Portfolio Fusion Magazine (September 2010) by Portfolio Fusion Magazine

MUSICIAN /PHOTOGRAPHER |SEPTEMBER 2010

IN THIS ISSUE: CALIFORNIA SONG WRITE & MUSIC PRODUCER

DARYL C. WANG TEXAS ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND

“iMi” NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER

JESSE DITTMAR Southern California Progressive Fusion Band

WAIT FOR GREEN

MODEL : RUTH OMANYA IMAGE BY TEST BOARD

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

MODEL: RUTH OMANYA IMAGE BY TEST BOARD

PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2010

STUDY USA! Enjoy current Trends in apparels, arts,

food business trends, fabrics, fashion and fashion designers?

furnishings, travel and leisure,

arts, other cultures, film and ,

Enjoy Making things with your hands,

history, paintings, visual media,

sculpture,

self-expression

Expressing yourself in a

creating images from ideas, helping people

see and understand subject to which they might not otherwise have access?

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

AND APPLY TO THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU!

www.idealcollegeplacements.net/apply

September 2010

CONTENTS PORTFOLIO FUSION MAGAZINE PUBLISHER IDEAL PERSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL INC. FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUTH OMANYA

EDITOR AT LARGE COREY O’DONNELL CONTACTS ADVERTISERS: advertise@portfoliofusionmagazine.com READERS : feedback@portfoliofusionmagazine.com WRITERS: write@portfoliofusionmagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION: subscribe@portfoliofusionmagazine.com CONTRIBUTE: submit@portfoliofusionmagazine.com GENERAL INQUIRIES: info@portfoliofusionmagazine.com

7|Progressive fusion Band 31|Texas Rock Band ON THE FRONT COVER

Image by New York Photographer Jesse Dittmar.

21|California Song Writer + Producer 40|New York Photographer

ON THE BACK COVER

Model: Ruth Omanya Image by Chicago Photographer Yaromir Mlynski

Copyright: ©2010 Portfolio Fusion Magazine and its respective copyright holders. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, distribution, reposts and modification prohibited unless express written permission is granted by Portfolio Fusion Magazine and its respective copyright holders.

PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2010

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

In this issue, we hope to carry on the same spirit of self-belief and confidence in pursuit of what you are passionate about. I’m thrilled to interview musicians across the nation in this issue. Southern California progressive fusion band, “Wait For Green”, Texas rock band “iMi”, California song writer and music producer Daryl C. Wang and New York photographer Jesse Dittmar. For aspiring musicians out there, listen to your heart, believe in yourself, and never stop following your dreams. Hope you find some words of encouragement from the interviews and pieces of advice from musicians in this issue. Follow your heart!

Ruth Omanya

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY YAROMIR MLYNKI

September is here, and so is our September 2010 Musician/ Photographer issue. In music history, September 1st was the birthday of Engelbert Humperdinck (1 September 1854 – 27 September 1921), a German nineteenth century composer, who, despite of his parents disapproval of his plans of a career in music, he pursued music and became a famous composer. He is known for Hänsel und Gretel (opera).

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

WAIT FOR GREEN Wait For Green” is known today for its progressive fusion of reggae, funk, alt-rock, jazz and hip-hop that remains true to its roots. The unique cultural backgrounds and variety of musical influences from band members Drew Dockerill, Rafael Britto, AJ Larson, and Danny Moreldege shape the core of “Wait For Green's” refreshing style.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

Determined to continue their success, “Wait For Green” has already lit the stage on fire in some of LA's hottest venues including: House of Blues, Saint Rocke, Troubadour, Whiskey A Go Go, El Rey, The Viper Room, and more.

Day by day asserting their place in the Southern California music scene and on the verge of a new EP releasing later this year, look for “Wait For Green” to be invading the radio and homes of music lovers everywhere.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

BAND BIOGRAPHY

rowing up in different cities throughout Florida, Southern California, and as far away as Rio de Janeiro,

“Wait For Green” is known today for its progressive fusion of reggae, funk, alt-rock, jazz, and hip-hop that remains true to its roots. The unique cultural backgrounds and variety of musical influences from band members Drew Dockerill, Rafael Britto, AJ Larson, and Danny Moreldege shape the core of “Wait For Green's” refreshing style. Thanks to connections between mutual friends, word of mouth, and sheer luck “Wait For Green” was formed in the Fall of 2006 at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. “Wait For Green” enjoyed massive success in Florida touring and having the pleasure to share the stage with the likes of: The Wailers, Slightly Stoopid, Reel Big Fish, Cold War Kids, Blues Traveler, Authority Zero, The Expendables, Rebelution, The Supervillians, and Passafire. After winning the National MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association) Battle of the Bands, finishing in the top 8 to open Langerado, radio rotation on Florida's major rock and college stations (such as Clear Channel's X101.5, 103.1 The Buzz, and Florida College Radio), headlining shows at some of the Southeast's premier venues, performing at SUNFEST 2009 and showcasing at the Florida Music Festival; “Wait For Green” decided it was time to take the leap cross country to California and finally landed in Venice, CA in the spring of 2010. Determined to continue their success, “Wait For Green” has already lit the stage on fire in some of LA's hottest venues including: House of Blues, Saint Rocke, Troubadour, Whiskey A Go Go, El Rey, The Viper Room, and more. Day by day asserting their place in the Southern California music scene and on the verge of a new EP releasing later this year, look for “Wait For Green” to be invading the radio and homes of music lovers everywhere.

“WAIT FOR GREEN”

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

“WAIT FOR GREEN”

o Start off, I want to say that it is a great pleasure, honor and privilege to interview New York Photographer, Jesse Dittmar, Southern California Band “wait for green”, New York Rock band “imi” and, California song writer & producer Daryl C. Wang in this issue of Portfolio Fusion Magazine, September 2010. -Ruth Omanya

RUTH: You have had many opportunities to work with some amazing groups of musicians on stage. What was that experience like and how did these opportunities find you?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW RUTH: You all grew up in different corners of the country and world, from Florida to California to as far as Rio de Janeiro. How did you all meet and come together to form the band? WAIT FOR GREEN: We all met at Florida State in the early years of college. It was pretty random. Actually Drew was looking to form a band and AJ lived down the hall. Rafael had lived with our old drummer, Derek, as a random roommate and everyone came together by word of mouth and the quest to find fake IDs. RUTH: How did you come up with the name “Wait for Green”? What is the story behind the name of your band? WAIT FOR GREEN: The name came from when Drew saw the sign at a stop light like you see many places, but to him it meant more than the literal. He saw the meaning as that good things will always come and to stay positive no matter what your situation in life. Contrary to popular belief it has nothing to do with waiting for a certain herb. RUTH: What made you decide to fuse reggae, funk, alternative rock, jazz, and hip-hop in your sound? WAIT FOR GREEN: Our sound is a mesh of all the styles of music that we love and the artists that influence us.

WAIT FOR GREEN: Amazing! We were fortunate enough to play with some of the bands that influence our style. Bands that we grew up listening to and bands that we are still listening to. A majority of the bands that came through Tallahassee needed support bands, and we had great relationships with the venues and they knew we could draw a solid crowd. Some of the other bands had heard about us and asked us to travel around Florida with them. AJ also won a chili cook off contest freshman year and was a pretty big celeb in Florida so he had all kinds of hookups. RUTH: What was the most memorable experience on stage, and how did it strengthen you as a band? WAIT FOR GREEN: SunFest 2009 was definitely one of the most memorable and meaningful shows for us. It was actually the day we were all suppose to graduate, but instead we drove down to SunFest and had the time of our lives. It was there that we realized that this was something we were all extremely passionate about and wanted to do it for the rest of our lives. Either that or the time when Drew pulled a "girl" on stage that had a bigger adams apple than the hulk... changed all our lives. RUTH: How has your decision to move to Venice, CA in 2010 changed or influenced your success as a band? WAIT FOR GREEN: After graduating we wanted to take our music to the next level and felt that Southern California was the spot. We were just getting settled out here and we picked up Danny just a couple weeks after the move. We have really grown and come to love the So Cal music scene and look forward to a bright future here. RUTH: Which one of the band members is funniest and goofy, who is the quiet and reserved one, and who is the serious one?

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

WAIT FOR GREEN: Rafael is definitely the cocky jokester of the group. Drew is more serious and dedicated. AJ is on the quiet side if you don't know him. Danny is pretty reserved as well. RUTH: Other than lighting up the stages and venues in southern California, have you considered getting your music played in movie soundtracks? WAIT FOR GREEN: We have had a couple pilots and independent films use our music. "Day One" was actually Christopher Nolan's first choice for the theme music of "INCEPTION," but was cut out at the last minute. 12

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: Where do you see Wait For Green in 3-5 years from now as far as growth in the music

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

business? WAIT FOR GREEN: Running our own label and saving the manatees. RUTH: What is new for Wait For Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;any upcoming projects? WAIT FOR GREEN: Building a tree house for Danny... and we have a new EP due out later this year that will have our best stuff yet.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

WAIT FOR GREEN I basically would rap off easy guitar chords. I started developing my voice and began learning how to sing and play at a more difficult level than I had ever experienced. In 2009 when we recorded our “In Motion” EP, we worked with producer Matt Laplant from Bieler Bros. Records (Skindred, Silent Film, and Nonpoint). Matt really pushed my skills forcing me to hit higher notes and be punchy with my delivery. This is when I realized I really had a great deal of vocal potential. It’s something I work on every day and think that I am really starting to understand what

DREW DOCKERILL

RUTH: Where did you grow up?

LEAD VOCALIST

RUTH: Who or what inspired you to sing-

DREW: Miami, Florida.

ing? DREW: People like Bradley Noel, Brandon Boyd, Gwen Stefani, Bob Marley, and Jack Johnson are really my biggest influences. People like them had more than just a voice but character and charisma that reverberat-

RUTH: How old were you when you discov-

ed amongst the audience.

ered your singing talents, and how did you

RUTH: How have you grown as a singer,

embrace your talent?

and what challenges have you encountered

DREW: I was around 15 years old when I

as the lead singer?

realized I wanted to sing. Since the age of 9 I

DREW: My biggest challenge as a lead

always wanted to play lead guitar in a band but

singer is myself. I try to push my limits and

after hearing “Middle Man” (a Jack Johnson

thrive to always be evolving as a vocalist.

song) for the first time, I realized I wanted to try to write my own songs and lyrics. I started off fusing acoustic with a funky vocal delivery.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: Who is your idol? DREW: Bear Grylls

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

I’m doing vocally.

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

AJ LARSON

BASS PLAYER WAIT FOR GREEN

RUTH: Where did you grow up?

RUTH: Did you have any influences?

AJ: I went to high school in a town called Punta Gorda on

AJ: One bassist that really influenced my playing when I

the west coast of Florida. After graduating high school, I

was younger was p-nut from 311. I remember my

moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where I met Drew and

friend’s older brother showing me the slap bass intro on

Rafael.

“What Was I Thinking.” I went home and kept trying to learn it until I finally got it. He’s got a very percussive

RUTH: How did you learn how to play bass, and how

style, and you’ll find that a lot in my bass lines.

old were you when you discovered your talent? AJ: My dad was the reason I got into playing music. He bought me a little electric guitar when I was five and

RUTH: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them as the band’s bass player?

showed me how to play to play a couple chords and

AJ: The biggest hurdle of our career so far has been mov-

scales. I took a couple lessons here and there when I was

ing out to California together and trying to grow our

young, but when I turned nine, my dad suggested I try

west coast fan base.

playing bass... I was instantly hooked. I played bass throughout middle and high school in a couple of different bands. When I moved up to Tallahassee, I met drew and we decided that we should begin a new project. The result was “Wait For Green”.

RUTH: Who is your Idol? AJ: If I had to pick one person, I’d have to say my idol is Victor Wooten. The way he plays just blows my mind and I would be happy if I could play half as well as he can.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: Where did you grow up? RAFAEL: I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and moved to south Florida at the age of 12. RUTH: How did you learn how to play guitar, and how old were you when you discovered your talent? RAFAEL: I picked up the instrument on my own around the age of 14 and after playing for a year I took jazz and classical guitar lessons to further my skills. RUTH: Did you have any influences? RAFAEL: When I first started playing I was influenced by Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and mainly old Incubus CD's (Fungus Amongus, S.C.I.E.N.C.E).

RAFAEL BRITTO LEAD GUITARIST WAIT FOR GREEN Nowadays I try to listen to as many bands as I can because they all influence me in different ways. RUTH: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them as the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

RAFAEL: I have never really faced challenges as a guitarist besides attempting to spin my guitar around my neck and not making the back of my right calf bleed. RUTH: Who is your idol? RAFAEL: Whoever invented Crocs. Those shoes are crazy!

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

lead guitarist?

DANNY MORLEDGE

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

PERCUSSIONIST RUTH: Where did you grow up? DANNY: I was born in Bakersfield, CA but pretty much grew up North Idaho, near Coeur d' Alene. Right before starting high school I moved back down and have lived here ever since - between NorCal and SoCal. I currently live in Glendora and consider Santa Cruz somewhat of a second home. RUTH: How did you learn how to play drums, and how old were you when you discovered your talent? DANNY: My parents gave me a toy drum set for Christmas right before my seventh birthday. I started out by basically just putting on different CD's and bashing away. Needless to say, the plastic heads and cheap cymbal didn't last very long, and I was given a "real" drumset a month or two later. I have taken lessons on and off since then but consider myself more self-taught than otherwise.

RUTH: Who inspired you?

RUTH: Who is your Idol?

DANNY: My inspiration has come from countless different sources along the way, but it's safe to say that my mom's been my single biggest encourager and source of inspiration throughout the years.

DANNY: In terms of drummers, the idol of my early days was Will Denton, who was playing with a Christian band called D.C. Talk at the time. He currently plays with LeAnn Rimes. I don't know that I can name just one current idol, but at the top of my list of favorite drummers are those who not only play well but also sing and write (or vice-versa) - drummers like Dave Grohl, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Brian Blade, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Wood...the list goes on.

RUTH: Do you have other hidden talents other than being a drummer? DANNY: I can whistle out my eye. Also, I kick a pretty mean hacky sack.

WAIT FOR GREEN SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

“Wait For Green” enjoyed massive success in Florida touring and having the pleasure to share the stage with the likes of: The Wailers, Slightly Stoopid, Reel Big Fish, Cold War Kids, Blues Traveler, Authority Zero, The Expendables, Rebelution, The Supervillians, and Passafire. After winning the National MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association) Battle of the Bands, finishing in the top 8 to open Langerado, radio rotation on Florida's major rock and college stations (such as Clear Channel's X101.5, 103.1 The Buzz, and Florida College Radio), headlining shows at some of the Southeast's premier venues, performing at SUNFEST 2009 and showcasing at the Florida Music Festival; “Wait For Green” decided it was time to take the leap cross country to California and finally landed in Venice, CA in the spring of 2010.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY JOHNATHON LIPKING

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

PAST AND FUTURE TOUR DATES August 19th - 9pm - Beachfront 301, Huntington Beach, CA

SE EW FG ON W W TO W UR .W AI OR TF VI OR SIT GR TH EE EM NM US AT …, IC .C OM

August 22nd - Pacific Islands Summer Fest, Las Vegas, NV

September 17-19th - Recording NEW EP!!

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

SONG WRITER & MUSIC PRODUCER

IMAGE BY CHRISTOPHE WU

DARYL C. WANG

“

I started writing music

when I was fourteen, mainly

”

to impress a girl I liked.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

BIOGRAPHY D

aryl C. Wang (aka NIN9) represents the up and coming generations of popular entertainment. Having pro-

duced for notable artists such as Eurovision 2008 Finalist Michelle Purvis and Hong Kong TVB entertainer Vincent Wan (溫家恆),Wang began an early career at the age of 16. Wang’s music reflects his diverse musical background. Learning the violin at the age of six and later picking up the piano and guitar, Wang brings a fresh take to the expanding pop genre. Wang has produced and performed for clients internationally while simultaneously pursuing a BM in Music Composition at the University of Southern California. In 2008, he wrote, produced, and performed in Singapore for MediaCorps Channel 5 television show, Singapore OK! which featured artists Jones Shi, Damon Yeoh, Ein Ein, and Brenda Chan. Wang also worked on the charity album Ode to Joy, featuring many notable artists such as Singapore Idol Contestant Anson Goh and Wayne Erh. In the summer of 2009, Wang interned in Hong Kong under the guidance of critically acclaimed producers Hanjin Tan and Alex Fung for The Invisible Men. In Hong Kong, he worked with several artists including TVB Host Benji Chiang and new artist Vincent Wan. In 2010, Wang signed a production deal with Miami-based Golden Leaf Records, producing several tracks for Norwegian artist and Eurovision Finalist Michelle Purvis. Wang is currently producing for LA-based R&B artist Rudo and hip-hop artist Krazy Irv. In addition to production, Wang has a strong performance career being versatile in both vocal and instrumental performance. In 2008 he performed in Singapore at Clarke Quay’s Lunar Bar & Lounge for the debut of the Ode to Joy Charity Album. In the same year, he performed in the Artchemist Music Video for Media Corp Channel 5. Since then, Wang has recorded and released three tracks under the alias of Beat NIN9 with one of the freshest new MC’s on the scene, Bone. In 2010, Wang performed at the KCET Asian American Awards Red Carpet Event.

Daryl c. wang 22

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY CHRISTOPHE WU

Wang has produced and performed for clients internationally while simultaneously pursuing a BM in Music Composition at the University of Southern California. In 2008, he wrote, produced, and performed in Singapore for MediaCorps Channel 5 television show, Singapore OK! which featured artists Jones Shi, Damon Yeoh, Ein Ein, and Brenda Chan.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

My MUSIC BACKGROUND IT STARTED WITH impressing a girl... But, STILL DOING IT FOR LOVE for MUSIC...

started writing music when I was fourteen, mainly to impress a girl I liked. Her name was Tian and she was an amazing pianist, a great songwriter, and she could sing the hell out of a Jay Chou song (arguably the king of Chinese pop). So I plotted and schemed and decided to learn how to play “Qing Tian” on the piano, one of his more popular songs, in an attempt to win her recognition. Well, I learned the damn thing and played it for her. I remember distinctly how she took over the keys and instantaneously played the same thing I just spent hours learning by ear. I wasn’t sure if I was in love with her or her skill, but whatever. I had to be able to do that. We became good friends and we would share our compositions with each other. We never got together, but hey: when you’re fourteen, life goes on and I just discovered (unknowingly) that music would become my life’s goal. I spent the next couple years sharpening my new-found piano skills and exploring the Chinese music scene. I eventually took on an internship in Singapore at a small studio where I learned the basics of recording and production. From then on, I took what I knew and embraced all types of music – hip-hop, pop, house, shoe gazing, classical – you name it. I went from songwriter to producer. After another internship in Hong Kong I moved to LA for school, and since then have been working in the popular music scene there. If you’re familiar with LA music, it’s a lot of Top 40, club, and progressive everything. It’s alive and almost everything is accepted. I’m currently working on five projects simultaneously, in genres ranging from Britney Spears pop to Trey Songz R&B. It’s busy but I love what I do. My philosophy in music is really to do what you think sounds good. Of course you’re going to be influenced by what you grew up with. But whether that may be rap, rock, pop, or all of the above, you have a unique set of ears that you have to trust.

DARYL C. WANG

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

“I’m currently working on five projects simultaneously, in genres ranging from Britney Spears pop to Trey Songz R&B. It’s busy but I love what I do.

”

IMAGES BOTH PAGES BY CHRISTOPHE WU

Daryl C. Wang

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

DARYL C. WANG

GUITARIST

SONG WRITER

DARYL C. WANG

PRODUCER DARYL C. WANG 26

PIANIST VIOLINIST

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGES BOTH PAGES BY CHRISTOPHE WU

RUTH: You have a vast background in music from classical music, song writer, to producer. How did that evolve? DARYL: For the majority of my life, music was something I took largely for granted. I just practiced violin because for as long as I can remember it was what I did. It was really only when I started to apply for college through their music programs that I realized, hey: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m actually going to commit my whole life to music. No turning back since then.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: What influences have you had with hip-hop,

RUTH: Where did you grow up?

pop, house, shoes gazing, and classical, and how did you embrace them?

DARYL: Although I was born in Texas, I moved to the bay area when I was just 6 months old. So yeah, I grew

DARYL: I kind of had two versions of me going on at

up there for most of my childhood. Even so, I often

the same time while I was growing up. On one hand, I

moved between cities, staying in Fremont, Palo Alto,

studied violin at the San Francisco Conservatory, per-

and then Orinda, mainly because my mom was relent-

formed with private orchestras around the bay area,

less in transferring me to constantly better schools. And I

and sang in my school choir. On the other hand, I was a

really have to thank her, because most of my growth as

hip-hop addict that pumped Lil Wayne’s “Carter 3”

an individual happened because I had to deal with new

while driving around Palo Alto and Orinda, my child-

situations all the time. If you think about the stress there

hood towns. I guess you could call that my alter-ego,

is in first going to high school, I went through seven

NIN9. But in the past year I’ve really learned to love all

different schools for my K-12 education.

types of music. Studying contemporary classical music at USC really opened my mind to composers like

RUTH: What was the most memorable experience in the

Gorecki and Crumb. I can’t say I love all of it, but al-

music business, and how did it strengthen you as a mu-

most all of it is interesting. And if you haven’t heard

sician?

music from either composer before, check it out. It really makes your hardest rock and most progressive trance easy to take in. Once I take it in, I digest it no matter how far out it may seem. And a lot of the time, I find that the more unusual pieces are the ones that inspire me the most.

DARYL: My most memorable experience in the music business was also my biggest lesson. When I was eighteen, I took on a summer internship in Singapore at a small, independent studio called Walkwork. There, I quickly learned the basics of arranging and producing. I was young and definitely over confident and ended up

RUTH: Who are some of the musicians you have

taking on the task of producing an entire charity album

worked with, and how were those experiences?

under the guidance of my boss. I produced for six artists, all from different backgrounds. Anson Goh was a Singa-

DARYL: The best experiences I have working with mu-

pore Idol contestant, Damon Yeoh (who ended up be-

sicians are when the energy in the studio is just right.

coming my really good friend and mentor in a way) was

There are no arguments, only discussions, and there is a

and still is a vocal coach and music school manager, Tay

sense of respect in the atmosphere. The thing about cre-

Kewei and Ein Ein are rising stars; you should definitely

ativity is that it’s a sensitive subject, so a lot of people

check out their music. Anyway, the whole project kind

tend to tread lightly. But I think that’s totally wrong. A

of missed target in a way. The quality wasn’t there. Not

lot of criticism is passive aggressive and that just

going to point any fingers - really it was my own irre-

doesn’t feel good. I’m currently working with an R&B

sponsibility in overestimating my own ability. But this

artist named Rudo and I love the way we work. Usually

experience was also the first time I made friends within

him and I and his manager Joe will spend an evening at

the Chinese Pop industry and I felt like I sort of be-

my studio doing what we need to get done. I make the

longed to the “music business”. I had, and still have, a

instrumental first which is often times based off of lyri-

long way to go, and that experience always reminds me

cal and melodic content Rudo came up with prior. He’ll

to be humble no matter what type of success comes my

later lay down demo vocals so that all three of us can

way.

review the song. If we like it, we go on and record the final version at my friend Dave’s studio, In Fidelity. If we don’t, then it’s back to the lab. 28

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

DARYL: I want to be like Kanye! Just kidding...well, sort of. Aside from all the drama, he produces, writes, and performs his own stuff and everything he does is unique and creative. I hope to first establish myself as a super producer and then branch back into performing, reviving my hiphop duo Beat NIN9. My primary goal right now is to sign to a major label or distributor as a producer in order to get access to their client roster. That way, if I have a beat I want to pitch to, let’s say Rihanna, I could directly send it to her camp without having to go through too many middle men. I have confidence in my work and in my manager. We’re sending out my portfolio by the end of the month along with a brand new website to showcase my work. I’m keeping my fingers crossed! RUTH: What is new for you - any upcoming projects? DARYL: I’m working with Rudo on a crazy club track. Think Tiesto meets Kid Cudi. I’m also working with a Chinese singer on her EP. Since it’s still in it’s early stages, I don’t want to discuss too much about it now, but look IMAGE BY CHRISTOPHE WU

for updates on my site in the future. RUTH: Who is your idol? DARYL: I look up to and respect a lot of people. Darkchild, Kanye West, MGMT to name a few. From the dance side, Tritonal, Kaskade, Jochen Miller, and of course Armin. My friend Jones Shi who’s doing his own thing in

RUTH: Do you consider yourself a music writer, producer, or just a musician?

Asia now. His new EP is the BOMB. RUTH: Now that you are older and not “14” anymore, would you learn to play an instrument to impress a girl?

DARYL: All of the above. At school I write notes. At home I make beats. And outside, I perform.

DARYL: If she’s worth it, why not? I think it’s kind of romantic.

RUTH: How old were you when you started playing piano, and do you still play?

RUTH: What advice would you give aspiring musicians?

DARYL: I don’t really know exactly when I started. I just

DARYL: Love what you do, not the fame or glamour. It

kind of picked it up in high school because there was a

makes the potential downturns in your career a lot more

piano lying around in the house. It started with small

tolerable. Also, network like it’s your profession. Learn

things, like wanting to play a certain pop song and end-

from your social mistakes to better your position in the

ed up in composition and improvisation. And by the

future. I can’t stress enough how many opportunities

time I entered college, I was playing Chopin nocturnes

were created for me because I initiated conversation at a

and Debussy preludes.

gig or while waiting in the studio. And lastly, never have

RUTH: Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years from now as far as growth in the music industry?

the attitude that the people you work with are just business.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: Can you play guitar? If so, how long? DARYL: I’ve played guitar for a couple years, but I haven’t pursued it aggressively. It’s more for my own enjoyment. But my cousin can shred on his guitar. He’s got a band in Taiwan called Iron Banana. If I remember correctly they won a pretty big competition there a couple years back. RUTH: What challenges have you faced in the music business and how have they helped you grow? DARYL: Last summer I interned under Tan Hanjin and Alex Fung, both renowned producers in Hong Kong, producing beats, and editing vocals. Working for them was by far the biggest but hardest step

IMAGE BY CHRISTOPHE WU

I took in production. They were strict but fair and didn’t tolerate amateur work. They pushed me to be the best I could be, or rather, they really didn’t give me any other option. It was either deliver or go home. They explained to me the depths of mixing, vocal editing, and allowed me to observe their work. One time I even accompanied Hanjin as his personal assistant to an interview he had at DADA Bar. That was fun! Oh yeah - and I was also the mail man, delivery man, and go-to boy. But it was discipline, and I needed it.

I know the common thing to do is to separate personal relationships and business, but realistically, that rarely happens in the music industry. You have to build a team of people – everyone from songwriters, producers, artists, and managers – that you can trust. That’s your crew, that’s your entourage, and it’s a beautiful thing! -Daryl C. Wang

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: If you were to have your dream opportunity to work with a musician in the industry, who would you wish that musician to be and why? DARYL: Kanye. Have you heard “Power”? That is a bomb track.

IMAGE BY SCOTT GREGORY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;iMiâ&#x20AC;? iMi, the high-energy, Texas-born-and-bred, alternative rock band, will grab your attention with their all-original mix of hard-driving rock and acoustic melodies. Formed in 2007, its members are Chris Roberts on Lead Vocal and Guitar, Matthew Gene on Bass Guitar, Brady Hamilton on Drums, and Adrian Kindred on Lead Guitar. iMi has been inducted into the Curtain Club's "Hall of Fame" in Dallas, receiving special recognition for their sell-out shows and amazing talent. Presented with a plaque honoring them for being one of the top-drawing bands, their autographed portrait is on display with some of Texas' greatest recording artists such as Pantera, Bowling for Soup, Drowning Pool, Pat Green, and The Toadies. This crowd-pleasing band is no stranger to playing with national acts. Taking first place in a Battle of the Bands competition, iMi was granted the opportunity to open for The All-American Rejects. Other national acts iMi has played with include Puddle of Mudd, Eve 6, Candle Box, Saliva, Faktion, Deaf Pedestrians, & Edgewater, to name a few. iMi was selected to showcase at the Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA). They have also performed at the "Red, White and Boom Festival" in McKinney, Texas; at the American Airlines Center during the Pre-Game show for Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets fans; and, recently played their second appearance at the Texas Rockfest in Austin during the famed South by Southwest Festival in 2010. Appearing on several NBC Morning Shows throughout Texas, iMi continues to gain attention. They have secured sponsorships from national companies such as ESPN, LA Fitness, and many others. The band is passionate about the work they do in their community. They have launched charity concerts and donated a percentage of the proceeds from their downloaded songs to support At Risk Teens for Children's Medical Center. Their latest album, Halo, was produced by Grammy-nominated Alex Gerst and is available on iTunes. For more information visit their websites at www.imirocksnow.com and www.myspace.com/imirocks - IMI SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

STUDY U arts, other cultures, film and self-expression,

Enjoy Making things with your hands,

history, paintings, yourself in a visual media,

sculpture,

Expressing

creating images from ideas, helping

people see and understand subject to which they might not otherwise have

WWW. IDEALCOLLEGEPLACEMENTS.NET/APPLY

USA!

Enjoy current Trends in apparels, arts,

food business trends, fabrics, fashion and fashion designers?

furnishings, travel and leisure,

LEAD SINGER CHRiS ROBERTS

RUTH: What does your band name “iMi” stand for, and how did you come up with the name? iMi: It stands for Individualism-for individuals standing alone. We were a 3-piece band back then and we knew we were 3 different individuals so we came up with three letters “iMi” RUTH: How did your band come together? What is the story behind “iMi”? iMi: The bass player Matthew Gene and Chris Roberts (lead singer) started from an ad from the newspaper of wanting to put a band together. Over the course of 6 or 7 years we went through several players until we met Adrian Kindred, the guitar player and the drummer Brady Hamilton. Now we have the right sound.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: How long have you been working together as a band?

BASS PLAYER

iMi: 3 to 4 years.

MATTHeW GENE

RUTH: Have you had an opportunity to work on stage with other rock bands? iMi: Yes, National Acts like Puddle of Mudd, Candle Box, The American Rejects, Saliva, Eve 6, and Edgewater. RUTH: What was the most memorable experience during your past performances?

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iMi: Getting off stage at Midwest Rock Fest and seeing a line of people waiting for our autographs.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

DRUMMER BRAdY HAMILTON

RUTH: What challenges do you face living in Texas as a professional rock band, and how have you embraced those challenges? iMi: Creating enough revenue to play at our level and making sure that everything at show time runs smoothly. Hearing a lot of promises from people and being let down, but we were able to get over disappointments and keep going. RUTH: Which of the band members is the most outgoing and why? iMi: Chris Roberts-lead singer and Matthew Gene-bass player are both very outgoing. The are on the move daily. After shows they would shake hands, sign autographs, take pictures, and meet the fans.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: Which of the band members is more reserved

GUITARIST

and why? iMi: Adrian Kindred-guitarist is the most reserved; it’s just his personality. He is the quiet one of the group..

ADRIaN KINKAID

RUTH: Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years from now as far as growth in rock music? iMi: Famous, signed with a major label, selling out arenas, getting known world-wide, living on a tour bus, and being humble & loyal to our fans. RUTH: Who is your idol as band?

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iMi: Our idol as a band would be the Deathtones, because of their style, not necessarily their musicianship. No one has ever been able to copy them. Another band would be, STAIND<because of how he writes his music and his perseverance to keep going. Also, Fred Durst from Limp Biskit because he helped so many other bands get their start. Lastly, Metallica. They have what it’s all about in every aspect of music; from writing music to their style.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

RUTH: What is new for you - any upcoming projects? iMi: Working on the next record and heading to the new studio in September. Have new management behind us and supporting us. RUTH: What words of encouragement can you give to other struggling bands out there? iMi: Make sure that you have family and those that surround you give you support. You need their support. Be humble at all times. Write good songs and be open to what people have to say, even when the cards are stacked and about to fall - you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quit.

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY SCOTT GREGORY

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | MUSICIAN

IMAGE BY MICHELLE WATT

JESSEDITTMAR.COM

NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER JESSE DITTMAR JESSEDITTMAR.COM 203.858.9376 Stats: Born in the US of A. Grew up on the East Coast. Lives in New York City. Likes to photograph people.

Special Physical Skills: Being Tall. Unfortunate Weaknesses: Fair Skinned. Exhibitions: 2010 Looking Back, Looking Forward 2009 Finding Work 2008 Picturing America Image by Michelle Watt on the Set of the Glad Flash Mob Video

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | PHOTOGRAPHER

P.37-60 IMAGES BY JESSE DITTMAR

IMAGES BY JESSE DITTMAR

PORTRAITS I

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PORTRAITS II

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NICKNAMES

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PORTRAITS I

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FASHION

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CRY

RUTH: How is living in New York as

RUTH: How would you describe

JESSE: I was on a shoot in the

a professional photographer?

your photography?

White House in 2009, and the

JESSE: Love it, and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of

JESSE: A little like late Renaissance

many other places Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be.

painting, a lot like the movie Teen

RUTH: Who or what inspired you to

Wolf with Michael J Fox.

President (not who we were photographing) walked in by happenstance looking for our subject. It was a huge surprise and I got to

RUTH: Have you had an opportuni-

say a quick hello. The man has a

ty to photograph any musicians?

good handshake.

school photography teacher, initially

JESSE: Yes, I had an amazing time

RUTH: What challenges do you

inspired me to keep taking pictures.

photographing the UK artists Keane

face living in the big apple as a

He threw me on the path to find

as well as Travis.

professional photographer, and

get into photography? JESSE: Mr. Bob Mitchell, my high

more inspiration elsewhere after high school.

RUTH: What was the most memorable experience in your work?

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | PHOTOGRAPHER

how have you embraced those challenges?

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FASHION

JESSE: Biggest challenge: finding a

JESSE: I can reach stuff, and I spend

good apartment below the 3rd floor so

too much money on sunscreen.

I don’t have to carry my hundreds of pounds of equipment up and down every time I shoot.

RUTH: Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years from now as far as growth as a photographer?

RUTH: Which ones of these characters are you: funny and goofy, quiet and reserved, or serious person?

JESSE: I’m hanging out with Charles and Gnarls Barkley talking about our new ad campaign for the KFC

JESSE: I try to be serious, but end up

triple stack (3 chicken cutlets, 3 lay-

being goofy.

ers of bacon, no bun). Charles is the

RUTH: Why do you consider your special physical skill “being tall” and your unfortunate weakness “fair

JESSE DITTMAR.COM

spokesman and Gnarls wrote the theme song. Maybe we’ll take some pictures.

skinned”?

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PORTRAITS II

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FINDING WORK

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RUTH: If you could make a wish to photograph your favorite person, who would that be? JESSE: Stephen Colbert; no, Bill Clinton. Can I shoot both together??

SEPTEMBER 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | PHOTOGRAPHER

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PORTRAITS II

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PORTRAITS II 58

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RUTH: What is new for you - any upcoming projects? JESSE: Just finished a huge fashion story, and I got a new nickname (http:// jessedittmar.com/projects/nicknames/)

IMAGE BY JESSE DITTMAR

Shoot coming up. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be my

friend as a butcher in a meat locker with scantily clad females and dead animals. Should be a little fun!

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FASHION

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PORTRAITS I

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RUTH: I’m from Kenya, and I couldn’t help noticing the photo you took of a Maasai man and woman. Have you ever been in Kenya? If so, how was your experience there? JESSE: I was in Kenya for two weeks and learned a hell of a lot. I brought along polaroid film to give pictures to the Maasai, and the response was amazing! Everyone wanted a picture of themselves, but I didn’t have enough frames. I had to get them in group photos and let them figure out who got to keep the polaroid. It was really great to give them something they’d never seen before.

PORTRAITS II

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PORTRAITS II

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OCTOBER 2010 Designer Issue

IMAGE BY YAROMIR MLYNKI

Portfoliofusionmagazine.com

MODEL: RUTH OMANYA