Record label gives outlet to young musicians

Anastasia Harbuck
Media General News Service
Published: July 11, 2008

Musician Perrie Kitching and rapper Kevin “Caesar” Turner enjoy different musical genres.

But one trait they share is that they sing straight from the heart. That’s what Pamela Helms of Young at Heart Records likes about the young artists. Kitching, Turner and other young artists patronize the studio she and husband Anthony operate on Highway 131 near Texasville. It is known as D&V Recording Studio.

“We think of music as something that’s straight from the heart,” Pamela said. “We love people that have a love for music.”

Young at Heart started like many of its artists did — as Kitching puts it, “in the church house.” Anthony Helms and brother Chris started in the recording industry six years ago. The brothers were part of a gospel group, the Chosen Ones.

When Chris passed away due to a car accident, Anthony and Pamela — along with Anthony’s parents, Johnny and Mary Helms — decided to continue the recording studio as Chris’ legacy.

Though Young at Heart began with gospel music, Anthony says his studio is open to all genres from rap to country music.

“It’s a different avenue than what we started in,” says Pamela. “But it’s been something serious since then.”

“If you can put it out, I’ll put it down,” Anthony adds.

And the young artists on the Young at Heart label are all about laying it down. Kitching, a 20-year-old Live Oak, Fla., native, writes and performs songs about personal experiences. Kitching has been singing and writing songs since he was 8.

“Mainly, I sing about how I feel,” he said. “I write metaphoric music … take a negative event and turn it into a positive outcome to rejuvenate feelings of love.”

Kitching has performed at many venues in the Southeast including social spots in Valdosta, Ga., and his hometown of Live Oak, Fla. He has performed at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, a musical showplace for artists like Laura Love and Bob Weir. Kitching has also performed as part of the Suwannee Songwriters’ Circle.

He recently came to Alabama and was referred to the Helms’ studio by a recording studio in Dothan. Kitching plans on signing a recording contract with Young at Heart soon.

Kitching, along with his Alvarez guitar, performs songs about simple but poignant subjects. His song “Kiss my Hand” is about his best friend’s deployment to Iraq, and his songs “Virtue,” “Congrats” and “Forgive Me” have found air play on radio stations in north Florida.

Kitching currently has a 13- to 14-song album in the works. He dubs his music “acoustic alternative soul” and credits a wide variety of artists and groups like James Blunt, Kanye West, Nickelback and Keith Urban for inspiration.

“But my main influence was singing in the church house,” says Kitching.

Rapper Kevin “Caesar” Turner, 19, credits artists like Nawlz and Lil’ Wayne for inspiration, but the Baker Hill native also says his parents and his late grandmother’s support had a major influence on the young rapper.

“They would be behind me 100 percent,” he says.

Turner has been rapping since he was 7.

“I’m trying to do music for all generations,” says Turner. “I want to be looked up to.”

Turner chose his stage name “Caesar” when he and his good friend, Antonio Williams, were studying the Roman Empire in world history class. He says “Caesar” means “royal king” — the title Turner wanted for himself.

Turner’s songs reflect his desire to stay loyal to his native county even after he’s gone on to stardom. His songs “Put it on Everything” and “Mr. 5-6” tell of how he remains true to his home.

“I ain’t gonna forget about where I came from,” he says. “I’m a little person doing big things.”

Turner has performed in Clayton and Eufaula. His 11-song album, “Million Dollars Walking” has already been released by Young at Heart.

Turner will perform with two other young Baker Hill natives, Shenita and Eddie Harris, Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Clayton softball field. Shenita and Eddie perform mainly in the hip hop genre. They say their music is about having fun. They have coined their new song and dance routine the “Whopper-Whopper.”

“We do it to get the crowd going,” says Shenita.

Shenita and Eddie credit SoulJa Boy, Lil’ Wayne and Beyonce for inspiration. The brother-sister duo has performed in Eufaula and Troy.

Young at Heart Records and D&V Recording Studio can record albums up to 100 tracks and can also provide in-house musicians for singers. Those interested can purchase music by Kitching, Turner and Shenita and Eddie Harris or find out more about the record label by visiting the Young at Heart Web site http://www.helms-studio.com or calling the studio at (334) 397-4606.