2. Jackson Davis
Superfly Presents
64 West 3rd Street, Suite 205
New York, NY 10012
July 18th, 2011
Dear Mr. Jackson Davis:
I am writing on behalf of Troubled-E in regards to the upcoming Bonnaroo Music &
Arts Festival at Great Stage Park taking place this upcoming June 2012 in Manchester,
Tennessee. As a past attendee of Bonnaroo and knowing the music, dance and culture that
Troubled- E is representative of, I believe the two are an ideal match.
Troubled-E is a contemporary hip-hop artist. His music is a blending of rap, rhythm
and blues, and folk narrative. Troubled-E uses his musical talents to spread messages of
inspiration, hope and change to his large audience, which is comprised of many troubled and
struggling youths from all racial and social backgrounds. Not only does he use his vocals to
uplift his followers, Troubled-E is one of the best performers that I have ever seen. Through
his art of dance and lyrical poetry, his large fan base is able to see the passion that lies behind
his work as an artist. Over the past few years, Troubled-E has performed at many venues,
ranging from popular nightclubs on Miami’s South Beach to fundraisers that benefit cancer
research and childhood abuse awareness. Troubled-E’s stage presence and talents make him a
unique artist for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.
Bonnaroo is a festival that does not just celebrate the art of one style and genre or
music, but embraces the universalism of music as a contemporary art. Troubled-E’s music is
a melting pot of sounds. In past recordings, Troubled-E has collaborated with alternative rock
musicians, Jamaican reggae artists and R&B/pop female vocalists. Though his music is an
evolving form of hip-hop, Troubled-E creates a new meaning of music with his eclectic
sound and unmatchable song writing.
Troubled E’s uses his talents to encourage society. In these hard times, the music
industry needs artist that will solicit positive messages for youths and individuals leading
challenging lives. He uses his music to exercise his free-choice and egalitarian beliefs.
Troubled-E understands the importance of appreciating his audience. He provides an
entertaining and creative show. I strongly feel that his artistic image and talents make him a
solid candidate for the 2012 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.
I am thrilled about the prospect of Troubled-E performing at Bonnaroo Music & Arts
Festival in June 2012. Attached is a portfolio of Troubled-E, featuring a full biography,
pictures and live video from past performances, and other pertinent resources. Thank you for
all your time and consideration in reviewing the possible performers for this year’s
performance at Bonnaroo. Troubled-E and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I have
included my email and phone number so please contact me at your convenience.
Best regards,
Brad Weisberg
bweis88@live.unc.edu
(561) 706-2431
3. About Troubled-E
From the early age of twelve Evan a.k.a. Troubled E embraced music. Break-
dancing and playing guitar were his first musical experiences, which evolved
into rapping at 15. New York born and South Florida raised Troubled E has
plenty to say. He's bringing something new to hip hop, keeping it alive as well
as inspiring people & making them feel good. His style's Hip Hop, but he's
versatile within this genre using his metaphorical cadence. His inspiration
grows when his music makes a difference in someone's life. Music with a lot
of emotion, lyrics and style, that's Troubled E.
The 411 on Troubled-E
Facebook Web Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troubled-E/148397818524176
Myspace Music Page:
http://www.myspace.com/troubledemusic
Examples of Live Performances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCpHQnl4KpA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R0_JAVJDCY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MThNvEqebI&feature=related
Be sure to check out his other live performance videos at
http://www.youtube.com/user/theTroubledE
Press Coverage and Interviews
http://daraonradio.com/wordpress/?p=1057
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhbdoqvUGnQ
http://www.youtube.com/user/theTroubledE#p/u/8/zXr3hR1stgk
4. Biography:
Troubled-E was born in Syosset, New York on November 8th, 1985. At the
age of five, his family relocated to South Florida. Music has always been an
important cultural element for Troubled-E and his family. His mother, Nancy
Weisberg, sang professionally in New York City and still flaunts her talents in the
neighborhood vocal ensemble. His older sister, Jennifer, was involved in the arts as
a little girl, from learning how to play the piano to taking dance lessons at dance
studios in South Florida. From a very young age, “E” was exposed to music and dance
in and outside of his household.
As a student at Calusa Elementary School, Troubled-E was an active member
of the Flamingo Chorus. Performing in numerous school-sponsored concerts and
holding many solos, Troubled-E quickly adapted his family’s name. At the righteous
age of eleven, Troubled-E taught himself how to play the electric guitar. When he
was not busy attending school, “E” spent hours upon hours in his room learning how
to play many of his favorite songs at the time, such as Hendrix’s “Stairway To
Heaven”. Apart from his musical endeavors, Troubled-E was a natural born athlete.
While playing basketball in the school- yards of inner-city neighborhoods of South
Florida, Troubled-E was exposed to the art of break dancing. Not too long after, he
became a novice b-boy winning numerous break-dancing contests at school functions
and religious gatherings.
Entering high school, Troubled-E was already facing obstacles. From
domestic problems to personal struggles, Troubled-E needed an outlet to express
his emotions and help him cope with the constant changes. His weekends in high
school consisted writing rhymes and battling other young, aspiring hip-hop artists
at local clubs and in parks. Nurturing his talent, Troubled-E began to host rap
battles online and interact with prospective rap artists from all over the world.
Musicians such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, DMX, Tupac Shakur, and Nas
provide inspiration to Troubled-E. His music is not about the manifestation of
consumerism, as the majority of hip-hop is. “E” writes and rhymes about real-life.
He brings his life into his music, from his brother’s battle with cancer to his
challenging adolescence. “E” does not like to classify his music as hip-hop and rap,
because it more complex than that. He is able to combine hip -hop with the sounds,
aesthetics and styles of other genres, such as folk rock and rhythm and blues.
Troubled-E has been collaborating with artists from other genres, as is seen in
songs such as “So Let Me Know” and his upcoming hit, “Time For A Restart”.
Currently, Troubled-E resides in Fort Lauderdale, FL. However, he is in the
process of relocating to the Northeast, where he will continue to write and record
music. When “E” is not practicing music, he mentors underprivileged children and
serves as a substitute teacher for students with special needs. Troubled-E is a
talented individual, who devotes his life to helping others and guiding youths so
they do not make the same mistakes that he has in his earlier life. His music is
original, entertaining and sends positive vibes of inspiration and hope.
5. Interview with Troubled-E
1) When did you first discover your talent?
When I was like fifteen or sixteen, I was writing rap to deal with the social problems that
I was dealing with and various other problems that I saw with the world around me.
Before writing rap songs, I used to freestyle and I noticed I was able to put words
together that rhymed and made perfect sense.
2) What inspired you to become a hip hop artist?
When I was about eleven or twelve, I started to break dance. From there, I learned how
to play guitar at 13. I was always in tuned with all different genres of music, from
Marvin Gaye to The Eagles. I’ve always been good with words and rhyming so when I
was about 15 or 16, I began to write rhymes because it served as an outlet to escape
reality and express myself.
3) What would you classify the sound of TroubledE as? How long have you been
active in the arts?
Smooth ,powerful, energetic, inspirational, realistic and helpful. My music belongs to
more of a universal genre, because I can combine many other elements along with hip‐
hop. I’ve been active in the arts for about 13 years.
4) How have you distanced yourself away from mainstream media while still
appealing to a large audience?
By being true to myself and not trying to fit in with mainstream media. Through making
music about reality that people are able to relate to and it makes them feel good about
themselves. I’m also giving them myself, not just an artist. In the mainstream, most
artists are a created product and not as genuine. On the other hand, there is no gimmick
with my music.
6. 5) Have you ever collaborated with any other artists? We’re they from the same
musical genre or different genres?
Yes, I’ve collaborated with a reggae artist from Kingston, Jamaica who goes by the name
Di‐Vision, multiple R&B singers such as J‐Marie, Nicole Ashley. I’ve also collaborated
with alternative rock and folk musicians.
6) What are the different venues that you have performed at?
Charity events, cancer fundraisers, child abuse fundraisers, clubs, schools, house parties,
college parties, restaurants, family get‐togethers, radio stations, fashion shows and a
wide range of locations.
7) If you had to tell me about one of your favorite performances, which one would it
be and why?
I really enjoyed the Relay for Life event at Nova Southeastern University in Davie,
Florida. It was the first time that I performed “Walk for the Cure”, the jingle that I wrote
for the American Cancer Society. The crowd really opened up and expanded on the
energy that I already put into the track. Winning the crowd over instantaneously was
very rewarding. As well as, I knew I was performing for a positive cause that would help
society. By the time I got to the second song, I was able to get very intimate with the
crowd. I received a lot of crowd participation and encouragement.
8) Being white in a music market that is predominantly Black, what kind of obstacles
have you had to overcome in order to gain legitimacy in the rap genre?
If you have the talent and the skills and you remain true to the art form as well as to
yourself, you’ll be able to overcome all of the deception, all of the doubt, and all of the
negativity that will come your way. I had to deal with being prejudged when I stepped
on the stage before I even opened my mouth, because of a stereotype that has placed in
the market. But shortly after I’m halfway into my verse, everybody is looking at me in
awe and the prejudgments are destroyed.
9) Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next five years?
I will have my own following of about 500,0000‐1,000,000 fans who will purchase my
music, as well as come to see me perform in various cities and countries. I will have
written several advertisement jingles as well as kid’s songs for media conglomerates
like Disney and Nickelodeon.
10 How do you think hiphop music has evolved in the past ten years and how do you
see it progressing in the next decade?
Hip‐hop music has evolved into more of a pop genre on a mainstream level. Because of
this, hip‐hop music is much more commercialized than it used to be and many of its
beginning elements are not being represented as much anymore. The business aspect of
the music industry has lowered the standards of the type of talents the artist needs in
order to be successful. I do not see hip‐hop music progressing on a mainstream level.
However the independent market will create its own industry, which will let real hip‐
hop music shine and survive.
7. Troubled-E Song List
Troubled-E has recorded two albums over the past two years.
Apart from his albums, he has written and recorded songs for
various charities and fundraisers.
The Eyes of A Troubled Man- Fall 2010
1) “He’s Troubled E”
2) “So Let Me Know” – feat. J. Marie
3) “It’s A House Party Aye”
4) “Just To Make It” – ft. Di-Vision
Conflicted Mind- Fall 2009
1) “Men Do Cry”
2) “Emotional Struggle”
3) “Friends And Business”
4) “Don’t Feel Like A Man”
5) “Gotta Help”
OTHER SONGS WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY TROUBLED-
E INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
*”Raise Some Bread”—written for the St. Baldrick’s
Foundation
*”Walk for the Cure”—written for American Cancer Society’
Relay for Life
*”Stop The Child Abuse “PCAA Anthem”- written to fight child
abuse
*”Come Help Big Mama” – written for Big Mama Team of Life
8. Song Lyrics to
“Raise Some Bread”
This is for my brother, and all those other kids out there that have to deal with
cancer
Raise some bread then shave your head/
You never know you may just save a head/
If you don't wanna shave or fade your head/
At least donate and make a pledge/
Raise some bread then shave your head/
You never know you may just save a head/
If you don't wanna shave or fade your head/
At least donate and make a pledge/
Thinking of the pain for my family/
What my bro had to go through was insanity/
Happy to say he's five years cancer free/
I'll hand him cheese, help more families/
And save a young one, from this illness that kills/
Then see what type of greatness these children can build/
You can get your head shaved, go and get a fresh fade/
9. Help them do the research do another X ray/
These survivors walk around with many scars/
So please make a pledge cash credit card/
Its much more than some change in your wallets, i know we can put the saint in
The baldrics/can't forget my brother's mean aches from the port/ wishing we can
Finish this race for the cure/ seeing how the kids have felt from the chemo/you
Already know what i'll yell to the people/
Raise some bread then shave your head/
You never know you may just save a head/
If you don't wanna shave or fade your head/
At least donate and make a pledge/
Raise some bread then shave your head/
You never know you may just save a head/
If you don't wanna shave or fade your head/
At least donate and make a pledge/
-- I chose to include this song because it is representative of the
messages that Troubled-E spread through his music. This song has a
lot of meaning to me as his manager, because it was written for
cancer survivors, such as myself. His songs provide inspiration and
invoke change and “Raise Some Bread” has just done that.
10. Music Equipment
Required for Troubled-E
Venue must provide:
CD Player or Stereo
Cordless Microphone
Subwoofers
Speakers
DJ
o OPTIONAL
In-house band
11. CONTACT AND BOOKING
INFORMATION:
Address:
7315 Greenport Cove
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Musicians
Troubled-E
Email: troublede@gmail.com
Cell: (561) 706-3783
Manager and Booking Agent:
Brad Weisberg
Email: bweis88@live.unc.edu
Cell: (561) 706-3937
-Check Troubled-E out on the web at
http://www.facebook.com/Troubled-E/
12. “It’s Einstein with A Spit”-
Troubled-E… THE MUSIC
Listen To Music And Purchase Music Here
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/troublede
-This link enables you to listen to short clips of each song on “The
Eyes Of A Trouble Man” CD. Also, you can download the whole
album for small fee of $2.99.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-eyes-of-a-troubled-
man/id381667560
--This link enables you to listen to short clips of each song on “The
Eyes Of A Trouble Man” CD. Also, you can download the whole
album for small fee of $3.96.
YouTube Music Videos
“Raise Some Bread”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fILqnmwTWM&feature=g
rec_index
“Just To Make It”
http://www.youtube.com/user/theTroubledE#p/u/18/Ft_f9-
bRaj4
“He’s Troubled-E”
http://www.youtube.com/user/theTroubledE#p/u/21/pyLojUu
5xAo
And check out the rest of the music videos at the following URL
http://www.youtube.com/user/theTroubledE
13. Troubled-E Performance Review:
Sigstock Performance for PCAA
When I first heard about Troubled-E, I was a little skeptical about his talent and
authenticity as a hip-hop artist. Though after attending his performance at Nova
Southeastern University, I was both blown off my feet and enlightened by his abilities as an
artist. The show opened with his featured single, “Just To Make It”, on which he
collaborated with an upcoming, reggae singer, Di-Vision. “Just To Make It”, a song about
surviving into this challenging world through being and believing yourself introduced me to
the ideology behind Troubled-E and his music.
Watching him articulate his emotions through a creative and mastered rhyme
pattern helped me understand the beauty and truth that lies behind the flawed hip-hop
industry. Not only were “E’s” songs exquisite, but his stage presence was phenomenal, he is a
born entertainer. The energy that E exhibits is endless, whether he’s engrossing his fans in
his performance or letting his talents shine. I really liked how “E” words were clear and
invoked by strong emotions. Through soliciting his words in a powerful and understanding
manner, the crowd could relate to “E”.
“E”, a college graduate, underwent many of the challenges of college that his
audience at Sig Stock did. His songs spoke to them and provided inspiration and guidance to
many in attendance. I had the chance to speak to one of Troubled E-‘s local fans, twenty-one
year old Jessica Appleman. Appleman looks up to those like E who are turning their lives
around and using their talents to guide other. Appleman said, “His song “He’s Troubled-E”
really touched me. I could relate to the troubled live of “E” and to watch him mature gives
me the courage to take the next steps in life.” Troubled-E, a humanitarian, skilled musician
and mentor, has changed the sounds of modern urban music and does not only provide
liveliness for his large audiences, but challenges his fans to lead good lives.
