Shive Magazine Issue 21 - DEEDAY by Shive Magazine

NAME

LOCATION

IMANI RAY

QUEENS, NY BY BIRTH “SPIRITUALLY BORN IN TRINIDAD”

What steps did you take in getting to the point your at now? Staying dedicated, networking and just putting in the necessary work, as well as taking the time to study my craft, these are the steps that I took to get me to the point that I am at right now.

Photography by: Passport Caribbean Clothing When did you start your career? I officially started my singing career almost 6 years ago.

What would you consider to be your recognizable track? My most recognizable track is my new song Doh Stick

Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? I think the closest person I can compare my style to is Rihanna being that she has sometimes incorporated her Caribbean culture in her music.

At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals? At this point, I’m just trying to get people more familiar with me and who I am as an artist. I’ve also had the pleasure to be able to travel more often. I’m working on my songwriting skills also.

Photography by: Passport Caribbean Clothing

Who would be your ideal artist to work with? Drake, Rihanna, and Chris Brown are my three options when it comes to an ideal artist to work with because they are familiar with Caribbean vibes. What is your ultimate career goal? My ultimate goal is to be able to put on full production shows to entertain the world and share my good energy with the world. For more info on me or my music visit: http:imaniray.com and IG - @therealimaniray.com

AGE

NAME

YACO PECO TRAIN

LOCATION DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS

When did you start your career? My career started at the age of 13 being around my dad record label watching them write songs and record them... I just wanted to do it then I fell in love with it... Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? Yeah, I compare my style to Ludacris because he started of doing radio hosting before going main stream and his different styles of rapping makes him stand out to me. What would you consider to be your recognizable track? My single “I Ball” Produced by Blaq-n-mild the genius. That’s a song that’s going to get the party started. For sure At this point, what’s going on with you? Any deals? Rite now I’m working on my

first solo EP called “I’m A New Orleans Original” that’s going to be out on December 20. I still have my radio show on CresentCityRadio. com every Wednesday night for 11pm-12:30am and Friday night for 10pm-11pm. I’m still doing shows, ghostwriting and recording music daily. And as of now I’m still an independent artist. What steps did you take in getting to the point you’re at now? The steps I took to get here now are simple...grinding every day, every night and overnight and believing I’m my work and myself. Networking is key. Who would be your ideal artist to work with? My ideal artist to work with would be “Lil Wayne” all because he from the city and he would make me want to step

every bar up. What is your ultimate career goal? My ultimate career goal is to be #1 at everything I put my mind to, change the way the music scene is now to more people having fun, supporting each other and enjoying life. For more info on me or my music visit: I’m on Instagram @yaco_peco on and on Facebook @ Yaco Cheneau My single “I ball” is on soundcloud now under “yaco I ball” & my ep is on all streaming sites on.

AGE

NAME

SEAROMANTICS 9

LOCATION CURRENT CITY: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, BORN: GUWAHATI, INDIA. CURRENT CITY: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, BORN: GUWAHATI, INDIA.

When did you start your career? Well, I developed the fascination for songwriting when I entered my teens. I started playing the piano back when I was 13 or so, and then gravitated towards synths and production. Conjuring up my own world through sounds and words has been the driving force for me. I have been a part of numerous bands back home in India, but when Searomantics happened in the far end of 2016, I knew I had hit the nail in regards to what I wanted to do. “Fuck this shit. I can do this alone and with zero bullshit from anyone.” When I realized this, I knew I had landed on something special. Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? I mostly create music in the space of Electronic Pop, with a whole horizon of influences. I draw inspiration from artists who can hook me in a mood, in a vibe. That is what I always seek out to do in my music. Stylistically and aesthetically, I feel The 1975, The Neighbourhood, Chvrches, The Smiths, Cigarettes After Sex, The Paper Kites, Troye Sivan, and the like do that for me. What would you consider to be your recognizable track? I think it would be either Comfort Me Tonight or Anonymous Lover. The former was one of

our first singles and it really put us out there in terms of attention and acceptance. I still hold all the lovely messages from people in regards to that song, close to my heart. The latter is perhaps my personal favorite and just the best representative of our sound and vibe.

At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals? Unfortunately, no deals. I am still at a very nascent stage in regards to commercial attention. I am planning on a few things to give that a kickstart. I just put out a new EP called

People Are Memories, which has been more than a year in the making. I am working on newer material that would really take Searomantics to the next level, and hopefully to a decent deal.

The 1975, Lauren from Churches, Julien Baker among many, many others.

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

To become established in the two things I do the best: songwriter/musician and fiction novelist.

Well, a lot of sleepless nights for sure, being an insomniac. I am never happy with something I create for too long. I am happy at something, then I listen to somebody else’s song, and I am like, god, I suck! But honestly, just doing what I know best and continually pushing myself to grow is what I stick to. It’s like a one-sided love affair, unconditional and beautiful.

For more info on me or my music visit: Music: http://merchlinks.com/PeopleAreMemories Socials: https://www.facebook.com/searomantics/ https://www.instagram.com/searomantics_/ https://itunes.apple.com/in/artist/searomantics/1417958384 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd2kDQuyeJj5_0pGVG7q-EQ https://open.spotify.com/artist/66Sj6E3DgOsgzktzVCQC0z https://searomantics.bandcamp.com/

Who would be your ideal artist to work with? Oh, that is a long list. But just to name the ones I would absolutely die to work with: Matty from

What is your ultimate career goal?

y a D e e

D 13

eeDay has been putting in work with no signs of holding back. The New orleans native has released countless of singles and a host of videos. Not to mention, having collaborated with major label artist like Kidd Kidd, Slim Thug, Wiz Khalifa and more. Dee’s music and career has grown tremendously. His icy and confident rhymes push through the radio waves inclining you to take a listen. DeeDay has already become a household name. Not only is he competing in an industry that’s prodominately black, he’s also proven he can swim with the sharks and come out on top. He sat down with shivemagazin. com to discuss his career, his collaboration with Wiz Khalifa and how he feels about the state of music for emerging artist in New Orleans. Shive Magazine: What part of New Orleans are you from? I’m from the Westbank raised in Marrero I called the 72. Shive Magazine: Your always repping the gator. Why? DeeDay: The gator represents me in many ways , where I come from , my mentality , and surviving in this game , it’s also my favorite reptile and I always had a fascination with them . Shive Magazine: You’ve put out a number of mixtapes. When can we expect an album? DeeDay: I’m releasing my first official album in the next month of 2 , I dropped a lot of mix-

tapes to get my buzz up to the point where I felt I was worthy to drop a album and not just releasing one and nobody hears it just to say I have a album . Shive Magazine: The last time we sat down you mention touring. What cities have you been to and in which one gives you the best fan interaction? DeeDay: I’ve been all over the country , I’ve been on 6 nationwide tours with people like Kevin gates, juicy J , MGK , OG Maco , & my own 25 city tour , I deff get the best reaction in Florida I get mad love out there

. Shive Magazine: I seen some Stunna merch on your instagram..Is it an endorsement deal with birdman? How did that come about? DeeDay: My homie one shot films linked me with them we been putting in work with the Stunna brand they support my movement and we goin continue to build . Shive Magazine: When creating your music where does your inspiration come? DeeDay: It just all depends what mood I’m in , it can come from many places but most of the

time I make my best music when I’m mad or frustrated with something for some reason lol . Shive Magazine: You’ve collaborated with some pretty well known names in the industry. Most recently Wiz khalifa, what was the creative process like? DeeDay: It was dope working on this record because we put a lot into and made sure every piece was perfect as we thought we could get . Shive Magazine: What other artists have you collaborated with and which would you consider your favorite? DeeDay: I’ve worked with Kevin Gates , Omarion , Big Krit, Riff Raff , I Love Makonnen, slum thug etc. I think my favorite was the song with Wiz . Shive Magazine: What do you think about the state of music for emerging artist in New Orleans? DeeDay: I think it’s slow down here but it’s deff getting better it’s just a hard market to break into you gotta work extra hard but it just shows you how much u really want it . Shive Magazine: What resources do other cities have for emerging artists that we dont? DeeDay: I think just the media, the support from artist to artist mostly , we lack a lot here but we also have a lot so it balances out at least for me in a weird way. Shive Magazine: What resources should we as a city have for our emerging artists? DeeDay: I think just the people who are In position don’t sled light on artist and if they do it’s

about who’s in there circle not who’s hot, they say it’s about who you know in this game tho . Shive Magazine: What was the hardest obstacle of your career did you have to face? DeeDay: When my manager Stunna man got killed , I wanted to quit making music but I had to keep pushing that’s what he would of wanted me to do . Shive Magazine: What motivates you to keep pushing your music? DeeDay: My fans , my family , my passion, and I feel like God sent me here for this . Shive Magazine: What do you want your fans to get from your music? DeeDay: I want them to get motivated and to understand whatever u trying to do it can happen it just takes u really going for it with a relentless grind . Shive Magazine: What are you working on now? Any deals? What can we expext from you in the future? DeeDay: Yeah , I’ve recently inked a deal but I’m still working like I don’t have anyone in my corner , I’m going be dropping my new single 2nd week of January with the video & my album few weeks later be on lookout for it . For more info on this artist visit: http://deeday504.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deeday504/ https://www.facebook.com/deeday504/ https://twitter.com/DeeDay504

When did you start your career? I became interested in hip-hop music and the culture of hip-hop when I was 14 so 2005 my early years in High School. Around that time I was a bit of a loner. I was punkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d/bullied alot and my grades were failing. I had no avenue where I would be in life when I finished school so instead I bought myself an IPod and started listening to artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Tupac.

AGE

27 REYNE BRADY NAME

AKA MUGZY

LOCATION COPACABANA, THE CENTRAL COAST NSW (WHICH IS ABOUT 1HR HALF NORTH OF SYDNEY CBD)

Eminem was the one I could relate to the most (Even to this day) I know It sounds cliché because I’m a typical whiteboy myself but just the Aggression/ Anger in his wordplay/lyrics It kind of gave me a voice to say I Don’t give a f*** a platform to fight back and take no sh** in this world. Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? Shaggy 2 Dope from Insane Clown Posse that dude is like my guardian Angel haha (I guess I’m abit mental) What would you consider to be your recognizable track? HANDS DOWN would have to be “Can’t Stop Us” which features my producer “Pablo Gutierrez” who produced my 2nd album (Understand Me)+ At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals? Hopefully at the end of this year going onto Early next year I’ll be recording my 3rd album I have NO title for it yet, NO track list, Haven’t wrote anything because I’ve been super busy with acting. BUT I will tell you this I have a TONE of instrumentals ready to write to some original and some are from other people’s work such as Swedish Producer “Yanni” BUT when I listen to them I know I can make them INVISION them to be NO:1 Hits

because the sounds/beats are off the meter ha-ha Also for this album it’s gonna be a 2Disk im hopefully gonna be compiling as much content as possible (Because 3 is my lucky number ha-ha) What steps did you take in getting to the point you’re at now? When I first started my career with only a few tracks under

my belt (Demo Material) I would try and reach out to as many people/places/opportunities as possible. Just to see who’d be willing to collaborate or even help me boost my career abit more or at least take the time to be willing to check out my work. Majority of the time it would be a dead end road because it always came down to an ego stand point (especially with

the artists) like “Who are you? We never heard of you? So why should we f*** with you? And give you the time of day? Prove to us that you’re worthy enough?”

following aint as high as yours it doesn’t make sense to kill it......Any Opportunity is a great opportunity....Underground artists WAKE THE F***** UP (Real Talk)

(When the majority is against you a lot of artists tend to quit because of this situation) But not me I knew I wanted to give it my ALL and make my mark in this industry any possible way I could.

Who would be your ideal artist to work with? 50 Cent, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Rakim, NaS, DMX, Shaggy 2 Dope

The Ego thing to me is BS straight BS Why should you put down the next person who has the exact same dreams & aspirations as you just because their numbers or popularity/

What is your ultimate career goal? To make a living off my music. I don’t care about the fame an all the riches. If I’m living in a one bedroom apartment, making enough money from music and can call that my profession

then I have achieved my purpose in life. For more info on me or my music visit: I’m always on Facebook I think I use it way to much (But doesn’t everyone haha) So hit up my fanpage link here at https://www.facebook. com/OfficialMugzy/ My Reverbnation BANDPAGE profile is attached (ALL TRACKS FREE DOWNLOAD) Youtube Attached (See interviews and Live performances)

PREPARING PROMO KIT PHOTOS by Christopher Knab

our official publicity photo is an important and basic item of the promo kit because it is probably the most striking and effective part of it. Your publicity photo has a significant psychological impact on how your music is perceived. Just like the cover of your CD conveys an image of your music, so too does the photo you put in your kit. Initially, photos will be sent to publicity contacts in the print media. These people will judge you by your visual image, as will fans and prospective fans when they see the photo in magazines and newspapers. In a business that hinges on image, photography represents image in its most immediate form. Take great care in selecting a professional photographer and in selecting the right photo from the shoot. Remember to choose a photo that will look good reduced down to the size of photos you see in the print media.

your music and appear enthusiastic about the project? Don’t be timid about references and previous clients. Contact a few of them and ask how the sessions went.

LOCATION VS. STUDIO SHOTS Location Shots For outdoor or location shots, the possibilities are virtually endless. Regardless of your musical style make sure you have at least a rough idea of an effective shot before going in. Often, you can use locations to help portray your (the band’s) identity (i.e. an abandoned prison, a funky old billboard or storefront, bizarre architecture, a sunny beach, etc.). Always remember however that the photograph you are taking is about YOU, and not the abandoned prison, or funky billboard etc. A great location may distract you from your main purpose, which is to get a great photograph for your press kit.

Finding A Photographer The best way to find a photographer is the local grapevine or word-of-mouth. Ask around and contact other bands or their management, entertainment editors, radio station promotion directors, people at record labels or PR firms, and club managers. Make sure the photographer you pick has experience in the music business. Most professional photographers tend to specialize, so hold out for a person accustomed to working with musicians.

Do not go for something so arty or weird that you as individuals aren’t recognizable; this will just defeat your purpose. Also, think about getting written permission from property owners for location shots (normally this is quite easy, but if you run into trouble, go elsewhere). With abandoned buildings, this may not even be necessary. When you shoot your photo at a venue/show, think about the following: 1) Make certain there’s no alcohol or tobacco evident in your publicity photos. Many newspapers and magazines won’t touch them otherwise. 2) Showing banners, placards, and other promotional items are okay, but have the photographer watch out for empty beer cans, overflowing ashtrays, and the like.

Once you’ve found possible photographers, ask to look at their portfolios. Most portfolios will include widely differing subjects, compositions, and styles, so concentrate on the entertainment work - concert shots, album covers, studio portraits, and shots of parties and other functions. Also, talk to the photographers about their experience. Do they seem to have a feel for

Studio Shots The advantage of a studio shoot is that the photographer has total control over the environment; virtually unlimited lighting resources along with control over backdrops, props, special effects. Shooting time in a studio is expensive, so calculate your budget carefully. Here are some basic tenets you should follow for a studio shoot: 1) Make sure that everyone arrives a little early or at least on time. 2) If you have to cancel a session, call the studio as soon as possible; if you simply blow off the appointment, you’ll be billed for all the time that was booked. 3) Bring different outfits to the session; this will save you time and money. 4) See that all cans, bottles, and other garbage are put in trash cans. If you leave the studio in a mess, you can bet you’ll be billed for cleanup. Generally, you’ll want to order two rolls of black & white and one roll of color photos. Don’t order color photos if all you want and need are a couple of photos for the press kit. Proofsheets You’ll choose your black & white photos from proof sheets. Proof sheets are 8”x10” photo sheets that show all the shots that were taken at the photo shoot in their actual film size, either 35mm, 2 1/4”, or 4”x5”. You choose from these numbered smaller images to order the final enlargements.

Generally you’ll pick three to five photos and blow them up to 8”x10”. Your official photo should always be a black and white, 8 X10 glossy photograph. Publicity Shots A publicity shot is not the same as an official publicity photograph. Publicity shots are photos taken at parties, or backstage with luminaries of some kind. Publicity photos should capture your (the band’s) personality and image and should say something about you. You don’t have much, if any, choice in photographers for publicity shots, but you should at least ask for approval of the photos that are suggested for use by the print media. Let me point out- once more - you are often judged by your photos - so, consider the image you want to convey. Finally, any photos chosen for your press kit should be printed so that they are not be too dark or too light. A professional photographer can usually be trusted to print your photos correctly. Ownership The Film Roll The question of who owns and keeps the film has been a big bone of contention. Here’s the rule: Under normal circumstances, the photographer keeps the black & white film, unless otherwise negotiated. The photographer will deliver one master print per ordered frame unless more prints are specified per frame.

The Photos A photographer’s work is covered by the same copyright law that protects musical works. In practice, this means that the photographer retains all rights to the photographs except for the rights that you specifically purchase. When you pay normal photo rates, you’re actually leasing the photographic work for specific uses; you are not free to use the photo any way that you wish. Publicity shots are a good example: If you pay a publicity-photo rate, then that’s all they can be used for. If you later decide to use the same print for a billboard, album cover, or as part of an advertising campaign, additional fees are paid to the photographer. It’s possible to purchase all rights to a piece of film, but the applied rates are going to be much more expensive (because the photographer is giving up all rights to his artistic work). In the world of music PR, it’s usually inadvisable to buy all rights to a black & white film; it’s too expensive and the odds are slim that you’ll re-use any of the prints. Duplication For black & white photos, send the master print to a mass-duplication house. A mass-photo house can also print your band logo, the contact info and the credits on the prints. The number of prints you order will vary widely depending on your goals.

AGE

NAME

CHERAE LERI

22 23

LOCATION HOUSTON , TX

When did you start your career? At a very young age, always being submerged by music since Birth it was destined for this path to only lead me in my future. My first single was professionally released in 2014.

What steps did you take in getting to the point your at now? Hardwork, Grind, Hustle, and a lot of long nights! Who would be your ideal artist to work with? I have many but one thing about me is just because their ideal in my head to work with i would never force a feature it has to vibe right, and sound right think about how many artist songs you hear and you can tell the feature was forced just because both of them were hot at the moment. But to answer your question & to name a few, R.kelly, Rihanna, James blake & Drake

Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? No, I create my own lane. Stay with my own vibes and remain one not easily duplicated. I am a mixture of a lot of soul, poetry, pain, passion, and attitude. What would you consider to be your recognizable track? “Just Bizness” it virally shot up on Spotifys playlist and hit #37 on Billboard

What is your ultimate career goal? To become a Legend.

At this point, what’s going on with you? any deals? I am independent artist signed to Royal Reign Productions, with distribution through Sony. I plan to stay independent to avoid any trickery but if the right deal with the right people come along I am not opposed to it

For more info on me or my music visit: www. cheraeleri.com

hen you write a song and “fix” it “in a tangible form”, i.e. write it down somewhere or record it even in a simple way, your song is at that moment-protected by U.S. copyright laws.

folks who complain about not getting paid to perform their unknown music.

But... PROVING that the song is yours requires another step... REGISTERING the song with the U.S. Copyright Office.

All I know is that when an inventor comes up with some new product that they think will appeal to a certain type of customer, the first thing they do is file for a patent on their invention. The same reaction to protecting songs by registering them should be there for any serious songwriter.

Doing that offers you not just more protection but more proof that the song is yours if you ever have to go to court to sue someone you believe stole your song.

If you really intend to work hard and develop your career as a musician who writes your own songs, don’t wait too long to take care of this simple, but essential task.

I never cease to be amazed how few artists are willing to spend $40 to register their songs. (even though they brag how ‘great’ that song may be!).

Do it now! Go to http://www.copyright.gov and get started!

By the way, these folks are often the same

When did you start your career? My career started at age of 7. I learned and utilized my gifts in the church then the world. Can you compare your style to anyone in the game right now? I’ve been called the Babyface of Gospel “Style wise.” At this point, what’s going on with you? Any deals? No deals yet but many assignments such as live performances and live radio interviews. What steps did you take in getting to the point you’re at now? Steps taken was what I

learned in my R&B Days which was to make great songs, great videos, take great pictures and present myself. Who would be your ideal artist to work with? Ideal Artist to work with would be All the Pioneers of Gospel that’s still here.

What is your ultimate career goal? Ultimate Goal is to Minister on a Global level forever and touch souls for Christ. For more info on me or my music visit: www.solosalmusic.net you can subscribe.

AGE

NAME

SOLOMON BOYD III AKA SO’LO

48 26

LOCATION PHILADELPHIA

THE IMPORTANCE OF A YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS: TIPS FOR VIDEO SHARING SUCCESS by Djembe Drum Shop - July 2012

acebook, Twitter, Pinterest. We all know that social media marketing is the way forward. But if you’re involved in music, there is really only one social network you should be using. YouTube is booming in popularity - 3 billion hours of video are watched every month – so if you’re not sharing videos, you’re missing out. Whether you’re a musician, mogul, or marketer; your music business should have a YouTube Channel. It’s free to sign up, easy to fill out your profile, and you can get sharing video content in a matter of minutes. Sharing your content with audiences the world over has never been easier. Why Get a YouTube Channel? In a world where record companies have been replaced by independent musicians, YouTube is playing a vital role. Hundreds of singers, such as Justin Beiber and Esmee Denters, have bagged a record deal after being scouted on YouTube. Video content is perfect for the fast-paced World Wide Web. It is shareable, relatable, and easy to go viral. So even if you’re not an aspiring singer, you can still promote your music-based business with a YouTube channel. Like many other social networking sites, you can also interact with your audience. People who view you videos can leave comments, ‘like’ and ‘dislike’ what they see, and share the video with friends. This gives you a great platform to communicate with the people who will be buying your products.

5 Tips for Video Sharing Success Sharing a video online is really easy. Not only can you put your video on YouTube, but you can embed it into blog posts and share on your other social media profiles. But putting the content ‘out there’ often isn’t enough to make an impact. If you’re a YouTube newbie, we’ve compiled a number of top tips for video sharing success. Whether you’re looking to go viral, or just share something with your loyal fan-base, these are some tips you should follow: 1. Brand Your Channel You customise your Facebook fan page, and Twitter profile. You should make sure you take the opportunity to brand your YouTube channel. Walmart is one company who’ve really taken advantage of the customisation features. Keeping a consistent brand identity across all your social media pages is a great way to make you instantly recognisable. If you’re a business or an artist, you need to stand out from the crowd. Making your channel stand out is one of the ways to do this. 2. Sharable Content The key to YouTube success is uploading videos that people will share. Upload content that people want to see, and you’ll be able to reap the benefits. If you’re an artist, why not upload a cover of the ‘song of the moment’ to help raise your profile? If you’re selling instruments, make your promotional videos interesting. Relate them to some-

thing current, and put your own unique spin on them. Whatever your role in the music business, make sure the content you put out there is unique, exciting, and entertaining. 3. Tag Your Videos Like Pinterest, Flickr, and your blog; YouTube has a ‘tag’ feature, and you should be making the most of it. Make sure to tag your video with anything and everything that is relevant – including any slang terms (e.g. if your video is about a dog tag ‘pooch’ too). This will increase the visibility of your video. The more visible the video, the more likely it is to be shared. You should also make the most of the YouTube categories, placing your content in the most relevant places. This again, will help make sure the right people see your videos. 4. Regular and Consistent Updates Social media is a great way to raise your profile, and build a fan base. But it doesn’t happen overnight. So if you’ve worked hard to build up a YouTube community, you should make an effort to regularly update the channel. You should also make an effort to reply to as many comments as you can. Obviously if you have thousands of subscribers this may be impossible. You should however, make sure you have an obvious and active presence. 5. Analyse Your Analytics YouTube offers free analytics through its ‘insights’ feature. You can quickly and easily see loads of valuable information about every video you’ve uploaded. This includes a demographic overview of the people who’ve viewed your video, and how they found you. This will help you when it comes to creating future content so make sure you use this feature. Making Your Mark on YouTube As a music business, you really should maintain an active YouTube presence. Creating, building, and maintaining your own channel is a great way to share your content, connect with your audience, and promote your business. By following these steps, you should be able to seamlessly integrate YouTube into your current social media strategy.