Mason Taylor Editor In Chief Jared Quick Editorial Assistant Earvin Sulapat Men’s Fashion Editor
EDITORIAL TEAM
Nelanie Turli Fashion Correspondent
Cover Model: Antonella Pastor
IN THIS ISSUE 4 8 16 18 26 28 30 34 40 44 48 50 52
Adrian Martin Jehzan Anika Marc Posso Braxton Cook Gabriella Vixen Kennedy Williams Shavanda Chante Starringo Goldenage Brandon Coleman Mighty Mystic MC JuJu
PHOTOGRAPHER - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 4 Real artists wanted
Adrian Martin
interview by Mason Taylor
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with photography. I’d have to say I’m an introvert with extrovert tendencies. I became interested in photography while I was in middle school. My learned that my grand father was a photographer and after seeing his work it inspired me to start. I took it serious once I became a junior in at Hamilton High school.
How have the culture and setting of LA influenced your creative vision? I am inspired by my dreams, life, nightmares, and death, but I think the chillness of LA comes about in some of my work at times. A lot of the times I like the viewer to assume the backdrops in my work may be somewhere else in the world.
Of all of the people you’ve worked with, which collaboration was the most memorable, and why? The most memorable moment in my career so far was shooting for the Knowles family. I shot Beyonce’s mother’s 65th birthday party and that night was just full of black excellence and magic. Also documenting Janelle Monae’s Prince tribute.
What’s next for you? I am constantly creating, if that be with photography, films, or music - but I am being guided by God so I can’t say specifically what is next but I do know that it will be many steps above where I am in this present moment.
Which medium (music, cinematography, photography) is your favorite to create with, and why? At this specific point in my life I’d have to say music is my favorite to create with. That being because I’m able to utilize all of my talents in one, from writing the lyrics, creating treatments for my music visuals, to taking the photos for my EP/Single covers. I love that I can put everything in to one. One person I have major respect for is Donald Glover because he does it all so well. That shows me that its possible and there is nothing wrong with doing it all and succeeding at it.
Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration? How do you use that through your work? Hands down, my family has been my biggest inspiration through my work. They are my only critics. I know if I like it they’ll love it and its never bias. Everything I execute they are the first to see before it is premiered to the masses. Being an all around creative is a blessing.
What has been the biggest setback you’ve overcome so far? The biggest setback I’ve had was working with people in the industry who were not fair in business. A lot of times people try to bribe you with free work for “exposure”, even when your work exceeds that.
iamadrianjavon.com @adrianjphoto @iamadrianjavon
Up and away
5
6 Real artists wanted photographed by @adrianjphoto
Up and away
7
photographed by @adrianjphoto
RAPPER - OAHU HAWAII 8 Real artists wanted
Jehzan Exclusive
Interview by Jared Quick
Who are you, where are you from? My name is Jesand Amodo aka “Jehzan Exclusive.” My rap name “Jeh-zan” is basically the phonetic pronunciation of my birth name. I’m a third generation Filipino-American hip hop artist, entrepreneur, and educator from Honolulu, HI. Born and raised on the island of Oahu, my music is largely personal, autobiographical, and prophetic. Almost all my songs focus on things I’ve been through or are currently going through in my life (childhood, family, relationships, aspirations, etc). I consider my music prophetic because I believe in the power of manifestation, speaking things into existence. I often talk about things I aspire to do, and for the most part, they come true.
I’m just now becoming comfortable in my own original sound - melodic, storytelling, and clever punchlines. I am however, open to hear what people have to say about my music and sound.
How would you describe your style? I believe that there is no “correct” structure when it comes to music. Sometimes I like making free verses or freestyles, other times I try to make songs that have a full story and message. To me, that’s the beauty of being an artist - having creative control and taking your music or art wherever you want it to go, or even challenging the listener to make their own assumptions or interpretations of the songs/ musical compositions.
How did you get your start in music?
Is writing your main creative outlet?
As an artist, I believe that “talent” is discovered almost every day. Through diligence, practice, and hard work, I believe I push the boundaries of my talent on a consistent basis. However, I first discovered my interest in writing raps, starting with spoken word poetry. Long story short, when I was 17, I participated in a summer youth conference held at University of California - Berkeley back in 2009. I basically spent a month on campus with other students of color from all around the U.S. We learned about a lot of different social and political issues such as systemic racism, immigration, gentrification, and more. At night, we were required to choose an “art form” to express what we’ve learned about. The choices were: dance, musical instruments, or spoken word poetry. I’ve always been a writer since I was a little kid, writing short stories or vignettes (snippets of a story), and I often excelled in writing and reading classes in school. However, spoken word poetry was the first thing that I actually “claimed” as a creative passion. Upon returning from the conference, I started recording my poems over instrumentals and beats that my cousin made on Garageband. That was the very beginning of my journey as a hip hop artist.
I write all of my own songs. I wouldn’t mind getting into ghost-writing, but haven’t looked into that much yet. I’ve also played the ukulele since I was a kid and still enjoy it till this day. I do plan on doing it more in the near future. I don’t produce or make beats, I leave that to the experts. However, I am open to learn new things all the time.
What inspires you creatively? I draw inspiration from almost of everything. I’m currently on tour in the Philippines and everything from the people I meet, the food I eat, and more, inspire me. Generally though, I’m largely influenced by 90s and 2000s artists such as 2Pac, Biggie, Missy Elliot, Nelly, Eminem and more. Being that I’ve been rapping for almost 10 years, my sound has evolved over time and I can honestly say that
What is your process of making a song? As I’ve stated, inspiration for new songs can come from anywhere. Currently on tour in the Philippines, I’ve only been a here about a week and have already written 3 random songs. [lol]. I wrote a song about Jollibee (a Filipino restaurant) and even a song about being in my friend’s house here in Davao City, Philippines. [haha]! On a serious note though, most of my music comes from me processing or expressing myself in ways that I’m unable to do in real-life. For example, I’ve written songs about my parents’ divorce, my personal views, and more. I have my own home studio, where I’m able to record my vocals on a consistent basis and then I outsource mixing/mastering to other homies in the industry. Occasionally, I record in other recording studios but for the most part, I can get the same quality doing it on my own from my own house, and at a much cheaper and faster rate than waiting on other producers and engineers.
What is the most difficult challenge you have faced so far in your journey? I entered the “rap game” like many other youth, wide-eyed and ignorant to many things. I’ve been scammed and I’ve lost time/money. However,
Up and away
9
I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship and building businesses; my mom is also an entrepreneur and has her own network in the finance industry. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Hawaii Pacific University, where I learned extensively about branding, promotion, etc. All throughout college, I was plotting on ways to brand myself and my music. Upon graduating college in 2016, I made music my own business and currently own and operate 3 brands JehzanExclusive, OTDHipHop (my blog), and 3RDEYEFILMZ (a visual media company that I co-founded with my fiancée and business partner, Gie Remolacio). The biggest thing I’ve learned when it comes to doing business, is that professionalism goes a long way. The main thing I look for when doing business, regardless of the skill or “clout” someone might have, is transparency. There is a lot of shadiness in the music industry and the main thing I look for is if the person/business I seek to do business with, is transparent in how they communicate. Additionally, my biggest advice for any young person or aspiring artist/entrepreneur, is your MINDSET. You have to dig deep within yourself to realize why you do music in the first place, and then apply the right MINDSET to it all. How you think affects how you act and will inadvertently affect the people you meet and the people you attract. If you’re looking for a quick “come-up,” 9 times out of 10, the people you attract won’t have your best interest in mind nor will that transaction give you lasting opportunity. I’m in this for the long haul. To me, my music and goals are bigger than just rap. Rap is simply the vehicle and platform I use to share my music and bigger goals.
Any upcoming projects? To me, music is a lifestyle. It’s not just a hobby. I make music every day, whether I’m writing, recording, or getting inspired. Right now, I plan to release a new EP this summer, with more announcements and info on the way. I also release new singles, free verses, and freestyles via my Soundcloud, Youtube channel, and social media pretty much on a weekly basis. I released my latest EP “Island Waves & City Haze” (Vol. 3) in October 2017. It is the third installment of a series of projects that I release annually, which started in 2016. Vol. 3 is particularly special to me| because I created and released it during my “tour campaign” to Davao City, Philippines (where I’m currently on tour for whole month of February). The cover art was created by Fusr, a Filipino rapper and graphic artist from Davao. He is also a member of one of the most prominent underground groups in the city - Delinquent Society.
How do you challenge yourself to create and develop your style? Simply put, music is my passion! Even after I have a long and successful career as a “rapper,” I will always be an artist and an emcee. To me, that’s what excites me the most. Also, as I’ve stated before, music is how I can truly express myself, and I don’t think that will ever go away. Through all of my different accomplishments from the military (having served 6 years in the Hawaii Army National Guard) to earning my college degree, and even my accomplishments as an entrepreneur and educator (my “day job” is a college professor and after-school youth mentor for middle schoolers), I still find myself writing poems and making songs. At the “ground-level,” watching my peers and other artists that I look up to excel in their craft and the business inspires me to keep challenging myself and move up to the next levels. Some artists that I’d like to mention are: Ruby Ibarra, Versoul, Vhee Riv, and Allicat.
10 Real artists wanted
jehzanexclusive.com @jehzanexclusive @jehzanexclusive
12 Real artists wanted photographed by @aceofapertures
Up and away
13
photographed by @aceofapertures
My name is Nelanie Turli, I’m a young Venezuelan woman with a passion for modeling that I’ve had my entire life. Ultimately, I’d like to end up at one of the major agencies where I’d be able to be a part of a variety of advertising campaigns while booking editorial shoots day to day. My wildest dream is to one day be part of Victoria Secret Fashion show, Biggie said it best - the sky is the limit.
14 Real artists wanted
One of my biggest goals was to be a part of a magazine. R.A.W has given me the opportunity to be part of their team and I will be forever grateful for it. It’s the most beautiful feeling when people with the same passion, come together to create art&love.
We are here to create tons of it, from the bottom of our hearts. Up and away
15
16 Real artists wanted interview by Mason Taylor
SINGER SONGWRITER - SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA
Anika
Tell us a little bit about you and your background with music. Anika is a recording artist from the Bay Area. She grew up listening to Indian music, and studied Indian classical music- before she started exploring Western Music (American). Initially, Anika began making covers on Youtube & Soundcloud. During her college years, she started making original music.
Who is Anika, behind the music? Anika is very passionate about animals & social issues. She loves Indian culture/music.
What’s next for you? More songs, more content (pics/videos, more active on social media, and more work! Been putting in a lot of work and excited for people to hear what’s next!
Who in the industry are you currently listening to? How has their style helped shape your own? H.E.R., The Internet (Syd), and Summer Walker. H.E.R. has probably had the biggest impact because this is when Anika began to listen to Contemporary R&B (3 years ago). What really drew her into Contemporary R&B is the low notes & live instruments.
If you could give your style a color, what would it be and why? Purple- no reason why. *laughs*
What was your creative process like in creating your project, 24hrs? Very early stages- Experiment/developing/beginning in songwriting/experimenting tones. Sit in a room- play beats- until she found 1 she likedcollectively find a topic/what to write about. The 24HRS project was a huge collaborative process/environment. Now, Anika is writing & taking a more hands on approach with the songwriting process.
When did you know that music was something you had a passion for? When she was young (9 years old) she discovered her passion for singing.
What do you want people to get from your music? Feel the emotion/vibe of her music. Feel what she is saying to you or put yourself in that situation (what she is singing about).
@anikaaaamusic @anikaaaamusic
Up and away
17
PHOTOGRAPHER - PARIS, FRANCE
Marc Posso
interview by Mason Taylor
18 Real artists wanted
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your background with photography. My name is Marc Posso. I am a 23 years old self-taught photographer. I was born in Libreville, Gabon and I actually live in Paris, France since five years. My work is focused on stories surrounding the African continent through the diversity of its cultures and and the identity of its people. How have your surroundings helped to shape your creative style? I am grateful to my surroundings. My girlfriend, my family, my friends and peoples who support me everyday. They support me and give me a lot of advices, sometimes material help and ideas to be better everyday as a person and as an artist. When did you choose photography as your creative medium, how did you come upon it? Today, I think that I did not choose photography. For the story, I got my first camera in 2012 for the Christmas. At the beginning it was just for fun. I took some photographs during family celebrations and sometimes I took some pictures of landscapes. I did not know that photography would be my biggest passion today. Then, by growing up and opening my mind by meeting different people from different African cultures, I developed an attract for portrait photography.
You have a distinct color palette that you work with, how did you develop your style? I try to practice as much as I can. It helps me to explore different possibilities. I can say that people or music inspire me. What set of yours was your favorite to photograph, and why? I worked with many different sets and I liked each of them. But I can say that “Aline� is the first photo series that marked me because it is from it that I began to make my self-criticism and see my evolution. As a photographer, do you feel a need to create with events going on in society in mind? Yes of course. How do you separate your work as a photographer from other photographers? Each photographer has his own style and this style depends on the personality of each person. That is the beauty of this art. I would like to say that what makes my style is how I am good and honest with myself.
marcposso.co @marcposso @marcgposso
Up and away
19
Styled by: L’Empreinte Noire Models : Daniel Dikoume, Safi Niang, Janoris Bamba, Stephane Posso, Raissa Coulibaly Shot and Directed by: Marco Posso
photographed by @marcposso
Terre Rouge
photographed by @marcposso
22 Real artists wanted photographed by @marcposso
photographed by @marcposso
CARRY ON: FASHION TIPS by Nelanie Turli My style has always had very bold flare to it. I try to take a simple, minimalistic approach that maintains a high fashion-chic style for every day. I’m a risk taker. That being said, sometimes I wear the pieces that make me the most secure. At the end of the day, my advice is to try to combine pieces that you can balance between casual and fashionista. You want to avoid being under dressed in important situations and putting your best foot forward can have you little bit overdressed - that’s okay! (It’s never killed anybody, and is often times better) Make choices with your outfits that have you feeling like the strongest, most secure, and passionate version of yourself. Take risks, be bold, have fun! Be you, keep in mind that the outfits don’t make you! Wear what makes you feel amazing. Spring is here. A cute sweater + skirt + some boots - has yet to fail me and I’d bet that combo would do the same for you. Try something new and bold this season!
24 Real artists wanted
SAXOPHONIST DC
Braxton Cook
interview by Mason Taylor
braxtoncook.com @braxton_cook @braxtoncook
26 Real artists wanted
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with music I grew up in a very musical household and we were immersed in Black Music. We went to a Baptist church in D.C. and always had Gospel and R&B music on in the house. On any given day you could hear Earth Wind & Fire, Mahalia Sister, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Jackson, D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill. So all of this music influenced me growing up. Also my mother played Classical Piano through her adolescence so me and my brothers all played a little piano at an early age.
When, and how, did you find your love for the saxophone? I was always attracted to the horns on when I listen to recordings on the radio or in church. But I believe the first time I came into contact with the saxophone was around 5 years old. My dad wanted to try a new hobby for his birthday so my mom rented him a saxophone. He let me and my brothers come try to blow a note on the horn and I was the only one that could get a good tone on the horn. After that I just hung by him to watch him practice and I remember being enamored with the physical appearance of the horn, the timbre of the sax, and the melodies he was practicing. Later on, in school, everyone joined band or orchestra class. I joined band and I signed up to play saxophone.
Who’s in your top 5? Top 5 saxophonists? John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, Johnny Hodges Top 5 Artists that I listen to now? Frank Ocean, Miguel, Nick Hakim, Phony Ppl, H.E.R. Which artist has inspired you the most, how has their style helped shape your own? It’s a tie, I believe John Coltrane and Frank Ocean have inspired me the most. Coltrane inspires me as an artist and person to be a life-long student and to always seek growth. Also his passion, spirituality and desire for truth inspires me musically. Frank Ocean is an artist that cannot be categorized or labeled. His music blends so many genres and his music is redefining Pop, Hip Hop, R&B and Soul for our generation and generations to come.
What was your creative process in creating your latest album, ‘No Doubt’? What was your biggest inspiration behind the album? I wrote most of the music for No Doubt between May of 2017 and January 2018. I normally write and produce tracks at my home studio. Then I schedule studio time with my band to play along and record with the tracks. I meet with my producer Drew Moore to work on the tracks more. We add effects and really experiment with things. Lastly, I redo vocals once the track is done and sounding right. My biggest inspiration behind the album was the pivotal moment where I stopped touring and working with Christian Scott. At that point, I had worked with him for about 5 years and it was my main gig. When the work slowed down, it was really time for me to build my own business and get my solo career going. Somewhere in Between (2017) was the my launch into my solo career and No Doubt is all about me solidifying myself as a lead artist. Since the release of the album it has been received amazingly well! The album debuted #2 on iTunes Jazz and got over 1M streams on Spotify in its first month.
How do your surroundings influence your creativity? Living in NYC definitely pushes me musically to play and perform at a high level. The community of musicians I have been around lately like Christian Scott, Tom Misch, Gabriel Garzon-Montano has really influenced me to write more, compose more, and to sing more as well.
If you could give your 13 year old self advice, what would it be? Trust and believe in yourself. Step out of your comfort zone now while you’re young.
What’s next for you? I’m working on a No Doubt Remix EP that is set to release this Spring. Also I’m always working on new music. So expect some singles to come out this year! On the touring front, I will be doing a US Tour this Spring and will be doing a European Festival run this Summer as well! Super exciting times!
Up and away
27
SINGER - SONGWRITER SOUTH LONDON
Gabriella Vixen interview by Mason Taylor
@gabriellavixen @gabriellavixen
28 Real artists wanted
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with music. So I’ve always sung since I was little, mainly for fun. I come from a relatively big family, we can all hold a note- maybe not all of us. There was always music playing in the house, whether it was Led Zeplin from my dad or Stevie wonder- my mum. She would have music playing in the morning, when everyone was still asleep.
Tell us about the story and your creative process behind your new single “ Fool ”. When I was in the studio- not knowing what I was about to write, Eddie (Serafica) The producer played me this, almost dirty bass guitar beat , I loved it straight away. There were girls in the room only- accept for the producer of course, so when we started to talk about situations we had experienced, there seemed to be a relative topic, problems we had or were experiencing in relationships. The co writer and I started with melodies, after some talking, the concept was already there. The song speaks for itself but its about being in a selfish, one sided relationship- on the other persons part.
Outside looking in, if you could go back what advice would you give yourself in past relationship experiences like those talked about in “ Fool “? Advice to myself would be to trust your initial instinct, go with your gut more often than not. First feelings of uncertainty are usually right. It’s hard to shake yourself sometimes when you’re in a situation where you’re being manipulated by someone you care for; it’s easy to be blindsided when you’re ‘in it’. I’m not suggesting that I’m always right, but sometimes when someone is treating you badly it’s easy to blame and doubt yourself, that’s something I’ve worked on for myself- not doing that, step away and see it for what it really is. Although I always tend to come out of a bad situation stronger and wiser- a lesson learned; I’m sure it’s the same for most people, you do have to use those unhappy experiences to learn and make you realize exactly what you DON’T want in the future, you don’t need history to repeat itself. Avoid making the same mistakes again.
the genre. Personally my music is inspired by artists such as, Stevie Wonder. Also Jazmine Sullivan, Tori Kelly, Adele, Jp Cooper, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake…. There’s more but I could be here all night.
What do you want to get out of music, and what do you want your listeners to get from your music? I love releasing new music, I love seeing the response, from friends family and fans. It’s just nice to have music out. Performing is something i love, it’s my favorite part of being an artist and it’s a bonus when you’re performing material you’ve written. I want my listeners to be able to relate to what I’ve written, and I don’t want my music to ever go out of fashion.
When did you know music was something you were going to pursue with a passion? I always knew in my head, I just didn’t share it with anyone. I never got the main parts in plays at school, I don’t think I would even audition, as I got older I got better at being more forthcoming. I performed in musicals and shows which made me realize I had a strong passion but that was always out of school. I always danced, a couple days a week at a dance school which I loved. It was only until I started writing and recording that i realized which path i wanted to take in the industry.
Who would your dream collab be with and why? I will lose sleep over this question because there are so many, I have always been a massive Coldplay Fan, so collaborating with them or performing on stage with them has always been a dream of mine. I would love to work with Post Malone, he seems lovely and I’m a big fan of his music.
What’s next for you? I’m in the studio every week, so releasing music is always in my plans. My next single ‘C.O.O.L’ is ready to go, we just don’t have a release date yet. There’s a video for it which I’m really looking forward to sharing.
What or who is the biggest creative influence in your life? I have a lot of musical influences, I listen to almost everything. A good song is a good song- regardless of
Up and away
29
SINGER SONGWRITER MARION, INDIANA 30 Real artists wanted
Kennedy Williams
interview by Mason Taylor
Tell us a little bit about you, your background with music, and where you’re from. I was born & raised in Marion, IN. I come from a family of four girls. We grew up dancing at our local |community school of the arts & playing sports. My dad is a musician and was always singing/playing instruments around the house. He is one of my biggest influences. My family is extremely supportive. I was always the really shy one. I didn’t start opening up about the things I wanted until I was about 17 years old. I started playing & writing when I was 14, but would only play in front of my family. I went to school for two years at a university called IPFW and played division 1 soccer. Soccer was my life for a long time but my heart was always with music. I just couldn’t get past the fear of being judged if I did it. But, after years of doing things that I thought I “had to” do, I realized how unhappy I was becoming. I finally decided to move to LA in 2016. I honestly didn’t imagine myself making a leap like that. But, I figured the best way to get over my fear was to make the move and not look back. It was the best decision I ever made.
How do you draw inspiration from the city, and people, around you? I love meeting new people and experiencing places I’ve never been. I’m a storyteller. Sometimes it’s not always my story. I’m fascinated by the way different people interpret different situations.
What’s on deck for you this year? Lots of new releases & visuals. A couple collaborative projects are in the works as well at my first album. I’ve also been working on my own productions and plan to release those throughout the rest of 2019.
Who’s in your current top 5? Mac Ayers, Omar Apollo, 6lack, Nao, H.E.R.
How would you describe your style? Acoustic/soul.. ? I don’t know [haha]. I love songwriting and collaborating, so I tend to dive into a little of everything.
What is your favorite part of the song creation process? The moment when it all clicks. Sometimes it’s a change in a word, or a melody, or maybe a complete change in the arrangement of the song. But nothing is better than the feeling of being completely in tune with what you’re creating.
Who in your life has been the biggest creative influence? My older sister, Ki’Leigh Williams. She is a professional dancer & choreographer, but she has never put herself in a box. She can dip into multiple areas of the entertainment industry and completely own it.
@kennedywilliams @_kennedysaid
Up and away
31
Love by Nelanie Turli Love is a subject that always has something to say. In my opinion, love moves the world ever since we’re born. Love comes in many ways, too many to name. Love is many things put together that make you who you are, and your purpose. Where passion is created, for both things and people. It’s the motor of the world. Love doesn’t hurt. What hurts is the illusion that people make as they imagine how they want their lives to be. It hurts that we’re not perfect, or psychics, to know how things will end up, or how to react to them. Love is beautiful, love moves you. The purest love is the one that stays with you, the one you never tell, and never expect anything in return. Where there are no expectations or illusions. Where the hearts speak and leads for itself. That love that always seeks to feel more. Love is sweet, and playful. That one that hides and turns shy. Love is tolerance, accepting that perfection is overrated, and mistakes are human. Love is shared loyalty, unconditional, and permanent. Not only in people, but in passions and life. Love doesn’t trap or divides. Love isn’t selfish, it isn’t a prison. Love is life, and the world all the same. It’s capable of being spreading enormously, wherever and whenever. Love heals, despite all the times you lost faith in it. It was there all along, even in darkness. Love is free and it doesn’t submit. One loves and admires without forced
authority, for no human is property. Love feels, creates and multiplies. Love is understanding and forgiving. It knows it can’t forge and put down anything, because everything has a way of being. Loving is an instinct, something that you never plan. There’s nothing that forces you to do it, it just happens. Love will never stop existing within you. Love improves. Remember, someone who loves you always wants the best for you. Love doesn’t hurt. When it’s real, it’s comforting, and it makes you feel better. Love is so precious that it makes you feel things you’ve never thought of experiencing before. The world confuses love with unrelated things. Don’t tag it or allow fear to indulge you into not feeling it. We were born to love, we can’t reject it or judge it. Life changes. People trick themselves into believing that love is what they imagine, and what they’ve always wanted. That’s why they fail so quickly. The most important thing is that love is tolerant. No one is perfect or equal to the other as we expect a love without flaws. That is the first mistake. Let’s learn to really feel love, Don’t confuse the true definition of love. Love moves the world. It moves life and it feels wonderful.
Amor by Nelanie Turli El amor es un tema que da mucho de que hablar. Yo en mi opinión, siento que el amor mueve el mundo. Que es eso que sentimos apenas nacemos, y por el cual lo hacemos. El amor viene de muchas maneras. Tantas que no se pueden nombrar. El amor son muchas cosas conjuntas que te crean como persona, ese donde aprendes que es por lo que sigues avanzando en tu vida. Donde creas pasión por las cosas y hacia las personas. Mejor describirlo como “EL MOTOR DEL MUNDO”. El amor no duele. Duele la ilusión, que formamos nosotros mismos, por siempre imaginarnos como nos gustaría que las cosas pasaran. No somos perfectos, ni adivinos para saber cómo pueden salir o reaccionar las cosas. El amor es bonito, el amor mueve montanas, mundos, y lo mas bonito de todo, mueve almas. El amor más puro es el que no se cuenta, ese que amas en secreto sin esperar nada a cambio. Donde no existen expectativas, ni ilusiones. Donde el corazón habla y reina por qué si. Ese que siempre busca sentir más sin importarle nada. El amor es dulce, y travieso Ese que se esconde y se sonroja de la pena. El amor es tolerante, acepta los errores y sabe que no existe aquella cosa como “ la perfección”. El amor es fiel, pero a la vez compartido. cuando uno ama de verdad, el amor te vuelve fiel, siempre estará ahí por que encontro eso que lo llena. Pero Tambien ese mismo comparte en muchas cosas y personas, el amor es algo que se pone en cada aspecto de la vida. En la pasión por lo que hace, por la vida, por las personas que vuelves cercana, y hasta esas que dolieron. El amor no encierra ni divide. El amor no es egoísta, ni celoso. No encarcela a nada solo para el, cuando entiende que existen mas seres dado su amor, haciendo feliz, sacando sonrisas. El amor es la vida. El amor es el mundo. Ese que se esparce por donde quiera y que nostros los humanos somos capaces de generar en toneladas. El amor cura y sana,
Es ese que a pesar de haber creído que no íbamos a poder sentirlo mas por que estuvo quebrado, sigue ahí, recuperandose para volver a darlo todo. El amor es libertad, ese que se siente sin importar de que color, sexo, cuerpo, o cultura provenga, o se entregue. Uno ama y admira. Se enorgullece de saber que las pequenas cosas que nunca obtuviste o pensaste, las hace brillar otra persona mas, El amor siente, crea y procrea. El amor entiende y perdona. Sabe que no puede encerrar, y cohibir por que todo tiene su forma de ser. Que nadie es perfecto para no cometer errores, y que sin el perdon no Podemos amar. Uno ama sin querer, no hay nada que te obligue a hacerlo, muchas veces uno ni siquiera sabe por qué lo hace, simplemente pasa. Es eso que nunca va a dejar de estar dentro de ti. Nacimos llenos de amor El amor mejora, el que lo hace siempre busca encontrar lo mejor de si mismo, para el otro. El amor no daña a nadie, muchas veces se pone de ultimo el, para poder querer a los demas. El amor es tan bonito que te hace hacer y sentir cosas que nunca pensaste que eras capaz. El mundo hoy en dia confunde el amor con otras sensaciones que no lo son. No lo etiqueten, ni tengan miedo a sentirlo. Nacimos para eso, no podemos rechazarlo o pre juzgarlo. La vida cambia y cosa pasan. Las personas se ilusionan en creer que “el amor” es como ellos lo imaginan, y que tienen que ser como ellos quieren, por eso fallan y se acaba rápido. Lo mas importante, es que el amor es tolerante. Nadie es perfecto ni igual al otro como para que nosotros esperemos un amor sin defectos. Esa es la primera falla. Aprendamos a realmente sentir el amor, Hoy en dia estariamos en un mundo mejor, Menos corazones rotos, menos rupturas, menos divorcios. Mas Felicidad No se confundan a lo que realmente es el amor. Este mueve el mundo. Mueve la vida y se siente bonito.
VISUAL ARTIST SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Shavanda Chante interview by Mason Taylor
34 Real artists wanted
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with art?
Which artists do you look up to, and how have their styles influenced your own?
Briefly about myself, I was born and raised in Alabama, and I currently reside/stationed in San Diego, CA. I have always been a creator as far back as I can remember, but in 2014 I started dabbling in the paint medium and have adopted sort of a grunge art style what I identify to be a form of abstract expressionism.
Unrelated in style and it may come off biased because of his relationship to me, but I’d have to say Lance Williams, the Unfinished Artist has had the most influence on me. Mental influence is all it takes with me. He shared that he saw something in me and subconsciously pushed me to get back into it, he was the one that diagnosed me as the “emotional painter”. So during the early days while making our acquaintance, I can remember how intrigued he was by my art or perhaps a combination of other things, but he made a comment like, “I don’t usually take in to abstract art but this is amazing!” To come from such a successful artist like himself it really did something to me and it meant a lot. At that point I had gone almost a year of not painting. Well let’s just say that evening I painted and donated the piece to him and I’ve been painting ever since with him in my corner.
Why art? Cliché, but life is art. I like to acknowledge the true state of nature but in the form of expressionism with paint. From vibrant to dark colors. To flow freely through subtle vibrations and transfer my emotions onto a canvas is very rewarding and satisfying to me. I honestly couldn’t imagine not creating something. I don’t want to know what that would feel like.
When did you find out painting was the medium you would run with? Painting was always something I had an interest in. For someone such as a painter, an abstract painter to be ballsy enough to not only illustrate but share their work with the public was something I could always appreciate. For me painting was something I used as an escape, it was my little therapy. I was diagnosed “labeled” an emotional painter. But back when I shared my first piece on Facebook, I remember someone commenting and asking, “how much?” I was taken back by it and politely responded that it wasn’t for sale. It was personal at the time, so I continued on painting, sharing, and selling; before I knew it, I was doing weekly commissions. I had pieces sold and shipped nationwide, Japan, and even in Senegal. So again it is very satisfying for someone to take interest in my art.
How do your surroundings influence your creativity? I am huge on energy, frequency, and vibrations so my expressionism are a collection of all three. So being in a clean positive setting with some tunes, definitely helps me flow freely. However, if there is something a little off it’s okay, again that’s life and life is art. Everything isn’t going to flow perfectly every time, there are times when I illustrated and I don’t know or understand my doing so then I sit back, I sit still, and reflect. Hopefully then I’m able to connect with my art and think why I chose that color, why I shifted the paint in that direction, mostly importantly, how do I feel now that it’s complete? Again it’s an exchange of my energy, that I hope to share openly. Hopefully when I do, someone would be able to sit, reflect, and relate or even feel something they’ve been looking for a long time.
What other creative outlets do you have? Aside from painting, I am also a photographer/cinematographer. The irony is I’ve been shooting longer than I’ve been painting, I started shooting back in 2006, but people take more into my paintings than my photography. Too be honest I do too! I mean I’m gonna do what I do simply for the passion and the love I have for both, but if I can capitalize on both then good on me!
shavandachante.com @create.chante @shedopeaftho
Up and away
35
art by Shavanda Chante
38 Real artists wanted photographed by @aceofapertures
Up and away
39
photographed by @aceofapertures
40 Real artists wanted interview by Mason Taylor
RAPPER MONROE, LOUISIANA
Starringo
Tell us a little bit about who you are, and what your background with music is.
Who in your life has been the biggest creative influence for you?
I’m just me, being me & staying me and I believe we all play a part in music some way, I just happen to be one of the voices.
My Life itself and of course the creator of all things Yah!
Where are you from? Monroe, Louisiana
What’s on deck for you this year? You will see, Soon!!
How and when did you know music was something you wanted to take serious? When I was about 18yrs old and after I realize I was good enough to make it a career.
Who’s in your top 5? That’s hard! I can’t say right now, too many to name five [lol]
How have those artists influenced your style? All great artist influence me to just be myself
@iamstarringo @iamstarringo
42 Real artists wanted
Cut & Sew Chronicles: Nigo by Earvin Sulapat
In anything you do in life there is always this unwritten rule about paying homage to those that paved the way before you. This is one way I would like to show appreciation to the ones that inspired me to get into fashion in any way shape or form. There’s an unending list of brands, creatives, influencers, and Fashion Gods or whatever you may want to call them - but through this series I’ll narrow it down to five who have inspired me. Let me to show you my starting five. Starting with fashion icon,Nigo. If streetwear was a basketball, Nigo would be Michael Jordan aka - The Goat. Now I know that it is a bold statement but don’t twist my words around, I’ll get to it. Let that settle for a second. I’m specifically using the reference in the aspect of being one of the poster children of the game, around his time. Nigo in my opinion made a big impact coming in and left a mark that will never be erased. That being said, he’s one of the greatest to ever do it, allow me to explain my case for this. On December 23 1973 the legend Tomoaki Nagao was born, he’s widely known by his moniker, Nigo. Nigo is the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE), a streetwear brand based out of Japan. The brand started off with your typical screen printed T-shirts with camouflage patterns. The color pallets of his patterns were near perfection and definitely couldn’t be missed. It quickly picked up steam in the Japanese streetwear scene and the rest was history In 2002 Nigo and Bape released ‘Bapesta’ a shoe that would change the streetwear, and sneakerhead game forever. Nigo created a sneaker that resembles Nike’s very own Air Force 1 silhouette. Honestly it looks like the very same sneaker with a change of the ‘Nike swoosh’ to ‘Bape Lightening Star’ Logo. So what was so special about this shoe? Why not just get a regular Nike AF1s? Let me break this one down for you. So many aspects play into this scenario that made this shoe different. In my opinion, the fact that he had the nerve to even flip a silhouette from a typhoon brand such a Nike and make it work should already be enough. Another reason would be the timing and impact of this sneaker alone. The different hues of colors he would chose for his Bapesta sneaker was just something Nike would have never done at the time. Fast forward to now in 2019, almost everyone is making use of colorful patterns and bold color ways straight out of the Nigo tech pack. I could go on for days about his accolades and accomplishments but it’s safe to say it’s a better experience for you to do your own research. Most importantly, Nigo and A Bathing Apes impact really shook the streetwear game. I remember being a freshman in high school seeing a sophomore wearing Bapesta. Thoughts in my head went from what the hell are those? To, I’ve got to have those joints. Seeing everyone envy this guy over some sneakers was childish but, all the girls flocked this dude for a month over some sneakers. Moral of the story is, it traveled all over the globe from Harajuku Japan to kids in San Diego California and that to me is extraordinary.
Up and away
43
PHOTOGRAPHER - TAMPA ,FLORIDA
Goldenage interview by Jared Qucik
goldenagephotography.com golden_age_photography
44 Real artists wanted
Who are you, and where are you from? I’m Jordan Hayes and I’m from Tampa, FL. I am married and currently serving in the United States Army. Along with my wife I am Co-Owner of Golden Age Photography LLC.
How did you become the artist you are today? My father gave me my first film camera when I was in the 6th grade it was a Nikon 6006, I shot a few rolls on it but it didn’t see much action because I couldn’t fully wrap my head around film photography as a kid. It wasn’t until high school when an ex-girlfriend of mine let me shoot with her Canon T3i, that I truly fell in love with photography. I loved the camera so much that I drove from Tampa to Orlando to purchase a full Camera Kit from a guy for next to nothing. I’ve never studied photography in a traditional setting either, most of my study comes from trial and error, and YouTube. As cliché as it may sound, I hold fast to the belief that you can’t study life’s experiences. That being said my wife Niah, Everret Bradsford, and Anthony Zerga owner of Pro Camera Hawaii (along with the rest of the Pro Camera Hawaii family) have given me the most advice, comments and critiques.
Would you say that you have a style? I love the Faded, High Shadow, Saturated color type of look. I use this type of editing all the time in my personal work. However, I find it necessary to lift the shadows and brighten or enhance the image. I mostly shoot Street recreationally, I also shoot weddings, portraits and events for business.
How did you come up with your style? As weird as it sounds my style of editing came about naturally. I’m partially to oranges, greens and reds. Also enhanced images are just too bright for my eyes. When it comes to private work I edit exactly as I experience the scene. I love street photography and event photography, basically anything where you can capture a subject naturally and earnestly. When shooting portraits and weddings my process of shooting portraits is all organic. I don’t force smiles, or false expressions.
Have you done any collaborations with other artists? Jerome “TRUE” Williams was the first artist I ever collaborated with, he’s a majorly talented individual and a wonder soul. He along with Quality used to run a show on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month called Night Service and I used to shoot almost every event that I could. Their Instagrams are @unkotrue and @QUALITYSmusic. Jason Midro was the first Musician to pay me and my first paid session. Jason is a crazy gifted singer and guitarist, his Instagram is @onokineentertainment.
What would you say inspires and influences your style or make it stronger? I love going out to shoot just to see what I can get.
Who would you say influences you? I love the work of Gerald Cyrus, especially his Stormy Monday Series. Gordon Parks is a huge influence to me, as well as Andrew Wagner and Jamel Shabazz. You may not necessarily see their influence in my work because what I pull from them is the honesty they capture/d in their work. That raw and vulnerable emotion that pours out of their bodies of work is something that I admire and live by. But my biggest inspiration is my wife Niah. She never takes a project that doesn’t touch her soul and she pours her all into every project that she touches. I have seen her create so many beautiful portraits and honestly if it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t be shooting today. After I joined the military I put my camera down for about three to 4 years. My wife fell in love with photography about three years ago. I saw it as an opportunity to bond over an activity that we both mutually enjoyed and overtime It blossomed into Golden Age Photography.
What would you say is the hardest thing about being an artist? The Camera is a tool, a tool serves a purpose. The camera is an extension of myself.
Have you ever been inspired to create art that was based off a social or political influence? I’ve never really thought about it before I sort of just shoot what I’m feeling.
Up and away
45
46 Real artists wanted photographed by @golden_age_jay
Up and away
47
photographed by @golden_age_jay
MUSICIAN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 48 Real artists wanted
Brandon Coleman
interview by Mason Taylor
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with music
interested in scripts and screenplays, so I’m writing a few things as well..
Well I started off as a drummer, But I have a love for harmony and rhythm so answered the calling of the piano. I was born into all sorts of rhythm’s growing up. My brother is a musician as well so I learned a lot of my musical knowledge from hanging with him.
Who in the industry do you look up to the most? I really admire Herbie Hancock, here’s a person who has influenced music and reshaped the way most of us think of Harmony and rhythms!
Who did you grow up listening to? I grew up listening to return to forever, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, Billy Higgins, Jerry Goldsmith, Quincy Jones, Jeremy Lubbock and Art Tatum.
How have you developed your style? I’ve developed my style by playing exactly what I hear in my head and doing my best to stay focused to my musical goals.. Staying true to myself. All those different variables have shaped my playing style.
Fashion and music have gone hand in hand for a long time. In todays culture, what do you think the connection between fashion and music is? Well I know what we wear is a statement to who We are and ultimately that dictates how we feel and our feelings dictates what music we in the moment. We’re all connected, everything is a factor.
Who is in your top 5? Eddie Murphy Kenny Kirkland Malcom X Art Blakey William Lee
What’s next for you? The sky is the limit, right now I’m working on several projects.. There is a new record on the horizon that I can’t wait to share with you all!! I’m also very
brandoncoleman.love @brandoncoleman @brandoncolekeys
Up and away
49
REGGAE ARTIST BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 50 Real artists wanted
Mighty Mystic
interview by Mason Taylor
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your background with music. My name is Kevin Holness aka Mighty Mystic. I’m considered as one of the leaders in the U.S. reggae movement. I’ve been involved with reggae music for roughly 20 years. However it wasn’t until 2005 that I became a household name. My first international hit was a song called ‘Riding on the Clouds’ (2006) and I haven’t stopped putting out music since then. Reggae is my passion. I love it because it gives me the platform to inform the world about various things happening in and around them. Reggae is given me a keen sense of direction and purpose and I feel blessed to be able to share the deep vibes with those willing to listen. Reggae has taken me all over the world. I’ve met many people, heard many stories, as well as seen many unique environments and I feel blessed when I think about it. I know that those moments are the reasons why it carries into my music from the lyrics to the energy of the music itself.
It’s all in a name, how’d you get the name Mighty Mystic? Well Mystic was my father’s nickname when he was a young man. Then, when I relocated to Boston I ended up in a area known as the Mystics, so when it came time for me to choose a name ‘Mystic’ was the obvious choice plus it was a great compliment to the style of music I do.
American Reggae vs Jamaican Reggae, living in both places, is there a distinct difference to you? Yes, there is. Jamaican Reggae is more rootsy with deep universal messages. I find that American Reggae will often shy away from heavy content and rely more on the fun aspects of reggae like the beach vibes, the party element and so on. The overall sound is a little different as well. The American Reggae isn’t as fat and full sounding as most Jamaican Reggae however there are some American Reggae bands who really do it proper!
Who would your dream collaboration be with and why. Bono of U2! I’m a huge fan!
What’s next for you? After my ‘Enter The Mystic’ album is released on Feb 1, 2019, I’ll be doing some select tour dates in support of the album. Then it is festival season, so the aim is to do as many big festivals in 2019 as we can. As far as the future, I’d love to get some of my music in a few movies so that is something on the horizon. And, of course continue to make awesome music!
Who in your life has been the biggest inspiration for you? My wife Lauren. She is a tower of strength to me and our family. She can juggle so many things and still find a way to be a Mom and a Wife and that to me is priceless.
Tell us about your creative process behind your new album ‘Enter The Mystic’. When creating the ‘Enter The Mystic’ album, I wanted the album to feel like a big Hollywood movie. Something theatrical and epic with great depth and emotions. I’m really proud of it because I honestly think we achieved that. Each song on the album takes the listener on a odyssey through time and space as if you are literally a part of the journey within the song.
mightymystic.com @mightymystic @mightymystic
Up and away
51
RAPPER - WALANAE HAWAII
MC JUJU
interview by Jared Quick
@_mcjmb @_mcjmb
52 Real artists wanted
Who are you, and where are you from? JuMarQui (Ju - Mar - Key) from Waianae, HI.
How did you get your start in music? I started in 2012 during high school as just a hype MC doing weddings, birthdays, corporate events, school events, etc. After a while I started thinking to myself that I wanted to do more with music instead of just performing other artist’s songs and wanted to make my own songs for people to enjoy and listen to on a constant basis.
When did you discover that you wanted to pursue music? I figured it out after playing in the band for many years. I would always constantly want to hear a certain melody and would ask my band mates to play it if they could just so I could start getting the feel for hearing beats and deconstructing them down. While doing that I would slowly begin to start coming up with a simple chorus that I may have heard in my head and then just start saying the words out loud and just took it from there. Next was going to school and making a mini music video and then came home and took it more serious.
How would you describe your style? I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a particular style due to me wanting to always try new things and with the amount of ideas that come to mind when I make music, it’s very all over the place. One minute I would want to rap, the next minute I want to sing. I’ve even had offers to do a EDM beat at one point that was made for me. I may use it one day but that would be a huge shock to many.
Who would you say influences you? I would say my drive and passion for music inspires me to continue to come up with many ideas. I see so much inspiration everywhere mainly from dreams I’ve had throughout my imagination or my imaJUnation as I would like to call it. I don’t necessarily thing I’m different because a lot of people come from different backgrounds and I feel I am lucky enough to not be around certain things that others have been around. One thing I would say is I do talk about the things that I do NOW as we speak than what I use to do or perpetrate a fraud like most artists do. I don’t understand how they even get recognition.
Do you do other things beside your own songs? I am an actor. I have appeared on Hawaii 5-0 and done a couple theater shows in my lifetime but that is about as far as I will go with that. I tried to produce beats but they were trash so I told myself that I should stick to what I know. But maybe someday I will be able to produce or write for someone. I always write my songs. As a matter of fact I am writing the lyrics to one song that I have a feature with a good friend of mine. She’s very talented so be on the lookout for her in the future. If not then I’ll be the one to bring her on.
Are you working on any projects or collaborations currently? Currently I am not working on any projects, just singles. I have done features with my cousin. Our song “Ari Kari 2.0” is on all platforms everywhere and got more coming soon. Currently working on a song with my brother Lord Jordvn and that track has to be the most thought out processed track that I have done so far with the amount of ideas and changes I put to it but you’ll hear what I am talking about when it gets done. Being in this industry what lesions and challenges have you been faced with to help you grow as an artist, would you share those lessons with other artist or allow them to find out on their own? The biggest challenge to me is yourself. You have to be able to mature as an artist and be able to adapt to new styles but only if you feel that it would help your career. Never rush your music. Come up with timely mannered music because when its rushed you’ll start to live with regrets and I already went through that. Also know who’s real and who’s fake and that falls under the lines of knowing who will really help your career and who will tear it down. Ive always wanted to sit down with artists and tell them what they should do and should not do when it comes to this industry especially with what I have seen so far and form what I have noticed Also, never get complacent!
Up and away
53
FROM THE EDITORS DESK
Art is subjective. History is contemporary. There’s only seven story types. These are all things that get thrown around in different conversations with creatives. The point that remains the same is that we all have something to say. The medium that you chose to be the vehicle for the message changes from person to person, but the fact is that we all have a story. It’s always been our goal to provide a platform for those stories to be told and heard. If you’re holding this magazine in your hands, then you might notice something different. This issue has a different look and feel a than all of our past issues. We’ve been working on finding the perfect texture that matches what R.A.W is, and I think we finally found it. We appreciate you rocking with us on this journey as we continue to tell the stories of more and more creatives. Stay Real. Stay Righteous. Stay R.A.W From Reno with love -Mason