Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamil Bartoszcze.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kamil. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I first discovered my passion for music while playing the piano with my grandfather in the small town of Skawica, Poland. My grandfather bought me my first keyboard at the age of seven and music soon became my passion. Since then, my life has been a challenging one filled with hurdles, adversities, but also blessed with many awesome triumphs and milestones.
At the age of eleven, I began taking piano lessons but realized that I didn’t enjoy it as much as having the freedom to play what I wanted and what I felt inside. Instead of continuing with the lessons, I began listening to musicians such as Jean Michel Jarre, Yanni, Queen, Guns & Roses, and Moby. I was inspired by them and used their music as a starting point to further in my own talent.
In 1994, my family and I sold all our belongings and moved to the U.S when I was thirteen. The cultural transition from living in Poland to living in America was a shock to me at first, but the constant requirement to move from place to place forced me to learn to easily adjust to new places. this decision caused Kamil to experience some struggles in life. Selling almost everything they owned in order to come to the states left him without any instrument to practice on and his progression in music was held up for two years.
At fifteen Kamil was able to buy his first keyboard in the United States and began experimenting with writing music of his own. He wanted to play dance beats but soon found out how difficult it was to create such a band. A turning point in his life was at the age of eighteen when he performed at a party. From this day on Kamil’s attitude towards music changed. He began to feel that it was now time to pursue his dream.
I eventually followed my heart to pursue music and earned my Associates degree with a concentration in music from Moraine Valley College. Since then, I’ve produced my own music – both electronic and new age – and have taught piano to elementary school students. I’ve even been the music director at Saint Albert Church where I wrote music for the Church’s annual Easter Passion Play, directed several major concerts, oversaw lighting and sound engineering for various productions, and directed over 60 singers in the church choir.
My company, KBE Entertainment, eventually evolved from a band I initially put together called KB Element. During this time, we recorded our first CD, “Beyond”, and mostly played wedding gigs, parties, and corporate events. As time went on, we became more and more known throughout Chicago as not only a small group that could be hired for an event, but also as unique, emerging artists. I’m also proud to add that I’ve recorded albums for artists like the award-winning groups, Vox Gloria and Per Amors and the Polonia Star-winning singer, Evelina. I’ve also recorded television advertisements for SlaskaFala, Polish Slavic Credit Union, and Spirit Justice Studios. Just to name a few.
In February of 1999, Kamil thought that he had finally found his big break. He met Donald Mowen who became his partner in the band, Mad Dash. With Don as the guitarist and Kamil on keyboards, the band performed at several bars and clubs. Mad Dash recorded their first CD in the summer of 1999. Their sound and style were unique but it wasn’t Kamil’s passion. Mad Dash accomplished the sound of a rock band and Kamil wanted to create something on the level of Electronic/Trance music.
In March of 2000, Mad Dash had dissolved and Kamil started to work on his electronic solo project. He chose the name, KB Elements to emphasize the making of music through the combination of musical elements. This was the heart of Kamil’s work, creating his own music.
KB Elements has released two albums, Beyond and Voyage 2K2. He has also collaborated with various musicians on multiple works. He aspires to break the repetitive habit of dance music and create music with a purpose. He is currently working on releasing two new albums that will feature original compositions.
Musician Kamil Bartoszcze is the owner and founder of KBE Studios where he has produced music for over seventy artists and groups, including Vox Gloria, Angelus, and the Christian singer Phil Caffee. A self-described “music fanatic,” Kamil is the visionary behind the project “Electro Halny,” the first album of traditional Polish folk music set to dance beats.
As a sound engineer and music master, Kamil multitasks between mixing music, leveling sound effects, and attending to lighting and all other technical details at events ranging from corporate fundraisers to parties, including the successful CD release party for Phil Caffee, which drew over 700 guests. He is also known for his musical scores; including one he composed for the statue unveiling of internationally acclaimed underwater photographer Ernie Brooks.
Additionally, Kamil had the honor of providing music for President of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski during the president’s visit to Chicago in the spring of 2012. Kamil’s commercial portfolio includes recording work for Spirit Justice Studios, the Polish Slavic Credit Union, and over twenty commercials for SlaskaFala. When he is not mixing, writing, arranging, or producing music in his studio, Kamil teaches voice and piano lessons and directs the music for his church’s mass.
At this Time I live in the city and with the amazing view, I am very Inspired to write new music. I also added a Saxophone player to my performances. So it is a DJ Piano and Sax. We play top 40, 80’s 90’s remixes and International music. All the songs are remixed in a Deep House/Tropical House. The respond is amazing and many people really enjoy what we create live.
I always strive to make a great experience for whatever party I’M part of. I believe music brings people together and I love to connect cultures. I love all the cultures and their music and very often I play songs in many different languages. It has been amazing years and 2018 is promising new ventures. Currently, I’m adding a Violinist to our show. Many of the weddings I Do are one of the kind. People work with me because they know I make their party very personal and Make 150% effort to make sure it is a life lasting memory. I live to breathe music 24 hours a day.
Additionally, I spend about 20 hours a week to look for new music and new remixes. I rarely play originals. I believe that originals are good for radio play. When people come see me perform I want them to hear a version of their favorite song in an amazing remix.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Moving to the country and learning the language and the culture.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the KBE Entertainment story. Tell us more about the business.
I make people dance and want to have them experience music like they never did before. I DJ play piano at the same time and have live musicians to jam over the tracks (Saxophone Violin) in addition We use visual effects which are programmed to the event.
Also, we project images on the wall to add the sensual effect. I take every event very seriously and I always get to know my client to the very best. This is the only way for me to know what they will really like and what their family friends will enjoy. It has been really amazing time and every year there is more and more ideas that I have and improve. I read many books to learn how to make this experience even better. I also travel for destination weddings to learn cultures and understand how the music is in the different parts of the world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There is no good or bad luck. It is always an experience and how you look at a day. Everything happens for a reason. I do believe there is a right time and right place scenario. There have been many times where I approach people because I felt their good energy and asked for help or just started a conversation.
That turned into great relationships. I was offered to play parties and weddings in parts of the world I would never dream of. Always love people and be open to anything that comes your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kbeentertainment.com
- Phone: 7082804353
- Email: kamil@kbestudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamilbartoszcze/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kamilbartoszcze80
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kbe-entertainment-chicago
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/kamilbartoszcze80/
Image Credit:
Krzysztof Narewski, Maciej Strzelczyk, Steven Charles Mccullough
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