SIR Magazine

WHERE INDIE & MAINSTREAM COLLIDE

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2009

Catalyst

Syd Vicious

PO Bode

D’nro D’mon

Digital Atlanta

Certified Grand

Also Inside: Willy Northpole

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B.O.B.

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Khao

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Cristal Steverson

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

IS THE HYPE AT ALL AVOIDABLE? Before I moved to Atlanta, my dad repeatedly warned me to not get caught up in the ‘hype’. Fast forward a year and I’m contemplating trading in a practically new Mitsubishi Galant for a BMW. The hype almost got me. Its funny cause if we think back to childhood, the hype has always had us wanting more and more. One Christmas we want the Nintendo and the next Christmas, a Super Nintendo. Somehow the same tendency transcends into adulthood and you have people purchasing luxury cars before real estate. Particularly in the music and entertainment industry we are bombarded by the hype triple time. We allow things as menial as cell phones to subliminally enter our consciousness as status symbols. I mean its not enough to have a Blackberry when everyone whips out their I-phones at the music conference. Its not enough to vacation in Mexico, when a facebook friend just uploaded pictures from their Milan trip.

Is the hype at all avoidable when it permeates all forms of our existence or is it simply the American way to always desire more? Is materialism simply an unsatiable hunger that pains the ambitious or are we all just greedy?

Whenever the hype gets a bit suffocating, I try and remind myself that it means nothing. We have to be centered on something real like spirituality and family, or else we can never be truly appreciative of what we already have. The hype is a distraction from the true meanings of life, happiness and success. Its extremely difficult, but I have to make a deliberate effort each day to avoid becoming paralyzed by images of luxury and fortune. But then again, I did just upgrade a perfectly workable cell phone....

“It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts” -- K.T. Jong

CONTENTS Features Catalyst, Certified Grand, Po Bode, Digital Atlanta, Syd Vicious, D’nro D’mon............................... 6-8 Soul Shaker...................................................................................................................................... 10 Octalux............................................................................................................................................. 11 Indie Scene Joe Billz............................................................................................................................................ 14 Lil Dude............................................................................................................................................ 14 Fashion Scene D. Austin Photography..................................................................................................................... 12 News Spotlights Khao, B.O.B., Willy Northpole, BJ Huxtable, DJ Montay................................................................. 18 Photo Galleries Rock Show Recaps.......................................................................................................................... 13 Event Recaps................................................................................................................................... 17 Article Features Point, Click, Music.............................................................................................................................. 9 Think, Plan, Execute......................................................................................................................... 15 Commandments of Success for Women in Music & Entertainment............................................... 16

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Lillie Williams Managing Editor Gahmya Drummond Operations Consultant JAWAR Circulation Manager Barry Brown Creative Director Scott Tredeau (tredeaudeisgn) Account Executives Mary Lazenby Lee Williams Contributing Designers Nia Hand Tonei Smith Contributing Photographers Neka Razzi Photography Hueniq Photography Shock & Awe Productions Contributing Journalists William McCanless Alfred Vines Marketing Coordinator Tandice Littlejohn Marketing Assistant Lashanda Fries Public Relations Director Erica Canty General Information SIR Magazine is a quarterly publication

Special thanks to all of the indie artists, artist managers, contributors, staff, readers, family and friends that supported this effort. www.sirmag.net www.myspace.com/southeastreport Office:404.512.9741 Fax:678.556.9611 The written works herein do not reflect the opinions of the Publisher or SIR Magazine advertisers. Copyright © 2009. SIR Magazine. All Rights Reserved. SIR Magazine is a product of MVP Marketing and Publicity Agency. No portion of this publication may be duplicated or used without permission from the Publisher.

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BRONX, NY

Catalyst

A miracle. A rapper. A businessman.

Catalyst is not solely an emerging success, but an example. He has managed to balance life and music in a way that can inspire indie artists everywhere to keep striving. “Witnessing Obama become president reminded me that there are no limits in life, only the ones you place on yourself. The biggest thing for me right now is completing my mixtape/ dvd and finishing up my sophomore album. The album so far features Daron Jones of 112, Rell and Crooked I. The production side includes DJ absolute (Hot 97), Baron Boys, Natural Born Hustlaz, Maverick, Refuuj, Wallstreet and Shamtrax. I also have my Internet reality show, Catty TV,” he adds. “There are people in life that make things happen and there are people in life that watch those people make things happen; it’s up to you to decide which one you’d rather be.”

For booking contact Inhousemusicgroup@gmail.com www.CattyWorld.ning.com www.Twitter.com/Catty_Fan_Club www.YouTube.com/whoiscatalyst www.Myspace.com/CattyFanPage

ATLANTA, GA

Certified Grand Grand Champ, Big T, and Klear J collectively comprise Certified Grand.

Grand Champ started the group in 2006 after minor success as a solo success. Upon dropping the song “Simple”, which garnered heavy rotation in numerous Atlanta clubs, the group’s popularity immensely increased. “We wouldn’t categorize ourselves as just hip-hop. We are somewhat of a universal group. Even though our mixtape may bring a hip-hop swag when you first listen to it, you would really have to pay attention to the content to get a true feel of our music,” they add. Having recently finished their mixtape Gone Ham hosted by DJ GB, the group plans to tour the Southeast during 2009. “We have done a lot of hard work on this mixtape and it’s guaranteed to go ham!”

Booking/Contact Information myspace.com/certifiedmuz1k (mixtape available) myspace.com/certifiedmuz1k09 myspace.com/bigcgteazzy myspace.com/klearj Klear J (770) 895-7333 Grand Champ (678) 668-6754 Big T (404) 437-2611

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ATLANTA, GA

ATLANTA, GA

PO Bode

Driven, dedicated.....The One; Words Po Bode has used to guide himself through a 14 year career in the music industry. He began as a solo artist and thereafter became a member of The Castle Boys, a group that acquired major acclaim. Patiently awaiting the right deal, Po Bode has since been an active participant as well as student of the industry. “I don’t take none of it back, all the shows we’ve opened for, the roads we hit wasting gas money and doing everything that comes with the game. It’s a learning process and a blessing just to say you had the chance to do it.” Po Bode exudes a refuse-to-lose attitude and is currently pushing a number of mixtapes including, Time To Eat/Hood Bussin and is featured on Young Skoop’s Dis Dat Pack/Hood Bussin, DJ Gutta Down’s Luvin The Grind/Urban Gorilla Mixtape , and Young Capone’s Look At You Now Mixtape.

Booking/Contact Information: Juan @ 888.525.0901 ext. 701 Hoodbussin@gmail.com www.myspace.com/thecastleboyz www.myspace.com/hoodbussin For Media Relations: Deedee@abc-aef.com

Digital Atlanta After years of working on their own projects and collaborations, Digital Atlanta was born on Atlanta’s Eastside to bring a new digital sound to music. L. Dash is the lyrical wizard and computer genius that keeps the group digital, Trevis T. is the energetic marketing mastermind, while Mr. SickVisionz is responsible for the digital rhythms and melodies as a super producer. The unique blend of rap, dance and experimental music marks the cornerstone of their sound.

“Collectively Digital Atlanta is all about making music that pleases our personal taste. It’s different and fun. We don’t really follow trends and our sound crosses over many genres. However there is a core; undeniable Digitalness that makes it Digital Atlanta,” they add.

With over 10 years in the industry, the group has had a number of memorable experiences, that include a show at the University of Central Florida where the crowd chanted for an encore. “Being in the studio, you don’t always get to experience the true impact of your music first hand. But when you’re performing at clubs and doing shows, seeing the crowd react, seeing the ladies move just as you thought the song would make them move... it’s like a stamp of approval that you are indeed doing it right,” says Mr. SickVisionz.

The group is currently working on a plethora of endeavors that include the Welcome to Digital Atlanta Internet TV series, I’m Official College Tour and a new album. “Our goal is to make fresh new music that is always on the cutting edge, always Killer Digital! At the end of the day, we just want people to enjoy our songs. Hip-hop is far from dead. Digital Atlanta is aiming to bring back that experimental edge that a lot of music is missing today.”

Booking/Contact Information: Digitalatlanta@gmail.com myspace.com/digitalatlanta www.last.fm/music/digital+atlanta twitter.com/digitalatlanta

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ATLANTA, GA

Syd Vicious

Click

Born in Houston and currently residing in Atlanta, Syd Vicious combines east coast lyricism with down south crunkness, creating his own distinctive sound. “I’m a well rounded artist. I can do anything! Crunk tracks, lyrical tracks, battle or freestyle, and my live shows are ridiculous!

I really love my craft. I take it very seriously! I put out songs that me and my friends enjoy and I think my fans would love,” he adds. Citing Kyle Lucas as his favorite artist, Syd appreciates music outside of typical rap standards, and has joined Kyle on a European tour. He is currently working on the “Vicious E.P.” featuring production exclusively from Simon llla, as well as Hell in Atl 2: Armageddon. Syd aspires to be respected for his craft and vows to ‘keep it real, keep it true…and keep it VICIOUS.’ Follow Syd Vicious myspace.com/sydystykvicious Download Hell In ATL: Operation Obliteration for FREE! reverbnation.com/sydystykvicious youtube.com/user/sydystykvicious purevolume.com/sydystyk twitter.com.sydystyk soundclick.com/sydvicious

LOS ANGELES, CA

D’nro D’mon Inspired by musically inclined parents and early greats like Earth, Wind & Fire, D’nro D’mon embodies a sound that synthesizes old soul with new-age R&B. “My musical style is more of a realistic one where I’m talking as a respective person. I talk to women with respect and I make sure that my music portrays that. I’m very real and when people hear my music, what they’ll get is a lesson as to how you should treat women. A lesson on how certain things happen in life, how I coped with it, and maybe it will help them cope. Hopefully they’ll take that from my music, and that’s what makes my music different, the realistic aspect of it,” he adds. With aspirations of recording a major studio album and help other emerging artists succeed, D’nro remains steadfast on his pursuits of creating quality music for the world to hear.

For booking inquiries Avid Exposure Public Relations (310) 358-9232 info@avidexposure.com

To say that times have changed in the music industry is to grossly understate the obvious. Whereas in the 90’s an artist could enjoy high first weeks sales, now selling 100,000 units is the new gold. It’s only the very established artists that garner such high numbers during their first week. The digital era has created a whole new measuring system for success, decreasing the weight we place on first week sales numbers.

From cell phones to iPods, fans are taking new routes to get the music they love. No more going to the record store or enjoying the excitement of getting through the CD’s plastic wrap. National record store chains across the country, including Tower Records and Schoolkids, are closing down mostly because of this. Fans can now touch a few buttons on a cell phone and listen to their favorite music. Record labels are suddenly in a restructuring scramble to catch up with the fans that are helping ringtones go platinum instead of entire albums. Emerging artists now have a plethora of options at their disposal for getting material out to their digital savvy fans, with ringtones being one of the most favored.

Soulja Boy debuted as one of the highest selling ringtone artists ever, and Chamillionaire became a household name partly due to the success of the ringtone for the song, “Ridin”.

Social music websites like Reverbnation, have also become a key element in the digital success of emerging artists. The site allows artists to work almost hand in hand with fans. Through “widgets” that host and play multiple songs, fans can become promoters and post the playlists anywhere on the Internet. The site also allows artists to track who is listening to their music and market to that particular demographic. Artists can upload unlimited songs and even use the site to recruit street teams.

Catching the wave are sites like Twitter and FaceBook, that go a step further with status messages, which allow fans to follow their favorite artist. In addition, artists can use Fanbridge to keep their fans in the loop of their efforts through e-blasts, or YouTube to create their own reality show as the visual aesthetic to their music.

As we enter 2009, artists new and old are taking note of new digital resources and are hurriedly jumping to the front of the learning curve.

The digital era provides an amazing platform to reach and generate revenue from potential fans nationally and internationally. Never underestimate the next ‘big thing’ online, as it could be the perfect catalyst for marketing your music. Be it MP3’s, iTunes or “widgets”, today if it’s not digital……it’s not music.

--- Alfred Vines

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JEFFERSON, GA

Reminiscent of Southern rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band with a heavier sound like Shinedown or Theory of a Deadman; Soul Shaker packs a hefty musical punch with a solid blend of southern, stadium, metal and grunge rock. This is classic working folk’s music imbued as ever with outlaw southern pride. Full throttle all the way from start to end; from awesome guitar work, hard-hitting drums to great vocal harmonizing, Soul Shaker definitely delivers.

What is the inspiration behind the band coming together as a band?

The inspiration for forming Soul Shaker is to bring the edge back to rock n’ roll that has been missing for a while. We are here to prove rock is not dead. Rock music has been diluted with mainstream and lacks the rawness of punk, metal, and thrash that brought the fans out to begin with.

Introduce the band members and describe each member’s contribution.

Singer Gary Gove demonstrates his powerful, expressive bellow of a voice, which compliments the music as a whole. As for influences, Gove demonstrates a puissant taste for rousing shuffles and Memphis/ Delta soul. Brian Langley’s music is a fusion of British electric blues, traditional Delta blues and hard-driving rock and roll. Duke Wayland is lead guitarist whose broad appeal will make him an influential electric blues guitarist.

He can produce the subtlest notes and transcend into heavy ear splitting charges on the drop of a dime.

Lee Burks plays a smooth, smoldering rhythmic guitar and sings backup.

His ability of combining rock and blues influences provides a metronome effect to the rhythm section. Strictly on the basis of rhythm guitar, he is sophisticated, articulate and nasty. Steven Anderson lays down a steady foundation of heavy riffs and booming low-end bass as well as doing an admirable job on backup vocals. He is well known for his loud and

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LEXINGTON, KY

awesome bass guitar sounds. Mike Cyphers is an entertaining drummer and his style does not disappoint. His sound is that of righteous thunder reigning down from his double bass. Mike has been compared to the likes of legendary drummers Virgil Donati, Travis Barker and Thomas Lang.

Overall who/what inspires the songwriting themes and musical direction of the band?

The band uses many influences to inspire our material. As with many songs of the past, we often write of women, whiskey and lost love. This is where we get our greatest pleasures and sometimes, deepest pain.

The songs are written by Gary, Duke, Mike, Brian and Lee. One person may come up with the hook, another some lyrics, and we keep on until we arrive at that sound we want.

What else can music enthusiasts expect?

Soul Shaker is a hard-hitting band with plenty of passion and fire to go around. Listening to us is anything but a passive experience, with the charging beats and metal riffs nearly commanding you to move along to it. We put on a truly electrifying production! Not only do we have loads of energy but we give it to the audience well. Soul Shaker is also preparing to release a debut EP in the coming months. We are working with a talented engineer from Atlanta to capture that Soul Shaker sound.

Check out the Soul Shaker sound @

myspace.com/soulshakerbandrocks Booking Information: Lee Burks - (706) 215-4884

Pure rock fury, high-energy rock n’ roll...Octalux sings about truth. If you’ve ever been used, let down or thrown away by the ones that you love most, this is the band for you.

Introduce the band members and how you formed Octalux: Hurley (Vox/Guitar), Matt Van Fleet (Bass/Vox), Fite (Guitar/Vox) and Adam Baker (Drums).It all started with a homeless guy who hates Octalux: No Apologies For Broken to read, a love for the LA Hearts Lakers and a guy who was a waiter just trying to get his closing duties done for the night. Matt and Hurley met at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and both were soooo lonely and wanting to do something musically, that an instant brotherhood/ friendship ensued. Through a run of missteps and trial and errors, the mighty rock beast known as Octalux came forth What makes Octalux different from other bands?

That’s easy, pure rock fury. Our shows are high energy events, whether we’re playing for 10 people or 10,000, we have a band mandate that states we give our all every show. People paid hard earned money to see us and deserve our best. Any Joe Schmoe can play guitar on stage and try to convince you how awesome they are at their instrument...big deal.

It’s a show and if we don’t give the people our all, then what the hell are we doing on stage? Love us or hate us, when you leave the venue, you’re gonna know who Octalux is.

Where do you find inspiration for the lyrics and describe your overall sound?

Sadly life is full of ups and downs and we sing about them. Too many people have had their heart broken or their dreams treated with casual disregard from the ones they love most. We sing about revenge of the highest honor, which means doing exactly what you want with your life without caring about who criticizes you or tries to hold you back. Life is not a dress rehearsal and you’re on 24 hrs a day, make the most of it.

What are you currently working on and planning for 2009?

We are releasing No Apologies for Broken Hearts on May 1. It’s our newest CD and it’s 113 minutes of f*** yous, aimed at people who have tried to be in the way for way too long. We’re going to play to as many people and with as many bands as humanly possible...take over the world and then dole out the fruits of our labor Anything else you would want readers to know about Octalux?

If you believe that no one can tell you when….stand up!

If you believe in yourself and what the f*** you wanna do with YOUR life…. stand up!

If you want to find out what’s beyond awesome….stand up!

The one band that never takes a show off, always delivers the goods and are world-class all-stars of badass!

Octalux Booking: Octalux@yahoo.com Contact: Out of Pocket Records – (859) 967.6235 Website: www.myspace.com/octalux

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ROCK SHOW RECAPS 1 Blizzard of Ozzy 2 Dedset 3 Eclipsed by Sanity 4 FERVoR 5 Fishhawk - The Graveyard

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6 Green Eyed Stare 7 Hazel and MG of the Reppz 8 Jake with Branded with Fear 9 Jon Wan - Green Eyed Stare 10 Noxious CD Release Handlebar SC 11 Scantron 12 CoolKeith with Brandon Seay 13 Fixer 14 FLI 15 Holdcell - The Handlebar SC 16 Me and Sun at Go Girls 1yr Birthday Bash - Sweetwater Grill 17 Stand Alone 18 The Breakdown 19 The Well Experience 20 Under Black Horizons

Model : Dimitri

All photos by Sassy Photography of SHOCK & AWE Productions.

Based in Atlanta, SHOCK & AWE productions LLC is THE premier company for full production needs in and out of state. Services include any stage lighting, full sound, lighting installs, professional photo shoots & live photography, high end event lighting, weddings/ private functions, conventions, VIP passes, and more! www.ShockAndAwePro.com www.myspace.com/ShockAndAwePro

D. Austin Photography D. Austin creates photographic images for magazine editorials, fine art exhibitions and advertising campaigns. His love for shooting has made him one of the most sought after photographers in Atlanta, Miami, New York, LA and Europe.

Model: Cristal ‘Serious’ Steverson

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For more information or to view his portfolio please visit: www.daustinphotography.com

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ATLANTA, GA

Joe Billz

IS YOUNG, FLY, FLASHY AND AWARE Joe Billz is the variety that epitomizes the many coming-of-age young adults in the 2K era. Being born in Buffalo, New York and living in Atlanta has afforded him the vast experiences that contribute to his multi-faceted character; A character that can be fun and introspective. From songs like “Food Fight” where Joe uses personification to explain a war, to swag songs like “Mannequin,” he brands himself as a rapper with a poet’s touch.

“He incorporates his life in his work and makes it more human than I’ve ever witnessed,” says Kev Classic of Real Classic Productions. Joe’s onstage charisma is magnetic, as audiences find themselves subconsciously chanting ‘fresher than a mannequin’ after leaving his shows. With a fashionforward style, guy-next-door charm and out-the-box delivery, Joe is armed with the essential ingredients for longevity in the music industry. www.myspace.com/JoeyBillz For Booking Contact kervins@tmail.com 718-790-3408

A Lil’ Dude

WITH MAJOR TALENT Rapper, actor, poet, radio personality and model at only 13 years of age, Lil Dude has already acquired 7 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Born in Milwaukee and currently residing in Atlanta, he has achieved extremely prestigious experiences that include working alongside KRS-One, opening for John Legend, Patti LaBelle and Arrested Development, as well as landing the role of Brandon on B.E.T.’s Somebodies. Most recently appearing at numerous open mics, Boys and Girls Clubs, and red carpets, Lil Dude has also just finished a mixtape with DJ Kut Throat entitled Class In Session. In addition, he started a non-profit, MIKAH, Inc. (Mothers, Infants, and Kids Achieving Heights) and every Saturday can be heard as the host of his own radio show, Just Kidding at 9.a.m. on WATB. With a schedule that rivals that of entertainers twice his age, this amazingly talented young man emerges as a Lil’ Dude with major talent……..a total entertainer.

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For the few artists who achieve high levels of commercial success, there are thousands who will not. Not because they lack talent, but because there are only a few who achieve great heights. The great news is that you get to decide if you win or loose at life and in business.

Inevitably, people that think, plan and execute will have the greatest chances for long-term growth and success. By think, I mean consider where you’d like to be one, three and five years from now. Think about how you’d like to make a positive impact on your community and the lives of others. Think about how your music and business will contribute to the music industry and not just take from it. Really wrap your mind around these things, as they may make the difference between you winning or loosing, achieving or failing.

Do you have a personal motto to live by? Is your music business and career built upon this motto? Love or hate him, you must admit that 50 cent utilized a motto that helped him achieve commercial and financial success. With the motto “get rich or die trying,” he put that energy into the universe and others began to say and believe it. 50 used the power that all of us have, the power of persuasion, by calling on the laws of attraction. Keep in mind he didn’t just think about this, he planned for success. He thought about what and how he was going to reinvent himself as an entertainer. After planning, 50 did what many recording artists, music producers, songwriters and emerging executives do not do; he executed his plan through physical action.

ATLANTA, GA

For booking Ms. Telah 404.808.0287 mstelah@aol.com

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YOUR CHOICE: WIN or LOSE

Also visit www.lildude.net www.myspace.com/lildude95

It isn’t enough to merely think and plan for an effort; you have to back it up with physical action immediately without reservation.

Within the new music industry you must adapt to constant change.

For instance, over the past few years Myspace.com was the talk of social media and networking, however currently Facebook.com and Twitter.com are at the top of social networking utilities. It is completely your choice, whether to win or loose. Having a positive mental attitude, staying on top of trends, building relationships with fans and having a knowledgeable and dedicated team are the imperative elements of winning.

--JaWar For motivational messages, make money online and music business details follow me at twitter.com/jawar JaWar is a Motivational Speaker, Author & Business Consultant. He may be reached at 678-887-4656, jawarspeaks@yahoo.com or gomusicconnection.com

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COMMANDMENTS OF SUCCESS FOR WOMEN IN

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

SIR Magazine caught up with some of the industry’s most powerful and influential female executives, to shed light on a few commandments of success for women emerging in music & entertainment.

“Follow-up is very important. That’s one of the things I look at in people I’m considering hiring or working with. A lot of people in the entertainment business only think about short-term money and they may ignore or lose touch with valuable contacts who could potentially become clients. Especially with all the technology that’s available today, you have no excuse.

Since I’m constantly moving, I use my Blackberry to save contacts, keep track of things I need to follow up on, and try not to let anything slip through the cracks.”

Julia Beverly Ozone Magazine, Inc www.ozonemag.com ”My advice for any person interested in a career in music & entertainment is to find out what you are passionate about, and stick to it. It’s ok to have various ideas and directions you want to pursue but it doesn’t have to be expressed to everyone...it can be perceived as flaky, insecure and having a lack of confidence.

Make your mark with your initial specialty. People appreciate consistency and it makes it easier for a potential employer to seek your services because you now have a positive reputation in your area of expertise. It is often enticing to want to emulate the business acumen of Russell Simmons or Sean Combs by having multiples entrepreneurial projects, but it is important to remember they solidified their spot in one industry first before moving on to the next. You can test your passion by asking yourself if this is something you would want to do even if you weren’t getting paid for it or receiving accolades because of it.”

Tahira Wright Branded PR, LLC www.brandedpr.net ”My advice to females looking to work in the entertainment industry would be to build relationships with individuals who’ve had success in the area that you’re looking to work. Seek out those who offer inspiration, knowledge and encouragement. In addition to relationship building, try to find your niche early on and master it!”

Rovella Williams Verseus Entertainment Group www.almostfamousshow.com ”The music industry is a tough and male dominated business, it’s very important as a woman to keep your passion alive and never to compromise on your values.

Stay strong and stay true to yourself always!”

EVENT RECAPS I do Music Weekend 1 Alien 2 DJ Don Cannon 3 Juica 4 Fort Knox Saving Our Daughters Book Signing 5 Bone Crusher 6 T.I. 7 Keisha Knight Pulian Royal Flush Listening Party 8 Big Boi & Tangie 9 Leslie, JaWar & Oh-Zee Hood Hard TV 10 Malachi 11 DJ Aaries Step Yah Game Up Showcase 12 Ladia Yates & Verse Lisa Lopes Album Release 13 Monica 14 Reigndrop Lopes Grey Goose Black History Screening 15 Ramona BeBreaux & Daniel Diskey Gorilla Zoe Listing Party 16 Harvey Pierre, Gorilla Zoe & Rico Brooks Premiere A&R Showcase 17 General & Kim Ellis 18 Sal & Kevin Shine 19 Cotrina Jones, Ray Lavender & Tonya Rose Gecci Mane Live Mixtape Session 20 DJ Holiday, Gucci Mane & Zaytoven 21 Stix Malone Aaron Reid’s YEEC Launch 22 Dallas Austin

Susie Ceruto Shock & Awe Productions, LLC www.shockandawepro.com ”To be a successful entrepreneur, make sure to have BALANCE in your life. You can work hard, but need to play hard as well, making time for you, your friends and family. Otherwise you can get drained, lose focus on worldly things and ultimately set your goals aside. It is vital to be centered/spiritually connected and keeping yourself close to the top of your list as a priority with your business/family, and you are SURE TO SUCCEED!” Dee Dee M. Cocheta-Williams A.B.C. Publicity www.abc-aef.com

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23 James Smith, Aaron Reid & Jason Johnson Almost Famous Showcase 24 TJ, Toomp & Joe Gutta NBA Cares Phoenix Initiative 25 Willy Northpole, Ludacris & Kobe Bryant Visit www. sirmag.net for more event pics!!

Images 1-4, 13-15, 20-23 by Hueniq Photography Images 5-12, 16-19, by Neka Razzi

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WHERE INDIE & MAINSTREAM COLLIDE

Also Inside

Soul Shaker VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2009