Loud&Clear Magazine - No. 20

No. 20 // 2024

PERSONALITY AS BRIGHT AS HER SMILE

Interview by Melissa Velasco

ALEXIS BERENT actrESS COVER PHOTO: ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRPAHY LOCATION: NEW MEXICO

COME TO THE WATER BAILEY ELOR A song produced by the spot studios | MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY JORGE ARANA

“COME TO THE WATER” OUT NOW! SONG + VIDEO Spotify

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YouTube

Apple Music

www.melissavelascobooks.com

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LOUD & CLEAR LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE THAT IS DISTRIBUTED GLOBALLY. DIGITAL LINKS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE AT THIS TIME. FOUNDER & PUBLISHER DAVE NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine CREATIVE d&p MEDIA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado MELISSA VELASCO // @melissa.velasco.31508 JAY MADHATTER // @city_built_music G.A. JOHNSON // @ga_the_novelist PHOTOGRAPHERS (REGULARS) DAVID R. NAVARRO // @_designprint JONATHAN WOODEN // @jzw_photo DONTE TOUSSAINT // @d_2_shootz JACQUELYN LOVE // @jacqui0002 DOUG MUNGAVIN // @dougmungavinphoto ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com COPYRIGHTS LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.

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NATALIE MARSEILLES @natalie_marseilles DAVID R. NAVARRO @_designprint

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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CONTENTS SPECIAL S/O

2 Bailey Elora SINGER-SONGWRITER + ALT/ROCK BAND 3 Melissa Velasco AUTHOR + STAGE MANAGER “Hollywood High Chronicles” 4 Natalie Marsielles MODEL 5 G.A. Johnson AUTHOR + MARKETING GURU “A More Perfect Union” 38 Monie Jonezy ACTOR + COMEDIAN 48 Eryn Bent SINGER-SONGWRITER 49 Planet of the Tapes DJ DIAMOND “THE ARTIST” LL COOL J GEECHIE DAN 50 Sedrick Montano FATHER + BARBER + MODEL + ACTOR Known for: “P-Valley” “Better Call Saul” “Breaking Bad” “Prison Break”

SPECIAL FEATURE 8-9

CHOICE SKINNER // Actor + Director + Producer Custom Suit by @chinedustyle, Hat by @bailey_hats

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST

10-11 HALI DURAN // Composer + Photographer + Editor

LOUD&CLEAR SPOTLIGHT

12-22 NATALIE MARSIELLES // Model Photos by DAVID R. NAVARRO @_designprint

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 23

BAILEY ELORA, MELISSA VELASCO, SLAPP TURNER, CHRIS WALDRON, KEVEN CHAMBERS, LILLIAN AVERY CORDERO

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

24-25 BAR404 NYE FAVS... by Dave COME TO THE WATER // Bailey Elora @baileyelora I’D RATHER DIE // Bailey Elora @baileyelora OVERFLOW // May Be Fern @maybefern I CAN’T CRY // May Be Fern @maybefern ESTABAMOS // Jozer G @jozergmusic CHILE CON QUESO // Jozer G @jozergmusic BOTTOMLESS ft. Elijah & Cousin Ben // Smiley Gatmouth @smileygatmouth IF I HAD A SOUL // Smiley Gatmouth @smileygatmouth ICARUS // Circles We Draw @circleswedraw ENDLESS PATHWAYS // Circles We Draw @circleswedraw

COVER FEATURE

26-35 ALEXIS BERENT // Actress Interview by Melissa Velasco, Cover Photo by Arianne Martin Other photographers credited on images within interview.

@EAT.TRAVEL.TYPE.COLORADO 36-37 ALOHA

by Author Russ Ray

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ALEXIS BERENT PAGE 26-35

Photo by FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ taken at the Chelsea Film Festival, NYC.

MODEL FEATURES 39 40-41 42-43 44-45

KOURTNEY KEMP // @osterholtz LILLIAN AVERY CORDERO // @osterholtz KOURTNEY KEMP // @osterholtz ASHLYN QUINTANA // @djannetteo

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

46-47 MATT AUSTIN & THE ACCUSED // Country Rock Band - NM LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 7

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Choice

SPECIAL FEATURE

skinner

Hailing from Brooklyn New York Choice Skinner’s influence as an award winning, actor, director, writer and producer can be seen in such projects as the multiaward winning dramatic short films “Brotherly Love”, and “Black Lightning - Tobias’s Revenge”. In the past h e has participated in and won Oscar winning actress Octavia Spencer’s Facebook Short Film Competition with the short “A Second Thought”. Choice has helped many actors to success as a 12 year devoted acting coach through his acting studio (BTAW), the “Breakin Through Acting Workshop”. In 2014 a production partnership with Vincenzo Productions owned and operated by writer producer Tony Germinario birthed the opportunity for him to direct his first full length feature film “Wingman, Inc.” released by Lionsgate.

Recently, Choice starred in an episode of the CW’s television show “All American” and is in post-production putting the final touches on his second feature film, a Christian drama entitled “Keep The Faith” and has completed his third feature film, a romantic dramedy entitled “A New Life”.

IMDb Mini Biography By: James Gruzanski Choice, how are you? Thank you so much for taking time out of your day. Tell us how you got started in the film industry?

Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. I originally moved to Los Angeles from Georgia to pursue a music career during the 90’s. I witnessed the fall of R&B during that era and eventually migrated over to stunts because of my martial arts background. My stunt instructor Art Camacho told me to “learn acting” as that would open the possibility of more stunt work.

Instead, I eased out of stunts and got addicted to acting which opened up more work for me in film and television.

From there I just moved into all the different aspects of filmmaking that was available like writing, producing and directing.

Who or What inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? Great question!

I come from a family that was influenced heavily by music and film. I give a lot of credit to my mother Beverly Skinner as she educated me on all that she loved and knew about entertainment, which was A LOT! She was big on knowing names of film actors and films from all eras. Throughout my career, I looked up to Prince the artist as I always respected his work ethic and his drive of raising the bar and his strive for perfection. Bruce Lee was another person whose tenacity and passion inspired me as well. That man broke barriers.

(Excerp from Loud&Clear Issue No. 11 - Cover Feature and Interview).

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LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 2024 // No. 20

Distinguished Artist hali duran // multiFACEted artist COMPOSER + photographER + EDITOR

Hali Duran is a multifaceted creative that specializes in music composition, photography, content creation, editing, acting, and “momming” (this includes homeschooling her two children and taking care of her many different animals). She enjoys combining her love for film with her love for music.

Musically, she is a multi-award winning fiddler/ violinist and composer. She has performed with local orchestras, quartets, trios, and duets, as well as local bands. Hali has produced over six music albums. She is also a multi-instrumentalist and her experience includes violin, piano, guitar, mandolin, cello, and voice. She has also taught violin privately. She most recently scored the music for the short film “Soul Mates”.

As a filmmaker, Her short film “The Journey Home” was nominated for Best Director. under her former production company, Tasty Dirt Productions, she produced, directed, edited and composed the music for numerous shorts and commercials. Hali has helped on other sets in various roles including script supervisor, 1st AD, sound, and camera operator. Her short “Da Capo” took fourth place in the Serious Film Challenge 2. She was also able to work on Zack Snyder’s ‘Batman Vs. Superman’. Hali has also done some acting on ‘Waco: The Aftermath ‘, and had the privilege of acting alongside her son for two commercials.

She attended Berklee Online where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Professional Studies in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games. She had the privilege of studying under Pinar Toprak, Ben Newhouse, Michael Sweet, and many other

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talented individuals.

GET IN TOUCH

www.HaliDuran.com www.imdb.me/HaliDuran contact@HaliDuran.com Call/Text: 575-494-6881

‘Soul Mates’ musical score

‘Into the Woods’ musical score

When an elderly couple learns one of them has only six months to live, they must decide how to spend the rest of this life and how to recognize each other in the next. Full score suite for the short film “Soul Mates”. Written by Jim Sea. Directed by Michelle Tomlinson.

After a mysterious encounter with a stranger on a hike leaves her lost in the woods, a woman must rely solely on her will to survive.

A short film a written by Jim Sea and directed by Michelle Tomlinson. Music by Hali Duran.

musical score LINK:

https://soundcloud.com/hali-duran/soulmates-score-suite-no-2-pop?si=6b8c4cb079cc4147b4a3d0845d49d74f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_ sharing

Short film written and directed by Hali Duran. Music

by Hali Duran. Thesis project for Berklee Online.

musical score LINK:

Soundtrack score for the short film “Into the Woods”. https://soundcloud.com/hali-duran/sets/into-the-wo ods-short-film-score?si=68edca337f2641de8d3eb30d01ec2254&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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NATATLIE MARSEILLES @natalie_marseilles

LOUD& CLEAR SPOTLIGHT

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TM

E N T E R TA I N M E N T I N D U S T RY N E W S by david r. navarro

BAILEY ELORA’S “COME TO THE WATER” MUSIC VIDEO REACHES 2.7K YOUTUBE VIEWS

Denver, CO - Bailey Elora’s “Come To The Water” hits 2.5k Views on YouTube! Directed and Produced by Jorge Arana, Bailey Elora’s new music video has been a great addition to her continued success. Stay tuned, many more great things to come. https://youtu.be/nXaOw4w4CaY?si=QlcvXaepixzIibqK

AUTHOR MELISSA VELASCO RELEASES HOLLYWOOD HIGH CHRONICLES 5TH BOOK IN SERIES Albuquerque, NM - Book Five: “Aftershock”, of the Hollywood High Chronicles series is now available!!!

Signed copies of book 5 available at: www.hollywoodhighchronicles.com Paperback and ebook available on Amazon.

Photographer: Tino Duvick of Broken Chain Photography Models: Leah Franco, Maddie Dawn Cordero, Julian Gopal, Winslow Trullinger, Abby Max, Gabrielle Chevalier, and Shylo Molina.

Hair and Makeup: Nathaniel Garcia With: Deidre Michelle, Christina Gopal, Amy Chevalier, and April Molina.

SLAPP TURNER RELEASES NEW SINGLE, BREAK THE CYCLE (SLOW DOWN, GROW UP) San Jose, CA - Hip Hop artist and music producer, Slapp Turner releases new hit single, “Break The Cycle (Slow Down, Grow Up)”. Streaming now on all platforms. Follow Slapp Turner at: @slappturner Link to song: https://open.spotify.com/album/1EhaMdr7RiMNTmIEayL0MI?si=mw8-JtCySf-6XRsqaWHnuw

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CHRIS WALDRON IS PUBLISHING A NEW ILLUSTRATED BOOK FEATURING COLORADO’S BEST DJS Colorado Springs, CO - Chris Waldron aka Dj Chris Diablo, one of Colorado’s most well known DJ’s is introducing as he calls it, “a work in progress” an illustrated book/coloring book called, The Original No Cap Graphic Novel/ Coloring Book on the History of Colorado’s Best DJ’s. Chris is a DJ with 30 years of experience and a large resume with over 5,000 events.

He says something like this has never been done before. Not only will this book be a fun way to share his craft, but also create a directory of Colorado’s best you want to make a donation, DJs. A Kickatarter Crowdfunding reach out to Chris Waldron at: campaign will be srtated soon. If djchrisdiablo@yahoo.com

ACTOR KEVIN CHAMBERS AND HIS TEAM LAND TWO AWARDS AT SHOW LOW FILM FESTIVAL Albuquerque, NM - Actor Kevin Chambers poses with his awards from the Show Low Film Festival in Arizona for Best VFX and Best Syfy Short for 6 - 10 minutes. This guy is amazing, be sure to follow Kevin at: @thekevchambers

LILLIAN AVERY CORDERO SIGNS WITH DME TALENT AGENCY’S MODEL DIVISION Albuquerque, NM - Lillian Avery Cordero signs a representation agreement with DMe Talent Agency’s Model Division. Owner Diedre Michelle says, “We are honored and excited to represent Lillian. Her potential in the industry is bright and we cannot wait to help her on her journey, and find success in her craft.” Follow and Book Model Lillian Avery Cordero at: @lillian.avery.c @dmetalentagency11 Photo by Alan Osterholtz @osterholtz

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10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BAR404 NYE FAVS

by Dave

BAILEY ELORA @baileyelora // ANDREW ORTEGA @aperture.ortega

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COME TO THE WATER // Bailey Elora @baileyelora I’D RATHER DIE // Bailey Elora @baileyelora OVERFLOW // May Be Fern @maybefern I CAN’T CRY // May Be Fern @maybefern ESTABAMOS // Jozer G @jozergmusic CHILE CON QUESO // Jozer G @jozergmusic BOTTOMLESS ft. Elijah & Cousin Ben // Smiley Gatmouth @smileygatmouth IF I HAD A SOUL // Smiley Gatmouth @smileygatmouth ICARUS // Circles We Draw @circleswedraw ENDLESS PATHWAYS // Circles We Draw @circleswedraw LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 25

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Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

alexis berent Personality as bright as her smile Interview by MELISSA VELASCO for Loud&Clear Magazine @melissa.velasco.31508 // @loudandclearmagazine

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Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

“ I’ve worked in a lot of shows, and had a lot of recurring roles, but I can still go about my day-to-day life. Actors are just normal people.”

–Alexis Berent, Actress

Alexis Alexis Berent is an emerging talent in the entertainment industry, known for her captivating performances and dynamic range. Alexis developed a passion for acting at a young age.

She honed her skills through local theater productions and was recognized for her natural talent and dedication to the craft. She earned a degree in Film Studies from Eastern Michigan University before relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to pursue a career as an actress.

Alexis made her breakthrough with her role as Rachel Jones in the hit Showtime series “Waco: The Aftermath” and recently finished filming for feature film “And On The Eighth Day” starring Phoebe Tonkin and Darren Mann.

In addition to her work on screen, Alexis also continues her work in the theater as a director for youth theater programs.

Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

As she continues to build her career, Alexis Berent remains a promising and versatile actress to watch in the years to come.

–Bio from IMDb In a charming coffee shop, hidden at the back a whimsical outdoor shopping path in Old Town Albuquerque, I sat down across from a lovely woman. Her smile was bright, her disposition charming. Alexis has an ageless, timeless, grace. Mature and poised, but also youthful, I found myself thinking that Alexis could play any role, from a high school teen to a twenty-something intellectual. Considering that we were strangers, I was excited to find out more about Alexis Berent. I soon discovered that she’s professional, with a personality that shines as brightly as her smile. Relaxed and friendly, Alexis quickly proved to be easy to talk with.

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Melissa Velasco: What do you do?

Alexis Berent: I’m an actress. . . a SAG-AFTRA actress.

I primarily do film and television.

Melissa: How long have you been an actress?

Alexis: I’ve been working professionally for three or four Melissa: What was the catalyst that led you to switch to professional work?

Alexis: Getting an agent was definitely a game changer when it came to working professionally. I moved to Albuquerque in 2020 to pursue professional acting. The first step was getting an agent, and I was signed by Mitchell and Associates Talent. I knew that’s what I needed to do to pursue a career.

Melissa: Once you got an agent, what was the next step?

Alexis: Initially, I started auditioning for a lot of shorts. I think I was being tested out, seeing what I could do on a professional level. So, mostly commercial work, and shorts. My first booking was a commercial. Then once I got my feet wet, I started doing a lot of television, and now I’ve been doing bigger television auditions and auditions for feature films.

Melissa: That’s so exciting! What is the best part about what you do?

Alexis: It’s always exciting. You never know what you’re going to walk into with every job. You’re always being put into a new environment with new people. Overall, I’m a pretty introverted person and I don’t put myself in those situations in my own social life. It’s nice to be pushed into meeting new people, getting to do new things, and having new experiences.

Alexis Berent with her friend and actress Audrey Morrison.

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Melissa: Do you ever come up against a role that challenges you?

Alexis: Oh yeah.

Melissa: How do you approach those challenging roles?

Alexis: It’s a lot of focusing on your mental state and pushing past your own boundaries. I’ve done roles where I’m being assaulted. I have to realize that this isn’t reality. It’s fiction.

This isn’t really happening to me, but as an actor I have to get into the mindset that this is happening to me so I can play the part. It can do a lot to your psyche. The psychological aspect is challenging.

Melissa: Do you ever have a hard time coming out of a role and back into yourself?

Alexis: I never have, but I haven’t had a lot of roles where I’ve been pushed for long amounts of time. I can understand how that does happen to a lot of actors. I can see how you get stuck if you work for a long time in a role.

Melissa: Do you ever get offered a role and realize that you don’t want to go to the place in yourself that you must face to play the character?

Alexis: Definitely. It usually affects me in the actual moment on the day of filming. I always think, “Oh, I can do it when it’s time to film.” Then I’m actually there and have to convince myself that it’s fine and I can do this. Sometimes I’m doing a scary scene, and I’m forced to be afraid. I ask myself why I’m forcing myself into a scary situation. [Laughs.]

Melissa: What does a general work month look like for you?

Alexis: The general month is lots of auditions. Especially in the last year. It’s been really slow because of industry strikes. SAG/ AFTRA struck at the same time as the writers’ strike, then IATSE considered a strike. A lot of work that was supposed to come here left the country because they didn’t want to risk it.

Now, there’s a video game union strike. In the past two months things are picking back up. I’ve been getting a lot of auditions.

So, it’s audition, audition, audition. Hope, hope, hope. Maybe I get callbacks, and it leads to a role.

Melissa: When you’re not on set, do you do other forms of work in the interim?

Alexis: Yes. I do photo double and stand in work. Those are both production related and keep me on set. It gives me a chance to network. It keeps me motivated. I prefer to be on set instead of getting a job outside of the industry. It’s good practice, especially when I photo double, because they’ll often have me run scenes. I commit to the work that I do, and I don’t want a job outside of the industry to distract me from the industry work

I want to do. I know myself, and the steadier work might pull me out of the element of what I want to be doing because it would be easier to work a steadier job. I don’t want that. I can’t risk auditions and callbacks because I have a job that’s not industry related.

Melissa: What are your long-term plans in the industry?

Alexis: My long-term plan is to be a working actor. This is how I make a living, and my career. I don’t want to become a super famous person, especially after meeting so many celebrities that can’t even leave their house. It’s unnecessary. You don’t have to be a famous actor to make a living in this business. I want to be perfectly in the middle. I want to be well known enough to consistently book jobs, but not so well known that I lose my privacy.

Melissa: Absolutely. It’s nice to be able to go to the coffee shop without being noticed.

Alexis: Absolutely. I’ve worked in a lot of shows, and had a lot of recurring roles, but I can still go about my day-to-day life. Actors are just normal people.

Melissa: There’s a lot of ‘being unsure’ in this business.

How do you deal with not knowing when your next role will land?

Alexis: Umm, that’s a difficult question because I don’t deal with it. I have a lot of hope. I look forward instead of in the past. I can’t stay attached to my auditions. I submit it and forget it. If in three weeks I get a phone call, awesome. If not, I move on. You must or you’ll go crazy. You can’t internalize not getting a role because there are so many factors that go into casting. It can be the slightest thing. . . You’re too tall or have the wrong eye color. You just have to keep going.

Melissa: Rejection is something that is counseled about by every agent I’ve ever known. Is rejection something you internalize, or is it just a part of the job for you?

Alexis: It’s definitely just part of the job, especially at this phase of my career. It has to be. It’s the only way you can be in this industry. You can’t internalize it. It’s why so many people give up after a few years. Your career is going to be full of rejection. That’s more likely than not. You’ll receive more no’s than yes. You just have to learn to get past it.

Melissa: How do you deal with scrutiny of a performance that you’ve given?

Alexis: I try to just accept it. If it’s a casting director giving the critique, I take that seriously. It really depends job to job, and what they’re scrutinizing. I try to have confidence

Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

in myself and my ability. But, I also respect what people are saying and try to see it from their perspective.

Melissa: Do you have advice for actors and actresses that are just starting?

Alexis: My biggest advice is to believe in yourself and keep going. Stay motivated and move past the rejection. It takes ten years to become an “overnight success.” Sometimes it seems like an actor just came out of nowhere and is in everything suddenly. If you really look back, that actor has been doing short films, and working hard for a long time.

It’s all about the hustle and it’s going to take a long time to get to where you want to be. If you can’t accept that it will take a long time, then this isn’t for you.

Most art is long term trajectory if you want a career at it.

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A regular business must have a five-year plan to see success. In the arts, you can double it. There’s a balancing act there.

Melissa: What degree do you have?

Alexis: A bachelor’s in electronic media and film studies, with a theater minor.

Melissa: Your fiancé works in the industry, as well. Is it a good match to partner with another industry professional?

Alexis: It’s a perfect balance for us, specifically because he does behind the scenes. . . He works in production, and I work in front of the camera. He’s making amazing connections. It’s been good for both of us. We’ve been able to help each other.

Melissa: You discussed the importance of an agent to your professional trajectory. How does someone go about getting an agent?

Alexis: For me, when I moved to New Mexico with my fiancé, we knew not a single person. It was also during Covid. It was a big risk, but we got our degrees and didn’t want to stay in Michigan where there’s no industry at all. I Googled and saw Albuquerque, and we decided to check it out. We came here in 2020. I started researching and pulled up the top agencies here. I spent time looking up their requirements. I messaged a bunch of directors that I worked with in college and got three letters of recommendation. Then, I put together a reel. I have a headshot and put together a resumé. I sent it all in to my agent and got a call a month later.

Melissa: Do you still train and take classes?

Alexis: Sort of. Most classes in this area are entry level beginning classes. I’ve taught classes. I still train when something level appropriate is available, because you should always keep training.

Melissa: Are you currently teaching?

Alexis: I teach children’s theater at ‘Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company’. This summer I did two children’s theater camps where we put on Willy Wonka and Seussical. Earlier this year I did 101 Dalmatians at an elementary school. That’s how I started when I was little. It’s fun experiencing the turn around. The kids are so sweet. You hear horror stories from teachers about how kids have no attention span, but the theater kids are different.

Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

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Melissa: What do you have coming out soon?

Alexis: I just went to my first big film premiere in New York. It was quite an experience. My first supporting feature film role.

It’s a film called And on the Eighth Day. It premiered at the

Austin Film Festival, followed by the Chelsea Film Festival in New York. It was the opening film of the festival. It was a pretty big deal to be the opening film. So, I flew down there and got to walk the red carpet with the director and one of the producers.

It was an awesome experience. They had a question-and-answer session that I was a part of.

Melissa: There’s this image that people have of how glamorous being an actress is. How have you found the reality of being a professional actress to differ from the fantasy people have?

Alexis: The reality is that for the majority of working actors, their lives are still the same after becoming a working actor.

People see someone on TV and think, “This person must have money, or this fancy lifestyle.” That’s not true at all. I spend most nights at home with my cats, watching TV. Nothing has really changed. I think that’s a hard reality for people pursuing this career to actually accept. They think that once they get to a certain step, their lives are going to change. It doesn’t. “Once I get an agent, my life is going to change.” It doesn’t. “Once I book this commercial, or I’m on TV, my life will change.” It doesn’t.

Now, for some actors, their life changes after one role. That’s only with the occasional huge role. When you book the lead for

the hottest TV show, your life might change, but for the most part, actors live pretty normal lifestyles. Sometimes, I’ll be in big moments that I thought would be life changing in moment of satisfaction of “having made it” because there will always be another moment to strive for.

The hard part also is the networking that is part of the job.

You go to events and have to socialize and meet people. It’s all about impression. You have to be on your A-game. I’m so introverted. Luckily, this industry can be surprisingly relaxed.

It makes it easier to make connections.

Final thoughts: The interview wound down and I was enchanted. Alexis embodies professionalism, and it’s no wonder she has such an impressive career. I breezed out of the coffee shop, with an iced tea in hand, and I smiled as the fall sunshine warmed my face. That easy sunshine was much like Alexis- welcoming and warm. The entertainment industry is full of stress and strain, but also offers wildest dreams. Alexis chooses to embrace the wonder and possibility of it all. I was newly bolstered by Alexis Berent’s positivity.

Photo by URSULA COYOTE. Alexis Berent on set of TV Mini Series, “Waco”.

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Photo by ARIANNE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY @ariannemartinphotography

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Aloha

A U T H O R R U S S R AY

She walked into the restaurant and spoke

to the hostess at the podium. After a brief exchange, she was handed a sheet of paper and a pen. She sat herself at an empty booth and began filling out the job application. Everyone took notice of her.

I’m certain she got noticed wherever she went.

There were a handful of Filipino-American men sitting at my bar, otherwise the restaurant was empty. They started whispering about her. One spoke loudly enough to ensure she overheard him.

The restaurant was perched next to the ocean overlooking Lahaina Harbor. The large, open-air windows gave a spectacular view of fishing boats and sightseeing catamarans cruising in and out of the peers.

She met with Frank, the owner. Her name was Debra. Frank offered her a cocktail waitress job.

After working with Debra for a couple of weeks I learned she came to Maui from Florida via Santa Barbara, where she met and fell in love with a rich man. He moved to Maui. She followed him across the Pacific Ocean. Things didn’t work out. He broke her heart. She was on her own starting over. Again.

After work we sat on a bench outside the restaurant talking. She asked me for a ride home. I lived on the shabby southside of

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the island in Kihei. She lived on the north side of the island in posh Kaanipali. The trip to her home was out of my way.

I said yes.

On the way I learned more about her. She had a close friend in Santa Barbara who managed properties. She let Debra stay in a three story condominium in a gated community. I pulled up to her doorstep in my late model Valiant. As she opened her door I said, “Good night.” She asked me if I was coming in with her.

I said yes.

I knew what I was getting myself into. I was in over my head with her in more ways than one. I was 23, Debra was 28. She was looking for security, I had none to offer. When we went out, men would approach her as if I weren’t there. That didn’t bother me so much. She always made feel like I was hers. What bothered me more was her broken heart.

She had never gotten over “him”. It was as if he was with us everywhere we went. Sometimes, after we made love, she would softly cry.

Looking back, I don’t recall the moment when we parted company. I knew I had to leave the island. I knew I had to use the G.I. Bill and get on with my life.

I knew I could never completely console her.

I remember sitting in a 737 on the tarmac of Kahului airport saying goodbye to Maui.

Saying goodbye to the beaches and parks in Kihei. Saying goodbye to my bartending life in Lahaina.

Saying goodbye to Debra.

“Aloha” is a Vignette from Author Russ Ray’s book, “Lahaina Life”.

Photo on left by: Ricky Zastrow Colorado Photoworks Model: Nicole Harned Beach Photo: Author provided.

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 37

MONIE JONEZY ACTOR & COMEDIAN A AC C TT O OR R ++ C CO OM M EE D D II A AN N

@moniejonezy

Photo by DAVID R. NAVARRO @_designprint

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Model

FEATURES KOURTNEY KEMP @kourtini_torres // ALAN OSTERHOLTZ @osterholtz LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 39

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Lillian new mexico

LILLIAN AVERY CORDERO @lillian.avery.c // ALAN OSTERHOLTZ @osterholtz LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 41

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Kourtney new mexico

KOURTNEY KEMP @kourtini_torres // ALAN OSTERHOLTZ @osterholtz

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Ashlyn new mexico

ASHLYN QUINTANA @ashlynthefairy // JANNETTE OROZCO @djannetteo

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 45

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

MATT AUSTIN & THE ACCUSED is a Country Rock Band from Albuquerque, NM Matt Austin - vocals + guitar // Andrew Elofson - guitar // Amanda Morin - guitar

Matt Austin is a genuine Texas singer-songwriter proud of his rugged small town Texas heritage and driven by a love for bringing live music and people together. Matt has his own unique vibe and brand as an artist with a traditional country feel. He brings a lively and very interactive stage presence that the crowd really gets in to. Matt brings a huge range of music performance to the party singing some of the classics people love from the country greats to new Texas country favorites to 90’s covers in his own style as well as his own quality original music.

Brought up in West Texas and raised in the country, Matt’s influences range from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin. This Texas musician has a sound that is uniquely his own.

Matt Austin has opened for many major label Texas music acts such as William Clark Green, Rich O’ Toole, Charlie Robison, Zac Wilkerson and more.

Matt Austin’s reputation as a stage performer is catching like a Texas brush fire in a July drought. He is talented and he is everywhere. Follow on social media and get to a show and experience for yourself why Matt Austin is an artist to watch. Also, look for new Matt Austin originals coming soon!!

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NEW SINGLE RELEASE “Neon Dream”

Neon Dream is the latest single from Matt Austin & the Accused and it is sure to get you on the dance floor. With lyrics depicting a story from the bands point of view from the stage, honky tonk guitar, and classic rocking country piano fills, Neon Dream stands a good chance of being your next favorite dancehall song.

Booking: www.mattaustintxmusic.com Facebook.com/mattaustintxmusic // Instagram.com/mattaustin_music https://open.spotify.com/album/1Vqs3uiBL8Pda1FUOBgd74?si=MbQezq8wTdOrcKVpNYm5FQ LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 47

www.erynbentmusic.com

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SEDRICK MONTANO linktr.ee/sedrickmontano // @sedricksmontano

FATHER + ACTOR + BARBER + MODEL