklyn-based filmmaking multi-tool. He has been found behind the lens of indie features, in the edit suite for major networks, and hunched over the drafting table creating sequential art. Recently he photographed IFP Films’ sci-fi/horror/comedy Welcome To Willits, singer/songwriter Aria Jay’s 'Growth', and MTV’s Climate Change Christmas. His directorial debut, Civil Warriors won Best Narrative Feature at the 2016 Long Beach Indie International Film Festival. In another life, Che was known as Rev1: Last Revolutionary Emcee and released two politically charged hip hop albums.
https://www.chebroadnax.com/
Musicians
Evan Taylor Jones
Evan Taylor Jones (ETJ) is a self taught Soul-Rock musician and singer/songwriter from Orlando, FL. Growing up as a basketball all-star, Jones never expected that a tear to his labrum during a semifinals game would be the injury to end his blossoming career toward college basketball. Even as one chapter closed, Jones created a new beginning for himself, diving into learning music his own way, to the tune of his first acoustic guitar, all the while still in his sling! Jones has since cultivated a following of true fans, growing from playing gigs alongside a part-time job, to now, playing over 200+ shows per year as a full-time musician and Disney Springs talent. ETJ is currently writing, recording, and producing his newest album to be released 2018, as well as working on sync licensing deals, and still making time to tour in between.
“Give and Give Thanks.”
https://evantaylorjones.bandcamp.com/
@evantaylorjones
Aria Jay
Aria Jay is a singer, songwriter, producer & DJ based in Brooklyn, NY. Singing and studying since age 11, Aria honed her craft with opera master Judy Hages using the classical bel canto technique. She then went on to study jazz performance and composition at The New School. Since graduating, she has worked and toured with numerous acts across the music scene covering a span of genres. Most recently, she wrote and recorded her debut EP ‘Growth’, which was released in the spring of 2017, along with her debut music video for the single He Said. In early 2017, Aria was chosen to be artist in residence at Holyrad Studio in Brooklyn. During her residency, she created a visual album for ‘Growth’. Aria is currently recording her next album and djing in Brooklyn.
http://ariajay.com/
@ariajaymusic
Valerie Orth
“I’m obsessed with writing and finding weird sounds to turn my songs on their heads, yet still making them accessible. My music integrates live instruments with electronics and a lot of vocals which I often turn into their own instrument. Based in Brooklyn, I teach beat-making to middle and high school girls and trans youth around NYC with Beats By Girlz as well as compose for TV and film. I’m thrilled to be part of the sMyles Creative team!”
http://www.valerieorth.com/
@valerieorth
Attis Clopton
Attis Clopton is a professional drummer based in Brooklyn, NY. He has been an active member of the New York Music scene for seven years playing with many local bands and international artist including: Macy Gray, Eli "Paperboy" Reed, Solange Knowles, Aabaraki, Alice Smith, Sxip Shirey, Mothxr, Bleachers, and many more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXPyJ4ilJCE
@attisattisattis
DJ Celsius
DJ Celsius is an open format DJ/hip-hop artist from Brooklyn, New York, and is currently half of the successful hip hop/pop duo Soho Kings. Their music has been reviewed positively by The Source Magazine, Funk Flex, and DJ Enuff, just to name a few. You can catch DJ Celsius Spinning at NYC hotspots such as Pianos, Lot45, Huckleberry Bar and more.
@_djcelsius
Rocco ‘Capotal’ Vitolo
A creative spirit at heart, Rocco "Capotal" Vitolo has been writing, drawing, and making music for as long as he can remember. It wasn't until his high school years, though, that he discovered his passion for the studio and stage. His love of Hip-Hop and Soul music led him to the formation of multiple bands, manning the microphone, and years of intensive vocal training, all traits that would eventually help him with his creative pursuits down the line. He's currently working on multiple music projects, a large scale animated series, and his Instagram blog @LofiHipHop!
@CapotalMusic
Boltah
Boltah is a singer/songwriter and keyboardist based in Chicago. His music has been described as a mixture of indie/progressive, electronic, and experimental. Various vocal/beat loops are a prominent trait in his songs and is inspired by a range of subjects. From expressing life’s most nostalgic moments to politics/social issues to nature. He has performed in original and cover bands throughout the Midwest and came out with his first EP last year. In collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Chip Reardin, Boltah will release a full length album in early winter of all original music.
@boltahmusic
Narrators
Sarah Hunt
“I have been lucky enough to grow up watching my brother, Myles, draw, paint and bring his characters to life for my entire life. Needless to say I was beyond excited when he asked me to be a part of sMyles Creative. When I am not narrating clips for Tune City, I am an organizer in the Buffalo, NY area. I currently work as a volunteer coordinator with a national non-profit. When I am not working, you can find me binge watching Criminal Minds or cheering on the Buffalo Sabres.”
Nini
“Hey guys! My name is Nini and I am a New York City based artist and blogger. Ever since I was a wee tot (a.k.a. a kid), the art of storytelling has always deeply intrigued me. What I truly appreciate about it, are the different ways you can capture a moment and choose to either explain it (through words for example) or leave it up for interpretation. As an adult, I have been exploring the various mediums of art (such as painting, photography, writing) to express and share my own story. Connecting with other creatives is the best part of it all and an incredible experience. I am so honored to be a part of this project!”