!!!!!Music!!!!!!!!! !
Fine!Arts!!!!!!!!!!
Comedy!!!!!!!!!
Fashion!!!!!!!!!
Esthetics!!!!!!!!!!!
Literature!
!The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine
RIKERS‌
Mr. Guerilla Marketing, takes on new task at Monster Headphones... Living Life Loud
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WWW.MONSTERPRODUCTS.COM!
Chantel 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 Blog: www.LockerRoom zRedCarpetEtc.blogspot.com
Aaron W ilson, W riter !!!!!!http://aaron+wilson.strikingly.com
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 !
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* July 2016 magazine cover photo taken by Amanda Solis Puryear El
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The Rhythmic Lounge company is always looking to promote new talent, so don’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
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Monster AD
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Monster
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TRL AD
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DJ Chemo
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Rikers
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KagyBee
SWV
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Snail Juice Records
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RIKERS
Twitter'(@Rikers(
IG'(@Rikersbk!
! TRL: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Rikers: Name is Rikers, born in Brooklyn, New York. Me and my friends founded the first hip-hop Monthly newspaper 4Korners news. We gave Kanye West his first publication cover as well as Joe Buddens, first exclusive interview with Kareem Biggs Burke, co-founder of Rocafella records and others. I was also Music Editor for Beyond Race Magazine where we gave JCole his first cover, also first publication who pegged artist such as Santigold, Drake, JCole, Mike Poster, Mayer Hawthorne as artist to blow. Clothing manufacturer with over 20 years of experience and over two billion in retail sells. Worked for companies such as Apple bottoms, Adidas, Fubu, Reebok and several others. Landed at PNB Nation with a good friend where we developed the science of Guerilla marketing. Doing early product situations with Eminem and the boot camp click, explains how long ago this was...haha. I was then asked to do Marketing for Stall and Dean, which was one of the oldest athletic apparel companies in the United States founded 1898. Within two years I was head of Marketing and controlled the marketing for all of the in-house brands, which also included the Rucker. Within years the company was doing twenty million in yearly sells, topping over $100M by the end of our run, all this with just a High school diploma. Community activist, I speak to young men and women to motivate them to aspire to want more for themselves because it can inspire a whole community. I am currently at Monster products, well known for their creation of the beats by Dre headphones as well as their Monster cables. I went this route because I like new challenges. I see headphones as a fashion accessory, not easy to sell when you see the product for what it is...haha. I do lifestyle marketing working with athletes and events. TRL: When people Google you, they are also likely to see the phrase “Guerrilla Marketing Mastermind” by your name. Explain where that came from? Rikers: I always in my life had to work with a little bit and expected to make basically something from nothing. Football I was undersized, in the streets I was undersized, so I developed a kind of a napoleon complex...lol. Basically you have to utilize all your relationships. Treat people the way you want to be treated and treat all those deserving as equals. No one is better than the next; everyone can get a fat lip. You remember that it allows you to navigate the waters. Now you’re in the water, you bring people on board who can bring ores, help paddle, etc. These are basically like-minded people who you work with daily literally a barter system. I have bread, you have jelly... let's eat...haha. So at 4Korner and Beyond race, I had publications aka press. They needed press so I would tell the artist I can wardrobe them so they looked great for their photos, videos and I would dress them then in my Rucker; Stall and Dean clothing. It was a win win because I let them keep the clothing. I had the hottest clothing line out and they were getting for free as well as they getting press, product and saving a lot of money out of their budgets. This worked great early when early 2000s 50 Cent and Sha Money came into my office. My office was next door to Funk Master Flex and upstairs from Justin's. 50 was being black balled by Murder Inc., but sometimes you just know when something magical is about to happen. He needed clothing for his DVD and video, I needed a fantastic model. I said let's do it, this is why when you see 50s early videos, shoots he's in baseball and basketball jerseys. It was a jersey market then. Taking a little bit, turning it to a lot using unorthodox measures is the key to Guerilla Marketing.
TRL: You are not an average businessman with 1 or 2 ideas or projects under their belt. You seem to have your hands in a little bit of everything. What gives you the motivation to constantly keep busy and continue to expand? Rikers: I hate to lose. That's basically all it is, I'm a terrible loser. I don't go crying but I'm constantly reinventing myself and not afraid to go for what I want. I recently did a skills test where it finds your attributes; mines came back Futuristic, Command, Achiever, Self- Assurance. I'm not a person who needs someone to say if I'm doing a good job, I'm always thinking three steps ahead, I'm a take charge personality and I always look for the positive in situations regardless of the outcome. Everything is a learning process. I was shot several times, instead of saying I want revenge, I thought of my mother like dang, this is how I repay her? Laying here like a clump of clay? That embarrassment gave me a jolt. She said I wasn't one but I knew this was not all that was in store for me. So I knew I had to have my eggs in many baskets so if I dropped one, I'd still have an omelet on Sunday...haha. But in the end, read... find a mentor and learn. The mentor will show you where you can be if you stay the course. I don't mean the local scam artists, I mean a successful person who can lead you in the right direction. TRL: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? Rikers: Always something on the horizon, haha. We'll be at the Hampton vs. Howard game working along side RadioOne, bring music to the ears like it suppose to be heard. Not just loud, but clear. We just released our new Monster Elements collection starting with the Rose Gold Elements. Elements taking it back to earth's elements, Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum... a lot of brands allege they are the industry leaders. They are loud, but you cannot hear a thing. Kevin Gates has a funny clip on his Instagram where someone sent him beats. He's like yeah it's loud, but I cannot hear the music. Monster for years have been known for our quality, our headphones offer three-port connection, only one in the market where you can connect blue tooth, audio as well as digital USB (comes in the box). Headphones use a special fiber that allows flexibility as well as DJ Swivel ears. Also touch screen controls on the headphones where you can answer the phone, control your volume as well as skip and replay your music. The elements is something amazing I have to say. That's what actually sold me when they asked me to join the team. We also have the Isports collection for the athletes or people into fitness. Doesn't circle the ear like beats where people complain of cutting and ripping the back of their ears. They slide into the ear and with a soft memory foam, locks into your ear. Again, something special for our consumers. It’s always about bringing and offering more. We have the best quality; best technology and we're in the community. This is the Monster lifestyle. You can see more at www.monsterproducts.com. I'm still working with the Rucker clothing and doing my Koodoo clothing as well. We're sold in Jimmy Jazz; they gave us all their stores as well as another 300 retailers. Always keep your hands in multiple pots I always say. Fashion is my passion, but striving forward is a way of life.
where creativity lives
JULY / / 7
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Eunique Gaither a.k.a KeepStackZ Is an upcoming Rapper from the Bronx, NY who has been involved in music for six years and has done shows all over NY, ATL & Cali. KeepStackZ now twenty-two years young has been grinding & rising to fame since the age of sixteen working along with his comrades Lil Bibby, Lil Reese while approach the stage to the rap game. KeepStackZ says,”I just want to do what I have to do to be great with the music I give to my fans”
According To KeepStackZ he say’s he’s been with his crew NBL “Natural Born Leaders” Since 2006. His older cousins “William “Scrapp” Cortez & Rodrick “Dolla” Burton had formed the family movement to promote their music & styles. Which was used to represent individuality within the set to explore their talents. Growing up in a one parent home KeepStackZ had five siblings. His mother raised the kids on her own. After everything KeepStackZ has seen and gone through he now has the time and effort to be the man everybody thought he wouldn’t beome.
Some of Keepstackz biggest influences are Dolla, Scrapp, AKON, Te-Money, Lil Bibby, Lil Herb & JAY-Z but compares himself mostly to Lil Bibby because their visions are very similar. KS didn’t take the art of rap seriously until after a few years and just felt like it was time to take it serious. The grind was too hard alone to achieve great numbers, going gold and just maintaining a small level of success so he signed with Not Only Street Records. In Keepstackz spare time he likes to rap, write, read, play sports & shop.
Raleigh native “She Rex Mykes” regional rise in popularity is slowly causing her to become one of the new faces of North Carolina hip hop. Many states have a definitive sound that they associate with but NC doesn't appear to have any one particular choice; North Carolina residents adopt whatever sound suits them at the time day. With North Carolina's hip hop scene cultivating a melting pot of sound She Rex Mykes is making waves on the underground radar highlights with such mixtapes as Crowned Royal and Hood Super Hero now considered a large contributor to the Underground Mixtape Scene. Sheila Moore aka She Rex Mykes was born and raised in Creedmoor, North Carolina now residing in Raleigh has been rapping since nine years of age and producing since fifteen.
Currently a Coast2Coast and NerveDJ and produces beats as well has be a force to be reckoned with by several other artists and producers in her regional area. She Rex Mykes has been involved with music throughout her life as her first memory of music her uncle buying her a guitar for Christmas at the age of three. SRM's uncle had a music studio in his home and taught her quite a bit from watching him and others in her area enabling her to learn how to play the guitar and the piano by ear later throughout the years She Rex started playing the trumpet for her middle school band around the age of eleven and by the time she ended high school she had mastered the trumpet, baritone and drums. One of the A list female artists of North, Carolina’s female rappers and virtually known for her skills on the mic has since the early days of hip-hop, taken a part in crafting her overall tone and sound with misogynist lyrics and street camaraderie; she has taking part of as well. She Rex Mykes has put aside all the sex and glamour that we regularly see and hear from female hip hop artists. "That's not what's at the core of me" "I'm not the average female rapper and first and foremost I'm a rapper”. “I can only rap about my reality and what I see going on around me” she states!
Her goal is not only to entertain the streets but to educate the streets as well." Early 2014 She Rex Mykes released Crowned Royal Vol 1, and then on released Crowned Royal 2 on December 31 2014 and currently working on the her next installment of the Crowned Royal Series which will feature Crowned Royal 3.
She Rex Mykes stands out above the crowd with her gritty lyrics and rhythmic metaphor's while catching you off guard with her punchlines.
The complete Crowed Royal Series is diary or a journal like illuminating the idea that she is no better than anyone else but life happens, stay true to yourself, know yourself and recognize North Carolina Hip-hop at one time not long ago was only performed in the parks or in the school lunch room cafeterias but now She Rex Mykes is becoming the royalty within in a prolific female artist who represents the Carolinas by adding a virtual shock to you.
The city of Raleigh believes She Rex Mykes is going to be one to watch as time goes on and has been putting it down for a long time so DJ's, emcees and Hip-Hop artist out there stay up as She Rex Mykes rocks the stage one show at a time.
the Hip Hop game.
She Rex Mykes has interviewed with Fattrack.com, Fusionz Magazine, KJag Radio, KVHT- Hit XM Radio Las Vegas, and KSun Radio and looks forward to more interviews and features as time progresses. In the year 2K15 She Rex Mykes teamed up with DJ Kansas of the Hysteria Mixtape Series and DJ Skroog Mkduk to put out both the Dope Souf and Certified Dope Mixtape Series which have been featured on Datpiff, WorldstarPromo.com, CarolinaOnTherise.com, HipHopOnDeck.com, and FoMerlot.com just to name a few. She Rex Mykes is now working on her debut album to be released by Not Only Street Records May 19th, 2K16 entitled Lessons From the Nine. As for Lessons From the Nine the album will tell a story as she wants her fans to feel as if they watched a movie once they hear it from beginning to end. Keep your eyes open for She Rex Mykes debut album “Lessons From The 9� dropping on May 19th. Www.NotOnlyStreet.Com/She-Rex-Mykes.Html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOMMY FORD LAUNCHES FILM TRAINING PROJECT AND DOCUMENTARY TARGETING ATLANTA’S INNER CITY YOUTH Atlanta, GA - Tommy Ford aka “Tommy from Martin” and philanthropist Hank Stewart announce their new community project Through My Lens ATL, a film training project targeting inner city youth in Atlanta and Dekalb county that have an interest in the film and television industry. The project began at Clark Atlanta University, and is currently in production and filming in Clarkston, GA at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. The sixteen week program includes film production training and exercises as well as mentoring sessions. The young men also create and produce three public service announcements on topics such as “What is Black Manhood?”, “How to Tie a Tie”, and the dangers of texting and driving. The Through My Lens ATL documentary is scheduled to premiere at the American Black Film Festival on June 19th in Miami, FLA and air on Aspire TV network in fall 2016. About "Through My Lens ATL” Through My Lens is a documentary that examines the complicated world of bullying as it relates to the urban youth population. Each week, the youths are provided with mentors that discuss thought provoking topics and participate in training that will allow them to become production assistants in the television and film industry. The college staff also work as mentors which fills the participants with hope, inspiration, and encouragement and provide life coaching to help them heal. The documentary utilizes in-depth interviews and testimonies from bullying experts, historians, psychotherapists, social media trendsetters, reformed bullies and inner-city youth to paint a clear picture of this epidemic. To further shed light on this growing epidemic – personal testimonies of celebrities, athletes and bullying experts from across the country provide heart-wrenching stories. With each interview the audience will witness the personal struggles the young men face as they reconcile their role in the bullying epidemic. The goal is to see if this 16-week experience can change the lens, focus, exposure, and vision of these young people. For media inquiries contact TiaCulverPR@gmail.com!
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Michael(Karr(
http://www.michaelkarr.com
is a formally trained, award winning, critically acclaimed trumpet player, skilled keyboardist, composer, arranger, lyricist, engineer and producer and has been featured on close to 45 records. After losing a lifetime of work and memories in a fire, Michael is reestablished in his new Manhattan studio, recording and producing several original projects and playing jazz with the Michael Karrtet™. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Michael’s debut in music came at age 11, recording his first two albums as a trumpet soloist with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony. In the 9th grade, Michael caught the eye of the great Randy Purcell (lead trombonist with Maynard Ferguson) who assisted Michael is getting a music scholarship for trumpet and piano to Carnegie Mellon University, which he began the following year. He continued his education at Duquesne and Pitt Universities, where he played under the direction of Nathan Davis and his Pitt University Jazz Assemble. After completing two Bachelor Degrees by age 19, Michael left Pittsburgh and went on the road, touring across the United States and in Europe. Michael’s extensive performance experience includes national tours and playing with The Whispers, The O’Jays, Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band, After 7, Billy Joel, The Human League, Jimmy Ponder, The Tommy Dorsey Band, Modern Man, The Jets, The Gap Band, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Drifters, George Benson (in the line-up at the Newport Jazz Festival), Houston Person, Roy Buchanan, Maynard Ferguson, Freddie Hubbard, Dennis Williams, B.B. King, Mary Wilson, Stanley Turrentine, Russ Freeman, Alex Blake, Arnie Lawrence, Cecil Brooks III, Dave Budway, Eddie Henderson, Dennis Irwin, Joe Harris, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Eric Lewis, Essiet O. Essiet, Grady Tate, Grover Washington Jr., James Moody, Jay and Marty Ashby, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Joe Cohn, Joe Negri, John Benitez, Kirk Lightsey, Mark Murphy, Marian McPartland, Ned Gold, Seleno Clarke, Randy Johnston, Rodney Jones, Ray Brown, Rhoda Scott, Roger Tucker, Roger Humphries, Ron Affif, Russell George and Victor Jones. Michael is also a veteran session musician, signed under numerous labels, including 3C, Laurie, Antenna Records and Corona Rounder. Michael hit the Top Ten on Billboard’s R&B charts as a producer with the Stanley Fields cover of “You, Me & He” (3C Records). He was the first musician to record live for WDUQ’s Tony Mowad and Chuck Leavens with whom he recorded with for several years. Michael wrote and produced music for the popular radio show Top 30 USA with Donnie Simpson with Sheridan Broadcasting Network WAMO which aired every Saturday on 169 stations and in Europe and Japan. He has worked with many production, mixing, mastering and engineers of note, including the Grammy-winning Phil Nicolo of Studio 4 Recording. Records of note include one of Michael’s CDs featuring the legendary Houston Person and several of Michael’s live CDs featuring Claudio Roditi. Michael’s Karrtet™ features a rotation of top musicians including Ron Affif, Victor Jones, John Benitez, Randy Johnston, Alex Blake and Essiet O. Essiet. As a band leader, Michael is listed as a Jazz Improv Magazine “Noteworthy Performance“. He has held several residencies at notable jazz venues in NYC including St. Nick’s Pub, Cleopatra’s Needle, Arturo’s, Blue Water Grill, the Bell Cafe, De Lounge, and Mannahatta. Michael has performed in almost every club east of the Rockies – he has played in settings from “after-hours” clubs to stadiums, for the former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani to two Presidential Inaugural Balls.
where creativity lives
JULY / / 15
Ron Handy
http://www.ronhandy.com!
Montgomery, AL
The multi-instrumentalist, Ron Handy, was born and reared in Montgomery, Alabama. He began playing guitar in grade school. In junior and senior high school, Ron began to concentrate primarily on Alto Saxophone and he participated in various county and state honor bands. During high school, Ron not only played in the marching, symphonic, and jazz bands, but he also arranged and composed music for these bands. This pivotal period in his life influenced Ron’s decision to pursue a career in music. After high school graduation, Ron enrolled in college at Alabama State University, where he earned a music degree with honors. Presently, Ron is employed at Alabama State University in the Department of Music. Ron has been the recipient of the ASU President’s Excellence Award and he was inducted into the Lanier High School Hall of Fame (his high school alma mater) for creative musicianship and service to the community. He has also received numerous other awards for music and for community service. Throughout his professional career, Ron has performed with or as the opening act for various jazz, pop/R&B and gospel stars including: Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum; Grammy Award winning vocalist Chrisette Michele; Outstanding a cappella group and 10 time Grammy Award winners Take 6;9 time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys; Platinum selling R&B vocalist Avant; jazz group Pieces of a Dream; vibraphonist Roy Ayers; vocalist Phyllis Hyman; trumpeter Tom Browne; saxophonist Najee; 9 time Grammy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient Wynton Marsalis; super producer/keyboardist George Duke; saxophonist George Howard; vocalist Rachelle Ferrell; vocal sensation and 2 time Grammy Award winner Patti Labelle; jazz keyboardist Joe Sample; 5 time Grammy Award winner and pop/rock/country/gospel hit maker B.J. Thomas; producer/drummer Norman Connors; gospel vocalist Lisa McClendon; gospel/jazz guitarist Roland Grissum; smooth jazz violinist Jerald Daemyon; Hit R&B/pop vocalist Peabo Bryson; father/son recording artists Eddie Levert (O’jays) & Gerald Levert and gospel recording star John P. Kee. Ron has also performed with and composed music for actress Bernadette Stanis (formerly known as “Thelma” from the hit TV show Christina Mims! “Good Times”), who is also skilled at writing poetry. A versatile musician with a love for different genres of music, Ron Handy has played gospel, classical, jazz and pop/R&B extensively. He has served as the musical director and/or woodwind/keyboard player for many theatrical productions including: “The Wiz”; “Dreamgirls”; “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope”; “Purlie”; “Ain’t Misbehavin’; “The Meeting” and many others. Ron has been featured on both local and national television, along with local and international radio. He has been featured on CNN and he was the “Artist of the Week” on the international radio program “Jazz From The City,” hosted by renowned jazz DJ Ken “Spider” Webb. Ron Handy has produced and performed on numerous recordings over the years. He has worked as a studio musician and engineer, as well as producer and arranger for several recording projects, including television theme songs and commercial jingles. Ron has released his own CDs, which include smooth jazz “covers” of the R&B group Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady” and jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves’ “Come In.” He has also recorded smooth jazz versions of other pop/R&B hits, including Brian McKnight’s “The Only One For Me”. Being a spiritual person who loves to give honor and praise to God, Ron released a CD of gospel favorites titled “Sign Me Up,” which has received heavy rotation and acclaim from radio stations and listeners alike. Gospel and “smooth jazz” stations also embraced a CD single titled “He’s Worthy”. Despite maintaining a demanding professional career, Ron enjoys taking the time to visit schools and churches to perform and talk to young people about music, life and career goals. Throughout the years, Ron has been blessed to perform for wide and diverse audiences. His versatility has allowed him to become one of the most sought after musicians in the southeast. Having been given the gift of music, Ron Handy thanks God and considers it a privilege and an honor to be able to share his music with others. !
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The Rhythmic Lounge: Was there an "aha" moment that made you say, "I want to be a musician"? Ron Handy: Coming from a musical household where everyone in the house played an instrument and/or sang definitely had an impact on me, but my “aha” moment came when I was in high school. I had a wonderful band director, Farrell Duncombe, who saw some potential in me and allowed me to go as far as I wanted to go under his guidance. I was the saxophone section leader and, as a teenager, was allowed to arrange musical selections and conduct them in rehearsals. The fire within me was raging once I stood in front of the band for the first time to conduct my very first marching band arrangement (laughs). Honestly, it didn’t turn out that great but Mr. Duncombe encouraged me to keep at it. I was so determined to practice that Mr. Duncombe asked the school principal if I could have a key to the band room. I think he was tired of me “bugging” him (laughs). His request was granted and I was able to practice in the band room at any time. I loved it and my desire to be a good musician (along with being a responsible young man) was of “high priority.”
TRL: You play several instruments! How did that come about? RH: Wow! That’s a good question! As I stated earlier, my family had instruments around the house all the time and it sparked my interest to see how each one operated. Several years ago I worked with John Gibbs, a fantastic musician who owns a music store here in Montgomery. Whenever I was in the store I would watch customers come in to purchase different instruments. To my surprise and amazement, John would demonstrate each instrument that was requested. I don’t mean “tinker” with it (smile). He could “really” play every instrument that he put his hands on…WELL (laughs). It was great for me to see a person do that and he was gracious enough to show me some techniques on different instruments. I was getting into multi-track recording at the time and I had to lay all of the tracks myself. Whew! During those days I didn’t have digital recorders to work with, so everything went to tape. It really helped my musicianship because I had to literally “perform” every part in its entirety. I continue to work like that now because I get a better feel for the music by actually “playing” the parts separately.”
TRL: Why was going to college and getting a degree in music important to you? RH: First of all, both of my parents are retired educators and going to college was always stressed to me, along with my siblings, as a way to position ourselves for a better life. I was so into music in high school that my mind was made up about having music as a major. I really wanted to learn everything that I could about music and possibly teach one day. My saxophone instructor in college, Dr. Laurence Hayes, played a major role in convincing me to soak up all of the knowledge that I could from him. Believe me, he had a wealth of knowledge and I was encouraged to go beyond my musical barriers. The music was so difficult that I would spend 4 to 6 hours a day working on various exercises. I once asked, “Why are you giving me such difficult pieces to learn?” I soon found out that he was planning to retire and I am now in his old office at Alabama State University. Talk about irony (smile). Attending college and getting a degree in music has been extremely beneficial to me. I owe a major debt of gratitude to all of my former teachers for the seeds that they’ve sown in me. May God bless them all!
TRL: You've performed numerous times as a solo act. How challenging is that? RH: That’s a great question! The solo act came about as the result of my maturing as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. I owe a lot of my decision to perform solo to Dr. George Shaw, a Long Beach, California based musician/producer/educator whom I met several years ago. He literally took me under his wing and instructed me on the “ins” and “outs” of studio recording. He’s a guru when it comes to studio gear and he’s an awesome trumpet player. Well, I had a performance coming up for a festival and was working so hard that I didn’t have time to pull a band together for rehearsals. I was about to cancel the engagement when Dr. Shaw says, “Do it yourself!” His statement changed everything for me and I began to perform with or without a band. I spent a great deal of time learning several tunes on a variety of instruments to enhance my “live” performances. Performing live with a band is wonderful and I enjoy that aspect tremendously. The challenge of performing “live” on a “track date” concert is that it requires a lot more energy. Since I’m performing the instrumental parts on the tracks, I always think about my energy level and which instrument(s) I will be playing “live” to keep things fresh and interesting. It’s truly a challenge, but I enjoy it!
TRL: Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on the radio? RH: Yes I do remember the first time I heard a selection that I’d recorded in the studio on the radio (laughs). Back in the day, I was always working on stuff (smile). A good friend of mine and music business mentor, Steve Myers, would always ask me… “Are you working on some material?” I would always say “yes” and he would tell me to get it to him as soon as I was done. After several months of asking the same question and getting the same answer from me, I reluctantly gave Steve a tape to check out over the weekend. I didn’t think it was ready, but he took it and returned it to me on the following Monday. He told me he liked it and I said “thanks, but I’ll finish it soon”. To my surprise, I was driving and listening to our campus radio station (WVAS FM 90.7) when I heard one of my selections on the radio. You see, Steve Myers was the station manager at the time and he’d copied the tape and put it on the air. I guess he was tired of “waiting on me” and decided I was ready (Laughs). As I think about it, I’m glad he did that. I would probably still be “getting ready” today (smile)! Thanks, Steve!
TRL: How did the interesting concept of the "Killing Me Softly" video on YouTube come about? RH: The “Killing Me Softly” track and video came about very quickly. The vocalist that I work with, Christina Mims, has always loved that song and wanted to perform it. I laid the instrumental tracks for her to rehearse with. She liked it and went on the computer to make sure she had all of the lyrics correct. We were not really intending to “record” the song at that time. It was really just a “fun” thing. She looked over the lyrics for a few minutes and said…”Hey, I want to lay some vocal tracks over what you’ve done.” She proceeded to lay the lead and the harmony tracks in one take each… top to bottom. Wow! As we were listening back to the performance Darrick Long (an ASU student) walked into my office and said… “I really like that and I have an idea.” Darrick takes his iPhone out of his pocket and says…”let’s make a video”! The footage on the iPhone was shot right then. As we listened to the lyrics of this great Charles Fox – Norman Gimbel composition, Darrick (along with his twin brother Eric) had a concept to convey a unique message through the video. The world recently commemorated the 60th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March and State Senator Quinton Ross played the video for visiting dignitaries during their visit to Montgomery. The video was met with a rousing ovation of approval and we are all very proud to have been a part of it. We’ve received many positive emails and texts from around the world from those who have viewed the video on YouTube! Christina (a gifted vocalist) and Darrick (who also designed my website) are truly talented individuals and I love working with them. Thank you, TRL!
where creativity lives
JULY / / 17
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#BeInYourElement.
Get Ready to Enter a World of Immersive Sound and “Be In Your Element” With Monster’s New Advanced-Technology Wireless Bluetooth Headphone Line Designed for Superior Sound and High-Fashion Style; New Monster Elements Over-Ear Model Will Be Available July 12, in Monster Rose Gold New York, NY July 12, 2016 – Monster, the world leader in high-performance personal audio, announced that its highly anticipated Elements Over-Ear wireless headphone is available today for purchase at www.monsterproducts.com. Destined to redefine the wireless headphone category, Monster® Elements are already being embraced by top DJs, celebrities and athletes, who appreciate their uncanny ability to immerse listeners in a world of sound with exceptional comfort and isolation. Elements headphones offer three options for premium listening modes: wireless, wired analog, and via a direct fulldigital input, which leverages the Elements’ high-quality D/A Converter, for most android devices now, and makes Monster Elements ready for future devices that may have only digital outputs ! In addition to outstanding audio quality, the high-fashion Elements allow wearers to proclaim their discriminating taste and bold lifestyle. Their sleek lines and luxurious finishes are presented in a pallet of designs inspired by the natural elements that exude confidence and style. The first Elements headphones are being offered in Monster Rose Gold with additional colors to be available later this year. Monster Elements Over-Ear headphones carry a suggested retail price of $379.95. Upcoming models in the Elements family will include a smaller, more lightweight On-Ear model, as well as a low-profile, slim and fashionable In-Ear headphone. !
Advanced Technology with Superior Comfort And Sound Cutting-edge on-ear swipe controls let you easily control play/pause, tracking and volume with a brush of your fingers. Enhanced style and comfort features also include DJ-style swiveling ear cups on both sides, a folding design and super plush memory foam cushions. !
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#BeInYourElement.
Thanks to advanced Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX, and custom tuned by Monster, Elements headphones reliably deliver the powerful listening experience of Pure Monster Sound™ wirelessly—with tight and deep bass and powerful dynamics for the ultimate in emotional impact. In addition, the expert soundsmiths at Monster have created two custom sound profiles to choose from, “Natural” and “Club,” so you can adjust your music-listening sessions to personal preferences and moods. Also great for calls, Elements’ feature built-in high intelligibility microphones and Active Echo Suppression to ensure crystal clear communication. The Elements headphones have tremendous battery stamina, offering around the clock 24 hours of playing time and weeks of standby power. Monster includes a stylish zipper travel case, for convenient storage of the headphone plus the included 1/8 “ stereo analog cable, ¼ “ DJ adaptor, Direct Digital audio cable (usb micro to usb micro),PC adaptor and cleaning cloth. Monster will launch its “Be In Your Element” campaign which will feature inspiring individuals that are not afraid to break from the norm and proclaim their discriminating taste and bold lifestyle. ABOUT MONSTER For the past 35 years, Monster® has been a catalyst for innovation and big ideas. Discovering that cables in hi-fi systems influenced the sound, Head Monster Noel Lee developed Monster Cable - an immediate hit. Monster® engineered the sound of Beats® headphones, and has since become the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance headphones, all featuring Pure Monster Sound™ technology. Today, the company offers advanced connectivity solutions for professional musicians, home entertainment, computing, mobile and gaming, as well as high performance AC Power and conditioning products. Monster® continues to lead in innovation with Monster having been granted over 500 Patents and 100 patents pending worldwide, offering more than 5,000 products in over 160 countries. Monster® also prides itself in helping those who are in less-than-fortunate circumstances through Monster Cares. Above all, Monster® does what it does Because the Music Matters. Explore the world of Monster at www.monsterproducts.com. To become a fan of Monster® products, please follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/monsterproducts) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/monsterproducts). Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. ### Press Contacts: Sara Trujillo, strujillo@monsterproducts.com 2! !
TOPCATLIVE MAGAZINE JUL 2016
Lajuana Centrell Williams Owner and CEO Austin, TX designs.by.lcw@gmail.com
Unique Children And Adult Fashion Designs
Daniel Ramirez Photographer Media By LCW
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148!SOUTH!ST.! ROCHESTER,!MI!48307! PH:!248@842@9736!
KagyBee™ is a High Power Character Rock Band fronted by blonde “mistress of the library” Britney Maddern and the super interactive fighting duo of Rachel and Annemarie. KagyBee™ uses high energy rock and roll to fight any and all evil that stands in the way of true love! Flanked by special agents guitarist Vlad Tovbin, Drummer Eric Miller and Bassist Evan Bonetti, watch as Britney and her love fighters go around the world saving hearts, minds and love! Entity Records and Entertainment™ recording artists KagyBee™ are produced by CoccoMusic™ at the 148 South Street Studios and their new EP “Hello-Goodbye” is scheduled for release this summer with their first full length album scheduled for release in 2017. Lead vocalist Britney Maddern’s (Detroit, MI) driving physical presence and big voice combined with Rachel and Annemarie’s cool, sustaining vocals and dance make this band awesome on both the eyes and ears. When you add the classically trained rock guitar stylings of Vlad Tovbin (former Soviet Union) as well as the penetrating timing of drummer Eric Miller (Detroit, MI) and Bassist Evan Bonetti (Detroit, MI) you get a must see show. Britney and Vlad met through a musicians wanted advertisement in the Detroit Metro Times in 2004. Maddern and Tovbin are prolific songwriters and together cut their teeth at a number of venues throughout Michigan as Amazon Blonde as well as with other acts including the Gene-n-Tonics™ performing at the Magic Bag, Alvins, Jacobys, Temple Room, New Way Bar, Elbow Room, Stray Cat Lounge and more. The Duo engaged CoccoMusic as the producer in 2015 and signed with Entity Records in 2016. KagyBee™ just completed a 30-minute live performance video, as well as a behind the scenes video both shot on CoccoMusic’s 148 South Street Studios live sound stage, and which includes four songs from their upcoming release.
TWITTER:!!!!!!!!!!!@COCCOMUSIC!!|!!@ENTITYRECORDENT!!|!!@DTOXENT! INSTAGRAM:!!!!@COCCOMUSIC!!|!!@ENTITYRECORDSENT!!|!!@DTOXENT!
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Album Reviews Hyperfractal – Stealing Heaven by Ross Guity
Rating: ★
★ ★★
Progressive Alternative Rock band HYPERFRACTAL out of the Land Down Under of Australia are ready to gain new fans all around the world by way of their collective mega-talents being displayed on their new LP STEALING HEAVEN. With front man Albie Nichols bringing it strong with his one-of-a-kind vocals on stand-out tracks such as 'Synchronised Creation,' 'Find Your Way,' and 'Bring It Back,' HYPERFRACTAL the band will certainly be a major factor in the game with their energetic brand of Hard Rock musicality right off the bat. From beginning to end, STEALING HEAVEN is a solid, intriguingly exciting listen, and does not disappoint. www.Hyperfractal.com www.twitter.com/Hyperfractals www.instagram.com/Hyperfractals
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