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MELBA
MOORE
Michael DELEASA
IAN Paola
Independent Artist
Magazine
Editor
Robert Anduze
Creative Director
Robert Carter
Editorial Crew
Carl Anduze
Robert Carter
Andrionna Williams
Ernest Manigo, Jr.,
Dj Sincere
Photography
Platinum Images
Graphic Design
Trebor Media
ASC Graphics
Staff Credits
Gloria Holden
Leslie Sidney
Assistant Editor
Carl Anduze
Senior Editor
Robert Carter
Photographer
Platinum Images
Art Director
Myrtle Schuler
Music Director
John Green
Model Director
Shawanna Jackson
Marketing/Advertising
Director
Colin Benjamin
Promotion Director
Alfonso Hill
Sales Manager
Felix Moore
Graphic Designer
Trebor Media Group
Staff Writers
Ernest Manigo, Jr.,
John Green
Questions and feedback:
Cover Design
Trebor Media Group
ALL PEOPLE DREAM! SOME PEOPLE
CREATE! FEW PEOPLE INSPIRE!
WE INSPIRE THE CREATIVE DREAMER
Phone: (803) 347 292 1504
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.indieartmag.com
2 Independent Artist Magazine www.indieartmag.com
Independent Artist Magazine www.indieartmag.com 3
7 Game-Changing Ways to
Get Press Without a Publicist
With the Internet and social media by our side, it’s possible now
more than ever to be heard on the world’s stage, but we must learn
to think like a publicist.
Here’s the cold hard truth...We’re on our own, kids! Time to get
smart. Time to be resourceful.
We NEED blogs to feature us.
We NEED people to follow us and be engaged on social media.
We NEED radio to play our songs.
We NEED fans to come to our shows.
We NEED you, Ellen… and you too, Oprah!!!
But how? I promise you, if you take the time to do this stuff well,
you WILL get press.
AND THAT WILL TRANSLATE TO MORE FANS AND MORE
MONEY IN YOUR POCKET – WHICH MEANS YOU CAN KEEP
DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.
reference the most credible publications who have featured you and
your work. That’s usually all it takes for new contacts to see that
you’re the real deal and jump on board. After all, they don’t want to
get left behind. This is no time to rest. Go, go, go!
5) Write an informative blog.
We all have expertise in something. Perhaps you’ve toured a lot on a
small budget. Or maybe you’ve created a successful Crowd funding
campaign. Shoot – maybe it was unsuccessful and you can share
what NOT to do. Point is, we all have helpful information to share
with one another. Include a link to your music or website in every
blog post you create. As it circulates, readers will likely check out
the link you’ve provided and stumble upon your music. Stay visible.
Find opportunities to share your music outside of your current
circle of friends.
6) Be more like Keaton.
It’s your job to define your story and tell the world why it is that you
need to make music. Laura Goldfarb at Red Boot Publicity explains,
”Getting coverage is much more likely to happen if your story is
compelling and your content is streamlined throughout all available
social media outlets. So much of PR is about pushing your brand to
the next level – and consistency is key.”
While touring with indie artist Keaton Simons, I was able to watch
first-hand as he worked his magic. When I asked for his best advice
on getting press without a massive PR budget, he didn’t hesitate
to share his secret. ”I think it’s about persistence and consistency,
and valuing every member of your fan base. Nothing substitutes
the direct contact you get from touring, and true fans are the best
free publicity we could hope for! In today’s industry, we have the
ability to write, record and release a song in ONE day, so releasing
new material on a regular basis is a great way to stay connected to
our fans.” I agree with Keaton. It always comes back to the music
and ultimately the fans are King. You can see Keaton on The Ellen
Degeneres Show, June 10th, which I think is evidence enough that
building a loyal fan base is what it’s really all about.
2) Become newsworthy.
7) The Best PR = Free Advertising
When you have news to share, write an attention-grabbing press
release. Do a little investigating and compile a media list for your
style of music (or purchase one online). Make sure you only send
news that is relevant to the editor’s interest. Remember: It’s better to
write fewer, well thought out emails to appropriate contacts, than to
SPAM a random list of industry contacts. For a detailed breakdown
of how to best represent yourself, check out PR You! The essential
do-it-yourself guide to public relations by Becky Vieria and Michele
Smith.
Beth Hood Fromm of OMG Publicity graciously offered up a few
incredible resources available to the hungry artist, willing to think
outside the box. Go sign up now!
7 Game-Changing Ways to Get Press Without a Publicist
1) Make it easy for them.
3) Be quotable.
I was recently retweeted by a Billboard writer. When she followed
me on Twitter, I asked if she’d consider listening to a new project of
mine – that was Step 1. Step 2 was to send over new music for her
review – that’s when my music had to speak for itself. She loved
what she heard and offered to not only feature my music but to also
do an interview. Mission accomplished! No publicist necessary.
BOOM!
4) When the embers start to burn, blow.
The hardest part is getting those first few believers. After you’ve gotten those first bits of press buzz and you’ve started to create a name
for yourself, keep that fire burning! When you approach new leads,
HARO - Help a Reporter Out (and a few tips to get you started.)
Seek or Shout
Although ProfNet isn’t free, the small investment might be worth
it for someone who can’t afford a publicist on retainer.
I used to think that great art should be able speak for itself. I was
dead wrong – if we don’t speak up for our art, no one will. Buzz,
press, fans, etc. Start and end with us.
5 Ways to Market Yourself
For Success in Music
By Louie Bello
If you're an independent artist looking to grow your career, check out his five tips for marketing yourself...
1. Figure out what success means to you.
Do you have to make $40 million a year and be on JT status? Or is a solid income from your musical abilities and a
loyal following enough? If your head’s in the right place you can be successful.
2. Determine the demographic of your true fans.
Test your music and sound on different groups of people before you do a full blown marketing campaign. Concentrate on the groups that respond the best, looking at gender and age. Wasting time and money just to feel cool does
not help the cause.
3. Put together a great team.
Most successful people surround themselves with like-minded individuals, who are equally motivated and dedicated. You can start with family or close friends who truly stand behind you. Give them tasks that help reduce stressful
situations—this will open up more opportunities and allow you to focus on the music. Treat your team well and they
will help propel your career.
4. Structure your marketing campaign before you start promoting yourself.
It’s great to hear your voice on a song or see your video online, but if you and your mom are the only ones listening,
what’s the point? Have clear goals and a plan around why you are releasing your product. Use YouTube as a direct
link to your target audience, with views, likes and organic growth as the goal. Spending money doesn’t equal success.
5. Enjoy what you do.
The days are short and in this business we all hear “No” more than we ever hear “Yes!” Make sure you enjoy the
journey. Be yourself and smile! You are your product and music is supposed to be fun.
The key is realizing that, as artists, we are selling more than music
– we are putting life experiences into songs so that others can sing
along and say to themselves, “That is so true.” Music can be life
altering, and in some cases even life saving. What an honor we have
been given to share the gift of music.
So go ahead – PROUDLY SHARE YOUR MUSIC and BOLDLY
TELL YOUR STORY. Make sure you are putting your best foot
forward, and you might just get that lucky break!
Your PR genius within will thank you because deep down it
knows…we all make our own luck.
I am a Model and Actress with a statuesque of 5 feet
7 inches tall and my statistics are 34-26-36, with black
hair and popping black eyes. I was born and grew up
in the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica. As a West
Indian girl I am aware of my culture and the richness
of my country. As a model and Actress I am willing
to explore other cultures and to travel the world and
meet people who are interesting and I aim to the best
at whatever path I choose.
I consider myself to be talented, optimistic, ambitious
and versatile. As a child growing up my parents always
place emphasis on education and always of which I am
grateful. I completed my education at the University
College of the Caribbean, where I completed my
degree in Business Administration.
I have been modeling since I was a teenager, and
have entered various pageants and fashion shows.
In growing up one of my ambition was to become a
business woman, but on the other hand got a lot of
encouragement to model and act (actress) because
of my features and talents of which I received many
encouragements.
I have always been going after my dreams; I have
entered the Jamaican National Pulse model search in
2005, where I was placed in the finals. While I did not
win I was happy for the experience of which I am now
reaping the rewards of that exposure.
Presently I have appeared on Billboard shoots for the
face of PEPSI “BUBBLA” Jamaica; also currently I’m the
face for Imperial Optical Jamaica (EYE WEAR) Billboard
shoot. Furthermore I’m ripping the runway.
I have also appeared in music videos, magazines,
websites, catalogues, pose for calendar shoots; model
on the catwalk at fashion shows and undertaking
promotional events. I also did a Japanese photo shoot
for a CD cover which was one of my first international
exposures. I have appeared in the Jamaican National
Anthem, I was really honored to be a part of it and
representing my country. Furthermore I have recently
featured on an International website, Diva Dymes.
Moreover, I appeared in Demarco’s video, “Show it “
which premiered on 106&Park, on B.E.T, and Gyptian’s
billboard hit “Hold Yuh”, Beenie Man “Under Curfew”.
I have appeared in a lot of videos just to name a few.
In respect of my acting career as mentioned earlier I
am looking for that big break but in the meantime I
am building my experience. I have done a little acting
in music videos and played a small role in a series
movie in Jamaica. My latest acting role is a small
feature in a Movie with a known Actor, the movie will
be released soon. I was also accepted to play a small
role in a North American movie .Furthermore; I will be
featured in a magazine for Actors and Actresses. I will
take this opportunity to continue my endeavors and
to know that the sky is not just the limit but the sky is
the start.
D
L
A
T
O
Y
A
P
r
o
s
t
y
l
e
z
He’s a young talented 21yr old Dominican. D-Prostylez was born and raised in Milwaukee,WI. His flow is a
mixture of singing, rapping, to R&B music hip-hop bachata and pop music. At the age 11 D-prostylez began to
write songs in his room. He got into music more when he heard the sound of well known hip-hop rapper Fabolous that’s when D-prostylez decided that he wanted to be a musician just like his favorite rapper fabolous. He’s
a Musician that’s coming up in the urban music game. He speaks both English and Spanish. He’s part of Block
royal family. He hopes everyone out there can support his music and hope that people can check out his music
and he also has songs for the ladies and street songs for the guys. He’s been in the game for ten years now and
starting to get better at it, so please check me out and tell me what you think thank you.2004 D-Prostylez wrote
his first song “put a little kiss on it” along the way. 2012 D-Prostylez was apart of Star viziion music group were he
was welcomed by Jr. J and the star viziion family D-prostylez music influences are Romeo Santos and Usher and
Lecrae.2013 D-prostylez had an interview with mix-tape gods and he was number one on the r&b soul charts on
reverbnation here in Milwaukee,WI making him the first dominican in Milwaukee,WI to do that. CHECK OUT
MY MUSIC ON www.reverbnation.com/dprostylez. 2014 D-prostylez goal is to reach out to more people and
speak the truth in his music to inspire others and coming soon D-prostylez will be releasing his EP with mixture
of pop r&b and much more to come god bless you all.
Links: www.reverbnation.com/dprostylez
www.youtube.com/estilo010
www.theindie.biz/dprostylez
www.facebook.com/dominican.prostylez
follow me om twitter @realdprostylez
3 Things You Need to Know About
Cover Art
In order to distribute music to digital stores, there are a
few things you need: Audio files, meta data (album title,
track titles, artist names, release date, etc.), and cover
art. And these required components must be up to store
specs.
Today we’re talking cover art: getting your artwork in
the appropriate format so it flies through to digital store
shelves.
All About Format
In order for the stores to accept your artwork, it needs to
meet several technical criteria:
-JPG or GIF
-Perfect square
-At least 1600 x 1600 pixels in size
-Best quality RGB Color Mode (this includes black and
white images)
-If you’re distributing your music to the Amazon On
Demand store (for printing physical CDs), you need a
resolution of 300 DPI.
Don’t Do It!
A few weeks ago we talked about the requirements for
formatting the text in an album, single, or ringtone.
Well, the same applies to artwork. There are certain rules
the stores have that dictate what can and cannot be included on your artwork.
Here’s what you CAN’T include:
-Email addresses, URLs, contact info (this includes Twitter handles), pricing
-Stickers from your artwork from a scanned copy of
physical CD
-Something that suggests format of the release “CD,
DVD, Digital Exclusive”
-Cut off text or images
-An image that’s compressed into one corner with white
space
-Names of digital stores or their logos
-Words that express temporary, like “new” or “latest
single”
Artwork Formatting
Also, this may sound like a given, but make sure the image isn’t blurry or pixilated. No one, including the stores,
wants to have to squint to see your art.
If you do include some of those things in the list above,
the digital stores will likely reject your release, and it’s
tough to generate sales when your music isn’t in stores!
Game. Set. Match.
It’s really important that the text on your artwork match
your artist name and album title.
Sometimes artists release a single off an upcoming
album, in advance of the album release. If you do this,
you just need to make sure the artwork for the single is
specific to that single.
Here’s what I mean:
You’re distributing a single “I Can’t Remember“ off your
upcoming album Amnesia. The artwork for your single
MUST say “I Can’t Remember “ as the title, NOT Amnesia, even though it’s a single from the upcoming release
Amnesia.
Also, make sure that the artist name on the artwork
matches the artist name in the release information.
Adding extra artists to the cover art who aren’t actually
performing on the release isn’t a good idea. For example,
if you’re covering a song by John Lennon, his name can’t
be on your artwork.
Your artwork can also just include the song/album title
or just the artist’s name—it can even have no text at all.
Whatever you do, just make sure there isn’t a mismatching situation going on.
DJ ABSURD
Darren Jordan Shabat aka DJ Absurd has been a fan of Hip
Hop as long as he could remember. Born and raised in New
Jersey throughout the ‘90’s, Absurd has been exposed to some
of the best hip hop, inspiring him in 1994 to start spinning.
In 2000 after years of studying the “Technics” of the game,
Absurd decided to start making his own music. Influenced by
everyone from The RZA and Havoc to Premier and Dr. Dre;
Absurd’s style is the epitome of that classic,grimy, hip hop
sound. The humble beat smith is a fan first, and never about
gimmicks.
” I just follow
my heart, and
not what’s hot at
the moment”.
” I just follow my heart, and not what’s
hot at the moment”.
Locally, Absurd has been the official Underground EXP. DJ for over 10 years. He
has rocked heads at the groundbreaking
Fat Caps and Shell toes shows and the
bimonthly Lyrical Graffiti MC showcase. He is also the official DJ of the New
Jersey Hip Hop group “Born Wreckless”.
In 2007 Absurd released his debut producer street album “The Resume Vol.1”.
In 2008 he went on to release Vol.2
& 3, in 2009 Vol.4, & 2010 Vol.5. Not
to be confused with a mix-tape, these
street LP’s are entirely produced by DJ
Absurd. With these street albums featuring the likes of AfuRa, Killah Priest,
Kaze, Cymarshall Law, Pumpkin head,
Reks, Nucci Reyo and some of the illest
up and coming MC’s. In 2011, Absurd
went on to release his Producer EP
entitled “Flying Colors” feat artists such
as Ransom, Trife da God, Termanology,
Pacewon, JazO, Big Lou, Craig G, Copywrite, Armageddon and many more,
and is available now at digital retailers.
In 2011, Absurd also went on to start
a radio show with friend and host, All
Mental, entitled “Ear 2 The Streets”
which was broadcasting live from Kean
University, playing all the brand new hot
hip hop joints. Absurd started to record
the DJ sets from there and release them
as a weekly podcast. The radio show
eventually came to an end due to frequent technical difficulties, but Absurd
continued to record the podcast from
home, and still puts out new episodes
every week, which is now well over a 100
weeks strong. A link to the podcasts, and
all info, music, events etc. can be found
at www.djabsurdmsuic.com
JECK PILPIL
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PHILIPPINES’ REGGAE
AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD!
International Reggae Recording Artist from 7,107 Islands Philippines.
Jeck Pilpil born February 14, 1977 in Manila, Philippines. Singer/Songwriter, musician started playing Reggae music with Peacepipe since 2002.
At the age of 34 Jeck has released 3 full length albums all original songs,
5 other compositions are included in 4 compilations album, the latest is
“Crucial Reggae From Outside Jamaica Volume 4” produced by Skank
Records, USA.
Jeck Pilpil epitomizes the message of the reggae vibe - social, political, and
spiritual awakening. It also shows the opulent culture of the Filipino race,
the signature songs Jeck has been known for.
Third album “Rasta Salute” is Jeck Pilpil’s first solo album and his launching to the International Reggae Arena, together with the help of top DJ’s
and producers from London, Trinidad & Tobago, Kenya Africa “Rasta
Salute” album has made a huge success in Philippines and is now making
it’s way to be heard on international soil.
After attending the biggest Reggae festivals in Singapore 2009, Taiwan
2010, Malaysia 2010, Myanmar Burma 2011, Jeck Pilpil just recently promoted his latest album “Rasta Salute” in California USA this 2011, and now
making it’s way to promote his music WORLDWIDE.
Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe opened for Reggae artists like Ziggy Marley 2007,
Jimmy Cliff 2013 and played with some tough DJ’s and Selectors in Asia.
Jeck Pilpil is part of the H-PROJECT a collaboration of Reggae artists
worldwide that contributes to lend a helping hand for Haiti. Jeck Pilpil &
Peacepipe upcoming 4th album entitled “Inhale Positivity Exhale Negativity” will be released late quarter of 2013, while he’s working on his 5th
album due to be released next year, new songs that will definitely give way
for his songwriting skills and his vibe to be heard worldwide and be known
for his dedication and hard work to spread the message and the revolution
of One Love.
www.youtube.com/user/jeckpilpil
Dr. MayaAngelou
Global Renaissance Woman
Insightful
History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be
unlived, but if faced with couage, need not be
lived again.
Maya Angelou
1928-2014
Rest In Peace
You Will Never Be
Forgotten
Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time.
Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr.
Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress,
historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist.
Born on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Angelou was raised in St. Louis and
Stamps, Arkansas. In Stamps, Dr. Angelou
experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable
faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture.
As a teenager, Dr. Angelou’s love for the arts
won her a scholarship to study dance and
drama at San Francisco’s Labor School. At
14, she dropped out to become San Francisco’s first African-American female cable car
conductor. She later finished high school, giving birth to her son, Guy, a few weeks after
graduation. As a young single mother, she
supported her son by working as a waitress
and cook, however her passion for music,
dance, performance, and poetry would soon
take center stage.
In 1954 and 1955, Dr. Angelou toured Europe with a production of the opera Porgy
and Bess. She studied modern dance with
Martha Graham, danced with Alvin Ailey
on television variety shows and, in 1957,
recorded her first album, Calypso Lady. In
1958, she moved to New York, where she
joined the Harlem Writers Guild, acted in the
historic Off-Broadway production of Jean
Genet's The Blacks and wrote and performed Cabaret for Freedom.
In 1960, Dr. Angelou moved to Cairo, Egypt
where she served as editor of the English
language weekly The Arab Observer. The
next year, she moved to Ghana where she
taught at the University of Ghana's School of
Music and Drama, worked as feature editor
for The African Review and wrote for The
Ghanaian Times.
During her years abroad, Dr. Angelou read
and studied voraciously, mastering French,
Spanish, Italian, Arabic and the West African
language Fanti. While in Ghana, she met
with Malcolm X and, in 1964, returned to
America to help him build his new Organization of African American Unity.
Shortly after her arrival in the United States,
Malcolm X was assassinated, and the organization dissolved. Soon after X's assassi-
nation, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked Dr.
Angelou to serve as Northern Coordinator
for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King's assassination, falling on her
birthday in 1968, left her devastated.
mentary The Black Candle, directed by M.K.
Asante.
Dr. Angelou has served on two presidential
committees, was awarded the Presidential
Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in
2008, and has received 3 Grammy Awards.
With the guidance of her friend, the novelist
James Baldwin, she began work on the book President Clinton requested that she compose a poem to read at his inauguration in
that would become I Know Why the Caged
1993. Dr. Angelou's reading of her poem "On
Bird Sings. Published in 1970, I Know Why
the Pulse of the Morning" was broadcast live
the Caged Bird Sings was published to inaround the world.
ternational acclaim and enormous popular
success. The list of her published verse,
Dr. Angelou has received over 50 honorary
non-fiction, and fiction now includes more
degrees and is Reynolds Professor of Amerithan 30 bestselling titles.
can Studies at Wake Forest University.
A trailblazer in film and television, Dr. Angelou wrote the screenplay and composed the Dr. Angelou’s words and actions continue to
stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate
score for the 1972 film Georgia, Georgia.
our minds, and heal our hearts.
Her script, the first by an African American
woman ever to be filmed, was nominated for
a Pulitzer Prize.
She continues to appear on television and in
films including the landmark television adaptation of Alex Haley's Roots (1977) and John
Singleton's Poetic Justice (1993). In 1996,
she directed her first feature film, Down in
the Delta. In 2008, she composed poetry
for and narrated the award-winning docuIndependent Artist Magazine www.indieartmag.com 15
NOT ONLY A WONDERFUL
ACTOR BUT IAN HAS SUCH A
GREAT PERSONALITY
Independent artist magazine
I
TV/FILM ACTOR
IAN Paola
an Paola was born on September 4th 1978 in New
York City. As both ofhis parents were musicians, he
grew up heavily influenced and inspired by many
genres of music and hoped to one day make it in the
entertainment industry.
D
etermined to follow in his parents footsteps
and be involved in the music industry one way
or another, he became inspired by the early
Hip Hop music scene and began break dancing at the
early age of 5. By the age of 11 Ian began writing &
performing his own rap songs and by the age of 15
he began to DJ parties in his neighborhood. In his late
teens he began producing, writing, recording and
mixing songs for local talent. Throughout all this time,
he always wanted to take a shot at acting but was
always occupied with music production.
I
t wasn’t until Ian was checking online looking for a
quick paying weekend gig to make ends meet and
came across an ad to do background work for a ma-
jor Hollywood film. After spending countless hours
on set, Ian realized that it was in front of the camera
where he belonged and not in the back going unnoticed. He finally found the career that he was born for,
and that was acting!!!
W
asting no time, Ian began training to work
on his craft with some of the best coaches
in New York City. He has appeared in over 30
projects which include film, television, new media &
stage plays in less than two years taking on many roles
including a heroin junkie, transvestite, New York Police
officer and gangster to name a few. He continues to
work on various projects & his recent credits include a
Lead role in the award winning film 8:46 and a Co-Star
role on the hit CBS show «Blue Bloods».
TV/FILM ACTOR
WWW.IANPAOLA.COM
How to Become a Model for Forever 21
Forever 21 captures a target audience that is fashion-conscious, but on a budget.
Forever 21 is known for its affordable clothes and its
fast-fashion model. The company has several fashion
brands that include Forever 21, Heritage 1981 and
Twelve by Twelve. Cheaper than designer brands,
Forever 21 captures a target audience who are fashion
conscious but with a budget. The company's models are
styled in fashions similar to those on the pages of fashion magazines carrying luxury brands.
Things You'll Need:
Forever 21 apparel
Portfolio
Photographer
Stylist
Make-up artist
Modeling agency
Instructions:
1) Study Forever 21 models to give you familiarity on
poses and styles. The first part of becoming a model is to
look like how the company wants you to look. You will
have an idea of the company's style by researching their
clothes and learning more about their array of products.
As you survey pages of clothes on their website, think
critically about what poses you can use with particular
clothes to effectively demonstrate Forever 21's message
to the audience. Observe how models look depending
on the Forever 21 brand or collection they're wearing.
Practice these poses on your own.
2 ) Create a Forever 21 portfolio. Gather up photographers, make-up and styling specialists and spend a couple of afternoons doing a photo shoot. Use clothes from
any one of Forever 21's brands. This will help you learn
more about how you look like on camera and any angles you need to work on. At the end of the photo shoot,
enlarge your best photos to 8 1/2-by-11 inches (standard
size for model portfolios ) and compile six to 12 photos
in a binder to create a portfolio that you will submit to
an agency. Select pictures that show you portraying different characters to demonstrate your versatility. There is
no typical picture that agencies look for; they only want
to see your camera personality and how you're able to
assume different looks and age ranges. This allows them
to see that you can adapt to a variety of assignments.
3) Seek an agency to represent you. Forever 21 notes on
their website that models looking to work for them need
representation from a modeling agency. Select an agency
who has had a previous relationship with Forever 21.
Agencies like AIG Models, whose operations is based in
Mississippi, have models like Anne Speckhart who have
gone to model for the brand.
4) Actively mention to your agency that you want to
work for Forever 21. Let them know of your interest in
modeling for the company by showing them your portfolio in which you wear Forever 21 clothes.
5) Attend open casting calls. Most casting calls are open
only to agencies, but there are few events that are open
to the public. In 2004, Forever 21 had a casting call in
New York that was hosted by fashion model Niki Taylor.
These are opportunities for aspiring models to meet Forever 21 representatives and network with them to land a
modeling job at Forever 21. The more people you meet,
the greater are the chances that you will get connected to
Forever 21. You will hear about casting calls through the
agency, and having an agent will increase your chances
of landing a project because she already has connections
to the companies looking for models. This is why it's
essential to work with an agent who has handled Forever 21 models before. Stay on top of industry news and
events through blogs such as Confessions of a Casting
Director (see the Resources section).
6) Model for other companies to gain experience. Sometimes, Forever 21 teams up with designers of smaller
companies, such as Satine. Forever 21 launches new collections frequently and designers, and the models who
work with them, are considered innovative, versatile and
progressive.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_4808466_become-model-forever-21.html#ixzz2v8Lf3qBt
DENISE ANDERSON
Denise Shepetta Anderson, also known as
“Neicey” (born August 26, 1964) in Bronx,
New York is an American Born Actress
and Educator. She is a decendent of
the British West Indies-St. Kitts.
Denise Shepetta Anderson is the
fourth oldest of seven siblings
including a fraternal twin sister. She
is the daughter of the Late John
William Anderson Sr. a Property
Protection Agent for The New
York City Transit Authority,
and Mother Wilmar R.
Perrineau - Anderson,
S i n g e r and Dancer.
Denise
was brought up
in the Pentacostal
Church were her
great uncle James E.
Sadler was the Bishop. Denise
as an infant lived in Mount
Vernon, New York until the
age of 4 with her family,
then moved to Springfield
Gardens, Queens, New York,
where she attended Public
School 80 in Rochdale Village
until the 3rd grade. Her family
then moved back to Mount
Vernon New York, in the mid
70’s where she attended Robert
Fulton Elementary School, Davis
Middle School, and Mt Vernon
High School. While in Elementary
School, Denise received numerous
awards every marking period for
her achievements in academics
from 3rd to 6th grade. Denise
joined in sports where
she participated in many
track competitions. Her
mentors in elementary
school were Joan Morrison,
George Albano, and Alfonso
Grimes, who taught her great
values about life, and to
always maintain a positive
attitude. Later on in life,
Denise attended Mercy
College in White Plains,
N e w
Yo r k
where
she
received a Bachelor’s
of
Science
Degree
in Psychology, and
Monroe College in
New Rochelle, New
York
where
she
received an Associate
Degree in Business
Administration. She
also attended the
Graduate Program at
Mercy College where she
studied for her Master’s
Degree in Education.
Her parents were always
great supporters of her
acting career thus telling
Helper”(2003) Star Amanda Plummer, “Malcom
X”(1993) Star Denzel Washington. She also
appeared on the WBLS Radio Show Live with Dr.
Bob Lee during her lunch break at her School,
where she worked as a Special Education teacher
Denise began showing an interest in acting at (2006).Denise is presently signed with Avanti
an early age, thus pursuing her acting through Talent Management, in NYC.
her early teens. In the early 80’s, at the age of
16, Denise attending the Michael Sawyer Studio Denise also had another career in Teaching.
in New York City where she trained with acting In the year of (1999), Denise became an
coach Scott Baker for Movies, Commercials, Elementary School Teacher with the New York
Scene Study, and Stage. He saw great potential City Public Schools, and in (2005) worked as a
in her and told her she must always pursue her Special Education Teacher in the Mount Vernon
dreams as an Actress. During that time, Denise City School District until 2010. Denise’s motto
appeared on the Instant Theatre Comedy Show is “You can be anything you want to be, as long
on Manhattan Cable with the ensemble made as you strive with all of your heart to become
up of students from the Michael Sawyer Studio, that person you want to be. Denise continues
to teach, and pursue her career in acting to the
produced by Michael Sawyer and Scott Baker.
highest level.
Denise studied at other acting schools such as:
Model’s Talent International, Nustars, and The Denise has one lovely daughter (Dawanna
Simon Studios. Denise Shepetta Anderson at Pryor-Golding, and four beautiful grandchildren
the early age of 6, appeared in several school Denaya, Tyler, Amaya, and Kayla that she loves
productions throughout elementary school and adores. Denise likes to spend quality time
including “Alice in Wonderland”, and “The with her family, enjoying and hosting family
Dancing Dolls”, and as an adult she performed events and on occasion vacationing in Virginia
with Director Titus Walker in the stage play, Beach, VA.
“The Gospel of the Harlem Renaissance”, at
the Chashama Theatre, in NYC, and “Date Me, Denise enjoys reading, writing comedic
Do Me, Dump Me” with Director Steven V. monologues, cooking, sketching, traveling,
Mitchell at the Producer’s Club, also in NYC. swimming, and family events.
Denise appeared on several TV Shows including:
GMA Live (2013), Hypnosis Documentary“Brainwashed” Curiosity, Discovery Channel
(2013), Brain Games-National Geographic(2013)
Larry Ravioli (2012), The Chew (2012), Smash
(2012), The Bill Cunningham Show (Recurring
2011-2012), The Dr. Oz Show (2010), The Wendy
Williams, Show (2010), and The Good Wife
(2009) to name a few.
her that you can be successful in life, if you work
hard, stay focused, and strive to be the best that
you can be in order to ascertain your goals and
aspirations.
Denise landed several movie assignments
such as; “Run All Night” (2014), “Goddess of
Time”(2013) Apex Rising (2012) Lady Gaga
Documentary-Chasing Gaga (2012)“True To The
Heart”(2010),”Starting Out In The Evening” Frank
Langella (2007),”Mulberry Street”(2006),”Little
Legendary Icon
MELBA MOORE
Ms. Moore’s stepfather, pianist Clement Moorman, introduced her to several agents which eventually landed her a
role in the cult classic musical HAIR. It was in HAIR that Ms. Moore became the first African-American woman
to replace a white actress, who happened to be the acclaimed Diane Keaton, in a lead role on Broadway. A year and
a half later, she starred in PURLIE, which earned her a TONY Award for her portrayal as “Lutiebelle”. Ms. Moore
later appeared alongside the iconic Eartha Kitt as “Marsinah” in the musical TIMBUKTU! Another first came
when she landed the female lead role on Broadway as “Fantine” in the acclaimed musical, Les Misérables. Melba
Moore was the first and last African-American woman to perform in that role.
Although Ms. Moore enjoyed working on Broadway, she didn’t want to forget about her first love…music. Deciding to focus more on her recording career, she made her recording debut on Mercury Records with “I Got
Love”, followed by “Look What You’re Doing To The Man”. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best New
Artist.’ During this time, numerous Grammy nominations, recordings, and television shows, including her own
variety show entitled The Melba Moore-Clifton Davis Show, followed.
Ms. Moore was a regular on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson as well as The Flip Wilson Show, and many
others. She scored a string of Billboard Charted hits with songs like “This Is It” and “You Stepped Into My Life”.
Ms. Moore was the first female pop artist to do a non operatic solo concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera
House.
Melba Moore continued to enjoy great success musically with such chart topping songs as “Love’s Comin’ At Ya,”
“Keepin’ My Lover Satisfied,” “Living For Your Love,” “Read My Lips,” which she received a Grammy nomination
for ‘ Best Female Rock Vocal’. She had two Billboard #1 hit singles for “Falling” and “A Little Bit More,” a duet with
Freddie Jackson.
Ms. Moore later released “Soul Exposed” which featured a stellar version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” otherwise
known as the Negro National Anthem. It featured such artists as Freddie Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin,
Dionne Warwick, Jeffrey Osborne, Lou Gossett Jr., Bobby Brown, Anita Baker, and Stephanie Mills.
During this period Ms. Moore worked hard on her philanthropy. One of her major accomplishments was being
instrumental in having “Lift Every Voice and Sing” inducted in the United States Library of Congress as the official
Negro National Anthem. She worked strongly with Dr. Dorothy I. Height and the National Council of Negro
Women as their national membership chairwoman. She also worked with Dr. C. Delores Tucker and the National
Congress of Black Women. Ms. Moore also had a deep passion for children, especially those who were abandoned,
abused, and born with AIDS and addicted to crack. She gave her time working with Hale House and at that time
founded her own organization, The Melba Moore Foundation for Children. Although the foundation is presently inactive, Ms. Moore’s passion for never wained. She remains committed to giving of her time to organizations
involved with children.
More recently, Ms. Moore starred with Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the motion picture “The Fighting Temptations”. Presently, she is working on an autobiography with professor and former New York Times writer Mel
Watkins detailing her achievements over the span of her career.
Hailing from a musical family, Ms. Moore graduated from the famed Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey. At
the encouragement of her parents, she went on to pursue music education at Montclair State University where she
earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree. However, her inner voice told her to see if she could make it as a
performer.
Melba Moore is also producing her forth coming album entitled, “Forever Moore” which will be released on her
new label A’Moore Music, Inc. The single, “Love Is” is up for two Grammy Awards in the first round of nominating
process in the category of Best Short Form Music Video and Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Dillon “Dlite” Thomas
D
illion is 19
years
old
and has a
genuine and profound passion for
performing. Since the
a g e
of 7, he was able to satisfy
this desire through athletics. He was
a competitive
gymnast for 8 years and by age 13
he mastered skill set level 9 competing against gymnasts 3
and 4 years older. He was a NY State Champion multiple years
over the course of my gymnastics career. I also played little
league and basketball since 2nd grade and I was a member of
a competition dance team where I first was introduced to Hip
Hop. I discovered, the NYC born dance phenom and YouTube
dance sensation, Lite Feet, when I was 14. I started a dance
crew while volunteering for a Gang Prevention program and
shared this dance form with the “at risk” youth. I was quickly
inspired and this dance form became an ideal medium for
me to express my creative side which had been restricted by
the rigorous routines of gymnastics. I now travel to NYC regularly to compete in dance battles and our YouTube videos
get thousands of views and I have developed a fan base who
support me In the Lite Feet dance community and beyond. I
now host dance events which are popular and well attended
“
“
This is my dream
and I am ready.
[email protected]
Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
Height: 5' 10”
Weight: 150
Suit size : 38R
Shirt size: 16
Pants: Waist 30 Inseam 30
Shirt Sleeve: 33
Neck: 14 ½
Shoe size: 9 ½
From my years as a gymnast I acquired discipline and determination, from dance I gained confidence and a stage to
express my creativity. I currently work as a gymnastics coach
and at age 17 was one of the youngest USA Gymnastics certified coaches in NY State. My job and volunteer work demonstrate that I am serious and responsible. I feel that all of
these activities and accomplishments have prepared me for
a transition to modeling and acting. By the time I was 18
I had been a state champion athelete, a community organizer, worked as a coach of my own level four and five boys
gymnastic team and maintained honor roll GPA throughout
highschool, graduating with honors.
I am in peak physical shape as I work out and condition with
my boys team and my free time I spend with youth in my
community to inspire new Lite Feet dancers to come up in
the community Lite Feet and be inspired to dance and compete. I feel confident and prepared. I have always wanted to
model and have been following trends, and defining my
personal style for the last four years. I believe that my life
experiences have prepared me for this journey, this is my
dream and I am ready.
24 Independent Artist Magazine www.indieartmag.
My YouTube Dance Showcase: www.youtube.com/DLitePersonal
My Website and Comp Card: www.dillondlite.com
My Google Page Follow - https://plus.google.com/+Dillondlite/about
My Pinterest Boards – www.pinterest.com/dillondlite
Website – Bio, Pics, video (Pinterest pinnables): www.dillon-dlite.
webnode.com
NICOLE
FRANKLIN
Filmmaker, Educator, Writer, Web Host
Nicole Franklin is an award-winning filmmaker, television director, stage manager, editor, educator, public speaker,
web event host and contributing writer to The Good Men Project. For fifteen years, her company EPIPHANY Inc.
has been producing independent films for numerous cable networks including Showtime, BET, IFC, Nickelodeon,
Sundance Channel and The Documentary Channel. Her credits include The Double Dutch Divas!, Journeys In Black:
the Jamie Foxx Biography, Kids Around the World, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Black Enterprise Business
Report, and she is part of the Emmy-Award winning team on CBS Sunday Morning. Her current educational films
include Gershwin & Bess: A Dialogue with Anne Brown and the 10-chapter series Little Brother, both titles distributed by Third World Newsreel. Little Brother is a recipient of the Foundation to Promote Open Society/Campaign
for Black Male Achievement Award, fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas. Inspired by Gershwin & Bess…, Nicole
has a screenplay in development titled BESS. EPIPHANY Inc. is the co-parent company of MIDNIGHT MEDIA CAPTURE, LLC, a web event channel where stories drive brands. Nicole also hosts a weekly web forum, An EPIPHANY
Conversation, a global discussion among the inspiring people behind incredible stories.
Paul Sampson
Born to international parents, Paul Sampson was exposed to various cultures and accents throughout his childhood
and early teenage years; an influence he would explore and call upon throughout his stage and film career.
At the age of seven, Paul made his stage debut in third grade with the lead role of Kris Kringle, and over the years he
has carried roles ranging from slapstick comedian to psychotic killer with equal adeptness. Whether playing the cop,
the heavy, the comic relief, the town hunk or the mentally challenged, his strong emotional range, comedic timing,
and dramatic physical presence have resulted in dozens of commendable stage performances.
Sampson made a seamless transition from the stage to film and has both starred and supported in many Independent and Studio level feature films. He maintains the ability to jump from leading man to character actor and back
effortlessly and convincingly, working alongside a long list of well-known and respected industry actors.
Another field that Paul has attained excellence in is writing. He has established himself as a prolific screenwriter in
which several of his screenplays have been nominated and awarded on the independent level.
For Paul, having writing and starring credits in a movie is not unfamiliar territory. However, he has recently reached
a new milestone, in addition to writing and starring; he has also produced and directed the Cultish film, Night of the
Templar.
An interesting note about Sampson is that is first love was never acting or directing… it was sports. He exceled in
athleticism and dominated in several events. In his last year of playing ‘organized’ sports, he was offered to play
spring ball (baseball) in Florida with an expansion team; however, he passed to move to Hollywood to begin his film
career.
With his skills featured throughout the spectrum of film and creative entertainment, Paul’s abilities are bred from
responding to opportunity with a dedicated effort toward personal growth. When the availability to present talent
opens, Paul has the tools required to fill the need.
Presently, he is single and divides his time between Los Angeles and New York City. He has an MBA in Finance, and
holds a U.S. passport, a United Kingdom passport, and a European Community passport.
2014
Hip Hop Hall Of Fame
Awards Show
Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards TV Show a Success Inducts Sugar
Hill Gang, Sequence, Wildstyle Movie
THE SHOW WAS HOSTED BY ROXANNE SHANTE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS BIZ MARKIE, MARLEY MARL, DJ KID CAPRI,
BRAND NUBIAN, TALIB KWELI,DJ RED ALERT, TREACH OF
NAUGHTY BY NATURE AND MORE..
New York, NY - 22-May-2014 – The Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards
Show returned to Television taping at Stage 48 in Midtown Manhattan with a memorable Induction Ceremony and Concert Event that
was hosted by the legendary Roxanne Shante with DJ Mell Starr on
the turntables.
The Show featured many high moments including a special tribute performance honoring the late DJ EZ-Rock which included a
birth of hip hop scene featuring B-Boy Break-dancers Chief 69 and
Vitamin D of the Zulu Nation dancing and spinning, while Graffiti
Art was flashing on the video screen with memorable performances
of ‘Radio’ from his friends the Harlem legendary group Crash Crew,
and his group partner Rob Base performing their chart topping hit
‘It Takes Two’. A special award was then presented to his wife and
daughter Ashley in his Honor by Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum
Chairman JT Thompson.
Brand Nubian and Talib Kweli both delivered high powered performances, as others featured performers included DJ Eniquiety doing
‘Old School Party’, and MC Nine ‘What I Want’. Historical performances were also delivered by the Inductees and Honorees themselves including ChiefRocker Busy Bee, DJ Hollywood Inducted by
DJ Red Alert, the Mercedes Ladies who rocked the house, and show
host Roxanne Shante with her partner the iconic Biz Markie doing
impromptu deejaying and beatboxing to Shante’s rhymes. Special
Guests included Treach of Naughty by Nature, DJ Kid Capri, MC’s
B-Fats and Kevie Kev, and many other Hip Hop Legends and Illuminaries. The show closed out with The Sequence performing ‘Funk
You Right On Up’ for the first time in over 30 years, and the Sugar
Hill Gang’s voices of Wonder Mike and Master Gee performing
Rappers Delight, Apache, and some new material. DJ’s also included
Quote:
“'The High Powered Performances in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame
Awards Show will go down in History”, stated Alexia Martinique of
Hip Hop Global Media & Entertainment LLC a Co-Producer of the
show.
THE 2014 HIP HOP HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
ARTISTS/GROUPS:
The Mercedes Ladies
The Sequence
Busy Bee Starski
Spoonie G & The Treacherous 3
Wonder Mike & Master Gee of The Sugarhill Gang
DEEJAYS:
DJ Street Tech, and DJ Scratchmaster Jazzy G! ‘The High Powered
Performances in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards Show will go
down in History’, stated Alexia Martinique of Hip Hop Global Media & Entertainment LLC a Co-Producer of the show.
Other honorees included Ralph McDaniel for over 30 years of Video
Music Box, Charlie Ahearn for the Movie Wild Style, legendary
photographer Ernie Pianiccoli, the N.. Twins who were the first
original b-boys, The late Mr. Magic of the WBLS ‘Rap Attack Show’
honored by his Legendary Juice Crew members Marley Marl, Ty
Williams, Kevy Kev, and Lux, Graffiti Masters Cornbread and Stay
High 149 for their contributions, as well as Spoonie Gee, the Treacherous Three with their DJ Easy Lee. This was the first Hip Hop Hall
of Fame Awards Show since it last aired on BET Cable Network in
the 1990s that was Executive Produced by Chairman JT Thompson,
and Juanita ‘Dove’ Williams. Co-Producers this year included Easy
Ad, Lord YodaX.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:
Ralph McDaniel
A Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Hip Hop pioneer
Ralph McDaniel who founded Video Music Box. Created in the
mid-80s, Video Music Box is one of television’s first programs to
mainly feature Hip Hop videos. McDaniel’s program provided a
platform for unacknowledged hip-hop artists to reach viewers in
mainstream America.
IN MEMORIAM:
DJ EZ Rock
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were a hip hop duo from Harlem, New
York who were best known for their hit, “It Takes Two.” The duo
consisted of Rob Base (Robert Ginyard, born May 18, 1967) and DJ
E-Z Rock (Rodney "Skip" Bryce, died April 27, 2014).
About The Hip Hop Hall of Fame
The Hip Hop Hall of Fame is a non-profit Chartered Museum &
Educational Institution
whose mission is to preserve, exhibit, and educate the world on
Hip Hop Music & Cultural History and its impact on Society. The
facility in pre-development will include the Hall, Museum, Retail
Gift Store, Sports Bar, Restaurant, Concert Lounge, Arcade, and TV
Studios that will serve 1,000,000 visitors, fans, tourists, and students
annually. It will create an estimated 300 jobs, internships, and host
educational programs and over 200 live concerts & events for people
of all ages.
The socio-economic impact is estimated over $350M annually
from on-site and off-site programs, tourism, B2B local commerce,
consumer spending, and city revenues. The HHHOF kids mascot
"B-Boy Scratch" will educate and inspire over 20,000 NYC public
school children per year on special field trips. The facility will open
in 2016.
It was originally created and established in 1992 by James ‘J.T.’
Thompson who Executive Produced the Hip Hop Hall of Fame
Awards TV Show in National Syndication and on the BET Cable
Network in the early 1990s with co-producer Juanita ‘Dove’ Williams. The Hip Hop Hall of Fame is continuing to expand its partnerships with Hip Hop Legends & Icons, Music Artists, Sponsors,
Record Labels, Executives, Community Leaders & Organizations,
Educational Institutions, and Museum Associations around the
Globe. The Hip Hop Hall of Fame will embark on Tours, Produce
Educational Materials, and Special Events including the Hip Hop
Legends & Icons Series in Cities across America.
The Hip Hop Hall of Fame is now preparing for its Hip Hop Legends & Icons Show Series in Los Angeles, and Atlanta honoring
regional Hip Hop Artists & Producers for their contributions and
collecting memorabilia for the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum &
Entertainment Complex coming to Manhattan in 2016. The facility
will feature the Hall, a Museum, Retail Gift Store, Arcade, Restaurant, Sports Bar, TV Studios, and Concert Lounge producing 200
live events and concerts per year. It will serve an estimated 1,000,000
visitors, fans, and tourists annually producing a socio-economic impact of $350M to the New York economy annually. “The non-profit
chartered museum and educational institution will also accommodate over 25,000 NYC public school kids on educational field trips
and programs annually. For more information contact [email protected] and website hiphophof.org .
DJ Hollywood
RADIO DJ/MIXSHOW:
Mr. Magic
GRAFFITI ARTISTS
Cornbread
Stay High 149
B-BOYS/GIRLS DANCERS:
The Twins
PHOTOGRAPHER/DOCUMENTARIAN:
Ernie Paniccioli
FILM/DOCUMENTARIAN:
Charlie Ahearn and “Wild Style”
I.A.M Sat Down With Paul
I.A.M: You Wrote, Produced, Directed, and Starred in Night
of the Templar, is there anything you would do differently or
change regarding the movie if you could go back in time?
Getting the job.
There are always things you liked to do or another angle
(shot) you’d want to get, but overall, creatively I’m very happy
with the movie. Next time I’d rather not produce, dealing with
the money aspect and being responsible for it while ‘creating’
is a bit of hassle.
I’m not really a stressful person. There is disappointment from
time to time, that’s for sure. But as far as stress, it’s what it is. I
don’t let it affect my day.
I.A.M: Who/What inspired you to become an actor?
Who said I wanted to be an actor? (laughing) I just wandered
on stage when I was in third grade and “they’ve” never let me
leave.
I.A.M: Was there any other career you were interested in
before you started acting?
I wanted to be a Professional Athlete or a Rock Star. I played
baseball on the semi-professional level and I screamed in a
couple of rock bands.
I.A.M: How old were you when you started your acting
career?
I did my first play in third grade. I began school early, so I was
seven years old at the time.
I.A.M: Did you ever take acting classes or see an acting
coach?
Of course, but most of my training was a result of doing theatre.
I.A.M: Were you involved in musicals and plays in school?
I did plays in grade school, but to be honest, my focus was
athletics. It wasn’t until after college that I really dug deep into
the theatre. I’ve done over three dozen plays in my life. About
a half dozen or so were musicals.
I.A.M: Do you get nervous for auditions?
I.A.M: On a scale of 1-10, how stressful is this career?
I.A.M: Are there any actors/actresses that you look up to?
I guess ones who are taller than me or wear really big heels.
I.A.M: What is the best part of being an actor?
Getting paid for something that you’d do for free.
I.A.M: What is one thing you would like to accomplish this
year?
Staying healthy. But that goes for every year.
I.A.M: What is the biggest downfall of becoming an actor?
Geepers, that’s a heavy question. I don’t know other than you
sometimes living in a fantasy world… (laughing)
I.A.M: Do you have any other hobbies besides acting? (Ex:
singing, dancing, cooking, photography, etc.)
I love to enjoy life, if that’s a hobby. I do what makes me happy, when it makes me happy, but I have to add that I try not to
hurt anyone along the way.
I.A.M: What advice would you give to young kids who want
to act?
Do theatre. There’s a difference between someone who wants
to be an ‘actor’ and someone who wants to be ‘famous’ and a
‘celebrity’. If you really want to be an actor, then do theatre.
I.A.M: What is your favorite quote that you live by?
Historically, I perform very well under pressure (on stage and
athletics), but sometimes auditions can be unsettling (laughing). Luckily, I don’t audition that often any more.
There are so many of them, it depends on the moment. When
I’m introspective or giving advice, “To thine own self be true.”
Or “The truth shall set you free.’ … When I’m in a mindset of
‘bad-assery’, “Kill ‘em all, let God sort them out” (laughing).
I.A.M: Think back to your first audition. What was it like?
I.A.M: Any final words?
I was in third grade. I don’t think I really knew I was auditioning. They put groups of us on stage and told us to ‘imagine’
whatever we wanted. I’ve always had a ‘different’ imagination
to say the least.
‘Final Words’ ??????? … I don’t like the sound of that (laughing), it’s as if I’m going to ‘expire’ if I say anything prolific …
tell you what, get back to me in about another fifty years on
that request.
I.A.M: What is the hardest part about acting?
NIGHT OF THE
TEMPLAR
Here tells a tale of passion,
loyalty, deceit, betrayal…and
REVENGE!
700 years after being betrayed
by his brethren, a merciless
Knight resurrects to fulfill his
vow and bestow blood-thirst
vengeance upon his enemies'
reanimated spirits.
The stage is set for retribution
as an eclectic group is lured
to a secluded EUROPEAN
CASTLE under the guise
of a promised "fantasy
getaway weekend." And as
they read from an obscure
storybook, a nefarious tale of
avarice is reenacted for their
entertainment. However, they
are unaware that they are the
cursed and have been gathered
for their own personal and
befitting executions.
In the course of one night,
identities will be revealed,
destinies met and a poetic
justice of the macabre will be
maniacally served. Only the
righteous shall survive, for this
will truly be the NIGHT OF THE
TEMPLAR. Hell is Eternal, as is
the Wrath of Vengeance.
Modern Day Vengeance
steeped in a Medieval Act of Treachery, this one of a kind Indie film is an edgy whirlwind of gripping
horror, drama, action, mystery and suspense…interlaced with just the right amount of (disturbing) dark
humor.
Prepare yourself for the ride of lifetime! They had their time… now it’s His!
Starring Paul Sampson (“Whacked!”) in his directorial debut, Norman Reedus (TV's "The Walking Dead”,
“Boondock Saints”), Udo Kier (“Blade”, “Armageddon”), Max Perlich (“Blow”, “Drugstore Cowboy”), Billy
Drago (“The Untouchables”, “The Hills Have Eyes”), and the legendary David Carradine (“Kung Fu”, “Kill
Bill Vol 1 & 2”) in his final film, this off the wall cast of characters ignites what is sure to be an instant Cult
Classic!
www.NightoftheTemplar.com
A Tale of Revenge 700 years in the making.
MICHAEL
DELEASA
We Sat With This
Incredible Artist
What type of artist are you? One that makes music,
plays shows and finger paints on the side.
support from my fans, friends and family. That’s what
keeps me going every day.
Tell us the brief history about yourself. I was born
in New Jersey, and have had an interest in music my
whole life. I started my first band in middle school, it
just kept building from there, and here I am today still
making music.
If you could win any award, one of your choice what
award would it be? Pie eating contest.
How would you describe your music for the public
audience if they never seen you before? It’s in the
pop genre with a fusion of different types of music like
funk and soul.
Do you feel like you have changed your style from
since you first started making music? Absolutely!
When I started, I used to play pop punk and progressive
rock, which I still love. Then towards the end of high
school I started exploring a lot of funk, soul and Motown
music which translates into what I’m doing now.
Who are your musical and non-musical
influences? I really respect Bruce Springsteen’s whole
attitude - he gives a lot to the fans. I also love me some
Al Green, Quest Love is a master mind and of course
the Super Chris.
How does music affect you and the world around
you? Music is my life; I don’t know where I’d be without
it.
Displaying a work ethic that even seasoned professionals would envy, singer/songwriter Michael Deleasa has in recent times
kept up a relentless schedule of live shows and recording that have extended all the way across the U.S. and into Latin America
as he pursues his musical dreams. He worked on his most recent EP with producer C-ROD (Chris Rodriguez) inspired by a
fusion of pop, soul and funk music in Miami. It was while touring with a band in his earlier years that some of his original solo
material was passed on to producer CJ Abraham (Drake Bell, Victoria Justice) in Los Angeles who then flew Deleasa to LA to
work on what sparked the release of his A Collection Of Sight & Sound EP in 2012.
After his first tour as a solo artist and EP release, Deleasa returned home to New Jersey to complete the filming for the second
season of Married To Jonas on the E! Network, which prominently features the journey of his rapidly growing music career.
The six-episode season included focus on Deleasa’s new single «Too Damn Beautiful,” his sold out gig with Lawson at Bowery
Ballroom in NYC, as well as his journey on his Latin American tour with The Jonas Brothers.
Deleasa has toured with/supported notable acts Boyce Avenue, Olly Murs, Jake Miller, Daughtry, Ryan Cabrera, Jason Castro,
Action Item, and Paradise Fear to name a few. He has headlined shows in the Northeast including Boston, Philly, Connecticut,
New Jersey, Long Island and most recently New York’s Santos Party House where he nearly sold out his holiday show.
With a whirlwind of press such as being named Billboard’s “Next Big Sound,” and being covered on E! News, J-14, Deco Drive,
Relix Magazine, Seventeen Magazine and Good Day New York, the Deleasa fan base has been growing. After a successful kick
starter (raised over $8K in one month), he is now gearing up yet again to start playing more shows while working on his third
«EP» which is still yet determined to be released independently or with a label.
Photography By Luke Brereton
Do you feel music is entering a whole new
generation? Of course, that’s just how the music
industry works. The possibilities are endless, which is
why I love it so much.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
Don’t harp on it. Do your own thing ’til people take
notice.
What are the biggest obstacles for you? I’m an
independent artist so I’d have to say the biggest
obstacle is finding the money to make records,
promote and play shows. It all falls on me but I’m not
complaining. It’s a challenge but worth the journey!
Do you get nervous before a performance or a
competition? Oddly enough I do! But once I’m out
there it’s all about having a good time.
Describe your show, visual and musically. The
shows are pretty basic right now. I either sit up there
with an acoustic guitar, do my thing, and get to know
everyone in the audience the best I can or I’ll do it with
a full band, which is my favorite. No lights or fire yet!
Tell us about your next shows and why we should
be there. I have some shows coming up in June in
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania,
and New Jersey, where I’ll be playing new songs so
I’m excited about that. People should only be there
because they want to be! I feel that music should be
simple - no big pitch - just listen and if you dig it, support
it, because it means a lot to the artist when you give us
your time!
How do you promote your band and shows? Right
now just through word of mouth.
What’s new in the recording of your music? It’s
getting sexy.
How often and for how long do you practice? I’m
always practicing to a certain degree because I’m
always working, but when I can, I sit down for 2 hours
and just play.
What advice would you give to beginners who are
nervous? Don’t waste energy on being nervous. You
have to make all the mistakes first so just be cool and
get ‘em outta the way!
Any Final Words? Giraffe.
How is the celebrity life style is treating you? I never
really considered myself a celebrity so I’d say about the
same as before I hit that alleged point of becoming one!
What inspires you to do what you do? Everything.
I just love what I do and I wouldn’t be here without the
Jalina Garrett
Height: 4” 5
Weight: 52 lbs
Clothing Size: 8/10 (youth)
Shoe size: 4 (youth)
Modeling Experience
Bridal ShowRunway Model
David’s Bridal02/14
Charity Event
Runway Model
Tea Party Fashion Show
12/12
ACAP GraduationRunway Model
Exquisite Treasures11/12
Taj Cottage09/12
Betsy Bridal02/13
Training
Modeling/ActingACAP05/12-12/12
VocalMrs. Kutsick09/08
Karate (golden belt)Vortex11/13
DanceMrs. Sally11/13
Special Skills:
Singing, modeling, acting, dancing, karate, soccer, t-ball and gymnastics
Tammy
How long have you been modeling?
On and off since 2006. I was contacted on MySpace by Allen Clore. At first I thought it was just someone trying to flirt. I thought
“who would contact a divorced mother at the age of 36 to model?” LOL I finally gave in and gave it a try and so glad I did! I have
accomplished a lot in the few years I’ve been modeling and am very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I was also a
child model from age 5 to 12.
Who or what inspired you to want to be a “MODEL?”
I loved it when I was younger. After my divorce, it was a way for me to regain my self-confidence, identity, and also have fun with creativity and helping concepts come to life. There is a lot I have enjoyed, and still more concepts I would like to make happen.
Favorite music, band: I enjoy almost any genre of music, however, my favorite band of all time is Led Zeppelin. Depending on my
mood, you may catch me listening to a Jay-Z/Kanye compilation, blaring Tool or listening to 90’s music on Iheart.
What’s something uncool that you love anyway? Interesting question…some say it is uncool to smoke cigarettes but I can’t seem to
stay away from them. Sigh….
What is your favorite drink?
Caramel Macchiato and Bacardi with Coke
What is your favorite food?
Seafood, especially shellfish!! I could eat it every day!
What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Probably getting a little more rest and spending more time with friends.
Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product: L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake is the best women’s fragrance ever! Ann Taylor and
Donna Karan. My beauty must have is mascara- if you’re not going to wear anything else, wear mascara!!
Which do you prefer: Fredericks of Hollywood or Victoria’s Secrets?
Victoria’s Secret
Which brand would you really love to model for?
Ann Taylor or Victoria’s Secret
What do you think is your sexiest feature?
My eyes. I got them from my mother.
What do people say is your sexiest feature?
My eyes and legs.
What turns you off?
People that make promises they don’t intend to keep, and those that are selfish.
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 119LBS
Hair Color: BLONDE
Bust: 34C
Waist: 24
Hips: 34
Location: ALEXANDRIA,
VA
If someone had to describe you in 2 words, which 2 words do you think they would use?
Spunky and sexy
What is the one thing you want our readers to know about you?
That I am very down to earth. I believe that staying humble and gracious keeps one grounded. At the very heart of everything, I am a
mom of my two sons, who are 15 and 23. Everything else is a fun accessory to my life.
What do you do for fun? I am like a guy when it comes to sports! I love watching football! (Go Cowboys!). I also love girl’s nights out
when I can dance all night, I love going to the beach and bottomless brunches on a Sunday. Oh, and I also love going to concerts.
What do you do to relax?
I like to read or play games on my Ipad.
What is the one thing you can’t go without?
My cell phone!! Probably not a good thing, but it’s my lifeline to everything.
What are your goals outside of modeling?
I am in my 3rd year at UMUC pursuing my Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Law. I would like to attend law
school after that and eventually practice law. It’s never too late!!
Do you have any nicknames?
My nickname in high school
was Pookie. But my closest
friends now would tell you it’s
Calamity Tammy, because if
something is going to happen it
is going to happen to me. LOL
What is your favorite hangout
spot?
It is usually my couch. It’s my
little respite to decompress and
relax.
Single or Involved? I am
divorced, and currently not
dating. Maybe Mr. Right will
come along and change that
soon!
Where can our readers see your
work?
On facebook at www.facebook.
com/tammy.lynette.37 and on
Model Mayhem at www.modelmayhem.com/foreverdreamin1
Final Thoughts for our readers? We all have dreams and
aspirations. It is never too late
and you are never too old to
do what you want. You only
get once chance to live, so live
it big!
Couture Fashion
Spring 2014
Photos by Ron Carr
www.couturefashionweek.com/
andres aquino
For this collection Mr. Aquino has partnered with Buenos Aires-based Italian designer Pia Zanaboni to showcase an
array of dressy and colorful one-of-a-kind wraps and scarves to accessorize the fashion designs.Fine art photography
by Andres Aquino
The "Légende de la Belle" collection is inspired by one of the poems from Mr. Aquino’s upcoming book of art and
poetry, scheduled for publication in 2014.
Tides come and go singing a song,
winds whisper memories to the ocean;
secrets of the légende de la belle...
In pure Andres Aquino style, the fashion show promises to be a night of charm, fantasy, music and dance, a blending
of Broadway entertainment, delightful luxury fashion and pleasant surprises.
Andres Aquino, a fixture of the New York fashion scene, is also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week
New York, now entering now its 18th season featuring exceptional couture and luxury designers from around the
world. Mr. Aquino has shown his collections at prestigious fashion events worldwide including in Dubai, Bucharest,
New Delhi, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as in cities in the USA, and has been featured in numerous top fashion media and publications in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, North America, and The Caribbean including Collezioni, Book Moda, ModaStyle International, Fashion TV, Russian TV, Chinese TV, and many more.
gwendolyn wilson Photos by Ron Carr
Gwendolyn Wilson holds a BS degree from Virginia Tech, and has been a fashion designer for more than 3 decades.
Her distinctive clothing line is called ETAMIB, which stands for Everything About Me Is Beautiful. Her beautifully
constructed, high quality and stylish garments appeal the fashion lovers of all shapes and sizes.
«I love fashions that are elegant,» says the designer. «I love for my garments to flow down the runway. This collection
will focus on runway glamour -- classic lines with an elegant twist.» Ms. Wilson’s collection will feature a mixture of
fabrics, as well as crystal and gemstone embellishments.
Visit the designer’s website for more information: www.etamib.biz
CORY DUNG TRAN Photos by Ron Carr
The uniqueness that is Cory Couture comes from a blend of Asian and Southern influences. Cory left his native Vietnam to study at the University of Louisiana, infusing his style with the vibrant color and sizzling energy that defines
and is New Orleans.
Since launching his first couture collection in 2009, Cory’s artistic expressions have garnered recognition in the fashion industry and captivated celebrities. Toni Braxton, Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Sisslee Lopez, Channel Iman and Tyra
Banks have all worn his designs.
Cory Couture has been featured in prestigious fashion magazines internationally including Harper’s Bazaar, V, Elle,
Maxim and Haute Couture.
Cory currently divides his time between Northern California and New York.
Alexandra Popescu-York
Photos By Udor Photography
danny nguyen
Photos by Ron Carr
Lurid fluorescent light spills over a shadowy figure working deep into the night. Exacting needles, spools of fine thread, and luxuriant
fabrics find their way in and around the dexterous hands of this diligent artist. Reckless passion is cast aside and replaced by the brutal will
of a true fashion designer. To describe Danny Nguyen’s talents with words would be as futile as identifying infinity with a number.Danny
Nguyen Fashion Show at Couture Fashion Week NY
A native of Vietnam, now based in Houston, Danny Nguyen learned his craft at his mother’s side: cutting fabrics and assisting with designs
and alterations. During this period, he developed and refined many of the essential skills of a fine fashion designer.Despite his now bolstering yet enigmatic personality, Danny Nguyen’s foundation in the fashion world is rooted in the soil of humility.
After settling in the rich and diverse culture of Houston, Mr. Nguyen opened his own studio for alterations and design entitled DNC (Danny Nguyen Couture). Here he pursues his dream which dances at the end of every needle he drives into his next exquisite creation. He is a
son, a brother, and a friend but most importantly, he is the embodiment of a calling whose sound does not quiet until it has reached the end
of the runway.
Alexandra Popescu-York earned her Bachelor’s degree in Plastic and Decorative Arts from
the prestigious National University of Arts in her native Bucharest, Romania. Her disctinctive creations are emotional, vivid and symbolic. Combining her design work in the fashion
industry with a true passion for painting, Popescu-York created a style uniquely her own, a
bridge between fashion and art.
Visit the designer’s website for more information: www.dannynguyencouture.com
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Photography By Amarbir Singh
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- DJ / Promoter
- Style: Balearic House & Techno
- Former Resident DJ, Pure Nightclub
- Member of Digital Knights
- Bookings: [email protected]
ROSS BARRON
My earliest major influences in Music were from a young age when I started listening Dance & Trance music in
the late 90’s. My first 3 major influences were Paul van Dyk, Chicane & ATB.
My underlying passion for Music was realised in 2008 when I visited Ibiza for the first time. The experience of
witnessing some of the best DJ’s & Clubs in the World was unbelievable and changed the way I thought about
Music. As soon as I got back home, I decided to inquire more about what equipment I needed to become a DJ as I was
constantly thinking about how different songs sounded mixed together. This led me to buy his first pair of
Decks and a Mixer at the beginning of 2009.
My first time playing outside of the bedroom was when Philosophy of House gave me the opportunity to warmup for them in Envy Nightclub. This opportunity came only 5 months after I bought my first DJ setup at home.
My experience to date has taken me to play at numerous bar & clubbing venues throughout Jersey & Guernsey.
Within this, I have also held residencies at multiple venues as well as playing at Jersey Live Music Festival in
2011.
Knowledge Gonzalez
The Father, The Man
Knowledge Gonzalez is a proud native of
Brampton, Ontario. Known for pushing
buttons, and getting a laugh by tackling real
issues with a comical and playful approach
to both his national competition spoken
word poetry, And As a his hip hop artist. He
was a member of the inaugural Mississauga
Poetry Slam Team, at CFSW 2012 and promises substance laced with humor, As humor
along with music is the reason he was able to
keep stable when his sons mother unexpectedly abandoned them when their son was
only 4 months old. That’s how his current
project «diaries of a single father» was born,
as knowledge takes you through the fears
and struggles of being a single parent, and
tells why hardship and heartache can bring a
world of happiness.
I made «Diaries Of A Single Father» because I first hand had to experience learning to take care of a baby then raise a child, while
at the same time battling heartache and abandonment issues, only to realize that single mothers have been doing this for years with
little to no emotional help.
This made me think as both a spoken word artist and musician, that there should be some more encouragement and inspiration,
an outlet to show that although there are many downsides. That the upsides are worth it, if you can combat the depression or fear
correctly, the liberation, and the understanding that life can be beautiful when it is unexpected and not planned, and to let others
know... There is life, and love after heartache, as long as we choose to see and allow the beauty....
My goal is to inspire and let those going through heartache and abandonment issues, while having to learn to raise a child that they
are blessed, and not alone... That there is happiness after the pain..
“The reasons I call” is the first single off my debut project, it explains the pain of being a single parent and tells of the milestones the
my absent baby mother has missed.... It was hard to record and release.... But I finally see the pain many single mothers have gone
through for years.
My second release, is to my son, to let him know I will always be with him and to move forward with whatever loss he has and never
look back....
My last single, tells of my transition... Growing up was hard for me, I’ve made many stupid choices and this is me waking up, in light
of being a father and promising my family who’s had to watch me struggle, that I will make up for it and get out of the life I have
chosen to live: Out this life
LINKS- “The reasons i call” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHLx2r0evyk&sns=em
“Never look back” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPMst9nh0I&sns=em
“Out this life” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSCBnyUyWyA&sns=em
FiL Straughan has been singing
and writing music for many years.
His distinctive blend of the energy
of Marvin Gaye and the tone of
Luther Vandross can be heard on
all of the many recordings to his
credit. It is a sound rooted in the
classics, with the modernity and
personality of FiL – a personality
that can be heard in the inspiration, experience and passion within each and every song. Definitely
a creative force, FiL also enjoys
collaborating with others – whether he has co-written the song or is
simply adding his rich voice to the
mix.
FiL released his first UK album in 2008 to fantastic acclaim. FiL’s voice is in constant demand, and as a result he
is shuttled from one recording studio to another, either writing with or for other artists, or laying down vocals
for them.
In the past FiL has
worked with Ray Lewis’
Drifters, Hot Chocolate, and many others.
It is a testament to his
versatility and skill that
such a variety of producers, DJs and musicians have requested
his smooth voice and
energetic presence on
collaborative ventures.
From Jazz to House,
and everything in between, FiL Straughan
knows music, and it
shines through in his
accomplished and
unique vocal skill.
Independent Artist Magazine talks with
super producer Genard Parker on the line.
By Colin Benjamin
I.A.M. Today we have Genard Parker super producer on the line.
How are you doing today?
G.P. All is well, well n swell. How are you doing man?
I.A.M. I’m ok, Thanks for asking. I’m in New York looking forward to this interview with you. Where are you located right now?
G.P.
Right now I’m running around the streets of Atlanta, doing
what I do, staying busy
I.A.M. Ok I’m going to start off by asking you about your past so
that our viewers, listeners and readers know who you are, so I’ll
start with when did you come onto the scene?
G.P
Mmmm. You’re talking about giving away some age now
(laughs). There is a joke about being at the end of young and the beginning of old, (laughs). Wow it’s hard to say, let me see. I started as
a D.J. then I got into producing. I know that I was D.J.ing in junior
high school.
I.A.M. Wow, junior high school, was that a long time ago?
(laughs).
G.P.
(laughs) ok, maybe about
1985
I.A.M. Ok, so you was on the early
scene, you should know a lot about
the beginning of the hip hop era,
basically.
G.P.
Yeh. I was uptown in The
Bronx when things were brewing up.
I.A.M. Yeh. I was there too I
remember how it was, anyway who
did you listen to and what D.J.s did
you listen to back then?
G.P.
Well I use to listen to the
older cats when I was younger. They
use to have parties in the parks, D.J.s
like DST, Break Out, P.T. Disco, Charlie Chan he was a younger
D.J. running around with the older D.J.s. Then I got into it with my
own M.C.s. We did a lot of parties and opened up for Cold Crush
and other D.J.s. Around my way was a lot of D.J.s and high powered
M.C.s. There was the Ultimate M.Cs and Oh! Whiz Kid (laughs) oh
wow you have me have me thinking right now.
I.A.M. Digging into your brains pulling names out. (laughs)
Bringing you back into the days. I remember the D.J.s came with
their M.C.s . Do you remember any of the party songs.
G.P.
The songs we use to play and cut were songs like Good
Times, Ain’t We Funky Now, Rock Skate Bounce, LTD, Pussy Footer,
Commordores
I.A.M. WOW you’re really bringing it back to the turntables. Can
you tell me where hip hop started?
G.P.
As far as I’m concerned it started in The Bronx.
I.A.M. Thank you!
G.P.
Everyone can say whatever they want. I can’t say what was
going on in other hoods but it started in The Bronx for me. That is
where I know it from. I’ll be honest, my friend Ron put up some old
footage maybe from the 60’s with some old cats rapping. I’ll look it
up and find the footage for you at a later date.
I.A.M. Yeh. We would really like to take a look at that footage. Do
you remember any of the clubs from back in the days? Some of the
clubs you use to go to?
G.P.
When I was young I couldn’t get in or go to some clubs. I
knew of the T-Connection but I never went there. I was able to go
to Skate Key and the Galaxy on 241st street in The Bronx
I.A.M. Ok, you taking me up to White Plains Rd.
G.P.
The Stardust Ballroom
I.A.M. Yes, That was on Boston Rd. They had 3 0r 4 party room
in there. Big club.
G.P.
Then there was
Manhattan with clubs like the
Roxys, then there were parties
in the community centers like
Clearmont and Edenwald. There
were places like the Valley Park.
One time I promoted a party in
Boston Secor community center.
I don’t know if you remember
that one.
I.A.M. I think I do remember
that one.
G.P. It was about 1981 or 2.
I had the Finess 4, the Devious 4
high powered rappers. We were
young cats doing it back then.
I.A.M. Doing it back then. Do you remember any of the dances
from back then. (laugh)
G.P.
Of course. (laughs) the wop, the smurf, the freak, the patty
duke, oh the Pee Wee Herman.
I.A.M. I remember that.
G.P.
There were a few more I can’t recall right now.
I.A.M. Ok. What school did you go to?
G.P.
I went to Truman High School.
I.A.M. YEH a lot of artist went to Truman H.S. A lot of artist
came from uptown Bronx. Did you hang out at any other schools
G.P.
No. I was busy trying to make money. I graduated a year
early. I was just trying to get out and make this money. I was always
going home to practice D.J.ing. I was about making money.
I.A.M. Making money so that you could look sharp. Do you
remember going to Jewman on Freeman st and Simpson to buy the
latest fashions.
G.P.
Of course. That makes it all official. Yeh man, you had to go
there for the fresh gear, no doubt.
I.A.M. What gear do you remember?
G.P.
I remember overlaps, tear drops, british walkers, mark
necks, I can’t forget my B Boy stance. I couldn’t breakdance, I probably would get dizzy (laughs)
I.A.M. Those were the days. Do you miss the music?
G.P.
Yes. It was golden, when music was music although there
are still a few artist that make good music. Back then if your song
wasn’t good it wasn’t coming out.
I.A.M. Anyway when I introduced you I said super producer.
Give me some of the names you worked with in the past.
G.P.
First let me say D.J.ing evolved into producing for me. I
started out with a little casio playing one key at a time and a little
beat box machine, then I got into samplers and mixing boards. That
transformed me onto the production side of things. My first song
was It’s Mine with Boo Ski then The Building with Pretty Ricky,
Red Alert always play it’ I then learned how create harmonies for
R+B. I learned how to utilize both hands on the keyboard. I then
started doing records for rich nice at Motown. I was doing records
for Father MC and for Puff when he was an intern. Then I got lucky.
Grandmixer DST sold me a MPC sampling work station, one week
later I made a song for SWV in 1992. I made a few songs some
didn’t make the cut, however the song Downtown made the cut. I
made that song with the MPC that I got from The Grandmixer DST.
To this day we still talk about it. I Produce songs for Intro, K-Ci
& JoJo I knew them from the early days with Jodeci. I’ve done jazz
with Ronny Jordan, Phyllis Hyman, so many people I’m trying to
remember.
I.A.M. I remember coming to your house and seeing a Jackson.
G.P.
Oh yeh! Rebbie Jackson. I had a record that she wanted. I
couldn’t give it to her because I just had sold it to someone at Sony
Records. She still tried to give me a deal memo and a check for the
song I still had to refuse. She said Michael said it was a hit. I told
her to tell Michael to make it happen. The song was already sold
to someone on Sony Records. I couldn’t sell the same song twice. I
forgot about that, how did you remember.
I.A.M. When you go to someone’s house and see a Jackson, you
will remember.
G.P.
Yeh Music is in my blood. It’s still there, one day I’m coming back out.
I.A.M. I was about to ask you, what are you working on these
days? Do you have any future plans?
G.P.
Not really a plan, I know it’s in the forecast. I’m going to do
something musically that is. I am in a completely different field right
now. It keep me burning the candle at both sides of the stick. I’m
running around a lot doing business. As soon as I get that on auto
pilot then I can get back to the music.
I.A.M. When you get back in make sure you let us know at indieArtMag.com so that we can write about it because that is what
we do.
G.P.
Ok I have some things in the works right now but I’m going to wait until I got things brewing. I will let you know. Definitely
let you know.
I.A.M. Ok cool. There are a lot of people trying to come out these
days. Do you have any advice for artist and producers that are
trying to come out? What would you tell them?
G.P. First you have to be persistant and believe in yourself. Stick
to it because there were a lot of people telling I couldn’t do all the
things that I have done.
I.A.M. Yeh, haters and nonbelievers. They drink hater aid.
G.P.
I had people telling me not to D.J. I had people who was
already in the game telling me not to produce songs for SWV. I
was like “Why would I not produce songs for SWV” They weren’t
known at that time but it was business and I did it. You have to give
it a shot. I’ve worked on prime artist from major labels and received
big checks to produce songs for them and they never come out,
never put a record out, they get dropped. Now SWV came from
a smaller label with a smaller budget and look what happened for
them.
I.A.M. Yeh. I recall you use to work with Ashanti
G.P Yeh… Ashanti. In the early days I worked with her and we
got into a situation where the two parties didn’t agree and we had to
settle it in the penal system. Unfortunately it had to get to that. I’m
not happy about doing it but I had to do what I had to do.
I.A.M. Well I understand when you have to defend your part of
the business. Business is business.
G.P.Yeh.
I.A.M. Some people don’t understand the life of a producer. Producers spend a lot of money on equipment and put in a lot of time
in also.
G.P.
Yeh. A lot of people take it for granted. In this game you
really have to be on your toes especially in the music business. If
you are not on your toes you are going to get “GOT”! It happens
very easily. It’s not like I never been GOT, there are a lot of pot holes
in the industry but if you stay on your toes you’ll learn how to do
better business. That’s how I got my name.
I.A.M. “Getting Paid” (laughs)
G.P.
(Laughs) Yeh. They gave me that name. I always got paid.
I’m going to call my lawyer, bosses, someone, I had to get paid.
I.A.M. Genard “Getting Paid” Parker
G.P. I think Father MC gave me that name. (laughs) I don’t
know but I always get paid.
I.A.M. Is there anyone that you want to give a shout out to.
G.P.
I don’t do shout outs but shout out to the whole world,
everyone, family and friends.
I.A.M. This is IndieArtMag.com thanking Genard” Getting Paid”
Parker for taking time to talk with us.
Jay
Berlinsky
Jay Berlinsky began singing at the age of five. By the age of eight years old he began to learn how to play the piano by ear.
Later, by the age of nine he began writing music. Jay Berlinsky focused mainly on his vocals until he graduated high school.
He then started to fine tune his overall skills using his ear and gift with lyrics to write songs and put together music loops
and tracks. Jay Berlinsky has performed at the Miami Apollo for Charity placing third,with his own rendition of "The Tony
Rich Project." He has also performed for charities to help others such as the United Way and Toys for Tots at the Miami Arena. Jay Berlinsky has performed for charity at St. Timothy's Carnival and twice at the Miami Arena for Miami Heat games,
where he received a Standing Ovation for singing the National Anthem, Accapella in front of over 12,000 fans. During the
past year, Jay Berlinsky was selected to be a contestant on "ABC's The Soundboxx", while performing on Spanish Television's Talent Show."Minuto De Fama", a great honor, as this artist has just started learning Spanish as a second Language.
Using his life experiences and eclectic original music, Jay Berlinsky has built up a fan base of over 60,000 Fans worldwide
in a little over 4 months. Jay Berlinsky is currently, the #1 Singer and Songwriter in all of Miami, Florida as shown on www.
reverbnation.com/jayberlinsky while maintaining a spot in the top ten worldwide. Jay Berlinsky was selected and will soon
be in a featured artist article in "Pens Eye View", a popular online Music Magazine. Jay Berlinsky sings for the love of music
and has written songs for many local and international artists. A second to none vocal range, from Jessie Powell to Robin
Thicke, Jay Berlinsky thrills audiences with his singing prowess. Once heard, people have become undying fans of the latest
singing phenoms of today.
MICHAEL
DELEASA
Melba Moore
Jalina Garrett

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