Casme Issue 19 by Shive Magazine

NAME:

JOEY QUEANS A.K.A QUEANS AGE:

HOMETOWN:

Kenner city

There’s a few distribution company’s chopping good game but nothing solid enough to move on just yet

When did you start your career?

What steps did you take in getting to the point you’re at now?

Local new Orleans my hometown as well

A large series of mixtapes solo, featuring other artists and featuring on there’s as well

Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? Who would be your ideal artist to work with? No not at all

Kendrick Lamar

What would you consider to be your recognizable track?

What is your ultimate career goal? 5 billboard topping albums

My first single that hit radio air ways home and For more info on me or my music visit: took off “ was Kenner city” along with my follow My instagram and twitter @GoodSense_queans up “looking so good” At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals?

NAME:

KACHINA AZE A.K.A THE MERMAID OF PHILLY AGE:

My recognizable track would be “No Religion”. It definitely grabs the listeners attention and raises an eyebrow! That’s why I love it.

HOMETOWN:

At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals?

Philadelphia

There are currently no deals on the table. I’m not opposed to getting a deal however it has to be the right deal! I want to be confident in whatever is agreed upon and free to be the artist that I am. Until that comes along, I can wait.

When did you start your career? I became serious about my career when I was in high school. I was less focused on the normal teenage hobbies and more into writing and rehearsing my own material.

What steps did you take in getting to the point your at now?

Can you compare your style to anyone in the I’ve performed a lot! It’s my favorite part of what I do. Being on stage is what makes all the hard game right now? work worth it. So I got here by consistent reI would say my style is similar to Rihanna’s. We hearsal and songwriting. both take risks with our music as well as our hairstyles.

Who would be your ideal artist to work with?

What would you consider to be your recognizable track?

My ideal artist to worth with would be Rihanna. She seems fun, relaxed and real! Creating with

her would be iconic! What is your ultimate career goal? My ultimate career goal Is to have at least one world tour. Giving my followers and fans that live interaction is an experience like no other. That connection I build with them during live shows is detrimental and means so much to me. So to be able to entertain fans from all over the world would be a dream come true. For more info on me or my music visit: My single â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Religionâ&#x20AC;? is available right now on Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify and all other music outlets. I am also on all social sites as @KachinaAze and my official website is www.KachinaAze.com**

Re-Thinking Your Image: Creating a Signature Style

any talented emerging artists are confused by the issue of an image and don’t have a sense of their own style. So, they either copy things from other people, or are just bland. Few artists actually have a true, distinct style. In today’s entertainment environment, the first impression is as important as ever. However, style is only one aspect of an artist’s first impression. Working with artists such as Usher, Beyonce, and Jessica Simpson has taught me that there are many things related to the way an artist comes across to others. My theory for building a compelling rockstar image is that you have to look within, harness what really makes you great, and then express that to the fullest. A style or look is just another form of self-expression, similar to the way you express yourself on stage or in the studio. It’s capturing that same energy, and applying it to the rest of your life, including your look. Everything you do can be viewed as a form of self-expression - from knowing yourself so deeply that your expression comes from an authentic place, to your live performance, to how you walk into a room, conduct yourself in meetings and interviews, and to how passionately you live your daily life. These things shape the way that you are perceived. And of course, style and a look play an important role too. Entertainment is a business of first im-

pressions. People make a decision of what they think about you in the first few seconds of seeing you. But here’s the key - People don’t get an impression from you; they get an impression from the image you project. That’s why talent is not enough to make it in this business. Many musicians have talent. But if they’re not doing all they can with it - if they’re not packaged in a way that it truly connects to others - it won’t work. They won’t attract the industry attention they deserve. It’s important that you define your look, just as you have defined your sound. This creation of a signature style involves the following 3-step process: Educate yourself so that you can dictate your own style: Start to notice what you’re drawn to and what you like. Notice what styles work on certain people and what doesn’t. Pay attention to advertisements on TV and billboards. Notice movie posters. Flip through magazines. I’m not an advocate of following every trend, but if you don’t know what the trends are, how can you decide to take part of them or not? Create a point of view and direction by uncovering your imaging themes: Think about your favorite rockstars. Notice their defining characteristics and traits. Then get clear on your own gifts and quirks. Rockstars accentuate their strengths. How can you? A combination of your favorite rockstar’s

traits, along with your own uniqueness will form a Point and Direction. An image is when you consistently put clear direction.

defined of View formed forth a

For example, if your favorite rockstars are Kid Rock, The Police, Sheryl Crow, Joannie Mitchell, Ani Difranco, and Bono, the traits you most admire in them are their rebellious nature, sunny personalities, and home-made qualities. Your own strengths and quirks include your sensual nature, love of wild animals, and heritage. It’s then about taking pieces of all of these themes and putting them together to form “your own” rockstar image. Illustrate your themes and direction in the way you dress, accessorize, and act: Once you have a clearly defined direction for your image, the next step is to portray that in every part of your look and in everything that you do. For instance, what’s the belt buckle, hair style, or color combination that clearly represents the new image that you want to project? Your photographs, website, and other presentation materials should all reflect your new image too. Then decide how you can express your new direction in your live performance, studio sessions, and daily life. Live your artistry in all that you do. So now that you have your own style, it’s time to go shopping. Happy hunting. ----John Battaglia i

ithin the 15 plus years in the entertainment industry, Casme` has become a force to be reckoned with. The New Orleans Indie Singer/Songwriter has done things Indie artist have dreamed of their entire lives. From singing back-up for recording artists B.O.B., Carl Thomas, Aaron Hall, Lil G (Silk) & more to opening up for Eric Benet, Dwele,

Ginuwine, Eve and Bobby Jones and performing on 106 & Park, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno and The View just to name a few, one can say she has definitely earned her keep.

By Myself, Madea’s Big Happy Family, hit T.V. shows like TBS’s House Of Payne and The Braxton Family Values and major stage plays Marrying Up, The Lost Son, featuring Terrell Carter and Tall Dark & Handsome, featuring R&B crooner, Tony Terry, and BET comedians Sheryl Underwood and Bill Hill.

Her undeniable talent, ambition, refreshing energy and infectious spirit have landed her roles in box office hits Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All The self-proclaimed “GUMBO”

artist has performed locally and worldwide earning her #1 Spot on ReverbNation’s charts, 6 nominations as ATL’s Hottest Female Artist/Band and Future Star two years in a row. She is currently working with Grammy nominated and winning producers on her International NAWLINS infused GUMBO Collection which mixes her LOVE for all types of Music w/her LOVE for people. Her recently released single “Break Loose” earned the singer not one, not two but three nominations for the Nola Gospel Awards. In addition to her career, Casme` has conducted her own high school tour “Forbidden” challenging today’s youth to dream, practice abstinence until marriage and to love themselves enough to make healthy life decisions. She has also managed to start NOLA’S GOT IT Management & Marketing Firm where she manages four Indie artists. Threw her community outreach program Casme’ Cares, the multi-talented singer and humanitarian connects with our youth in an effort to encourage and inform them about major issues that plague our society. We caught up with Casme` to talk about getting her big break, her Music, the roles associated with being an Indie artist and her reasons for moving back to New Orleans. Having sung for major artists and starred in many box officwe movies and plays, how did you get your big break? Casme: To be honest, FAVOR. I believe my spirit & my attitude played a huge role in the placement of major opportunities presented to me. Like for example, I would go in for a small role & end up being featured. When you’re Faithful God grants Favor!

What prompted you to want to venture out on your own? Casme: Both of my parents are independent contractors/ entreprenurs so it’s in my blood to do my own thing lol. How would you describe your music? Casme: Motivational.. Inspiring... Simply put it is a SOULFUL pot of GUMBO with the rue of LOVE. You did exceptionally well in Tennessee and Atlanta, What sparked the decision to move back home to New Orleans? Casme: I missed my family, I’m the oldest of 8 children and everyone started growing up and I had to miss out on some big moments for them because I was touring & traveling so much. I also wanted to do the same outreach I was doing worldwide in my hometown, an opportunity to give back to the city that blessed me.

the music accordingly & decided to create a collective project. The Neo Soul, R&B, Christmas, Rock & Motown albums have been released thus far since In releasing your “GUMBO” 2015. GUMBO sums it right up album collection, what was right? So why not tie in my Nola the creative process behind roots? Lol. the project? Why Gumbo for a name? You’re always delivering Casme: So over 15 years I recorded a whole lot of music over 200 records (all of which were not distribution worthy lol) but I didn’t wanna leave this earth with all that good stuff on a hard drive. At different seasons in my life I worked in different genres so I separated

fun-filled and mentally challenging new music and videos, which track and video clip has been your favorite to create? Why?

Smith & his positive energy. It was colorful vibrant & funny. I jumped rope in heels, got bullied and was able to laugh about it. Good times. As an independent artist you take on a lot of roles. Name a few of those roles? Which role would you consider the hardest?

Casme: Writer, Bookings, Producer, Planner, Director, Designer(Fashion,Set&Graphics) & promoter. The hardest hands Casme: Fresh Prince remix down is the promoter role- I “Fresh Queen of Algiers” don’t want to have to do that because that show was always any more. Lol. It’s so much one of my favorites...love Will work & I really don’t want have

with excellence and structure. Since your managing artists now, does that mean you’re putting your music on the back seat? Casme: I’m only working with one right now but when I have a platform, she will too! Backburner? Nahhh No indeed, there is a fire under my feet right now thats crazy....it’s bout to be LIT! You’ve been in the industry for 15 plus years, what inspires you to keep going and advice would you give to emerging artists?

to promote myself - I wanna have a team of people who do that. I find balance by plugging & showing love to others. I’m always trynna spread good energy. Don’t want to seem selfabsorbed but if I don’t promote me, nobody will know me.... if I don’t who will? That’s just keeping it 100. Once the buzz is there, I won’t have to promote any more! Yayyyy.

Casme: Jesus is my source & strength that’s all I can say. He gave me an amazing future husband & family who support me, chastise and lift me when I’m weak. What influence you to step into the manager role?

Casme: I have a big heart. I’ve mentored sooo many people along this journey especially In addition to your music, young girls so it was easy for you also have a community me to say “mentor & manage” outreach program “Casme because of my years of expertise Cares”, a Management and in the field. I know what it Marketing firm, “Nola’s Got It” takes to make things happen and Agape Cafe. How do you & it’s about making goals and find time to tackle all this? attacking them in order and

Casme: BE YOU, BE THE LIGHT, BE DIFFERENT, USE YOUR PLATFORM TO TRANSFORM LIVES FOR THE BETTER...GO WHERER YOU ARE CELEBRATED NOT JUST TOLERATED, DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT, KNOW WHO YOU ARE WHO’S YOU ARE & NEVER SETTLE. WORK. GRIND. BE SELF SUFFICIENT, LEARN TO DO AS MUCH AS OU CAN FOR YOURSELF, KEEP YOUR CIRCLE SMALL!!! SNAKES ARE EVERYWHERE BUT GOOD GENUINE PPL EXIST...ASK GOD FOR DISCERNMENT & NEVER BE TOO ANXIOUS. What’s next for Casme? Casme: !!!MORE SELF FOCUS!!! IAMCASME.COM will be the #1 Source for What’s in the Works!

on IG & twitter @sixxmann and listen to my music on Spotify or iTunes.

NAME:

SIXX MANN HOMETOWN:

New Orleans When did you start your career I started my career in 04 but I started getting notice around 09.

opportunities that I have worked for. I’m one of the newest members of TPain NappyBoy Label. I’m about to release my highly anticipated mixtape called Numb3rs. I’m also working on the NappyBoy project with TPain and the other members on the label and we setting up some tour dates. What steps did you take in getting to the point your at now?

Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? Steps I took getting to where I’m at now: Every day I get up and make it my business to network My sound is like nobody out right now,that’s the and build with people to put myself in a better great thing I’m in my own lane and that’s a big position even if I feel like nothing might not happart of having success in this business. pen I still look into it. What would you consider to be your recognizable track?

Who would be your ideal artist to work with? My ideal artist to work with: anybody that’s putting in work grinding and bout there business.

My recognizable song is Snatch Dat Wall Off it’s starting to get good buzz but my follow up should What is your ultimate career goal? My career take me to another level. goals: to build my brand up to a level where I can take care of my family and help other people At this point, what’s going on with you? any achieve there dreams. deals? I’m just working very hard taking advantage of the For more info on me and my music follow me

BANKING AND LOAN Issues for Musicians

The Musician’s Favorite Topic: Banking and Loans 1) Choose a reputable bank. Check out their background and reputation in your area.

a. Sell personal items of value b. Do benefit concerts c. Save money from live show revenues and/or merchandise sales

2) Types of banks and their customer base: a. The large national bank (B of A etc) b. The regional bank (are there any anymore?) c. The local bank...too small for your needs?

9) Still want a Loan? Learn your way around loan application procedures: create a balance sheet and Profit and Loss Statement

3) Are there advantages/disadvantages of dealing with each of the above? Think it out.

10) What happens when you can’t pay? You better look into this!

4) Do any of these banks give loans to musicians and/or bands?

11) Establish good credit. Pay bills on time-overtime-be professional in all your money dealings.

5) Entities that loan money and their pros and cons: a. Loan Companies: No pros-stay away from them! b. Investors-outof reach for most new artists and music is high risk business c. Rich uncles or ‘sugar-daddies’-don’t take their money. They don’t know the biz.

12) Howdo you “fix” bad credit: Don’t get into that position to begin with- work with creditors.

6) Interest. How it is calculated. What to watch out for. Hidden or Late charges? 7) Types of credit: a. Consumer credit (cards) b. Secured long term (secured loans vs. unsecured and also guarantors) c. Secured short term loans( mightwork-what can you put up?) d. Un-secured loans (forget about it) e. Secured lines of credit: (good way to go) f. Unsecured linesof credit: (not unless you have had success galore)

13) Maintain a good banking/investor relationship. Keep them posted on how you are doing. 14) Don’t be afraid of dealing with bankers or any financial institutions. They can be a musicians best friend. 15) There are no shortcuts to running your business, and your music IS your business, so approach your business and run it with heart and a good cash flow.

Christopher Knab

8) How do you get money to “start” your music business if you can’t do any of the above?

NAME:

JAMAL MARICHAL AGE:

More than anything you have to have drive and persistence. You’re going to be told “No.” many times. A lot of doors are going to be closed in your face. But if you have drive and remain persistent in your pursuit, you’ll be able to overcome it. I’ve met many choreographers, dancers and even artist who had a lot of talent with no drive.

HOMETOWN:

New Orleans, Louisiana When did you start your career? I started my career at the age of 14 years old when I met then local, now International bounce artist Katey Red at party. I was dancing and playing around when she spotted me and told me that I really had talent and that I should dance for her at some upcoming events she had scheduled.

Can you compare your style to anyone right now?

Hmm... that’s a good one. There are a lot of choreographers whom I find inspirational that other people often compare me to. People such as Yanis Marshall, Aisha Francis, Aliya Janelle, Brian FriedWas there any person that had great impact man... these are all great legends in my book and on your decision to become a Choreogra- they’re all amazing at what they do, but I think pher? that it takes a lot more than a similar shoe style Definitely Aaliyah! She’s my favorite entertainer to be compared to someone. Right now, I’m just of all time! I remember as a kid I would sneak and trying to create and stay in my own lane. call “The Box” every night and request that they play “One In A Million” so I can learn the choreog- Can you choreograph any type of dance or raphy. She was so so smooth and unique. does it have to be something you like? What should anybody have in order to be- I believe I can choreograph to anything. For the come a choreographer? first 5 years of my career, I spent a lot of time

choreographing j-settes for a lot of high school and semi-pro dance teams. I’ve created lyrical pieces, ballet combos, pole dancing, hip-hop routines, and of course, my heels choreography. I love challenging myself and pushing myself to new limits. Without resistance, you can never grow.

I weren’t afraid?” Take a chance! Who would be your ideal artist to work with? Doesn’t everybody want to work with Beyoncé? Ha-ha! Aside from the Queen Bey being my number one choice, I’d also love to work with Chris Brown. I think he’s such a dope artist and dancer!

What steps did you take in getting to the point you’re at What’s going on with you? now? I’m currently getting ready to The biggest step that I took to launch two new dance classes. get to where I am now is again, One is a bounce remain persistent, but also to Fitness/workout class, the othjust take a leap of faith. I start- er is a sexy chair dancing class. ed off small. Going to auditions Also I’m preparing for another and casting calls. Networking national television appearance, with other dancers and chore- so be on the lookout for that. ographers... I started perform- This one is going to be my biging live at small venues around gest and best appearance/perNew Orleans, and with dedica- formance yet. tion, the venues and audience got bigger and bigger. And if you ever get to a point in your life or What is your ultimate career career where you feel stuck, just goal? ask yourself, “What would I do if My ultimate career goal is to own

my own dance studio when I’m older and my knees are falling apart. I love traveling and touring, but it definitely wears on your body. I want my own studio where people come to me. A place where dancers can come and teach their classes or rehearse for a performance. And who knows, I may just throw a class of my own... haha. But right now, I’m enjoying my life and career exactly where I am. I’m not ready to settle down now! For more info on Jamal Marichal visit: You can visit my website at www.jamalmarichal.com to register for any of my classes or book a private party. Also follow me on Instagram @jamalmarichal for more updates on classes and dance videos. And also add me on Facebook at “Jamal Marichal” to see all the ratchet stuff that my management team would never let me post on Instagram or my website ha-ha!

Publicity Tips: Working With the Press

he job of a music publicist is to create a database of contacts within the entertainment industry, and determine which magazines, newspapers, fanzines, as well as music blogs and e-zines are most likely to review a client’s record, interview them, or write a feature story. This job is not any easier than finding a distributor or getting radio airplay.

there are some things to learn about these important gatekeepers. If you anticipate getting a newspaper entertainment editor to pay attention to your latest release, or write a feature story on you; being aware of the work habits of these professional journalists can be a great deal of help to you. Here are some important facts for you to know about the people who may write a review of Publicity, by itself, does not sell your new record. a lot of records. It is most effective when your • There is a hierarchy of name is consistently in front of influential music writers music fans. That will not happen across the country, and evovernight. You will most likely eryone of them, from the be your own music publicist in tiniest local music fanzine the beginning, and it will take editor, to the writers who you some time to learn how to work for Rolling Stone or work with the press. But, learnSpin, all have egos. Even ing some basic facts about muthe guy who writes resic journalists and how they views for some start-up operate is as important as the Music Blog dedicated to tips I gave you for working with ANY genre of music cops distributors and radio stations. an attitude. That attitude can either help or hurt Music journalists are a strange you, depending on what breed. They are, for the most you know about them, part, a fickle group of individand their likes or dislikes. uals with their own inconsistent So, research the tastes musical tastes, egos, and atof music writers carefultitudes. If you want your local ly before you e-mail or music magazine, or some music snail-mail your press kits e-zine to write a story about looking for reviews. you, even review your record, • Never address your press

material envelopes generically to any publication -Music Sandwich Monthly, or whatever. If you do that, most likely what will happen is that your CD will be put into a large pile of similarly addressed envelopes, and the lowest ranking writer on the staff of the publication will be assigned to check out your music. If that happens, your music might be listened to and reviewed by someone who hates your kind of music and uses their review to rant and stomp all over your precious release. • Always research the music blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, fanzines and e-zines carefully. Take time to read some of the reviews, articles and feature stories, and take note of who wrote them. When you find a positive review for a records that is close to your genre or style, remember the writer’s name and when you do your mailing, address it to that person. • When you find a negative review of a record that is close to what your music

•

is like, take note of that writer, and do not send them your record for review. Follow-up on every press mailing you send out. Give it a week to 10 days, then phone the publication, email them, or message them asking if they received your record. If you actually make contact, find out if the record has been listened to yet, and if they plan to do something with it. Be polite and professional. Most writers are quite conscientious about responding to publicist’s calls or emails, but I can assure you that you will meet your share of characters in the world of music journalists. When you leave a phone message or write an email, be very specific in your message. Introduce yourself, and state clearly why you are calling or writing them. Leave contact information too. You would be surprised how many people don’t. If you have had trouble getting a response from a publication or any Blog writer or e-zines watch your attitude. I have seen and heard many messages that start to argue with a reluctant reviewer. That is a sure way to not make a new contact, or lose an established one. If you score with a publication, and they agree

to do a story on you, or interview you – keep any promises you made to get them more information, or sending another copy of your CD. ( Ask too, if they accept mp3 attachments to emails, or if they have a way for you to upload songs to them. If you flake out on an appointment, or show up late for an interview, you may have lost a valuable ally. Writers are busy people, just like everyone else in the entertainment industry, and too many artists and bands have an unprofessional attitude when it comes to dealing with writers and editors. • When a review or article on you comes out and you find things about it that are objectionable to you, watch your temper. No artist gets only glowing reviews. Bad, or mediocre reviews are part of the game. Avoid the temptation to write or call back when you are emotionally heated about the story. Publicity is about making and keeping relationships with the press. You never want to get a reputation for being a jerk or a troublemaker. If you do lose your temper, I can assure you your tirade will show up in the next issue of their publication – and no, I am not one of those people that believe all publicity is good publicity.

Working with the press, finding contacts, making the initial connections, and nurturing the relationships along the way from local, to regional to national recognition is a time consuming commitment. But, publicity done well and consistently over time can be a career rewarding experience.

NAME:

QUANTUM WAVES AGE: Bryan Medina 21 Nicholas Rodriguez 21 What steps did you take in getting to the point your at now? Miami, Fl As a group we work every day. We made music and merchandise the core of our supply, while creating the demand for our niche through our social media and website. By designing our own individual sound we isolated our market and When did you start your career? while at first it was a challenge, now it is the We started our career in Gatlinburg, Tennessee part that we find fueling us. We would say that on December 24, 2013. taking time and thinking from a business perspective has been a vital aspect in projecting us to Can you compare your style to anyone in the new heights. Photography, visuals, and carefully game right now? planned marketing schemes as well as follow up We are roughly a combination of Moderat, Tool, schedules are vital and extremely important. Trentemoller, Nine Inch Nails, and Snarky Puppy.

HOMETOWN:

What would you consider to be your recognizable track? “Stereo” and “In Between” from our EP Stereo. At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals? So far we have a few deals going on as wel,l as a management deal with KD Management. We’re looking forward for our next few dates and tours, they have promising projections.

Who would be your ideal artist to work with? Trent Reznor, Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams What is your ultimate career goal? Our ultimate career goal as a group is to completely define and create a new fresh sound on every record that is both commercially successful and artistically compelling. This is a plan we have been developing for years and are on the right path to making it work out the way we have anticipated.