BWD Magazine - November 2015 by BWD Magazine

#1 Variety Magazine - A Worldwide Publication

Monthly Issue - NOVEMBER 2015

matisse & sadko the dynamic “EDM” DUO

TOPPING THE CHARTS

Organic Turnips Healthy or Misled?

PYRAMIDS ON MARS?

Midas King Clear Vision About Music

Country Boy

thanksgiving TIPS! OVER a decades worth Of experience and knowledge

Features 04 Country Boy On A Mission For Greatness

06 Sick Seed Taking Poetry To The Stage

08 Midas King Clear Vision About Music

16 Pyramids On Mars Music That Soars Into The Universe

17 Mike Hawkins Truly A Jack Of All Trades

COVER STORY 10 Matisse & Sadko The Dynamic’EDM” Duo

20 Matisse & Sadko (Back Page Takeover)

Lifestyle | HEALTH 12 Dr. Vastola’s Monthly Advice Organic Turnips... Healthy or Misled?

14 It’s Thanksgiving Tips For Baking Gluten-Free Desserts

18 Be Inspired (Monthly Feature) Eloho Shares Her Words Of Inspiration

ENTERTAINMENT 15 All Hands On Deck (Monthly Feature) Artist Development (Series) Tips

BWD Radio

(Monthly Sponsor)

2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

FROM THE EDITOR

last issue

In a world where a swipe across the virtual shelf has supplanted the casual stroll down the aisle, content driven media has become the golden chalice of promotion; fresh content delivered with the minimum of fuss constantly throughout the day has become the key to ensnaring the public interest, of reaching the plateau of fame and recognition you deserve to be standing upon. Without an audience to listen no-one can hear you talk. Without a pair of eyes to observe no-one notices when you achieve greatness and without a market waiting on pins to learn which direction their latest fascination will be coming from no-one will be holding the banners of congratulations when you finally step up to the limelight. With an empire of insiders working tirelessly away to bring you the biggest, best, and breaking news across the entire landscape of the media BWD Magazine has built a reputation as being one of the leading names in the industry. When we speak, others listen.

Editor In Chief V Keach

Editors/Writers V Keach/Various Contributors

Art Director, Graphic Artist(s) V Keach & BWD Graphics

Tips/Questions? info@bwdmagazine.com

With a worldwide audience of subscribers downloading and learning which name to look out for, which band they should be following, who the next Big Thing is going to be, BWD Magazine speaks to millions of awaiting ears each and every month. With the world as an audience BWD Magazine puts you firmly in the spotlight.

Offical Website BWDMagazine.com Twitter: BWDMagazine Twitter: BWDPromotions

BWD Magazine- ‘Leading Whilst Others Follow’

BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 3

Country Boy has truly developed into an emerging artist with a Great Spirit that is on the path for super stardom. “

nnovative, explosive, and seasoned are all great adjectives that describes this talented young artist. Country Boy is the true definition of an artist just waiting for his moment to seize greatness. He is not only a great MC and songwriter, Country Boy is also an extraordinary producer, as well as, a graphic/visual arts perfectionist. Besides being an emerging talent, Country is truly a caring, down to earth person fueled with passion and love. Country Boy’s journey began on July 17, 1987 in Alexandria, LA. While at a young age; in grade school, he moved to Texas. After joining the school’s band, Country learned how to play various instruments. He found himself to be that natural-born musician to whom all melody comes easy. Later during his years in high school, Country Boy decided that music was his calling and his path that he wanted to pursue for his career. Anxious to find his place in the music industry, Country began working and releasing several indie projects on his own. In 2011, he released a mixtape hosted by DJ Scream and DJ MLK titled, “Not Your Average Mixtape”. In Houston, Country gained a lot of local attention and fan support. He was becoming well-known for his hyped per-

4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

formances at various venues and open mic showcases. In 2012, Country Boy landed his first record deal. In the fall of 2013, he released his first solo EP titled, “No More Games”. Country’s first EP generated a great amount of attention; within the music community and underground, which also landed him numerous shows. He opened for such acts as Rich Homie Quan, Webbie, and more. Around the same time is when Country Boy’s media company ‘Fire Images’ started taking off. His art and graphic works landed him on the front page of many popular music websites and blogs; including the front page of music mogul Birdman or Baby of Cash Money Records website: Stunnalife. com. Country Boy’s artworks, just to name a few, included work with YMCMB, We The Best artists, Wiz Khalifa and 100s of indie artists. Country Boy kicked off 2015 with his highly anticipated independent mixtape titled “Back To The Basix”, which includes great singles such as “No Love No Loyalty” (gaining him national radio airplay), “My Old Ways” (the video that landed him his own Vevo Channel), and also features with industry majors such as French Montana and even the Legendary Blues Singer, Sunny Blue Bland; son of the late great blues singer, Bobby “Blue” Bland.

country boy “FROM ‘NOT YOUR AVERAGE MIXTAPE’ TO ‘NO MORE GAMES’ AND...”

On a mission for greatness, Country Boy then released his project titled “The Flood”, in April of 2015. “The Flood” is the project that really made a mark for Country Boy in the game, gaining him many placement opportunities, greater radio spins, many blog & media platform’s attention, and grew his fan base tremendously with well over 250k streams within the first two weeks of release. Country Boy has truly developed into an emerging artist with a Great Spirit that is on the path for super stardom. From such an early age, he has overcome much adversity and many obstacles in life. Keep your eyes and ears open for Country Boy as he continues to spread his works and the Country Boy brand.

Contact Information: Website: www.CountryBoyRaps.com Twitter: @CB_CountryBoy Facebook: CountryBoyRaps Instagram: CountryBoyRaps All Photo & GFX Credits: Fire Images/Getfireimages.com Country Boy - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 5

sick seed ich Rose AKA Rich Roze/Sick Seed was born in

& dumb” one. Although he left the scene, at the age of 20, Rich still

1987. As a new born, he was adopted by his

systematically worked on his craft and never stopped writing.

aunt and uncle who he came to call “Mother & Father”. Unfortunately, his birth father had died

In 2010, after months of searching and no one else caring, Rich

in 1995, after Rich was born, due to acquiring

finally found his birth mother. Sadly, she had lied to him about

an immune deficiency syndrome. Even more disheartening, was

being clean and wanting to start a new life together. The situation

to later learn that his birth mother was a crack addict and chose

did not end well and to this day they have not spoken.

drugs over him, her ‘own’ son. As a newborn, even his grandparents had wanted nothing to do with him, labeling him as just being…

In 2015, Rich Roze changed his stage name to “Sick Seed”; taking on

“Offspring”.

the alias for the play on words with “Succeed” and in hopes to find the meaning behind his surviving the womb, of a mother that had

As a child growing up, Rich came to enjoy writing poetry. His writ-

smoked on the daily. Also in 2015, Sick Seed released two mixtapes

ing style was ‘dark’ and he believed the style was mainly inherited

and also plans on releasing more projects in 2016. Thus far, plans

from his mother.

of a mixtape and his first EP titled “Reborn”.

In 2005, Rich Rose aka Roze was in a group called the “Fatal 4” with

Sick Seed does not plan on slowing down his grind anytime soon.

3 of his best friends. As what tends to happen with artist ‘groups’, it did not last long and they all quit; except him. In the same year, Roze would find himself in another group which also did not pan out. In 2007, Rich Roze recorded his first ‘solo’ single titled “Grind N Shine”. His single hit Tampa’s hip hop scene and that’s when he began to get cosigns from the well-respected…Tampa Tony, 2 Pistols, and Tay Dizm. Shortly after, Rich linked up with 2 Pistols and recorded the single titled “Now N Later”. The track was featured

Contact Information

on DJ Smallz ‘Southern Smoke’ Radio CD’s. Unfortunately the song did not hold its own weight and was not receiving any radio or DJ support.

Twitter: @Sick_Seed87 Instagram: Sick_Seed Facebook: OfficialRichRoze

Rich became discouraged and left the scene with only two live

Artwork Credit: GOLDENGLOVESGRAPHIX

performances under his belt. A move he later admits was a “young

6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

From the sunny shores of a Floridian sky to the

underground and across a global stage.

ears and eyes of a worldwide audience BWD has grown from an acorn of an idea into an oak tree

Not only affording the world of music a genuine outlet to purvey

of industry-might, its roots deep within the strata

it’s unbridled talents BWD Radio also promotes and inspires the

of social sites and online promotions, its branch-

musicians it unveils, the multi-faceted nature of BWD incorporat-

es far-reaching and bearing fruitfulness aplenty.

ing all avenues of generating awareness and recognition to the talents it reveals, encouraging the growth of their fan-base and

Starting out developing websites Ms. Keach aka Ms. V proved her-

helping propel them onto the iPods and bedroom walls of a global

self more guru than mere graphic designer, her final works forging

audience.

a reputation of being the go-to girl for all things attention grabbing and intuitive.

With the recent successful launch of the BWD Radio app the audience all artists are looking to find are as close as they have ever

Quickly she began laying the foundations for what would become

been, right on the other side of millions of touch-screens and

her own empire, reputation growing with each engagement and

monitors, smart-phones and tablets all bearing the app’s visage

the horizon of possibilities expanding even further than first

across their surface.

dreamed. Now a major player in the world of radio and media, the leader in Whilst making some of the connections that would see BWD

the field of generating buzz around the artists it plays on its non-

become a leader in its field murmurings and mutterings regarding

stop, commercial free station, and proudly wearing the banner of

the state of the music business came filtering through the wire.

being The Home Of The Indie Artists BWD founder Ms. V has proven

Listening to the sounds of discontent chattering in the background

you don’t need a thousand lawyers fighting over who gets the

it became clear that, for all the talented individuals with credible

best parking spot in front of offices to forge a dominant empire

worth vying for the attentions of a label or promoter, those in the

of multi-faceted out-lets; as the late great British entertainer Roy

Industry were more concerned with how profitable a bottom-line

Castle once said ‘Dedication’s all you need’.

they could wring from their talents than the merits and music of the people themselves. Contact Information: An avid appreciator of new and classic music Veralyn saw a gap in the market for someone with the knowledge and nous, con-

Website: www.bwdradio.com

nections and cunning, and - of course - the dedication to provide

Twitter: @BWDRadio_

a credible alternative to those as-yet unsigned greats of music, a

Facebook: BWDRadio

platform for them to launch themselves into the airwaves and soar into the charts.

Instagram: BWDPromotions Twitter: @BWDPromotions

With each passing year BWD has grown in both experience and influence, the listening world turning up the dial to be the first to

Website: www.bwdpromotions.com

hear the latest unsigned extravagances of talent bursting from the

midas king

ohnson Dai (born March 10, 1980), known as Midas King, is an African-American R&B and Hip Hop recording artist, composer, entertainer and record producer.

Midas King regards himself as a citizen of the world because he has traveled to numerous countries and this gives him the feeling that the whole world is a single country.

Midas King has distinguished himself as a musician with great versatility and insight. He is a composer, singer, music story teller and an entertainer.

In his own words, “The world is a single country separated with religions, borders, cultural and political ideologies… An Arab should see Latin, Africans, Americans, Asians, and Oceanians as Brothers and Sisters”.

Midas King’s music expands the boundaries of musical composition, creating landscapes of sound that unearth feelings, energies, and memories for which we have no words.

MUSIC CAREER

EARLY LIFE

Midas King is known for his R&B-style vocals with some blends of Hip Hop, which are featured in his already released and upcoming hit songs.

Midas King was born Johnson Dai on March 10, 1980, in San Antonio, Texas. The fourth of his six siblings. Due to his Father’s job that required frequent travelling, Midas King lived most of his life in different parts of the globe: Asia, Europe and Africa. 8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

Midas King’s songs are already playing on some radio stations, in night clubs and bars worldwide.

On his debut album, Midas surprised everyone by recording ten (10) tracks in only a week. Midas King began his career as a young ambitious school boy with a clear vision about music. As a career, he was once a backup singer, a member of a ‘defunct’ music band that was formed by him and others of his high school classmates. After graduating from high school, all the band members had parted ways. Due to his love for gold and music, Midas adopted the stage name, ‘MIDAS KING’ as a solo artist to continue pursuing his music career. Midas King is currently the C.E.O. of Midas King Music. Midas has released his debut album titled “The World” via numerous social media outlets, and distributed to online music digital stores (iTunes, Amazon and many others). Midas King is becoming a household name in the Americas and worldwide. Contact Information

Website: www.midaskingmusic.com Twitter: @MidasKingeye Facebook: MidasKingMusicOfficial Instagram: MidasKingMusic

usic is in their Blood! - Russia’s finest Export - Brothers, Musicians, DJs - Matisse & Sadko. Outstanding representatives of electronic club music, this DJ/ production duo has been steadily winning over fans outside

of Russia since 2010. Already touted as “ones to watch” by some of the dance music world’s leading tastemakers and DJs, Matisse & Sadko’s ((M&S) fans include Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello (who tapped Matisse & Sadko for his label Size Records’ 100th release, “SLVR,” which topped Beatport’s main chart in the summer of 2013 and also for recent “Persia” club bomb) and Axwell. With high profile releases on labels such as Size Records, Armada Music, Spinnin’ Records and more, M&S’ production prowess has made the duo rising stars from Russia’s EDM world. Their singles “Hi Scandinavia,” “Svenska,” and “Amulet” have been supported by the best DJs & producers in the business and included in their major festival sets & radio shows. Their collaboration with popular Russian project Swanky Tunes & Hard Rock Sofa, “Chemistry,” was praised by major house & progressive artists such as Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, Dirty South, Tiesto, and Armin Van Buuren. And their beloved single with Arty — “TRIO” was released on Axwell’s Axtone Records label subsequently receiving massive support by Pete Tong, who made it an “Essential Selection” on his BBC Radio 1 show. The mass effect that the collaborations with the Dutch golden kid of EDM Martin Garrix “Dragon” & “Break Through The Silence” caused worldwide can be only described as a total festival takeover and global dance anthems of the year, not to mention that both tracks reached #1 in Beatport’s main chart in less than a week! And it seems that Matisse & Sadko brothers are just unstoppable and don’t rest at all, because they keep on drop-

Matisse & Sadko

ping club bombs one after another: “TENGU” vs. Vigel was on top of attention in August-September, and only a lazy one hasn’t supported or heard October’s dirty

exclusive interview

dancefloor killer “Lock’N’Load” — both are out on Spinnin’ Records divisions. BWD: Welcome! Please introduce us to Matisse & Sadko..? But it isn’t just Martin Garrix, Sander Van Doorn, Swedish House Mafia, Armin

Matisse & Sadko: Hi everyone, we are really happy to see you all guys. We

van Buuren, Tiesto, Arty, Zedd and Hardwell playing Matisse & Sadko’s music in

are two brothers from St. Petersburg and we do enjoy making electronic

their sets, they have also earned their place amongst them as live performers as

music and sharing it with our fans all over the world.

well. Matisse & Sadko are regular billed artists at highly respected touring event Sensation, the world’s leading dance party; they have been the only Russian artists

BWD: How were you originally influenced by EDM and what moved you

whose talent was noted specifically by ID&T and by the event creator himself —

to pursue in it as a duo?

Duncan Stutterheim.

Matisse & Sadko: Well, we started being interested in EDM and DJs when we were really young. The very day we saw the German Love Parade TV

Their performance is not a simple DJ set, but a true live experience. You can see that

translation we totally lost our minds and decided to start making music by

in the reaction from fans that know them, and even new crowds that are expe-

ourselves immediately. At first we didn’t really think of working together,

riencing Matisse & Sadko for the first time. Whether on tour in America or at the

but a bit later our mom suggested our trying to make it out as a duo – and

Global Gathering and other festivals, Matisse & Sadko’s stage presence is undeniable.

that’s what we did. BWD: What’s the best part about having a brother as your DJ/Production partner?? Do you ever fight?

Soundcloud.com/Matisse_and_Sadko Twitter: @MatisseSadko Facebook: MatisseSadko Instagram: MatisseSadko

Matisse & Sadko: Surely there’s the good and the bad in both of us, but, you know, during these years of working together we’ve managed to learn what it is like to support and to complement each other. For instance, when one of us, totally exhausted, falls asleep in front of a computer after long hours of writing a track, the other will surely take his place and accomplish the started. But, to tell you the truth, we really do fight sometimes, be it at our studio, or right before the show :) We guess that’s what happens when you spend that much time together - you just start to annoy each

10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

other sometimes.

‘Dragon & Break Through The Silence’ tracks reached #1 on Beatport’s main chart in less than a week! Just dropped ‘Lock ‘N Load’- Heavy and dirty bomb by the brothers on Spinnin’ Records!

BWD: In our own experience of Matisse & Sadko’s music, it was only after

interview at the Sirius XM studio where we saw Lagy Gaga for the first time. By

the dancing had ended, that we were totally amazed to learn that you are

then, it was one of the biggest achievements of ours :)

not just the Dynamic Duo of EDM, but also the Russian Duo! How cool is that?! Do you find this similar reaction from others and if so, was it always

BWD: Do you have a motto or mission? Is it the hats??!! ;)

the plan or dream to make your sound global?

Matisse & Sadko: Our main mission, no matter how it may sound is to change

Matisse & Sadko: You are pretty right, there’re still so many people not knowing

the world to the better one with our music! It must be the most popular answer

we are from Russia. And we could never really even dream that out tracks would

to this question, but it is how it is. We really want our music to inspire people

ever be played by the global top DJs and we would travel all around the world.

and we want to share our emotions expressed in our music. And for the hats

It’s so amazing and mostly felt like being in a fairytale – because we do what we

you may see us wearing almost every show, - yeah, that’s right; these are our

really love doing and our dreams are coming true. However, it is worth mention-

exclusive mascot from Russia. :)

ing that it is years of sleepless nights and hard work that took us where we are. We’d been through really long and hard times before we started to get noticed.

BWD: Has your music been used in the film or gaming industry? If not, are there any plans?

BWD: The progressive house bombs just keep on coming! Making the Top10

Matisse & Sadko: Well, some music of ours has been definitely used by the

Beat Hits; not once, not twice. Try 8 consecutive times since 2013! What in-

computer gaming industry. But to be honest, our golden dream is to record a

spires your musical flow and the creativity that it takes to turn a beat into a

full soundtrack for some cool and popular movie. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance

completed art form? Also, what influences the titles of your masterpieces?

one day.

Matisse & Sadko: Thanks, it’s really nice to know people follow up our success :) Indeed, some of our tracks have topped many charts during this time. By the

BWD: Globally, the Ladies WILL want to know… Are you single? (Proceed

way, it’s really motivating – our success makes us believe there’s nothing impos-

with caution on this one! You wouldn’t want your timeline to blow up with

sible, even for such regular guys as we are. Inspiration is such a special thing

dating requests!) Ha Ha ;))

that may come not only when watching a famous world’s festival aftermovie,

Matisse & Sadko: There’s nothing to hide, really! Ladies, we are not taken and

but also after a good walking around the night city. Always carry a laptop with

open for meeting someone special :) Btw, it’s been a long time since Sadko

you to write down your ideas – it’s all you need :) When it comes to making up

started dreaming about his elder brother Matisse getting married, and who

track names, we actually often have to ask our musician friends for advice as it’s

knows, after this interview his dream may finally come true :)

always been kind of a problem for us. BWD: And finally, what will your next project be? What can we look forward BWD: You’ve been an ever growing US fan favorite since 2010 with very

to in the coming months from Matisse & Sadko? Clothing Label, Videos,

many accomplishments along the way. What is your most memorable

Performances, etc.…Any dates we should be looking to circle on our calen-

achievement to date and why?

dars? Where shall we be sending the paparazzi’s?!… ;))

Matisse & Sadko: We will never forget our first trip to the USA, it was a small

Matisse & Sadko: We are definitely not going to speed down and take a rest!

touring with the first show given in the LIV Club (Miami). We couldn’t really

You will be amazed of how hardworking Matisse & Sadko can be :) New tracks,

express the feelings after the show – it was fantastic, giving us the feeling of

interesting collaborations, our brand new show and the freshest project MONo-

performing a show on another planet! There were so many awesome beautiful

MARK Music are just around the corner! Apart from this we will keep making

girls dancing around and Hulk Hogan himself was having a cocktail with us

the best of our shows and taking part in the world’s hottest festivals, so you are

in the green room! Then we continued discovering the US with a show in the

more than welcome to hire some paparazzi to follow us everywhere! :)

legendary NY Pacha and visited some other cities afterwards. There was also an BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 11

HEALTHY FOOD... ORGANIC TURNIPS Healthy Food and those ‘Organic’ Turnips INTRODUCTION

The Big Deal

These end-products hook on to proteins creating aldehydes which in effect neutralize them therefore shutting down our

cellular DNA. The cells cannot reproTo a large extent we have been misled away from true food duce themselves normally leading to safety into the arena of organic food, free range, and genetiorgan dysfunction and eventually cancer. We see them mostly cally engineered foods which to a very small extent effects our lives. Perhaps how you cook your food is more important. in diabetics but by eating meats cooked this way, we basically create diabetes in ourselves. They can however, be neutralized

by marinating the meat prior to cooking, and taking Carnosine, Benfotiamine and Pyridoxal-phosphate. Why not do both? Da,

Cheffing

Previously we discussed over cooking meats (well done) and how it creates heterocyclicamines that are cancer causing chemicals. Yummy, that end piece! But there is something else with high

a, a, a, ………..!

Tail-gate Suicide

On television, all afternoon everyday there are a gazillion cooking shows like Paula Dean with her diabetes cooking chocolate pies with chocolate chips on top. Now that’s the height of hypocrisy!

temperature cooking like grilling, fried, and broiled (temperatures Shame on her! Why not a cooking show on HOW to cook safely? over 300 degrees) that creates advanced glycation end products To give you an idea on the levels of the A.G.E. in various meats, (A.G.E.). So what’s the big deal!

raw beef, 636 per serving which is low, Microwave beef at 2,400 which is moderate. Grilled beef at 6,600 which is too high. Pan fried beef at 9,000 which is toxic and broiled beef hot dog at

12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

Dr. David L Vastola runs a private practice in Palm Beach, Florida, specializing in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is often called the Sherlock Holmes of Medicine for uncovering problems that other medical professionals missed. He has 4 books, 5 children, has been married for 34 years, has an assistant lovingly named Patrick the Poodle, and is showcasing a new TV pilot called, Good Health Hunting, at film festivals. Dr. Vastola also has an extensive media experience as a medical and nutrition expert on WJNO Radio, Fox News and CBS 12 News in Florida. His new book Fountain of Youth: Nutritional Therapies (Carrel Books/Skyhorse Publishing) is due for release in July 2015.

MONTHLY ‘TIPS’ COLUMN

10,000 which is “don’t buy any long playing albums”. I would take Carnosine, 1000mg daily as a precaution which is safe and been shown to get rid of those wrinkles too which are by the way a manifestation of A.G.E. particles. So when you see someone looking like a saddle bag with eyes you know that they are a fan of Paula Dean and grilling like crazy. I call it, “The Tail Gate Syndrome”!

Brought to you by:

Dr. David L Vastola Website: www.yourgoodhealthfl.com/dr-david-vastola/ Twitter: @DrDavidVastola Facebook: Dr David L Vastola Photo Credits: Dr. David L Vastola - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 13

It’s Thanksgiving! Tips for baking your gluten-free desserts!

One trick of course is to try making desserts that don’t use flour

Turkey, the trimmings and assorted pies for dessert, what could be better?

flours can vary so much (almond, chickpea, sorghum, tapioca, etc.)

as the star ingredient (see below). Since non-gluten containing they don’t always react the same with other ingredients in the same way. Some cooks swap out some flour with other add-ins.

Can you believe it’s almost Thanksgiving? Now is the time when a

For example, a recipe that calls for two cups of all-purpose flour

lot of us who have gluten allergies tend to look a little forlorn at

may get changed to one and half cups of gluten-free flour and a

the dinner table pining for a piece of that apple or pumpkin pie.

half cup of ground oats. Remember that any recipe that calls for

The good news is that baking without the offending wheat, barley

more than one and half cups of alternative flour needs a binding

or rye flours is easier than ever. But it’s not just about the flour, it’s

agent. The one used most is xanthan gum.

more about process. Gluten-free is not the same as carbohydrate free, so try to turn your attention to foods that are naturally sans

Gluten-free baking can feel like conducting a science experiment

gluten instead of seeking out the gluten-free versions of tradi-

sometimes and just hoping for the best and with all the gluten-

tionally wheat based pasta, crackers and bread.

free flour choices there are nowadays there is a lot of potential for missteps. Not only that but the alternative flours can all have

On to cooking tips for the family member(s) who can’t participate.

very different taste results. One very good all-purpose flour with

You have to remember about utensils when cooking for a family

very little if ANY different taste is Cup 4 Cup, and it’s highly rec-

where only one or maybe even two of you are gluten intolerant

ommended to try it.

while the rest love their gluten. Sharing a spatula for gluten-free pancakes with regular ones is very much a no-no! While you can

There are a lot of good recipes for gluten-free pie crust out there

of course use the same pots and pans you need to make sure you

for those who really want a traditional apple or pumpkin pie. But

clean them very well in between uses. Even gluten-free cookies

if the mood strikes why not try this no flour gluten-free recipe for

need to be on their own platter instead of next to regular ones.

chocolate cream pie from bon appétit?!

Even crumbs can make some of us very sick!

all hands on deck DJ SPOTLIGHT

Artist Development Series

MONTHLY FEATURE There has always been a great deal of discussion, often heated,

requests for the song in order to show a strong level of public interest

between music artists and the purveyor of artist services. (i.e. marketing

in the music. Some songs just seem to have an instant appeal, you hear

and promotion) This has centered around whether independent or up

it and it’s a hit. It breaks through. Not every song of course has this

and coming artists should be required to pay for “promotional services”.

quality. Commercial radio station playlists in particular are very tight

As someone who has seen it from multiple angles; as a service provider,

but why should any station continue to play music from an indie artist

as an artist manager and as a DJ who engaged some of the same meth-

that’s not getting support from fans?

ods as artists I feel I’m in a unique position. Fans. That elusive entity that every artist needs to survive. They are Every artist’s purports to have a team of people, supporters around

the key for any artist that wishes to minimize promotion costs. What

them to assist with different aspects of their advancing career. As an

becomes apparent real quick in this business however is that many

independent artist in a given locality have you been able to mobilize

artists really haven’t built themselves a working fan base and this

these people to be and bolster your fan base? At this point you need

dooms them. Sometimes when an artist has asked me to play their

everyone available. It makes no difference if they are friends, rela-

music I tell them to send it to my email and that if I get a certain

tives, co-workers or anyone else as long as they are willing to help in

number of requests via social media or callers I’ll play it. Simple right?

some way. Show promoters will often have artists pay a fee to enter a

If that doesn’t work for them then I put them in our Go or No segment

showcase, tickets then may be given to

where my panel and callers rate their

artist to sell to recoup the performance

song. Here the artist has the chance to

fee. The artist may also elect to give

directly influence the outcome by get-

the tickets away free for the fans to

ting their fans to support their music.

come see them perform. This allows

For a song that’s just hot, it’s no problem

the promoter see which artists have a

but for a song on the bubble it could

viable fan base that will come out to

keep it from being tossed. The same

support them.

thing applies when an indie requests an interview which is something that

As a DJ, radio host and writer for various

I do charge for. I will consider waiving

publications I often have artists or their

the fee if the artist shows they have the

representatives approach me to play

level of fan support that would justify it.

their music or to interview them for a radio show or magazine. As far

If you’re unable to get your folks, that are supposed to be your support

as airplay is concerned I firmly feel it should always be free, there is

team to make a call or do a tweet on your behalf, I hate to break it to

however a big difference between airplay and promotion. Many have

you but it’s going to be unlikely that they are going to buy your music,

gotten the idea that spending any money towards marketing and pro-

your t-shirt or come to see you perform.

motion is “payola”. Airplay is when a song is played randomly, there is no rotation. Promotion on the other hand involves rotation and the DJs

Every radio station, publication or marketing company has taken the

“pushing” the song to the point of saturation, making everyone aware

time and spent the money that it took in order to raise their visibility

of the song and artist. This in turn helps increase the artist’s popular-

in the marketplace in order to make them attractive to do business

ity and thus their ability to earn income via sales of music, publishing,

with. Consider the overhead cost relating to site hosting, upkeep and

merchandise and live performances increase exponentially due to this

maintenance you can also include staffing and graphic design. Also

exposure. There are people along the way that made this possible for

the time spent securing interviews and magazine layout.

the artist. How should they be compensated? Many radio stations of every type and in every market will give local talent an opportunity to crack their playlist. This requires the artist to merely generate enough

(Continued Page 19) BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 15

pyramids on mars Pyramids on Mars is music that really sounds like it’s from Mars!!

Pyramids on Mars is music that really sounds like it’s from Mars!!

“Of course Satriani is a huge influence on me”, he says. “But he (Satriani) does more of a bluesy thing. I am more influenced by classical music. I absolutely love baroque classical composers J.S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. They are a paradigm shift for me, and are my biggest musical influences. I spent 3 years in fact, studying classical guitar.

Every once in a while there comes along a band that is so differ-

Mix my classical influences with all the bands I grew up listening to

ent or unique, you would think they were dropped on Earth from

like Rush, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ministry, Pink Floyd for example, and

another planet. Pyramids on Mars, is one of those bands.

bands like Meshuggah, I am a blend of it all. And much more....”

What first catches you, is that they are an instrumental band. A

Kevin recorded, produced, engineered and mastered his first debut

combination of elements such as hard rock, industrial, metal and

CD, self titled “Pyramids on Mars” released in 2013. He performed

psychedelic rock. And then... the lead guitar comes soaring in.

all the instruments on the album and did all the drum program-

Well crafted, beautiful, melodic phrases so catchy and memorable

ming. He has been capturing music industry attention, and getting

they will be stuck in your head the rest of the day. The guitar has

international radio airplay in the U.S, Canada, South America and

become the “vocals” of the music. As the solo project of guitarist

Europe. Pyramids on Mars continue to gain a tremendous amount

Kevin Estrella, he wanted to do something musically different that

of fans worldwide on Jango Radio, Soundcloud, Reverbnation and

would stand out from the crowd.

Twitter. His goals are to continue to build a loyal fan base and bring his powerful, ambient music to the masses.

“Pyramids on Mars is the embodiment of who I am, really. My musical influences, my philosophies on life, the universe and our place in it.”

Pyramids on Mars really is music from the Mystical Red Planet.

Kevin went on to say, “I have always been attracted to space, and a lot of my sound is influenced from my childhood growing up in the ‘70’s.

Contact Information:

Some of my favorite TV shows back then were Star Trek and Space: 1999. Plus I am a huge Rush and Pink Floyd fan! Thus I use a lot

Website: www.pyramidsonmars.com

of analog synthesizers like the Minimoog and Oberheim Polyphonic.

Twitter: @PyramidsOnMars_

Predominant of the ‘70’s era and used exclusively by those bands. They are just so warm and mysterious sounding, they resonate with me.”

Facebook: PyramidsonMars Youtube: PyramidsOnMarsBand Email: Pyramidsonmarsradio@gmail.com

His musical style is very similar to world renowned rock guitarist Joe Satriani. So much Kevin has nicknamed himself the “Satriani of the North.” 16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

mike hawkins

resh out of Denmark, the beautiful kingdom respon-

After his 2014 hit single, “Soldiers”, released on Sander van Doorn’s,

sible for giving us Carlsberg and Danish pastry, Mike

Doorn Records, with plays reaching far into the millions and sup-

Hawkins is rapidly ascending towards international

port from every celebrated DJ on the planet, what followed was the

stardom. Born and raised in the city of Aarhus, Mike

formation of a new sound in the Electronic Music world, one that

is truly a jack of all trades - from producing, DJ’ing

has not only been embraced but praised by industry heavyweights

and founding a highly successful, in demand record label to mas-

and fans, both new and old to the scene, alike. In 2015 Mike has

terminding festivals for tens of thousands in his home country of

collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business

Denmark, Mike Hawkins has only just begun on his journey.

including both DVBBS & BORGEOUS and you can expect Mike to continue his persistent output of originals, remixes and collabora-

With a relentless slew of productions released across the inter-

tions, as well as touring Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

national market on Spinnin, Ultra and Warner plus heavyweight imprints including EMI, Hysteria, Parlophone, Positiva and Size

TOUR DATES

Records. Garnering support from Tiesto, Hardwell, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Zedd, W&W, Martin Garrix,

11/14/2015

Braga, Portugal

Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Tommy Trash, Sander van Doorn, Showtek

12/4/2015

Bankgok, Thialand

and countless more AAA DJs has led to features in most of the pre-

12/5/2015

Myst - Shanghai, China

mium dance outlets, such as Billboard, Dancing Astronaut, DJ Mag,

12/17/2015

Drais Las Vegas

Elektro & Vibe plus consistent BBC Radio 1 & Sirius XM air play!

12/18/2015

Ruby Skye - San Francisco

12/19/2015

Foundation - Seattle, Washington

Proving all the press and support is well deserved has come in the fashion of continuous remix requests from the worlds most in demand artists like, Zedd & Martin Garrix. Additionally, Mike’s tracks have repeatedly made waves in all the major electronic

Contact Information

music charts - “Jump!” released on Hysteria, quickly sky rocketed into the Beatport overall top 5 and was followed up by “Hot Steppa”

Website: www.mikehawkins.nu

on Spinnin hitting the #10 overall spot! Further, “Ulysses” on Size,

Twitter: @djmikehawkins

“Let’s Go” on Ultra and “Bangover” on Spinin all landed in the top

Facebook: MikeHawkins

25. Moreover, Mike’s label, Megaton Records, has released 25 tracks

Instagram: djmikehawkins

during its, impressive, inaugural year with cuts from Mike himself,

Soundcloud.com: MikeHawkins

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Henry Fong, Tony Romera, Pelari & Bass Kleph amongst others.

Monthly inspiration There is joy in achieving

have what it takes to discover your purpose and walk in it. You have what

your dreams. A satisfaction

it takes to be who God has called you to be.

comes when you know you are walking in your purpose

Never allow anyone or anything belittle you. Not even yourself. See yourself

and doing all that God has

through the eyes of God, see yourself the way God sees you. Start taking

called you to do. We all have

steps towards achieving that dream.

dreams we want accomplished but most times it’s

So you want to be a designer? Take that first step. You want to start a nurs-

taking that first step that’s

ery school/daycare? Start from where you are. You want to be a writer or a

our challenge. The fear of

singer? Pick up your pen, start writing or your computer, start typing. Sing

the unknown holds us back.

the songs in your heart to your phones. Thank God for technology. What is

A wise friend once said to

that thing you are passionate about? Just take that first step of faith and

me ‘It is the steps of a righteous man that the Lord orders, not the intentions

see God order your steps.

or the thoughts’. Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way.

Truth is that if you do not work towards achieving your dreams, God will raise someone else to do same. Haven’t you noticed that certain desires you

You might say but I don’t have what it takes, I don’t have the right connec-

have had in your heart but have not done anything about them, you see or

tions. I don’t have the full package, I don’t even possess the necessary skills

hear someone else doing the exact same thing?

or characteristics. I have been inspired and challenged by certain people who have taken that

Philippians 3:13 says ‘I can do all things through Christ who

first step and are excelling. I too have taken that first step so I just wanted

strengthens me’. My favourite version of the bible ‘The Message

to encourage you to do same.

puts it this way ‘Whatever I have, Wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am’ Wow! Such profound

You can do all things through Christ. You can make it, you have what it takes.

words. You can make it through anything in the One (Jesus) who

Be Inspired! With Love, Eloho

has made you what you are. @Elohoefemuai | Facebook: Elohosmusic | elohoefemuai.co.uk So permit me to tell you! You have what it takes to achieve your dreams, you 18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com

ALL HANDS ON DECK

(Continued)

It is this that has attracted you to them and caused you to wish to have

product to drive sales and then when you add in competition it becomes

your song played on their station or your article placed in their magazine.

a cost of doing business.

They have already done what it is that you as an artist need to do. They have fans, they have people who listen to or read and enjoy their content.

There are thousands of independent artists vying for attention and while

They have a brand and space is always at a premium for magazines that

you may sternly believe that it all should be based on the merits of the

are available in print. By pushing your music, interviewing you or placing

music, the business of music or any business for that matter doesn’t work

your article, you really need to be able to bring fans to that station, show

that way, it really doesn’t. You can turn on the TV and you will see some

or magazine for it to have maximum value for them. The artist should

of the same commercials over and over again. While you may see some

always be looking to maximize their exposure, letting family know, get-

from local businesses looking to increase customers and the ones with

ting the word out on social media etc. letting everyone know that they are

the heaviest airplay are from well-known international companies like

going to be here or there and to tune in or watch for them. The same art-

McDonald’s, Walmart and Apple computers. You would think that after

ist that thinks they shouldn’t have to pay for promotion often is the same

years of success, many happy customers and “billions and billions sold”

artist that doesn’t think that they have to promote their music.

that continued word of mouth and goodwill would be enough to sustain these companies’ profits. They see the value in marketing and promotion

Each person or business always has a choice; pay more or do more. That

and so should you. If you want the treatment and consideration of a major

is pay someone to do it or do it yourself. A business or even family needs

artist then start behaving like and doing the work of one.

to be able to do some things in-house in order to be successful as it helps to keep costs down. At a certain point though it can become self-

.....Written by DJ Sincere

defeating. We’ve all seen what a poorly conceived sloppy cut and paste

DJ SINCERE for DRTBSMNT MULTIMEDIA

CD cover or flyer looks like. What did you think when you saw it? I’m guessing not well. The music may have been good and the event could be

Media Contact Information:

greatly conceived and organized but you may never know due to the poor

Twitter: @Drtybsmnt

packaging. It’s kind of like home depot. Not everyone is cut out for DIY

Facebook (MultiMedia) /Drtybsmnt

and all they do is mess up their house. You don’t want to mess up your

budding career so just like that homeowner you may want to consider

DJ Sincere is the founder of Drtybsmnt Multimedia, mobile/mixtape DJ,

professional assistance. The point of advertising any product is to raise the awareness of that

syndicated radio host and columnist.

BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 19

20 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com