International chart-breaker and video award-winner Kim Esty has always been known for aiming high and turning her dreams into a reality. A role model for both children and adults alike, the Toronto native launched her career early, composing songs and performing in bands since high school. Gifted with not only a great deal of talent but also the drive and determination to make it in the music industry, it didn’t take long for Kim’s many talents to be recognized. Vince Degiorgio (formerly of RCA Records, New York where he served as VP, International A&R) signed Kim to his own label in 1989 and released a number of her singles. Vince worked hard with Kim, developing her vocal style and image and is credited with initially launching Kim Esty’s name into the world.
It was during this time, in the 90’s, that Kim formed a strong friendship and working relationship with renowned Canadian Artist, Producer and Remixer Barry Harris, At the time, Barry was involved in the duo Kon Kan, who had the international hits “I Beg Your Pardon” and “Harry Houdini”. Kim toured and performed with Kon Kan on several occasions through many foreign countries, including Malaysia and Korea. Barry also produced Kim’s CHR track “Make You Mine”.
“Summer In The Streets” (produced by Kim Esty and Massimo Rosati) gave Kim her first bona fide radio and club hit. “Summer In The Streets” was promoted by Kim’s good friend and dance music industry icon Rawle James (currently of CeSoul Music – Carl Henry). Although Kim was beginning to make some impressive waves on her own it was an introduction to the Boomtang Boys that would take Kim’s career to the next level. The duo remixed and re-released a new version of Kim’s single and “Summer In The Streets” and it became a hit all over again three years later.
While hard at work on compilations with other artists, Kim had another hit with a Stacey Q cover - “Two of Hearts” - on the Club Euro compilation. This one went Gold in Canada, and was produced by Brad Daymond (N’Sync Producer/Writer] and Vince Degiorgio. Once again, however, it was the Boomtang Boys who would have a pivotal impact on Kim’s career. Kim was asked to sing a couple of tracks for the upcoming Boomtang release for Virgin Records in 1998. They had a particular song in mind, one with sexual undertones that they felt would be perfect - “Squeezetoy.”
“Squeezetoy” was Kim’s huge break, the push that would send the snowball careening down the mountainside in a controlled path and which would mark the beginning of the “Rubber Ducky Phenomenon”. Kim’s idea to sing the song in a girlish and innocent voice, but with undertones of sexiness, was met with hearty approval. With a great song, a cool idea, and excellent musical chemistry, how could anything go wrong? It didn’t. Kim also sang a cover of Billy Idol’s “Dancin’ With Myself,” and “Pictures” which is Kim’s personal favourite, on the Boomtang Boys Greatest Hits Album.
Kim went on tour as the album was about to be released. Accompanied by her talented dancers, Kim joined the Boomtang Boys and the Moffats on their 1999 Canadian tour. “Squeezetoy” debuted at #1 on Billboard and stayed there for 4 weeks, a historical record. So far only Shania Twain and Alanis Morrisette have managed to debut at #1, as well. “Squeezetoy” single proved to be a huge success. This fact was irrefutable as over 50,000 copies of the album were sold in a month and “Squeezetoy” hit Gold status. The 1999 Much Music Video Awards saw “Squeezetoy” receive the award for “Best Dance Video,” a great moment for the Kim and Boomtang Boys.
Following the phenomenal success of “Squeezetoy”, Kim released “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” on the YTV compilation with friend and producer Colin McMillan. As well, there have been re-releases of “Funky Little Beat” and “Two of Hearts” on compilation albums.
From the success of “Squeezetoy” came Kim’s idea to open up her Squeezetoy Studios (incorporating the talents of Engineer/Producer Richard Uglow.). The ‘logo’ for the studio was a cartoon illustration of Kim the “Squeezetoy Girl” and, hence, the “gang” for the “Kartoon Kids” project was born.
Kim Esty became the voice and the creator behind the “Kartoon Kids,” (www.kartoonkids.com) a group of hip and youthful characters and their pets with catchy lyrics and upbeat music geared to 2-7 year olds , featured on the CANADIAN PRESS newswire, GLOW magazine and many other publications across the country, Kim says of her “Archie gang-style group” - “The Kartoon Kids are about education, discovering individual talents, kids becoming who they want to be and knowing that dreams can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.
But Kim has never veered from her path as Canada’s much-loved pop/dance artist. By incorporating her varied experiences in the ‘industry’, the many inevitable ups and downs, the pop and the dance music scenes, Kim then released her debut CD titled ‘VARIETY SHOW” in 2005.
“VARIETY SHOW” showed no hesitation from around the world to combine efforts in support of their friend’s dream of a full-CD release with Barry Harris (better known as half of the renowned remixing team Thunderpuss along with partner Chris Cox) coming forward and contributed his re-mixing talents to “VARIETY SHOW”. “You Got Me Movin’” was a co-production between Barry and Kim, with remixer duo “Widelfe” Rachid Wehbi and Ian Nieman lending their remixing talent, best know for writing the theme song for “Queer Eye for a Straight Guy” television show.
Now Kim is back with her "Best of Kim Esty" CD with memorable tracks over the years plus several new songs, with the first release of her self penned song "He Doesn't Like Me...". Kim was inspired to write a song about her real life experience how "He" was just not attracted to her, but another! Kim then contacted her friend the ever so successful Rachid Wehbi (Whisper Twins vs SBD) to add his magical talent to remix her track........and he did just that!
Other new tracks include the upbeat “Heartbreaker”, mellow seductive self penned track “Gilligan”, feel good song Kim wrote titled “Takin’ it Day by Day”, “Careless Whisper, a classic Kim always had a desire to cover, a new mix of her song “Maybe”, a revamped version of self penned song “Gigolo”, plus so many more great favorites over the years.
Kim’s first release “He Doesn’t Like Me….”, displays 2 radio mixes, one classic pop by Kim Esty/Richard Uglow, and one remixed by Rachid Wehbi (Whisper Twins vs.SBD) , hopefully it will prove to be a club and radio favorite, also with the support of a unique video, found on her website and YouTube. Kim is proud of "Best of Kim Esty" and is thanking everyone for all the love and support over the years.
Source: http://www.kimesty.com/
