BWD Magazine - April 2013

Worldwide Underground Indie Music Magazine

April 2013

shamel shiloh belief in his chosen path

ad-vice music and success The engine pulling towards my path to success.

malynda HALE ANOTHER PATH

AN EDITION THAT GREEN BAY PACKER FANS WON’T WANT TO MISS! DID SOMEONE SAY, ‘DUJUAN HARRIS, AKA FOXX’ #26?

TO CONSIDER

the como brothers times square hard rock cafe’ Brothers take the stage at Times Square Hard Rock Café.

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 1

a decades worth of experience and knowledge

Features 08 Ralan Enterprises (S.M.I.L.E.) Some Make It Look Easy

10 Malynda Hale The Train Ride Home

16 Ad-Vice Whilst others may choose to forget

17 A Dog AKA Annikhan Knowing what it takes to be a man

18 The Como Brothers Band The call of the music

COVER STORY 12 Shamel Shiloh Walk the path of the righteous

interview 04 Buffalo Music Production The Good, The Bad and The......

14 Continued Buffalo Music Interview

Lifestyle

06 Five Tips for Playing Live Rehearsed-up and ready to rock out

SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT 20 DuJuan Harris, aka Foxx #26 Coming up on the radar of the Green Bay Packers

2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

FROM THE EDITOR

last issue

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

Editor In Chief

of Paris and Milan.

Veralyn Keach, bwdmagazine@gmail.com

Though that may be enough to fill the covers of most magazines, we’ll be taking things

Associate Editor

even further with exclusive ‘first-looks’ at the best in indie talent, our unique position within the world of media affording us the opportunity to bring you the next big hitters before anyone else and by combining the two enormous forces--presences of BWD Radio and BWD Magazine into one with the ‘soon to launch’ all-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 con-

Robert Baker, (MaH) madashellpromotions@gmail.com

Lead Contributing Writer Robert Baker, (MaH) madashellpromotions@gmail.com

Contributing Writer Veralyn Keach, bwdmagazine@gmail.com

junction 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.

Art Director

Did someone say BWD Promotions? The BWD Triple Threat Trio!

Veralyn Keach, bwdgraphics@gmail.com

BWD MAGAZINE’S SERVICES: Being in such a unique position affords us the ability to offer

Graphic Artist

our services at ‘considerably less’ than most others, our network allowing us to expose your talent in all the right places without needless expense or additional ‘secret costs’ less 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: MAGAZINE SPECIFIC SERVICES:

Veralyn Keach, bwdgraphics@gmail.com

Circulation Officer Marilyn Thompson, bwdmusicpromotions@gmail.com

Sales Officer Marilyn Thompson, bwdmusicpromotions@gmail.com

bwdradio.com facebook.com/bwdmagazine twitter.com/bwdmagazine

Single Page Feature Double Page Feature Package (Includes Name “Mentioned” on Cover, Double Page, Review) Interview Feature (Add On for any Single or Double Feature)

facebook.com/bwdradio twitter.com/bwdradio_

Cover Story Package (Includes Gracing our Cover, Interview and Double Feature Package) Reviews (Add On for Single Feature or if you want a written review) Twitter Buzz “Feature Spotlight” Promotions Boost - 30 Days of 4 Daily Mention Tweets BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 3

Professionally Written Biography & EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Services are also Available.

gazz rogers ‘simply, It’s the nature of the beast’

buffalo music

Interview :: Gazz Rogers, of Buffalo Music Production

Quickly establishing himself as one such dexterous director behind the digital desk is Gazz Rogers, of Buffalo Music Production; multi-talented mixer making music and wav’s right in the heart of the Midlands. Ungulates aside, we sat down with Gazz to find out more about Buffalo Music Productions and his work as a producer.”

M

aH: Who are you and what do you do?

Gazz: I’m Gazz Rogers and I’m a Recording Engineer/Producer/Programmer at Buffalo Music Production, and Guitarist, occasionally!

MaH: Tell us the brief history of your company.

Gazz: It is brief as Buffalo Music Production only started last year (2012)! The story started a long time ago though. Personally, I’ve been recording music for 20 years and still write my own material when I’m inspired to, professionally I’ve worked mostly at Magic Garden Recording Studio with Gavin Monaghan as Assistant Engineer with some great artists and in some cool studios! I’ve written music for dance companies, mobile phone app’s, websites, etc., and recorded singles, E.P’s, albums and even Audiobooks. I’ve just finished an album at a new studio base for me too so things are definitely going pretty well so far. I’m working freelance now so it’s a bit of a change but I am loving it!

MaH: What drives you to continue being such a renaissance man in the studio?

4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Gazz: Working with artists like Robert Plant, Scott Matthews, Editors and The Twang

The Midlands is synonymous with being a hot-bed of musical talent and melting pool of some of the most talented musicians and performers known within the world of music and across the globe. However, even the mighty Sabbath would’ve only achieved so much without an equally talented mind behind the mixing desk; capable of capturing the intensity and magic the band controlled and nailing it onto vinyl.”

and Ocean Colour Scene, Paolo Nutini have all been great experiences and challenges and that’s what I’m about. Keeping a professional but relaxed attitude is key in my opinion and I do my best to be that way myself. I also love working with newer, younger musicians as there’s a little more freedom creatively speaking, defining a band’s sound and sticking to it while adding a few ‘magic sprinkles’ for the listener is a particularly rewarding thing to be able to do for a ‘job’.

I’ve worked in a few great studios including (then) Moloko in London with Editors, Rockfield Studio for the OCS album ‘Saturday’ and newer Vale Studio with The Red Bullets Band for their recent album ‘Drama in the Drawing Room’ featuring Stu from The Twang on guitar.

Most other bands - until last year - were recorded at Magic Garden in Wolverhampton, probably the best studio in the midlands if I’m honest! Gavin’s a great producer and I picked up a lot in my 6 years there. As I mentioned, last year I started ‘Buffalo’ and have had the pleasure of working with several great artists already. I have a mobile recording rig so can go wherever the artist needs to be. So far these sessions have mostly been with singer/songwriters as the portability of the gear allows greater flexibility and can be more financially viable than studio time. However, recording quality can tend to suffer slightly. ‘Home’ type recordings are rarely going to be better than a track recorded in a proper studio, but they can still sound professional. To get over this hurdle I’ve recently made friends with Dave Anderson (Groundhogs, ex Hawkwind) who happens to own an awesome studio up in the hills of Mid-Wales, near Welshpool so not too far away from the Midlands. There’s a cottage for bands to stay in too that sleeps up to 7 with a pool table, kitchen, entertainment centre… When I need a studio for a band recording or anything else I go to Foel Studio. Dave’s built an awesome studio into a converted barn type building, it’s been going for 40 years next year and I’m blessed to be part of the team there now. Foel in-house engineer, Tom Wild is a great guy too and seems to be able to keep up with the way I work! I’ve recently finished production with Voodoo Johnson on their upcoming album, it’s the first complete album I’ve Co-Produced under ‘Buffalo’ and I have to say it’s gone great considering some of the problems we had to deal with! The files have gone to a mix specialist in Denmark and are just starting to come back. All I’ll say is; keep an ear out for VOODOO JOHNSON’s next album! I’ll be posting more info as I get it on my Facebook and Twitter so keep an eye on that. Now, if I could only find you something to touch, smell and feel we’ll have all the senses covered!

Buffalo Music Interview Continued on Page 16 BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 5

five tips for playing live You’re all rehearsed-up and ready to rock out, with a handful of gigs booked and an audience eagerly awaiting the debut of your brilliant noise. But before you start making subtle enquiries regarding the venues window sizes and whether they think a television could amply fit through, there are a few things about playing live you would do well to know more of…”

1.

The man on the mixing desk is a key component in acquiring the optimum live sound. If you’re lucky enough to get a gig in a venue with a good P.A. chances are the person manning the dials will know how to use it. So keep your ego in check and listen to what they say. If

amps are being mic’ed up then they control how loud you will be overall.

It doesn’t matter how much volume you try and dial in; one flick of the switch will bring you straight back down into the mix, and if you aren’t careful you’ll run the risk of completely destroying your band’s sound by way of a mixer not prepared to put up with any of your nonsense and is more than capable of leaving you playing air-guitar for the entire time you’re on.

So listen to what they say, when they say it. Ask questions if you’re unsure of the overall sound, by all means; you want to give the audience the best rendition of your music, and ultimately that’s what matters.

Whoever Controls The Volume

Be respectful, mind; if you genuinely aren’t happy with the sound then asking them to change something you aren’t happy about will be better received when asked to accommodate, rather than simply going ahead

Wields The Power

and making the changes yourself ‘at source’.

Conclusion; Even the person manning the desk has an ego; and they also have all the power, too.

set-up 6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

2.

Clarity is key when performing live, so a good on

bad) then the honesty of an audience not ashamed to speak its mind will filter

stage set-up can make all the difference between

through the chit-chat of those ordering drinks at the bar.

a gig everybody remembers and a fiasco of dirge nobody forgets. In the rehearsal room it’s fairly easy

Conclusion;

to find the right level for an ear-pleasing mix of

Not everyone may like your music, but those who do will certainly appreciate

instruments and sound, an effort that at best requires

the effort of something free.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

a few minutes spent twiddling dials and tickling stomp-boxes enough to create a pleasant cloud of sound.

Taken out of its natural habitat of a carpeted room where everybody stands within headstock range of the drummer, however, and suddenly you’re back to square one of the set-up process, levels needing to be found anew as the acoustics of the venue reveal themselves to be a wholly different beast.

4.

Being top of the bill doesn’t exclude you from displaying the same level of respect and manners you yourself would expect. And though nobody ever feels they have been anything less than kindness itself to others, there are still those who will be able to tell

Venues built specifically for the playing of live music will have a fairly simple

of the time they were the opening act to a headliner

lay-out within a reasonably square-shaped room, the architects understanding

that thought playing top billing at the Dog and Gun meant they could go all

the need for proper audio enjoyment as well as keeping the rain and tramps

prima-donna with anyone not in his band.

away.

Simple respect is all most are looking for here; basic ‘please’ and ‘thank you’s

Unfortunately, some gig-venues will be re-converted rooms of pubs and clubs,

and possibly a nod or a smile if paths happen to cross. You don’t have to go all

places where being able to maximize space to squash as many paying drinkers

out and force friendship upon them, you just need to remember you are all in the

into as small a space as possible will have taken precedence over fitting two

same boat and it can be very easy to get thrown overboard. Borrowed equipment

Marshall cabs and a full compliment of drum-kit in.

should be treated as if it were owned by someone else; no resting of feet or

Split level ceilings and rooms designed around best placement of tables for

drinks on amps, or jamming of headstocks through cabs when reaching the cre-

optimum seating conditions may not be best suited for reflecting and enhanc-

scendo of your set-list. Cables are the most often leant-out gear between bands,

ing your groups music; so once done with the setting up on stage take yourself

and getting a nicely rolled guitar cable back tied up in knots and missing one of

into the area where your audience will be standing. Run through a number and

the jack plugs should be considered on a par with wanton amp destruction. Treat

send the frontman to walking around and about, listening and giving notes on

borrowed gear as a ‘you-break-it-you-brought-it’ situation and you won’t go far

how everything sounds. Does the guitar carry to the back of the room; can you

wrong. Similarly, you can also consider that to be a good mantra for interaction

hear the vocals clearly when the verse kicks in; has there been a massive error

with the other acts on the bill. Except what you ‘buy’ is a bad reputation and the

in judgement in mic-ing up the bass-kick because it’s flattening everything

ire of others around you.

and killing the mood of the song? A few minutes of this will give you a better understanding of how different the sound off-stage is to on-stage, and from that

Conclusion;

a better understanding of how best to maximize your sound.

A bad reputation travels further than a good one.

Conclusion; Levels learned in rehearsal are lessons to re-learn live.

promote yourself

3.

5.

Clearly, you will have done some of this for the actual gig itself beforehand, and with other acts on

Know The Stage You can’t stand before the gaze of others with an uncertain step awaiting you at every turn, so having a clear path beneath you as you pout and posture about will go far in keeping those mid-song mid-air

splits impressive rather than traction-tastic.

the bill bringing their appreciative fans you have the potential for a crowd filled with possible converts

If stomp boxes and cables have made the floor a death-trap to endure then

to your music.

move them. Most pedals and similar find a home at the front of the stage, easy

So take the time to do some meet-n-greet style

to locate under the most eclectic of light shows above and also nicely out of the

walk-arounds. Don’t hide out backstage beforehand in whatever toilet the

way of any wandering feet. Wires trailing from pedal to amp can be held down

venue laughingly refers to as the dressing room; get out there and smile! If

by the application of a little insulation tape or similar, so a purchase of Duct Tape

you’re middle of the bill and sandwiched between bands then great; take some

beforehand should be considered an essential purchase. If they’re being used as

hand-outs and get them into hands. Ask people who they’ve come to see and

simply a means of boosting the guitar then keep them next to or even under the

if they’ve heard of the other acts. Then pounce with the hand-out and say who

amps. If there is no need for it to be on the stage, then keep as much as possible

your band is, where on the bill you are and have a free ‘something-or-other’ with

off the stage. Whatever is on stage should be noted and well-remembered, the

your name and website on it.

lighting conditions often markedly different when on stage and easy to fall foul

If you’re one of the first acts on then hanging around after is even more crucial,

of a forgotten Flange pedal if not careful.

as any future fans will have seen and heard what you have to offer, so being able to offer them something more right now will go a long way to capturing

Conclusion;

their fandom.

Everyone remembers the time they saw the frontman fall arse-over-tit on stage,

Feedback can be sought alongside fan-finding, so keep an ear out as you wan-

and YouTube ensures no-one will forget.

der through the throng; if you were able to make an impression (either good or BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 7

ralan ENTERPRISES, LLC

shirts back to the drawing board until the market was able to catch up with his dreams.

Whilst for some that may have signalled the end of the brand, Ralan instead used the time as an opportunity to build upon his business and interpersonal skills, while travelling the world and becoming involved within the music scene.

A

smile can take a tear of sadness

it was only through the altruism shown by

and turn it into cries of laughter.

dedicating time, money and more effort than

Such is the message championed

the man himself would allude the simple ideal

by Ralan “S.M.I.L.E.” Tehuti, who

took tragedy and personal loss and turned it into an opportunity to make the world a better place.

quickly found further inspiration and knowl-

edge through the liberal arts to bolster his selfof putting others first had started to bear fruit. belief in the brand and re-launch it. A chance Taking the natural talent bestowed upon him at birth, Ralan used his flair and abilities to

Founder of S.M.I.L.E (Some Make It Look

launch the S.M.I.L.E. brand, a clothing range

Easy) clothing, Ralan’s mission of bring-

geared towards bringing awareness to his

ing an awareness of how, as a populace,

mission statement. A focused trial run in a

we are all one big family, and have a duty

suburb of Atlanta, Georgia proved he was on

to look towards the improving of lives and

the right path with the reaction and recep-

futures of those less fortunate than ourselves.

tion better than anyone could have expected.

Laying the groundwork for his empire began

Encouraged by such feedback, Ralan moved

when he took a look at the world around him

things up a gear with a stripped-back, criti-

and realized one person truly can make a dif-

cal look at his product and the quality of

ference, if they are prepared to think further

print being offered to the market. Finding

than their own personal gain. Though many

himself dissatisfied with the current market’s

have considered such a thought in the past,

inability to match his goal, Ralan took the

8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Again, it proved time well invested, as Ralan

encounter and discussion with Chrisitna Milian was all that was needed for the wheels to be set into motion once again, only this time, with more passion and energy than ever before.

oooHmmmm Some Make It Look Easy

S

oon Ralan and S.M.I.L.E. were

With perfection being looked upon as mere-

making major headway and it

ly the starting point, it’s clear S.M.I.L.E. &

wasn’t long before the atten-

oooOHMmmm Clothing is more than just a

tions of the music industry

man with a vision; it is an inspiration of what

started turning towards the noise his brand

can be achieved when someone refuses to let

and missions statement were making. With

their talent and altruism be held back or dis-

S.M.I.L.E. shirts finding themselves on the

couraged by circumstance; seemingly conjured

shoulders of many major producers and artists

up to discolor their own personal mission, and

within the music industry, it was with a true

in Ralan S.M.I.L.E. Tehuti we have concrete

businessman’s intuition Ralan decided to capi-

proof that one man truly can make a difference.

talize on his good fortune and extend the brand into becoming ‘S.M.I.L.E & oooOHMm-

“I really do appreciate this opportunity.” Ralan

mm Clothing’, an incredibly exciting venture

stated when asked how it felt to be chosen

that sees S.M.I.L.E. being represented and con-

for a double-page feature. “I have been follow-

necting with musicians and people within the

ing BWD Promotions for 2 years now and their

hip-hop scene like no other brand before.

growth is exceptional, as well as Ms. V’s continued contribution to helping others in learning

Showing his drive to live up to the simple

to be succesfull is unprecedented. I will support

statement of intent the company was founded

BWD Magazine and BWD’s in Company right

upon, Ralan has made himself something

along with Ralan Enterprises, LLC.” According to

of a renaissance man in the process, learn-

Ralan Enterprises, LLC., & S.M.I.L.E. Clothing,

ing the skills needed to take the world by

they’re not the only ones making a difference

the throat and take S.M.I.L.E. to the forefront

while making it look easy. Ralan humbly fin-

of the world’s mind and firmly under the

ished off his show of appreciation with, “Thank

spotlight where it belongs, an inescapable

you for choosing us at “Some Make It Look Easy”

truth standing for the betterment of Man.

(S.M.I.L.E.), you are the image that carries this torch with us.”

Now finding himself on the very edge of a marketing frenzy campaign with RALAN

Contact Information:

ENTERPRISES LLC., Ralan is building his own empire to accommodate the vision with

Email: Ralanenterprisesllc@gmail.com

a multi-media company and multi-faceted

Website: www.ralanenterprisesllc.me

businesses that utilizes Ralan’s wide ver-

Twitter: @RalanSMILEclthn

satility, whilst at the same time introduc-

Facebook: oooohmmmmellamental

ing S.M.I.L.E. & oooOHMmmm Clothing to

Photo Credits: Ralan-All Rights Reserved

an even greater audience than ever before.

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 9

staying true to your principals

malynda hale turning up on stages and screens across the land

T

he gift of a natural desire to perform brings the deci-

night-owls with a soundtrack to their evening as unforgettable as the

sion to hide one’s light under a bushel, fearing cries

experience itself.

of arrogance or similar; which can spell the end for many or be a young dream of one day standing before

Evidence abounds to Malynda’s determined younger self’s decision;

an adoring crowd of appreciative fans. Theefore, to have the courage

each single she releases generates considerable air-play, with the

at the tender age of only nine years old to not just perform but pen

tracks ‘Blue Eyes’, ‘City Lights’ ‘In Love’ and ‘Crazy Inside’ being accept-

the very songs she would perform; before her peers, shows a strength

ed into the Crucial Music Catalogue – wherein only those considered

from within that marks Malynda Hale out as someone unafraid to

the best are given consideration for placement within films, tele-

take the harder path in pur-

vision, and Oscar winning

suit of her personal dreams.

media. Again proving that ‘staying true to your princi-

Resident of Santa Barbara,

pals’ is key to a fruitful soul.

California, Malynda focused her energies in singing

Malyndas

through the gospel choir;

unadulterated

the genre known to draw

saw her being sought out

and

the

to become the face and

very soulful of voices and

spokesperson for the lead-

impassioned

ing brand in the world of

produce

only of

perfor-

natural

and

beauty

mances, proved the balm

vegan

for a while but it wasn’t

Minerals, none more fit-

long before the itch to per-

ting an opportunity for

form for larger, more var-

the proudly self-confessed

ied audiences saw Malynda

vegan.

make-up,

Valana

take her unique voice to the awaiting crowds across the wide land of America.

Recently working alongside ABC’s Family Show star, Brant Daugherty on the indie film Oranges marks a new path for Malynda to consider

Patriotic and peerless meant it was only natural Malynda was

to walk down, her acting and on-screen charisma perhaps not surpris-

requested to perform the National Anthem in L.A., take center stage

ingly matching her singing and self-penned compositions.

before a Tryone Wells audience; at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay, and an abundance of performances within the ‘City That Never

Further appearances on-screen and the opportunity of starring in the

Sleeps’. Malynda is appreciative of all opportunities in leaving the

film The 4th Meeting sees her not only travelling to Chicago for the

10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Fans that appreciate my sound and value my music is a feeling that is priceless ”

another path to consider filming, but also down the new path of acting she has unexpect-

As to the future of continued success in her singing, there is

edly found herself taking; one which, if her musical recognitions

an equally rewarding present that sees Malynda turning up on

are any marker to compare, will be one with a rich, verdant land-

stages and screens across the land; as she continues to forge

scape of unlimited horizons.

her own path to take.

Contact Information:

“Being able to share my music with so many new fans that I know will appreciate my sound and value my music is a feeling that is

Email: booking@malyndahale.com

priceless.” Malynda enthused when informed of her magazine

Website: www.malyndahale.com

feature win. “The support I’ve received from BWD is immeasurable.

Twitter: @malyndahale

It’s rare to find a company that is so focused on giving Indie Artists

Facebook: malyndahalemusic

a platform to be on”.

Photo Credits: Jeremy David All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 11

SHAMEL SHILOH ‘4Ever” ruling the airwaves with worldwide acceptance

L

ike the Greek myth Prometheus himself, Shamel Shiloh is the lone figure taking light into the darkest of lives and hope to all who bask in its glow.

With a name that literally means ‘To Shine For

God’, Shamel Shiloh is a Northern Virginia/Washington DC based hip-hop artist using his talent and passion to illuminate the world around him and take the darkness from the light.

A humble man and dedicated father, Shamel walks the path of the righteous artist within, his message to the world one of inspiration and faith that has managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of an ever growing audience with his own brand of Christian Hip-Hop.

12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

cover story

A dedicated approach to the long journey that

Refusing to sit back on his laurels, Shamel

awaits any musician saw Shamel take his mes-

Shiloh quickly followed this up by joining

sage to the stages and audiences as far afield

forces with Sean Israel and Matty B to become

as the horizons would allow, the belief in his

the rap group District Connection. The subse-

chosen path spurring him on.

quent release ‘Monumental’ proved Shamel Shiloh to be more than a man on a mission;

Having released his first album ‘He Is Alive’

he was a man with a vision.

in 2008 Shamel quickly saw it rocket up the charts to eventually storm into the number

In April 2011, his vision was further buoyed

three slot on the Amazon Rap Download

by receiving the 2011 Holy Hip Hop Honoree

Charts.

Award at the Fox Theatre, Georgia, further cementing his legacy and laying the founda-

Success breeding success. ‘He Is Alive’ caught

tions for even greater things to come.

the attentions of many more than just the downloading public, the album’s energy and

With regular rotation of the video to his hit

overall incredible sound, driving it on to be

single ‘4Ever’ ruling the airwaves worldwide it

nominated for Best Rap Album, Shamel him-

would seem Shamel Shiloh’s message is being

self being bestowed with the honor of Best

heard loud and clear by his ever increasing

Male Rapper by the Velocity Magazine Awards.

swell of converts.

Photo Credit: Christopher Vo

Contact Information: Email: shamelshiloh@gmail.com Website: myspace.com/shamelshilohmusic Twitter: @shamelshiloh Facebook: shamelshilohpage Photo Credits: Mark Mahoney Photo Credit: Christopher Vo All Rights Reserved

Over 1.7 Million Plays and over 35000 fans combined -Verified on Billboard’s Next Big Sound Charts”

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 13

buffalo music production

Working with artists like Robert Plant.... experiences & challenges is what it’s all about Continued Buffalo Music Interview from Page 4 MaH: What would you describe as being a typical day for you?

line and hopefully won’t be too far away. Other than that, word of mouth

Gazz: I’ve not had a ‘typical day’ since I left school! If I ever got into a

and getting out to gigs whenever I can.

routine I think I’d go sane! When working with musicians it’s half about catching them at their best time, so I have to be pretty flexible day to

MaH: How close are you to where you want to be?

day to work around them and be ready for the greatness, haha – unless,

Gazz: Miles away, but on the right path for now and picking up pace!

of course, there’s a time constraint; then I work them like dogs!

I’ve got some new gear coming soon which is top secret stuff. It’s going to have a fantastic impact on my recordings. You are always learning in

MaH: Given the quality of your work I imagine you’re in much demand?

this business, every day almsot a school day.

Gazz: Thank you! Yeah, I’m happy with my progress thus far but there’s always room for improvement, as they say? I love being busy! I’m really

MaH: What’s your outlook on the changing face of the record industry?

looking forward to taking some more bands to Foel this year!

Gazz: The record industry will always be changing it’s simply the nature of the beast. I think people experiment more now with different types of

MaH: Which artist have you worked with that’s been most memorable?

music and have more eclectic musical tastes too. With how easy it is to

Gazz: Well this album with Voodoo Johnson is definitely going to be

get music digitally, it’s made it a wide open market, and I could easily get

memorable! I’ve had a great time helping craft the songs and get some

on a soapbox and chat for hours about this.

great sounds in there. Oh and laughing at stuff I probably should feel guilty about… hahahahaaa.

For the audience it’s a good time, there’s plenty of music around and lots of ways to find it. For the artists there will always be more and more

I remember recording Paolo Nutini backstage at V Festival the day before

‘competition’ but with the passing of the ‘super labels’ Universal, Sony etc,

Oasis split up; we were in a porta-cabin backstage trying to record vocals

more independent labels are emerging, and I think eventually it’s going

on a laptop in a very hot cabin with all the windows closed trying to keep

to be easier to get exactly what you want to hear as well as easier for the

the festival music out! Steve Cradock of OCS was in there too and it was

bands to get support from smaller labels to promote their tunes. Then

a bit mad – got a bit ‘smokey’ in there but the vocals came out great!

again, way back in time before the iPod, who could have predicted we’d be where we are now? We just don’t know what’s around the corner; it

MaH: How do you promote your company?

Gazz: So far from my Facebook pages, although a website is in the pipe14 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

keeps it fresh by default.

MaH: What’s your biggest claim to notoriety so far?

people out there supporting bands by buying CDs and band merchandise

Gazz: I think it was caught on CCTV, but I couldn’t tell you about that,

so recording becomes an expensive game, essentially a luxury for many

haha! No, in all seriousness, I’m not sure I have what you’d call ‘notoriety’,

musicians I’ve met. To survive you have to be able to overcome these

just the drive to become the best I want to be.

obstacles and keep doing what you love doing. To the music loving, band supporting, merchandise buying public? I salute you! Don’t stop!!

MaH: What advice would you give someone who wanted to follow in your shoes?

MaH: What’s the best and worst thing about doing your job?

Gazz: If music is in your blood and nothing else fits right then do it with

Gazz: The best thing… Working on great music with great people who

every fibre of your being. Be prepared to study, practice and fail, but out

have the passion for music: working on a piece that makes the tiny hairs

of this learn to get right back up and at it! I’m not going to promise any-

on the back of your neck stand up. The worst thing would be not work-

thing in this game will be easy but if you don’t try, how are you going to

ing; I love my career and hate when I can’t be working on tunes.

know? I love it! Oh, and if you can cope with some of the most random working hours you can imagine, that’s definitely a plus.

MaH: Have there ever been any disasters/incidents you would care to share?

MaH: If the phone suddenly rang and a voice on the other end said they

Gazz: To be honest I try not to focus on negatives, but to be fair I don’t

wanted you to work with them, who would it ideally be?

think I have anything to report here, fortunately! Besides, I couldn’t name

Gazz: Tough one. Cake have been my long standing favorite band but

and shame haha!

not many people have heard of them, they’re lo-fi, American stuff but if Slash called I’d be ready!

MaH: MaH: And finally; what does the future hold? Any future plans or announcements on the horizon?

MaH: What are the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered so far?

Gazz: I have no idea what the future holds, but hope it brings plenty to

Gazz: One thing at the moment that’s an issue for everybody is the econ-

keep me and my loved ones happy, healthy and busy, as well as, loads

omy: for most bands who do it for the love, rehearse in damp lock-ups for

more of great musicians to work with!

hours on end after working all day, they’re finding it harder to find places to play. Entertainment venues have taken a hit since the recession, smok-

Contact: internationalgazz@hotmail.com

ing bans, and cheap alcohol even! When there’s less venues there’s less

Facebook:BuffaloMusicProduction BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 15

ralan

My family is the engine to my success that drives me to work hard every day”.

T

hey say ‘the longest journey begins with a single

Such

step’. For some this may mean the journey their life

an

invaluable

may take as they find their way in the world. For oth-

the

mixtapes

an

unassuming

platform

contribution and

to

build

to

recognition

upon,

Ad-Vice’s increased

it

proved

career yet

as

further.

ers, a more literal sense can be applied, as theirs

voyage to discovery of not just the world but also of themselves.

2010 saw the awaited release of Crucial Elements, released on his own label ‘The Underground Spotlight’. With an unques-

Encapsulating

entre-

tioning sound and high production levels, it stands as an

preneur and artist to his growing list of credits, his own

album equal, if not greater than most you could claim to name.

path

one

of

both

of

the

geographical

latter Ad-Vice as

well

as

can

add

physical

growth.

Whilst others may choose to forget, they may not have been

Beginning life in Northeast Portland, Oregon, Frank ‘Ad-Vice’ Lewis

alone on their walk to where they currently find themselves now.

found his skills at college football would take him to the shores

Ad-Vice certainly holds no false prophets to his name, explaining;

of Santa Maria, the University of Redlands and the stronghold he would maintain as life began the unravelling of his future.

‘My family is the engine to my success that drives me to work hard every day.’

A born performer,

Ad-Vice honed his musical talents on equip-

Continuing to walk until the future becomes now, Frank ‘Ad-Vice’ Lewis is

ment loaned to him by his brother, the ties that bind with-

working on his next release, the eagerly anticipated album Master of None.

in his family so strong as to enable him with the tools to begin voicing

his

talent

when

inspiration

started

to

stir.

Contact Information:

Soon it was clear the future lay within music, Ad-Vice quickly reaching

Email: Ad-vice@theundergroundspotlight.com

the limit of the equipment yet continuing to find inspiration and imagi-

Website: www.TheUspotlight.com

nation to work within such confines. Challenged though certain, Ad-Vice

Twitter: @Advice503

built a reputation through the work he produced. As demand began to

Facebook: TheUspotlight

push the confines of what could be accomplished with the tools he cur-

Photo Credits: Ad-Vice -All Rights Reserved

rently had, new tools were sourced in the guise of a karaoke machine.

16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Ad-vice

A Dog AKA Annikhan

I

n the world of literary fiction a great man once wrote

standing in your way to becoming the person you know yourself to be.

‘with great powers comes great responsibility’. Similarly, another wordsmith penned the phrase ‘use the force’.

Respect is written deep into the songs he creates, but not in the more formulaic approach of attaining it through menace or malign-

Seemingly capable of combining both edicts into one unifying mes-

ing another; rather, it is to be found by releasing yourself of the

sage of positivity, Rainier Sheridan aka Annikhan aka Your Excellency

shackles a past life or negative influences may have tried binding

stands singular in his ability to use what some would consider

you deeply with, bringing out the light that shines within every-

their greatest work as a mere prelude for an even greater reveal.

one who understands his message of positivity and realizing that as a person, you have a responsibility to the life you have been

Coming from the largest state in Wisconsin, Milwaukee born Annikhan

gifted with to be the best example of yourself that you can be.

stands to be the single most biggest export that finest of States has produced; with an ear for music and a mindful sense of self that managed to both

With a confidence that comes only from those stoic enough for such

capture and captivate upon the release of ‘Sorry For The Interruption’ EP.

a coup d’état, Annikhan has already prepared his next release Life’s Journey to help drive home the message and raise up the masses, an

Eschewing the clichéd route of guns n’ gangsta styling’s Annikhan sets

EP that doesn’t just carry on from where the last left off but creates an

his stall by the true sense of what it takes to be a Man; integrity, fortitude,

even broader scope of sound, song and style quickly bringing under-

a will to achieve and to carry on in the face of insurmountable odds, and

standing to why he is also the artist known formally as ‘Your Excellency’.

the goal of a greater good being the only goal needed to forge forward.

With an outlook to life that states,‘If I Had One Lane,Consider It the Runway...

Humility and humanity bestowed him the triple-barrelled moniker of A

Take Flight’ . A Dog aka Annikhan aka Your Excellency may well be a

Dog aka Annikhan aka Your Excellency, his loyalty to others proving him

musician of many names but is clearly more than any name could convey.

to be the one standing beside you when times get tough had attributed to the canine element of his title, a penchant for sci-fi alluded the Annikhan.

Contact Information:

Words clearly hold great significance within the Man’s mind-set, with

Email: rainier.sheridan@gmail.com

his own lyrical outpourings unlike his contemporaries in that they

Twitter: @adogakaannikhan

focus solely on the issue of the song; unnecessary posturing or self-

Photo Credits: Rainier Sheridan-All Rights Reserved

aggrandising tales of questionable legitimacy are left to those with less confidence than himself, as Annikhan uses his life as inspiration for his songs, their themes bright with the coloring of overcoming the odds BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 17

seizing on their natural talent

THE COMO BROTHERS the call of the music an inescapable pull for the.....

W

ith an unassuming yet direct statement of intent that

Brothers Band saw the release of their first independent EP ‘The

rings, ‘We write songs. We love music. This is our career.’

Speed of Sound’.

it seems Matt and Andrew of The Como Brothers Band have little time to squander on needless parable.

Following this came the news they were being selected by the ‘Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands’ for an appearance and performance at the

Surrounded by a menageries of musicians throughout their early lives,

Nassau Coliseum for The Warped Tour, and further confirmation of

Matt and Andrew often found themselves centre-stage of their uncles

their critical acclaim came when they were named Emerging Artists

impromptu basement jams, the call of the music an inescapable pull

by S&IS and personally invited by Sony to head down to their offices

for the young boys. Seizing

to have their music played

on their natural talent and

before Sony’s own A&R

flair, their mother indulged

people.

their musical thirst with all manner of musical lessons;

Taking their music to the

piano to guitar, saxophone

Hard Rock Rising Contest

and bass, all and more fell

saw them appear in New

beneath the young broth-

York as finalists, and some-

er’s hands as they quickly

how still found time to fit

tamed and mastered each

in a performance at the

chosen instrument.

Montauk Music Festival and be requested to play at

The stage being their natu-

Sullivan Hall.

ral boardwalk, the Como brothers were regular stars beneath

the

From there to Lake George

spotlight,

and a show at the Six Flags

becoming part of a Beatles tribute band that saw their introduction

Great Escape and soon the Como Brothers found themselves in the

to the live stage courtesy of ”Long Islands” hospitable venues.

enviable position of having their music form the soundtrack to a slew of television shows, including MTV’S Real World, St. Thomas

Their stage craft honed throughout the years while Matt and Andrew

and the hugely successful worldwide smash “Keeping Up With The

began to grow in their musician hood, the beginnings of songs and

Kardashians”.

parts of guitar scribbled down and worked out into fully realized original compositions. Vocal lessons saw Matt expand his creativity

With the single ‘I Don’t Like You’ managing the most number of down-

beyond instrumental confines, and the combined force of the Como

loads in the Hard Rock Rising Contest, February of 2012 saw the

18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

We write songs.

We love music.

This is our career.”

the ‘hard rock’ arising brothers take the stage at the Times Square Hard Rock Café to cement their award of first place.

A few months later and the Como Brothers were approached by newcomer Kayla Stockert, the resultant collaboration between the three musicians resulted in “What They Say” and “Your Love” as two original compositions from the brothers featured on the release, alongside an collaborative track between themselves and Kayla titled “Don’t Go Messing with My Heart.”

Despite still attending school, the Como Brothers Band already have the next few months planned out, with March seeing the release of the “Still Waters” EP and with it a chance for the Como Brothers Band to take up their natural position beneath stage-lights and before an expectant crowd, await for the cheering and applause to sufficiently die down, and make every show possibly the best show of your life.

Contact Information: Email: comobrothersband@gmail.com Website: www.comobrothersband.com Twitter: @ComoBrosBand Facebook: ComoBrothersBand Photo Credits: The Como Brothers-All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 19

dujuan harris #26 green

bay

packers

running

back

Ask any true American to name

with talent within the world of

ris still carries ‘the heart of

an inspirational figure and you

football, coming up on the ra-

a true American’, with his hu-

would probably hear the names

dar of the Green Bay Packers

mility and humbleness at hav-

Wa s h i n g t o n , M a r s h a l l o r Ro o -

and looking to be a future star

ing achieved so much already;

sevelt

within the team, having shown

highlighting

But don’t be surprised if pretty

his talent to finish the

Pa c k-

already consider him to be a

soon the name ‘DuJuan Harris’ is

ers’ top back, rushing for 257

hero of the American Dream.

mentioned in the same breath

yards on 62 carries and claim-

and

ing four scores in six games.

amongst

with

the

equal

answers.

reverence.

“Be

on

the

why

lookout

Floridians

for

May

2013’s issue release; where we Although

for

most

residents

the

name

ready

S t a n d i n g o u t o n t h e f i e l d b y,

continue to support and share

al-

i r o n i c a l l y, b e i n g s h o r t e r t h a n

an up close and personal inter-

synonymous

has

the average player Harris man-

view, with DuJuan Harris, aka

inspira-

ages to combine the power of

Foxx; when BWD Magazine was

tion, pretty soon the rest of

Goliath within his five seven

able to catch up with Harris, in

the States and the world itself

frame;

F l o r i d a , d u r i n g s e a s o n b r e a k .”

w i l l h a v e a n e w m a n t l e o f ex-

sheer size alone, whereas Har-

cellence to look towards when

ris uses his unassuming form

r e c a l l i n g g r e a t n e s s i n h i s t o r y.

to his strengths, quickly and

with

become

Florida

greatness

and

others

intimidate

by

quite often conclusively corDuJuan

recting any foolish enough to

Harris, aka Foxx, has quickly

stand in his way on the field.

made both a name and repu-

Having

tation for himself as a player

unquestionable abilities, Har-

Floridian

footballer

proven

his

skill

and

follow dujuan harris aka foxx #26 on twitter and facebook 20 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

V i s i t w w w . T w i t t e r. c o m / O l _ s L y _ F o x x o r w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / D u J u a n - H a r r i s - a k a - F o x x / 2 2 5 3 8 0 4 4 0 8 2 4 2 6 4