June 2012 by Ovaground Mogul Magazine

The Magazine

for Artists // Musicians // Models

JUNE 2012 advertise

with us to promote See Page 14

the revolution in the institution of rock ‘n’ roll - see page 28

All New Artists!! Macedo //PG 28

MACEDO *

Exclusive Interview with OGM

PAGE 28

Gription //PG 26 Shae Davis // PG 18 KUDA //PG 34

Visit Ovagroundmogul.com

OvaGround Mogul Magazine

CO-CEO // Curtis Stokes CO-CEO // Jasmine Wallace PRESIDENT // Andre Hayden V.P. & CREATIVE DIRECTOR // Rashaad Bilal

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Hewett Brooke Shackleford

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron Lyon Erin Hegrenes Robert Patin Photography Brent Denoon Photgraphy Jasmine Wallace SEPH Photography Shannon M West Photography

contents The Broken Column // P A G E 8 Shea Davis // P A G E 1 4 Kuda B // P A G E 1 6 Gription // P A G E 2 0 Macedo // P A G E 2 4 Mary Jane // P A G E 2 8

Hi Readers!

LETTER FROM OVAGROUND MOGUL

We welcome you all again to another edition of OGM MAGAZINE. We changed it up a bit as you will see. The artist we worked with this month are very talented and we extend an offer to all to take full advantage of what these artist present, and as always we here at OGM MAG appreciate your time and support. - Ovaground Mogul Magazine

- Ovaground Mogul

MODEL OF THE MONTH mary jane continued on page 30

he story of The Broken Column begins in the summer of 2008, when band members Daniel Sahagún (lead vocals, guitar) and Tyler Coleman (drums) met while working retail together in Los Angeles. Sharing a love for the revival of rock’s spirit with bands like Fugazi, Refused, Deftones, and At The Drive-In, Sahagún and Coleman began spending their free time jamming together. They finally completed their lineup when Scott Trieglaff (bass) met and joined the band, forming a rock-and-roll holy trinity, the rock trio. Thus formed The Broken Column. The Broken Column’s lofty sense of purpose is anchored in the idea that the rock trio can essentially bridge the gap between two different forms of existence, the world of personal intimacy and the world of larger-than-life sounds and musical power. The rock trio puts pressure on every member to perform at their highest level, not being able to hide behind the whims of multilayered orchestrations. “Good music,” says Sahagún, “can be presented with as little resources as possible, and forming a trio was a way to keep it personal and get to the core of a great song.” The band’s approach to writing and recording music is a mix of free-form flexibility and structure. This mixture of improvisation and composition comes naturally to the band, existing in between opposing forces and striking a balance that just feels right, yielding impressive results. When it comes to The Broken Column, they wouldn’t want it any other way. Their first full-length album entitled “You Are (NOT) Alone” was released in March 2012.

THE B RO KEN CO LUMN // PAGE 9

t h e b r o k e n c o l u m n // p a g e 1 0

o va g r o u n d m o g u l ’ s e x c l u s i v e i n t e r v i e w w i t h

the broken column Why do you do what you do? We do what we do because it’s what we love. Music has always been a huge part of each of our lives. There’s nothing like writing music and taking it to the stage to put on a good rock show. What’s your life story? Check us out, listen to our music, and you’ll get to know us and our story. How would you describe your style? Our style is simply rock and roll. Guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Doesn’t get much simpler than that. What inspires you to continue going through the rough struggle of an up and coming artist? The love and passion we have for what we do. Anything worth doing is worth the pain and struggle that will inherently come along with it because in the end you’ll be happy you did and will come out stronger. What type of story would you say your music tells? The story in our music ranges from personal to global matters. In a couple of our songs the lyrics juxtapose life on a personal level and compares it to global scale. What is it you dislike the most about the music industry? Politics. What would you like to see different? An industry where the artist is in control. We are lucky to be where we’re at and who we’re with because we do have control over our music. A lot of bands aren’t as fortunate. Which artists most inspire you? Foo Fighters, Deftones, Brand New, Pearl Jam, Manchester Orchestra, Deer Hunter, and many more. If you could work with any artist who would it be? Why? It would probably be the likes of Brand New or Manchester Orchestra because they’re extremely well known but still maintain a local level vibe to them.

What’s your favorite album of all time? Too many to list. But the majority of them have to do with the artists we listed above. Any shout outs? We recommend you look into The Ultrasounds from Chicago and Hollow Wood from Boise

ogm 2012 entertainment

ogm presents

Billboard jessica hewett

Music Awards T

he date was May 20, 2012 and the venue was the MGM Grand Garden Arena in scenic, lively, breathtaking Vegas. Some blogged about it while others tweeted all night, but if you didn’t tune in to the 2012 Billboard Music Awards then you most definitely missed out. 2011 and early 2012 have both been memorable years for the music and entertainment world. So there was no question if the 2012 Billboard Music Awards would represent and reflect this time. This year, it seems artists put a little less focus on style and dress and went straight to “impress” mode. Both presenters and performers took the stage and owned it. We were wowed with Carrie Underwood representing country music with her “Blown Away” performance. Underwood’s vocals never disappoint and her ravishing dress scored her the title of Best Red Carpet Look. Every performer who stepped foot on the stage received a standing ovation. Every presenter on stage presented with high energy and high regard. Chris Brown and his fancy footwork, Linkin Park rockin’ out, and Natasha Bedingfield with a tribute to Donna Summers are just a few of the artists that got the crowd going. If you didn’t know and love Adele before the start of the Billboard Awards, you definitely knew her name by the end. This new artist scored Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Female Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top Digital Media Artist, Top Pop Artist, Top Pop Album, Top Streaming Audio Song, and Top Alternative Song. But this wasn’t just her night of fame. Lil’ Wayne’s sick flow and swag scored Top Male Artist, Top Rap Artist, and Top Rap Album. Although there were several delights such as Justin Beiber performing “Boyfriend”, there were bittersweet moments of the show as well. Who could

forget the tribute to the late great Whitney Houston, the lovely singer who topped plenty of charts in her prime? Both Jordin Sparks and John Legend put the audience in a solemn mood as they belted out all the right notes from Houston’s signature songs “I Will Always Love You” and “The Greatest Love of All”. The Billboard Millennium Award was accepted on Houston’s behalf by her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and sister-in-law/manager, Pat Houston. Alicia Keys bridged the gap as she presented Mr. Stevie Wonder with the Icon Award. Yet another emotional climax of the show as Keys elaborated on why he was such an inspiration and an influence on her success. In response Stevie Wonder said, “Join me with putting your best love forward. Not only that, committing yourselves to bring our hearts together for unity.”

Believe it or not, music is a unifying principle that bring us all together. From old school to new school, hip hop to pop, it only gets better. And we patiently wait to see what 2013 will bring to top this year’s Billboard Awards. ovag rou nd mo gul // PAGE 1 2

hip hop Hip Hop Article By Brooke Shackleford

What is Hip Hop? This all depends on who you ask. Is it a genre, Is it a state of mind, fashion, a style, attitude, behavior, skill, culture, era, past time, a lifestyle or a language? What can be said is there is no one answer. KRS One once said, “Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live”. Me being a 80’s baby I know it consists of four elements, and it’s not earth, water, air, and fire. It is said to be Graffiti, Breakdancing, Emceeing, and turn-table-ism. Hip Hop morphs and adapts to each era, for instance Graffiti has now transformed from an art on the walls and streets to an art of the flesh now known to us as tattoos, Breakdancing must’ve been a pastime because gangstas don’t dance they groove, and turn tables became the spinning rims on the 100,000 cars you see in the music videos, As far as Emceeing it’s always been a social message to express hopes, dreams, and struggles in the form of rhyming lyrics delivered rhythmically over musical backdrop of sampling, scratching and mixing. What I can tell you is that you don’t just listen to Hip Hop, you feel it, you respect it, you understand it and you share it, because it’s good for the soul. Hip Hop may never overcome its occasional embrace of the thug life and bling bling representing a celebration of materialism. Why would it? Its free advertisement for corporate titans and an outlet for poor people’s avenue to parade the after effects of their rags to riches no longer subliminal. However, hip hop travels like no other music. The music lyrics reflect a reality and is far more multifaceted than the media gives it credit. Hip hop may seem misogynistic, violent, nihilistic in the message it sends, but it is of many realities. The influence that hip hop has is powerful, it parlays an energy that can transform the nation.

h ip h o p // PAGE 2 1

OvaGround Mogul Presents...

shea davis

BLAM DVD is the number one hip-hop DVD of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind that showcases new and upcoming artists as well as established artists such as Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Jim Jones.

Who is Shea Davis?

f you google his name you will find a versatile array of hip hop videos that have stamped him as one of the best new artist of the decade. He is notorious for his raw, uncut, and completely unorthodox music style. He has been utilizing his rapping skills to smother the music industry with over twenty videos circulating on the internet with at least a million views. He was first noticed on the popular “Smack DVD” which made him an instant celebrity. To date he has finished six full albums including his classic “Rush-Hour Gunfire” and most recent album “Untamed” with his reggae artist “Scrooge”. If that isn’t enough, he has also completed two full length movies titled “Till Death Do Me Part” which has a sequel. Shea is currently the owner and founder of “Only the Family Entertainment” and has been working on a new DVD called “BLAM” (Broadcasting Lyrics and Music) which was named after his hit single. BLAM DVD is the number one hip-hop DVD of it’s kind that showcases new and upcoming artists as well as established artists such as Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Jim Jones. Shea Davis a.k.a “Punch” is well known and respected for his musical talent; however, he is also notorious for making front page news during a “Friendly-Fire” incident involving two New York City Police officers. His alleged involvement in the shooting subsequently cost him to serve six years in prison. Since serving his time he has been dedicated to creating and performing what he expresses as “reality rap”. He has learned from his past mistakes and is dedicated to making “feel good” music with a meaning. Music is his passion and first love. With hits like “Forgive Me for My Sins”, “I Have a Dream”, and “Heaven or Hell” off the upcoming new album, he is sure to continue to create controversy and driving music while striving to be the best at what he does.

What it do! My name is Kuda B. I was born in Charlotte NC. I’ve been in this game for eleven years. When I got in this game I started with my two brothers; K-lott, Dr. A Music and Queen City fam. Ever since then I’ve been driven to create my own personal musical legacy by using my own words.. My inspiration comes from an old school artist, Curtis Mayfield because he reminds me where I come from. I’ve work with other local artists such as: Eve Calabad who are with “Mo Phatter Beats” as well as artist like Cino (southern swag), Timmy Brock, L. T aka. “Khaos” and more. The concept behind my music is to show the division in the game.

Why do you do what you do? I do what I do because I know that it isn’t for me. It’s bigger than just me. It’s for someone else whose going through a struggle and need inspiration in their life. It’s for that person who needs a little motivation to say look you are not alone I feel your struggle. How would you describe your stlye? I would describe my style as unknown or universal.

What inspires you to continue the struggle of an up and coming artisrt?

“My family, kids, and the chance or opportunity of knowing I can help someone else get to where they want to be in life.” What story does your music tell? My music tells stories about my character, family, how I grew up, the streets and the struggle in the streets. What do you dislike most about the music indutry? And what would you lke to see change? The division, I would like to see more rappers come together and help uplift those who need to be lifted up. Those who need a hand, not because of the media or how good of a story it may be, but because it is the right thing to do. Which artists most inspire you? Notorious B.I.G., Curtis Mayfield, and Jada Kiss. If you could work with any artist who would it be? Why? If I could work with any artist it would be Jay Z because of his character plus he has numbers and there is power in numbers. What’s your favorite album of all time? S. Carter and Life After Death Any shout outs?

Page 18 //Kuda B

Shout out to my brother k-lott, Dr. A Muzik, Rashun Joye, J Notez, go getta’s go bang, Mr. Payne, Mega Structure Ent, Tezo, A.D., Carlos Easter, Queen City Fam, Gas House, L-town, Kevin Fox, Kevin Hayden and Ova Ground Mogul.

Kuda B // Page 19

Gription began six years ago on a porch in Northern Wisconsin. The year was 2003, and on top of the Billboard charts and the MTV circulation were bands like Christina Aguilera and 50 Cent. Even the alleged “rock” acts (like Linkin Park and 3 Doors Down) were falling flat. Musically, the world had fallen flat. Asides from the few singles released by distinguished artists; most notably Cash’s Hurt, the landscape of rock was bleak with over-produced sugary rock. Steeped in a history of punk and metal albums, Gription worked to create a blend of rock that would pay tribute to an era where good music was determined by what it sounded like, as opposed to how many copies it would sell. Rock music used to have a social quality; it would bring people together in times of good and bad. Rock was listened to in groups around a turntable, or in a concert venue. But, as the product of music was slowly honed down to a bit-rate and stored as a file in something no bigger than a wallet, the substance of rock dwindled with it.

gript io n // PAGE 2 1

ovaground mo gu l // PAGE 22

OvaGround Mogul’s Exclusive Interview with...

GRIPTION S

ix months after founding the band, Gription suffered an astronomical disaster. The band had been living in a town home which caught fire one afternoon. Day jobs had taken the band away from the house that day, which inexplicably burst into flames. Everything they owned had been reduced to ashes. Everything, that is, except their instruments. Safely stored across town in a shared rehearsal space; Gription’s gear were the only things to survive the blaze. After spending the next few months getting back on their feet, with a huge hand from the American Red Cross, Gription started to refine their sound, play more shows than ever, and become a band with a philanthropic instinct. Over the next several years, Gription toured the Midwest, playing dozens of shows a month on stages and in bars in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and more. Their sound instantly stuck with the blue-collar army that inhabits the Midwest. These were the people who weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and get the job done. Gription reflected their salt-of-the-earth quality perfectly. Why do you do what you do?

For the love of the music! Writing, recording, and entertaining has always been important to us. We feel the need to also speak out against political injustice and social awarness as well as keeping Rock n Roll alive and enouraging other bands to do the same. What’s your life story? For the most part My Brother Vince and I (Tommy) began singing and playing music at a young age. With the encouragement and direction of a fantastic Music Teacher in High School. Nate grew up playing guitar in his Fathers’ church (Nate is truly the son of a preacher man!) We all got together in our late teens and early 20’s and the rest is history. Like all bands we have had our fair share of ups and downs, good shows and bad shows, and run-ins with bad management. It’s been 9 years of Rock n roll and we are finally finding our niche. How would you describe your style? Neo-classic Rock n Roll with punk, rock, and classic influences. What inspires you to continue going through the rough struggle of an up and coming artist? The music. When you first from a band, especially at a younger age, you have a shit ton of drive and hope. Every little opportunity keeps you going. After years of struggle, you have to find out why you began playing music as a band in the first place and that becomes your motivation. You need to find your place in the industry.

What type of story would you say your music Like most music it talks about life and such. But, like most music, people will interpret the music and lyrics to taylor to heir situation when they listen to it. What is it you dislike the most about the music industry? THE MUSIC INDUSTRY SUCKS AS A WHOLE! Not to be negative but it’s true. I could go on for hours if not days about the problems with the industry and the current state of music. What would you like to see different? More Independant radio plays during peak hours and a new apprecitaion by the younger generation for music and the arts. Which artists most inspire you? Obviously too many bands to list, but for me (Tommy) personally I was influenced by classic and grunge rock bands like Queen, MC5, and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Tool, The Descendents, Black Crows, and the list goes on and on! If you could work with any artist who would it be? Why? Slash For me (Tommy) just because he was a big influence on my guitar writing and playing. If not Slash then David Gilmore. My Brother (Vince) always wanted to work with the Descendents and we got our chance with Bill Stevension (Black Flag, the Descendents, ALL) on the First album “Last in Line”. What’s your favorite album of all time? Queen - A Night at The Opera Any shout outs? Ron Paul!

Macedo is one of those rare female musicians whose music has the ability to define a season. Live performances by Michelle and her twin sister Melissa’s band have transfixed audiences from Boston to Los Angeles. Deli Magazine named Macedo as one of the city’s 100 most popular. Maria Menounos(Extra)listed the band as her favorite Michelle’s song writing has been honored at the Malibu Music Awards and her songsbroadcast on a myriad of key radio stations, such as Star 98.7, Delta Airlines and online through Yahoo Music, Spotify, Pandora and countless others. All this while her debut album LaLuna, produced by Boston’s OutTake Records steadily attracts more and more passionate admirers since its release five years ago. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, a performer with Melissa since they were old enough to stand, Michelle started LaLuna while enrolled at Emerson College where she received her BFA in acting. Melissa, meanwhile, devoted a summer to study music in Argentina. Stateside,she received her BA at Columbia University’s Barnard College in NewYork City. While attending, she performed Off Broadway. In such plays as St.Joan of the Stockyards where she performed a song composed specifically for her by Jason Hart. Their latest venture is the commercial release of Michelle’s fully re-mastered second album Flags & Boxes, in which

elissa provides vocals to Michelle and the incredible array of instruments creating a uniqueness that can only be called Macedo. The album was produced by Kush Mody (SerialBuddies) and engineered by the talented Nils Montan and Andrew Oedel. The album was mixed by Justin Gerrish (MGMT, Vampire Weekend), mastered by Fred Kevorkian (Regina Spektor), re-mastered by Randy Sharpe (Dixie Chicks), and the Caught Radio Edit was produced by KhrisKallow and MJ Denton. As part of the re-release, fans love the newradio edit of Macedo’s hit single “Caught. “Caught” is currently extremely successful on noncommercial radio all across the country. It should surprise no one that the album has been pronounced a virtual certainty to propel Macedo into the first rankof modern female singers and songwriters, and Macedo, the group that she and Melissa so capably lead, to the top of playlists the worldover.

ovagrou nd m ogu l // m ac ed o // pag e 2 6

O v a G r o u n d M o g u l’s E x c l u s i v e I n t e r v i e w w i t h . . .

MACEDO Why do you do what you do? Because we love it. There really is no other option. Music has been our life and we wouldn’t be happy doing something else. We think about why what we need to say is important so that we always have a focused goal of what to say in our songs. We have a voice and have important things to say.

What’s your life story? Wow, well give you the short version. We are identical twins, born in raised in Pasadena, Ca. We were raised around a family of musicians but they were never professional. Although music was encouraged, to pursue it as a career was highly discouraged. We always knew we loved it and I (Michelle) have been writing in a journal since 3rd grade. At first I (Michelle) was too embarassed for anyone to hear but Melissa was so encouraging that I finally started playing for other people. Then she realized that she could actually help. Michelle was trained in piano and classical guitar and Melissa plays the violin. Michelle stole her brother’s guitar to teach herself. We seperated for the first time to go to college. Before that the longest we had been apart was for two days and that was in 8th grade. We went to an all girls Catholic high school together. We are such different people. Melissa is the overacheiever responsible student body president and Michelle was definitely a rebel. She always tried to push the envelope. Michelle got her B.f.A. in Acting at Emerson College in Boston and Melissa got her B.A. From Columbia University’s all women’s college, Barnard. We are both advocates of all women’s education. Freshman year of Emerson College Michelle recorded her first album “La Luna”. Then in Michelle’s senior year they recorded “Flags & Boxes”. Melissa would take the bus up from NYC to lay her vocals down. Michelle sent her every track before anybody else heard it. Then we recorded the album in Boston at WERS and in Connecticut. It was so amazing to see it all happen. Everybody on the album volunteered because they loved the music. We had an amazing string quartet, a french horn, organs, wurlitzer. It was so much fun.

How would you describe your style? Our style is like a mellow pop singer-songwriter feel. We definitely get compared to Norah Jones and Fiona Apple.

What inspires you to continue going through the rough struggle of an up and coming artist? We try and take it a day at a time. We are constantly working and talking to our management. We know that it’s not enough to just have good music. It’s also important to be hard working and to

keep your eye on the prize. It can get very lonely and feel sometimes like you are hitting a brick wall but we pull each other through.

What type of story would you say your music tells? The story of the inner workings of the mind. When we were younger we barely ever spoke to anybody. We were so quiet and felt like we didn’t deserve to have our voices heard. After that silence we realized how empowered we could be. Going to acting school was a huge revelation. My teachers would all tell me(Michelle) that I had to claim my space and “plant my flag” and not let people put me in boxes and not just be a people pleaser.

What is it you dislike the most about the music industry? There are some people who are out to take advantage of people’s passion and will try and steal money from indie bands and promise them success. We have met so many people that are out to prey on musicians and are willing to take their money! It’s awful and those people can ruin peoples lives.

What would you like to see different? Good people making it to the top!

Which artists most inspire you? Fiona Apple is a huge inspiration, Radiohead, Regina Spektor and any artists that don’t necessarily make money right now but still perform all the time and are clearly so passionate and genuine. Mostly, those artists inspire us.

If you could work with any artist who would it be? Why? Probably Joni Mitchell because her music is pure poetry. We would love to just pick her brain about songwriting and her method.

* a free lance model from NewYork. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;veIm been modeling for a year. Since

then i did photoshoots for photographers that works with online magazines. I also do videos for Artist such as Jadakiss, Swerv,and Spaceghost purp and up coming artist. I also do promotional work for artist, tattoo shops or parties. I waiting for response from urban ink and inked magazine.

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Currently looking for Beautiful Women to join me to start throwing our own private adult parties modeling, photoshoots, magazines, videos, promos, hosting, private events, and etc....

m a r y j a n e // 2 9

DiD you miss ogMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s April and May issue?? itS not too LAte