User:CharlesCaldwell1/sandbox

There is no doubt music is Charles Caldwell’s salvation. It has been woven into the fabric of his life—enhancing, lifting, and giving him purpose but most importantly enabling him to give voice to experiences we all can share. Charles career as one of the highest paid child models came to a crashing halt at the age of 6 when he suffered 3rd degree burns over 85 percent of his body and shattering dreams. However, his craving for self-expression was strong and his passion for music emerged from its hiding place. “Growing up my mother would play all types of genres of music and I would go around singing and imitating the artists,” Charles then took up the moniker of “C.P.”, which stands for Chocolate Pleasure. Born in Harlem raised in the Bronx, New York, C.P. attended Harbor School of Performing Arts junior high school, on a singing scholarship. It was there he began to write poetry and cultivate strong vocal abilities. C.P. was also a member of a choir and had the opportunity to perform around the Tri-state area as well as a 10-city tour in Italy. “I always feel at home on stage,” said C.P. “You don’t think of anything but being in that moment. It’s an indescribable rush that I never get tired of experiencing.” In his teenage years, C.P and his family moved to Eastchester, Westchester County, where his stepfather made a huge impact on his life, imparting a strong business sense as well as a hunger for success. High school wasn’t easy for C.P., who came face to face with racism and prejudice, triggering anger. But instead of lashing outward he pushed that energy toward his writing and music and that kept him balance. He graduated high school and began a new chapter in his life when he was accepted to St. John’s University in Queens. “I poured myself into writing poetry and songs, performing open mic/talent showcases,” said C.P. “I used the raw emotions of my life experiences to communicate my sentiments honestly — my music became my healing balm and I applied it to all the wounds of life.” As fate would have it, C.P.’s first year at St. John’s he met Dwayne “Deacon” Jackson. They quickly developed a friendship and soon after began performing at college and local showcases around the Tri-state area together. In 2002, they formed One Of A Kind infusing rhythm and blues and hip hop, evoking emotion filled songs that make listeners take pause. However, understanding that a unique and seamless blend of music genres is what makes new artists stand out, they welcomed Leon “Big Lee” Harris in 2006. This lyrical commander completed the One Of A Kind sound making them a contemporary group that delivers a solid music experience. “Music is my passion and my passion runs deep within my soul,” said C.P. “Without music I would not be the person I am—this isn’t a job for me it is a way of life.” After years of honing his talents within the group as well as being a solo act in 2014 C.P. began working at the Barclays Center in its premier VIP club “The Billboard Lounge”. It was here where his charm and his knowledge of the entertainment industry allowed him to propel his solo career further. In 2016 C.P. was tasked with the opportunity to present songs written by him to RCA records for their well known female act Kehlani. He also become the only employee of the Barclays Center to perform in “The Billboard Lounge” which has had acts such as Joey Badass, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Janet Jackson and others. Throughout his time C.P. received multiple publishing offers and a non-exclusive deal with Chicago indie label “Touch Music Group”. After networking through the industry C.P. garnered relationships with industry legends such as Bryan Leach C.E.O of Polo Grounds Music (ASAP MOB, Pitbull, Calboy) and even having the ability to work and write a song with super producer Amadeus (Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Young M.A.). After a slew of singles and a multiple projects C.P. began a re-brand of himself in 2020 to “Alx.Zndr”