bayside CeNTeR
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bayside CeNTeR
Worldwide Indie Music, Lifestyles, Entertainment Magazine EL-JAY TRADEMARK OF SKILLS SEPTEMBER 2013 MASTERS OF CEREMONY AN uncompromising bayside center “A Holistic Approach To Your Inner Beauty.” 3C CREATIVE CHARISMATIC COMMANDING a decades worth of experience and knowledge STYLE Features 04 Masters of Ceremony Devotion, Motivation, and Uncompromising 08Dead Celebrity Status All Things Socially Conscious 10 Martyr De Mona Taking Nothing for Granted 14Young Goldie The Next Worldwide Household Name 16 James Hodcroft The New Millennium 18 The Roadhouse Live Music Venue 20IBEE Don’t Walk Away 223C The Foundations of Inspiration 24Dope Boy Recordz Started From Tha’ Bottom COVER STORY 12 EL-JAY An Trademark of Skills Lifestyle 06 5 Tips for Producing Your Best Work Your Best Work, EVERY Time 26Bayside Center A Holistic Approach To Your Inner Beauty ENTERTAINMENT 28BWD Records (Sponsor) The Independent Music Label of the South 2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com last issue FROM THE EDITOR Having continuously been recognized throughout the music world as a vast movement with an undeniable force we at BWD Radio are now bringing you the best music and individuals within their field in a more easily digestible format; with a dedicated online magazine packed to the rafters with news, reviews, features and phenomenal artists from across the globe. Synonymous with breaking new ground and talent, our aim isn’t to deliver you an aggregator of articles; more like, the BWD Bible of breaking talent and breath taking bands turning heads and volume dials up to eleven. In each breaking issue we reveal the winners of the BWD Radio’s Indie Music Featured Artist Competition, a monthly competition where we invite you to Get On The ‘Visual’ Playlist for your chance to become one of the featured BWD Competition Winners. The winners are awarded the opportunity of talent exposure across the globe and throughout the world as part of our aim to prove a good tune isn’t limited to whatever celebrity judge endorsed single is currently riding high in the iTunes download chart. In each issue, we also bring you the newest faces in the world of modeling to watch out for in store windows, on the billboards, and in the high-street, as well as on the catwalks of Paris and Milan. Editor In Chief Veralyn Keach, [email protected] Associate Editor Robert Baker, [email protected] Though that may be enough to fill the covers of most magazines, we’ll be taking things even further with exclusive ‘first-looks’ at the best in indie talent, our unique position Lead Contributing Writer within the world of media affording us the opportunity to bring you the next big hitters Robert Baker, [email protected] before anyone else and by combining the two enormous forces--presences of BWD Radio and BWD Magazine into one with the newly launched new BWD website there is twice the promotion to deliver double the impact and even more worldwide exposure to its featured artists. All the freshest new faces and hottest new talent in one magazine, BWD Magazine in conjunction with BWD Radio is committed to setting the standard of what you deserve from a magazine with constant promotion through the BWD network of contacts and promoters. Did someone say BWD Promotions? The BWD Triple Threat Trio! Contributing Writer Veralyn Keach, [email protected] Art Director Veralyn Keach, [email protected] Graphic Artist Veralyn Keach, [email protected] BWD MAGAZINE’S SERVICES: Being in such a unique position affords us the ability to offer our services at ‘considerably less’ than most others, our network allowing us to expose Circulation Officer(s) your talent in all the right places without needless expense or additional ‘secret costs’ less Veralyn Keach/Robert Baker www.bwdmagazine.com scrupulous companies fill their small print and help fill their bank balances with. Covering all aspects of media promotion (from social media sites through to music video promotion) we are able to offer the best when it comes to brand awareness and public recognition of your name or product, without compromising either your impact or finances. For price and space availability inquiries, please contact us via the contact details to the right where we can discuss your specific requirements to ensure maximum exposure. BWD MAGAZINE: Where YOU go to get as much VARIETY in music, news, sports, entertainment and lifestyles!! MORE THAN JUST MUSIC. Sales Officer(s) Veralyn Keach/Robert Baker www.bwdmagazine.com bwdmagazine.com bwdradio.com facebook.com/bwdmagazine twitter.com/bwdmagazine facebook.com/bwdradio twitter.com/bwdradio_ twitter.com/bwdPROMOTIONS BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 3 masters of ceremony We will forever continue to deliver music that fuels the soul.” M asters of Ceremony are a Calgary, Alberta Rap group who have more than earned the honorific their name bestows. With an uncompromising style that has garnered the duo both praise and accolade whenever they combine their minds, MOC are a group destined to be leaders in the phalanx of like-minded artists. Comprising of the artist Abstrakt and grand master Grenade Masters Of Ceremony have taken the pairs almost symbiotic style of swaggering assurance and straight-up sincerity directly to the genre’s core, delivering powerfully insightful lyrics and lyricism with the more freeflowing delivery of a mind barely able to contain the enclave of thoughts and emotions being fired through the speakers and into the skies. The release of the duo’s first single release Mixdown in 2008 saw Abstrakt and Grenade launch themselves into the spotlight as Raw Illest, the track produced by Fernando Lujan and showcasing them as one of the most exciting new sounds to emerge. Public acclaim and reaction to the single saw the trio working on further releases together, creating a force bound by a passion for music and the creation of something that not only spoke to their audience in a way that was as honest as it was real, but in the voice of a group determined to prove theirs was a voice speaking of experience and a view worth listening to. Honing their craft on the local thriving scene Raw Illest soon got the invitation to open for 4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com Sean Kingston in October of 2009, this vote of musical critical affirmation seeing Raw Illest becoming the most prominent performers on the circuit. After tons of devotion, motivation and hard work our project has started surfacing. “ WITH AN UNCOMPROMISING STYLE, GARNERING PRAISE AND ACCOLADE Further invitations were soon heading the groups way, chief amongst which included the opportunity to open for the legends of hip-hop themselves De La Soul at a performance that would see the group appearing at the world famous Olympic Plaza of Calgary. Circumstances conspired and shortly thereafter the group disbanded and the two parted ways, a move to Vancouver seeing Abstrakt opening to packed crowds for Royce Da 5’9, Naughty by Nature, as well as headliners Evil Ebenezer and Scale Breakers throughout the ‘Lower Mainland High Heat Tour.’ Destiny and demanding fans, however, will not be denied; re-forming under the MOC moniker and bringing the individual experiences and lessons learned from their solo works apart, Abstrakt and Grenade are writing the next lines in rap music’s ever eloquent evolution. ‘After tons of devotion, motivation and hard work our project has started surfacing,’ says the group. ‘To our fans and all those reading we salute you and thank you for all the support. We will forever continue to deliver music that fuels the soul. ‘ Without equals to compare and none more deserving of the name, Masters Of Ceremony aren’t just leading the charge of change the industry is crying out for; they are the change and, indeed, the Masters. Contact Information: Website: www.mastersofceremony.ca Twitter: @moc_music Facebook: mastersofceremony Photo Credits: Masters of Ceremony - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 5 five tips for producing your best work every time divide your track, multiply your producivity Sometimes it can be an effort to see the wood for the trees when trying to create a song or piece of music; it 1. Once the track is laid down as a whole piece go back and divide it into sections – bridge, verse, chorus, etc… - and work on one section at a time. No matter how well you may think you know it by breaking can be too easy to get lost in the minutiae of detail, or up your track into smaller, manageable chunks will force you to hear it in a com- not see a glaring flaw from spending too long on the pletely new way. It may sound so familiar to your ears to begin with, but as you start wrong part of the track. to hear just the one part at a time you’ll find yourself looking at the various parts within each section with a more considered air; it will really drive your attention into the corners of the track and send you exploring the edges and seeing if the sounds Occasionally a mistake or omission won’t make itself known until long into production, and with each re-work or new take money, time, and patience are spent in the sit right within the track, deliver the impact you intend. What you’re looking for is a consistency throughout, a level of personal satisfaction within what you are hearing that gets as close to the noise you hear in your mind as rush to iron out perceived flaws – which, if one isn’t humanly possible. Equalizers will drop or raise various levels to bring up or flatten careful, can lead to yet more missteps and mistakes and down the richness of sounds at a very basic and simple to understand level. For those frustrated creative dead-ends. wishing to delve a little deeper, music programs abound aplenty for the discerning DJ, offering more choice of noises and layers of indulgences with each new release on the market. So it is with a timely intervention we draw your attention to the second So before your masterpiece ends up becoming a disaster Tip of our five… piece take a moment to consider the following 5 Tips for sometimes less is more Producing Your Best Work EVERY Time… 6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com 2. With ever more powerful personal computers and even more flexible music programs it can seem like you’re the kid in the musical candy store; a million separate layers and a billion ways to influence the sound of each and every note can leave you almost drowning in an embarrassment of riches choice-wise. If you’re composing on a computer, on the other hand, then the advice is familiar yet so easy to forget; Keep your focus on what you are hoping to achieve with the individual part you are working on, but always with an ear to the over-all sound. A great man once wrote; • Save Regularly – every change if need be, so you at least have the luxury with great power comes great responsibility. Remember; you won’t necessarily need of listening and comparing each one before dismissing it. every single option the program offers on every single bar of the track. • Back-Up – again, make a master save of the overall composition, then make a second save to use as the basis for making all the alterations and indulging Focus on how the part you are working on fits with the rest of the track, listening those ‘musicians itch’ moments during production. to how it impacts the sound. Each time you make even the smallest alteration – • changing the levels, more reverb, less echo – you change the overall track, so bear blank CD. Anything that will hold and keep that precious information safe should this in mind when getting stuck into polishing up the rough edges or becoming too the worse happen and you lose all your hard work will be the smartest move you’ve honed in on a troublesome part. ever made should the time come when it is needed. Remember; it is better to have Back-Up Your Back-Up – put it on an external drive, a USB stick or a and not need, than to need and not have. If you can’t make the song work as is try reducing the number of parts/layers you are using. Doing this allows the song room to breathe aurally, and can make it easier to hear where anything feels missing or if improvements can be made and listen to track on different devices indeed even if they are needed. Don’t let yourself get lost in the maze of endless possibilities, especially if you don’t… let someone else hear it 3. Musicians can be quite precious with their work, 5. become almost resistive to allowing another ear near it until perceived perfection has been thoroughly attained With even toasters seemingly coming with a USB input and an mp3 player there’s any number of devices capable of playing sound. With even more options available for those in the market for a new pair of headphones, the choice of how the track’s listened to is also as broad. Find as many of these device/audio configurations as you can and see how they make your track sound. and it is unveiled for their audience’s avid consumption. Different devices project the sound at different levels, and different encoding of Every successful musician has a producer sitting some- the tracks format can mean the difference between hearing the track with some where in the background offering advice, chipping in with suggestions, and gener- of the finer detail lost and hearing it as it’s meant to be heard. Of course, getting a ally offering a guiding hand when needed to the artist standing behind the mic/ completely universal sound over all possible audio output options is a Promethean mixing desk. task, but different mixes with subtlety different levels can bring a more appealing compromise in the sound to you as an artist. A parent or close family member may be a poor choice for an ear to critique an unfinished work, and the potential for them to blow false wind into your sails over Don’t misunderstand; ‘compromise’ does not mean adulterating your sound and how every note is an angelic chime and similar may cast doubt over their words, reducing the track to less than what you consider acceptable. It simply means being potentially compromising the track. aware that not every time your track is heard it will be listened to on the same headphones or speakers that you yourself use, so keep focus on how the overall Forums will allow you to find fellow musicians of a similar genre whose opinion track sounds by transferring the mix onto whatever device you have at hand, give won’t carry a fraternal weight, can be truly impartial; they afford you a much better it a listen, and see what stands out and what doesn’t. So many musicians spend a chance of figuring out the bits that don’t seem to work, and more often than not small fortune on the tools they need to compose their track, but surprisingly few will be a source of knowledge regarding which way to turn and what you should artists remember that not everyone will own a pair of Bose and a stereo that goes be looking to find. up to eleven. Forums are a priceless resource for musicians, be they a dub-step supremo or a bed- Perhaps the most satisfying part of being a musician or artist is the freedom of room emo, and having a friendly third party with no personal investment in your expression afforded to those who take up the mantle of composer; there are no work means more likelihood of getting an honest response - saving yourself from right or wrong ways of creating a song, and no hard-and-fast rules of what is or hours of hard work and toil or potential musical embarrassment. is not music. The scope is endless and the landscapes bright, so now armed with the above advice you should have little trouble carving your own niche from the save and back-up your back-up 4. great Wall of Sound. Did you ever hear about that musician who became rich and famous despite having lost the only copy of the best song they or anyone else had ever written? No; me neither. If you’re still a paper and pencil type then a good quality HB and a stack of Xerox’s finest blank A4 and some carbon paper and you’re all good to go – maybe a folder to keep things tidy and safe, even some plastic wallets if you’re prone to spilling stuff. BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 7 dead celebrity status W ith their latest album The Throwaway Kids lined up After a short break that saw the group wrangling with red-tape and and ready to turn the tides of the music scene into a industry nonsense The Throwaway Kids represents more than just an turbulent maelstrom of incendiary lyrics and introspec- album. As Yas Talaat explains; ‘Throwaway kids are everything that goes tive speculation of life in world of the iPhone and faux against the norms. We are the overlooked, the forgotten, the misunderstood celebrity status, all set to the thundering beats and and the neglected. We are for the outcasts, the punks, the rebels, the bullied cutting edge swirl of sound and sensory explosions, the and the subcultures – we are all things socially conscious.’ magnetically enigmatic hip-hop group Dead Celebrity Status are looking to be the musical Poseidon’s on your iPod. Having already changed the face of music, appeared alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, and seen their music appear in the Formed by front men Yas and Bobby McIntosh and joined by DJ Dopey, soundtrack of films and videogames alike, Dead Celebrity Status took the the world first caught a glimpse of the future-DCS with the duo’s previ- time to add an interview with BWD Magazine to their impressive list of ous group, Project Wyze. Signed to Sony Music Canada after the groups accomplishments two EP releases, Trapz of Poetic Poison in 1996 and the 1998 release Only If I Knew, they released two hit singles, the Def Jux artist Cage appearing exclusive interview on Nothing’s What It Seems and the Platinum Juno Award winning Swollen Members on Room To Breathe. Despite critical and public acclaim the group soon after disbanded over creative differences. BWD: First of all, hello and if you could introduce yourselves to our audience..? Answer: Bobby McIntosh As one chapter ended another began; and so it was Dead Celebrity Firstly, want to say thanks for having us. It’s a pleasure and an honour for us. We are Status released their debut album Blood Music in 2004, produced by the a group known as Dead Celebrity Status, which consists of myself, Bobby McIntosh mighty Danny Saber, and featuring such artists as Joss Stone, DJ Lethal, and Yas Taalat. As DCS we have released two major albums (Blood Music) and (The and guitarist impresario Dave Navarro. Title track and single Blood Throwaway Kids). We are from Toronto, Canada and have made music together since Money’s accompanying video has already garnered the group the award we were teenagers so we have been a part of the music scene for quite some time. We for Best Independent Video at the West Coast Music Awards, and has pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries musically and artistically, giving everything seen the bands audience continue to grow like a tidal wave across the we have in our live performances and interacting with our audience who we think of music scene. as, not only fans of our movement but part of the DCS extended family. Appearances on the same stage as Ozzy Osbourne and Tool taken in the BWD: Your sophomore album - The Throwaway Kids, released on 6.8.2. Records - same confident stride as those with Public Enemy and De La Soul, Dead has been an eagerly anticipated release, and looks set to turn a new page in the Celebrity Status manage to transcend genres and appeal to everyone’s world of hip-hop..? (A chance to expand on the themes and sound of the album; tastes; be it the infectious beats or impassionate lyrics, the hurricane of why it is an essential purchase and which singles our audience should be looking sound levels all barriers in its pursuit of reaching your musical happy out for.) gland. Answer: Bobby McIntosh 8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com Ya, it really has been an album that has been 7 years in the making. We have gone die attitude. We speak for the voiceless, the kids trapped in their bedrooms with no through so many trials and tribulations to make this album and I think the music one to confide in, the outcast, the underdog, for anyone who isn’t afraid to stand up reflects that. We really tried to push the envelope artistically and challenge ourselves. against the masses and be different. We make music for a generation of kids who have We grew up on classic hip-hop music like Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Rakim, Big Daddy been pushed into the shadows, the forgotten, the misunderstood; we make music for Kane etc. Although we respect the classic sound of traditional hip-hop, we feel that in a new generation of misfits, a band of misfits we call family. Bobby and I have never some respect, as a musical art form, hip-hop has become stagnant and everybody seems really been attracted to a mainstream product. Following a formula or doing something to be following specific trends. Hip-hop culture has always been about being original, generic is really unimaginative and boring. The pursuit of acceptance is boring and different and having pride in that. There was a time that if you sounded like someone futile. We like to challenge ourselves creatively, intellectually and musically, so when it else you were considered wack and would get booed off the stage. So this album was comes to making DCS music, it is a very natural process. We do not sit in a room and say, made to combat and challenge what popular music has become. We have carved out hey let’s make something different, it just comes out that way because being different is our own lane and are proud of that. Musically, we take that approach that nothing is a characteristic that’s in our bloodline. off limits that’s why we like to play with arrangements and different sounds and layers to our music. Lyrically, we tend to pull from our own life experiences…Songs like “The BWD: As previously mentioned, DCS are no strangers to sharing the stage with Throwaway Kids,” Hurts Like…,” “Dancing On The Sun” are some examples of our deep- some of the biggest names in music, and deservedly so, but which appearance has est feelings and thoughts. We never want to be a group that is afraid to say something meant the most to the group? (Whether it be a small club or a more arena-like because it may not fit in to what mainstream society may feel as inappropriate or unac- stage) ceptable to challenge and question. Other times, we like to explore our wordplay and Answer; Yas Taalat create unique patterns or concepts so it’s just about being as original and creative as Not to sound cliché but every show we play is both incredible and important. We possible at the end of the day. appreciate every opportunity we are fortunate enough to get to be in front of a crowd of people doing what we love to do. It is a very humbling and exhilarating feeling. We BWD: You’ve appeared on stage with some of the biggest names across the whole have been blessed to tour across America, Canada and Europe a number of times so gamut of the music world- from Tech N9ne to Ozzy Osbourne, to punk bands such there are really too many shows to mention. However, touring across the country with as Blink 182 and NOFX. How has DCS bridged the divide between these apparently the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne might be one of the most memorable diverse genres to sit comfortably within them all? experiences of our careers. I still remember walking into the arena for sound check Answer: Bobby McIntosh and seeing Zakk Wylde and Ozzy on stage rehearsing Mr. Crowley. We just stood there When we first started performing we were strictly doing hip-hop shows. During that silent in complete admiration. I think I still have goose bumps to this day. Touring with time, promoters also were very hesitant in booking hip-hop acts because of some of the artists like Tech N9ne and Public Enemy will always be cherished because of the fans violence that was happening at the shows which forced us to look into other avenues and kids who came out to support, but one of the tours we’ve been blessed to be part of to perform live and develop our live show. So we started playing Punk Rock shows, that we love is The Vans Warped Tour. We love the whole DIY attitude that comes with Rock shows, basically any platform that would give us a chance. So that really helped the event. It is a gruelling, gritty and hard-core tour that is unlike any other tour in the to develop our stage show to the point where we could play with any type of genre and world. It reminds us of when we first started out doing Punk Rock shows. It has a vibe feel completely comfortable doing it. So we actually feel just as confident and comfort- and energy that is contagious and inspiring. able tour Ozzy Osbourne ing with Ozzy Osbourne as we did touring with someone who may fit our style more like a Tech N9Ne or Jurassic 5. Challenging yourself and stepping BWD: And finally; what one thing do you want people to think of when they hear out of your comfort zone is always a win-win anyway. You can’t help but learn that way the name Dead Celebrity Status? which is what the end goal for us always is. Answer: Yas Taalat Dead Celebrity Status is more than music, it is a movement. We are a support group for BWD: How far from your former group - Project Wyze - is Dead Celebrity Status..? anyone who feels left out or needs a helping hand. We make art that has an emotional (A chance to discuss how the initial project influenced the formation of DCS, what connection with people and challenges the boundaries of what normal is. We are the experience was gained and used in the current group, and how different/similar the unusual and proud of it. We are the trend breakers and not afraid to scream in the face experience has been with this group.) of anything mainstream. We take our art serious and we care about every misfit that Answer: Bobby McIntosh supports us. We are the new definition of hip-hop, musically and lyrically we drive in our Both Yas & I formed Project Wyze when we were 12 years old. We built the group to the own lane. This isn’t just a job for us, it is a lifestyle, it is everything we live and bleed point where we had a ton of success on a mainstream level. So we watched this little for, this is more than just songs and videos, this is a revolution. band grow into a success which was amazing for us to have accomplished. However, it also kind of grew stagnant and we felt like it no longer was challenging ourselves to become better artists. So we disbanded the group and started Dead Celebrity Status as a way to wipe the slate clean and really make music with no boundaries. With DCS, we feel completely fulfilled as artists and much prefer being in our own world and not having to appease band members. It’s hard to keep a band together, we learned that the hard way. Musically, DCS is much more mature and a better reflection of who we are as people. BWD: Without a genuine contemporary or comparison to draw how would you per- Contact Information: sonally describe the ethos and execution of the music Dead Celebrity Status create? Website: www.DeadCelebrityStatus.com Is there a conscious effort to be aside from the formulaic, or is it a more natural Twitter: @dcstatus thing for the group? Facebook: dcstatus Answer: Yas Taalat Photo Credits: Dead Celebrity Status - All Rights Reserved The spirit of Dead Celebrity Status is deeply rooted in emotion, heart, pride and a never BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 9 inspire, dream, believe, this is what I live by..... H aving toured the length and breadth of the UK and Alter Bridge it’s not hard to imagine it won’t be too long before Martyr Ireland, provided the chills and thrills to the heav- De Mona are looking at picking out matching curtains and quilts for their ing masses of own private Lear jets. summer festival crowds, and After hearing their debut sold out shows with a fevered album and tracking down the reaction of demand for tickets, band, BWD sat down to dis- Martyr De Mona are a seemingly cuss with Martyr De Mona natural musical force in human how the group came to be, guise. what we can expect from their upcoming second album From the acclaim of their debut release, and if they couldn’t single release-The Jackal- to the be a pirate would any of the incredible response to their first band consider spelunking… full album – the self-titled Martyr De Mona release – the band have Currently signed to IN AT THE found a demand for their band EYE RECORDS and working wherever they crank up the amps on their follow up album you and ignite the air with their grunge tinged metal styling. can catch Martyr De Mona on their 2013 UK Tour at one of their gigs listed on their Official Website. Headlining shows in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Plymouth and Dublin, Feature & exclusive interview the band also found time to take part in their first summer festival appearances. Having secured much-coveted opening slots at the legend- BWD: First of all introduce the awesome that is the band Martyr De Mona ary LG Arena, Birmingham, for the mighty Guns N Roses and magnificent to us… 10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com Martyr De Mona We’re a Rock band from the Midlands in the UK, I’m Louis, I sing and play guitar, all time was unbelievable. We don’t take this kind of thing for granted and it Ant is the lead guitarist, JJ the bassist and Ash the drummer. This line up formed only drives us on to step up again. in the summer of 2012. We have a melodic edge and a lot of influences from across the spectrum. We’re very busy recording our new album at the moment BWD: How has the reception to your latest single releases Memento and and enjoying every minute of it! Contagion been? Fantastic! We’ve had some great reviews, radio play in the USA and had some BWD: For a band whose first album- the self-titled Martyr De Mona – was regular play on Planet Rock Radio and Kerrang! Radio in the UK. We released only released in 2011 the path to superstardom seems almost set in stone; this double-A-side to introduce the fans to the new line up as we knew we sold out Kerrang! Shows and supporting some huge names in the form of would be spending most of the year writing the next album. Fortunately, the Sonic Syndicate, Amplifier and Voodoo Johnson..? fans loved the songs but they’re now itching for the new stuff! We work extremely hard and don’t take anything for granted. With both this and previous line ups we have been dedicated to giving the fans something to BWD: It seems like Martyr De Mona have something of a musical Midas cherish. Luckily we have a fan base that believe in us and turn up to shows in Touch..? their droves and this has helped us to no end in getting slots on gigs with more We’re so excited about the future. We signed to “In at the Eye Records/ established bands. We love our music and playing live and the fact that we can Universal Music” in December last year and we have written what we feel to share our enjoyment with so many is a blessing. be the epitome of an MDM record. We’re recording this September at Monnow Valley Studios in Cardiff. To know bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin BWD: Clearly it’s not just your fans who think Martyr De Mona are a band have been in that studio makes us very proud to have been afforded the same verging on the cusp of greatness, with support slots for the infamous Rulers opportunity. We have our launch show planned in Wolverhampton where we of Rock’s Reins Guns N Roses before a sold-out crowd at the LG Arena surely expect over 1,000 people to be there. We will be shooting two videos of our first a vote of confidence from ‘the industry’ itself? singles and will be touring the UK in April 2014. This is only what we know! Our To be asked to play the Forum at the LG Arena to thousands of people was a management are working around the clock to make 2014 our year! true honour and to do it under the same roof as one of the greatest bands of (Cont’d on Page 25) BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 11 S on of multi-platinum award winner artist Rome – the legend responsible for the timeless classic song ‘I Belong to You’ – this Californianborn musician has talent running through his veins, El-Jay’s resume reaching down all avenues of the entertainment business’ multifaceted appellations and applying a Midas touch to it all. A natural-born talent, his first steps in the entertainment world were more pirouettes than compositions, the five year old El-Jay taking inspiration from the seamless movements of Michael Jackson to develop his skill and mirror the actions he saw his musical idol perform. Clearly inspiration wasn’t kept to the field of dance, as El-Jay credits the synonymous Tyler Perry as helping to shape and define his incomparable list of latent talents; such that is was El-Jay found himself performing on the album ‘To The Highest’ - the independent release from the artist Rome - as well as appearing in the ‘People Of The World’ video to the acclaim and praise from his peers. The growth in El-Jay’s musical and entertainment interests subsided as high school saw him take the world of sports as his own, the talent he’d previously shown entertaining others through song and dance being channelled into dominating the fields of physical activities his eventual 6’1” frame found itself in. College saw the re-birth of his interest in artistic expression over physical prowess, and El-Jay once again found himself in the familiar world of music; only this time he bought the experience of maturity to truly define and focus his skills alongside the physical appearance of one for whom the modelling world found it impossible exclusive interview to ignore. BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods? Singing, dancing, modelling and acting are the trademark of skills El-Jay is quickly I’m EL-JAY your fresh new Urban/Pop singer, actor, and dancer. becoming known throughout the industry for; but for those concerned the accolades of others and attentions of the many may turn this truly blessed individual into BWD: Clearly you have a confidence that sees you performing anything other than the charming, respectful gentleman that he is, the ever guiding both on stage and screen with apparent ease; where does this hand of his mother is there to help keep El-Jay grounded in reality. Having helped confidence come from? foster his talent since he first expressed his abilities in dance she has been a con- The confidence comes honestly from when I was a toddler. Just stant reassuring voice of reason throughout, ensuring his talent is never obscured always dancing and singing in front of the television watching by ego or his abilities denied by any signs of self-doubt. Michael Jackson and also watching my father growing up. It just became second nature to me. As I got older I started to really As his acting became stronger so too did the initial interest shown by the film and craft myself and evolve into an artist. Which lead me to different television industry, El-Jay quickly landing himself several appearances in such hit television shows like the Disney channel Hannah Montana, Sonny shows as ‘In It To Win It’, ‘Sonny With A Chance’, ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Zeek and Luther’ with a Chance, Wizards of Waverly Place, and the feature film You to name a few. Again. These are just a few. I am working hard to take my career to a whole new level regarding film, commercials, and my music. With the personal goal of broadening his talents in the entertainment world of film and broadcasting, as well as reaching the Y Generation through music so inspired as BWD: How influential were the likes of Michael Jackson and to easily define a new genre, El-Jay released his third single ‘Emergency’ in January Tyler Perry on your developing as an artist? 2013 to a positive worldwide response, and intends to follow the demand for more Michael Jackson had a huge influence on my artistry. He set the with the winter 2013 release ‘Take A Ride’ – a soulful track written and co-produced bar. He is one of my inspirations. I am trying to do my own thing by Rome, Middi West and 727 Productions. of course and not copy him but he has helped me majorly as far as crafting my own sound and style in the entertainment world. Tyler Words don’t mean anything without the actions to back them up. And El-Jay is very Perry is a big one because he started from the bottom. Now he’s much an artist with not just the actions to back up his words, but also the talent and one of the biggest actors and has one of the biggest production abilities to make them as exciting and captivating as the man himself. companies out there. I want to collaborate with him in the future. I know I can learn a lot from him. 12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com el-jay Cover Story BWD: What difference did having such a musically respected artist as a father make? I mean from my point of view regarding my father it wasn’t a hindrance at all. I do have a lot of shoes to fill but I love a challenge. I always have. It brings the best out of me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing for me has been easy since day one. I’ve had to work twice as hard as everyone else. I have come a long way but I’m just getting started. Nothing has been opened to me or handed to me. BWD: Singing, dancing, acting; you seem to have captured the mind-set and skills of the great figures of Hollywood – Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. – with your plethora of talent. Was this a conscious effort to be able to ‘cover all bases’ as it were? No it wasn’t a conscious effort at all. Music, dance, and film is all a piece to the puzzle which make me who I am. I honestly couldn’t do one without the other. All of these important components mould me into who I truly am. BWD: Your third single Emergency dropped in January of ’03, receiving worldwide acclaim and recognition for you as an artist..? Doing the record Emergency was a true blessing and I am very grateful for it. I believe it’s a big record. Once it was released the buzz was crazy. I got a whole lot of great feedback regarding it. We are still pushing it to get to major radios and other avenues. Honestly it hasn’t affected me in a bad way regarding television and film. It just makes me want to work even harder as an artist and actor for the whole world. BWD: Having delivered so highly with your first release there is much anticipation for your winter release Take a Ride…? Yes “Take a Ride” is one of my favourites. It’s a real kick back smooth type of record that anybody can rock to. My father wrote that for me. It was produced by BlKMarketTv. The feature I have on the record is upcoming MC artist Cyrus. No release date just yet but I will keep you all updated as we get closer to making that move. BWD: Where do you see the future of music with regard to so many artists attempting to emulate others instead of discovering their own sound? When it comes to music, you can’t cheat the system. A lot of artists these days don’t have their own sound or movement. Majority of them will fall off. The ones that do have all the components are usually the ones who stick around for longevity. This is I truly believe this is what I was put on this earth to do. something that I have been working over years for myself to make sure I’m just not another statistic. I couldn’t see myself doing BWD: Penultimate question time! You’re in the mall shopping for a new cruet set when your phone goes off. Upon answer- anything else.” ing you hear the head of Universal asking when you’re free for a meeting to discuss signing to their label and launching you on a world-wide tour to promote the first of three albums they want you to write with them. Distracted, you’re about to answer when the beeping announces another call on the line; it seems Hollywood is also interested in sending you around the world, only for them it would be to promote the summer blockbuster and it’s two sequels they want you to take the lead role in. Whichever one you pick would prevent you from being able to take up the other so the question is; which do you pick and why? Wow this is an amazing question. Honestly I would hear both of them out. My goal would be to promote and tour for the movie Youtube: /ELJAYTV Twitter: @elj1ay Soundcloud: /elj1ay Instagram: elj1ay Website: 410westllc.com and the sequel they want me to be in. And in between record my album. As soon as I’m done I would go right back to recording the rest of my album and prepare for tour. I am a workaholic. All I can hope for is that God would work that situation out best. BWD: And finally; what do you want people to take from the experience that is the artist known as El-Jay? What I want people to take from the experience known as EL-JAY is that I’m very goofy, love to make people smile and entertain them. I’m all about good music and good vibes. I know there are a lot of things going on around the world. I just want to make people’s lives just a little less stressful through my music and films. I truly believe this is what I was put on this earth to do. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 13 YOUNG GOLDIE Songwriter, performer, model, dancer, director of video… The list of credentials Heavy self-promotion and an undeterred drive has bought him massive world- under the name Young Goldie is that of a musician with a reach determined to wide attention, with a following that stretches right around the globe and across out-stretch his grasp. With over 15,000 hits on You Tube of his breakout song the seas and onto iPods everywhere. ‘Gone Make It Clap’ within the first week of being released, there would appear to be very little outside this young rappers controlling hold. Aside from his success as a musician Amin has carved a reputation for, himself, in the world of business, his own company Young Goldie Photography only the begin- Born Amin Saddiq Trayvon Peters, Young Goldie found his voice early on, the ning of what is destined to be a media empire of considerable force. inspiration of his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland providing the backdrop to the hard hitting lyrics and uncompromising stance that would become the Young “Follow your dreams and never give up,’ is the message Amin ‘Young Goldie’ Peters Goldie trademark, and debuting on the independent record label 3rd Exit. advises others looking to him for inspiration. ‘Because hard work pays off.’ Dubbed a ‘lyrical phenomenon’ Amin took his talent and applied the dedicated With the download charts currently vindicating his words and YouTube seemingly view of a much older head to his pursuit of launching himself into the conscious- becoming his own personal channel, his own business founded and launched and ness of rap-appreciators everywhere, his singles I Did It, I Do It and Gone Make It enjoying growing this seventeen year old savant is set to become the next world- Clap proving to be massive underground hits that established the name Young wide house-hold name. Goldie as one to watch out for. Refusing to let the limited choices his city offered as a future – wherein drugs exclusive interview or jail, poverty and death were a day-to-day fact and an ever-real threat of the future that could await him – Young Goldie became heavily involved with the BWD: First of all, welcome; if you’d like to introduce us to the artist and musician music scene, entrenched himself in the single minded pursuit of using all his that is Young Goldie..? obvious talent to take himself and his family away from their current surroundings and into the spotlight. Young Goldie, is an African American 17 year old teenage boy who dreams big. Currently records himself in his homebuilt studio, records, shoots all his music videos, Appearing on stage at every available opportunity Young Goldie saw his fanbase makes his own graphic designs, and a promoter. He has been doing all this since age grow with each performance, his audience visibly swelling with each new show. 12, but started rapping at age 4. 14 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com BWD: For someone still under the legal drinking age you’ve managed to not BWD: With so much drive to succeed and dedication to your work you’ve man- only establish yourself as a credible and incredible musician but also founded aged to lay the foundation for your own empire; does it feel hard to believe you your own business in Young Goldie Photography? have achieved so much at such a young age? I felt like couldn’t no one help me but myself. I counted on other people so much to do stuff for me and it failed every time, no matter who it was. I always was interest- No, but to other people “YES” because, I started at the age of 4 and I did everything ed in pictures and videography anyway, so I just started taking pictures at weddings by myself; ended up on a great path to success. I feel like once people realized that I and parties for money. was gonna make it, then the right people would come into my life to help me out. BWD: Your breakout single ‘Gone Make It Clap’ really struck a chord with listen- BWD: And finally; what should we look out for coming from Young Goldie in the ers, brought Young Goldie onto a lot of people’s radar..? future? I just felt like I can create all types of music for all types of crowds. I didn’t wanna be You guys should look out for new music from Young Goldie and features from the stuck in one style, so I made a twerk song for the females. I am looking forward to R&B Superstar Mario Barrett, that’s also from Baltimore, Maryland. doing plenty more of them. BWD: Compared to others within the genre, you have more of a drive, appear Contact Information: more focused and ‘real’ than your contemporaries; is this something you’d attribute to your upbringing and its turbulent surroundings? Website: www.YoungGoldieGans.fourfour.com Twitter: @IAmYoungGoldie Yes, because I work hard every day to make great music to get people through their Facebook: YoungGoldieFans day no matter what they are going through or the situation. Photo Credits: Young Goldie - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 15 W hen the film of his life is finally bought to the big leased 2004 album Pulse that creative differences bought the groups screen many will be left with the feeling some artistic tenure together to an end. Fans disappointment was abated somewhat license may have been taken with the tale. A self-taught by the single release Stronger, an unintended swansong available for a musician of considerable merit James Hodcroft is one of strictly limited time that managed to fulfil all expectations whilst hinting Britain’s brightest shining musical stars, writing, compos- at the promise of what the full album had in store. ing, performing and producing all three of his solo album releases. As the year progressed James lost the ability to hear in his right ear, a happenstance that could spell disaster to a musician’s career and indeed Born and raised in the gentle slumbering surroundings of Lincolnshire drove James to take himself underground, out of the spotlight, and away in the UK James’s inauspicious geographical surroundings belie the from the public’s eye. Whilst others may have chosen to wallow in self- somewhat exceptionally auspicious immediate surroundings regarding pity at such burdens being levelled on their shoulders, James instead his birth. found an opportunity to truly show himself as a musician. As 2006 came into view so too did the first fruits of James’ labour, with the soundtrack Delivered on the set of the blockbuster film Little Lord Fauntleroy his early to the British thriller The Pale Man being wholly composed and realized days were almost a portent of the future, surrounded by such famous by James. names as film stars Ricky Schroder and British cinematic icon Patrick Stewart - the former being requested to become James’ godfather. His 2013 solo release – the single Hold Me – showed off James’s romantic side, with the follow up release You Won’t Be Defeated delivering fans new Educated at the seminal Melton Mowbray College of Performing Arts and old a more ‘roots returned’ feel whilst also showing off James’s growth his first step on the career as a musician. path saw him engaged within Buckingham Palace itself, ‘It’s amazing to think,’ says James wherein he met many of when speaking with BWD, ‘that the world’s most lauded and in February I was still unsure as to respected stars and celebri- whether I should even bother trying ties of both screen and stage. to have a solo career!’ Destined to become a part Proving his tale of unbelievable of the world of celebrity Kick telling is one still far from the Back UK became James’s final credits with a third single initial foray into the world waiting in the wings, an upcom- of music and performance, ing all-acoustic tour, and a music the band being spotted and video all still to come, the only instantly snapped up by the real concern it would seem James Pioneer of British Pop him- has is deciding who won’t play self, Vince Eager. him in the inescapably certain movie adaptation of his life. A tour that saw the band performing with Pretty Boy Floyd, Jizzy Pearl, and Contact Information: glam rockers Love/Hate was quickly followed up in ’99 with the group’s first EP This Is Not a Drill, the title a veiled reference to the difficulties Website: www.JamesHodcroft.com faced during its recording with the bands recording under less than musi- Facebook: JamesHodcroft.int cally conducive circumstance. Twitter: @jameshodcroft The new millennium saw Kick Back take a more metal approach to their song-craft, and it was during the recording of the bands ultimately unre- Photo Credits: James Hodcroft - All Rights Reserved. james hodcroft 16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com james hodcroft freedom and the pursuit of maintaining same is natural It’s amazing to think,’ says James when speaking with BWD, ‘that in February I was still unsure as to whether I should even bother trying to have a solo career!’ BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 17 inspire, dream, believe, this is what I live by..... A ttending a live gig used to be the way forward for dis- The recent downturn in financial security and worldwide loss of surplus covering new bands, hearing new music, and finding expenditure has seen people’s choices on how they spend their money another list of album names you had to check out the become less and less, and with it clubs and venues have found filling following day at the record store. their coffers and tills harder and harder as people simply cannot afford to go out. Clever marketing and conveniently simple ease-of-use of the internet has all but negated the need for a physical shelf to display the wares of The Midlands, UK, is well known as having one of the most thriv- various artists, an innumerate ing and continually grow- amount of websites dedicated ing live music scenes, home solely to the storing on and to such venues as the 02, downloading from the tracks The NIA, and the LG Arena. and songs released by an even Having seen the high streets greater number of musicians. and shopping malls become In turn this has seen several emptied of their musical well-known stores and busi- outlets, BWD sat down with ness fold, unable to compete owner to one of the most with the pricing and almost established and well known unlimited choice afforded by live music venues - The Virtual Music Shop. Roadhouse – Zoe Hicks to discuss how the live scene has been affected, who Live music, on the other hand, shoulder the onus for its maintained an allure of its own, one you couldn’t get simply by streaming from a site or clicking a revival, and what simple steps can be taken to help maintain a thriving link; the atmosphere of anticipation and noise, the surging of the crowd circuit. as the band moved the audience throughout its set with a commandeering stage presence, and the waking up the following day to a half worn stamp of whichever club you had gone to the night before on the back of your left hand. 18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com the ROADHOUSE - LIVE MUSIC VENUE BWD: Who are you and what venue do you represent? My name is Zoe Hicks and I am the owner of the Roadhouse, Birmingham, UK. BWD: Has there been any change in the number of fans coming to support the bands? This is where it has been affected. People have got less disposable income BWD: What made you become part of the live music scene? so they have to make choices, whereas previous to the economic downturn it Like most I’ve always had a passion for live music, even when I was performing wasn’t given a second thought. However, saying that, true live music fans will myself in bands or as a solo artist. I knew my end mission was always to own never die out, there will always be a scene. And that’s the beauty of music: It a live music venue. Small intimate venues are a dying breed, and it’s important isn’t- or shouldn’t – be money driven. You’re a devout live music fan or you’re the right people manage them – as in; if you haven’t got the love for it, and it’s not, whether you have ten pence or ten million in the bank, you can’t buy the just a business/money decision – you’re in the wrong game!! feeling of being part of a great gig. My personal favourite gigs have always been in smaller venues, in particular BWD: Do you feel ticket sales help drive or deter a band? the 12 Bar in Soho, London. I think arena and stadium shows have their place, It depends on the band. Some realize the concept of show business, and others but you can’t get better than an up-close and personal gig experience. just want to play. If you haven’t got some sort of business head on you you’ll be playing to nobody! BWD: How long have you been involved with the live scene? I have been gigging since I was young, and have owned The Roadhouse since I truly believe that ticket sales should belong to the artist, so our deal at The 2011. My time is dedicated to the club now, so unfortunately my performing Roadhouse are one of the best in the UK, with up to 100% take on door sales days have taken a back seat. You have to be 100% focused to ensure survival in in the artists’ favour. these tough economic times, but I don’t see it as a sacrifice; I’m very fortunate to say I genuinely love my job, and I have a great team around me who are If ticket sales deter a band I would suggest there is something fundamentally equally as devoted to the success of the club as I am. wrong with their work ethic. The live music scene needs effort from all sides venues, promoters, fans and family. If one element fails, it shows. BWD: Mentioning the current state of the economy, has there been a noticeable change in the number of bands looking to get a gig? Not bands, no. In fact, I’d say due to the monotony of what everyday life has become recently, it has inspired many to write songs or produce music as a (Cont’d on Page 21) release from ‘the economy’ and all that chat… Some of the best music has been born out of poverty and troubled times, so we should be due for an epidemic of amazing material! BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 19 IBEE Whereas some musicians need to bombard their audience and the media with hyperbole to explain how contemporary and fresh their next single will be, it only takes one listen to ‘Don’t Walk Away’ by original R&B artist Ibee to become one of those championing his fresh, unique sound for him. At only twenty three years of age Ibrahim Isah – aka the artist known as Ibee- this Nigerian born trail-blazer has sent shockwaves across radio, the internet and out through the stratosphere with his bringing together of musical influences and cultural surroundings to reveal a sound right on the very cutting edge of R&B. Live shows and appearances further compound the demand for Ibee’s music; audiences quickly become fans, as his voice calls out to their emotions and wraps them in his world of words and winsome wonder. For one who began life with nothing Ibrahim’s drive to succeed and demand for his tracks being stoked by critical appreciation is kept both focused and grounded by his strong family ties. The seventh child of ten this sorcerer of sound finds strength from the closeness forged within his family unit, the encouragement he received when first beginning his career invaluable in helping bring the artist Ibee out from within. An unforgettable show at the notable De Ark Entertainment contest in Lagos, Nigeria underlined the dedication Ibee has put into becoming the master of his own destiny, and says ‘I never thought I’d reach this status so soon.’ With the July 26th release of his latest single ‘Don’t Walk Away’ dedicated to loved ones around the world and already set to become a familiar track within iPods and playlists, Ibrahim ‘Ibee’ Isah’s sound and style looks set to become the very definition of the term Contemporary R&B. Contact Information: Facebook: /ibrahim.isah.5249 Twitter: @ibisah Photo Credits: Ibrahim ‘Ibee’ Isah All Rights Reserved. 20 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com the ROADHOUSE - INTERVIEW CONT’D BWD: How are the live acts using social media to help promote their shows? I think social media plays a huge part in driving the live music scene, but I do think sometimes we can all be too over reliant on it. There is something to be said for good old ‘word of mouth’. Facebook events, Bands in Town, Reverb nation are all heavily in the mix for promoting events. It can only be a good thing; all promotions is good promotion. However, there are some negatives such as ‘keyboard promoters, which I haven’t seen work yet. It’s not an easy option, and off the back of it there have been some monsters created which is actually damaging to the scene. But they are soon found out. The problem is, they set up again the next day under another guise or Facebook page, so BE AWARE! BWD: Do you feel the network of social sites help make it easier or harder for acts to get people through the door as most have free downloads and similar on their sites? It’s the worse of two evils. Everybody wants as much air play as possible, and if a band genuinely connects with a fan via social sites then you can only hope that they will want to go and catch them live at some point. I don’t think it’s detrimental. BWD: Is there anything you feel they could be doing to increase their exposure and chances of ensuring themselves a good crowd for their performance? Don’t overplay. It’s a double edged sword, but we see it so often. It’s a fine mix between getting yourself out there and leaving punters/ fans wanting more. Hype counts for a lot! Network. Capitalize on every opportunity. Gig swap. It’s something that is so under-rated. We are proud of how many out-of-town bands we get on the bill at The Roadhouse, and that is all down to Birmingham bands connecting with others. Give an out-of-town band a good Birmingham crowd and let them repay the favour in their home-town. It’s so simple, keeps the scene fertile, but few manage to master it. Contact Information: Website: www.TheRoadhouseBirmingham.com THE ROADHOUSE MAIN Facebook /pages/The-RoadHouse/138565109496930 THE ROADHOUSE BIRMINGHAM OPEN MIC (MONDAYS) /TheRoadhouseBirminghamOpenMic THE ROADHOUSE LIVE LOUNGE ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC (THURSDAYS) /TheRoadhouseLiveLounge THE ROADHOUSE COMEDY OPEN MIC (TUESDAYS) /pages/Roadhouse-Comedy-Open-Mic/142064825904372 Photo Credits: The Roadhouse - All Rights Reserved the ROADHOUSE - LIVE MUSIC VENUE BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 21 3c Feature & exclusive interview With a Creative sound, a Charismatic demeanour and a Commanding year 3C would release his second album, ‘Psychoanalysis’, which not only presence both on stage and in the mixing room the MC prefix before his broadened his sound but drew a much larger audience than had previ- name rightfully stands as a silent acknowledgement that hip-hop rapper ously been possible for a solo artist in Forsyth. and producer 3C is more than a Master of Ceremonies; he is the Maestro of Crunk. As a group the ‘Ghetto Criminals’ had already begun to outgrow his hometown, but in March of 2009 his friend and fellow ‘Ghetto Criminals’ member From his hometown of Forsyth, Georgia to the dominating force of a con- Hurricane sadly passed away, succumbing to medical conditions and leav- stantly growing and evolving artist he has become in Washington DC, 3C ing behind a legacy never to be repeated. has travelled several miles and a lifetime away from being just a young boy with a passion for singing; his single minded focus through even the Devastated, 3C managed to turn sorrow into strength, to take the ideals most trying of life’s trials has lent him a maturity and emboldening of he and Hurricane had forged within their friendship and from their per- fortitude that has culminated in his latest iTunes troubling album release, formances together on stage to music of unprecedented force, unbeliev- ’Adjustment Disorder’. able vision, and unparalleled equal that sees his latest album ‘Adjustment Disorder’ being received to audience and critical acclaim. Like a kerb-side confessional 3C delivers an album that holds nothing back in its brutal reflection of the circumstance and cruel inspirations of With the international world waking up to the fearsome energy of power the real world that drives the album, describes a way of life rather than causing a stir in DC and forcing its ears open to the formidable force of a La-La Land lifestyle. There is a realness weaved throughout that shows free-flowing power controlled by hands of an artiste, 3C is more than an artist exposing his soul with an open honesty, releasing music that has simply a musician who is Creative, Charismatic, and Commanding; he is passion, integrity and a genuine sense of connection with his audience. Changing the industry through the marketing and promoting of his own personal brand, Controlling the scene with hints of a much requested Already having a natural talent for performing 3C began developing what mixtape, and unleashing his Crunkness like a human tornado while dev- would soon become his own unique style battling with other MC’s, his astating delight with plans of a thundering tour. earlier recording onto cassettes and then pouring over the out-put to further fine tune his craft showing him to be on another level compared BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods? to the so-called competition, effortlessly leaving them and the audience I’m energetic, insane along with a fast delivery. That’s how I catch most speechless at his skill. people’s attention; the fact that I have a unique sound. Just by listening to me you’re guaranteed to bounce, dance or go completely nuts. Having established himself as a force to contend with 3C met with another similar force in the artist ‘Hurricane’. An equal to his talent, the BWD: Your last album ‘Adjustment Disorder’ seems to show an artist who two began battling one another until inspired to work together as the hasn’t just grown but matured their sound to become unique among their dual-governance of sound, forming the group known as ‘Ghetto Criminals’. peers; would you agree? I definitely think that ‘Adjustment Disorder’ was very diverse and gathers Forging their strength as a group with performances throughout Georgia everyone interested. So many tracks that a lot of people like. When I ask even 3C’s own turbulent personal life did nothing to stop their appear- which ones are the best, I always receive different opinions for each track. It ances igniting the airwaves and drenching audiences in the tsunami of always take time to progress with your music and I learned as I continued to sound that was the ‘Ghetto Criminals’. grow. I remember on my previous projects I didn’t even have songs for the ladies because I was too hard-core. I started realizing that I needed a solid During this period of mixed fortune 3C continued to write of the life he variety fan base. was finding himself in, the events laying the foundations of inspiration and culminating in his first full length album, the 2007 release of ‘Mind BWD: How detrimental was moving from your home town of Forsyth in Killa’. Georgia to Washington DC on your career; is there more of an opportunity in DC to find your audience? A move to Washington, DC in 2008 saw 3C appearing across various ven- I moved because I found a career job. I’ve also lived in a few other states as ues and stages throughout the city, and it wasn’t long before he caught well when I was attending college. It was definitely a major move for me, now the ear and attentions of several well placed connections. Within the that I’m financially stable. 22 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com creative charismatic commanding I always try to create a fan base where ever I go as I travel to different cities. I have a Well for one I remained myself, you have to do that. I think some artists get caught up pretty good base back at home & Washington DC as well. with what’s hot and they begin changing themselves. You must create something that’s gonna have that longevity, not temporary. You don’t wanna be known as one of those BWD: What inspired you to take up the mantle of the microphone and put yourself one hit wonders. I bring energy on every track that I drop or produce, nothing Mello, out there on the stage? just pure energy. Whether it’s for the ladies, fellas, party people, rock stars and even pop. When I was younger, I used to freestyle all the time. One day they had a talent show in the city, so this other dude at my school who I used to battle with had become best BWD: What’s the best and worst thing about the current scene and where do you friends and formed a group. We just went up there, made it happen and the crowd see it ten years from now? enjoyed the show. The promoter of that event decided to book us a show for later on The good thing is the fact that you will have the ability to do whatever you want with- that year. At this point I started learning how to increase my stage presence by practic- out an approval. The downside is that, albums won’t sell in high numbers. That’s why ing and developing an energetic style of music. most people drop mixtapes. People give away so much free music, a potential customer doesn’t wanna purchase it, instead they choose to download. The future could go either BWD: ‘Back in the day’ artists used to have to tour extensively with the backing of way; it depends on how the world functions. a major label to reach out and connect with their audience; now, with social media sites and the internet providing an almost instant link to your fans, do you feel BWD: If your phone were to ring right now with the offer to share the stage with being signed to a ‘label’ is necessary for an artist to break through? any single person – living or dead- for a one-night only exclusive performance, who I think the roles have changed now. The labels now just go after artists that have a would it be and why? heavy fan base that way they won’t have to work as hard. Marketing plays a major role It would have to be Lil’ Jon because he’s phenomenal when it comes to putting on a with this generation because of today’s technology and social media. It’s a plus and a show. Put the both of us together and you would have an extremely crunk performance. negative at the same time because it does allow you to create your own path but the music doesn’t sell like it did back in the day. The labels back then would pick you up BWD: And finally; what should we be watching out for from 3C in the future? right before you got hot, now it’s when you get hot. I don’t think that a major would help Be on the lookout for the mixtape: The Story of Insanity pt. 2. It will be released some- me like I would want. I wanna be able to express myself, nothing else. time in 2014. BWD: Your first album, Mind Killa, may not have achieved the level of success it Contact Information: clearly deserved but nevertheless struck a chord within people that no-one at the time was able to hit..? Website: www.3C478.com It was my first album so I was just excited to drop a project after all these years of Twitter: @3C478 preparation and dedication. I put so much time into that project, I pretty much just Facebook: /pages/3C/219363954826979 pushed physical copies in the streets. I didn’t have any online presence at all. Lol... I Photo Credits: DarqueRoom-All Rights Reserved didn’t know anything about business & marketing at that age. I just wanted to go in the booth and kill every track I was on or delivered. It was fun too, I was immature at the time but I eventually learned later on. BWD: Compared to your contemporaries releasing albums today how have you managed to set yourself apart from them, from being ‘just another artist’ in your genre? BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 23 dope boy recordz Pop quiz, hot shot; what do crunk, Florida and some of the best exciting new Having made their presence known and felt throughout the clubs and venues of sounds from the world’s most contemporary new artists even the ‘establishment’ their native homeland of Florida, founder and CEO John Dope has wasted no time are finding hard to ignore all have in common? If you answered, ‘They are all a part in showing Dope Boy Recordz’s skills and business acumen as a label isn’t ‘just’ of the dominating force of musical talent currently breaking out of the under- limited to getting the best from their artists; radio, mixtapes, and live audience ac- ground and changing the dull and drab landscape of the industry as we speak colades has also seen their name become a seal of quality assurance in the music under the Dope Boy Recordz umbrella’ you still wouldn’t be close to fully describ- buyers eyes the world over. ing the prestige and potential you are dealing with. It’s also seen Dope Boy Recordz appearing on the radar of musicians much further With the lyrical command of a general leading from the front backed up by an afield than its base of operations, with invites to work alongside artists from the indomitable energy of auditory authority that’s as aggressive in execution as their UK and Germany accepted and ready to complement those already undertaken and performances are passionate in their delivery, Dope Boy Recordz is quickly becom- delivered on the labels latest eagerly awaited release, Started From Tha’ Bottom Vol. ing the standard-bearer of high energy, intoxicating independent artists’ aspira- 1: A mixtape of performances from artists within the U.S. of A, the demand for the tions everywhere. labels interest sees a tour-de-force of talent taking the albums track listing above the usual limit of self-imposed excellence Dope Boy Recordz have consistently Amassing itself an army of lieutenants and leaders in the guise of such names as proven themselves to be and raises the bar yet again for those wishing to compete. LaFilera, Chiko Black, and Nestoe Wylabeee to name but a few, Dope Boy Recordz is as much a family of the fabulous as it is a label of legionnaires. With a label ethos that states ‘We’re the truth!’ and the world waiting in line to work with the label, Dope Boy Recordz represents why the changing face of the Changing the industries perceived status quo of cookie cutter contemporaries music industry needs a powerful leader to see it through the transition; and with a Dope Boy Recordz have already earned themselves a name as a label capable of Sergeant-At-Arms in the form of John Dope overseeing the change it looks like the taking the genre in the directions they wish to see it go, inevitable comparisons bright skies of Florida will soon be casting Dope Boy Recordz-shaped shade every- with the likes of No Limit Soldiers and Money Millionaire are a welcome but where and showing for all to see exactly why the current industry and its leaders wholly unnecessary vote of confidence for a label already dominating the charts are destined to become a shadow of their former selves. and breaking new ground with each name they add to their roster. Contact Information: Becoming masters of command with their ceaseless endeavours and unique insight into finding, signing and unleashing the artists destined to dominate your playlist has already seen Dope Boy Recordz receiving the affirmations of Brisco, Bonecrusher, Jt Money, and DJ Unk, with invites for opening slots quickly thrust in the labels directions as they reveal their table of talent to avid audiences across the globe. 24 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com soundcloud.com/dopeboyrecordz Twitter: @dope_boyrecordz Facebook: dopeboy.trevino Photo Credits: Dope Boy Recordz - All Rights Reserved Martyr De Mona exclusive interview (Cont’d) BWD: With so much already under the bands collective belt does Martyr De Mona feel pressured or inspired to achieve more, to push further? We don’t feel pressure because we enjoy what we do but we’re definitely inspired. We want to get to the top, we want to play the best gigs with the best bands, bands that we’ve listened to and admired since we were kids ourselves. Many people believe in us and have dedicated their own time to us so it’s only fair that we do the same! BWD: Penultimate question time! When not making films alongside Tim Burton’s wife, Johnny Depp is known for portraying a swash-buckling anti-hero in several pirate themed films. Having regularly been quoted as basing the character of Captain Jack Sparrow on the legend of the six string himself, Mr Keef Richards, he has ensured an enduring and endearing legacy for the Stones salubrious axe-man. As it can surely be simply a matter of time before the band are informed of a phone call from Hollywood asking for permission to base a character on each member, what type of character (space-adventurer, time traveller, amateur spelunking enthusiast) do you think would best fit the individual members of the bands personality best and, assuming Mr Depp is busy with Burton’s wife, who would play this character? Haha what a question, not sure if there is a serious answer! How about the A-Team?! BWD: And finally; what does the future hold for Martyr De Mona? A new release and a tour have been heard to be mentioned..? Our new album will be out in April 2014 and we will be touring for a long time to promote it including the major festivals all being well. We’re very proud of the songs, it’s a true MDM album, and one that we hope will be very popular! Before that we’re back at the LG Arena in December warming up for Avenged Sevenfold and Black Sabbath. It doesn’t get much bigger than Sabbath for us, we really can’t wait! Contact Information: Website: www.martyrdemona.com Twitter: @martyrdemona Facebook: mdmband Photo Credits: Josh Farnell Photography Martyr De Mona - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 25 Dr. John Roach founded the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2008 with the hopes of providing residents of Tampa, FL & surrounding communities with a holistic approach to all types of surgeries. By taking a holistic approach at his Tampa, FL office, he gives his patients the most natural results possible from their plastic surgery. At Bayside, taking a holistic approach means providing our patients with multiple treatments in order to achieve a higher level of success. Dr. Roach examines the entire patient. He incorporates diet, exercise, nutrition, personal training, yoga therapy, organic skin care consultations and more into his patient’s plastic surgery experience. His holistic approach to treating patients in Tampa, and elsewhere in Florida, means that he believes surgery is only a small component in the ultimate care of his patients. Before opening the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery near Tampa, Dr. Roach received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from State University of New York at Oneonta. He then went on to earn his Masters in Biomedical Science from Barry University, and later his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from NOVA Southeastern University. He earned his vast experience in general, plastic and reconstructive surgery by receiving training in numerous hospitals in Philadelphia and working with dozens of renowned surgeons. Dr. Roach’s experience and knowledge led him to be named chief resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout his education and career he has earned numerous honors. He was on the chancellor’s list at the NOVA College of Osteopathic Medicine, he was a member of the Sigma Sigma Phi National Honorary Osteopathic Fraternity, and he received the H. Jeffrey Tourigian D.O. Memorial Scholarship Award. He graduated from medical school with honors, and now he hopes to incorporate his holistic approach to your plastic surgery. Whether you’re in Tampa, or elsewhere in Florida, you can count of Dr. Roach to provide you with the expert care and attention you deserve. 26 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com Dr. John Roach Takes A Holistic Approach to Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Lutz, FL & Beyond Plastic Surgery for New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, FL & Surrounding Areas At the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we want to help you enhance your appearance with cosmetic procedures that produce natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking plastic surgery such as a breast augmentation to lift and enhance your bust line, or you want a facelift that leaves you looking naturally youthful and refreshed, our highly skilled reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr. John Roach, is ready to assist you with his knowledge and expertise. He expertly performs reconstructive and plastic surgery including tummy tuck procedures, liposuction, eyelid surgery, breast reconstruction, and more for men and women from New Tampa, Trinity, Lutz, Westchase, Palm Harbor, and beyond. Dr. Roach completed seven years of intensive training in general, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, and he practices at an in-house surgical center at the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Lutz, Florida. Dr. Roach is an expert hand surgeon with experience in various types of hand surgery, including such as tendon repair, trigger finger repair, digital nerve repair, and amputation injury repair, among others. Additionally, he offers patients plastic surgery solutions when they’re undergoing general surgical procedures that may affect their appearance. Dr. Roach is a highly regarded reconstructive surgeon and uses his expertise to help women who have had mastectomies or unsuccessful breast augmentations to regain their self confidence through breast reconstruction. Our practice combines holistic strategies with traditional surgery to obtain the most natural results. For example, Dr. Roach may incorporate personal physical training, yoga therapy, as well as skin care consultations before and after your general and plastic surgery as a way to strengthen and nourish your mind, body and spirit. At Bayside in Lutz, FL we care deeply about our patients and their complete satisfaction. We encourage realistic expectations through education and ensure that each patient knows exactly what to expect from their procedure and the recovery process. Dr. Roach is a professional, caring and compassionate reconstructive plastic surgeon who pays close attention to detail to ensure that each procedure he performs will bring out the individual patient’s own natural and youthful beauty. You’ve Asked For The Best, We Listened!!! Tell Them BWD Recommended Dr. Roach!! BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 27 bwd records, llc independent music label of the south Continuing to set the standard for others to follow Owing to their unique position within the world of BWD Radio has extended its vast reach in the me- music BWD were able to snap up and sign Flori- dia with the launch of its own record label, BWD da based rapper 5 M.I.C-Z to their label, an artist Records, LLC ‘The Independent Music Label of the that brings with himself a level of credibility that South’. owes everything to musical talent and dedication and nothing to a cynical self-styled back-story and Taking over a decade’s worth of industry knowledge whose first release on the label – ‘Head Turna’ – has and experience BWD Records, LLC - ‘The Indepen- firmly established the label as serious competition dent Music Label Of The South’ - is the culmination to the established status quo. of BWD’s vast expertise in the field of music and artist promotion; not content with simply waiting Continuing to set the standard for others to follow to see what single or artist reaches number one BWD Radio has proven again the need to change BWD Radio took their position of being known and adapt in this never static landscape of media globally as the leaders in discovering new indie and music is key to continued growth and success. acts and on the 26th of October 2012 launched Pushing where others are content to stagnate is their own record label, BWD Records. Dedicated to the secret behind where BWD Radio currently find finding the best as-yet unknown talent out there themselves today, and with the launch of their own BWD doesn’t limit itself to one specific genre; rath- label in BWD Records it gives you some idea of just er it extends its horizons to include all genres such how far BWD Radio are aiming to go. as rock, metal, hip hop and dance amongst others. A smorgasbord of scintillating new acts are present- “Don’t just MAKE a Difference, BE the Difference.” ed under the BWD mantle, representing the best of the best and most unique in their field, such as you – BWD Records, LLC have come to expect from one of the industry’s top ‘The Independent Music Label of the South’ media professionals. 28 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com V i s i t w w w . BWD R e c o r d s . c o m o r w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / BWD R e c o r d s . l l c
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