TRL MAGAZINE JAN 2017 #1 by The Rhythmic Lounge

We#are#Leokey!#We're#a#group#of#inspiring#artists#in#the# works#of#creating#our#on#manga#inspired#comics.#In#hopes# of#speading#our#stories#we#created#our#site#for#people#who# have#an#interest#manga#inspired#comics#we#hope#our# stories#are#compelling.#Please#check#us#out#at# http://leokeyambition.wixsite.com/leokeycomics and shop at our online store at https://www.forudesigns.com/store/1270712

Co#Founder*

Keoni&Atkins&

Tyrell&Mathews&

Co9Creator&of&Reality&Overload &

Creator&of&Reality&Overload&

Chantel Sawyer (Atkins) (CEO/Owner) I started The Rhythmic Lounge in December 2010. At its start, it was a fairly simple website with the purpose of giving people a place to promote their talents and network. I had no idea that less than two years later it would transform into something much bigger. The website then underwent a complete revamp in July 2011, with a brand new look and the addition of many new features, including the creation of The Rhythmic Lounge Radio. Following suit, the radio started out as merely a 24/7 stream of hand-picked music submitted by talented musicians from the website but is now an integral part of the company. Listeners from all over the world tune in regularly to hear the wide variety of music, as well as the educational, musical and talk-radio shows that we now host. The radio’s success has only made me realize The Rhythmic Lounge could take me in new directions everyday rather than the other way around, which is why a digital magazine seemed like the next step. I’m incredibly proud to present to you hardworking artists and entertainers in this magazine and on the site, so enjoy! Be sure to go to www.therhythm iclounge.com to see the profiles for the great talent displayed in this issue and take a look at our new magazine site at http://w w w .trlm agazine.com Thanks for the support, and happy reading!

Contributors Special thanks to the individuals who have contributed to this issue of The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine! dB Hear d w ww .n o ton lystre et.com

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n oto nlystr eet ar@ g m ail.co m Am anda Craig, W riter http://w w w .snappycopyw riting.com http://w w w .m urderandintrigue.com

Ross Guity, W riter

www.facebook.com/Ross.Guity21 Aaron W ilson, W riter !!!!!!http://aaron+wilson.strikingly.com

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W illiam Kryjak, W riter, Reviewer www.film -book.com

Patrick Ross, W riter! www.reverbnation.com /m cbigrub m cbigrub.hubpages.com

Essince, Interviewer http://w w w .Essince.com http://w w w .RoyalHeirEnt.com !

Jan. 2017 magazine cover photo taken by VOICE Jan. 2017 magazine cover Graphic Designer: Everett Z. Sanders II

The Rhythmic Lounge company is always looking to promote new talent, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to join at www.therhythmiclounge.com and take a look at our magazine site at www.TRLmagazine.com

If you would like to be in the magazine, contact the email below.

magazine@therhythmiclounge.com

The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine

Leokey Comics

Paul Otis

VOICE

Jannetta K. Tyler

Wally

Iris Williams

Michael Egleton

Graffiti

VOICE& & I grew up in poverty and would write poems to ease my mind; I always read them back on the public bus while I was commuting to and from school. I would over-hear the beats from people’s headphones and would start timing my poems to their metronomes. Before I knew it my poems had become songs and I would share them online and my songs started to spark curiosity as I was gaining thousands of views on my songs as an unknown artist. I got put on my first tour to start performing in August 2016 at which point I have also started work on my first solo mixtape. The song "SACRIFICE" I have on my profile is a sneak peek at the mixtape. It is currently the only released song from the mixtape project. The song "NO ESCAPE" is one of my trademark tracks because of the emotional feedback from my audience after performing it; it is based on a true story and is raising awareness for Domestic Violence Survivors. As an artist it is my job to help change the world even if its one person at a time one show at a time. If you are seeking immediate assistance regarding Domestic Violence the 24/7 phone hotline is 1-800-799-7233 I am Voice. VICTORIOUS OBLIGATIONS INSIDE THE CHOSEN ENTITY We are #VoiceNation

The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Voice: My name is Voice, Victorious Obligations Inside the Chosen Entity (Zachary Vick). I start my story off by witnessing my brother getting stabbed in 2008 and I had to go to school the next day and act like everything was fine. I ended up hiding in the locker room during gym class and turned my mp3 all the way up and threw it at the wall. The headphones got caught on my hoodie and fell to my feet. Still hearing the beat I sank to the floor and began to write about how I felt and only being able to hear the beat, it naturally evolved into a song. That very night when I got home I went to the public library to download a beat onto the mp3 player and recorded the entire thing on it. All up until I lost my mp3 player I would play that song on repeat. It was my sanctuary and purest source of inspiration I had growing up and developing into the artist I am today.

The Rhythmic Lounge: What is your creative process for songwriting currently? Do you still start with the creation of a poem? Voice: Nowadays my creative process revolves around a full pot of coffee and a boom-pat beat turned up so loud it drowns out my entire environment. I really don't like writing if the beat isn't deafening. The poetry behind the music comes naturally now and I don't have to put extra effort into making it seem like a piece of art, I focus more on every individual word am using to ensure I am projecting exactly what I'm intending to.

The Rhythmic Lounge: Your song “No Escape” deals with the very serious topic of domestic violence. What made you create such a powerful track? Voice: I received a message from a loyal #VoiceNation member one day asking if I had ever created a song about Domestic Violence because she was having a really rough time dealing with her experiences. I reluctantly told her I had never made a song like that, but I promised her that I would help her in any way I could if she would give me the time. About an hour went by and I had written up both verses to the song and called her on the phone so she could be the first to hear it. While on the phone she started crying and couldn't stop telling me how thankful she was that a song like that now existed just for her and based on her true story. I never had the intention of raising awareness for Domestic Violence but as an artist it is my duty to help out in any way I can. I am glad that encounter happened for many reasons but most notably is the live performance side, every show I have ever done and performed "No Escape" at has left the crowd with tears in their eyes. It's moving to know that even as a single person you can still make a difference.

The Rhythmic Lounge: Do you have any news or upcoming events that you’d like to mention to our readers? Voice: I just want #VoiceNation to know how much I love their support and that without it I would be nothing. I have been told my music is the reason some people are still here today and those people need to know the fact that they are here is the only reason I am here as well. I look forward to networking with many more talented artists in the future and I am a very open and easy to approach person. Go to my website and click any social media logo and send me a message and I'll respond ASAP, whether it's music, acting, modeling, or just community relations I will help out in any way I can. Visit Voice at www.VoiceNationOfficial.com

Wally – Urban Grind TV Essince (The Rhythmic Lounge): How long have you been doing Urban Grind TV? Wally: Urban Grind TV was launched in 2009 out of my recording studio in Chicago; it was conceived out of my desire to provide a more innovative platform for independent artists throughout the Midwest. My experience working in the entertainment industry began in 2002 when I returned home from active duty in the Army. I was 21 years old just home from serving my country with a young spouse who grew up singing in the choir and in a band with her father a professional musician. I was awestruck with her voice and I wanted to help her record a project when we came back to Chicago. Those factors combined with my love of business and passion for music lead me into the industry. I built my facility Smokey Studio, then created a production company, and finally an actual record label. The label was a really decent size with different departments handling marketing, promotions, graphic design, street team, music production, engineering, and managing the artists we had signed to the label. We had talent from all different genres Rap, Hip-Hop, RnB, Latin Rock, and Reggaetone. I cut my teeth doing every single job you could think of for the label including financing everything. We worked hard, performed a lot of places, we even toured 15 states in 19 days all over the country. For all of the work that we were putting in there was still not a lot of outlets to break new artists in Chicago. That’s why I created Urban Grind TV to give the underdog a voice and to give our viewers an experience like no other. I wanted our audience to see what I was saw in people, through my own eyes, to feel what I felt when I fell in love with hip-hop. We have been blessed to be on cable television in Chicago for the last 7 years that’s 15 seasons producing a one-hour show every single week. Urban Grind TV has won 10 awards including Best Media, and Best Music TV Show since our launch. Early this year we expanded our reach to 66 suburbs of Chicago with a commercial free Suburban Edition of the show.

Essince (TRL): Being a large, diverse city in the Midwest, what is the Chicago hip-hop scene like? Wally: Our music scene is really talented and so diverse but unfortunately it is really segregated like the city itself. There are so many different circles, cliques, and crews with their own flavor that people do not have a tendency to support each other as much as we should. Now this has improved a lot over the past few years but there is still a lot that divides people. This division helps spawn competitiveness and creativity but does not make for a strong industry. Don’t get me wrong there are events every night of the week from the city to the suburbs for people to perform or network. The successful people in this business are the ones that are able to cultivate those relationships with the people they meet and make something out of nothing.

Essince (TRL): You are more than just a TV show producer, what all do you do? Wally: I am the Executive Producer of Urban Grind TV, Co-Executive Producer of The Booth Radio Show, and Creative Director for our interactive print/digital magazine Urban Grind Lifestyle. I am in my 2nd year of law school with a focus on Intellectual Property but my most rewarding position is a husband and father to my family.

Essince (TRL): If an artist comes to you and wants to break in Chicago, what would you recommend s/he do first? Wally: I would first make sure that person knows who they are and what they really want out of this business. It can be a struggle with some artists to identify their sound, who they are, and what they want their music to say. Once that person knows where they’re going we can help them get there, sometimes Chicago is not the best market to break them. That can be a hard pill for some people to swallow but it’s true, you might have to pop somewhere else before you do here. No matter where you trying the work the very first and most important thing is to get your business in order. I mean take care of that paperwork, set yourself up for success.

Essince (TRL): Where can fans find more about you online? When does the show air? Wally: UrbanGrindTV.com that’s our website it contains a wealth of content and information on our different platforms. On there you can link into our weekly radio show The Booth Radio hosted by DJ Mh2da that is currently syndicated in 12 states across the county with a few more markets beginning in 2017. Our interactive print and digital magazine Urban Grind Lifestyle is available on UrbanGrindLifestyle.com it features music, entertainment, industry, culture, fashion, and sports. This magazine has qr-codes throughout the entire issue allowing users to scan the magazine with their smart phone or tablet and watch exclusive interviews, music videos, documentaries, buy tickets to events, and more. Urban Grind TV is broadcast on Comcast Cable 25 in Chicago every Weds night at 11pm with replays 3 additional nights a week in Chicago. Urban Grind TV Suburban Edition airs in the Western Suburbs of Chicago every Friday at midnight on Comcast channel 19. The full episodes of our TV show are always available at UrbanGrindTV.com.

Essince (TRL): Any final shout outs? Wally: I have to shout out my Urban Grind TV team that works so hard to produce such great results week in and week out for our industry, my family for supporting my ambitious dreams, and of course all of our viewers for making us Chicago’s Best Music TV Show and the Midwest’s Best Urban Media. Follow us at @UrbanGrindTV, Listen to the Booth Radio every week, and pick up a copy of our magazine. If you are trying to connect with us call 1-888380-1913 “Hit the Line Up and Get Your Grind Up”. #UGTV!

Michael(Egleton((! At the age of seven, Michael Egleton was introduced to music when his mom brought home a guitar for Christmas. He continued to play and experiment with numerous instruments before finding his musical connection with the keyboard. Michael began his musical career by playing and composing Gospel music for local artists and churches. Throughout the years his passion for music has broaden to include various genres such as Jazz, R&B and Soul. Johnny Gill, Bobby “Blue” Bland, George Benson, Michael Henderson, Tyrese are just a few of the names that come to mind when you hear the music of Michael Egleton. Whether you’re in the mood to dance or for love the R & B, jazzy and sultry blends of piano and orchestra sounds sprinkled with raspy vocals takes you there with every song. Today his keyboard is how he interprets life and allows his feelings to flow from the heart. Egleton’s mature sound can be attributed to his childhood and being raised by his grandfather, a fiery Gospel preacher from the south and former ” Honkie Tonk” musician himself during the 40′s and 50′s playing in the juke joints around Chicago. This fresh, new sound with an old flare and innovative techniques and style best describes Michael Egleton and his music. It is simple yet mature, nothing too complicated, a straight to the point sound that’s refreshing to today’s music. Many of Michael’s musical influences include legendary Stevie Wonder, The Clark Sisters, George Duke, Michael Henderson, George Haynes of St. Louis and Barry White to name a few. Originally from Barberton, Ohio, Michael currently resides in Akron, Ohio. Akron is well-known for producing several artists and industry greats and Egleton aspires to add his name to that list one day. He has released two independent albums Baby, Baby, Baby and his current album titled, That’s Alright. This new album is steadily rising up the charts and is currently number one on Akron’s charts in the Blues, Jazz and Soul categories. All of Michael’s life experiences and lessons shapes him as a musician and are reflected in his music. Eager to experience success on the next level Michael Egleton is making his mark in the music industry.((((( (

WWW.MICHAELEGLETON.COM www.reverbnation.com/michaelegleton www.soundcloud.com/michaelegleton( ( (

( The!Rhythmic!Lounge:!Please!introduce!yourself!and!give!the!readers!a!brief!background!for!those!who!aren’t!familiar!with!you!! Michael(Egleton:(I(am(a(fresh(new(sound(with(an(old(flare,(innovative(techniques(and(style,(I(would(best(describes(and(my(music.(It's(simple,(yet( mature.(Nothing(too(complicated.(A(straight(to(the(point(sound(that's(refreshing(in(today's(music.(Many(say(I(sound(like(Donny(Hathaway,(Johnny( Taylor,(Michael(Henderson,(Billy(Paul(and(a(few(other(artists(and(singer(from(the(past(such(as(Isaac(Hayes,(and(Billy(Preston.(Originally(from( Barberton,(Ohio,(I(now(resides(in(Akron,(Ohio(and(make(my(music(home(in(Atlanta,(GA,(commuting(to(and(from(during(the(year.((I(have(released( three(independent(albums,(Baby(Baby(Baby,(the(award(winning,(A(Look(Into(My(Heart(and(his(new(independent(release,(That’s(Alright(“The(Rewind”,( and(one(album(with(the(Tate(Music(Group(Label,(That's(Alright.(Songs(from(the(award(winning,(A(Look(Into(My(Heart(CD,(are(being(played(on(radio( stations(across(the(country,(the(UK(and(worldwide,(on(FM,(AM(and(XM(stations.(I’ve((won(The(Ohio(Music(Awards,(Adult(Contemporary(category,( 2014,(The(Most(Listened(to(songs(for(2014(with(Baby(Baby(Baby(“The(Remix”(with(the,(It’s(All(Soul(To(Me(with(Simon(Darke(Radio(Show(in(the(UK,( recently,(2016(Akedemia(Music(Awards,(Best(in(Jazz,(and(has(been(an(IMA(nominee,(and(is(also(a(2016(entry(into(the(IMA(Music(Awards.(I(have(had( numerous(articles(and(reviews(written(in(many(music(magazines(about(myself(and(my(music.(Songs(from(A(Look(Into(My(Heart,(has(quickly(reach(#1( on(every(music(site(it(has(been(a(part(of.((It’s(Over(“The(Remix”(was(one(of(the(songs(featured(this(year(during(the(domestic(abuse(crisis(of(the(NFL,( and(in(the(personal(lives(of(many(private(relationships.(My(past(release(with(the(label,(Tate(Music(Group,(That's(Alright(was(a(main(stay(in(the(top(10( on(music(charts(for(the(Akron,(Canton,(Cleveland,(and(regional(Ohio(area(in(the(Blues,(Soul(and(Jazz(genres(on(many(online(music(sites.(All(of(my(life( experiences(and(lessons(shape(me(as(a(musician(and(are(reflected(in(my(music.(( ( (

The!Rhythmic!Lounge:!Were!there!people!around!you!who!really!encouraged!and!influenced!you!to!pursue!your!talent?! ME:(Actually(yes,(there(were(quite(a(few(people(from(many(years(past(that(had(encouraged(me(to(pursue(a(career(in(secular(music.(I(was(already( was(already(writing(Gospel;(music(and(had(written(one(song(that(was(secured(by(the(well(known(great(Gospel(singer(and(my(friend(from(this(area,( Douglas(Miller(of(“Anchored(In(the(Lord”(fame(and(his(hit(with(MC(Hammer(and(of(whom(every(now(and(then(I(have(opportunity(to(play(for.( One(of(my(sister’s(aunts(was(a(member(of(the(Weather(Girls(or(as(also(known,(The(Two(Tons(of(Fun(group(of(“It’s(Raining(Men”(fame(and(who(sang( background(for(Sylvester(for(many(years,(who(I(like(to(call(Ms(Izora,(the(late(Ms(Izora(Armstead,(husband(at(that(time(would(encourage(me(every( time(they(would(come(the(Akron,(Cleveland(area(to(come(and(record(a(song(back(in(my(20’s.(I(just(didn’t(feel(it.(I(wasn’t(prepared(mentally(and( chose(to(pass.(I(had(a(very(young(family….(It(just(was(not(in(the(cards(for(me(at(that(time.(There(were(other(at(this(time(who(also(would(talk(to(me( about(checking((things(out(some(of(which(went(on(to(pursue(their(music(careers(with(such(bands(as(the(S.O.S(Band(and(Roles(Royse,(Switch((and( more.(I(still(chose(to(stay(back.(As(you(see,(this(area(has(been(rich(in(music(history.(It(was(at(this(time(in(my(life(I(felt(I(had(something(to(offer.(I(gave( it(a(spin(with(my(first(independent(release,(Baby(Baby(Baby(and(really(didn’t(expect(anything(to(come(of(it.(As(a(matter(of(fact(I(laughed(to(myself( about(it.(I(submitted(it(online(to(a(few(music(sites(and(the(rest(is(history!( (

The!Rhythmic!Lounge:!What!has!been!the!most!memorable!accomplishment!of!your!career!so!far?! ME:(There(are(quite(a(few(memorable(instances(in(my(short(career(thus(far.(One(is(my(very(first(performance(on(stance(at(The(Musica(here(in(Akron,( Ohio.(It(was(mind(numbing(to(say(the(least.(The(energy(on(stage(with(the(band(was(out(of(this(world!(Then(there(was(my(first(award.(This(was(so( special(because(it(was(like(a(validation(that(I(could(play(in(the(big(leagues(if(given(a(chance(and(shown(the(proper(way(of(doing(things(required(by(the( industry.(Then(there(was(the(“Top(25(Most(Listened(To(Songs(of(2014(with(((the(late)(Mr(Simon(Darke(Radio(Show”(in(The(UK.(This(validated(that(I( could(be(appreciated(worldwide(and(that(music(is(a(universal(language.(I’m(sure(there(will(be(more(if(I(continue(on(the(path(that(I’m(on(and(with(the( help(of(the(Lord.( ( (

The!Rhythmic!Lounge:!Are!there!any!upcoming!events!or!projects!that!you’d!like!to!mention?! ME:(What’s(next(in(the(near(future(for(me(is(first(to(finish(my(new(independent(project,(That’s(Alright(“The(Rewind’.(The(next(two(releases(to(this( independent(project(are(releasing(as(I(write.(One(of(which(is(also(already(entered(into(the(2016(IMA(Music(Awards.(This(song(is,(Behind(These(Walls( featuring(Bob(Esterle.(Behind(These(Walls(is(a(moving(song(about(the(emotions(and(feeling(one(may(experience(during(the(stormy(times(of(a( relationship(that(has(lost(it’s(flame.(Then(the(carry(over(that(occurs(when(one(transfers(all(of(this(baggage(to(a(new(relationship,(penalizing(the(new( interest(for(the(sins(of(the(past(relationship.(This(song(is(produce(by(Wes(McCraw,(Creekside(Audio,(Norton,(OH(and(Samuel(Haygood,(NeDAeGroove( Productions,(Atlanta,(GA.(for(the(new(independent(project(from(Michael(Egleton,(That’s(Alright(“The(Rewind”,(produced(by(Wes(McCraw(and(Samuel( Haygood(with(associate(producers,(Mr(K.T.(Beats(((Mr(Kevin(Taylor(Jr)(of(KT(Got(Beats,(Atlanta,(GA(and(Mr(Dereck(Gelespie,(Gee(Funk(Productions,( Akron,(OH.(Pop(“Rewound”(has(already(been(released(to(radio(and(many(Smooth(Jazz(stations(are(starting(to(warm(up(to(it.(It’s(produced(by(Samuel( Haygood(for(That’s(Alright(“The(Rewind”.(Then(there(is(the(HOT(dance(tune,(Stank(“Wound(Up”(also(produced(by(Mr.(Samuel(Haygood(for(That’s( Alright(“The(Rewind”.(This(Hot(dance(tune(is(being(played(by(DJ(everywhere(in(this(region.(It’s(built(for(hand(and(line(dancing(and(that’s(just(what( they(are(doing!( There(is(an(autobiography(planned(for(released(in(2016(in(which(my(branding(team(at,(BlueeArtists(in(Baltimore,(DC(area(are(preparing(to(write(with( me.(We’re(looking(at(some(small(roles(in(film(and(starting(planning(for(the(brand(new(independent(project(for(2017.( The(new(Video(EPK(Premier(for(Behind(These(Walls(was(release(recently.(Filming(for(the(Music(Video(to(this(song(will(start(in(August.(( To(my(fans(I's(like(to(simply(say,(Thank(you.(Thank(you(for(everything,(your(support,(your(listening,(your(kind(words.(Your(inspiration(when(I'm(ready( to(give(up.(For(getting(me(through(a(very(tough(time(a(few(months(ago(when(my(younger(brother(had(passed(from(Lupus(and(less(than(30(hours( later(my(baby(sister(was(murdered(by(her(lover.(When(I(thought(it(was(over,(20(days(later(my(nephew,(my(sister's(19(year(old(son(passed.((I(was( living(on(the(words(of(my(songs(and(the(touches(from(you,(my(fans.(Thank(you(so,(so(much.(I(am(nothing(without(you.(I(do(appreciate(and(respect( you.(Please(keep(supporting(and(spreading(the(word(about(Michael(Egleton!(

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Jannetta&K.&Tyler

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# The#Rhythmic#Lounge:#Please#introduce#yourself#and#give#the#readers#a#brief# background#for#those#who#aren’t#familiar#with#you!& &

Jannetta&K.&Tyler:&My&name&is&Jannetta&K.&Tyler.&As&an&ordained&evangelist,&wife,&mom,&grandparent,&life& coach,&entrepreneur&and&now&author,&I&have&drawn&on&my&life&experiences.&Counseling&and&taking&care& of&others&is&what&I&was&born&to&do.&I&spend&most&of&my&time&encouraging& people&on&issues&they&may&have&in&their&interpersonal&relationships.& & &

TRL:#Where#did#the#title#of#your#latest#book#A"Family"of" Miracles#come#from?#& &

JKT:&The&title&came&from&the&Lord.&While&I&was&recovering&from&hip& surgery,&the&inspiration&to&write&about&my&family’s&miracles&was&revealed& to&me.&& & &

TRL:#Helping#others#and#spreading#positivity#seems#to#be# your#main#focus!#Who#have#been#your#biggest#influences#in# leading#you#down#that#path?#& &

JKT:&Aside&from&the&Lord,&my&biggest&influence&has&to&be&my&mother.&Ma’dea&was&always&helping&and& giving&to&others&even&when&she&didn’t&have&it&to&give.&& As&a&child,&I&was&hospitalized&and&had&to&be&in&the&hospital&alone&because&my&mother&couldn’t&stay&there& with&me&as&she&had&other&children&to&attend.&The&nurses&would&take&me&around&to&the&other&children& who&were&alone&and&frightened.&I&was&an&encouragement&to&them&because&for&some&reason&I&wasn’t& afraid.&As&a&3OyearOold&child,&I&knew&then&that&I&wasn’t&really&alone,&God&was&with&me.&& # #

TRL:#What#do#we#have#to#look#forward#to#from#you#in#the#near#future?&& &

JKT:&I&definitely&plan&to&write&more&books&because&I&have&a&whole&lot&more&to&say.&I&also&am&planning& book&signings&and&speaking&engagement.& Please&visit&my&Facebook&page&for&more&information&and&a&list&of&upcoming&events!& www.facebook.com/familyofmiracles

where creativity lives

JANUARY / / 15

Iris%M.%Williams

,%%

author%and%publisher%of%The$Butterfly$Typeface$ Publishing%is%the%author%of%15%books%including% God$is$in$The$Details,%An$Abundant$Life,%and% several%children’s%books%including%Latch$Key$ Keesha%and%Cancer,$Are$You$Listening?%Each%of% Williams’%books%represents%pieces%of%her% heart.%% Williams%founded%butterfly%typeface% publishing%in%2014%after%attempting%to%publish% her%own%books.%The%expense%and%frustration% helped%her%quickly%realize%there%had%to%be%a% better%way.%“Publishing%should%not%cost%an% exorbitant%amount%of%money,%create%anxiety%or% leave%the%author%feeling%hopeless%and% disappointed.”% Prior%to%owning%her%own%business,%Iris%worked% for%a%large%student%loan%company%in% Indianapolis%Indiana.%She%transferred%to% Arkansas%and%worked%with%another%local% student%loan%company%before%landing%a% position%with%Arkansas%Blue%Cross%and%Blue% Shield%where%she%remained%for%nearly%fifteen% years.%% Iris%earned%a%Bachelor%of%Arts%degree%in% Creative%Writing%and%English%from%Southern% New%Hampshire%University%and%is%currently% enrolled%in%a%Master’s%program%seeking%a% Master’s%degree%in%Marketing.% For%more%information%about%Iris%M.%Williams,% The%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing%and%TBT% Books,%go%to%www.butterflytypeface.com.%% All%inquires%about%Iris%M.%Williams,%the%books% on%her%site,%speaking%or%workshop%requests,% and%upcoming%book%tours%and%events%may%be% submitted%to%butterflypublicity@gmail.com%

% % % % % % Website:%%www.butterflytypeface.com% Facebook:%www.facebook.com/butterfly.typface% Twitter:%ButterflyTypeface%(@Butterfly_Type)%|%Twitter%

% %

% The%Rhythmic%Lounge:%Please%introduce%yourself%and%give%the%readers%a%brief%background% for%those%who%aren’t%familiar%with%you!% Iris%Williams:%My%name%is%Iris%M%Williams.%I’m%from%a%small%town%in%Arkansas%and%the%youngest%of%my%mother’s% thirteen%children.%I’ve%always%loved%to%read%and%write.%As%a%child,%my%dream%was%to%become%a%teacher%or%a%nurse.% Ironically,%as%an%author%and%publisher,%my%need%to%‘educate’%and%‘nurture’%is%fulfilled%over%and%over%again.%It%wasn’t% until%my%brother%was%diagnosed%with%prostate%cancer,%did%it%occur%to%me%to%step%out%on%faith%and%seek%to%fulfill%a% dream%of%becoming%a%published%author.%I’m%so%glad%that%I%did%because%in%the%process%of%pursuing%a%singular%dream,%I% stumbled%upon%so%much%more.%Several%books%and%my%own%publishing%company%later,%I’ve%not%only%realized%my% dream,%but%I%also%help%others%to%realize%theirs%through%my%publishing%company,%The%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing.%%%

TRL:%You%are%the%author%of%15%books%and%I’m%sure%that%number%will%continue%to%climb.% What%was%the%first%book%that%you%wrote%and%what%was%the%inspiration%behind%it?%% IW:%The%first%book%I%wrote%was%a%children’s%book%titled,%Frankie%Froggy%and%The%Butterfly%Birthmark.%It’s%a%story% about%being%different.%The%inspiration%was%my%granddaughter,%Lyric.%Lyric%has%a%birthmark%on%her%face%and%was% teased%by%the%children%at%her%school.%I%know%firsthand%what%it’s%like%to%be%different%as%I%was%born%with%a%physical% handicap,%and%I%wanted%to%write%a%book%that%encouraged%my%granddaughter%to%embrace%her%difference.%I%wanted% her%to%know%that%it%is%our%differences%that%make%us%unique.%Actually,%our%differences%are%what%sets%us%apart%from% each%other%and%more%often%than%not,%they%are%what%prepares%us%for%our%purpose.%

TRL:%There%is%an%absolute%difference%between%those%who%work%for%others%and%help%that% person/company%live%out%their%dreams%and%those%who%take%it%a%step%further%and%work%for% themselves%to%live%out%their%own%dreams.%Why%was%it%important%for%you%to%start%your%own% company?% IW:%Honestly,%I%started%my%own%company%to%help%myself.%I%had%no%idea%or%desire%towards%entrepreneurship.%If% someone%had%told%me%I%would%be%doing%what%I’m%doing,%I%would%have%fervently%denounced%it%as%absurd.%I’m%shy%by% nature%and%crave%the%background.%However,%God%had%other%plans%for%me.%I%was%looking%for%a%way%to%help%myself%and% stumbled%upon%a%way%to%help%others.%%My%own%initial%publishing%experience%was%disappointing%and%expensive.%It% wasn’t%long%before%I%realized%that%I%was%not%alone.%Authors%found%me%and%sought%my%assistance.%I%was%hesitant%at% first,%but%quickly%learned%I%had%a%‘gift’%for%it%and%now%more%than%40%authors%and%nearly%90%books%later,%I%find%myself% at%the%helm%of%a%company%that%caters%to%authors%and%writers%that%other%companies%would%either%overlook%or%take% advantage.%%As%a%fellow%author,%I%take%what%I%do%very%seriously%and%I%strive%daily%to%give%all%that%I%have%to%the%authors% who%entrust%their%stories%with%me.%This%is%more%than%a%business.%This%is%a%ministry.%God%is%using%me%and%my% company%to%help%others%in%their%attempt%to%spread%messages%of%hope.%We%here%at%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing%aim% to%enhance%the%literary%world,%one%word%at%a%time%…%

TRL:%Are%there%any%upcoming%events%or%projects%that%you’d%like%to%mention?%% IW:%We%have%a%myriad%of%projects%that%are%on%the%horizon%for%2017%to%include%book%releases,%book%tours%and%even% an%online%Etsy%store%featuring%Butterfly%Typeface%paraphernalia%as%well%as%customized%author%items%including% jewelry,%greeting%cards%and%journals.%However,%the%thing%we%are%most%proud%about%is%our%online%bookstore.%Selfe published%authors%have%an%unfortunate%reputation%as%not%being%‘real%writers’.%Nothing%could%be%further%from%the% truth.%The%authors%that%I%have%come%into%contact%with%have%great%stories%and%messages.%Our%online%bookstore%will% offer%these%authors%a%professional,%creative%and%effective%environment%from%whence%to%highlight%their%works.%We% anticipate%the%site’s%launch%within%the%next%few%months.%The%site%will%feature%Butterfly%Typeface%authors,%but%we% will%also%review%submissions%from%any%selfepublished%author.%%

Kimberly Kent

Indianapolis, IN

Entrepreneur(|(Indie(Artist(|(Mother(|(Wife|(Worshipper

Greetings, I am Kimberly Michelle Kent, a minister of the Word in song, and I've been strategically created for "The Journey" of worship both unto God and as a lifestyle. My desire is that you never end your journey of worship and high praise unto the LORD. It is my prayer that "The Journey" will be an asset in your life, drawing you closer to our Heavenly Father; soaking in His presence, embracing your healing, and increasing your faith. I invite you to share your journey experience with me as I share mine with you.

www.therhythmiclounge.com

The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Kimberly Kent: Native of Indianapolis Indiana the industrious mother of 10 children and 2 grandchildren. Married for 12 years to Samuel Kent, III. I come from a musical family and remember my mother singing me to sleep at 3 years of age. This sparked a fire in my heart that could only be expressed through music. Early in life I began to sing in several local churches. My craft evolved more as I learned to play several musical instruments: the viola, violin and piano. I also directed several local church choirs and am currently the Director of Worship at my home church, Justified by Faith under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey McGhee.

TRL: Who were your musical/spiritual influences growing up? KK: I know it is common to say I started singing in church. I wasn’t allowed to listen to certain types of music growing up so I learned to value gospel music as my musical outlet. From Sandi Patti, to John P. Kee, Mississippi Mass and so on. As I grew up I began to appreciate some secular artist; Boyz to Men, Whitney Houston, En Vogue, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Celine Dion etc. My taste in music has matured and I now enjoy and respect all musical genres.

TRL: Your debut CD “The Journey” was released about 3 months ago! How did the title come about? KK: For the longest time God has had a calling on my life. And subsequently I have learned that when God calls you to do something he is very intentional in His plan. It will all come together. As long as I can remember I have always sung in church and taught music or directed: from church choirs to singing with a group. My aspiration was to have someone write a song just for me, but that never happened so I continued to sing as background in a gospel group. In 2013 I had major throat surgery for the second time on my vocal cords and was told that I may never sing again. And that if I chose to sing I would not be able to hold notes or project my voice. Still God had a plan for my life. After a recovery period I was able to sing but there was something missing. So I began writing my feelings down when I came across the scripture Romans 8:28. I called my best friend and she talked to me about hiding behind others and staying in the box that others had put me in. I needed to walk in the authority that God had given to me. After praying I turned in my resignation from the gospel group August 19, 2015 and began “My Journey”, whose mission statement is as follows: I am a minister of the Word in song, and I've been strategically created to walk this ‘Journey’ of worship both to God and in my lifestyle. My prayer is that you never end your journey of worship and high praise unto the LORD and that "The Journey" will be an asset in your life, drawing you closer to our Heavenly Father; soaking in His presence, embracing your healing, and increasing your faith. I invite you to share your journey experience with me as I share mine with you. My desired outcome is to spread the gospel message to all. My greatest success in this journey will be the opportunity to travel not only in Indiana but throughout the world spreading the gospel message in song.

TRL: How did JHM radio get started and what is the main focus? KK: At JHM RADIO, we are focused on providing Real, Raw and Relevant talk shows about all areas of life that Inspire Empowerment with Excellence while providing great music from different genres with the highest levels of listener satisfaction. This network was created as a tool for individuals with a heart to help and serve others to be able to reach the masses in a larger capacity while providing enjoyment and fun to the communities around the world through media and business. Pastor James Hawkins Is the founder. I currently have a show called The Journey with KMK on Monday 5-6 EST!

TRL: Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to mention to our readers? KK: I have several conferences coming up, please feel free to go to my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page and follow me! Also you can become a fan of “The Journey” at Jango.com.

thejourneykmk@gmail.com | thejourneykmk.wordpress.com | 317.657.2384 For Ministry Opportunities, contact: Angela M. Smith at NataphConsulting@outlook.com

Graffiti Graffiti is a young artist from Germantown, Maryland on the come up! He first got into HipHop when he was seven years old, always listening to his dad make beats and songs and being inspired by his favorite artist’s Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Logic, J Cole and Joey Badass. He started practicing his craft at age eleven. By high school, his craft started to get better and better each day by reading the dictionary and free styling to beats to expand his vocabulary. “I always just wanted to make good music that the people would love and can listen to decades from now and bring back that Hip-Hop sound,” shares Graffiti. After high school, he decided it was time to step it up a notch with his music by staying in the studio day and night perfecting is music. “Music is very important to me because it helped me get through a lot in life and I want to give back with my music and help others who are going through tough situations, which is why I definitely take my time on my songs, making sure the main message is positive and inspiriting.” At the age of 19, Graffiti started learning how to mix and master and make beats from his dad and now his buzz is starting to grow. Graffiti is now working on his first debut album called “Reminisce,” as he continues to share his amazing lyricism and positive message through his sound.

The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Graffiti: For people that may not know me my name is Damyon Richardson but I go by the name Graffiti, and I'm from a small neighborhood called Middle brook in Germantown, Maryland.

TRL: Where did the name “Graffiti” come from? Graffiti: It's funny cause the name Graffiti came from the dictionary loll I was trying to find a stage name for myself and I picked the first letter I stumbled on in the dictionary and I landed on the G section, that's when I found the name Graffiti and I ran with it every since.

TRL: What effect has being from Maryland had on the creative path that you chose? Graffiti: Being from Maryland definitely has played a part in that cause I feel like the area I'm from you don't see many rappers in the game from there so I make sure my creativity is definitely dope when it comes to making music or videos.

TRL: Have you considered expanding your talent into other areas of music or entertainment? If so, which? Graffiti: Yes besides being an artist I'm also a producer I know how to make my own beats and mix and master my music so I always think about when I'm done with rapping in the future I'm goanna go into the producing part of music and I'm also learning how to direct music videos so directing is something that I want to go into more also as I get some more years under my belt in the rap game

TRL: Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to mention to our readers? Graffiti: Just finished my album Reminisce; it's in stores now. But I have a show on November 4 2016 at Cafe 611 in Frederick MD, It's going to be hot so everyone needs to come out, they won't be disappointed. I'm also get ready for the A Team tour that will be happening very soon. I can't wait for that one it's going to be crazy.

twitter.com/graffiti instagram.com/graffiti301 soundcloud.com/graffiti301 facebook.com/graffiti301 facebook.com/ateamentrecords

Kevin Resnover

Kevin has been playing the bass guitar since he was 13 years old, and now as a 35 year-old musician, his resume continues to grow as he adds other genres of music to create a melodic future for himself. With gospel roots, Resnover started playing the bass guitar for his church youth choir as a teenager. In sixth grade, he was already playing cello in the school orchestra and moved on to play the upright bass in the high school jazz ensemble. Upon high school graduation, he continued with his gospel beginnings and played the bass guitar at church in his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. While playing at church, Kevin became one of the well-known bass players in the city's gospel circuit, with opportunities to back artists such as the late Andre Crouch, Bishop Paul Morton, Dorinda Clark, Marvin Sapp, and Detrick Hatton. A fan of Chic Corea, Robert Glasper, Doobie Powell, Kevin enjoys the neo-soul movement and jazz, which are evident in his latest project, Healing Virtues. Releasing his first album in 2014, Kevin put together a stylish Christmas album remixing a few holiday favorites and overlaying his bass playing with music he arranged and produced. With an immediate family blessed with musical talent, Kevin describes his bass playing as "eclectic" and thinks of himself as a musical outsider. These days, the Indy native enjoys playing with his cover band out of Austin, Texas. As a musical epicenter, Austin has afforded him opportunities to play on the famed 6th street, as well as weddings and private events in the capitol city. He has made his home in San Antonio, Texas since leaving Berklee College of Music in 2010 and has enjoyed opening for old school singers and musicians like Keith Sweat, the Ojays, and Full Force in the home of the Alamo. With the strong South Texas and Hispanic heritage in San Antonio, Kevin has been able to mix his bass playlist with country, Cuban jazz, R&B, and looks forward to an opportunity to add a Tejano band to his growing resume. ! ! www.kevinbassmusic.com www.facebook.com/kevin.resnover.1 twitter.com/ResnoverKevin www.instagram.com/kresnover

The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Kevin Resnover: I'm a bassist, composer, arranger and an upcoming artist who enjoys creating original tunes. I also work with cover bands playing gospel, soul, jazz, Latin and country music.

TRL: What was the inspiration behind your album "Healing Virtues?" KR: I'm someone who has dealt with addiction and depression, which really took a toll on me for along time. I named this project healing virtues because creating the music was one of the only things that kept me going a lot of times. There have been moments when I felt like scraping the entire album but when I would sit back and listen to my songs, I could feel the passion and inspiration that helped me make the music! Others who have heard my songs will sometimes ask,"man what where you going through when you made these songs? "They have so much emotion!"

TRL: There is always a lesson to be learned, especially in the world of entertainment! What do you consider to be your biggest mistake thus far, and what lesson did you learn from it? KR: I think my biggest mistake has been quitting people and groups too soon. I've burned some bridges, neglected musical relationships by not keeping in touch, and the biggest mistake of all has been not always believing in myself! I've learned that it's ok to admit it when you've messed up with someone. You can usually get meaningful relationships back. Lastly, if no one believes in you, you believe because there's always someone out there that's needs the blessing of your God given talent!

TRL: What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? KR: My most embarrassing moment on stage was when I agreed to play backup bass for an upcoming artist named Lady Jaguar. I was called for the gig at the last minute so I had very little time to learn the music. Long story short, she didn't like my performance, I got cussed out on stage in front of a packed club and then got stiffed on the payment!

TRL: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? KR: Yes I would like readers to know that if you enjoy nice Jazz, Soul, Neo soul, and Experimental music then come check me out on www.Kevinbassmusic.com You can download my new single, Coincidence, free and also take a listen to my new album, Healing Virtues. I also have a Christmas album available. It’s called "Carols of the Bass."

where creativity lives

JANUARY / / 23