Shawn Bankston

Buffalo, NY

Audio Engineer/Producer & Program Developer

DAW: FL Studio 12

Favorite Artist: Biggie Smalls,

Talent: Rapping

My Story: 

Music has been apart of my life since a kid. I began watching my brother and his friends go to the local recording studio at a young age. They have inspired me create my rapper/stage name “Yung Banksz” also to learn more about making music and handling the production. Today I am happy to share what I've learn from being an artist, producer and engineer to help others. I love the Recording Studio but my favorite department today is Cold Narly Music Academy because we are making the biggest impact in people’s lives.

-Shawn

Christina Faraci

Buffalo, NY

Music Program Coordinator

Favorite Artist:Ingrid Michaelson

Talent: Singing

My Story: 

My professional music journey started when I graduated from Houghton College in 2012 with a degree in Music Education. Since then I have been teaching music for six years in the city of Buffalo at a local charter school. It was there that I discovered my love for Urban education, literacy and wanting to make an impact within my community and city. I graduated in '15 with a Masters Degree as a Literacy Specialist in hopes of infusing literacy skills into my music curriculum. I joined Cold Narly Generation because it is focused on making a positive impact through music within the City and surrounding areas of Buffalo and am excited for this new experience and opportunity in conjunction with my teaching career and aspirations.

- Christina

Rob Aquino

Buffalo, NY

Audio Engineer/Producer

DAW: Avid Pro Tools

Favorite Artist:Tragically Hip / Rush / Pete Townshend

Talent: Guitar and Songwriting

My Story:

 I've been an active musician since high school and after years of traveling around North America and studying engineering and production at SAE Vancouver I've finally settled back in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.  I intend on making a difference in the city helping people and musicians from all genres to turn their musical dreams into realities. 

- Rob

Shanie Wilson

Buffalo, NY

Artist/Producer & Graphic Designer

DAW: Fl Studio

Talent: Producer, Singing/Rapping and Songwriting

My Story:

Shanie here! Nice to meet everyone! I was born and raised in Buffalo New York and am the oldest of 5 children, with two of my siblings also being musicians! My love for music began and was nurtured from a young age. By the age of 7 I had figured out I could sing, and by age 10 I had written my first several songs. By high school I had decided to pursue music as a career choice as an audio engineer and I was accepted into SUNY Fredonia. There I majored in Communication Audio/Radio and computer science. I graduated in 2017. Since graduating I began my own business, and branded myself as an Artist and have been able to collaborate with many other artist and businesses. I have the honor of working with Cold Narly Generation since 2019/2020 and in 2023 I was awarded as one of the Change Makers 30 Under 30 Award recipients. 

Today I am fulfilled by my work with my students, as both an art and music instructor and I am looking forward to bringing forward free thinking creativity and imagination in the minds of our youth, with the continued expectation of academic excellence! I will also be releasing new music and artwork for the foreseeable future and I’m excited to share this journey with our old and new Cold Narly Family.

-Ashante

Julia Gellman

Buffalo, NY

Executive Assistant

Talent: Singing, Performer and Songwriter

My Story:

I am a proud seasoned business professional, holding an MBA in Business Administration from Niagara University and currently serving as the Vice President of Business Development at Wall Sensations. Simultaneously, I’ve trained vocalist, having received instruction from institutions like Prestige Music Academy and Paradise Valley Conservatory. I am grateful to have graced iconic venues such as the Apollo Theater and Artpark Performing Arts Center, as well as various school concerts. In the realm of musical theater, played notable roles in productions like "Annie" as Annie and Portia the Stepsister in "Cinderella." My talent extends to the recognition of nominations for Best Vocalist and Best Female Lead Role at the Arizona State University Gammage High School Musical Theater Awards.

- Julia

Allen Wilson

Columbus, OH

Musician/Producer

DAW: FL Studio & Logic

Favorite Artist: Commissioned

Talent: Bass Guitar, Singing and Songwriting, Lead Guitar, Piano

My Story:

I grew up around music, my whole family is very musical. My father always played music in our home growing up. Watching my father and his sibling play and sing is what made me fall in love with music. I started on drums at the age of 3 and from there my love for music continued to grow. I’ve been a gospel musician actively for about 4 years. I love what I do and I’m excited about the future!

- Allen

Justin Newsom

Columbus OH,

Audio Engineer/Producer

DAW: Ableton

Favorite Artist: Stevie Wonder

Talent: Producer

My Story:

I have been around music my entire life. My father is a DJ, my mother is a music historian, and I have played instruments since the 3rd grade. My primary instrument is saxophone but I also play piano and sing. I studied jazz in high school and college. I’ve had the privilege of touring arranging music for live performances, playing for several mega churches in Cleveland, OH. Today I have a passion to DJ, produce and write music for other artists. I am login forward to passing down whatever I can to help build the next generation of talent!

- Justin