Exploring Life & Business with Timothy Ellerbe of TimPris Music

Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Ellerbe. 

Hi Timothy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been interested in music since I was seven years old. I am a self-taught pianist, guitarist, and drummer. My first real gig was with the legendary group Enchantment. A friend recommended me for an audition, and I nailed it. I was 27 then and am 53 now. I’ve toured with them for all that time and seen 33 states as a result. I also briefly performed with The Dramatics and Al Hudson and One Way. 

Around the age of 40, I briefly took a hiatus from Enchantment to form my own group, Dream Element. We performed together throughout Detroit for about three years before disbanding. I decided about five years later to quit my job and do music full-time. I met my current bandmate, Tamika Davis-Shelton when tapped to be a guest on her radio show. We hit it off artistically and shortly thereafter, recorded a CD based on a book I wrote. We liked what we came up with and decided to form a band. We became Erogenous: Detroit’s Hottest Duo. We gained the attention of Detroit Hot Radio who sponsored our first 2022 Summer Concert Series. Along with that successful endeavor, I became Miss Shelton’s co-host on her radio show, and we’ve been partners ever since. 

More recently, I became the Music Director for Nicole Comer’s band FAMMEI. Besides all of that, I also teach meditation classes and perform live piano on the Insight Timer meditation app. I decided a few yearsz ago to put everything I do under a banner and thus was born TimPris Media. My goal is to form a full indie record label in 2023. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was not a smooth road at all. But it was worth all of the struggle to get where I am. I was a single parent raising two boys in the inner city. After having been divorced twice from two unsupportive spouses, I performed when I could. I did a lot of community service with Sky Covington’s Hug Detroit Organization. They provide back-to-school items, coats, blankets, and toys at Christmas for the less fortunate. I also worked with several politicians on community service agendas, but my love was music. Thankfully, a lot of my professional connections would hire me or one of my bands for their events. 

Yet, through all of that, I still wanted to do nothing but music and was not afforded that luxury until after the boys were grown and on their own. 

We’ve been impressed with TimPris Music, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
TimPris as my business name came about by accident. It is a blend of my name and Priscilla, which is what I call my laptop. I did all of my composing and video editing therein and the name just stuck when I was ready to take things further. I am a Musician, Author, and Meditation Teacher. 

As a musician, I am a member of Enchantment and the Music Director for both Erogenous and FAMMEI. I also perform live piano on the Insight Timer Meditation app several times a week as well as at the Tuscan Cafe in Northville every Monday morning. I play several instruments including piano, guitar, and drums. As such I have been open to being an on-call musician when needed. I have done weddings, funerals, and the like. 

While I love performing to an audience, I would have to say my specialty is studio production. I love the process of putting a song together from the ground up and then mixing it until I feel said song is ready for the public to hear. 

I believe the things that sets me apart from others are my consistency and also the way I regularly interact with my fanbase. Across my social media platforms, I would say I have just about 10,000 active followers. 

As for what I am most proud of brand-wise? That’s an easy one. Erogenous is a dream realized. Tamika and I have conceived and built a brand that is gaining ground. We feel the moniker Detroit’s Hottest Duo draws people in even though we feel it is tongue in cheek. We are aware there are bands out there who are far better than we are. However, we have great chemistry onstage and give a really fun show. Despite the suggestive nature of our name, we are quite family-friendly. Erogenous has become the flagship of the soon-to-be TimPris Record Label along with two other artists. 

My goal is to make great music with these Artists and release it on our own timetable to all streaming services while ensuring my Artists have everything they need to earn a living from their craft. 

Currently, TimPris Music has releases on all major streaming services and in many online stores. Erogenous has its debut CD gaining attention via Detroit Hot Radio on a global scale. My website is timellerbe.com and I showcase much of my brand content there. For those who desire to book Erogenous, FAMMEI, or myself as a solo pianist, my email is sekprod1@gmail.com. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My cheerleading section is my lifeblood. My personal Mentors have been Sky Covington, Melody Kowalko, and Javonntte Garrett. I would have no career without their guidance and continued support. 

I need to give mention also to the late MI State Representive Isaac Robinson. He was instrumental in helping spread the word about Hug Detroit. Bridget Green, whom I affectionately refer to as my Super Dancer originally funded my dream by giving me a loan to get everything started and continues to give me wise counsel. Henrietta Ivey also gives me counsel and much-needed support along with Cheryl Williams LaNette Johnson, DeEdward Peoples, Sheila Eber, Maria Diane, Dr. Khatrynna Binns, Nicole Comer, Thomas Lowman, and Andrea LB. I could not do what I do without the love and support of all of them and so many more. 

I saved Tamika Davis-Shelton for last because not many understand the indebtedness, I have towards her. For the better part of thirty years, I have wanted my own band. Particularly one with some longevity. I had aligned myself before with a few local vocalists and while they were fun groups while they lasted, there seemed to be something missing. When I asked Miss Shelton to be my frontwoman, she didn’t feel up to the task, but I saw in her what was missing from my vision. What we’ve accomplished together in the space of a year has been satisfying for us both. It takes a lot of hard work to build a brand. Early on we clashed a lot because we can both be stubborn (smile). But at this point, I could not ask for a better friend, bandmate, and business partner. 

Pricing:

• CDs/MP3 collections $10
• Books $10
• Live Performance (Solo) $250
• Live Performance (Band) $500
• Live Meditation Piano $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://timellerbe.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1826345757559632/