Mr Dreamz Fresh edition feat J.Simunds by Mr Dreamz Magazine

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

// THE EDITOR MR Dreamz Magazine has established its brand as “The New Era For A New Generation Of Dreamers” wich is available online, on mobiles and in print. The publication aims at giving indie artists & companies a voice that can be heard across all over the globe. Working from Paris to Miami and Montreal, Mr Dreamz showcases tomorrow’s mainstream stars, their arts, image and stories first. Since 2011, The magazine has been reaching more than just readers but a cultural movement of dreamers that change the way we consume music, dress, dream and live. From Paris to Miami, NY to Tokyo, London to L.A, Mr Dreamz captures the urban art in all its forms in order to let the street talk. Dream Kayris

10| #HIPHOPLOVE // featuring Chris Miles (NY/LA).

Editor in chief DREAM KAYRIS

12| #THEHYPE // feat actress/comedian Rory Uphold (Los Angeles)

Contributing writers Joha Brown , Winnie MC, French Vouvou, BB.Bouk Minino, Trendy Alien, French Cxcaine, Tari Aro

14| #DESIGN // featuring Jewelry designer Aleksandra Alekhina (Jolie Jewelry) 16| #INDIEGUEST // With J.Simunds formerly known as Jay Coolz. 18| TEASER // featuring Katie MacDonald. 22| #TIME2PARTY // featuring Clique Vodka. 25| URBAN VIBES // Gennaro Agresti and Antonique Smith.

Photographers Christophe Levet Jacob Butts Cover photography Christophe Levet Jacob Butts Contributing illustrator Kloud9 Agency PR/ Marketting

Kloud9 Agency www.kloud9agency.com/

Mr Dreamz magazine 1000 rue Ottawa, h3c1s3, Montreal, QC, Canada mrdreamzmag@gmail.com

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

COMING SOON #2016

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

"An Alien coming from Mars, Reaching for the light beyond the horizon." dreamkayrisworld.com

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

CONNECT WITH US AT KLOUD9AGENCY.COM 8

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

«The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself to do better.»

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

CHRIS MILES Chris Miles, the Long Island native, has worked with T3 Music Group to build a fan base by releasing countless viral and original music videos from the ‘80 bars’ series (2013) to «All In Your Mind» (2015). «I love the current state of Hip Hop. People take it too serious sometimes. Who cares. You can’t go to a Future concert expecting complex ass rhyme schemes and sophisticated lyrics. The same way you can’t go to a Joey Bada$$ concert expecting codeine influenced lyrics over trap beats.» - Interview by BB. Bouk Who are your mentors in the industry? The artists that have always inspired you? Some of my favorite artists are Drake, Future, Cole, Ye, Travis etc. But honestly though, my mentor is myself. I learn from every mistake I make and try to make adjustments. I feel like if you start to idolize everybody else then you start to become too much like them and it’s hard to be original. I think it’s important for everybody to have a good relationship with themselves. Being one of the youngest shining rappers in the industry today, do you feel any particular pressure on your shoulders? Nah because I know I make great music. The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself to do better. I been out here in LA for a lil bit on my health shit, working out, and rehearsing my performance because I know that’s an area I can do better in. That’s a pressure I put on myself. I always hear people tellin me that I can do better on certain things but I don’t care about that. They’re not me.

bars. Shoutout to Statik Selektah that’s my dude. Went on my first nation-wide tour this last summer. It was like 18 cities. Gained mad experience, met some cool people, etc. As a former victim of bullying, are you involved in any Bully Prevention Movement? Nah. I don’t ever wanna be looked at as a “victim of bullying”. I just want people to know that it sucks. I been there. I’ve realized that sometimes people really just don’t understand the harm they’re doing when they say certain shit until they grow up a little bit. I always been the type to look at situations through multiple perspectives tho so it’s all good. What is the concept behind this video entitled «PSYCHOTIC»? Who did write the screenplay? The video provokes people to think about the lifestyle they truly claim to idolize. It mimics multiple celebrities fighting with paparazzi. Basically showing people that everything is not what it seems. The concept of the video was a collaboration between Create TV and I.

How did you hook up with T3 Music Group? I tweeted one of my videos to this Canadian interviewer Nardwuar when I was 12 and he retweeted it. One of my managers, Zach, saw it and hit up my email. We linked on my 13th birthday and shot a video for a song called “Dial Tone” that ended up getting like 1.3 million views on WSHH. After that, we created T3 Music Group and kept grinding.

What is your opinion about the current state of Hip Hop? I love the current state of Hip Hop. People take it too serious sometimes. Who cares. You can’t go to a Future concert expecting complex ass rhyme schemes and sophisticated lyrics. The same way you can’t go to a Joey Bada$$ concert expecting codeine influenced lyrics over trap beats. You have to learn to take things as they are or else you’ll never be happy.

So far, what are your 3 biggest Highlights? I got to play some of my music for Busta Rhymes in the studio while he was getting a haircut and smoking an L. That was mad cool. I’ve had the opportunity to go on Shade 45 multiple times to get to premiere my records and spit

What do you think about the recurring polemics about the N-word in Hip Hop songs? If you’re not black you shouldn’t be allowed to say the N-word in songs lol it’s mad simple. Some people are just clueless to some shit I guess.

www.chrismilesmusic.com

#THEHYPE

RORY UPHOLD IT’S SO FUNNY TO LIVE IN L.A! Interview by Joha Brown

We love your web series HelLA! Very funny & creative. How did you come up with the concept? Tell us the story! HelLA (pronounced hell-lay) is a term that gets thrown around about LA as a joke, and one day I had an idea for the logo, which sparked the idea for the series. From botox peddling dermatologists to run-ins with super models, HelLA is like the greatest hits version of my embarrassing/amusing life in LA. It’s a short form series based on real things that have happened to me or to my friends. Of course there are a couple that are exaggerations, but I’d say it’s a blend between a common perception of LA and then things that have really happened to me. I guess it’s also about feeling like an outsider in your own home, which I think a lot of people can relate to. I’m from LA but I still feel like an outsider sometimes, and the show really stems from that place. Despite being born and raised in LA, I still feel a disconnect between me and certain aspects of ‘LA culture’. Who is the team behind your show? Well, I have two shows online right now, “Only in HelLA” and “This Is Why We’re Single”, and I write, direct, co-produce, and star in both of them. That said, I do not do this by myself. No matter how many hats I wear, this is a team effort and I am lucky to have a collection of super talented people who are also fun to hang out with. I don’t think editors always get the credit they necessarily deserve, so it’s worth mentio12

ning that Matt MacDonald has basically edited everything I’ve ever done and I am so grateful for our shorthand, his ability to anticipate what I’m going for before I ever even say anything, and the fact that he and I almost always end up laughing so hard we cry. My DP’s vary depending on who is available, but Jason Goodell has shot the majority of my web work. And I have a crew of badass ladies who help me on the production side: Courtney, Kyle, Ally, and Cristina. I love that you asked me this - I feel like I never get to credit/thank these people enough. Growing up in Los Angeles, who was your mentor when you were younger? My mom, she’s my idol. She’s so strong and she’s been through so much but it never dulled her shine. She’s wild and outspoken and she drives me crazy sometimes, but she owns all of it. She’s always encouraged me to be true to myself and my beliefs in the face of fear and doubt, which I owe her a lot for. I think in a lot of ways I get my courage from my mom, which is important to me because I think that bravery is one of the most attractive qualities in a person. Choose three words to define your universe and explain them to our readers. Inspired - I live, eat, sleep and breathe creativity. I went to an art school for high school, we didn’t even have a sports team, so almost everyone I know is related to the arts in some way. Beyond that I feel like my universe is constantly

inspiring me to be creative. I am always writing down a funny quote from a friend or thinking about a weird character in my local coffee shop. I am never out of inspiration. Conscious Apathy is so played out. If you don’t care about what’s happening in the world, IMO, you got problems. When it comes to parties and selfies and material things, I’m a no fucks given sort of gal. But when it comes to police brutality, equal rights, the environment, etc., I give all the fucks. I’m not perfect, but I do what I can to give back, and I try to surround myself with people who do the same. Unexpected - Have you ever been in the back of a Uber when the driver unapologetically farts? Cause I have. Similarly, I was publicly called out by Matt Nathanson for eating pizza during his set at the Hollywood Bowl. I am not making that up. (For the record, I kept eating my pizza.) I also saved a man’s life once. I had to use that defibrillator thing and everything. Crazy shit just happens to me all the time. It’s just sort of normal now. So, I guess I expect the unexpected, if that makes any sense. Can you tell us more about your other upcoming 2016 projects? HelLA comes out at the end of January on www. OnlyinHelLA.com and then I have a short film called “Traction” that I’m putting out in March. I’ll be making another season of “This Is Why We’re Single” and I have a couple of TV shows in development, which of course I can’t talk about. But that’s been an exciting progression.

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

«I’m from LA but I still feel like an outsider sometimes, and the show really stems from that place. Despite being born and raised in LA, I still feel a disconnect between me and certain aspects of ‘LA culture’.»

Exclusive interview by Joha Brown with Rory Uphold, actress/ creator/ comedian who stars in the popular series ‘HelLA’ and

@roryuphold

Besides acting and comedy, what else do you like doing? I am the happiest when I’m laughing with my friends or when I’m creating/working. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I’m obsessive about what I do, but it comes from a place of love. Beyond creating, my friends and family are what bring me the most joy. Just hanging out at a friends house or getting drunk with my mom. Beyond THAT… I like to travel, I go to a ton of concerts, and I’m obsessed with my rescue puppy Benson (Adopt don’t shop! No, seriously, buying animals is LAME). Is the myth of the ‘dumb blonde girl’ real or not?... To be more serious, How do you play with this stereotype in your work? The myth is very much a real thing. Just turn on the TV and see how many blonde ditz’s there are, then compare it to the number of brunettes/redheads playing cops, lawyers, doctors, etc. So yeah, the myth is real but it’s fabricated, it’s not a realities

representation of the world… I think stereotypes are the death of creativity, so, I’d like to think that I don’t play into the dumb blonde stereotype at all, if anything I feel like I’ve rebelled against it as much as I can. Real talk though, the only time I lean on the dumb blonde thing is when I need help with something like getting my oil changed or trying to get out of a ticket. Then I get real dumb an ditzy and hope that it works, but those moments are few and far between. Anything else our readers should know about you? Any secrets? I’m Canadian. I collect weird vintage mugs. And I have a rainbow tattoo on my left ankle that I got the day that gay marriage was legalized. My aunts are gay and so are a lot of my friends, so June 26th was a really special day for me. Website: www.onlyinhella.com

DESIGN

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

JOLIE JEWELRY by Aleksandra Alekhina «My Typical client is a lady who loves to change things constantly. She loves to be in a center of attention. She loves to attend different events and shows.» Tell us about your design style. What makes your collections different than others in the industry? For more than 10 years, I worked as a stylist with women. Through those years, I also studied the tastes and preferences of my clients. During that time, I did bring different items from all around the globe for them, but there was always something I wanted to add or change. So I started making jewelry and accessories privately for my clients. The success did not keep itself waiting long. There were more and more people interested to buy more and more of my jewelry. So, I started Jolie Jewelry and now produce stylish and actual jewelry made of silver for reasonable prices. I began with evening earrings. My earrings have a million dollar look. They perfectly sparkle, comfortably sit on ears and can be worn for multiple types of occasions. In my collection there are a lot of jewelry which can be transformed from everyday to the evening style. There are rings with easily adjustable sizes and classical jewelry. You are an international brand that is distributed in Russia, Austria, Japan and Australia. What are the main differences between each of those four markets? Oh, those markets are very different from each other. We have just started our business in Sydney, Australia and Los Angeles, USA.

Those two cities have much the same spirit and culture. So the base principles will be the very same. Regarding Russia and Europe, customers prefer white gold color more than black and gold. My guess is that it might be due to different skin types and climate. Meanwhile, the Japan market’s top sales are of tiny and light weighted pieces. Who is your ‘typical’ client? What kind of person wears your jewelry? Definitely it is a lady who loves to change things constantly. She loves to be in a center of attention. She loves to attend different events and shows. She is in need of different styles of jewelry to suit any outfit. That is what we aimed to cover with all our jewelry lines. On the other hand, it is a trendy young lady who loves the active and sporty life. As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from? I love to travel. Any new trip restarts my brain. All my ideas are more like emotions. If I have the flow of fresh emotions, then I will keep on creating something new. Opening a showroom in L.A... What has been your hardest challenge so far? We are still in a process of getting all things set for our showroom, but in the meantime we have launched our website. So many new

people are getting to know my brand which makes me happy and pushes me to keep on moving forward fast. What has been the most surprising thing you have had to face since bringing your brand to North America? I never realized that there are so many Russians in LA, which makes it a bit scary in a good way. How did you feel first time you saw someone wearing one of your creations? It always makes me proud and smiley when I see our jewelry on people in real life or at events. It is also especially nice to hear when someone tells someone about our brand and jewelry just at random places. What are the upcoming trends in the jewelry design industry you see happening? I see a lot of new material and technologies are coming to the market. New jewelry pieces made of titanium are really something unusual, as that material gives the jewelers a chance to have a wide choice of colors. It is nice to see so many unusual shapes and materials to be used in the jewelry industry nowadays too. Website: www.joliejewelry.co instagram.com/joliejewelry.co

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

#INSPIRATION

«Any new trip restarts my brain. All my ideas are more like emotions. If I have the flow of fresh emotions, then I will keep on creating something new.»

+ GUEST

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

«My best meeting was just talking to God and letting him know that this is what i want to do...»

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

j.SIMUNDS A Starving Lion are the three words to describe my tape «Ellington Square». I’m starving and i’m hungry for a plate of many opportunites to explore the world. - Interview by Bidioule. My best song was ‘Strip’. Luckily it was a song that i wrote an hour into my studio session. I thought the song was gonna be sloppy but through practice, it’s been exposed quite well especially through Kloud9 Agency. My best verse was «El Debarge with the rhythm of the night Color Purple Alice Walker shining with that Pulitzer Prize». My best memory as a performer... When my dad heard my first sample CD the same day i was in studio. He couldn’t believe it was me and said I had many talents. My best experience in studio was... hearing myself record for the first time and just being inspired to practice and see what i have.. My best meeting was just talking to God and letting him know that this is what i want to do and that i’m serious. Just praying to be blessed with the finances and confidence. Because finances are a must when you have to invest in your craft and work hard. Best way to define myself is... being a strong young man that is trying to beat the odds of being another statistic but an another masterpiece. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and my life is abstract. Through my blood, sweat, and tears on my paintings, only people who can see what i see will be understand the picture. As an artist, i plan on making it a priority to touch every mind, body, and soul by these things pictured in my mind. Best way to turn my dreams into reality is by working on my craft everyday like I’ve been doing and networking. Several artists that aren’t good get major opportunities and signed deals because of how good they brand themselves. I personally think it’s unfair to those talented artists but like they say, numbers don’t lie. It motivates me to create ideas and work on my promotion to gain that fanbase that i need.

Why did you change your stage name? What does it reflect about your career? I was recently in Washington DC for a Coast2Coast showcase and the next day as i was shopping, the idea popped up. My brother had a suggestion and told me to do some research. My last name Simmons was derived from the medieval name «Simund» which represents victory and protection. I wanted to have something more creative with a meaning. I want to be respected as a businessman and an artist as well because i know that professionalism is important as well as maturity. We recently heard a snippet of your song called «Rasta Coolz». The idea of brainstorming the song «Rasta Coolz» came from just thinking. Growing up listening to Steel Pulse, Beanie Man, Sean Paul, and Bob Marley, I wanted to put something together and have fun. I really think this track will amaze people because this is a different vibe that i’m sharing. What can we expect from your upcoming project? Define it with three words! A Starving Lion are the three words to describe my tape «Ellington Square». I’m starving and i’m hungry for a plate of many opportunites to explore the world. I think about what i can do better. Sometimes, i switch my lyrics and the song actually sounds better. It’s alot of competition and alot of musicians fighting to be the story. Far as myself, I have a story to tell and I don’t plan on stopping because this is only the beginning. Can you share with us the playlist? The playlist will have alot of different vibes Reggae, Neo-Soul, R&B, and Pop. These features will just sooth you guys ears. Special shout out to my sisters, mentors Keith Harvard, Evan Swenson and Reggie Davis as well as the featured artists Everette and Jacob Butts. Last but not least my motivation inside and outside the studio my friend India Pretlow I love you sincerely. More informations on: www.jsimunds.com Instagram @j.simunds

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

"An Alien coming from Mars, Reaching for the light beyond the horizon." 19

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

CHRIS MILES.

«Dedication to achieving my dreams and a belief that I can succeed! Hard work – always. The ability to accept criticism and learn from my mistakes. Working well with others and respecting every person I meet for their skill and knowledge. The ability to block out negative people who do and say things not to be helpful but to be hurtful. The ability to laugh…especially at myself.» Katie MacDonald

#2016TEASER - WINTER EDITION 2016.

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

TIME2PARTY ++ Clique Vodka

What were the first steps in creating your own brand of vodka drink? Well first of all you have to have a love for the spirits industry. I personally come from an entertainment background so prior to entering the vodka business we had plenty of experience with different spirits brands and integrating them into what we did for a living as sponsors, etc. But when I was approached about creating our own brand of vodka, the first thing you have to do is decide what the story is behind your product. What is the name, where does it come from, etc. And of course most importantly you obviously want to create the best tasting quality product on the market which is something we were fortunate enough to do. Where did the idea to create your own brand of alcoholic drink come from? Our CEO approached my company and I a number of years ago about joining forces and launching a spirits importing company. He had already had some experience in the liquor industry and wanted to branch out on his own and form a powerhouse of a team to start launching the type of spirits that the industry had not yet seen. Unsurpassed quality at an unbeatable price. That is the idea. Giving the drinker an amazing value product as opposed to price gouging them for a product lacking in authenticity and taste. I loved the concept and had a lot of ideas to bring to the table based on what was being presented. So we decided to join forces and start with our flagship brand, Clique Vodka. How did you choose the name «Clique Vodka»? The name Clique was a group effort. We wanted a name and concept that everyone could relate to. Something that looked and felt different, but exuded inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity. The name Clique came to mind in a brainstorming session and really flowed off the tongue. The rest just fell into place. What was missing in the vodka industry that you felt you could create with your brand? The real niche for Clique Vodka is in the value segment of the market. Again we give our consumers a quality of vodka that is second to none, with a bottle that clearly stands out amongst even the most expensive of competition, and we do it at half the retail price. We are a company that ac-

tually speaks WITH our fans as opposed to AT them. I feel that is one of the many things that set us apart. Who is the typical C.V client? We cater quite a bit to the nightlife demographic. We don’t like to really pigeon hole the brand as speaking to one demographic over the other. However we have experienced an immense amount of support from the entertainment industry, nightlife, socialite based 25-40 year old. Vodka is the universal social lubricant. We welcome all comers. What are the biggest challenges you have faced with your business? Competing in the worldwide spirits industry is no small feat. There are a lot of large companies out there dominating the space and they have a much larger budget than we do. However we have some tricks up our sleeve and are working our own lane to grow an organic following by showing people that they don’t have to pay $40.00 a bottle to get a quality product that looks amazing as well. Where is Clique Vodka currently distributed to? Clique Vodka is always expanding. We are currently in 17 U.S states as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. We have distribution agreements on the table in multiple additional countries but I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch. You can always stay up to date on our progress at www.CliqueVodka.com. What can we expect from your brand in the future? The future of Clique Vodka and our company in general is more exciting by the day. We are currently working on new flavors, line extensions, packaging upgrades and variations that are unprecedented in our industry. The brand is experiencing steady growth and we are excited to make some big announcements soon. We have caught the eye of some major international artists that are interested in aligning with the brand as investors and brand ambassadors as well. So we will see what the future holds. Interview by Winnie M.C www.cliquevodka.com www.cliquevodka.com

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

URBAN VIBES

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

GENNARO AGRESTI

The song is not really about Zombies. I am using it as a metaphor for the Salvation of Love. You are alone and lonely and just walking through life like a Zombie FIRST KRUSH I was born in Jersey City New Jersey. I grew up in an urban area that consisted of many races, creeds, and religions. You could say it was a melting pot. The first time I fell in love with music was when I heard the Beatles song I wanna hold your hand. I remember when my sister took me to see the Beatles movie a Hard Days Night. The Theatre was packed and everyone was screaming and clapping. That was the first scene that got me into the art of music and song and rock-n-roll. KRAZY STORY The most incredible street story I have is meeting Sting and the Police at the once famous New York venue CBGB in the Village. I was eating piazza and talking to them in front of the Venue. When we went in to see them play a fight broke out. Tables and chairs went flying but they just kept on playing. As a man and an aspiring singer I was impressed with their professionalism

and dedication to their craft because they would let no distractions stop them from completing their set. 2016... My goals for 2016 are to showcase and perform in 10-15 clubs in New York City and in New Jersey, and work on building my fan base. I am also interested in doing collaborations with other artists, and to shoot a video for My Zombie Apocalypse. ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE The song is not really about Zombies. I am using it as a metaphor for the Salvation of Love. You are alone and lonely and just walking through life like a Zombie, and then you meet that special someone and you start to live again. Life is exciting and you feel like everything in your world is right. My favorite Zombie movie is Zombie Land, but i am really into the show The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead I believe is a metaphor for the Human Condition under the most extreme of circumstances. It is the ultimate

show about survival, loyalty, and trust. The Zombies are the danger, but some of the Humans who are left to survive can be the real Monsters. It is the modern version of a Morality Play INSPIRATION TWEET â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most successful people can Identify one moment where their lives changed, and it usually occurred in times of adversityâ&#x20AC;?. The Tweet came from a women in Public Relations. This Tweet inspires me because I believe the greatest achievements occur during times of adversity. During the times that you face challenges, and act upon those challenges with positive energy. Twitter: gennaromusic Youtube: GennaroAgresti soundcloud.com/gennaromusic

Interview by Joha Brown.

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

Murals Art by Young Jarus (Miami, Fl).

«My Next Challenge? Saving the world. Lol. But, seriously, people are dying from asthma and cancer and don’t know it’s from the pollution in our air and water that comes from power plants carbon emissions, and landfills and we’re destroying the very earth we live on. We have a short time to make changes before it’s too late. I’m a part of the movement to make that change and save those lives.» Interview by Winnie M.C Photo by TwoRsent

THE FRESH EDITION - 2016

antonique Smith

TIME TO DREAM HIGHER Who is the real Antonique Smith... As a kid, what were some of your life-changing moments? I’m a girl from East Orange, NJ and the minute I heard Whitney Houston’s voice is the moment I knew I wanted to sing. I wanted to sound just like her and I sang to her music and in church till I could actually sing! Thank God! Lol What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family or did you just fall into music all on your own? My parents had an amazing vinyl collection and were big music lovers, so good music was always on. And my aunt Vanessa played the piano and I sang with my cousins in the choir since I was 7. Not long after that, I had to start sneaking to listen to the radio. No more secular music around the house once we started going to church. Who was the first person who trusted in your potential? My dad. He recognized very early on my passion for singing. Once he saw that I actually had a gift of singing, he took me to a studio to make my first demo. I was about 12 and I sang the Lauryn Hill version of His Eye Is On The Sparrow from Sister Act. You were first known as a Broadway Star for your rôle in «RENT». Do you remember that day you auditioned for it? I do remember. I was a little nervous because I’d never been in a professional play... only plays in church or at school. So, I didn’t know what to expect or really what was the right thing to do. I just went in and sang my heart out. I sang a Whitney Houston song. I got a callback where they asked me to learn a song from RENT. I came back and they asked me to learn another song and put me with a choreographer to see if I could dance. A few days later, I got the call that I had the part! My first professional theater job was in a Tony Award winning Broadway musical. I was beyond excited! As a singer and an actress, you have worked with so many big names in the industry. What has been your best collaboration? Wow! That’s a tough one. There’s quite a few actually. But to name one, I’ll have to say Dr Dre. That man is as amazing as we all know but so extre-

mely cool. I did a hook for the mythical Detox and he gave us a track that became my new song «Higher». Do you think of yourself more as an actress, a singer or a songwriter? Is it complicated to wear so many hats? I’m known more as an actress but I think of myself as a singer first. It was my first love. It’s not complicated wearing those particular hats because they work hand in hand. What’s a film without music? What’s a song without emotion? I’m just blessed to have the gifts to wear all those hats. Who are your favourite current singer/songwriter? I love Taylor Swift. I think she’s a brilliant young lady and a great songwriter. I was most impressed by her and her mindset when I heard her talking about different things in interviews. I also love Sia and Jessie J’s amazing voices. How did fans receive the H.U.W.A.M visual (Hold Up Wait A Minute)? What were the main feedback? They loved it. They loved seeing a sassy side of me and felt it was empowering. And they also loved seeing King Bach and Lance Gross. You have just released a new single entitled «HIGHER». What is the story behind that song? Higher is the wiser way to approach the moment when the person you want to be with is having a hard time committing. Most times, us ladies start asking all the wrong questions. «Where is this going? What’s our future? Are you seeing other people? How do you feel about me?» That’s when guys typically disappear. A wiser way is to simply say «Don’t you worry, I’m not trying to change you. I won’t chase you. I’m only trying to elevate you Higher, if you let your guard down.» That’s Higher. What is the craziest thing a fan has done for you? I wouldn’t say crazy, but sweet. A fan made a scrapbook of my years in RENT and gave it to me when I left the show. Twitter & Instagram @AntoniqueSmith www.antonique.com/