Carla

About me:

Who is this “fly diva” that’s got NEXT from Chicago? An avid singer and songwriter, this Chicago native has what very few vocalists of her kind possess…undeniable talent, sex appeal…. killer vocal and songwriting skills, and an undying drive and will to succeed. She is history in the making…She is Carla Prather. A Chicago native, Carla has paid her dues in full. She has graced the stages of numerous venues in Chicago and abroad, has scores of fans worldwide awaiting her next move as an artist and songwriter, and can easily be found all over the web. Get to know her…quickly. At an early age she earnestly honed her craft, like many soulful artists of her kind, in church. She spent her mornings singing the greatest of hymns and spirituals, and spent many long nights working with local Chicago musicians and record producers, seeking opportunities to excel as a solo recording artist. Some of her works have been featured on local radio shows such as Chicago Home Jams on 107.5 WGCI, but few knew of her. After a chance meeting with Frank Orrall, mastermind of Poi Dog Pondering, she was thus invited to become a member of Poi Dog Pondering, and soon began creating a buzz throughout the Chicago music circuit, as vocalist with “pipes” winning the hearts of many. Clubs like the Cotton Club, The Vic Theater, The Park West, The Green Dolphin Street Café, Double Door and the Metro became home to her as she could often be found performing with Poi Dog Pondering and her forthcoming solo project, Mr. Ali. She also began writing and creating music with the likes of some of the city’s hottest producers and songwriters including club legends Maurice Joshua, Byron Stringily (Ten City) and Hula Mahone (Outhere Brothers),in addition to Eric E. Smooth Miller, M. DOC, Mike Dunn, Terry Hunter, Vincent Lawrence, Mel Hammond, and many more… In January 2007,Carla was invited to become a member of “The Craft” band, sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft. The band was established to bring local acts and many well established artists together to give the talents an opportunity to genuinely collaborate. Carla worked for the next three months with acts such as Common, Amel Larrieux, Miri Ben Ari, Rakim, KRS 1, Lyfe Jennings, Marcia Ambrosious (Floetry), Erykah Badu, EPMD. To date she has written for various artists including disco diva DAJAE, and latin artist Zanya, the Poi dog recording “In Seed Comes Fruit” and the “Transit” recording released by Mr. Ali. Carla also wrote and released the recording “Cast Your Spell” (West End Records). Soon after, she started releasing material like the winds. These releases include; “ “Is It Love” (Rukus) ”That Feeling”(West End) “Somebody”(ACT ii), “One Day” (Oddessy), “First Time”(Crash),”Ask Me” (Music 101)“Rainy Day” (West End), “No More Love” (Jellybean Soul), “Simple”(Philosophee) “About Us” and “Imagine Freedom” (Unified), “Secrets and Lies” (Jellybean Soul), “Respect Our Love” (LavaJam), “Midnight Interlude” (West End), and “Make Love Not War” (Loveslap). Carla continues to perform with Mr. Ali, while writing and recording for her publishing company Carla Prather Music. She enjoys spending time with her young daughter, and credits God for her every success. For more information, Carla can be found at www.myspace.com/theonlyflydiva. For booking and show info, please email theonlyflydiva@gmail.com or call (708) 757-7449. “She is to many Chicagoans the answer to Angie Stone…Jill Scott….Erykah Badu….and Lauryn Hill all rolled up into one”. Jere McAllister Songwriter/Producer/Musician “She is the “quiet storm” of the music industry in Chicago.” Kevin Shine/Promoter “…the next step for her would be a wise A&R exec with a contract and a check”. Larry Flick (Former Billboard Dance Editor/July 1997) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________