bayside CeNTeR

Transcription

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
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bwdradio.com
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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